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TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication and information, and in particular to a method, transferring-in apparatus, transferring-out apparatus and related system for transferring digital media content playback between digital media equipment. BACKGROUND [0002] The development of digital media and networks enriches entertainment experiences in people's daily lives. An existing technology enables people to watch high-definition Televisions (TV) of which sources may be digital compact discs, cable TVs, the Internet and the like at home, experience stereo, 5.1-channel, 7.1-channel and even more realistic sound effects and enjoy these experiences by virtue of flat-panel TVs and mobile phones. By the existing technology, people may also transfer digital contents to play between different equipment through networks and play the digital contents, for example, controlling the switching of programs of previous channels and next channels, through remote controllers and gesture control equipment. [0003] At present, a common method for controlling multiple equipment is to use respective remote controllers of the equipment for control, but the remote controllers are often not universal. Most of remote controllers do not have a network function, for example, an existing TV and audio equipment; but there are also some remote controllers supporting networks, for example, software supporting an interworking protocol is loaded on equipment (such as a mobile phone and a TV) with calculation and network capabilities to control another equipment. Gesture control is a relatively novel manner at present: a camera on equipment monitors a gesture, performs analysis and identification, and finally converts the gesture into control over the equipment. [0004] Along with the development of technology, requirements on content playing sharing and transferring among multiple equipment grow, and the abovementioned control manners are not so convenient, in which people need to select remote controllers corresponding to the equipment from a heap of remote controllers and continuously replace the remote controllers for controlling different equipment, or only people familiar with basic computer operation can control the equipment by operating TVs and mobile phones, or a single piece of equipment is controlled by a simple gesture. People expect to control the playback sharing and playback transferring of contents by virtue of simpler and more natural control manners. [0005] If a simpler and more natural control manner can be provided to realize control over functions of playing transferring, cooperative playing and the like of contents between equipment and an accurate result can be obtained by such a control manner, entertainment lives of people may be easier and more enjoyable; and in addition, people also want to understand and realize new equipment functions more easily when mastering the new equipment functions. SUMMARY [0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus and system for transferring digital media content playback, so as to better solve the problem of how to accurately control the transferring of the digital media content playback by virtue of a gesture. [0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for transferring digital media content playback is provided, including that: [0008] first equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring out digital media content playback, and sends the second equipment a first message for notifying second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment; and [0009] the first equipment receives from the second equipment a second message responsive to the first message, and transfers the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play according to the second message. [0010] Preferably, the first equipment, after detecting the body movement of the user for transferring out the digital media content playback, may obtain first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, encapsulate the first positional relationship information into the first message, and send the first message to the second equipment for the second equipment to determine one of the first equipment for receiving the second message according to the first positional relationship information in the first message. [0011] Preferably, the first equipment receives one or more second messages from one or more second equipment, may extract one or more pieces of second positional relationship information from the one or more second messages, and determine one of the one or more second equipment to which the digital media content playback is to be transferred according to the one or more pieces of second positional relationship information. [0012] Preferably, the first/second positional relationship information may be angle information formed by an arm, a hand and the first/second equipment, or the first/second positional relationship information may be distance information between a hand or an arm and the first/second equipment. [0013] Preferably, the first equipment may detect the body movement by virtue of a photographic part of the first equipment, and the body movement may be a gesture including grabbing/pinching and taking-back. [0014] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for transferring digital media content playback is provided, including that: [0015] second equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring digital media content playback to the second equipment, and sends a second message for showing a digital media content playing capability of the second equipment to first equipment; and [0016] the second equipment receives from the first equipment a third message responsive to the second message, and transfers the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play according to the third message. [0017] Preferably, before the second equipment detects the body movement, the method may further include that: [0018] the first equipment detects a body movement of the user for transferring out the digital media content playback to obtain first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, encapsulates the first positional relationship information into a first message for notifying the second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and sends the first message to the second equipment; and [0019] the second equipment, after receiving one or more first messages from one or more first equipment, may determine one of the one or more first equipment for receiving the second message according to one or more pieces of first positional relationship information in the one or more first messages. [0020] Preferably, the second equipment, after detecting the body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, may obtain second positional relationship information between the second equipment and the user, encapsulate the second positional relationship information into the second message, and sends the second message to the first equipment. [0021] Preferably, the first equipment, after receiving the second message from one or more second equipment, may determine one of the one or more second equipment for transferring the digital media content playback according to the second positional relationship information in the second message, and sends the third message to the determined second equipment. [0022] Preferably, the second equipment, after receiving the third message, may transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play when the third message is a message indicative of transferring the digital media content playback. [0023] Preferably, the first/second positional relationship information may be angle information formed by an arm, a hand and the first/second equipment, or the first/second positional relationship information may be distance information between a hand or an arm and the first/second equipment. [0024] Preferably, the first equipment may detect the body movement by virtue of a photographic part of the first equipment, and the body movement may be a gesture including grabbing/pinching and taking-back; and the second equipment may detect the body movement by virtue of a photographic part of the second equipment, and the body movement may be a gesture including throwing/pointing/finger spreading. [0025] According to another aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a transferring-out apparatus for transferring digital media content playback is provided, including: [0026] a first detection module, configured to detect a body movement of a user for transferring out digital media content playback; [0027] a first transceiver module, configured to send the second equipment a first message for notifying second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and receive from the second equipment a second message responsive to the first message; and [0028] a transferring-out module, configured to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play according to the second message. [0029] Preferably, the transferring-out module may include: [0030] a transferring-out extraction sub-module, configured to receive one or more second messages from one or more second equipment, and extract one or more pieces of second positional relationship information from the one or more second messages; and [0031] a transferring-out selection sub-module, configured to determine one of the one or more second equipment to which the digital media content playback is to be transferred according to the one or more pieces of second positional relationship information. [0032] According to another aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a transferring-in apparatus for transferring digital media content playback is provided, including: [0033] a second detection module, configured to detect a body movement of a user for transferring digital media content playback to the second equipment; [0034] a second transceiver module, configured to send a second message for showing a digital media content playing capability of the second equipment to first equipment, and receive a third message responsive to the second message from the first equipment; and [0035] a transferring-in module, configured to transfer the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play according to the third message. [0036] Preferably, the second transceiver module may be further configured to receive from the first equipment one or more first messages including one or more pieces of first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, and determine one of the first equipment for receiving the second message according to the one or more pieces of first positional relationship information in the one or more first messages. [0037] According to another aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for transferring digital media content playback is provided, including the abovementioned transferring-out apparatus and transferring-in apparatus. [0038] Compared with the existing technology, the present disclosure has the beneficial effects that: [0039] the embodiments of the present disclosure enable the user to experience a digital media content more conveniently and control the digital media content more naturally and easily, thereby not only controlling the transferring of the digital media content playback by the user accurately, but also enabling the user to transfer different kinds of digital media contents such as videos and audios from one equipment to different equipment to play, thus further improving the entertainment life of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0040] FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an angle between a gesture and a camera according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; [0044] FIG. 5 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; [0047] FIG. 8 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; [0048] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0049] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0050] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings in detail, and it should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are only adopted to describe and explain the present disclosure and not intended to limit the present disclosure. [0051] FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the method includes the following steps: [0052] step 101 : first equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring out digital media content playback to obtain first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, encapsulates the first positional relationship information into a first message for notifying second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and sends the first message to the second equipment; [0053] step 102 : the second equipment, after receiving one or more first messages from one or more first equipment, determines one of the one or more first equipment for receiving from the second equipment a second message for showing a digital media content playing capability of the second equipment according to one or more pieces of first positional relationship information in the one or more first messages; [0054] step 103 : the second equipment detects a body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and sends the second message to the determined first equipment; [0055] step 103 is specifically implemented as follows: the second equipment, after detecting the body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, obtains second positional relationship information between the second equipment and the user, encapsulates the second positional relationship information into the second message, and sends the second message to the first equipment., so that the first equipment, after receiving the second message from one or more second equipment, may determine one of the one or more second equipment for transferring the digital media content playback according to the second positional relationship information in the second message, and sends a third message to the determined second equipment; and [0056] step 104 : the second equipment receives a third message responsive to the second message from the first equipment, and transfers the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play according to the third message. [0057] step 104 is specifically implemented as follows: the second equipment, after receiving the third message, transfers the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play when the third message is a message indicative of transferring the digital media content playback. [0058] Preferably, the first/second positional relationship information is angle information formed by an arm, a hand and the first/second equipment, or the first/second positional relationship information is distance information between a hand or an arm and the first/second equipment. [0059] Preferably, the first equipment detects the body movement by virtue of its photographic part, and the body movement is a gesture including grabbing/pinching and taking-back; and the second equipment detects the body movement by virtue of its photographic part, and the body movement is a gesture including throwing/pointing/finger spreading. [0060] That is, the first equipment in the embodiment of the present disclosure has a triggering capability in transferring of digital media content playback, and the triggering capability means that the first equipment can receive or identify the body movement of preparing to transfer the playback, including grabbing or swiping of fingers on a touch screen, grabbing at a camera and the like. The first equipment further has a network capability which enables mutual discovery and connection with other equipment, and can broadcast a message to the other equipment after the body movement of preparing to transfer the playback is received. The first equipment further has a capability of determining opposite equipment according to the second message. The second equipment in the embodiment of the present disclosure has a network capability and an identification capability, wherein the network capability enables mutual discovery and connection with other equipment, and enables reception of a broadcast message from the other equipment. The second equipment further has the identification capability, wherein the identification capability means that the second equipment can identify that digital media content playback is to be transferred to the second equipment, and the identification capability combines with a context application scenario including identifying movements such as the throwing movement of the hand, the pointing movement of the hand or the spreading movement of the hand on the touch screen. The second equipment further has a capability of determining opposite equipment according to the first message. [0061] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, each equipment and their relationships are shown in FIG. 2 , a system includes two equipment which are both TVs: TV 1 and TV 2 , and in the embodiment, the condition that gestures are sequentially sent to TV 1 and TV 2 is taken as an example for detailed description. [0062] TV 1 , as first equipment, is playing a digital media content, the digital media content may be a locally stored video file, or a video stream from an Internet Protocol (IP) network, or a local audio file, or an audio stream from the IP network, and TV 1 may also be displaying a desktop of an operation system and the like as a displayer of a computer host. [0063] There is a photographic part (such as a camera) on TV 1 , and a user may make a grabbing movement and the like with a hand in front of the camera. TV 1 may identify the movement captured by the camera and know that the user is making the grabbing movement and the like. [0064] TV 1 has a triggering capability of transferring digital media content playback, and the triggering capability means that TV 1 may acquire a movement image through the camera, thereby identifying and determining an instruction of preparing to transfer the digital media content playback according to a predefinition. [0065] TV 1 is provided with a network interface which supports Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b/g/n or IEEE 802.3, so that TV 1 can be connected to the IP network. [0066] A module in TV 1 further has a network service capability, and upon the network service capability, mutual discovery and connection with other equipment can be realized, and a message can be broadcast to the other equipment after the instruction of preparing to transfer the playback is received. [0067] TV 2 , as second equipment, also has a photographic part (such as a camera). As in the case with TV 1 , a user may also make a throwing, releasing or pointing movement and the like in front of the camera of TV 2 . [0068] TV 2 also has a capability of identifying the transferring of the digital media content playback, that is, TV 2 can acquire a movement image through the camera so as to identify that certain digital media content playback is to be transferred to TV 2 to play according to a predefinition, namely learns about that the digital media content playback is to be transferred to TV 2 , and such an identification capability combines with a context application scenario, including identifying movements such as the throwing movement of a hand, the releasing movement of the hand, the pointing movement of the hand or the spreading movement of the hand on a touch screen (it is supposed that TV 2 is provided with the touch screen). [0069] TV 2 is provided with a network interface to support IEEE 802.11 b/g/n or IEEE802.3, so that TV 2 can be connected to an IP network. [0070] A module in TV 2 also has a network service capability which enables mutual discovery and connection with other equipment, enables reception of and response to the broadcast message of TV 1 , and enables transmission of a confirmation message to TV 1 after the transfer movement made by the user is identified, so as to finally perform digital media content playback transferring with TV 1 . [0071] In terms of a function module, the system includes a transferring-out apparatus, and the first equipment TV 1 is the transferring-out apparatus, including: [0072] a first detection module, configured to detect a body movement of a user for transferring out digital media content playback; [0073] a first transceiver module, configured to send the second equipment a first message for notifying the second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and receive from the second equipment a second message responsive to the first message; and [0074] a transferring-out module, configured to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play according to the second message. [0075] Preferably, the transferring-out module includes: [0076] a transferring-out extraction sub-module, configured to receive one or more second messages from one or more second equipment, and extract one or more pieces of second positional relationship information from the one or more second messages; and [0077] a transferring-out selection sub-module, configured to determine one of the one or more second equipment for transferring the digital media content playback according to the one or more pieces of second positional relationship information. [0078] In terms of a function module, the system further includes a transferring-in apparatus, and the second equipment TV 2 is the transferring-in apparatus of the system, including: [0079] a second detection module, configured to detect a body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment; [0080] a second transceiver module, configured to send a second message for showing a digital media content playing capability of the second equipment to the first equipment, and receive from the first equipment a third message responsive to the second message; and [0081] a transferring-in module, configured to transfer the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play according to the third message. [0082] Preferably, the second transceiver module is further configured to receive from one or more first equipment one or more first messages including one or more pieces of first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, and determine one of the one or more first equipment for receiving the second message according to the one or more pieces of first positional relationship information in the one or more first messages. [0083] Each of the first detection module and the second detection module has a movement input function sub-module, for example, a touch screen and a camera, and also has an identification function sub-module. The movement input function sub-modules send the acquired movements to the identification function sub-modules, and then the identification function sub-modules identify meanings of the movements, for example, identifying that the digital media content playback is to be transferred and the digital media content playback is to be transferred to a local equipment. [0084] Each of the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module has a network service function sub-module and a network interface, the abovementioned identification function sub-modules are connected with the network service function sub-modules, and send the identified movements to the network service function sub-modules, then the network service function sub-modules structure the identified movements to form network messages, and command the network interfaces to send the network messages, and the network service function sub-modules can receive the network messages. The network interfaces are responsible for sending and receiving at various networks the network messages. [0085] In the embodiment, the movements which can be identified by TV 1 are as follows respectively: [0086] first group: [0087] 1) grabbing: the user makes a grabbing movement or a pinching movement with a hand at the camera; and [0088] 2) taking-back: the user makes a taking-back movement with a palm and an arm at the camera: the arm is straightened at the camera, and then the forearm is bent back towards a midline direction of a body of the user. [0089] In the embodiment, the movements which can be identified by TV 2 are as follows respectively: [0090] second group: [0091] 1) throwing: the user makes a throwing movement with a hand at the camera of TV 2 ; [0092] 2) releasing: the user keeps a grabbing or pinching gesture in the first group, and then makes a releasing movement with a hand at the camera of TV 2 ; [0093] 3) pointing: the user makes a pointing movement at the camera of TV 2 ; and [0094] 4) spreading; if TV 2 has a touch screen, five fingers are gathered, and then the fingers are spread on the touch screen. [0095] In terms of identification of meanings of the movements with a camera, a histogram method or a hidden Markov model method is adopted for the identification of the gestures. At first, a gesture of the user needs to fall within a capturing range of the camera, so that the camera can generate a gesture video, and send the gesture video to the identification function sub-module; then the identification function sub-module identifies positions of the hand in gesture images in the video by virtue of colours, or contours, or structured light analysis or the like, detects and divides gesture objects, extracts gesture characteristics, and tracks the gesture; and then finger direction and movement direction sequences are processed to finally identify the gesture completely, and the meanings of the movements of the user may be determined by adopting methods of comparison with a predefined gesture space and the like. [0096] Besides the abovementioned gestures, movements such as an eyeball movement and a body gesture may further be made. [0097] Digital media content transfer control can be respectively finished by selecting one movement from each of the two groups of movements for combination, for example, the movement 1) in the first group is selected to be made on TV 1 at first, and then the movement 2) in the second group is made at the camera of TV 2 . [0098] The network service capabilities of TV 1 and TV 2 include: [0099] 1) mutual discovery of TV 1 and TV 2 through a network; [0100] 2) cooperative control operation through the network; and [0101] 3) transmission of a digital media content. [0102] TV 1 sends the first message for notifying TV 2 to get ready to receive or identify the body movement (such as a gesture) after receiving or identifying the body movement of preparing to transfer the digital media content playback, the message including first positional relationship information (such as gesture position information) between TV 1 and the user. Then, TV 2 sends the second message to notify TV 1 that TV 2 has been ready to receive the digital media content playback after receiving or identifying the body movement of transferring the digital media content playback to TV 2 , the second message including second positional relationship information (such as gesture position information) between TV 2 and the user. Finally, TV 1 confirms the transfer of the digital media content playback to TV 2 to finish the transfer of the playback. [0103] The gesture position information may be an angle parameter of the gesture and the equipment, or may also be a distance parameter between the gesture and the equipment. Therefore, when there exist multiple first equipment and/or multiple second equipment, local equipment can determine optimal opposite equipment according to the gesture position information of the opposite equipment and respond to the message. [0104] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an angle between a gesture and a camera according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In consideration that there may be more than one first equipment or second equipment in a scenario of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3 , an operating user is not required to accurately regulate own position and make the gesture in front of each equipment. The condition that there are two second equipment in the system is taken as an example, as shown in FIG. 3 , there are two equipment TV 1 and TV 2 , and the equipment forms an angle with a gesture of the user by taking the user as a coordinate centre. In the embodiment, when the equipment identifies the gesture, the angle and distance between an extending line of the gesture of the user and the camera can be identified, which can be implemented by virtue of technologies of measurement with additional infrared light, laser measurement, measurement and the like in the existing technology. [0105] In FIG. 3 , any equipment with an identification function identifies an arm at first, the other endpoint of the arm is taken as a coordinate origin, an angle is changed from 0° to 360° if a palm (fingers) moves (move) from left to right (observed by the user), and the angle is changed from 0° to 180° if the palm (fingers) moves (move) from top to bottom. Here, it is the included angle between a camera-hand line and a hand-arm line in a triangle formed by the camera, the hand and the other endpoint of the arm, which is to be calculated by the equipment. If the included angle is larger, it is indicated that the gesture more tends to point to the camera in the triangle, that is, the gesture more tends to point to the equipment where the camera is. The magnitude of the angle and the corresponding meaning are as follows: [0106] <0°: a hand does not point to the equipment; [0107] 0°-90°: a hand maybe points to the equipment; [0108] 90°-180°: in such a situation, the hand, the arm and the camera more and more tend to be located in the same straight line, which means that the hand probably point to the equipment; and [0109] 180°: in such a situation, the hand, the arm and the camera are located in the same straight line, and the hand undoubtedly points to the equipment. [0110] As another embodiment, in FIG. 3 , the coordinate origin is still specified as above, and here, another point may also be selected as the coordinate origin. It is specified that the angle is changed from 0° to 360° if the palm (fingers) moves (move) from left to right (observed by the user) and the angle is changed from 0° to 180° if the palm (fingers) moves (move) from top to bottom, and the direction here may also be selected. It is the lengths of the camera-hand line, the hand-arm line and the line formed by the other endpoint of the arm and the camera in the triangle formed by the camera, the hand and the other endpoint of the arm, which are to be calculated by the equipment; and in terms of length calculation, the identification sub-module can directly measure the three lengths, and can also proportionally calculate the lengths after measuring reference distances. [0111] Optionally, the positional relationship information may further include the distance between the hand or arm and the camera. [0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 4 , the flow includes the following steps. [0113] In FIG. 4 , first equipment is TV 1 , and there are two second equipment which are TV 2 and an Audio System respectively. In the embodiment, a digital media content is played on TV 1 , a user controls the display media content playback to be transferred from TV 1 to TV 2 , and for the user, scenarios and experiences are as follows: when grabbing and taking-back movements are made on a screen of TV 1 on which a video is played and then the hand makes a throwing movement towards a camera of TV 2 , the digital media content originally played on TV 1 is played on TV 2 , and the user can directly watch the video content played on TV 2 . In such a process, the user is not required to identify a menu on the screen, the user is also not required to click a screen button and the like, and the user is further not required to use a remote controller. During the operation of the user with a gesture, the user is not required to operate directly at the camera of TV 2 , and the user is only required to make the gesture approximately at TV 2 , so that worry about a conflict happening during the transfer of the digital media content playback of multiple equipment (for example, there is further Audio System) with an identification function is eliminated. [0114] In each embodiment, the equipment is connected with one another through a network, can communicate with one another, and can also have a mutual discovery capability. [0115] Specifically, a processing flow of such a function includes the following steps. [0116] Step 401 is that a user demonstrates a first movement on TV 1 , and TV 1 identifies the movement, and determines a transfer intention of the user, namely identifies that current video playback on TV 1 is to be transferred to another equipment to play. [0117] Here, the first movement may be any movement in the first group of movements. TV 1 may support at least one movement in the first group of movements. The identification of the movements is predefined in combination with the context in TV 1 , and a part of movements are identified in combination with an image identification algorithm, so that TV 1 can identify the meaning of the movement, namely the current video playback is to be transferred to another equipment to play. [0118] The step depends on a triggering capability in digital media content playback transfer of TV 1 , i.e. the first equipment, and the triggering capability means that TV 1 can receive or identify the body movement of preparing to transfer the playback, and trigger the other equipment to obtain an instruction of preparing to transfer the digital media content playback. [0119] In Step 401 , the camera of the first equipment can keep monitoring and identifying all the time (because the first equipment might receive a content from another equipment), or may also start a monitoring function of the camera by virtue of a starting gesture or another starting manner. In Step 401 , the first equipment finishes receiving the instruction of preparing to transfer the digital media content playback, or, the first equipment finishes identifying the instruction (such as the grabbing movement) of preparing to transfer the digital media content playback. [0120] Step 402 includes that TV 1 broadcasts a first message READY PLEASE after identifying the body movement of the user for transferring out the digital media content playback. [0121] TV 1 identifies the movement, starts a network service function after identifying the intention of transferring the digital media content playback, and sends a broadcast/multicast message at a predetermined address and port, the message including information for notifying the other equipment to get ready to identify and receive the movement. The message is called READY PLEASE in the present disclosure, and is configured to notify the other equipment to get ready for identification and reception, and notify a digital media content playing capability of TV 1 . The first message includes information as follows: [0122] the name, address and port of the TV 1 , which are the sending address of the message READY PLEASE for the digital media content playback as well as an address for subsequently receiving a preparation response message; [0123] an identified gesture positional relationship, which includes data about the positional relationship between the camera and the gesture such as the angle and the distance of the gesture relative to the camera; an identification method, representation method and the like may adopt the methods shown in FIG. 3 , which may further adopt other data for representing the positional relationship; [0124] indication of the type of the digital media content, which indicates that the digital media content may be one of following: an image, a movement image, a sound a desktop or any combinations thereof; [0125] an attribute of the digital media content, which includes an image coding manner when the digital media content is an image, includes an image coding manner, a frame rate and the like when the digital media content is a movement image, includes a sound coding manner, and/or a sampling rate and the like when the digital media content is a sound, includes the size of the desktop, a resolution and the like when the digital media content is a desktop, and includes a corresponding parameter of each type in the combination when the digital media content is a combination; [0126] transport protocol parameters for the sending of the digital media content, which include the address, the port and a set of other protocol parameters, wherein the parameters listed here are used for sending the digital media content when the transfer of the digital media content is finally confirmed; and [0127] a timeout duration, which represents the valid time of the message READY PLEASE, that is, the transfer intention is invalid (cancelled) after a specified time. [0128] Before Step 402 is finished, the TV 2 and Audio System can finish mutual connection between TV 1 and each of TV 2 and Audio System by virtue of their network capabilities, and after TV 1 receives the instruction indicative of having triggered the preparation for transferring the digital media content playback, T 1 can also by virtue of a network capability, send a message instruction to notify the other equipment (including TV 2 and Audio System) to get ready to receive or identify the gesture through the network, that is, the other equipment is required to confirm whether the transfer of the digital media content playback can be received or not. [0129] In brief, in Step 402 , the first equipment TV 1 sends the instruction to notify the other equipment to confirm whether the transfer of the digital media content playback can be received or not. [0130] Step 403 includes that the second equipment TV 2 and Audio System identify a second movement. [0131] The second movement may be any movement in the second group of movements, and TV 2 and Audio System may support at least one movement in the second group of movements. The identification of the movements is predefined in combination with the context in TV 2 and Audio System, and in the context, the camera starts enabling the identification function after the first message of TV 1 is received, and the identification of the movement is implemented in combination with the image identification algorithm, so that TV 2 and Audio System can identify the meaning of the movement, namely the current video playback is to be transferred to the local equipment to play. [0132] It should be noted that there exist multiple second equipment in the embodiment, that is, there may be multiple TV equipment and/or set-top box equipment and/or sound equipment and the like with the abovementioned function, two equipment TV 2 and Audio System are adopted, and both TV 2 and Audio System can identify the second movement. [0133] In Step 403 , the second equipment identifies that the digital media content playback is to be transferred to the second equipment to play. [0134] Step 404 includes that after the second equipment TV 2 and Audio System identify the body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback, TV 2 and Audio System send second messages: PAIRED OK or PAIR FAILURED. [0135] In Step 404 , there are two kinds of second messages: the first is PAIRED OK, representing that the equipment can receive the digital media content playback; and the other is PAIR FAILED, representing that the equipment cannot receive the transferred digital media content playback although identifying the movement. In the embodiment, TV 2 and Audio System send PAIRED OK to TV 1 . [0136] After TV 2 and Audio System identify the movement directed to the two equipment, namely identifying the intention of transferring the digital media content playback to the two equipment; if the two equipment can receive the digital media content playback indicated in the first message sent by TV 1 , the network service function is enabled, and the second message PAIRED OK is sent to TV 1 at the pre-specified address and port, the second message including information for answering TV 1 : the local equipment is confirmed to receive the digital media content playback. If the two equipment cannot receive the digital media content playback indicated in the first message sent by TV 1 , the network service function is enabled, and the second message PAIR FAILURE is sent to TV 1 at the pre-specified address and port, the message including information for answering TV 1 : the two equipment cannot receive the digital media content playback for what reason. Of course, TV 2 and Audio System may also not respond to the message of TV 1 , namely not sending any message. [0137] TV 2 and Audio System can send the second messages to only one TV 1 . That is, TV 2 and Audio System can receive first messages sent by multiple first equipment like TV 1 , then TV 2 and Audio System determine and select the most accurate first equipment according to gesture position information given by the first equipment in the received first messages, and respond to the selected first equipment with the second message PAIRED OK. [0138] The step that TV 2 and Audio System make a determination according to the gesture position information given by multiple first equipment can be processed according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , for example, angle data given by a plurality of TVs 1 is as follows: [0139] TV 1 (1): 100° [0140] TV 1 (2): 170° [0141] TV 1 (3): 80° [0142] At this time, TV 2 and Audio System select TV 1 ( 2 ) as target equipment, and send preparation response messages. [0143] If it is a distance parameter rather than an angle parameter given by TV 1 , TV 2 and Audio System perform calculation according to a trigonometric formula, and select TV 1 after calculating the angle. [0144] Preferably, the second message PAIRED OK includes the digital media content playing capability of the second equipment, including, for example, information as follows: [0145] the name, address and port of the local equipment, which are the sending address of the message PAIRED OK as well as an address for subsequent response interaction; [0146] an identified gesture positional relationship: which includes data about the positional relationship between the gesture and the camera such as the angle and the distance of the gesture relative to the camera, wherein an identification method, representation method and the like may adopt the methods shown in FIG. 3 , which may further adopt other data for representing the positional relationship; [0147] indication of a type of the receivable digital media content: which indicates that the digital media content may be one of following: an image, a movement image, a sound a desktop or any combinations thereof, which is the type of the content confirmed by TV 2 and Audio System to TV 1 ; [0148] an attribute of the digital media content: which includes an image coding manner when the digital media content is an image, includes an image coding manner, a frame rate and the like when the digital media content is a movement image, includes a sound coding manner, and/or a sampling rate and the like when the digital media content is a sound, and includes the size of the desktop, a resolution and the like when the digital media content is a desktop, which is the attribute of the content confirmed by TV 2 to TV 1 ; [0149] a transport protocol for receiving the sent digital media content: which includes the address, the port and a set of other protocol parameters; the parameters listed here are used for reception if the transfer of the digital media content is finally established; it is confirmation of the transport protocol for the content by TV 2 and Audio System to TV 1 ; and [0150] a timeout duration: which represents the valid time of the message, that is, the intension of receiving the digital media content playback is invalid (cancelled) after a specified time. [0151] In Step 404 , the second equipment confirms that the second equipment have been ready to receive the digital media content playback to the first equipment. [0152] Step 405 includes that TV 1 gives a response to the message PAIRED OK: PAIRED CONFIRM or PAIR REFUSED. [0153] TV 1 sends a third message PAIRED CONFIRM or PAIR REFUSED to TV 2 or Audio System, PAIRED CONFIRM being sent by TV 1 to TV 2 or Audio System to which TV 1 is willing to send the digital media content playback, or PAIR REFUSED being sent by TV 1 to TV 2 or Audio System to which TV 1 may not transfer the digital media content playback. In the embodiment, TV 1 sends PAIRED CONFIRM to TV 2 , and sends PAIR REFUSED to Audio System, namely TV 1 selects to transfer the digital media content to TV 2 to play. [0154] TV 1 receives PAIRED OK from multiple second equipment such as TV 2 and Audio System in FIG. 4 , and determines the optimal second equipment according to the gesture position information identified by the second equipment. For example, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , TV 1 selects TV 2 or Audio System according to the straight line with the largest angle and/or minimum distance reported in the received preparation completion message, and gives a response to the selected TV 2 or Audio System with PAIR CONFIRM. [0155] For example, if angle data given by TV 2 and Audio System is as follows: [0156] TV 2 (1): 100° [0157] TV 2 (2): 170° [0158] TV 1 selects TV 2 ( 2 ) as target equipment, and gives a response with a message. [0159] If it is a distance parameter rather than an angle parameter given by TV 2 or Audio System, TV 1 may perform calculation according to the trigonometric formula, and select the target equipment after calculating the angle. [0160] Of course, TV 1 may also provide an operating interface for the user to select the target equipment, for example, options are listed on the screen, the user selects the equipment, and then the subsequent flow is continued. [0161] Step 406 includes that the current digital media content playback of TV 1 is transferred to TV 2 to play. [0162] After the confirmation between TV 1 and TV 2 through the network messages is made, the transfer of digital media content playback between TV 1 and TV 2 is started until being completed or interrupted. [0163] The media transport protocol for message negotiation between TV 1 and TV 2 is adopted for transferring the digital media content playback, for example, Real Time Transport Protocol/Real Time Transport Control Protocol (RTP/RTCP), Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP) type Adaptive Streaming (HAS), File Transport Protocol (FTP), a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) display technology, a Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI), Wireless High Definition (WiHD) protocol and the like may be adopted. [0164] In a transfer process, information such as coding and decoding parameters, a time shift parameter of the played content and the like may be transmitted between TV 1 and TV 2 . [0165] When the playing or transmission of the digital media content on TV 1 is completed, TV 1 can send a message to TV 2 to notify TV 2 that playing is completed, and removes the network connection. [0166] In the first embodiment, TV 1 , as the first equipment, identifies the gesture directed to TV 1 and sends a multicast request message (the first message) for playback transfer, and then TV 2 , as the second equipment, identifies the gesture directed to TV 2 itself, and sends the second message to TV 1 . Furthermore, the gesture may be only directed to the first equipment TV 1 , and TV 1 sends the first message to trigger playback transfer negotiation after identifying the gesture directed to TV 1 itself. [0167] FIG. 5 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 5 , the method includes the following steps. [0168] Step 501 includes that first equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring out digital media content playback, and sends the second equipment a first message for notifying the second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to second equipment. [0169] Step 501 is specifically implemented as follows: the first equipment, after detecting the body movement of the user for transferring out the digital media content playback, obtains first positional relationship information between the first equipment and the user, encapsulates the first positional relationship information into the first message, and sends the first message to the second equipment for the second equipment to determine the first equipment for receiving its second message according to the first positional relationship information in the first message. [0170] Step 502 includes that the first equipment receives the second message responsive to the first message from the second equipment, and transfers the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play according to the second message. [0171] Step 502 is specifically implemented as follows: the first equipment receives one or more second messages from one or more second equipment, extracts one or more pieces of second positional relationship information from the one or more second messages, and determines the second equipment for transferring its digital media content playback according to the one or more pieces of second positional relationship information. [0172] Preferably, the first/second positional relationship information is angle information formed by an arm, a hand and the first/second equipment, or the first/second positional relationship information is distance information between the hand or arm and the first/second equipment. [0173] Preferably, the first equipment detects the body movement by virtue of its photographic part, and the body movement is a gesture including grabbing/pinching and taking-back. [0174] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Each equipment and their relationships are shown in FIG. 6 , and a system includes two equipment which are both TVs: TV 1 and TV 2 . [0175] There is a photographic part (such as a camera) on TV 1 which serves as the first equipment, and a user may make the grabbing movement and the like with a hand in front of the camera. In the embodiment, the movements which can be identified by TV 1 are as follows respectively: [0176] 1) grabbing: the user makes a grabbing movement or a pinching movement with a hand at the camera; and [0177] 2) taking-back: the user makes a taking-back movement with a palm and an arm at the camera: the arm is straightened at the camera, and then the forearm is bent back towards a midline direction of a body of the user. [0178] TV 1 sends TV 2 the first message for notifying TV 2 to get ready for reception after receiving or identifying the body movement representing that the digital media content playback is to be transferred out of the first equipment, and notifies TV 2 of its own digital media content playing capability to facilitate the transfer of the digital media content playback. [0179] FIG. 7 is schematic diagram illustrating a flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7 , there are two first equipment TV 1 and TV 3 and one equipment TV 2 in the embodiment, and the flow includes the following steps: [0180] step 701 : the user demonstrates a first movement on TV 1 , and both TV 1 and TV 3 identify the first movement, and determine a transfer intention of the user, namely identifying that current video playback is to be transferred to another equipment to play; [0181] step 702 : TV 1 and TV 3 broadcast first messages READY PLEASE for notifying the other equipment to get ready for identification and reception respectively after identifying the body movement of the user for transferring out the digital media content playback, and notify other equipment of their own digital media content playing capabilities; [0182] step 703 : TV 2 may send a second message PAIRED OK or PAIR FAILURED to only one TV 1 . That is, TV 2 determines and selects the most accurate first equipment according to gesture position information given by the first equipment in the received first messages after receiving the first messages sent by multiple first equipment like TV 1 and TV 3 , and responds to the first equipment with the second message PAIRED OK. In the embodiment, TV 2 confirms that TV 2 has been ready to receive the digital media content playback to TV 1 , namely sending the second message PAIRED OK to TV 1 ; [0183] Step 704 : TV 1 gives a response to the message PAIRED OK with PAIRED CONFIRM, that is, TV 1 transfers the digital media content playback to TV 2 to play; and [0184] Step 705 : the current digital media content playback of TV 1 is transferred to TV 2 to play. [0185] After the confirmation between TV 1 and TV 2 through the network messages, the transfer of digital media content playback between TV 1 and TV 2 is started until being completed or interrupted. [0186] The present disclosure further provides a third embodiment: under the condition that there is first equipment (TV 1 ) that is playing a digital media content, the user makes a gesture to multiple second equipment (TV 2 and the like), and the second equipment such as TV 2 triggers a network message (the second message) PAIRED OK after identifying the gesture, the message being sent in a multicast/broadcast manner, a content contained in the message being as mentioned in the first embodiment; and the first equipment TV playing the digital media content, after receiving the message PAIRED OK, determines and selects the target second equipment (for example, TV 2 is selected) by virtue of the determination manner in the abovementioned manners, that is, according to the positional relationship information, and TV 1 sends a response message PAIRED CONFIRM to TV 2 , the message containing negotiation information for received PAIRED OK. After a one-to-one connection is established by TV 1 and TV 2 , subsequent playback transfer control is similar to that in the abovementioned embodiments. Further description is given below with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 . [0187] FIG. 8 is a principle diagram of a method for transferring digital media content playback according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 8 , the method includes the following steps: [0188] step 801 : second equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, and sends a second message for showing its digital media content playing capability to first equipment; [0189] step 801 is specifically implemented as follows: the second equipment, after detecting the body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, obtains second positional relationship information between the second equipment and the user, encapsulates the second positional relationship information into the second message, and sends the second message to the first equipment, so that the first equipment determines the second equipment for transferring its digital media content playback according to the second positional relationship information in the second message after receiving the second messages from one or more second equipment, and sends a third message to the determined second equipment, wherein the second equipment detects the body movement by virtue of its photographic part, and the body movement is a gesture including throwing/pointing/finger spreading; and [0190] step 802 : the second equipment receives a third message responsive to the second message from the first equipment, and transfers the digital media content playback of the first equipment to the second equipment to play according to the third message; [0191] step 802 is specifically implemented as follows: the second equipment, after receiving the third message, transfers the digital media content playback to the second equipment to play when the third message is a message of transferring the digital media content playback. [0192] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of transferring digital media content playback according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Each equipment and their relationships are shown in FIG. 9 , and there are two equipment which are both TVs: TV 1 and TV 2 . [0193] TV 2 , as second equipment, has a photographic part (such as a camera). The user may make a throwing, releasing or pointing movement and the like in front of the camera of TV 2 . In the embodiment, the movements which can be identified by TV 2 are as follows respectively: [0194] 1) throwing: the user makes a throwing movement with a hand at the camera of TV 2 ; [0195] 2) releasing: the user keeps a grabbing or pinching movement in the first group, and then makes a releasing movement with a hand at the camera of TV 2 ; [0196] 3) pointing: the user makes a pointing movement at the camera of TV 2 ; and [0197] 4) spreading; if TV 2 has a touch screen, five fingers are gathered, and then the fingers are spread on the touch screen. [0198] At first, TV 2 sends a second message to TV 1 to notify TV 1 that TV 2 has been ready to receive the digital media content playback after receiving or identifying the body movement for transferring the digital media content playback to TV 2 to play, the second message including the second positional relationship information (such as the gesture position information) between TV 2 and the user. Then, TV 1 confirms to transfer the digital media content playback to TV 2 to finish transferring the playback. [0199] Here, the gesture position information may be an angle parameter between the gesture and the equipment, and may also be a distance parameter between the gesture and the equipment. Therefore, when there exist multiple first equipment or multiple second equipment, local equipment can determine the optimal opposite equipment according to the gesture position information of the opposite equipment and respond to the message. [0200] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of network messages in a control method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first equipment is TV 1 , and there are two second equipment: TV 2 and Audio System respectively. In the embodiment, the digital media content is played on TV 1 , the user controls the display media content playback to be transferred from TV 1 to TV 2 , and for the user, scenarios and experiences are as follows: when the throwing movement is made to the camera of TV 2 , the digital media content originally played on TV 1 is played on TV 2 , and the user can directly watch the video content played on TV 2 . The flow includes the following steps. [0201] Step 1001 includes that the second equipment TV 2 and Audio System identify a second movement, and identify that the digital media content playback is to be transferred to the second equipment to play. [0202] Step 1002 includes that after the second equipment TV 2 and Audio System identify the body movement of the user for transferring the digital media content playback to the second equipment, TV 2 and Audio System send to the first equipment second messages PAIRED OK to confirm that TV 2 and Audio System have been ready to receive the digital media content playback. [0203] In Step 1002 , there are two kinds of second messages: the first is PAIRED OK, representing that the equipment can receive the digital media content playback; and the other is PAIR FAILED, representing that the equipment cannot receive the transferred digital media content playback although identifying the movement. In the embodiment, TV 2 and Audio System send PAIRED OK to TV 1 . In the embodiment, TV 2 and Audio System send PAIRED OK to TV 1 , the second message including the gesture position information identified by the second equipment. [0204] Step 1003 includes that TV 1 gives a response PAIRED CONFIRM or PAIR REFUSED to the message PAIRED OK. [0205] TV 1 sends the third message PAIRED CONFIRM or PAIR REFUSED to TV 2 or Audio System. In the embodiment, TV 1 sends PAIRED CONFIRM to TV 2 , and sends PAIR REFUSED to Audio System, namely TV 1 selects to transfer the digital media content to TV 2 to play. [0206] TV 1 may determine the optimal second equipment according to the gesture position information identified by the second equipment when receiving PAIRED OK from multiple second equipment such as TV 2 and Audio System in FIG. 10 . Of course, TV 1 may also provide an operating interface for the user to select the target equipment, for example, options are listed on the screen, the user selects the equipment, and then the subsequent flow is continued. [0207] Step 1004 includes that the current digital media content playback on TV 1 is transferred to TV 2 to play. [0208] After the confirmation between TV 1 and TV 2 is made through the network messages, the transfer of digital media content playback between TV 1 and TV 2 is started until being completed or interrupted. [0209] As a fourth embodiment, gestures may be simultaneously made for the first equipment and the second equipment, the two kinds of equipment (which may be not only one equipment) simultaneously identify the gestures, and trigger playback transfer negotiation. Such a network message flow is similar to that in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here. [0210] From the aspect of data transmission, digital media content playback transfer is, for example, as follows: [0211] (1) TV 1 sends file/data to TV 2 at a time, or [0212] (2) TV 1 sends file/data to TV 2 in form of stream, or [0213] (3) TV 1 notifies TV 2 of an address of a content source on another equipment, and TV 2 downloads file/data from the address of the content source, or [0214] (4) TV 1 notifies TV 2 of an address of a content source on another equipment, and TV 2 receives a media stream from the content source, and the like. [0215] In the embodiment, TV 1 serves as the first equipment, the first equipment is not limited to be equipment like TV 1 in the present disclosure, a mobile phone, other player with a touch screen (remote controller), even a computer and the like may be adopted as the first equipment, and the triggering function in the abovementioned flows may also be realized by virtue of a keyboard and a mouse on the computer. [0216] In the embodiment, TV 2 and Audio System serve as the second equipment, the second equipment is not limited to be equipment like a TV in the present disclosure; a mobile phone, a set-top box, projector, a computer and the like with cameras and various capabilities described in the embodiments can be adopted as the second equipment. [0217] In the embodiment, contents can be transmitted and shared between different equipment in a family, for example, a mobile phone transmits an image to a TV, and simultaneously transmits sound to audio equipment, and in a place like an exhibition hall with multiple TVs, the playback of multiple contents and the like are transferred to different TVs at the same physical position. [0218] The above flows are not limited to be implemented only by the embodiments, and are also not intended to limit the methods executed by specific flows, the present disclosure may further be implemented by virtue of similar manners, for example, names representing the modules and types of various messages, and differences only exist between naming forms, specific message contents and the like. [0219] The embodiments are network-related, and can be applied to an IP network supported by a communication network such as an IEEE 802.3-based network, an IEEE 802.11b/g/n-based network, a POWERLINE network, a CABLE network, a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network and a 3GPP2 network, an operation system of each apparatus can be applied to a UNIX operation system, a WINDOWS operation system, an ANDROID operation system and an Iphone Operation System (IOS), and a consumer interface can be applied to a JAVA language interface and the like. [0220] For clarity, not all conventional characteristics of the equipment are shown and described here. Of course, it should be understood that a specific implementation manner must be determined to achieve specific purposes of a developer during any practical equipment development, for example, consistency with constraints related to applications and services, and these specific purposes change along with different implementation manners, and also change along with different developers. Moreover, it should be understood that such development work is complicated and time-consuming, however, for ordinary technicians inspired by the contents disclosed by the present disclosure, the technical work is conventional. [0221] According to the subject described here, various kinds of operation systems, calculation platforms, computer programs, and/or universal machines can be utilized to manufacture, operate and/or execute various parts, systems, apparatuses, processing steps and/or data structures. In addition, those skilled in the field may understand that apparatuses which are not so universal may also be utilized without departing from the scope and spiritual substance of the inventive concept disclosed here. The methods are executed by computers, apparatuses or machines, the methods can be stored as machine-readable instructions, and they can be stored on a determined medium, such as a computer storage apparatus, including, but not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) (an ROM, a FLASH memory, a transfer apparatus and the like), a magnetic storage medium (such as a magnetic tape and a magnetic tape driver), an optical storage medium (such as a Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), a Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM), a paper card and a paper tape) and other familiar program memories. In addition, it should be realized that the methods can be selected by a software tool to be executed by a human operator without human or creative judgment. [0222] Although the present disclosure is described above in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications according to the principle of the present disclosure. Therefore, the modifications made according to the principle of the present disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure discloses a method, apparatus and system for transferring digital media content playback, and relates to the field of communication and information. The method includes that: first equipment detects a body movement of a user for transferring out the digital media content playback, and sends a first message for notifying second equipment to get ready to transfer the digital media content playback to the second equipment to the second equipment; and a second message responsive to the first message is received from the second equipment, and the digital media content playback is transferred to the second equipment for the second equipment to play according to the second message. By the present disclosure, the user can experience a digital media content more conveniently and control the digital media content more naturally and easily, the purpose of controlling the transferring of the digital media content playback by the user can be accurately achieved, and the user may further transfer different kinds of digital media contents such as videos and audios on one piece of equipment to different equipment to play, so that the effect of improving the entertainment life of the user is achieved.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/CN2015/000526, filed on 23 Jul. 2015, which is based upon and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN201410382583.9, filed on 6 Aug. 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] electronic frying, washing, cooking pot. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND [0003] e-pressure cooker, e-oil fryer, washing machine's turning technology. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] A closed stir-frying pot used the turning principle to stir-fry the food, the structure & turning is similar as the washing machine (just with relative quick tempo), but smaller than the washing machine. It has two parts (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker): the out shell and the inner tub, the inner tub can turning like the washing machine's inner tub. After connected with the energy the pot begins to heat, at the same time the inner tub begins to turn, by turning and also added the heat from the pot to stir-fry the food. Its inner tub can lying vertically turning can also standing transversely turning can also universally turning, the vertically turning direction is same as drum type washing machine's turning direction, the transversely turning direction is same as pulsator type washing machine's turning direction. It used the vertically turning gravity & turning power (throwing power), and also used the transversely turning turning power (throwing power) and added the heat from the pot sometimes also added the up & down, right & left jumping power, striking power to stir-fry the food. It doesn't need any frying ladle . . . , it just used the turning principle, by turning with relative quick (like the washing machine's turning) tempo & also with one tempo or different tempos, by turning also in one direction or in different directions to stir-fry the food. There are two bottoms on the pot: the temperature bottom & the time bottom (the time bottom can be also used as on/off bottom). On the pot there is also glass-cover, by which you can see the frying food clearly. The People can leave after that they have set the time & the temperature and when it is almost fried then come to check out awhile. There are also some full-automatical menus on it, e.g. (1) frying potato: small fire 5 minutes. (2) frying rice: middle fire 10 minutes. (3) frying noodle: big fire 15 minutes . . . . The food fried from this pot will be same crisp as fried from your hands. This pot has a lot of benefits: you don't need to stir-fry front the pot with the hands, and you don't need to open the smoke exhausting machine at the same time, because it is full-automatical mechanical working & it has no smoke any more . . . . Except the stir-frying pot also a closed washing pot, its structure is also similar as the washing machine & the front going stir-frying pot, but used the turning principle to wash the food. Except the washing pot there are also boiling pot & cooking, teaming pot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] All the pictures only for the stir-frying pot, (picture=fig.). [0006] FIG. 1 is the front of the pot. [0007] FIG. 2 is the inner tub of the pot. [0008] FIG. 3 is the front of the pot after taking out the inner tub. [0009] FIG. 4 is turning stick. [0010] FIG. 5 is the inner tub after taking out the handle. [0011] FIG. 6 is the out door. [0012] FIG. 7 is after closing the out door. [0013] FIG. 8 & FIG. 9 are top connecting inner tubs. [0014] FIG. 10 is top connecting inner tub after closing the out door. [0015] FIG. 11 is the top connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub. [0016] FIG. 12 & FIG. 13 are top & bottom connecting inner tub with changeable handle. [0017] FIG. 14 is inner tub with changeable handle after closing the out door. [0018] FIG. 15 is bottom connecting inner tub looking from the back. [0019] FIG. 16 is axis connecting inner tub. [0020] FIG. 17 is axis connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub. [0021] FIG. 18 is axis connecting inner tub with changeable handle. [0022] FIG. 19 is axis connecting inner tub with changeable handle after closing the out door. [0023] FIG. 20 & FIG. 22 are completely connecting inner tub. [0024] FIG. 21 & FIG. 23 are completely connecting out shell after taking out the inner tub. [0025] FIG. 24 is completely connecting inner tub with changeable handle. [0026] FIG. 25 is standable pot after closing the out door. [0027] FIG. 26 is the standable pot after opening the out door. [0028] FIG. 27 is the out shell opening from the top the inner tub opening from the side. [0029] FIG. 28 is the inner tub opening from the side after taking it out from the pot can also standing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Stir-Frying Pot: [0030] A closed stir-frying pot has two parts: the out shell and the inner tub, the out shell's heating principle is just similar as e-oil fryer, e-pressure cooker . . . (with resistance wire), its inner tub can turning and the stuff of the inner tub is non-stick stuff. On the inner wall of the inner tub there are some ridges, which are similar as the ridges on the inner wall of the washing machine's inner tub, just for making the inner wall not completely smooth. Because if you fry just a little food & use a lot of oil, the food maybe won't turning, therefore it's good for preventing adhesion (like FIG. 2A ). Inside there is a smoke filter-net (like the e-oil fryer) & it has also glass-cover, by which you can see it turning. But the difference is by stir-frying you don't need a lot of oil, therefore the smoke filter-net can be maybe overseen, if you can see the turning food clearly, then you don't need it, but a lot of cheap e-oil fryer they all have it, so if it's practical you can also add it. But one thing is clear you don't need to use the smoke exhausting machine any more, let alone to clean it & also an other thing is clear, your kitchen can't be where smoke any more, because they are all inside in this pot. Big or heavy food you can also fry by this pot, e.g. big pieces of chicken, frying noodle, big, meal . . . . And Any time if you want to stop the program, you can just easily turn the time bottom to 0, and the pot will be turned off. This stir-frying pot has the following forms: [0000] (6) Inner Tub with Turning Stick: [0031] The out shell can be cube standing on the table, it has a front door (side door, out door), the inner tub can turning like the drum type washing machine vertically turning. After sticking the inner tub into the out shell it looks like so (like FIG. 1 ), the inner tub looks like so (like FIG. 2 ), after taking out the inner tub, the out shell looks like so (like FIG. 3 ). On the cover of the inner tub there are glass & turning handle. Inside of the out shell there is a turning bottom (from an other angle can also say the top of the out shell), on this turning bottom there is a metal turning stick. This turning stick replaced the belt in the washing machine to bring the inner tub turning as the transmitting took (like FIG. 4 ), the turning direction can be sometimes in plus direction sometimes in minus direction turning or always in one direction, the turning tempo can be also sometimes with different tempo or always with one tempo. The connecting methods between the inner tub & the out shell can be: screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type. After connected with the energy the pot begins to heat & at the same time the inner tub begins to turn. But if you feel maybe the front of the pot not closed very well you can also use this structure: the inner tub has the changeable handle (like FIG. 5 ), after taking out the handle you can stick the inner tub completely into the out shell, the out shell has also glass (like FIG. 6 ), this time is completely closed, after finished frying you can stick the handle onto the inner tub & draw it out (like FIG. 7 ), so you can keep of being scalded from the pot. The out door's closing methods can be also: turning handle type (like e-pressure cooker's big turning handle), screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type or heat-resisting rubber band. [0000] (7) The Inner Tub without Turning Stick: [0032] The bottom (from an other angle can also say the top) of the inner tub is connecting part (like FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 ), after closing the out door the pot looks like so from the front (like FIG. 10 ), after taking out the inner tub the out shell looks like so from the front (like FIG. 11 ), the connecting methods can be also: screw thread type, chute type, gear type, pin type. This connecting part is also the transmitting tool, it can directly bring the inner tub turning, the connecting part can be one-ply or two-plies or more-plies, it can be on the top one ply on the bottom also one ply & from the back you can also see the turning food clearly (like FIG. 12 , FIG. 13 ), the out shell has also glass on the back, after taking out the handle & sticking the inner tub into the closed out shell the pot looks like so from the front (like FIG. 14 ), from the back (like FIG. 15 ). (8) The Axis Brings the Inner Tub Turning: [0033] The inner tub has a axis (like FIG. 16 ), the out shell has also a axis (like FIG. 17 ), the axis is the connecting part also the transmitting tool to bring the inner tubturning. If you feel only axis connected with each other maybe not enough fixed can also add the connecting top & connecting bottom (like the front going pot). After taking out the handle & sticking the inner tub into the out shell it looks like so (like FIG. 18 , FIG. 19 ). [0000] (9) The Inner Tub Completely Connected with the Out Shell: [0034] The out shell has two-plies, in the pot there is also an other out shell (from an other angle can also say the second inner tub), this ply can wrap the whole inner tub & can turning can also bring the inner tub turning. On this ply can be whole of (everywhere) screw thread, chute . . . to fix the inner tub (like FIG. 20 , FIG. 21 , FIG. 22 , FIG. 23 ), the inner tub in the out shell looks like so (like FIG. 24 ) (10) Standable Pot: [0035] The pot can sometimes standing sometimes lying, when it's working, then is vertically turning, when you take out the food you can draw the pot standing & take the food out from the top door (out door). The door very closely connected the out shell with the inner tub, it can be such a machinery: a turning door, when you open the out door, you just turn it in minus direction & at the same time also brought the door of the inner tub with it, it is also parted from the inner tub, when you close the out door, you just turn it in plus direction & at the same time you also pressed it into the inner tub, the door of the inner tub is also closed (like FIG. 25 , FIG. 26 ). [0000] (6) The Inner Tub with Side Door: [0036] The out shell doesn't need to be sometimes standing sometimes lying, it is opening from the top door. The inner tub doesn't need to be sometimes standing sometimes lying either, but is opening from the side (just side door), when you open the door, the inner tub just stopped turning and its door just right aimed at the out door, to easily take the food out (like FIG. 27 ). If you want to clean it, the inner tub can be also taken out & washed and then it can also standing on the table usually like so (like FIG. 28 ). [0000] (9) The Inner Tub is like Pulsator Type Washing Machine: [0037] The inner tub can transversely turning like the pulsator type washing machine & the door is also on the top. But except turning the inner tub can also sometimes up and down jumping. The turning stick inside can be very thick to bring the inner tub sometimes turning sometimes jumping. (10) Universally Turning Inner Tub: [0038] The out shell doesn't move but the inner tub can sometimes vertically turning sometimes transversely turning, and when it is changing from vertical to transverse it can also turning, this time's turning is the universal turning (like a turning ball in every direction), or the form of the inner tub is just a ball to turn easily universally in every direction, except turning it can also sometimes up & down, right & left jumping. 2. Jumping Pot: [0039] A closed stir-frying pot also has two parts: out shell and inner tub (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker), the out shell is closed, the stuff of the inner tub is also not-stick stuff, the form of the inner tub can be any form can be like a tub can be also cube but it can't turning only up & down, right & left jumping, used the pumping power, gravity, striking power to stir-fry the food. If so except the (turning) stick on the bottom can also add a stick on the side & the turning stick has been named to rocking (or moving) stick. 3. Washing Pot: [0040] A closed washing pot, its structure & the turning is similar as the washing machine (just with relative quick tempo) & the stir-frying pot described frontally in Detailed description of the invention: 1., but used the turning principle to wash the food, it has also out shell & inner tub, (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker) the inner tub can also vertically like drum type washing machine turning can also transversely like pulsator type washing machine turning can also universally turning; used the gravity, the turning power (throwing power) and also the momentum by water-inpouring & water-outpouring; sometimes also added the up & down, right & left moving power to wash the food; the turning direction can be always in one direction or sometimes also in different directions, the turning tempo can be always with one tempo or sometimes with different tempo. The pot's detailed forms can also have some similar forms as the stir-frying pot described front, e.g.: The inner tub with turning stick, the top or bottom or axis connecting inner tubs & the inner tub with side door & universally turning inner tub . . . . But the inner tub can't maybe sometimes up & down, right & left jumping, because there is also momentum from the water, if so the power will be too big, therefore it can just sometimes by turning or between the turning up & down, right & left moving. The form of the inner tub can be also a tub or a ball etc. The stuff of the inner tub can be metal or plastic with a lot of holes or just completely gauze, or the non-stick stuff with some holes. The structure of the inner tub can be only one-ply or two-plies (inside & outside), or more-plies, the double plies can be so: the outside can be completely closed, the inside can be gauze & the outside turning in plus direction, the inside turning in minus direction & each with different tempo turning or the more plies (e.g. 3 plies) can be so: inside two plies are the gauze & outside is completely closed & each in different direction with different tempo turning. The pot can by water-inpouring also at the same time drain the water out & it can also by water-outpouring at the same time pour the water in (this time's momentum of the water is very big & the washing effect is very good), and by water-inpouring, water-outpouring the inner tub can also turning. You can pour the could water in it, you can also pour the hot, cooked water in, the inpouring-hole is on the top & the out door is also on the top, to easily add the forgotten foods. The washing program begins with water-inpouring, by inpouring also turning. The first inpouring can be so: after it poured in only the half (just by inpouring) begins to drain (almost 20 sec. after inpouring), used the momentum by water-inpouring & water-outpouring to wash the food, because it can also by water-outpouring pour the water in; the second inpouring can be so: once it finished inpouring just begins to drain (almost 40 sec. after inpouring); the third inpouring can be so: after it poured in also turning several turns, then drain (almost 60 sec. after inpouring); you can just add like so with your hands one time, two times . . . or by the full-automatical menus on the pot, e.g. one time washing with 3 times inpouring or one time washing with 4 times inpouring . . . . All together if you use this pot to wash the vegetables, almost within 2 minutes you will finish the washing, the more the momentum is the shorter the time is. This pot can also be used like so, by washing you can also cooking the water, e.g. after several times washing, at last the pot begins to heat, by heating also turning. There are also two other bottoms on the pot (for the heating): time bottom & temperature bottom & you can set them before you wash, and then it can heat at last to already set temperature and then can also turning to already set time. This pot can be also changed to the stir-frying pot described frontally just by some easy regulations, you need just easily to change this gauze inner tub to the non-stick inner tub back (like it in the stir-frying pot) then is ok, you can after washing stir-fry something. 4. Boiling Pot: [0041] A boiling pot is for cleaning the food, you should add the water with the vegetables together into the pot, and when the water inside is cooked & the temperature reached 100° C., then disconnected (turned off) automatically. The form can be any form or similar as the front going pots. It also has out shell and inner tub (the pot's size is similar as e-pressure cooker). The stuff of the inner tub is non-stick stuff (the inner tub doesn't need a door). This pot is not completely closed, it has a top door (the door of the out shell), on the top door there are some small holes to dissipate the heat. This pot has a lot of useful functions: after boiled the meat will be disinfected; the shells of the vegetables (e.g. pumpkin . . . ) will be weak & very easy to shell; for some vegetables e.g. beans, turnips . . . after two times boiling can be directly eaten; some freezed food will be unfreezed, it can really replace some microwave's functions. 5. Cooking Pot: [0042] A cooking pot is just the developed boiling pot, it is just so, after the water cooked & the temperature reached 100° C. can't disconnected (turned off) automatically but continuously cooking with small fire. On the top door there are also some small holes or sometimes you can also open the top door, because the fire is small. There are two choices on the pot: boiling, cooking. If you want to cook, the cooking choice has also two bottoms: the time bottom & the fire-power bottom. You can set, with 20% fire-power cooking for 10 min., or 30% fire-power cooking for 20 min . . . before you cook & then after the water cooked it will continuously cooking with your already set time & fire-power, you can also regulate them any time during the cooking, normally the cooking time can't be too long just about 30 min., because if longer you can use the e-pressure cooker. The biggest benefit of this pot is the cooking tempo will be much quicker then you cooking on the normal oven, because it's almost completely closed & the heat comes from all sides not only from the bottom. 6. Steaming Pot: [0043] A steaming pot is just the developed cooking pot, the difference is just on its inner tub there are some fillisters and they have also the suitable grates, if you stick the gates into the fillisters you can steam the food on the grates. 7. Stir-Frying, Washing, Boiling, Cooking, Steaming United Universal Pot: [0044] All the 5 pots: stir-frying, washing, boiling, cooking, steaming pot described frontally, they all have some same parts, therefore they can be with some small regulations easily changed to each other (so is 5 in 1 pots), or parted from each other and used as 5 extra independent pots, or freely combined with each other, e.g. stir-frying, washing, boiling 3 in 1 pots or washing, boiling 2 in 1 pots etc. You can make like so: After washing you can stir-fry something, if after then you want to boil something you can just easily change the door of the inner tube (you can just take the door off) or the door of the out shell (you can maybe only change a part of the out door, e.g. change the glass to the cover with a lot of holes) . . . . So you can change them all to each other, either change the whole inner tub, or the door or just a part of them. If the inner tub has two-plies, after washing the out shell will be also completely dry & you can after washing stir-fry something very safely. All these pots have a same benefit, they all can be disconnected (turned off) automatically & plus the already existed electronic equipments e.g. microwave, chopping machine, beating machine . . . so is really almost realized that, without handwork only mechanically full-automatically cooking, therefore it can be called universal pot. The cost of this pot is also very cheap, & it can be drived by electricity or other energy e.g. electromagnetic energy . . . .

A universal pot for stir-frying, washing, boiling, cooking or steaming food is provided. As a stir-frying pot, it stir-fries food in turning manner. The inner container of the stir-frying pot is turned like a washing machine, and stir-fries food by use of turning power, gravity, etc., and the heat of the pot. As a washing pot, it washes food in the same turning manner. As a boiling pot, it switches off the power supply automatically when the temperature reaches 100° C. The boiled vegetables peel easily. As a cooking pot or a steaming pot, it has part of functions of a microwave oven. All these five pots can be used independently, and they can also be easily transformed to each other and combined to be one pot.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to jewelry, and in particular to a new and useful process and product comprising an outer stone which embeds an inner, usually more precise stone. The use of real and synthetic stones in rings, necklaces, broches and other jewelry settings is well known. This includes precious stones such as diamonds, as well as semiprecious stones and even synthetic stones. For instance, such stones can be cut or formed into gem shapes as can cubic zirconia and certain synthetic materials. The stones can be colorless or have a color tint. The higher priced stones, such as diamonds, are usually available down to very small sizes whereas the semiprecious or synthetic stones are usually provided in larger sizes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an outer stone which contains one or more blind cavities that receives an inner stone. Generally the outer stone is either semiprecious or synthetic while the inner stone is a diamond or other precious yet smaller gem. This produces a unique visual effect as one looks into the transparent outer stone and views the inner stone. The invention may also be used to produce an audible effect, if the inner stone is loosely held within its blind cavity so that it can move and produce a tapping sound as the outer stone is moved. A further object of the present invention is to provide a unique process for manufacturing the product of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a raw stone before a first operating step of cutting it into two parts of the invention; FIG. 1B is an exploded view showing two parts of the outer stone during a preliminary stage in the process of the invention; FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom portion of the outer stone after at least one cavity has been formed in an exposed mating plane of the stone; FIG. 3 is a view of inner mounted stones to be deposited into the cavity; FIG. 4 is a view of the partially completed outer stone with the stone halves having been assembled; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the completed product according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied in FIG. 5 comprises a jewelry stone assembly generally designated 10 made up of an outer stone 12 and one or more inner stones 16 loosely or firmly held within at least one blind cavity defined within the body of the outer stone 12. The jewelry stone assembly 10 is manufactured in accordance with the invention. In an initial step of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1B, a raw material for the outer stone shown in FIG. 1A is selected. This may for example, be any one of a variety of semiprecious stones or synthetic material stones or even precious stone material. Examples of natural materials which can be used for the outer stone are amethyst, blue topaz, white topaz, citrine, garnet, tourmaline, white quartz, pink quartz, aquamarine and other semiprecious and precious gemstones. Examples of synthetic or man-made raw materials are, cubic zirconia, yag, boules synthetics, synthetic quartz, etc. After the raw material is selected, pieces of the raw material are preformed into desired shapes for an upper stone portion 14 and a lower stone portion 18. For example, the stone portions may be cut into round, oval, heart or other contours which roughly match the upper and lower portions of the outer stone 12 in its assembled state. Advantageously, the raw material of upper and lower stone portions 14, 18 is transparent so that one can peer into the volume of the stone portions. Although this is a preferred embodiment of the invention, alternatively either one, preferably the upper stone portion is transparent while the lower stone portion 18 is translucent or opaque. At this stage of the process, at least roughly planer mating surfaces 15 and 17 are provided on the underside of the upper stone portion 14, and the upper side of the lower stone portion 18 respectively. These will ultimately mate with each other to form the outer stone 12. Depending on the raw material and the condition of the rough stone, the preforming process can either be done on a preforming machine of conventional design or totally by hand using appropriate grinding devices, depending on the rough stone. Although the process is done separately for both top and bottom portions, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, a single rough stone is cut into the approximate shape of FIG. 4, and then cut along a plane to divide the single outer stone into separate upper and lower stone portions with the flat surfaces 15, 17 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1B also shows a subsequent step in the process where at least one or, if desired, a plurality of blind cavities 20 are formed in the upper surface 17 of stone portion 18. While in the example of FIG. 1B, one cavity is shown, more than one cavity may be used. To form the cavity or cavities, a cavity is first dug out using an ultrasonic drill. The ultrasonic drill is modified as follows: The main problem with all ultrasonic drills in stock form is the vibrations that occur during the drilling process. Ordinarily for the processes that these machines were designed for these vibrations are not that important, but for the inventive production, that requires hollowing out the center of a small fragile stone leaving a thinner than normal wall, these excessive vibrations can cause chipping or breakage to the stone. For this reason, the first modification is to the drill head and the shaft attached to the head. Ordinarily, in stock form the moveable head of the machine is lowered onto the surface that it is supposed to cut. The moveable head is not as secure as a fixed head and neither is the shaft that the head is attached to. The first modification is replacing the shaft with a sturdier steel shaft and fixing the head to the shaft permanently for vibration free operation. The next modification is creating a moveable platform to be raised incrementally toward the machine head. The moveable platform is the key to successful and accurate cavities. Not only should the rate of the raising be timed according to the excavating speed of the machine for different material, it should also be calibrated for the death of each cavity. A next major difficulty is devising a system for holding the stones securely in place during the excavating operation. Both the hardness (or the lack of it) and the different forms and sizes combined with rounded surfaces of the stones plus variations in dimensions of height, length and width pose serious problems, and also the stones need to be perfectly centered before the drilling operation. For the purpose of holding the stones, a jig is used which comprises a stainless steel frame and base with vertical and lateral adjustments. The center of the frame is filled with a special type of stiff vulcanizing rubber first. Then a metal model of the stone is placed in the rubber and the whole jig is vulcanized. After vulcanization, one can remove the metal form and in its place there is an indentation within the rubber. In this indentation one can place the matching stone to be held securely for the excavating process. The same process should be repeated for each size and every shape of stone that is cut. The stiff vulcanized rubber is the heart of the jig, not only does the rubber hold the stone tightly without damaging the stone's surface, it also allows for small variations in the stone measurements while cushioning it during the excavation. The next step is creating sized and shaped dies for creating the hole(s) in the stones. Thus, during the drilling process, the stones are held in place in the specialized jig which although firmly holding the stones, does not scratch them or chip them. After the rough cavity or cavities are formed, the interior surfaces are polished and evened out manually. This produces transparent walls to the blind cavity at 20a, so that its interior can be viewed from outside the outer stone, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the next step is to insert smaller or inner stones 16 into each of the polished, blind cavity 20a. Diamonds are the preferred stone and may be inserted by themselves or first mounted in a gold stone setting which is selected so that each diamond has an upper surface that is just slightly below the plane of mating surface 17 of lower stone portion 18. To adjust the level of the upper surface of the diamonds in their respective blind cavities 20, different thicknesses of the gold stone setting 23 may be used. In this way the height of the gem or gem plus setting can be adjusted to substantially match the depth of the cavity. Instead of diamonds, alternate stones which can be inserted into the blind cavity 20 are ruby, sapphire, emerald or any of the aforementioned raw materials used for the outer stone portions 14 and 18. The stones may be set in gold setting 23 or can be rough, smooth or slightly polished stones which float freely in the cavities. The bonding of the two parts 14 and 18 of the outer stone is one of the most critical steps in the process and is shown in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4 the cementing together of the upper and lower stone portions takes place at the now mated mating surfaces 15, 17, using a preferably transparent specialized cement which is selected depending on the material of the stone portions to be attached to each other. Examples of the specialized cements adhesives or glues used are, ultraviolet curing adhesives and heat curing adhesives. Example of the UV glue is LOCKTITE UV GLUE, a trade name for an ultraviolet curing glue, and 3M heat bonding glue. These are colorless, watertight and can be used with the materials of the outer stone according to the present invention. A UV adhesive can be used which sets by exposing it to a selected frequency of UV light for a predetermined period of time. The exposure process is usually done in an enclosed box. The stones can be either placed individually in the box, or moved through the box on a conveyer belt with a set speed. The bonding characteristics of the adhesive varies according to the type, color and size of the material being used. For example, a blue topaz 8 mm×10 mm oval stone requires an exposure time of 5.5 minutes to bond properly. An equivalent amethyst stone bonds in 3 minutes. If the amethyst is left any longer than 3 minutes the adhesive will start to form bubbles. This is due to the fact that the UV light also generates heat, and if the adhesive is over exposed its characteristics will change and the air trapped in the adhesive will start to expand. The bubbles affect the integrity of the adhesive or glue. Again, different sizes of the stones need different setting times, due to differences in surface areas to be bonded. As explained above, each kind of material and size of stone needs its own time calibration. Another bonding problem occurs due to the color of the material being glued together. For, example the UV glue does not work properly with yellow colored stones like citrine. The bonding is generally weak and full of bubbles. Also the glue sometimes forms a rainbow effect which affects the stone's visual characteristics. In these cases, one must use other kinds of specialty adhesives. These adhesives also have to be calibrated according to the type and size of material used. Another major problem is the actual application of the glue. This is important since if there is not enough glue, the bonding process will be weak and create an uneven seal. This would affect the strength and water tightness of the finished product. On the other hand, if too much glue is applied, even in minute quantities since it is still in liquid free form, at the time of joining the two halves together, the pressure will force a small quantity of the glue inside the cavity area where the free floating stones are. This usually goes un-noticed until the glue is set and the stone is finished. The glue inside the cavity would hinder the movement of the free-floating stones and in some cases they would stick to the bottom of the cavity, and since the stone has to be faceted and re-gridled after each gluing, the stone has to be totally rejected since one cannot re-gridle the stone at this point. After the bonding process, the stones have to be checked for water-tightness with special equipment, like those used in the watch industry. As explained above, the water-tightness is dependant on proper application and setting of the glue, along with accurate re-gridling and faceting. If the stone passes both tests for water tightness and bonding quality it continues to a final facetting and polishing step to produce the cut-stone effect shown in FIG. 5. After this, a final check for quality is conducted. While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

A jewelry stone assembly comprises upper and lower stone portions which are adhesively attachable to each other at mating surfaces. One or more blind cavities are formed in the mating surface of the lower stone portion and a jewel alone or jewel with setting is dropped into the cavity. Thereafter, clear adhesive is used to attach the upper and lower stone portions at their mating surfaces and the outer surface of the assembled outer stone is further processed, for example by faceting, to produce an outer stone which contains at least one inner stone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for evaporating liquids, particularly, but not exclusively for the purposes of either increasing the concentration of a solution and/or for the complete removal of a solvent from a solution to leave a dry solid. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] In practice an apparatus for this purpose is known which is generally referred to as a rotation evaporator. An apparatus of this kind is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,747. The receptacle of this rotation evaporator, formed as a round bottomed distilling flask in borosilicate glass, is rotated about its axis by means of a motor during distillation and is connected via a rotary union to a condenser. A vacuum source, for example a diaphragm pump, is connected to the condenser. As a heating arrangement a so called heating bath is used, preferably having a liquid heat transfer medium that can be heated by means of an immersion heater. [0003] While rotation evaporators of this type offer rapid evaporation and have therefore been widely adopted in Chemistry and Biology laboratories they have limitations. Rotation evaporators require significant expertise and constant adjustment to achieve rapid evaporation without bumping (evaporating in an explosive manner), spitting or foaming of the solution being concentrated. [0004] Furthermore, the solution must be placed in a suitable receptacle for evaporation, typically a round bottom distillation flask; such a receptacle is impractical for future storage or transportation of concentrated or dry products. Often therefore, after the solution has been concentrated these dry products must be removed from the distilling flask and transferred to a more suitable receptacle, a vial with a screw cap for example. Commonly this transfer process is non trivial requiring multiple distillations and scraping of dry or semi-dry products from the distillation flask, thus requiring significant laboratory staffing time and resulting in loss of product and the potential for contamination. [0005] Centrifugal evaporators are also known, such as that described in GB 2 384 724A. In such evaporators, sample tubes are mounted to a central rotor and spun about a central axis perpendicular to the axis of the sample tubes. The centrifugal forces acting on the solution in the tubes allows evaporation under vacuum without bumping. However, such evaporators are slow batch processes and as such are unsuitable for incorporation into the modern automated synthesis and purification processes. These modern processes are predominantly sequential and require integrating with evaporation processes providing rapid evaporation of a small number of samples as opposed to slow evaporation of a large number of samples as offered by centrifugal evaporators. By way of illustration, a typical application for evaporation might be the separation of 50 mg of solid from 30 ml of a solution of 50:50 (by volume) of water and Acetonitrile, for which the best centrifugal evaporators currently available would typically take about 16 hours to complete the evaporation and could dry 16 such samples in parallel. Centrifugal evaporators of this type are also relatively inconvenient to load/unload. [0006] Another feature of centrifugal evaporators of this type is that they concentrate or dry the solutions in the receptacle in which the solution was presented to the system, and thus cannot concentrate a volume of solution that is larger than the vial of choice into that vial. Centrifugal evaporators of this type are further limited in that when solutions are dried into solids, the solids take the form of hard pellets in the bottom of the receptacle. It is not only difficult to evaporate the final molecules of solvent from these pellets but the pellets themselves are very difficult to redissolve. [0007] An object of the invention is to further develop the apparatus and method of the kind described to provide an evaporation system capable of concentrating a solution that is contained in one receptacle, a round bottomed flask for example, into a receptacle of a form more suitable for storage and transportation, a screw cap vial for example. It is also an object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method that accomplishes the above objective in a manner so that it is easier and requires less laboratory staff and/or time to complete the concentration process. [0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method that reduces or eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art evaporators discussed above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Therefore at its most general, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for concentrating and/or drying solutions in a receptacle which involves evaporation under low pressures whilst the receptacle is being rotated at high speed in a substantially vertical orientation. [0010] The high speed rotation allows the surface area of the solution in the receptacle to be maximised whilst using a standard sized/shaped receptacle, and is preferably also sufficient to prevent bumping. The vertical orientation of the receptacle also contributes to maximising the surface area, whilst allowing easy exchange of receptacles. [0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for concentrating solutions in a vaporising receptacle, said receptacle having a mouth for the removal of vapour, the apparatus comprising: support means for supporting the vaporising receptacle with the mouth of the receptacle facing upwards; rotation means being operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle thus supported at high speed about a substantially vertical rotation axis; a vacuum pump to reduce the pressure within the vaporising receptacle; and means for sealing the vaporising receptacle to the apparatus to maintain the reduced pressure. [0016] Preferably the apparatus also includes means for dispensing a solution to be concentrated into the vaporising receptacle. [0017] Preferably the apparatus also includes sensing means to measure the temperature of the solution within the vaporising receptacle; and heating means to apply heat to the solution within the vaporising receptacle. [0018] Preferably the heating means includes a hot air heater arranged to direct hot air flow onto the receptacle. The heating means may also include a diverter for controlling the direction of the hot air flow and in one position directing said flow away from the receptacle. [0019] Preferably the apparatus also includes a control and regulating unit for controlling or regulating at least one of said rotation means, said vacuum pump, said dispensing means, said sensing means and said heating means. [0020] Preferably the vaporising receptacle is rotated (and the rotation means is operable to rotate the receptacle) at a speed sufficient to prevent the solution from bumping when heat is applied to the contents at a pressure below atmospheric conditions. [0021] More preferably the rotation means is operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle to speeds at which centrifugal force flattens the solution against the side walls of the receptacle. [0022] Preferably the rotation means is operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle at speeds of 2000 rpm or higher, and more preferably the rotation means is operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle at speeds of 3250 rpm or higher, and ideally at speeds of 6000 rpm or higher. [0023] Preferably the apparatus further comprises a removable vaporising receptacle. Conveniently the removable vaporising receptacle is a standard clear glass vial of substantially cylindrical shape. Preferably the vial has one closed end, the other end having an axially located aperture (mouth) of a diameter smaller than that of the cylinder. For example, the receptacle may be a 20 ml scintillation vial. [0024] Thus the apparatus of the present invention can be used with standard vials, and there is no need to transfer the concentrated solution or the dried solute from the receptacle to a further receptacle for transport or storage. [0025] Preferably the mouth, through which the solution be concentrated is dispensed, remains positionally stationary whilst the receptacle is rotated (albeit rotating). This can be achieved by arranging the apparatus and the receptacle such that the rotational axis passes through the mouth of the receptacle. Thus the sealing means of the apparatus may also remain positionally stationary, facilitating introduction and removal of the receptacle to/from the apparatus. [0026] Advantageously, the vaporising receptacle has features to enable a closure to be fixed to the open end. Such features may include a threaded portion or a return feature to enable the application of a crimp type closure. [0027] Preferably the temperature sensing means is a non-contact temperature sensor, and in particular the non-contact temperature sensing means may be a device known as an infra red pyrometer, which may be arranged to sense the temperature of the solution or dry products through the walls of the vaporising receptacle. Using a non-contact temperature sensor allows the receptacle to be rotated at high speeds without also having to consider the rotation of, or constraints on rotation resulting from, a contacting temperature sensor. [0028] For precise measurements using an infra red pyrometer it may be preferable to turn off the heating means for a period prior to accepting temperature measurements. [0029] Alternatively, a device to measure the temperature of the vapour directly may be located in the vapour flow immediately ‘down stream’ of the rotating vacuum connection or the vaporising chamber if this embodiment is adopted. Assuming that vapour is flowing, measuring the temperature of the vapour gives a good approximation to the temperature of the solution that the vapour is evaporating from. [0030] The heating means may be a source of infra red radiation. Alternatively, the heating means may be a hot air blower employed to direct hot air onto the outside of the vaporising receptacle. [0031] Preferably, during the evaporation process, the vaporising receptacle is sealed by pressing the open aperture against a seal that is itself connected to a rotating vacuum connection. This rotating vacuum connection facilitates the connection to the vacuum pump. [0032] Alternatively, the vial may be contained within a sealed vaporising chamber with a connection between this vaporising chamber and the vacuum pump. [0033] The apparatus may further comprise means for engaging and disengaging a vaporising receptacle with the apparatus. This means for engaging and disengaging may be manually or automatically operated. This means may also provide for simple or automated replacement of the receptacle with a further (e.g. empty) receptacle. [0034] To further enhance the degree of automation of the dispensing operation a level sensing means may be employed to detect the level of the solution within the vaporising receptacle. [0035] Preferably the level sensing means is used to detect the level of the solution only when the vaporising receptacle is substantially stationary. [0036] The level sensing means may be a non-contacting optical device. [0037] Alternatively, the level sensing means may be a contact sensing device employing the know principle of measuring changes in conductivity to detect the surface of the solution. [0038] To enable the evaporator to collect the discharged solvent it is advantageous to connect a condenser to the exhaust of the vacuum pump in a manner known per se. [0039] Thus the solvent can be re-used as appropriate, and the emission of the apparatus controlled. [0040] To maximise the evaporation performance, particularly when concentrating solutions that contain solvents having high boiling points, it is advantageous to connect a condenser in the conduit between said vaporising chamber or rotary vacuum connection and said vacuum pump. [0041] Preferably there are two condensers, a first condenser being located between the vaporising receptacle and the vacuum pump and a second condenser being connected to the exhaust of the vacuum pump. [0042] The control unit may be employed to ensure that the condition of at least one, and preferably all, of the following parameters within the vaporising receptacle is acceptable prior to dispensing a quantity of the solution: pressure, temperature and rotational speed. [0043] Additionally, the control unit may be employed to ensure the rotational speed of the vaporising receptacle is acceptable prior to reducing, to a level below atmospheric conditions, the pressure in the vaporising receptacle. Thus the control unit may prevent bumping by ensuring that a sufficient rotational speed is reached before low pressure evaporation commences. [0044] To facilitate a greater degree of automation, a pressure sensing means may be inserted into the conduit between said vaporising chamber, or rotary vacuum connection, and said vacuum pump. The electrical signal from this sensing means is connected to the control and regulating unit. [0045] To further enhance the degree of automation, a solenoid actuated valve may be placed into the conduit between said vaporising chamber or rotary vacuum connection and said vacuum pump to provide a means of controlling the pressure in said receptacle. [0046] Preferably the valve employed before the vacuum pump is of the two port two position, normally closed type. [0047] To still further enhance the degree of automation, a second solenoid actuated valve may be placed into a further conduit, said further conduit being connected into the first conduit at a location between said vaporising chamber or rotary vacuum connection and said vacuum pump. This second solenoid actuated valve may allow a rapid change of the pressure within the vaporising receptacle to atmospheric conditions. [0048] Preferably the valve employed in said further conduit is of the two port two position, normally open type. [0049] In embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may further comprise a sample loop in which the solution to be concentrated is buffered for dispensing into the vaporising receptacle. [0050] The control unit may be appropriately configured to control the flow of solution into and out of the sample loop. [0051] The apparatus may further comprising a solution pump arranged to pump the solution to be concentrated into the vaporising receptacle, and in such cases, the control unit may operate the solution pump to pump the solution to be concentrated into the vaporising receptacle substantially continuously whilst the vaporising receptacle is being rotated. [0052] The means for dispensing the solution may include a nozzle. [0053] Preferably the nozzle and the solution pump are chosen such that the solution is dispensed into the vaporising receptacle in a continuous jet. [0054] Preferably the nozzle and the solution pump are chosen such that there is a pressure difference across the nozzle of at least 1 bar. [0055] The control unit may be appropriately configured to control the dispensing (and in particular the rate of dispensing) of the solution into the receptacle whilst rotation and evaporation are occurring. The control unit may also be configured to detect when the capacity of the receptacle for concentrated solution or dry solute is reached and interrupt the continuous dispensing. Optionally the control unit may be further configured to automatically replace the receptacle when the capacity is reached and recommence the continuous evaporation process. [0056] A further aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for producing concentrated solutions or dry solvate including a first apparatus according to the first aspect above (which may have any combination of the preferred and optional features of the above aspect) and a second apparatus for performing a precursor process which supplies a solution to be concentrated to said first apparatus. [0057] The precursor process may be any one of: high performance liquid chromatography, purification of organic compounds by flash chromatography, purification of organic compounds by preparative scale supercritical fluid chromatography or synthesis of organic compounds using continuous flow techniques. [0058] Heating of the rotating vacuum connection (or the vaporising chamber, if this embodiment is adopted), may be required when evaporating some solvents to prevent condensation. [0059] Where it is necessary to limit the maximum temperature of the concentrated sample then the heating means may be such that its heat output is controlled by the magnitude of an electrical current, and current controlling means is provided adapted to control the said electric current to the heating means, and the signal from the temperature sensing means is employed to control the current controlling means and thereby the heat output from the heating means and in turn the temperature to which the concentrated sample is permitted to rise. [0060] Preferably, the dispensing means is comprised of a conduit to feed the solution from the feed receptacle, a valve to regulate the flow of solution and a further conduit to feed the solution into the vaporising receptacle. [0061] Preferably the valve employed in the dispensing means is of the two port two position normally closed type. [0062] Alternatively, the dispensing means may be comprised of a conduit to feed the solution from the feed receptacle, a volumetric pump to feed a measured quantity of solution, a valve to seal the pump and conduit from the vaporising receptacle and a further conduit to feed the solution into the vaporising receptacle. [0063] A further alternative, the dispensing means may be comprised of a pipette and syringe pump arrangement in a manner known per se. To facilitate this arrangement, the vaporising receptacle may be moved either manually or by automated means to a position clear of the rotating vacuum connection giving the pipette access to dispense a measured quantity of solution into the receptacle. [0064] Where the volume of solution to be concentrated is greater than the capacity of a single vaporising receptacle the dispensing means can be used in conjunction with the apparatus to complete a series of automated dispense and concentrate cycles. By this process a total volume of solution many times greater than the volume of the vaporising receptacle can be concentrated into a single vaporising receptacle. For example the contents of a 250 ml round bottom flask may be either concentrated or dried completely into a single 20 ml scintillation vial. [0065] In a development of the above aspects, the receptacle may be supported to rotate about an axis that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vaporising receptacle itself. In this configuration the aperture is arranged to run true while the closed end is arranged to rotate in an eccentric matter. An advantage of this arrangement is that the solids dried from solution are deposited predominately at a location close to the closed end of the vaporising receptacle. Preferably the angle between the rotational axis and the longitudinal axis of the vaporising receptacle is between 0 and 6 degrees. [0066] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for concentrating solvents, the apparatus comprising, a removable vaporising receptacle supported by a rotation means being operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle substantially about its axis, a means for sealing the vaporising receptacle, a vacuum pump to reduce the pressure within the vaporising receptacle, a means for dispensing into the vaporising receptacle a solution to be concentrated, a non-contacting sensing means to measure the temperature of the solution within the vaporising receptacle, a heating means to apply heat to the solution within the vaporising receptacle, a control and regulating unit for controlling or regulating at least one of, said rotation means, said vacuum pump, said dispensing means, said sensing means, said heating means, and said condensing means. [0067] The apparatus of this aspect may include any combination of the preferred or optional features of the above aspects. [0068] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of concentrating a solution comprising the steps of: dispensing said solution into a vaporising receptacle, the receptacle having a mouth for the removal of vapour; supporting said vaporising receptacle with the mouth facing upwards; rotating the thus supported vaporising receptacle at high speed about a substantially vertical rotational axis; reducing the pressure in said vaporising receptacle to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent. [0073] Preferably the method also includes the step of maintaining the temperature of said vaporising receptacle within a predetermined range until a portion of the solvent has evaporated. [0074] Preferably the vaporising receptacle is rotated at a speed sufficient to prevent the solution from bumping when heat is applied to the contents at a pressure below atmospheric conditions. [0075] Preferably the vaporising receptacle is rotated at speeds sufficient for centrifugal force to flatten the solution against the side walls of the receptacle. [0076] Preferably the vaporising receptacle is rotated at speeds of 2000 rpm or higher, more preferably at speeds of 3250 rpm or higher, and ideally at speeds of 6000 rpm or higher. [0077] The step of maintaining the temperature may include controlling a hot-air heater which is arranged to direct air flow onto the vaporising receptacle. This step may further include controlling a diverter mechanism which allows the air flow from the hot-air heater to be directed onto or away from the vaporising receptacle. [0078] The step of rotating the receptacle at high speed may be commenced before or after the solution has been dispensed into said receptacle. [0079] The step of maintaining the temperature of receptacle may include sensing the temperature of the receptacle with a non-contact temperature sensor. [0080] The receptacle used preferably has a mouth at one end through which the solution is dispensed into the receptacle and evaporated solvent is withdrawn from the receptacle, the rotation of the receptacle being such that said aperture remains substantially positionally stationary when the receptacle is rotated. This can be achieved by having the rotational axis pass through the mouth. [0081] In embodiments of the present aspect, the receptacle is substantially rotationally symmetric about a longitudinal axis, and the rotational axis is titled relative to that longitudinal axis. If these axes are tilted relative to each other, the angle of tilt is preferably between 0 and 6 degrees. [0082] In a development of the present aspect, the step of dispensing is performed substantially continuously throughout the concentration process. [0083] In this development, the method may further comprise the step of controlling either the rate at which the solution is dispensed into the vaporising receptacle, or the rate at which solvent is evaporated in said receptacle, such that a uniform film of solution is maintained over the side walls of the receptacle. [0084] In one arrangement the step of controlling includes sensing the temperature of two different portions of the receptacle, a first of said portions being an area of the receptacle proximate to the impact area of a heat source maintaining the temperature of the receptacle, and a second of said portions being an area of the receptacle which is distant from the impact area of said heat source, and adjusting either of said rates according to the rate of change in the difference between the two sensed temperatures. [0085] Alternatively or additionally in this development, the method may further comprise the step of controlling the pressure in the receptacle to prevent phase change from liquid to solid as the solution is dispensed. [0086] Preferably in this development the dispensed solution is supplied under pressure, more preferably at a pressure of at least 4 bar. [0087] Preferably in this development the solution is dispensed into the vaporising receptacle through a nozzle, and more preferably the nozzle and flow rate are selected and/or controlled such that there is a pressure difference of at least 1 bar across said nozzle. [0088] In another development of this aspect, the method further includes the step of storing the solution to be concentrated in a sample loop prior to dispensing said solution into said receptacle. [0089] In either of the above developments said solution may be provided to said receptacle or said sample loop directly from a preceding process. [0090] Said preceding process may be one of: high performance liquid chromatography; purification of organic compounds by flash chromatography; purification of organic compounds by preparative scale supercritical fluid chromatography; or synthesis of organic compounds by continuous flow techniques. [0091] The method of the present aspect is preferably performed using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding aspects, and the method may include further optional or preferred features which correspond to any combination of the optional or preferred features of the preceding aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0092] Examples of solvent evaporators in accordance with the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0093] FIG. 1 shows the features of a removable vaporising receptacle. [0094] FIG. 2 shows a schematic, not to scale, sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention incorporating a rotating vacuum connection. [0095] FIG. 3 shows a detailed sectional view of the rotating vacuum connection of FIG. 2 . [0096] FIG. 4 shows a schematic, not to scale, sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention incorporating a vaporising chamber in place of the rotating vacuum connection. [0097] FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view showing the location for the vaporising receptacle with respect to its axis of rotation. [0098] FIG. 6 shows a control schematic. [0099] FIG. 7 shows a detailed sectional view of a heating apparatus as used in embodiments of the invention. [0100] FIG. 8 shows a schematic, not to scale, sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention in which the solution is fed to the evaporator via a sample loop. [0101] FIG. 8B shows a schematic view of the valve of FIG. 8 in the “load” position. [0102] FIG. 9 shows a schematic, not to scale, sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the solution is fed to the evaporator from a pumped source. [0103] FIG. 10 shows a detailed sectional view of part of a fifth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0104] With reference to FIG. 1 , a vaporising receptacle 1 has a substantially cylindrical portion 4 the axis of this cylindrical portion is labelled 5 . The receptacle is closed at the lower end 2 . An aperture 3 in the upper end is concentric with the cylindrical portion 4 , having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the cylindrical portion 4 . A feature 6 is provided for fixing a closure by, for example, manual operation, to the receptacle once the evaporation process is complete. The vaporising receptacle is manufactured from an impervious inert material so that it will not contaminate the sample or suffer corrosion; the material also allows transmission of infrared radiation. A suitable vaporising receptacle is readily available, being a 20 ml scintillation vial manufactured from borosilicate glass material. [0105] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 , in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the vaporising receptacle 1 is supported on the end of a shaft 7 , which is mounted for rotation about its axis in bearings 78 and 79 , drive for which is provided by an electric motor 89 . The bearings 78 and 79 and motor 89 are connected to housing 8 which is rigidly connected to carriage 9 , which is mounted using a pair of linear sliding bearings (not shown) to slide along a pair of shafts indicated by 10 . Rigidly attached to the lower end of shaft 10 is a block 17 . At least one compression spring is constrained to slide along shaft 10 , being constrained between block 17 and carriage 9 , thereby capable of exerting an upwards force onto carriage 9 resisting downward movement. A user operable leaver 14 is pivotally mounted onto block 18 by pin 62 , a further pin 15 is rigidly mounted into carriage 9 and is constrained to run within a slot in lever 14 . Block 18 is rigidly mounted to shafts 10 . By the constraints described, a downward movement of lever 14 will produce a downward movement of carriage 9 and thereby, receptacle 1 relative to the fixed shafts 10 . [0106] When no force is applied to lever 14 , by the action of spring 16 the upper portion of bottle 1 is forced into contact with the elastomeric seal 13 . The sealing material is an impervious inert material so that it will not contaminate the sample or suffer degradation when exposed to solvents, a perfluorinated elastomer is suitable, and examples of brand names are Isolast™ and Kalrez™. Seal 13 is constrained by the rotating vacuum connection against vertical or lateral movement but is allowed to rotate freely about the vertical axis. [0107] Referring to FIG. 3 showing a detailed sectional view of the rotating vacuum connection, seal 13 is located into a groove in shaft 52 , which is mounted for rotation in bearings 54 and 55 . A port 53 is provided running through the entire length of shaft 52 connecting the internal volume of vaporising receptacle 1 to the chamber 80 within the housing 56 . The bearings 54 and 55 are mounted within housing 56 which is rigidly mounted to block 12 , which is rigidly mounted to the upper portions of shafts 10 . A sealing cap 58 is clamped to the top of body 56 by screws 60 and 61 , an elastomeric seal 59 prevents leakage of air through the joint between cap 58 and body 56 into chamber 80 . A shaft seal 57 is rigidly mounted within housing 56 to prevent leakage of air into chamber 80 between the housing 56 and the shaft 52 . The sealing material is an impervious inert material so that it will not contaminate the sample or suffer degradation when exposed to solvents, a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) based seal material is suitable, a brand name is Turcon™. [0108] Referring now to FIGS. 1 , 2 , 3 and 6 , a tube 22 , welded into cap 58 passes completely through the port 53 projecting below the lower end of shaft 52 into the internal volume of the vaporising receptacle 1 . A resistive heating device 40 and a temperature sensing device 41 are connected by a means providing good thermal contact to the outer surface of the rotary vacuum connection 11 , for the purpose of heating the rotary vacuum connection 11 to a temperature determined by the control system 75 . The port 32 in cap 58 is connected via conduits 33 , 38 , 44 and 69 to a vacuum pump 46 , provided for the purpose of reducing the pressure within the vaporising receptacle causing the solvents contained within to boil at a maximum temperature that will not cause degradation to components contained within the solution, as such components are often thermo-labile. Typically for development of pharmaceutical drug compounds this upper temperature limit would be 37 degrees Celsius. The conduits 29 and 30 connected to tube 22 are in turn connected to isolating valves 27 and 28 , each valve is connected a single solution supply vessel, valve 27 connected to solution supply vessel 63 by conduit 26 and valve 28 connected to solution supply vessel 64 by conduit 25 . [0109] A source of infra red radiation 19 is arranged to focus infra red radiation through the cylindrical portion 4 of the vaporising receptacle 1 for absorption by the solution within the chamber 1 . A suitable source of infra red radiation is a tungsten halogen lamp with gold plated parabolic reflector. Additional reflectors, not shown, are arranged to reflect transmitted radiation back into the solution and away from the shaft 7 , housing 8 , seal 13 , shaft 52 and housing 11 . At a location, at an angle to the direct path of the infra red radiation, an infra red pyrometer 21 is arranged to measure the temperature of the solution within the vaporising receptacle 1 . At a further location, not in direct path of the infra red radiation, an optical liquid sensing device 20 is arranged to detect when the level of the solution within the vaporising receptacle 1 , when vaporising receptacle 1 is stationary, is at or above the level at which the optical sensing device is set to monitor. The level at which the optical sensing device is set to monitor can be adjusted by the user of the apparatus by a slider with pinch screw means, not shown. [0110] Connected between conduit 33 and conduit 38 is a vapour temperature sensing device 34 . Attached to the sealed housing 90 is a resistive heating device 36 and a temperature sensing device 37 connected by a means providing good thermal contact to the outer surface of housing 90 , for the purpose of heating the housing 90 to a temperature determined by the control system 75 . A temperature sensing device 35 , a thermocouple, is thermally but not electrically connected to a heat transfer device 81 which is mounted within the vapour flow and exchanges heat, by conduction, with the vapour. By this means the temperature sensing device 35 gives an electrical signal proportional to the temperature of the vapour within the housing 90 . The temperature sensing device is protected from the solvent vapours present within the housing 90 by means of a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE) sheath, not shown. Signal wires 84 connecting the temperature sensing device with the control system 75 , pass through the housing 90 through a leak-free connector means. [0111] Connected into conduit 38 via conduit 83 is a pressure sensing device 39 for generating an electrical signal proportional to the pressure within the conduit 38 . The pressure sensing device 39 is connected to the control system 75 by connection lines 85 . [0112] Connected into conduit 38 via conduit 82 is a shut off valve 50 , used for venting air at atmospheric conditions drawn through conduit 51 into conduit 38 . To ensure failsafe operation of the apparatus, valve 50 is of the two port two position, normally open variety. [0113] A condenser 42 , chilled by means of external power source may be incorporated into the apparatus between conduits 38 and 44 . The purpose of the condenser 42 it to condense a proportion of solvent vapour, reducing the volume flow rate of vapour that must be pumped from the system by the vacuum pump 46 . To promote condensation of the vapour within the condenser, the temperature of the condenser 42 is maintained at a temperature below the temperature of the solution evaporating within the vaporising receptacle 1 , this is achieved by feeding a mixture of chilled water and ethylene glycol through the jacket surrounding the condensed solvent 43 by a device known as a chiller, not shown. [0114] Between conduit 44 and conduit 69 a shut off valve 45 may be advantageously incorporated for isolating the vacuum pump 46 from the apparatus providing the means to control the pressure within the apparatus to a pre-determined level. To ensure failsafe operation of the apparatus, valve 45 is of the two port two position, normally closed variety. [0115] The solvent resistant vacuum pump 46 is connected into conduit 69 , the exhaust from the pump is connected into condenser 47 . The purpose of the condenser 47 is to trap the solvent exhausted by the vacuum pump 46 , reducing the potential for atmospheric pollution or explosive ignition of the exhaust vapours. Gases and some vapour exhausted from the condenser 47 pass through conduit 49 for connection into a fume cupboard or similar means, not shown. [0116] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the vaporising receptacle is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation. The axis 72 is the axis of rotation for shaft 7 , the axis 73 is the axis of rotation for shaft 52 , and the axis 5 , as previously described, is the axis of the cylindrical portion of the vaporising receptacle 1 . The axis 73 rotates substantially concentrically relative to axis 72 , with an angle 70 between axis 72 and axis 5 . The surface 71 of the solution is the position of the surface when the shaft 7 is rotating at the desired operational speed and before the volume of the solution has been reduced significantly by evaporation. The surface 74 is the position of the surface when the shaft 7 is rotating at the desired operational speed and when all the solvent has evaporated from the solution leaving a dry residue. The position and shape of the dry residue can be modified significantly by changing the angle 70 . Best results are achieved when the angle 70 is between zero and six degrees, yet it is possible for the apparatus to function at angles between zero and 45 degrees. [0117] Referring to FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment is described featuring a vaporising chamber 67 in place of the rotary vacuum connection 11 . The vaporising chamber 67 differs from the rotary vacuum connection 11 in that the vaporising chamber 67 does not rotate, when the lever 14 is released, the seal 66 is clamped between the vaporising chamber 67 and the base plate 86 , a shaft seal 68 is now incorporated between the base plate 86 and the shaft 7 and the vaporising receptacle is located and retained in a collet 65 attached to the upper end of shaft 7 . The walls of the vaporising chamber are manufactured from an impervious inert material so that it will not contaminate the sample or suffer corrosion; the material also allows transmission of infrared radiation. Suitable materials are borosilicate glass or quartz. Aside from the structural differences described, operation of this embodiment incorporating the vaporising chamber is identical to that for the embodiment which incorporates the rotating vacuum connection as described by FIG. 2 . [0118] The operation of the apparatus according to the invention will now be described by reference to FIGS. 2 and 6 . A similar method of operation applies to the embodiment of FIG. 4 and many of the steps and features are shared with the methods of operation of later embodiments. [0119] At the start of the evaporation process, the valve 50 is in the open position venting, to atmosphere, conduit 38 and the internal volume connected to it, valve 45 is in the closed position disconnecting the vacuum pump from conduit 44 and the internal volume connected to it, and the vacuum pump 46 is powered and evacuating the conduit 69 . Isolating valves 27 and 28 are in the closed position disconnecting the solution supply vessels from the conduit 22 , the motor 89 and shaft 7 are stationary, and the infra red lamp 19 is de-energised. The maximum acceptable temperature for the solution is selected using the user interface 87 , this data is transmitted to the control system 75 , the rotating vacuum connection 11 is heated to the maximum allowable solution temperature by the action of heater 40 and controlled/detected by temperature sensor 41 . The housing 90 is also heated to the maximum allowable solution temperature by the action of heater 36 and temperature sensor 37 . One or more solution supply vessels are placed at locations indicated by 63 and 64 . The lever 14 is moved in a downward direction and an empty vaporising receptacle 1 is placed onto the shaft 7 . The lever 14 is then eased in an upward direction under the action of spring 16 and the vaporising receptacle 1 is forced against the seal 13 thus connecting, without leakage, the vaporising receptacle 1 to the rotating vacuum connection 11 . [0120] The apparatus is now ready to commence the remainder of the evaporation processes in an automated manner, the start button is activated on the user interface 87 , and this data is transmitted to the control system 75 , stage A is initiated. [0121] In stage A, the valve 45 is energised, connecting the vacuum pump and conduit 69 to conduit 44 , the pressure is reduced throughout the connected conduits, and also within the vaporising receptacle 1 . Valve 50 remains open, and thus air at atmospheric conditions flows through conduit 51 into conduit 38 , in this manner the pressure within the vaporising receptacle 1 is regulated, being governed by the flow restriction inherent in the geometry of conduit 51 . A pressure of approximately 100 mbar below the atmospheric conditions is suitable. With the pressure within the vaporising receptacle 1 at a pressure below atmospheric, the magnitude of the pressure is confirmed by pressure sensor 39 , the temperature of the vaporising receptacle 1 is measured using the infra red pyrometer 21 , if both pressure and temperature are within acceptable limits, stage B is initiated. [0122] In stage B, valve 28 is opened, the pressure difference between the port 22 and the solution 24 causes the solution 24 to be forced through valve 28 , conduit 30 and conduit 22 into the vaporising receptacle 1 . When the level sensor 20 detects the required level of solution in the vaporising receptacle 1 , valve 28 is closed, stage C is initiated. If the required level is not achieved then it is assumed that vessel 64 is empty, in this case, valve 28 is closed and valve 27 is opened, the process continues. If the required level is not achieved when valve 27 is open then it is assumed that all solution supply vessels are empty, and stage E is initiated. [0123] In stage C, the motor controller 76 ramps the motor up to full speed, the tachometer sensor feeds the motor speed back to the control system 75 , and when full motor speed is achieved, valve 50 is closed and the pressure in the vaporising receptacle reduces rapidly. The minimum operational rotational speed for shaft 7 is defined as that speed sufficient to prevent the solution from bumping and foaming when heat is applied to the contents at a pressure at or below the saturated vapour pressure of the solution within the vaporising receptacle 1 . It has been found, by experiment, that a speed in excess of that necessary to subject the solution to an acceleration of 150 times the normal gravitational attraction is required. For example, if the vaporising receptacle 1 is a 20 ml scintillation vial then a minimum speed of 3250 RPM is required, if the vessel is a 4 ml HPLC vial a speed of 6000 RPM is required. The temperature of the vapour, determined by sensor 35 , is monitored continuously, a control algorithm within the control system 75 uses the vapour temperature data from sensor 35 to control the average power supplied to the infra-red lamp 19 to maintain the vapour temperature as measured by sensor 35 to a target value which is slightly lower than the maximum acceptable temperature as set using the user interface 87 . Once the target value of vapour temperature is achieved together with the average power supplied to the infrared lamp 19 having decreased below a predetermined lower threshold level, the control system 75 assumes the majority of the solvent has evaporated from the solution, and stage D is initiated. [0124] In stage D, the valve 45 is moved to a closed position disconnecting the vacuum pump from conduit 44 and the internal volume connected to it, the valve 50 is moved to an open position venting, to atmosphere, conduit 38 and the internal volume connected to it. Once the pressure in conduit 38 , measured by pressure sensing device 39 has increased to a level above a predefined minimum value, the speed of motor 89 is ramped down to stop. When a motor stationary condition is measured by the tachometer 77 , stage B is initiated once again. Stages B to D inclusive are repeated until all the solution contained within the solution supply vessels 63 and 64 has been transferred to the vaporising receptacle 1 and evaporated. [0125] In stage E, the motor controller 76 ramps the motor 89 up to operational speed, the tacho sensor feeds motor speed back to the control system 75 , when the minimum operational rotational speed for shaft 7 is achieved, valve 50 is closed and the pressure in the vaporising receptacle reduces rapidly. The temperature of the contents within the vaporising receptacle 1 , determined by the non-contact temperature sensor 21 , is monitored continuously, and a further control algorithm within the control system 75 uses the temperature data from sensor 21 to control the average power supplied to the infra-red lamp 19 to maintain the temperature as measured by sensor 21 to a target value which is slightly lower than the maximum acceptable temperature as set using the user interface 87 . Prior to taking each temperature measurement with the non-contact temperature sensor 21 , the control system 75 ensures that the infra-red lamp 19 has been off for a pre-determined period of time. Once the average power supplied to the infrared lamp has decreased below a predetermined lower threshold level, the temperature as measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 21 is maintained at the maximum acceptable temperature, and the control system 75 starts a timer for the final drying period. Once the final drying period has been completed, the control system assumes that the product contained within the vaporising receptacle is dry, and stage F is initiated. [0126] In stage F, the valve 45 is moved to a closed position disconnecting the vacuum pump from conduit 44 and the internal volume connected to it, the valve 50 is moved to an open position venting, to atmosphere, conduit 38 and the internal volume connected to it. Once the pressure in conduit 38 , measured by pressure sensing device 39 has increased to a level above a predefined minimum value, the speed of motor 21 is ramped down to stop. When the motor stationary condition is measured by the tachometer 77 , the evaporation process is complete, the control system 75 indicates this via a lamp on the user interface 87 . [0127] The empty solution supply vessels 63 and 64 are removed, the lever 14 is moved in a downward direction and the vaporising receptacle 1 containing the concentrated solution is removed from shaft 7 , if necessary, the pump is turned off and the trapped solvent is removed from the two condensers 42 and 47 for disposal. [0128] FIG. 7 shows an alternative apparatus and method for heating the contents of the vaporising receptacle 1 , using a hot air heater 99 instead of infra-red lamp 19 , which may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. [0129] A two stage axial fan 91 draws air at room temperature and forces the air past the resistive heating elements 94 . A suitable fan is manufactured by Sanyo Denki and provides airflow 0.4 m 3 /min at a static pressure of 300 Pa. The heating element is mounted inside a thin walled tube 92 of low thermal conductivity. Stainless steel and titanium are both suitable materials for this tube. The heating element is electrically and thermally isolated from the thin walled tube 92 by a sleeve 93 of insulating material. A suitable material for this sleeve is Filamic tube FT19 supplied by Langtec Mica Ltd. A temperature sensing device 95 , such as a thermister, positioned in the airflow as it exits the heating element, is used to measure the temperature of the air. [0130] A butterfly valve 97 is positioned between the vaporising receptacle 1 and the temperature sensor 95 , and can be actuated to one of two positions, either to allow the hot air to heat the vaporising receptacle 1 or to divert the hot air out of the system through exit tube 98 . The butterfly valve 97 is actuated by a solenoid, not shown, although alternatively a pneumatic cylinder could be used to actuate the butterfly valve 97 . Preferably the butterfly valve 97 is sprung to return the valve to the divert position where air is diverted through tube 98 . Between the butterfly valve and the vaporising receptacle 1 , the air passes through a nozzle 96 . This nozzle 96 can be easily removed and replaced and the size of the nozzle 96 can be chosen to suit the size of the vaporising receptacle 1 . [0131] At the start of the evaporation process the fan 91 is powered, the heating element 94 is disconnected from the electrical supply and the butterfly valve is in the divert position. The vaporising receptacle 1 is rotated and the vacuum pump 46 is used to reduce the pressure in the vaporising receptacle sufficiently to cause the solvent within the vaporising receptacle 1 to boil, as described in more detail in other embodiments. The evaporation of the solvent within the vaporising receptacle 1 results in a rapid reduction of temperature of the vaporising receptacle, which is measured by the non-contact temperature sensor (e.g. an infra-red pyrometer) 21 . In response to this reduction in temperature, the butterfly valve is activated allowing air to flow from the fan 91 to the vaporising receptacle 1 . At the same time a control loop is enabled in which the heater power is adjusted to achieve and maintain a target temperature of the vaporising receptacle 1 as measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 21 . The control loop utilises proportional, integral and derivative terms (commonly known as PID control) to ensure both rapid response and accurate temperature control. This control is maintained until the sample is dry. [0132] If at any time during the process the temperature of the vaporising receptacle 1 exceeds the target temperature by a pre-set value then the power to the heater 94 is immediately switched off and at the same time the butterfly valve 97 is returned to the divert position. The pre-set value would typically be 3° C. above the target temperature. It is most likely that the target temperature will be exceeded by the pre-set value once most of the solvent has evaporated and the demand for heat is dramatically reduced. The butterfly valve 97 is maintained in the divert position until the air temperature, as measured by the sensor 95 , has reduced to a value lower that the target temperature. Once this condition is achieved, the butterfly valve is activated allowing air to flow from the fan 91 to the vaporising receptacle 1 and the control loop between the temperature sensor 21 and the heater 94 is re-enabled. [0133] FIG. 8 shows an apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 8 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and corresponding items are given the same references. [0134] The apparatus of FIG. 8 has the following differences from that of FIG. 2 . The vacuum pump 46 is driven using a variable speed drive which enables control of the pressure within the vaporising receptacle 1 without the valve 45 . No vapour temperature sensor 90 is used. The vaporising receptacle 1 is supported on the end of shaft 7 which is in turn supported by a motorised lifting mechanism 109 . At the uppermost end of tube 22 is connected a 5 port rotary valve 103 . This valve 103 allows the volume within the vaporising receptacle 1 to be connected to either: a nitrogen supply 101 via a two port normally closed valve 102 ; to a blanked off port 116 ; to a further valve 104 ; or to connect the valve 104 directly to the waste container 100 . [0135] The six port rotary valve 104 is known within the industry as an injection valve. Connected to one port of the rotary valve 104 is a syringe pump 106 , with a further 3 port distribution valve 107 . A sample loop 105 of sufficient capacity to accommodate the whole of the solution containing the sample of interest is connected across two of the ports in a manner commonly used within the industry. The solution to be evaporated is supplied from a preceding process to the port labelled ‘2’ of the valve 104 . [0136] Examples of preceding processes which may be used with the present embodiment include: purification of organic compounds by preparative scale High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); purification of organic compounds by Flash Chromatography; purification of organic compounds by preparative scale supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC); synthesis of organic compounds by continuous flow techniques. [0137] At the start of the evaporation process the motorised lifting mechanism 109 is in the fully lowered position, a clean vial is located onto the shaft 7 , the rotatable shaft 7 is stationary, the tube 22 and the tube connecting valve 104 to 103 have been cleaned with pure solvent, valve 103 is positioned to connect tube 22 to the blanked off port 116 (position ‘2’), valve 102 is in the closed position, and valve 104 is switched to the load position (shown in FIG. 8B ). Thus the process is operating such that solution is flowing continually through the sample loop. The process indicates when solution to be evaporated is present within the sample loop, and also indicates the volume of this solution. [0138] Next, the valve 104 is switched to the ‘inject’ position (as shown in FIG. 8 itself), in which the sample loop 105 is connected between the syringe pump 106 and the selection valve 103 . The motorised lifting mechanism 109 is powered, lifting the vial until it engages with the elastomeric seal 13 , and the drive motor 89 is energised to rotate the vial at high speed (in the range 3,250 to 10,000 rpm). When the required speed has been achieved the valve 103 is positioned to connect the valve 104 directly to tube 22 , and the syringe pump 106 is driven to pump pure solvent from receptacle 108 through the sample loop 105 and into the vaporising receptacle 1 , carrying the solution present within the sample loop 105 into the vaporising receptacle 1 . [0139] When either all the solution in the sample loop 105 has been dispensed into the vaporising receptacle 1 , or the capacity of the vaporising receptacle 1 has been reached, then the pump 106 is stopped, the valve 103 is switched to connect tube 22 to the nitrogen supply, the valve 102 is switched on for a short duration to eject the solution remaining within tube 22 into the vaporising receptacle 1 . The valve 103 is then moved to connect tube 22 to the blanked port 116 . [0140] The evaporation process is then initiated: the vent valve 27 is closed, the vacuum pump 46 is powered to gradually reduce the pressure in the vaporising receptacle 1 , the control loop is initiated to heat the contents of the vial in response to the feedback from the non-contact sensor 21 . When all the solvent has evaporated (which can be determined, for example, by monitoring the power required to maintain the temperature of the vaporising receptacle 1 ), then if all the solution within the sample loop 105 has been dispensed into the vaporising receptacle 1 the process can continue for a period of a few minutes to completely dry the compound, and otherwise valve 27 is opened to return the pressure within the vaporising receptacle 1 to atmospheric and a further dispense and evaporate cycle can be initiated. [0141] When the last of the solution to be evaporated within the sample loop 105 has been dispensed then a cleaning cycle is initiated. This cleaning cycle is as follows: with the vaporising receptacle 1 maintained at vacuum, if required, the valve 103 is switched to connect the sample loop 105 to the waste container 100 , the syringe pump 106 is used to pump a volume of pure solvent from the container 108 through the sample loop 105 and into waste container 100 . Typically, the volume of pure solvent would be 4 times the volume of the sample loop 105 to ensure adequate cleaning. The valve 104 is returned to the load position, the sample loop is then available to accept the next sample. The pump 106 is stopped, the vacuum pump stopped, and the valve 27 opened. When the pressure within the vaporising receptacle 1 has returned to atmospheric, the valve 103 is switched to connect tube 117 to tube 22 , the syringe pump 106 is used to pump pure solvent through pipe 22 into the vaporising receptacle 1 . 4 times the volume of tube 22 only is required. The syringe pump 106 is stopped, the valve 103 is switched to connect tube 22 to valve 102 , valve 102 is open for a short duration to clear tube 22 of remaining solvent. Valve 102 is closed, valve 103 returned to connect tube 22 to port 116 . The solvent in the vaporising receptacle 1 is then evaporated and dried fully in the manner already described above. Once the compound is fully dried the volume within the vaporising receptacle 1 is returned to atmospheric pressure, the spin motor 89 is turned off and the lift 109 returns the vaporising receptacle 1 to the load position. [0142] FIG. 9 shows an apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 9 is similar to that shown in FIG. 8 but the valve 104 , the sample loop 105 and the syringe pump 106 have been replaced by an upstream process, generically indicated as 113 . This process 113 supplies a solution to be evaporated from a continuously pumped source. The flow rate of solution from process 113 is chosen to be within the capability of the evaporator and it is therefore possible to evaporate the solution continuously, subject of course to the capacity limitations of the vaporising receptacle. [0143] The continuous evaporation in this embodiment means that solution is dispensed substantially continuously (and preferably continuously) into the vaporising receptacle 1 at the same time and at approximately the same rate at which solution is evaporating from the vaporising receptacle 1 . Thus the vaporising receptacle 1 must be maintained at pressures significantly below atmospheric while the solution is being pumped into the vaporising receptacle. To enable this without either drawing solution from the up-stream process, or causing the solution to “bump” (evaporate in an explosive manner) as it enters the vaporising receptacle 1 , a nozzle 112 is located at the point where solution within the tube 22 enters the vaporising receptacle 1 . The up-stream process must supply solution under pressure. Typically a minimum working pressure of 4 bar is preferable. [0144] Two criteria influence the design of the nozzle: 1) The size of the nozzle is selected to match the flow-rate in order to create a pressure difference across the nozzle greater than 1 bar; and 2) The shape of the nozzle is selected to ensure the solution exits the nozzle as a jet not a series of drips. An example of a nozzle suitable for flow rates between 0.5 ml/minute and 2 ml/minute is 0.075 mm in diameter by 15 mm in length. A suitable material for the nozzle is fused silica tube such as that supplied by Upchurch Scientific Corp. [0145] Examples of preceding processes include: purification of organic compounds by preparative scale High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); purification of organic compounds by Flash Chromatography; purification of organic compounds by preparative scale supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC); synthesis of organic compounds by continuous flow techniques. [0146] At the start of the evaporation process the motorised lifting mechanism 109 is in the fully lowered position, a clean vial 1 is located onto the shaft 7 , the rotatable shaft 7 is stationary, the tube 22 has been cleaned with pure solvent, valve 103 is positioned to connect tube 22 to the blanked off port indicated by ‘2’, and the valve 102 is in the closed position. The up-stream process 113 indicates, for example by providing a signal to the control means, when it is about to start delivering solution. The motorised lifting mechanism 109 is powered, lifting the vial until it engages with the elastomeric seal 13 , and the drive motor 89 is energised to rotate the vial at a high speed (in the range 3,250 to 10,000 rpm). When the required speed has been achieved the valve 103 is positioned to connect the tube 22 to the up-stream process 113 . Once solution is exiting the nozzle 112 into the vaporising receptacle 1 in a jet the evaporation process is initiated. [0147] The vent valve 27 is closed, the pump is powered to gradually reduce the pressure in the vaporising receptacle 1 , the control loop is initiated to heat the contents of the vial in response to the feedback from the non-contact sensor 21 . While the solution is being dispensed, the pressure is precisely controlled to a pre-set minimum value, this minimum value depending on the characteristics of the solution being evaporated. Pressure control is advantageous as it may prevent phase change from liquid to solid as the solution exits the nozzle. Phase change can be caused either by freezing of the solution (e.g. in the case of water if the pressure is reduced below 6 mbar) or by precipitation of solids from solution as a volatile constituent ‘flashes off’. [0148] During this phase of the process it is also desired to maintain a uniform film of solution over the entire cylindrical surface of the vial. If this film is not maintained then temperature control of the compound as it dries may be compromised. [0149] Two methods for maintaining the film of solution have been developed. The first is a manual process whereby the rate of evaporation is adjusted by experiment to be a few percent slower than the rate of delivery. This process has been found to be effective where the total size of the sample is not more than 8 times the maximum capacity of the vial, but beyond this is generally not practical. [0150] The second method is an automated process and will be described in relation to the arrangement shown in FIG. 10 . This method is suitable for a sample of any volume. [0151] FIG. 10 shows a detail of an apparatus that enables an automated method for maintaining a continuous film of solution while evaporating solutions from a continuously pumped source. The arrangement is generally as shown in and as described in relation to FIG. 9 but the single non-contact temperature sensor 21 is replaced by two non-contact temperature sensors 114 and 115 . Preferably these sensors have a very small viewing area; an example of a suitable sensor is an infra-red sensor supplied by Raytek Corp. (part number DKUMID02LT) having a 2.4 mm diameter viewing area at 80 mm distance. Sensor 114 is positioned to view an area of the vial close to the height at which the hot air heater 99 is applying heat to the surface of the vial. The second sensor 115 is positioned to view an area at the upper end of the cylindrical portion of the vaporising receptacle 1 . The viewing area for sensor 115 is away from the area of the vaporising receptacle 1 being heated by the hot air heater 99 . [0152] If there is a continuous film present on the cylindrical surface of the vial then during evaporation, sensor 115 measures a temperature close to the temperature of the boiling solvent within the vial while sensor 114 measures the temperature of the heated surface of the vial. As an example, when evaporating a volatile solvent, sensor 115 may be measuring −5° C. while sensor 114 is measuring 20° C. If the film of solvent is allowed to reduce in thickness, e.g. due to the rate of evaporation being greater than the rate of delivery, then as the thickness of the solvent film reduces then the temperature measured by sensor 115 increases until it approaches the temperature measured by sensor 114 . Using the data from these two sensors it is possible to use the rate of change in the difference between the temperatures measured by sensors 114 and 115 to make corrections in either the rate of evaporation or in the rate of delivery of the solution into the vaporising receptacle 1 . [0153] Thus in operation, the evaporation continues until the up-stream process indicates (e.g. by providing a signal to the control means) that delivery is complete. The valve 103 is then switched to connect the up-stream process directly to waste container 100 and simultaneously connect tube 22 to valve 102 . Valve 102 is then opened for a short duration to clear the residual solution from tube 22 into vaporising receptacle. The up-stream process 113 stops dispensing. Valve 102 is closed and valve 103 is switched to connect tube 22 to the blanked off port 116 . The evaporation process then continues until all solvent has been evaporated but at this stage pressure control is not critical. Once all the solvent has been evaporated and the compound in the vaporising receptacle 1 has been dried the process is stopped as previously described. [0154] Using the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 with the illustrative example discussed in relation to the prior art (the separation of 50 mg of solid from 30 ml of a solution of 50:50 (by volume) of water and Acetonitrile), this apparatus takes approximately 20 minutes start to finish for each 30 ml sample, compared to a typical period of about 16 hours to dry 16 such samples in parallel using the best centrifugal evaporators currently available. Furthermore, whilst the centrifugal evaporators of the prior art would produce 16 separate dry samples, the apparatus of the present invention can allow the samples to be consecutively or continuously dried in the same (or a smaller overall number of) vials. [0155] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

An apparatus for concentrating solutions in a vaporising receptacle ( 1 ) is provided wherein the receptacle ( 1 ) has a mouth ( 3 ), and the axis of the receptacle is perpendicular to the mouth. The apparatus comprises: support means ( 7 ) for supporting the vaporising receptacle with the mouth of the receptacle uppermost and the axis substantially vertical; rotation means ( 89 ) being operable to rotate the vaporising receptacle at high speed substantially about the axis; means ( 13 ) for sealing the vaporising receptacle to the apparatus; a vacuum pump ( 46 ) to reduce the pressure within the vaporising receptacle; means ( 22 ) for dispensing into the vaporising receptacle a solution to be concentrated; sensing means ( 21 ) to measure the temperature of the solution within the vaporising receptacle; heating means ( 19, 99 ) to apply heat to the solution within the vaporising receptacle; a control and regulating unit ( 75 ) for controlling or regulating at least one of said rotation means, said vacuum pump, said dispensing means, said sensing means and said heating means. The invention allows low pressure evaporation in regularly sized and shaped receptacles without bumping, and is also easy to use. A corresponding method is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to memory controllers utilized in computer systems, and more particularly, a single memory controller utilizing a plurality of input frequencies. 2. Description of the Related Art The technology and capabilities of personal computer systems have generally been advancing at a fast pace for a number of years. However, the actual advancement of capabilities has not necessarily been uniform. For example, the capabilities and speeds of the microprocessor, the foundation of the personal computer, have dramatically increased in the last several years and appear to be continuing to increase at this high rate. On the other hand, a similar advancement curve has not been shown in memory devices, particularly in the effective speeds of memory devices, so that the disparity between the microprocessor speeds and the memory speeds has gotten larger. Further, other portions of the external constraints on a personal computer may also limit advancement in certain areas. For example, in many cases bus specifications were designed and developed for a particular time period, but as time progressed, devices which were much more powerful were developed. However, if those powerful devices were to be used in an interchangeable bus, such as one according to the ISA or Industry Standard Architecture, then some of the improvements could not be used and so designs can be standardized at lesser performance levels because of other limitations in the system. One solution that has developed to these problems is the modular personal computer. In those designs many of the elements are located on interchangeable cards. For example, in most modular computers the processor system is located on an interchangeable card which can be readily replaced to allow the use of different microprocessors. Not only can types of microprocessors change but additionally so can the speeds of a particular microprocessor. For example, in many lines the Intel Corporation (Intel) 80386SX chip forms the low end either at 16 or 20 MHz versions, with a steady progression up through the compatible lines leading up to and ultimately concluding with 33 MHz or even 50 MHz 80486 microprocessors from Intel. By simply interchanging the processor card, the remaining components of the computer system can be reused and the theoretical cost of the performance increase is reduced. However, there are certain disadvantages to this modular design. The most common disadvantage relates to the operation of the memory systems. In most high performance personal computers the memory is located on a bus which is tightly coupled to the processor and preferably is 32 bytes wide. The input/output (I/O) bus, such as the ISA or Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus is wholly separate from this tightly coupled, proprietary bus. More details on the EISA bus are available in Appendix 1 in application Ser. No. 431,741, filed Nov. 3, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The I/O bus is effectively constrained because of the standardization that has developed over the years, but it is satisfactory for this portion of the system to remain relatively static because optimizations can be developed on the proprietary bus. Therefore, the main memory is located on this proprietary bus, called the host bus in some cases. Because of the great differences in speeds and addressing techniques of the microprocessors used in modular systems, actual access to the memory devices varies greatly between the various microprocessors. However, the memory is located over a shared bus, so that in many cases the memory interface is fixed at a single variation, which is optimal for only one particular microprocessor and reduces performance in all other cases. Therefore, depending upon the configuration of the computer system, overall system performance can often be increased only at levels much less than that theoretically possible based on just the change of capabilities from one microprocessor to another. The memory interface becomes a limiting factor, particularly as clock rates of the microprocessor change. If the memory controller is located on the common system board used in modular designs or on the memory board itself, then it has been common that these particular limitation problems would automatically develop, because memory controllers are typically only single clock speed based devices. If the memory controller is actually located and interchangeable along with the processor card, then performance can be improved when the processor card is changed, but the design costs are increased because of the need to design a memory controller for each particular microprocessor. In addition, production volumes of the particular memory controller component would be reduced as compared to the situation where it was installed on the system board or on the memory board. Therefore, there are significant cost burdens when a memory controller is interchangeable with the processor card. A tradeoff must be made at design time between cost and performance, i.e. using a single memory controller for all systems or changing the memory controller with the processor card. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The computer system according to the present invention utilizes a memory controller capable of operating at a plurality of input frequencies as available for a series of different microprocessors in a modular computer, and yet providing effectively constant and high performance from the memory system. A synchronous, state machine-driven memory controller is preferably utilized, with certain states of the memory control operation being bypassed for given frequencies. In other cases, the memory controller operates at double the frequency of the general system clock when the frequencies are sufficiently close, so that again near optimal performance is obtained. Preferably the state machine is constructed such that events relative to the memory devices, such as the development of the row address strobe (RAS), column address strobe (CAS), and buffer output and latch signals are generally generated by the same states in the state machine, irrelevant of the input frequency. This simplifies external logic design and provides greater consistency in operation. In the preferred embodiment the memory controller operates for three system frequencies, namely 16, 25 and 33 MHz effective processor speed. Therefore a single memory controller can be utilized to allow reduction of costs and simplifications of designs and yet high levels of performance can be achieved from the memory subsystem, the memory interface effectively being tailored for each particular microprocessor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained with the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective illustration of a modular computer system incorporating a memory controller according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor board incorporating a memory controller according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a memory board for use with the processor board of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a memory controller according to the present invention; FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are state machines illustrating operation of portions of the memory controller of FIG. 4; and FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are schematic illustrations of logic associated with the various state machines to produce the various signals necessary for operation of the memory subsystem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A modular computer system generally referred to by the letter C is shown in FIG. 1. A system board S contains a number of devices and a series of connectors or slots 20. The circuitry located on the system board S includes items which are very fundamental and not likely to change without drastic change in the operation of the computer system C. For example, a bus controller 22 to control operations on the input/output (I/O) bus, such as the EISA bus, is located on the system board S. Related to the bus controller 22 is an integrated system peripheral (ISP) 24 which contains the interrupt controller, various timers, the direct memory access (DMA) controller, non-maskable interrupt logic refresh and EISA bus arbitration and prioritization logic. In addition, various data latches/buffers and address latches/buffers 26 and 28 are provided to couple to the EISA bus. Further, a random logic chip 30, commonly referred to as a system glue chip (SGC), is provided to reduce the overall space and component count of the system board S. Connected to the system board S by a connector 32 is an I/O board I. The I/O board I contains certain input/output related functions and other functions as commonly developed on the X bus of a personal computer system according to the ISA or EISA architecture. For example, the read only memory (ROM) 34 is located on the I/O board I. Additionally the real time clock (RTC) and CMOS memory unit 36, the floppy disk controller (FDC) 38 and a multiple peripheral controller (MPC) 38, which incorporates two serial ports, a parallel port and a hard disk interface, are also located on the I/O board I. Further, a keyboard controller (not shown) is located on the I/O board I. These functions are preferably located on a separate board to allow this unit to be interchanged as desirable. For example, various I/O improvements could be developed, such as an improved audio section, a network interface and other variations, and therefore it is possible to replace the I/O board I with a newer enhanced version without thereby also requiring the change of the system board S as would conventionally be done. In the computer system C according to the preferred embodiment, a processor card P is also located in an interchangeable slot. The processor card P contains the central processing unit or microprocessor 42 and miscellaneous related support logic 44. Further, the processor card P contains a memory controller 46 according to the present invention and a data buffer/latch 48. Additionally in the preferred embodiment, an amount of base memory 50 is preferably located on the processor board P, in the preferred embodiment 4 Mbytes of memory. This memory 50 is utilized with the buffer/latch 48 and is directly controlled by the memory controller 46. However, because of the limitations of space and the number of complex components on the processor board P is also desirable that a separate memory board M be located in an interchangeable slot 20. The memory board M preferably contains a pair of data buffers/latches 48. Additionally, RAS logic 52 and various other buffering logic 53 is located on the memory board M. Finally, a series of locations 54 for receiving memory are provided on the memory board M. Preferably the locations 54 are designed to receive single in-line memory modules (SIMMs), preferably up to eight SIMMs in the preferred embodiment. This allows memory expansion to be easily developed on the memory board M. The control signals for the memory board M must be transmitted from the memory controller 46 on the processor board P through the system board S and up to the memory board M. The computer system C also may contain a plurality of input/output related interchangeable cards. For example in the system shown in FIG. 1, one of the interchangeable cards 56 preferably is a video card which is interconnected with a monitor. Numerous other cards can be installed as is conventional. Thus in the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the memory controller 46 is changed with each particular processor card P and is not located on the system board. This would conventionally allow very high optimization of the memory controller for the particular processor but would result in reduced production volumes and increased designed times. However, the memory controller according to the preferred embodiment is utilized on a series of different processor cards P so that volume increases and effective design time is reduced. A block diagram of the processor card P is shown generally in FIG. 2. The CPU or microprocessor 42, preferably is one of the 80836/82395 microprocessor and cache controller pair, the 16 MHz or 25 MHz 80486SX microprocessor or the 33 MHz 80486DX microprocessor from Intel Corporation. The CPU 42 provides a series of signals referred to as the P bus, with the P bus including the PA address lines, PD data lines and the PC control lines. A series of these lines are converted to the HA host address and HD host data lines which form a host or proprietary H bus. The memory controller 46 utilizes the processor control bus PC and develops the HC or host control bus. Various CPU support logic 44 is connected to the control buses PC and HC and receives a bus referred to as the XD data bus. The CPU support logic 44 provides the miscellaneous registers and support functions necessary for operation of the computer system C. The memory controller 46 also provides as outputs the memory address and memory control or MA and MC buses. These are provided to the base memory 50 and externally for transmission to the memory board M. The base memory 50 receives the MD or M memory data bus which is connected to the data buffer/latch 48. The data buffer/latch 48 is also coupled to the host data bus HD to allow data transfer between the MD and HD buses. The memory board M is shown in more detail in the block diagram of FIG. 3. The HD bus is provided to the buffer/latches 48, which are preferably each 32 bits wide. This produces a 64 bit wide memory card, when the multiplexing of the data buffer/latches is considered and allows for interleaving of the memory devices. Various of the control lines from the M control bus are provided to the RAS logic 52 and to the various buffers and conversion logic 53. In addition, the buffer logic 53 buffers the MA or memory address bus. The various data, address, RAS, CAS and write enable signals are provided from the buffer/latches 48, the RAS decode logic 52 and the buffer 53 to the plurality of SIMM locations 54 where the actual memory devices on the memory board M are located. More details of the memory controller 46 are provided in FIG. 4. There are three main memory control blocks 100, 102 and 104 in the memory controller 46. The block 100 is the block which interfaces primarily between the host bus H and the memory devices; while the block 102 is the EISA block, which interfaces between the EISA bus specific signals and the memory devices. The block 104 is the ISA interface block which converts between the ISA standard signals and the memory devices. The host block 100 includes a host front end interface 106 which receives various status signals from the host bus H and the various host bus addresses. A page hit detector is located in the host front end interface 106 to allow page mode operation of the memory devices. The host bus front end interface 106 is connected to a host control block 108 which provides certain logic to develop signals necessary for a host state machine 110. Pertinent signals developed by the host control logic 108 will be discussed in the operation of the host state machine 110. Similarly, the EISA block 102 contains EISA control logic 112 which translates certain signals as necessary for use by an EISA state machine 114 and a refresh state machine 116. One input to the EISA block 102 is provided by the DDF or data destination facility control block 118. The DDF system is a memory translation and module addressing system and is more fully described in U.S. patent application 431,666 filed Nov. 3, 1989 and in its European Patent Office counterpart having an application number of 90 311 749.7 and a filing date of Oct. 26, 1990, which was published on May 8, 1991, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The ISA block 104 includes ISA control logic 120 to develop necessary signals from the ISA signals and from the DDF control unit 118 and to provide these signals to an ISA state machine 122. A byte enable latch 124 latches the byte enable signals as generally developed in Intel microprocessors and as available on the host bus H. The memory controller 46 also contains clock generation logic 126 which receives a reference clock signal, the BCLK or bus clock signal from the EISA bus and the system reset signal. In addition, mode select decode logic 128 receives three select signals to determine the particular operating frequency of the system. The four state machines 110, 114, 116 and 122 provide their outputs to a series of logic blocks such as the RAS control logic 130, the CAS control logic 132, snoop strobe logic 134 and data buffer control logic 136. The RAS control logic 130 develops the row address strobe (RAS) signals provided to the memory board M and used on the processor board P. The CAS control logic utilizes the output of the byte enable latch 124 and develops the particular column address select (CAS) signals used by the memory devices. The snoop strobe logic 134 develops a signal which is provided to the various cache systems on the CPU 42 to indicate when snooping of the address bus is appropriate for cache coherency reasons. The data buffer control logic 136 provides the various write enable, output enable and latch enable signals used with the memory devices and the various data buffers/latches 48. The memory addresses on the HA bus and as developed by the DDF system are provided to an address block 138, which includes a CAS address latch 140 and a memory address multiplexer 142. The CAS address latch 140 is utilized because the addresses on the host bus HA may be removed prior to the completion of the cycle. Therefore latching is necessary. The memory address multiplexer 142 develops the row and column addresses from the full address provided on the HA bus and by the DDF system. The addresses provided by the memory address multiplexer 42 are the MA address lines provided on the MA bus. The logical flow of the host state machine 110 is shown in FIG. 5. The host state machine 110 is capable of operating with 16 MHz, 25 MHz and 33 MHz system operating frequencies and is designed to work with page mode DRAMs. The host state machine 110 provides initial cycles, page hit cycles and page miss cycles. In addition, the host state machine 110 is designed to cooperate with the various burst cycles produced by the CPU 42. The host state machine 110 is clocked by a signal referred to as REFCLK, which is 32 MHz for 16 MHz system operation, 25 MHz for 25 MHz system operation and 33 MHz for 33 MHz system operation. Upon reset, control initiates at host state machine state HA. This is the initial state and a rest state. In the state machines of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 and the accompanying schematic diagram the signal mnemonic or state followed by an underline is the inverse of the same signal mnemonic or state without the underline. Additionally, the dot in the state machines of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 indicates the logical AND operation, while the+ signal indicates the logical OR operation. Control proceeds from state HA to state HF if 25 MHz operation is selected, as indicated by the HOST25 signal being high; a write cycle is occurring, as indicated by the WRCYC signal being true; and the operation is being performed by the CPU 42 to the memory located on the processor card P or the memory card M, the host bus memory, as indicated by the true state of the HOSTCYC signal. Control proceeds from state HA to state HB for read or write cycles being performed by the CPU 42 on the host bus H which are not 25 MHz write cycles or if 16 MHz operation is indicated, a host cycle is occurring as indicated by the HOSTCYC signal, a write cycle is commencing as indicated by the HW -- R signal and an address status pulse is occurring as indicated by the ADS signal. For all other cases, control remains at state HA. Control proceeds from state HB to state HF for write cycles. If the pending cycle is a read cycle, as indicated by the RDCYC signal being high or true, and either 33 or 16 MHz operation is indicated by the HOST33 or HOST16 signals being true, control proceeds to state HC. Control proceeds from state HC to state HD and then to state HE on successive REFCLK signal rising edges. If 25 MHz operation is indicated and a read cycle is occurring, control proceeds directly from state HB to state HE, thereby bypassing states HC and HD. Control proceeds from state HE to state HF. Control proceeds from state HF to state HG if this is not the last transfer in a burst series of transfers, as indicated by the BLAST -- signal being high. Control proceeds from state HG to state HF. This state HF to state HG loop forms the burst loop and operates the memory devices in page mode due to the definition of a burst operation. Control proceeds from state HF to state HH if this is the last operation in a burst operation as indicated by the BLAST signal being true. Control proceeds from state HH to state HI if the ADS signal is active, a column address strobe is not being provided and operation is not indicated at 16 MHz; if the ADS signal is true and a write cycle is commencing as indicated by the HW -- R signal being true; or if a memory page hit has occurred and this is a read cycle. Control proceeds from state HH to state HJ if 16 MHz operation is indicated, the operation is a read page miss, the ADS signal is true and the operation is being performed by the CPU 42 on the host bus H; or if the operation is a read miss cycle to the host bus memory by the CPU 42. If the HHLDA signal is asserted, indicating that the CPU 42 does not have control of the host bus H, control returns to state HA to set up an initial operation. In all other cases control loops at state HH, the second idle or reset state. Control proceeds from state HI to state HJ if a page miss operation is indicated. Control proceeds from state HI back to state HH if the operation in progress is not indicated as being to host bus memory by the CPU 42. Control proceeds from state HI to state HE if 33 or 16 MHz operation is indicated, a read cycle is in progress and it is a page hit. Control proceeds from state HI to state HF for all 25 MHz operation hit cases and for 16 and 33 MHz write cycle hits. Control proceeds from state HJ to state HB for 25 MHz write cycles. Control proceeds from state HJ to HK for all 16 and 33 MHz operations. Control proceeds from state HK to state HL in all cases. Control proceeds from state HJ directly to state HL, bypassing state HK, for 25 MHz read cycles. Control proceeds from state HL to HB in all instances. Thus the host state machine 110 compensates for the different operating frequencies and fixed memory device timing to produce optimal memory cycles. The EISA master state machine 114 is shown logically in FIG. 6. The state machine 114 is clocked by the REFCLK signal but is also in many cases interlocked with the BCLK signal so that it is properly synchronized with the EISA bus. Upon computer system C reset, control starts at state EA. While the HHLDA signal is low, indicating that the CPU 42 is in control of the host bus H, control remains in state EA. Control also remains at state EA for all conditions not specified in transfers to states EB or EC. If the CPU 42 is not in control of the host bus; a refresh cycle is not occurring; a memory cycle is occurring; the cycle is starting; a 16 bit ISA master is not in control of the EISA bus as indicated by the EMSTR16 -- signal provided from the bus controller 22; and 25 MHz read operations are not occurring, control proceeds from state EA to state EB. Control remains in state EB if a write operation is occurring, as indicated by the LHW -- R or latched host write signal; the BCLK signal is low and 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated and any other cases not indicating a transfer to state EC. If either 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated, the LHW -- R or latched HW -- R signal indicates that a write operation is occurring, the BCLK signal is high and this is not the start of a sequence as indicated by the synchronized not START or SSTRT -- signal being true; if 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated and a read operation is occurring; or for all 25 MHz write operations, control proceeds from state EB to state EC. Control proceeds from state EA to state EC when a cycle is starting, it is not a refresh cycle, the CPU 42 is not in control, a 16 bit ISA master is not in control, 25 MHz operation is indicated, a memory operation is occurring and it is a read cycle. Control remains in state EC while the BCLK signal is low and a write operation is occurring for 25 MHz operation. In all other cases control proceeds from state EC to state ED. Control remains in state ED during read operations when the BCLK signal is in a low state. At other times, that is when the BCLK signal is high during read operations or in all write operations, control proceeds from state ED to state EE. Control remains in state EE when the synchronized EXRDY or SBEXRDY signal is not true, indicating that a delay or wait state is necessary, and a write cycle is occurring. Control proceeds from state EE to state EC for 25 MHz operation write cycles which are bursts, as indicated by the MSBURST signal being active, and a ready state is indicated. Control proceeds from state EE to state EB for 33 or 16 MHz operations which are writes, bursting and ready. For write, non-burst operations with the memory indicating ready, control proceeds from state EE to state EA. Control proceeds from state EE to state EF for read operations which are being performed in 16 or 33 MHz operation or are not to the memory on the host bus H. Control proceeds from state EE to state EH for 25 MHz operation, non-host bus reads. Control proceeds from state EF to state EG for 16 or 33 MHz operations which are being performed to the host bus H. Control proceeds from state EG to state EH. Control proceeds directly from state EF to state EH for cases which are either 25 MHz operation or not to the host bus memory. Control remains at state EH while the EISA bus is indicated as not being ready by the SBEXRDY -- signal being true. When the bus becomes ready and it is not a burst operation, control returns to state ED from state EA. Alternatively, if a burst operation is indicated, control proceeds from state EH to state ED. Thus the EISA state machine 114 also compensates for the varying system operating speeds. Operation of the ISA state machine 122 is shown in FIG. 7. The ISA state machine 122 is also clocked by the REFCLK signal. Upon reset of the computer system C, control proceeds to state IA. Control remains at state IA while a signal referred to as ISACMD -- is true, indicating that an ISA memory read or write operation is not occurring, or if a 16 bit ISA master is not operating. If an ISA memory read or write command is in progress, a 16 bit ISA master is in control and either 16 or 33 MHz operation is indicated, control proceeds from state IA to state IB. Control always proceeds from state IB to state IC. If an ISA command is active and being provided by a 16 bit ISA master and 25 MHz operation is indicated, control proceeds from state IA directly to state IC. Control proceeds from state IC to state ID. Control remains at a state ID while the ISA memory read or write command is in progress. Control proceeds from state ID to state IA when the ISA command is completed. Operation of the refresh state machine 116 is shown in FIG. 8. The refresh state machine 116 is clocked by the REFCLK signal. Upon system reset, control proceeds to state RA. Control remains in state RA while the CPU 42 is in control of the host bus H, an EISA cycle has not commenced as indicated by the SSTRT -- signal being true or a refresh cycle is not occurring. If the CPU 42 is not in control of the host bus H, an EISA cycle has started, and it is a refresh cycle, control proceeds from state RA to state RB. Control then proceeds consecutively on REFCLK signal rising edges from state RB to RC to RD and returns to state RA. Thus it is noted that the refresh state machine is not frequency dependent. As indicated in the block diagram of FIG. 4, miscellaneous logic is needed with the state machines 110, 114, 116 and 122 to develop the necessary signals both to drive the memory devices and the buffers and for development and control of the state machines. Referring to FIG. 14, the clock dividing circuitry is shown. For 16 MHz system operation, a 32 MHz REFCLK signal is provided, while for 25 MHz operation the REFCLK signal is 25 MHz and for 33 MHz operation the REFCLK signal is 33 MHz. For 25 and 33 MHz cases the REFCLK signal can be used directly as the HCLK signal, which is provided to the host bus H as the master clock signal, while for the 16 MHz operation the REFCLK signal must be divided by two. This is done by the D-type flip-flop 172, which has the REFCLK signal providing the clocking signal. The non-inverted output is connected to the input of an inverter 174, whose output is connected to the D input. The HRESET signal, the system reset signal, is provided to an inverter 76, whose output is connected to the inverted set input of the flip-flop 172 for synchronization purposes. The HOST16 signal, indicating 16 MHz operation, and the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 172 are the inputs to a two input NAND gate 178. The output of the NAND gate 178 is connected to one input of a two input NAND gate 180. The HOST16 signal is provided to an inverter 182, whose output is connected to one input of a two input NAND gate 184. The REFCLK signal provides the second input to the NAND gate 184, whose output is connected to the second input of the NAND gate 180. The output of the NAND gate 180 is the HCLK signal. Referring now to FIG. 9, certain miscellaneous logic is shown which is used to develop some signals. For example, one signal which is developed for certain EISA read operations is the STRETCH -- signal, which is provided to the bus controller 22 so that a full BCLK signal wait state need not be applied, thus allowing a slight delay in memory operations without the full delay developed by a full wait state. For 33 MHz operation the HOST33 signal is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 200. The LHW -- R -- signal, which indicates a read operation, is provided to a second input of the NAND gate 200, while the final input is a signal referred to as NEISASTG, which indicates that the next state of the EISA state machine 110 is state EG. The output of the NAND gate 200 is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 202. The second input to the NAND gate 202 is provided by the output of three input NAND gate 204 which is used for the 25 MHz condition. The inputs to the NAND gate 204 are the HOST25 signal, the LHW -- R -- signal and a signal referred to as NEISASTF or EISA state machine next state EF signal. The third input to the NAND gate 202 is provided by the output of four input NAND gate 206. The inputs to the NAND gate 206 are the HOST16 signal, the LHW -- R -- signal, the NEISASTG signal and a signal referred to as STRTCH16. The STRTCH16 signal is developed at the inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 208. Two buffers 210 and 212 are connected from the STRTCH16 signal to the D input of the flip-flop 208. The inverted clock input of the flip-flop 208 is the SBCLK or synchronized BCLK signal. The CMD -- signal from the EISA bus is provided to an inverter 214, whose output is connected to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 208. Therefore the STRTCH16 signal toggles on BCLK signal falling edges during burst operations at 16 MHz systems. This is because a full delay is not necessary in each particular cycle and thus performance can be increased in this manner. The output of the NAND gate 202 is provided as one input to a two input NAND gate 216. The second input to the NAND gate 216 is the EXRDY signal from the EISA bus, which indicates that operations are ready to proceed. The output of the NAND gate 216 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 218. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clocking input of the flip-flop 218. The output of the flip-flop 218 is the STRETCH -- signal which is provided to the bus controller 22 to indicate when a stretch of the BCLK signal should be developed. Referring to FIG. 10, a signal indicated as EBBEN -- is developed as the output of a D-type latch 220. The EBBEN -- signal is provided to the local data buffer latch 48 present on the processor board P so that data can be provided from the memory devices 50 to the host bus 42. The RASEN -- signal or not RAS enable signal is provided to the D input of the latch 220, while the IRAS or internal master RAS signal is provided to the input of a inverter 222 whose output is connected to the enable input of the latch 220. Because the buffers 48 are bi-directional and have tristate outputs, output enable signals are necessary for each direction, that is from the memory data bus to the host data bus and from the host data bus to the memory data bus. The development of these signals is shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, FIG. 11 shows the development of the write enable signal which is applied to the memory devices. The RDCYC signal and the HOSTCYC signal are provided as the two inputs to a two input AND gate 230. The output of the AND gate 230 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 232. The REFCLK signal provided to the clocking input of the flip-flop 232, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 232 to cause it to be reset during system reset. The inverted output of the flip-flop 232 is provided as one input to a three input NAND gate 234. A second input to the NAND gate 234 is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 236, whose inputs are the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 235 and the HDEISAEN signal, which is provided to indicate that data is to be transferred from the host data bus to the EISA bus. This signal is provided by the bus controller 22. The EISARD signal, which indicates an EISA read cycle, is provided to the D input of the latch 235, while the HDEISAEN signal is provided to the enable input. The third input to the NAND gate 234 is provided by the output of an inverter 238 whose input is the ISARD signal, which is developed from the various ISA signals present, particularly the MRDC -- signal. The output of the NAND gate 234 is provided to one input of a two input NAND gate 240. The second input to the NAND gate 240 is provided by the HINHIBIT -- signal. This signal is present to allow a writeback cache to be utilized with the memory controller 46. The HINHIBIT signal is developed during delays in conventional signals to allow the direction of travel of the host bus H to be reversed to allow the cache controller to writeback data into the memory system. The output of the NAND gate 240 is the MDHDOE -- signal. Thus when this signal is active, the buffers 48 are transferring data from the memory devices to the host data bus. The WRCYC signal and the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 242 are provided as the two inputs to a two input NAND gate 244. The output of the two input NAND gate 244 is provided as one input to a two input NAND gate 246. The WRCYC and HOSTCYC signals are provided as the two inputs to a two input NAND gate 248, whose output is the second input to the NAND gate 246. The output of the NAND gate 246 is provided to the D input of the flip-flop 242. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clocking input, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 242. The inverted output of the flip-flop 242 is provided to one input of a three input NAND gate 250. The second input to the NAND gate 250 is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 252. The HDEISAEN signal, which indicates that the buffers are transmitting from the host data bus to the EISA data bus, and the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 251 are the inputs to the NAND gate 252. The EISAWR signal, which indicates that an EISA write operation is occurring, is provided to the D input of the latch 251, while the HDEISAEN signal is provided to the enable input. The ISAWR or ISA write signal is provided to the input of an inverter 254 whose output is the third input to the NAND gate 250. The output of the NAND gate 250 is provided to an inverter 253 whose output is the HDMDOE -- signal or the host data to memory data output enable signal. When this signal is low the outputs of the buffer 48 to the memory data bus are active. The HDMDOE -- signal is provided to the input of an inverter 260. The output of the inverter 260 is one input to a two input NAND gate 262. The LHWP -- signal is the second input to the NAND gate 262. This signal when active low, indicates that the particular location is write protected, so that a write strobe is not developed even though data is being transferred to the data bus. The output of the NAND gate 262 is provided to the D input of a D-type transparent latch 264. The CAS -- signal is provided to the enable input of the latch 264. The non-inverted output of the latch 264 provides the MWEO -- or write enable signal to the memory devices, preferably 80 ns page node dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), such as those in SIMM modules such as the THM362500AS-80, the THM365120AS-80, the THM361020S-80, and the THM362020S-80 memory DRAMs manufactured by Toshiba. Thus the write enable signal is active during the CAS portion when data is being transferred from the host bus to the memory bus except to write protected locations. In the like manner as there were two output enable signals for the two directions for the buffers 48, similarly there are also latch signals which are provided to the buffers 48 to latch in both directions. The development of the memory data to host data latch enable or MDHDLE -- signal is shown in FIG. 12, while the development of the host data to memory data latch enable or HDMDLE -- signal is shown in FIG. 13. The buffer/latches 48 are designed such that they are transparent when the latch enable signals are low and latch data on the rising edge of the latch enable signals. Two signals referred to as HOSTSTE and HOSTSTG indicating the host state machine is in states HE or HG are provided to the inputs to a two input OR gate 276. The output of the OR gate 276 is provided as one input to a three input AND gate 278. The other two inputs to the AND gate 278 are the RDCYC signal, to indicate a read cycle, and the HOST25 signal, to indicate that 16 or 33 MHz operation. The output of the AND gate 278 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 280. The clock input of the flip-flop 280 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 280 is connected to one input to a four input OR gate 282. A signal referred to as HOSTSTF, to indicate that the host state machine is in state HF, is one input to a three input AND gate 284. The other two inputs to the AND gate 284 are the RDCYC signal and the HOST25 signal. The output of the AND gate 284 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 286, whose inverted clock input receives the REFCLK signal and whose inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The output of the D-type flip--flop 286 is provided to one input of the OR gate 282. The HOSTSTE and HOSTSTG signals are provided as the inputs to a two input OR gate 288, whose output is one input to a three input AND gate 290. The other two inputs of the AND gate 290 are the RDCYC and HOST25 -- signals. The output of the AND gate 290 is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 292. The inverted clocking input is connected to the REFCLK signal and the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 292 is connected to the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output signal of the flip-flop 292 is provided as a third input to the OR gate 282. A signal referred to as the NEISASTD or EISA state machine next state ED signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 294. The clock input of the flip-flop 294 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted input reset input receives HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 294 is provided as one input to a two input OR gate 296. The EISASTA or EISA state machine state EA signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 298. The REFCLK signal is provided to the inverted clock input, while the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 298 is provided as the second input to the OR gate 296. The output of the OR gate 296 is one input to a three input NAND gate 300. The HHLDA and EMSTR16 -- signals are the two remaining inputs to the NAND gate 300. The output of the NAND gate 300 is provided to the input of an inverter 302. The output of the inverter 302 provides the fourth input to the OR gate 282. The output of the OR gate 282 is the MDHDLE -- signal, which is provided directly to the input of the buffer/latch 48 as the active low latch enable signal. Thus the MDHDLE -- signal is active as appropriate to latch the data from the memory devices. Proceeding now to FIG. 13, the CAS -- signal, which is active low when any individual CAS signal is being asserted, is provided to the input of an inverter 310. The output of the inverter 310 is provided as one input to a two input NOR gate 312. The HOSTSTF or host state machine state HF signal is provided to the D input of a D-type flip--flop 314. The inverted clocking input of the flip-flop 314 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the HRESET -- signal. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 314 is provided to the second input of the NOR gate 312. The output of the NOR gate 312 is the HDMDLE signal. An inverted form of this signal is provided to the active low latch enable input for the host data to memory data direction of the buffer/latch 48. As previously noted, three select inputs are provided to the memory controller 46 to indicate speed of system operation. If all three of the select inputs are low, the output of an AND gate 320, the HOST16 signal, is high, indicating 16 MHz operation. If the select inputs provide a binary value of 001, the output of an AND gate 322, the HOST25 signal, is high, indicating that 25 MHz operation is provided. If the binary value of the three select bits is 010, this is an indication of 33 MHz operation and so the output of a three input AND gate 324, the HOST33 signal, is true or high. It is noted the HOST16, HOST25 and HOST33 signals are utilized throughout the operation of the memory controller 46 and allow distinguishing between the various processor speeds. One operation of the memory controller 46 is to provide a READY signal back to the CPU 42 to indicate that data is available. This is provided according to the common characteristics of the Intel processors previously described. To this end, a READY signal is generated internally by the memory controller for host bus operations. The circuitry is shown generally in FIG. 15. A signal referred to as HERDY or host bus early ready is provided to the input of an inverter 334. The HERDY signal is provided by the bus controller 22 one clock cycle before the end of the memory cycle is to be sampled. The output of the inverter 334 is connected to one input of a three input NAND gate 336. The DDFRDY -- signal is provided as a second input to the NAND gate 336. This signal is provided when the DDF operation has completed. The HOST16 signal, the HHRDY signal and the HCLK or clocking signal on the host bus are provided as three inputs to a three input NAND gate 338. The output of the NAND gate 338 is the third input to the NAND gate 336. The output of the NAND gate 336 is connected to the D input of a D-type flip-flop 340. The REFCLK signal provides the clocking input for the flip-flop 340. The non-inverted output of the flip-flop 340 is the HHRDY or host bus ready signal while the inverted output is the HHRDY -- signal which is provided on the host bus H and to the CPU 42. The RAS control logic 130 is shown generally in FIG. 16. Five outputs are provided by the RAS control logic 130. The outputs are the RAS10 -- , RAS20 -- , RASA -- , RASB -- and IRAS signals. The RASA -- and RASB -- signals are provided to the memory board M for combination with the various DDF signals to develop the proper module for selection. The RAS10 -- and RAS20 -- signals are utilized with the memory on the processor board P for 4 Mbyte and 8 Mbyte SIMMs. The IRAS signal has been utilized in previous circuitry and is the internal master RAS signal which is active when any RAS signal is active. Two input signals, BRASSEL and BRASEN -- , are provided to indicate if the memory on the processor board P is enabled and if 4 Mbyte or 8 Mbyte SIMMs are being used. The BRASEN -- and BRASSEL signals are provided by the DDF circuitry. If the BRASEN -- signal is high or not active, then the processor board memory is disabled, except for receipt of REFRESH signals. If the BRASSEL signal is high, then the RAS10 -- signal may be active and the RAS20 -- signal is inactive. If the BRASSEL signal is low, then the RAS20 -- signal may be active and the RAS10 -- signal is inactive. This allows bank selection on 4 and 8 Mbyte SIMMs. The RAS10 -- signal is provided by the output of a two input NAND gate 380. One input to the NAND gate 380 is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 382. One input to the OR gate 382 is the output of a two input NOR gate 384. The inverted output of a D-type latch 386 and the BRASEN -- signals are the inputs to the NOR gate 384. The second input to the OR gate 382 is provided by the non-inverted output of a D-type latch 388. The D input of the latch 388 is connected to the output of an inverter 389, whose input is the RFRSH -- or refresh active, when low, signal. The D input of the latch 386 receives the BRASSEL signal. The enable inputs of the latches 386 and 388 are provided by the output of an inverter 391, whose input is the IRAS signal which is provided as the output of a two input NAND gate 390. One input to the NAND gate 390 is inverted and receives its output from the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 393. The D input of the flip-flop 393 is connected to the non-inverted output of a D-type flip-flop 392. The REFCLK signal is provided to the clock input of the flip-flop 393. The second input to the NAND gate 390 is developed by the output of a three input NOR gate 394. One input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 392. The REFCLK -- signal is provided to the inverted clocking input of the flip-flop 392, while the inverted reset input receives the output of an inverter 398. The HRESET signal is provided to the inverter 398. The D-input of the flip-flop 392 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 400. One input of the NOR gate 400 receives the REFSTA or refresh state machine state RA signal. The second input to the NOR gate 400 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 402. The REFSTB or refresh state machine state RB signal is connected to one input of the NOR gate 402 while the second input is connected to the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 392. The second input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 404. The inverted clock input of the flip-flop 404 receives the REFCLK signal, while the inverted reset input receives the output of the inverter 398. The D input of the flip-flop 404 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 408. One input of the NOR gate 408 receives the EISASTA or EISA state machine state EA signal, while the second input is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 410. One input of the NOR gate 410 receives the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 404. The second input of the NOR gate 410 is connected to the output of a two input AND gate 414. One input to the AND gate 414 is the EISASTC or EISA state machine state EC signal, while the second input is connected to the output of an inverter 416. The HLOCMEM -- or host bus memory access signal, when low, is provided to the input of the inverter 416. The final input to the NOR gate 394 is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 418. The inverted clock input receives the REFCLK -- signal, while the inverted reset input receives the output of the inverter 398. The D input to the flip-flop 418 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 420. One input of the NAND gate 420 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 422. One input to the NAND gate 422 receives the ISACMD or ISA cycle active signal. The second input of the NAND gate 422 is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 426. One input to the OR gate 426 is connected to the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 418. The second input of the OR gate 426 is connected to the output of a two input NOR gate 430. An inverted input of the NOR gate 430 receives the ISASTA or ISA state machine state IA signal. The second input of the NOR gate 430 is connected to the HLOCMEM -- signal. The second input to the NAND gate 420 is connected to the output of a three input OR gate 432. The NHOSTSTJ or host state machine next state HJ and HHLDA signals are provided to the OR gate 432. The third input to the OR gate 432 is connected to the output of a three input NOR gate 436. The output of a two input AND gate 438 is connected to one input of the NOR gate 436. The NHOSTSTB or host state machine next state HB signal is connected to one input of the AND gate 438, while the output of a two input NAND gate 440 is connected to the second input. The HOST25 and WRCYC signals are connected to the inputs of the NAND gate 440. The second input of the NOR gate 436 is connected to the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 418, while the third input receives the NHOSTSTF or host state machine next state HF signal. The second input to the NAND gate 380 is provided by the output of an inverter 444. The input of the inverter 444 is the RASA -- signal, which is provided as the output of a three input NOR gate 446. The inputs to the NOR gate 446 are the non-inverting output of the flip-flop 404, the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 392 and the non-inverted output of the flip-flop 418. The RAS20 -- signal is developed at the output of a two input NAND gate 396. One input of the NAND gate 396 is connected to the output of a two input NAND gate 397. One input of the NAND gate 397 is connected to the inverting output of the latch 388, while the second input is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 399. One input of the OR gate 399 is connected to the non-inverted output of the latch 386, with the BRASEN -- signal being provided to the second input. The second input to the NAND gate 396 is inverted and connected to the output of a three input NOR gate 401. The RASB -- signal is the output of the NOR gate 401. The non-inverted outputs of the flip-flops 393, 404 and 418 are the inputs to the NOR gate 401. The logic for the CAS control logic 132 is shown in detail in FIG. 17. What is shown in FIG. 17 is one channel or group block of four like sets of logic to develop the four individual CAS signals. This is indicated by the output signal being referred to as CAS -- n for the particular byte lanes 0-3 in the preferred embodiment. The CAS -- n signal is produced as the output of a three input NOR gate 460. One input to the NOR gate 460 is the REFCAS or refresh CAS signal which is provided as the output of a three input AND gate 462 (FIG. 9). Two of the inputs to the AND gate 462 are the RFRSH and HHLDA signals which indicate a refresh cycle is in operation. The third input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 464. The START signal is provided as one input to the OR gate 464 to provide timing from the EISA bus, while the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 466 is provided to the second input of the OR gate 464. The START signal is provided to the D input of the flip-flop 466, while the SBCLK signal is provided to the inverted clock input and the HRESET -- signal is provided to the inverted reset input of the flip-flop 466. Thus the REFCAS signal is lowered during the start portion of the bus cycle and raised shortly thereafter. A second input to the NOR gate 460 is the CASPn signal or CAS signal based on the positive edges of the REFCLK signal. This signal is provided at the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 468, whose clocking input receives the REFCLK signal. The D input receives the output of a two input AND gate 470. One input to the AND gate 470 is connected to the output of a two input OR gate 472. One input to the OR gate 472 is connected to the output of a three input AND gate 474. The three inputs to the AND gate 474 are the IRAS signal, LHWP -- signal and the CASEN<n>signal. The CASEN<n>signal is the latched version of the CAS enable as developed by the byte enable latches 124, and is used to decode which particular byte lane is being requested by the master device. The second input to the OR gate 472 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 476. One input to the AND gate 476 is the IRAS signal, while the second input is provided by the output of a four input OR gate 478. Three of the inputs to the OR gate 478 are the RDCYC, EISARD and ISARD signals, to indicate read cycles on the host, EISA or ISA buses. The fourth input to the OR gate 478 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 480. The three inputs to the AND gate 480 are the ADS, CAS -- and HW -- R -- signals, which allow an earlier development of the CAS signals without the propagation delay required to develop the RDCYC signal. The second input to the AND gate 470 is provided by the output of a five input OR gate 482. One input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 484, one of whose inputs is the ISACMD signal to indicate an active ISA operation. The second input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 486 whose inputs are the ISASTC and CASPFB signals. The ISASTC signal indicates that the ISA state machine is in state IC, while the CASPFB signal is a logical OR of the four CASPn signals. A second input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a two input AND gate 488. The WRCYC and HOSTSTF or host state machine state HF signals are the inputs to the AND gate 488. A third input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 490, whose input signals are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTB or host state machine state HB signals. A fourth input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 492. The HOST25, NHOSTSTI or host state machine next state HI and the HW -- R -- signals are the inputs to the AND gate 492. The final input to the OR gate 482 is provided by the output of a four input AND gate 494. The HOST25, RDCYC, BLAST -- and HOSTSTF signals are provided as the four inputs to the AND gate 494. The third input to the NOR gate 460 is the CASNn signal or the negative or falling edge of the REFCLK signal based portion of the CAS signal. The CASNn signal is provided by the non-inverting output of a D-type flip-flop 500 whose inverted clock input is connected to the REFCLK signal. The D input of the flip-flop 500 is connected to the output of a two input AND gate 502. One input of the AND gate 502 is connected to the output of the OR gate 472, while the second input is connected to the output of a five input OR gate 504. One input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 506, whose inputs are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTE or host state machine state HE signals. The second input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 508 whose inputs are the HOST25, RDCYC and HOSTSTG or state HG signals. The third input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 510 whose inputs are the RDCYC, HIT and HOSTSTI signals. The fourth input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 512. The RDCYC and HOST25 -- signals are provided to this AND gate as is the output of a two input OR gate 514. One input to the OR gate 514 is the HOSTSTD or host state machine state HD signal, while the other input is the output of a two input AND gate 516. The HOSTSTF and BLAST -- signals are provided to the AND gate 516. The final input to the OR gate 504 is provided by the output of a three input AND gate 518. Signals referred to as EISASTA -- and EISASTD -- are provided to the AND gate 518 to indicate that the EISA state machine is not in state A or state D, respectively. The third input is provided by the output of a two input OR gate 520. One input to the OR gate 520 is the CASNFB signal, which is the logic O-Ring of the 4 CASn signals. The second input to the OR gate 520 is the output of a two input AND gate 522 whose inputs are the EISASTE and SBEXRDY signals. Attached as Appendix A is a series of timing diagrams showing the various cycles and the operations of the various outputs during portions of those particular cycles in conjunction with the states of the various state machines. Review of the timing diagrams in combination with the figures and this detailed description is believed to provide a more complete understanding of the operation of a circuit according to the present invention. Appendix A is hereby incorporated as though fully set forth herein. The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, materials, components, circuit elements, wiring connections and contacts, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry, construction and operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A synchronous memory controller capable of operating with three different frequency microprocessors and yet providing similar DRAM timings. Input frequencies of 32, 25 and 33 MHz correspond to 16, 25 and 33 MHz microprocessors. Various states are bypassed at certain frequencies to allow the various memory, latch and buffer control signals to be produced uniformly. The memory controller also handles operations from external buses, such as the EISA and ISA buses at the various input frequencies. These external bus cycles are controlled by separate state machines, which also have states bypassed for certain input frequencies.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-421992, filed on Dec. 19, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cabinet configured to contain a desired device and to have, on a side portion thereof, an additional device which operates in association with or in parallel with the desired device, and it relates to the additional device. 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various operators employ cabinets in compliance with the EIA standard or the JIS standard to accommodate many devices such as routers and servers of a data communication network which are given maintenance and expansion when necessary, the cabinet containing these devices together in the same site or office premise (may be a single rack). FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) show a structural example (1) of a conventional cabinet. FIG. 11 shows a structural example (2) of the conventional cabinet. As shown in FIG. 10( a ), FIG. 10( b ), and FIG. 11 , the conventional cabinet is composed of the following elements: (1) A cylinder 52 made of metal (aluminum or the like) having: two apertures with one edge folded with a margin of a prescribed width (assumed here to be small to such an extent as not to close the aperture) at a right angle in a direction of the axis of the cylinder; attached thereto a printed board 51 with components constituting a desired device (a router or the like) mounted in a hollow portion thereof; and a cross section thereof in a rectangular shape; (2) A front cover 53 : connected to an electronic circuit (including later-described receptacles 51 R- 1 , 51 R- 2 ) on the printed board 51 ; having attached thereto electronic components used for connection of the electronic circuit to a man-machine interface and to an exterior; fitted (or fastened) to the aperture of the aforesaid cylinder 52 with no folded edge; having in advance a slit or the like corresponding to a ventilation path to the exterior in advance and preventable of radiation of electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic circuit to the exterior; (3) A decorative frame 56 having a cross section in a substantially U shape and covering the aforesaid cylinder 52 and both of cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 (assumed here that a width w thereof is half (=W/2) a width W (<19 inch) of the aforesaid aperture, and a thickness t thereof is equal to a thickness T of this aperture) containing later-described two power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 (the power supply unit 54 - 2 is omitted in FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) in order to clearly show the inside of the cylinder 52 ) adjacent to the aperture, the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 being made of metal in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to contain part of the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 respectively. The aforesaid cabinet 55 - 1 is formed in the following manner: (1) A bending margin that is equal in size and shape to the aforesaid bending margin is reserved in an aperture at the one aperture of the cylinder 52 , and the bending margin is bent at a right angle in a direction so as to narrow this aperture. (2) A bottom of the cabinet 55 - 1 is formed as a detachable metal plate 55 B- 1 . (3) Two air vents 57 - 11 , 57 - 12 and two decorative screws 58 - 11 , 58 - 12 rotatable from an exterior are attached to predetermined positions of the plate 55 B- 1 , and fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 are mounted inside the air vents 57 - 11 , 57 - 12 . (4) Screw holes formed in the bending margins of the apertures of the cabinet 55 - 1 and the cylinder 52 , for a predetermined number of screws to screw-fix the cabinet 55 - 1 and the cylinder 52 to each other. Further, the power supply unit 54 - 1 is constituted of the following elements: (1) a printed board 61 fixed to the aforesaid plate 55 B- 1 at one end and having at the other end thereof a plug 60 P- 1 fitted to the receptacle 51 R- 1 ; and (2) a power supply circuit 62 - 1 formed on the printed board 61 - 1 to supply power to the circuit disposed on the printed board 51 via the aforesaid plug 60 P- 1 and receptacle 51 R- 1 and to drive the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 . Since the structures of the power supply units 54 - 2 and the cabinet 55 - 2 are the same as those of the power supply unit 54 - 1 and the cabinet 55 - 1 respectively, explanation and illustration thereof will be omitted here, and the same reference numerals and symbols with a suffix number ‘2’ instead of ‘ 1 ’ will be used to designate corresponding portions. A device including the cabinet as configured above is assembled in the following procedure. (1) The printed board 51 whose assembly has been finished is mounted in the hollow portion of the cylinder 52 . (2) The front cover 53 is attached to the other aperture of the cylinder 52 . (3) The decorative screws 58 - 11 , 58 - 12 , 58 - 21 , 58 - 22 are screwed off from the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 whose assembly has been finished, and the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 are detached from the bottoms of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . It is assumed that even during this process, power supply routes to the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 are kept via lead wires connected to the power supply circuits 62 - 1 , 62 - 2 respectively. (4) Screws used for screw-fixing the apertures of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 to the one aperture of the cylinder 52 from the bottom (holes formed by the aforesaid detachment of the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 ) side of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . (5) The bottoms of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are closed with the plates 55 B- 1 , 55 B- 2 through performing the above procedure in reverse ( 3 ). (6) The decorative frame 56 is placed to cover an external wall except bottom faces of the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 and the cylinder 52 . A prior art to enhance or maintain high stiffness of a cabinet similarly to the present invention is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-148578. In the above-described conventional example, in order to prevent radiation of electronic magnetic interference generated in the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 to the exterior of the cabinet, it is necessary to electrically tightly connect the cylinder 52 to the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 by the aforesaid screw-fixing or to similarly maintain stable and close electrical connection between the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 via conductive springs 71 or the like as shown by ( 1 ) in FIG. 12 . Further, the springs 71 give a strong pressure to the apertures of the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 . Generally, however, the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are preferably thin and made of light-weight metal so that the cylinder 52 is required to have a reinforcing member 72 at least near the aperture in order to prevent it from deforming against the pressure as shown by ( 2 ) in FIG. 12 . However, the bending margin of the aperture of the cylinder 52 reduces the volume of an available space in the hollow portion of the cylinder 52 in which desired components including the aforesaid printed board 51 are disposed. In addition, even without such a bending margin, the available space is narrowed by the aforesaid reinforcing member 72 and the springs 71 , which possibly prevents desired high density assembly and downsizing of the cylinder. Moreover, in the conventional example, the cylinder 52 and the cabinets 55 - 1 , 55 - 2 are electrically closely coupled in order to suppress radiation of the electro magnetic interference in a high-frequency band ranging from several mega hertz to several gigahertz generated in the electronic circuit on the printed board 51 and of the electro magnetic interference in a bandwidth of several hundred kilohertz or less generated in the power supply circuits 62 - 1 , 62 - 2 during the process of voltage conversion by switching. Therefore, for example, with the power supply unit 54 - 2 detached for replacement or not mounted, the power supply and forced air cooling relies on the power supply unit 54 - 1 , so that an expensive shield has to be provided in order to prevent the radiation of the electro magnetic interference in a high-frequency band. Moreover, in the conventional example, the heat release efficiency of the electronic circuit lowers if either of the power supply units 54 - 1 , 54 - 2 is not mounted or either of the fans incorporated therein is in fault. Therefore, it is required to set the performance or the rotation speed of the fans 59 - 11 , 59 - 12 , 59 - 21 , 59 - 22 with a sufficient margin so as to maintain the operational temperature of the electronic circuit while the power is continuously supplied to the electronic circuit. Generally, when power supply units to be plugged into the cabinets of individual devices do not incorporate fans, the larger the number of devices contained in the rack and the thinner the thickness of the cabinets in which the bodies of the devices are mounted, with higher assembly density many power supply units and fans are mounted. Besides, it is difficult to make air exhaustion or suction in the same direction by the fans. In such a case, it is likely that the size of the cabinets of the devices contained in the same rack increases since the rack needs to have complex ventilation paths for the purpose of compensating or adapting to the exhaustion and suction in various directions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet that can contain various devices and to which a desired additional device closely related to the contained devices is detachably, securely attached, without great increase in manufacturing cost or any structural complication, and to provide the additional device. It is another object of the present invention to reduce the weight and size of a device and a system to which the present invention is applied and realize high density assembly thereof as well as to make the device and system be adaptable to various system configurations, without increasing manufacturing cost and restrictions on thermal design, and complexing the structure. It is still another object of the present invention to stably and securely attach/detach the additional device to/from the cylinder (also referred to herein as a housing) of the cabinet even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder. It is yet another object of the present invention to make a desired device contained in the cabinet of the present invention adaptable to not only various shapes and dimension of additional devices but also the system configurations and conditions thereof and to prevent abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of forced air cooling of an electronic device contained in the cylinder. It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain high efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling without setting performance of a fan provided in each of the additional devices to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving the fans. It is yet another object of the present invention to improve efficiency and availability of the cabinet and additional device with regard to the maintenance and operation thereof and to enhance total reliability thereof. It is yet another object of the present invention to increase, compared with conventional examples, upper limit values of the volumes of an electronic device contained in a cylinder and of an additional device attached to the aperture of the cylinder, or to decrease the size of the cabinet of the present invention and change the shape thereof freely. It is yet another object of the present invention to suppress or reduce electro magnetic interference caused by an electronic device even while an additional device is not inserted into the aperture of the cylinder. It is yet another object of the present invention to closely fit, with a strong pressure, the cabinet of an additional device into the aperture of a cabinet containing an electronic device with low cost and without structural complication, compared with a case where stiffness of the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device is not reinforced with having a folded edge. It is yet another object of the present invention to make it possible to not only replace power sources according to difference or increase/decrease in load of electronic devices but also standardize the structure of the power sources and electronic devices. It is yet another object of the present invention to perform air exhaustion or suction in the same direction or in an integrated manner with easiness during a process of forced air cooling of an electronic device. The present invention is applied as follows. A first cabinet according to the present invention has a conductive cylinder containing an electronic device. The cylinder has an aperture with a folded edge. Further, an additional device operating in parallel with the aforesaid electronic device is fitted into this aperture. A reinforcing member is supported with a portion of an inner wall of the cylinder and disposed on a boundary between two areas in the cylinder where the electronic device and the additional device are placed, respectively. The portion of the inner wall is more inside than a folded edge of the aperture. Therefore, folding the edge of the aperture of the cylinder can increase the stiffness of the aperture, and the provision of the reinforcing member also heightens the physical strength of the inner wall of the cylinder including the vicinity of the folded portion of the aperture, even though the aperture is given pressure in an outward direction from the cabinet of the inserted additional device. Consequently, It is possible to stably and securely attach/detach the additional device to/from the cylinder even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder. A second cabinet according to the present invention includes a conductive cylinder containing an electronic device. The cylinder has an aperture with a folded edge. Further, a plurality of additional devices operating in parallel with the aforesaid electronic device are fitted into the aperture with a folded edge. A reinforcing member is supported with a portion of an inner wall of this cylinder, and disposed on a boundary between two areas in the cylinder where the electronic device and all of the plurality of additional devices are placed, respectively. The portion of the inner wall is more inside than the folded edge of the aperture. Therefore, folding the edge of the aperture of the cylinder can increase the stiffness of the aperture, and the provision of the reinforcing member also heightens the physical strength of the inner wall of the cylinder including the vicinity of the folded portion of the aperture, even though the aperture is given pressure in an outward direction from the cabinet of the inserted additional devices. Consequently, It is possible to stably and securely attach/detach the additional devices to/from the cylinder even if the thickness or hardness of the cylinder is small because the cabinet of the additional device can have a resisting force against bending force physically acting on or around the aperture of the cylinder. A third cabinet according to the present invention includes a partitioning member which partitions the aforesaid aperture into areas into which the additional devices are fitted and is a bypass path for forced air cooling in these areas. Each of the plurality of additional devices has a fan used for the forced air cooling of the electronic device. In other words, the partitioning member helps normally operating fans, of the fans provided in the aforesaid plural devices, distribute load of the forced air cooling even though the aperture of the cylinder is divided into a plurality of apertures in conformity with the shapes and dimensions of the devices inserted into the aperture. This makes it possible to allow a desired device contained in the cabinet of the present invention to be adaptable to not only various shapes and dimensions of additional devices but also the system configurations and conditions thereof and to prevent abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of forced air cooling of an electronic device contained in the cylinder. A fourth cabinet according to the present invention includes a control unit which increases/decreases rotation speed of the fans provided in the plurality of additional devices, according to the number of the fans or operational conditions of the fans, to maintain efficiency of the forced air cooling within a prescribed range. In other words, fans provided in additionally devices actually mounted on the cabinet and normally operating can compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling if some of the plurality of additional devices are not actually mounted on the cabinet or they are mounted but the fans therein do not normally operate. Consequently, it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling without setting performance of a fan provided in each of the additional devices to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving the fans. In a fifth cabinet according to the present invention, the cylinder includes a covering member having an edge that is all or part of the edge of the aforesaid aperture, and used for opening/closing the above-mentioned two areas, and detachably supporting the reinforcing member. Therefore, with the aforesaid covering member detached, it is more facilitated to attach/detach, adjust, inspect and so on the electronic device and additional devices than with no provision of such a covering member. Consequently, it is able to improve the efficiency and availability of the cabinet of the invention with regard to maintenance and operation and to enhance total reliability thereof. In a sixth cabinet according to the present invention, the reinforcing member adjacent to the covering member has a specific edge which is shaped to be in parallel with the covering member. The covering member has a member to pinch the specific edge. Therefore, without any large member attached inside the cylinder it is able to give to the aperture stiffness and physical strength enough to securely, stably have the additional device attached thereto with low cost. Consequently, it is possible to increase, compared with conventional examples, upper limit values of the volumes of the electronic device contained in the cylinder and of the additional device attached to the aperture of the cylinder, or to decrease the size of the cabinet of the present invention and change the shape thereof freely. In a seventh cabinet according to the present invention, the reinforcing member has an opening for heat release from the electronic device to the aforesaid aperture and for suppression of radiation of electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic device to the aperture. The reinforcing member acts as a shielding member to suppress the radiation of the electro magnetic interference generated in the electronic device without obstructing heat release from the electronic device. This makes it possible to suppress or reduce the electro magnetic interference by the electronic device even while the additional device is not inserted into the aperture of the cylinder. A first additional device according to the present invention includes a first conductive cabinet containing an electronic device. The first conductive cabinet is provided with a second conductive cabinet having a first aperture to be fitted by inserting into an aperture with a folded edge. The second conductive cabinet further contains a circuit that operates in parallel with the electronic device. The first aperture of the conductive cabinet containing the circuit has a shape and dimension and made of materials to be fitted into the aforesaid aperture of the conductive cabinet with the folded edge containing the electronic device. Consequently, given a strong pressure, the above-mentioned aperture insertion is tightly made with low cost, without structural complication, compared with a case where stiffness of the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device is not reinforced with having a folded edge. A second additional device according to the present invention has a circuit to supply power to the electronic device. In this case the power source to supply power to the electronic device is contained as an additional device in another cabinet that is to be fitted into the aperture of the first cabinet containing the electronic device. This makes it possible to replace the power source according to difference or increase/decrease in load among the electronic devices as well as to standardize the structure of the power source and electronic device, compared with a case where such a power source is integrally incorporated in the electronic device. A third additional device according to the present invention uses a fan for forced air cooling of the electronic device via the first aperture. In other words the additional device contained in another cabinet fitted into the aperture of the cabinet containing the electronic device includes the fan used for the forced air cooling of the electronic device in addition to the circuit for supplying power to the electronic device. This realizes reduction in the types and number of the additional devices to be contained in another cabinet, and also realizes exhaustion or suction in the same direction, or integration of the exhaustion and suction during the process of the aforesaid forced air cooling the directions. In a fourth additional device according to the present invention, the second conductive cabinet of the above-described third additional device has a second aperture to serve as a bypass path for ventilation in the process of the forced air cooling which is provided between the additional device and another additional device disposed adjacent to the additional device. When another additional device is disposed adjacent to the additional device according to the present invention, and one of the fans provided in these additional devices is in fault or in halt, the other fan in normal operation can compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling via the second aperture. This enables a desired device contained in the cabinet of the invention to be adaptable to not only various shapes and dimensions of the additional devices but also various system configurations and operational conditions thereof. Also, this results in preventing abrupt or great decrease in efficiency of the aforesaid forced air cooling. A fifth additional device according to the present invention additionally includes a control unit which increases/decreases the rotation speed of fans according to operational conditions of the fans provided in a specific additional device of the present invention and in another additional device that is fitted into the aperture of the first cabinet, to maintain efficiency of the forced air cooling within a prescribed range. Accordingly, the fans provided in actually mounted additional devices and normally operating are able to compensate all or part of loads of the forced air cooling if some of the additional devices are not mounted or the fans in the mounted devices do not normally operate. Consequently, it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the forced air cooling without setting the performance of the fans to an unnecessarily high level, or consuming large power for driving these fans. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The nature, principle, and utility of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated by identical reference numbers, in which: FIG. 1 is an assembly view of first to third embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an essential part of the first to third embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ) show the detailed inner structure of the first to third embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ) show the process of opening/closing a cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ) show the process of mounting a power supply unit in the first to third embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 6( a ) and FIG. 6( b ) are charts to explain the operation of the first and second embodiments of the present invention FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a table to explain the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10( a ) and FIG. 10( b ) show a structural example (1) of a conventional cabinet; FIG. 11 shows a structural example (2) of the conventional cabinet; and FIG. 12 shows a problem of the conventional example. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is an assembly view of a first to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an essential part of the first to third embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ) are views showing the state in which a top cover is detached from a cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ) are views showing the process of opening/closing the cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ) are views showing the process of mounting a power supply unit in the first to third embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5( b ), the cabinet according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention is composed of a base 11 , a front cover 12 , and a top cover 13 , and the basic structures of the base 11 , front cover 12 , and top cover 13 are as follows. The base 11 is composed of the following elements: a bottom plate 111 BP being a rectangular metal plate having screw holes used for fixing the aforesaid printed board 51 , and two rectangular cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L, in one of shorter sides thereof, arranged symmetrical with respect to the center of the shorter side, and the metal plate being used for grounding an electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 ; a pair of side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L being metal plates in a substantially U shape and joined to two longer sides of the aforesaid bottom plate 111 BP respectively; partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L being made of metal or metal pieces in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having later-described first slits in lattice, and having the same length to set an interval between themselves and the printed board 51 to a predetermined value, and protrudingly provided in parallel with the longer sides of the bottom plate 11 BP with their ends on three protruding portions, which are other than the aforesaid cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L, on the aforesaid shorter side of the bottom plate 11 BP; and a reinforcing frame 11 ST: joined to the bottom plate 11 BP (( 1 ) in FIG. 2 ) with its one end; being a molded metal plate in a substantially L shape (( 2 ) in FIG. 2 ) including all of one ends and a predetermined length of top portions of the partitioning plates 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L; fixed to the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L by screwing or the like; and having later-described second slits in lattice. Note that it will be hereinafter assumed that later-described connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L are disposed on the printed board 51 in addition to the aforesaid circuit. The front cover 12 has the following structure. (1) It is formed as a molded conductive member with a shape and dimension to suppress radiation of electro magnetic interference caused by components on the printed board 51 used for man machine interface via the front cover 12 . (2) It has a groove fitted to one shorter side of the bottom plate 11 BP and to edges of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L, more specifically, edges continuing from or close to this shorter side, and it also has a later-described suction port. The top cover 13 is formed by machining a metal plate as follows. (1) A pair of sidewalls 13 SW-R, 13 SW-L are formed, which are fixable to the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L by screws and slidable along external walls of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L. (2) Bent portions 13 B-R, 13 B-L are formed that are abuttable on and screw-fixable to one ends of the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-L, and coupled to the aforesaid sidewalls 13 SW-R, 13 SW-L respectively. (3) Cutout portions 13 N-R, 13 N-L and a bent portion 13 B-C are formed, positioning at the boundary between the cutout portions 13 N-R, 13 N-L, the cutout portions being abuttable on and screw-fixable to one end of the partitioning member 11 P-C and formed by extending the aforesaid cutout portions 11 N-R, 11 N-L toward a top portion of the top cover 13 . (4) An edge 13 E is formed that has a cross section in a substantially U shape and is fittable to the front cover 12 together with the bottom plate 11 BP and the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L. Further, detachable power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L (also referred to herein as additional devices) are mounted in the aforesaid pair of cutout portions 11 N-R, 13 N-R and pair of cutout potions 11 N-L, 13 N-L, and the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are composed of the following elements. Note that what are common to the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are hereinafter denoted by reference numerals of corresponding elements with a suffix ‘b’ that can represent both the suffixes R and L. (1) A power supply cover 14 C-b: formed of a metal plate which is bent in a U shape and whose edge is molded in a shape to be fitted into the cutout portions 11 N-b, 13 N-b; used for grounding a later-described power supply circuit; and having a fan 14 F-b, a radiation fin 14 R-b, a breaker 14 CB-b, and so on attached to a top portion thereof. (2) a printed board 14 PCB-b: fixed to the power supply cover 14 C-b; and on which disposed are a power supply circuit including the aforesaid radiation fin 14 R-b and the breaker 14 CB-b, a control circuit for driving the aforesaid fan 14 F-b, and a connector 14 P-b used for connection to physical lines necessary for power supply to the circuit disposed on the printed board 51 and for association with this circuit (both are achieved via the aforesaid connector 11 J-b). Note that an exhaust port formed in the top portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b and used for exhaust via the fan 14 F-b is constituted as a set of slits that satisfy the same conditions as those of later-described first slits, or covered with a net-shaped member having such slits that are formed in advance. [First Embodiment] FIG. 6( a ) and FIG. 6( b ) are charts to explain the operation of the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6( b ). Edges of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 in which the cutout portions 11 N-b, 13 N-b are formed respectively are folded with predetermined margins as shown in (a) and (b) in FIG. 2 . Hereinafter, these edges will be referred to as folded portions. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , a support metal fitting 13 P is attached to an inner wall of the top cover 13 which is distant from the folded portion with a predetermined length. The support metal fitting 13 P is a metal piece with a shape and dimension to insert the reinforcing frame 11 ST thereto and support the edge. The power supply cover 14 C-b is formed in a shape and dimension and of a material so as to ensure elasticity and stiffness to attach/detach the power supply unit 14 -b (also referred to herein as an additional device) from/to the edge thereof (hereinafter, referred to as an inserted portion) which is inserted into a space between the aforesaid folded portions of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 . An assembly process of the cabinet according to this embodiment is as follows: (1) As shown in FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 3( b ), the printed board 51 (a desired electronic circuit whose basic operation check has been finished is incorporated thereon) is mounted on the bottom plate 11 BP, and the front cover 12 is fitted to the bottom plate 11 BP by insertion. (2) The inner wall of the top cover 13 slides along the external walls of the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L and the top portion of the reinforcing frame 11 ST (the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L) as shown in FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ). The top cover 13 (which corresponds to the specific edge of the reinforcing member described in a sixth cabinet according to the present invention and the cabin in claim 7 ) is fitted with the front cover 12 as shown in FIG. 5( a ) and FIG. 5( b ), and the top cover 13 has the support metal fitting 13 P on its inner wall to pinch the edge of the reinforcing frame 11 ST between the inner wall and the support metal fitting 13 p shown in ( 3 ) in FIG. 2 . (3) The top cover 13 (including the aforesaid bent portions 13 B-R, 13 B-C, 13 B-L) is screw-fixed to the side frames 11 SF-R, 11 SF-L and the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L. (4) The printed board 14 PCB-b is inserted into an aperture as the cutout portion 11 N-b or 13 N-b between the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C (or 11 P-C, 11 P-L), thereby fitting the aforesaid connector 14 P-b with the connector 11 J-b (mounted on the printed board 51 ) and inserting a portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b into a space between the aforesaid folded portions of the bottom plate 111 BP and the top cover 13 (( 4 ) in FIG. 2 ). In the cabinet thus assembled, the folded portions of the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 is given a pressure in an outward direction of the cabinet by the inserted portion of the power supply covers 14 C-b (( 5 ) in FIG. 2 ). However, the folded portions are folded in a the above-described manner so that when they can have strength large enough to resist a physically acting bending force thereon due to the inserted power supply cover 14 C-b, even when the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 are made of thin metal plates. Further, in the vicinity of the folded portion of the top cover 13 , a portion of the reinforcing frame 11 ST is inserted into an area sandwiched by the inner wall of the top cover 13 and the support metal fitting 13 P. The reinforcing frame 11 ST is fixed to the bottom plate 11 BP, the top portions of the partitioning plates 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L attached to the bottom plate 11 BP, so that it is possible to prevent or sufficiently reduce the bending due to the aforesaid pressure with high reliability even when the bottom plate 11 BP and the top cover 13 are made of thin metal plates. Further, the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L includes the first slits with a pitch having such a shape and dimension as to suppress radiation of: electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 - b , the electromagnetic magnetic interference (hereinafter, referred to as high-frequency electromagnetic interference) generated in the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 and having a higher frequency band that is higher than that of electro magnetic interference (hereinafter, referred to as low-frequency electro magnetic interference) generated in the power supply circuit provided in the power supply unit 14 - b ; and contrariwise, the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 ( FIG. 6( a )). The reinforcing frame 11 ST has second slits with such a shape and dimension and at a pitch as to satisfy both of the following conditions. (1) To suppress the radiation of both of the high-frequency electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 b and of the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 ( FIG. 6( a )). (2) Not to obstruct the airflow through ventilation paths (from the suction port formed in the front cover 12 to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L) for the aforesaid forced air cooling of the electronic circuit, and the degree of obstruction being allowably low. The inserted portion of the power supply cover 14 C-b is in physically and electrically close contact with the folded portions of the top cover 13 since the physical strength of the folded portions of the top cover 13 is secured by the folding as described above and a resisting force against the bending of the top cover 13 is ensured by engaging the support metal fitting 13 P with the edge of the reinforcing frame 11 ST. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress the radiation of the low-frequency electro magnetic interference generated in the power supply cover 14 C-b to the exterior from spaces which are surrounded by the bottom plate 11 BP, the reinforcing frame 11 ST, the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C ( 11 P-C, 11 P-L), and in which the power supply units 14 - b are to be mounted, respectively. Thus, this embodiment realizes enhancement in the mechanical strength and the stable efficiency of the forced air cooling as well as the shielding of the internally generated electro magnetic interference without greatly narrowing the inner space, even though the bottom plate 11 BP, the reinforcing frame 11 ST, the top cover 13 , and the power supply covers 14 C-b are formed of thin metal plates. Therefore, an electronic device to which this embodiment is applied is able to reduce its size and weight with low cost without any deterioration in performance, and it also can have considerably higher density assembly than that in conventional examples with relaxation of restrictions on thermal design. [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6( b ). The characteristics of the second embodiment are the shape, dimension, and pitch of the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 P-C. The partitioning member 11 P-C has first slits having a shape and dimension, and with a pitch to suppress, as described above, the radiation of high-frequency electro magnetic interference to the power supply unit 14 - b and of low-frequency electro magnetic interference to the printed board 51 , and in addition, to form bypass paths coupled to each other with a desired degree of tightness between two ventilation paths from the suction port formed in the front cover 12 to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L. Incidentally, the first slits in the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-L may be similarly formed with such shape and dimension and at such a pitch as described above. In this embodiment, paths for bi-directional ventilation are also formed between the first and second ventilation paths formed respectively by the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L provided in the respective two power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L. For example, in any of the following conditions, these ventilation paths are substantially integrated by the fan 14 F-L in the power supply unit 14 -L via the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 -C, as shown in FIG. 6( b ). (1) Between the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L, to operate based on the active redundancy system, only the power supply unit 14 -L is mounted and is in normal operation. (2) Between the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L to operate based on active redundancy the fan 14 F-R mounted in the power supply unit 14 -R is in fault (stopped), and only the power supply unit 14 -L is mounted, and in normal operation. Consequently, according to this embodiment, a fan provided in the power supply unit is able to stably continue forced air cooling with desired efficiency even while the operation relies only on a single power supply unit (including a period when the power supply unit 14 -R or 14 -L is given maintenance or replaced). [Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the third embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, an office power source is connected to an input of a power supply circuit 14 PS-b provided in the power supply unit 14 - b (disposed on the printed board 14 PCB-b) via a not-shown terminal board (assumed here to be disposed on the power supply cover 14 C-b), and an output of the power supply circuit 14 PS-b is connected to the following terminals provided in the fan 14 F-b and to a corresponding pin of the connector 14 P-b. (1) A terminal used for supplying power (power for fan driving) to the fan 14 F-b. (2) A terminal used for supplying a control signal indicating one of two different rotation speeds to be set for the fan 14 F-b (assumed here for simplicity to indicate that the rotation speed is to be set higher when its logical value is ‘1’ and indicate that the rotation speed is to be set low when its logical value is ‘0’). (3) A terminal used for supplying a warning signal indicating whether the fan 14 F-b is in normal operation. (4) A terminal used for applying a predetermined voltage (hereinafter, a signal indicating one of two different states, namely, whether such a voltage is applied or not, is referred to as a mount signal) to an exterior of the fan 14 F-b (power supply unit 14 - b ) only when the fan 14 F-b (power supply unit 14 - b ) is mounted. On the printed board 51 disposed are the aforesaid electronic circuit to which power is supplied in parallel by the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L via the aforesaid connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L, and a control unit 51 CNT supplied with power along with the electronic circuit and exchanging the aforesaid control signal, warning signal, and mount signal with the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L via the connectors 11 J-R, 11 J-L. Note that, hereinafter, the control signal, the warning signal, and the mount signal supplied via a connector 14 P-R and the connector 11 J-R will be referred to as a control signal R, a warning signal R, and a mount signal R respectively, and the control signal, the warning signal, and the mount signal supplied via a connector 14 P-L and the connector 11 J-L will be referred to as a control signal L, a warning signal L, and a mount signal L respectively. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a table to explain the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 as well as to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 . The control unit 51 CNT monitors the aforesaid warning signal R, mount signal R, warning signal L, and mount signal L at a predetermined frequency and judges whether or not power is normally supplied by each of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L. The control unit 51 CNT further performs the following operations according to the results of such monitoring and judgment. (1) Determination of the system configuration of the power supply units To judge whether or not voltages of the mount signal R, and the mount signal L are equal to the aforesaid predetermined voltage (( 1 ) in FIG. 8 ): If the results of the judgments are YES, to determine that the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are operating based on active redundancy (hereinafter, referred to as duplex operation) (( 2 ) in FIG. 8 ); and If, on the other hand, one of the judgment results is NO, to discriminate the corresponding power supply unit (hereinafter, referred to as an unmounted power supply unit), and to determine that the electronic circuit operates with one of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L not mounted (hereinafter, referred to as single system operation) (( 3 ) in FIG. 8 ). (2) Judgment on whether or not the power supply units are in normal operation To determine whether the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are normally supplying power (hereinafter, referred to as normal power supply units) based on the difference between the voltages of power supply lines connected to outputs, and proper values of the voltages (( 4 ) and ( 5 ) in FIG. 8 ). (3) Judgment on whether or not the fans are in normal operation: To judge whether or not each of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L is in normal operation, based on the logical values of the warning signal R and the warning signal L; and To discriminate the fan(s) with a negative judgment result (hereinafter, referred to as faulty fans) from the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L (( 6 ) and ( 7 ) in FIG. 8 ). (4) In the single system operation, to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘1’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set high), the control signal being to be given only to either of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L which is provided in the one determined as normal and is not the faulty fan. (5) In the duplex operation, to determine in what state the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are at this moment (hereinafter, referred to as a current state) from the following states (( 9 ) in FIG. 8 ): A first state in which both of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are normal and neither of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L respectively provided therein are the faulty fans (( 3 ) in FIG. 9 ); A second state in which one of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L is not normal and neither of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L respectively provided therein are the faulty fans (( 4 ) and ( 5 ) in FIG. 9 ); A third state in which one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L is the faulty fan (( 6 ) and ( 7 ) in FIG. 9 ). (6) To supply or stop power to each of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L according to the determined current state, and to set the logical value of the control signal (( 10 ) in FIG. 8 ): If the current state is the first state, to supply power to both of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L in parallel and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘0’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set low) and give the set signal to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L; If the current state is the second state, to supply power to both of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L by the normal power supply unit, and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘0’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set low) and give the set signal to the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L; and If the current state is the third state, to supply power only to one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L, being not the faulty fan (hereinafter, referred to as a normal fan) and to set the logical value of the control signal to ‘1’ (indicating that the rotation speed is set high) and to give the set signal to this normal fan. That is, one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L in normal operation is continuously given power by the normal power supply unit(s) (both or one of the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L), and is set to have a high operation speed only while the other fan is in fault in the duplex operation or during the single system operation. Thus, according to this embodiment, increasing the rotation speed of the normal fan can compensate a decrease in the efficiency of the forced air cooling due to the faulty fan. Moreover, compared with the above-described second embodiment, according to this embodiment it is possible to maintain high efficiency of the forced air cooling of the electronic circuit disposed on the printed board 51 , or relax restrictions on the thermal design and component arrangement of the electronic circuit. It is also possible to enhance total reliability of the electronic circuit without excessive increase in power consumption or the provision of a large fan. Note that in this embodiment, the control unit 51 CNT is mounted on the printed board 51 together with the aforesaid electronic circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and, for example, the control unit 51 CNT may be disposed on a printed board different from the printed board 51 and supported by the reinforcing frame 11 ST or the like, or two control units are separately disposed on the printed board 14 PCB-R, 14 PCB-L provided in the power supply units 14 -R, 14 R-L respectively. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L are provided in the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L may be structured without the respective fans 14 F-R, 14 F-L, and different fans are attached onto the bottom plate 111 BP instead together with any one of the partitioning members 11 P-R, 11 P-C, 11 P-L which may not have the aforesaid first slits formed therein. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reinforcing frame 11 ST is inserted between the inner wall of the top cover 13 and the support metal fitting 13 P, so as to secure the strength of the top cover 13 and electrically connect the reinforcing frame 11 ST, at low impedance, to the top cover 13 which is necessary for shielding the high-frequency electro magnetic interference. However, the present invention is not limited to the above structure and, for example, it may be structured that in place of the support metal fitting 13 P, a conductive pin with the largest diameter at its top portion is protrudingly provided on the inner wall of the top cover 13 , and the reinforcing frame 11 ST may have a notch to be engaged with the side wall and the top portion of this pin. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the partitioning member 11 P-C may not include the first slits if, for example, the electronic circuit only operates in the aforesaid duplex operation, or the first slots may be large enough to allow the low-frequency electro magnetic interference to propagate to/from the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L via the partitioning member 11 P-C. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, in place of or in addition to the first slits formed in the partitioning member 11 P-C, for example, slits similar to the first slits may be formed in corresponding side faces of the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the case where the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L operate based on active redundancy in principle, and is similarly applicable to a case where the number of power supply units mounted similarly to the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L is one, or to a case where a plurality of power supply units are provided and operate based on a system other than the active redundancy system (for example, standby redundancy or N+1 stand-by system). Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the top cover 13 is tightly fixed onto the base 11 by screwing. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and for example, the top cover 13 and the base 11 may be constituted as an integrated cylinder as long as the printed board 51 can be contained in a predetermined location of an inner portion (a hollow portion) thereof. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, the power supply units 14 -R, 14 -L are mounted at a center portion of one face of the box-shaped cabinet with a predetermined interval. However, the present invention is not limited to such structure, and such power supply units are mounted at any one of the corners of the aforesaid box-shaped cabinet. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the cabinet in a rectangular parallelepiped shape containing the printed board 51 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and applicable to a cabinet in any shape and dimension. The invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any improvement may be made in part or all of the components.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet capable of containing various devices and securely attaching/detaching an additional device thereto/therefrom, and to provide an additional device. In order to achieve the object, a cabinet according to the present invention includes: a conductive cylinder having an aperture into which the additional device is fitted by insertion and containing an electronic device, the aperture having a folded edge, the additional device operating in parallel with the electronic device; and a reinforcing member supported with a portion of an inner wall of the cylinder and disposed on a boundary between two areas inside the cylinder where the electronic device and the additional device are disposed respectively, the portion of the inner wall being more inside than the folded portion of the aperture.

REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/072,695, filed Feb. 26, 2008, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/903,486 filed Feb. 26, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/921,570 filed Apr. 3, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/926,839 filed Apr. 30, 2007. Priority of the aforementioned filing dates is hereby claimed and the disclosures of the Applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. BACKGROUND [0002] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods that permit fixation and stabilization of the bony elements of the skeleton. The devices permit adjustment and maintenance of the spatial relationship(s) between neighboring bones. Depending on the specifics of the embodiment design, the motion between adjacent skeletal segments may be maintained, limited or completely eliminated. [0003] Spinal degeneration is an unavoidable consequence of aging and the disability produced by the aging spine has emerged as a major health problem in the industrialized world. Alterations in the anatomical alignment and physiologic motion that normally exists between adjacent spinal vertebrae can cause significant pain, deformity, weakness, and catastrophic neurological dysfunction. [0004] Surgical decompression of the neural tissues and immobilization of the vertebral bones is a common option for the treatment of spinal disease. In addition to mechanical fixation, a bone graft or comparable bone-forming material is used to connect the vertebral bones and, with ossification of the graft material, the vertebral bodies are fused together by the bony bridge. Currently, mechanical fixation is most frequently accomplished by anchoring bone screws into the pedicle portion of each vertebral body and then connecting the various screw fasteners with an interconnecting rod. The screw/rod construct produces rigid fixation of the attached bones. [0005] The growing experience with spinal fusion has shed light on the long-term consequences of vertebral immobilization. It is now accepted that fusion of a specific spinal level will increase the load on, and the rate of degeneration of, the spinal segments immediately above and below the fused level. As the number of spinal fusion operations have increased, so have the number of patients who require extension of their fusion to the adjacent, degenerating levels. The rigidity of the spinal fixation method has been shown to correlate with the rate of the degenerative progression of the adjacent segments. In specific, implantation of stiffer instrumentation, such as rod/screw implants, produced a more rapid progression of the degeneration disease at the adjacent segment than use of a less stiff fixation implant. [0006] An additional shortcoming of the traditional rod/screw implant is the large surgical dissection required to provide adequate exposure for instrumentation placement. The size of the dissection site produces unintended damage to the muscle layers and otherwise healthy tissues that surround the diseased spine. A less invasive spinal fixation implant would advantageously minimize the damage produced by the surgical exposure of the spine. [0007] Fixation of the spinous process segment of adjacent vertebrae provides a less rigid and less invasive method of vertebral fixation. Kapp et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,914 issued Nov. 26, 1985 disclosed a device of two elongated plates that are adapted to clamp onto adjacent spinous process. The plates are disadvantageously connected by locking bolts that transverse the substances of each spinous process. Bolts placed in this configuration will necessarily weaken the bony elements and lead to spinous process fractures and construct failure. Howland et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,318, issued Mar. 5, 1996 disclosed the placement of an inter-spinous process spacer and encircling tension band to reduce vertebral motion. While the device can reduce vertebral flexion and extension, it can not effectively resist vertebral movement in the other motion planes. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,431 issued Nov. 6, 2001, Asfora disclosed a device comprised of two opposing plates that are interconnected by a malleable tether and adapted to capture the adjacent spinous processes between them. As with the Howland device, the fixation strength of this implant is limited by the mobile interconnecting tether. As such, neither implant can effectively immobilize the vertebral bones in all relevant motion planes. The lack of fixation significantly increases the possibility that the bone graft will not heal, the vertebral bones will not fuse, the construct will fail and the patient will develop chronic pain. [0008] Superior immobilization devices were disclosed by Robinson et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,736 issued May 23, 2006 and by Chin et al. in U.S. Pub. Nos. 2007/0179500, 2007/0233082 and 2007/0270840. Each of these documents disclosed plates (or segments thereof) that engage each side of two adjacent spinous processes, wherein the plates are interconnected by a rigid member that resides within the interspinous space. Mechanical testing of the Robinson device was recently published by J C Wang et al. in the Journal of Neurosurgery Spine (2006 February; 4(2):160-4) and the text is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The device was found to be weaker than conventional fixation techniques in all modes of vertebral movement and particularly lacking in fixation of rotational motion. Because of its limited stabilization properties, the device should be used in conjunction with additional implants. (See Wang J C et al. in the Journal of Neurosurgery Spine. 2006 February; 4(2):132-6. The text is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.) [0009] As an additional shortcoming, the Robinson device can not be used to fixate the L5 vertebral bone to the sacrum. The spinous process of the first sacral vertebra is simply too small to permit adequate bone purchase and fixation with either the Robinson or Chin device. Since the L5/S1 level is a frequent site of spinal disease, the inapplicability of these devices at this level is a significant limitation of these implants. [0010] In U.S. Pub. Nos. 2006/0036246, Carl and Sachs disclose a fixation device adapted to fixate the spinous process of one vertebral level to bone screws anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral level. While this invention would permit application at the L5/S1 level and circumvent one disadvantage of the aforementioned spinous process fixation plates, it relies on direct screw fixation into the distal aspect of the spinous process. This technique disadvantageously replicates the inadequate fixation characteristics of the Kapp device previously discussed (U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,914) and carries a high likelihood of spinous process fracture and complete construct failure. Indeed, the inventors try to address this design flaw by augmenting the strength of the spinous process through the use of an internal bone filler or an external brace. Regardless of these efforts, however, the disclosed device provides a cumbersome implant that carries a high likelihood of spinous process fracture and complete loss of vertebral fixation. SUMMARY [0011] The preceding discussion illustrates a continued need in the art for the development of a spinous process device and method that would provide superior vertebral fixation than existing spinous process implants. The device should be amenable to placement through a minimally invasive surgical approach. When vertebral fusion is desired, the device desirably provides adequate fixation in all movement planes so that the probability of bone graft healing is maximized. The implant would desirably provide less rigid fixation than traditional rod/screw fixation. [0012] In the treatment of spinal disease, it is sometimes desirable to limit vertebral motion in one or more axis while maintaining movement in other motion planes. Vertebral segments that are treated using these motion preservation techniques will not be fused and a bone graft spanning the space between the vertebral bones is not employed. When motion preservation is desired, the device provides adequate fixation onto each attached vertebral bone while controlling the motion between them. Moreover, a hybrid device would advantageously provide fusion at one or more vertebral levels and motion preservation at other vertebral levels. [0013] This application discloses novel implants and methods of implantation that address current deficiencies in the art. In an embodiment, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to fixate the spinous processes of one vertebral bone to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. The implant may capture the spinous process by using an encircling contoured rod or hooks. Alternatively, the implant may contain at least one barbed bone engagement member located on each side of the spinous process and adapted to forcibly abut and fixate into the side of the spinous process. The device further contains a locking mechanism that is adapted to transition from a first unlocked state wherein the device components are freely movable relative to one another to a second locked state wherein the device is rigidly immobilized and affixed to the bone. [0014] Alternative embodiments of the aforementioned device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device is adapted to fixate at least three vertebral bones. In that embodiment, the device captures the spinous processes of one vertebral bone and fixates it onto an elongated rod that is adapted to engage bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of at least two additional vertebral bodies. In another embodiment, the device is adapted to attach onto the rod portion of an existing screw/rod construct and functions to extend the level of vertebral fixation. [0015] In other embodiments, there is disclosed a series of orthopedic devices that are adapted to fixate onto the spinous processes of one vertebral bone and onto bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. The device provides controlled movement between the two attached vertebral bones. Multiple iterations of this device are illustrated. In some embodiments, bone graft or bone graft substitute may be used to fixate and fuse the device onto each of the anchored vertebral bones while still permitting movement between them. [0016] In an alternative embodiment, the device also contains an elongated rod that is adapted to engage bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of at least two additional vertebral bodies. This design feature produces a hybrid device that provides controlled motion between at least a first pair of vertebral bones and rigid immobilization between at least a second pair of vertebral bones. [0017] In an additional embodiment, a implant is used to fixate onto the spinous process of each of two adjacent vertebral bone. The implant contains at least one barbed bone engagement member located on each side of the spinous process and adapted to forcibly abut and fixate into the side of the spinous process at each level. The implant allows controlled movement between the two attached spinous processes. The implant may further contain a cavity adapted to accept a bone graft or bone graft substitute so that, with bone formation, the device members may fuse onto the spinous processes and provide superior device adhesion to the vertebral bone. In another embodiment, a bone containment device is disclosed that is adapted to span the distance between the lamina of neighboring vertebrae. The device contains an internal cavity adapted to accept a bone graft or a bone graft substitute so that, with bone formation, the lamina of neighboring vertebral bones are fused together. [0018] In one aspect, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to fixate at least two vertebral bones, comprising: at least one bone engagement member located on each side of a spinous process of a first vertebra wherein the bone engagement member are each forcibly compressed and affixed onto the sides of the spinous process; a connector member adapted to interconnect each bone engagement members on one side of a spinous processes of a first vertebra with at least one bone fastener affixed to a second vertebra; a cross member extending across the vertebral midline and adapted to adjustably couple the bone engagement member and connector member on one side of the vertebral midline with the bone engagement member and the connector member on the other side of the vertebral midline; and a connection between the bone engagement members the connection comprising a connector member, and a cross member wherein the connection is capable of reversibly transitioning between a first state where the orientation between the bone engagement member, the connector member and the cross member is changeable in at least one plane and a second state where the orientation between the bone engagement member, the connector member and the cross member is rigidly affixed. [0019] In another aspect, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to fixate at least two vertebral bones, comprising: at least one bone engagement member located on each side of a spinous process of a first vertebra wherein the bone engagement member is forcibly compressed and affixed onto the sides of the spinous process; a connector member adapted to inter-connect each bone engagement members on one side of a spinous processes of a first vertebra with at least one rod that is used to inter-connect at least two bone fastener affixed to additional vertebral bones; a cross member extending across the vertebral midline and adapted to adjustably couple the bone engagement member and connector member on one side of the vertebral midline with the bone engagement member and connector member on the other side of the vertebral midline; and a connection between a bone engagement members, the connection comprising a connector member and a cross member wherein the connection is capable of reversibly transitioning between a first state where the orientation between the engagement member, the connector member and the cross member is changeable in at least one plane and a second state where the orientation between the engagement member, the connector member and the cross member is rigidly affixed. [0020] In another aspect, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to fixate at least two vertebral bones, comprising: at least one contoured rod that contacts at least one surface of the spinous process of a first vertebra; a connector member adapted to interconnect one end of the contoured rod that is located on one side of a spinous processes of a first vertebra with a bone fastener affixed to a second vertebra; and a device body member extending across the vertebral midline and adapted to adjustably couple at least one end of the contoured rod with the connector members wherein the device body member further contains at least one locking mechanism that is capable of reversibly transitioning between a first state wherein the orientation between the contoured rod and at least one connector member is changeable in at least one plane and a second state wherein the orientation between the contoured rod and at least one connector member is rigidly affixed. [0021] In another aspect, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to fixate at least two vertebral bones, comprising: at least one hook member that contacts at least one surface of the posterior aspect of a first vertebra; and a connector member adapted to interconnect one end of the hook member attached to the posterior aspect of a first vertebra with a bone fastener affixed to a second vertebra; a device body member extending across the vertebral midline and adapted to adjustably couple at least one hook member attached to the posterior aspect of a first vertebra the connector members wherein the device body member further contains at least one locking mechanism that is capable of reversibly transitioning between a first state wherein the orientation between the hook member and at least one connector member is changeable in at least one plane and a second state wherein the orientation between the hook member and at least one connector member is rigidly affixed. [0022] In another aspect, there is disclosed an orthopedic device adapted to control motion between at least two vertebral bones, comprising: at least one bone engagement member located on each side of a spinous process of a first vertebra wherein the bone engagement member is forcibly compressed and affixed onto the sides of the spinous process; a connector member adapted to interconnect each bone engagement members on one side of a spinous processes of a first vertebra with at least one bone fastener affixed to a second vertebra, wherein the engagement member contains a channel adapted to accept an end of the connector member and wherein the motion permitted by the interaction of each of the two channel and connector member surfaces determines the motion profile permitted by the device; a cross member extending across the vertebral midline and adapted to adjustably couple bone engagement member and connector member on one side of the vertebral midline with the bone engagement member and connector member on the other side of the vertebral midline; and a connection between the bone engagement members and cross member wherein the connection is capable of reversibly transitioning between a first state where the orientation between the engagement member and the cross member is changeable in at least one plane and a second state where the orientation between the engagement members and the cross member is rigidly affixed. [0023] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosed devices and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] FIG. 1 shows perspective views of an orthopedic implant adapted to fixate the spinous process of a first vertebral bone to screw fasteners affixed to the pedicle portion of a second vertebral bone. [0025] FIG. 2 illustrates multiple views of the implant. [0026] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the implant. [0027] FIG. 4 shows a section view through the locking mechanism of the implant. [0028] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the implant attached onto a segment of the spine. [0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate multiple views of a second device embodiment. [0030] FIG. 8 shows a partly exploded view of the second device embodiment. [0031] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate multiple views of another device embodiment. [0032] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the current invention. [0033] FIG. 12 shows the device of FIG. 11 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0034] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the implant. [0035] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism of the implant. [0036] FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrate devices and methods for vertebral distraction in preparation for device placement. [0037] FIG. 19 shows a method of vertebral and nerve decompression. [0038] FIGS. 20 a - 20 c show the device of FIG. 11 attached to the spine. [0039] FIG. 21 illustrates the addition of a second device at an adjacent spinal level. [0040] FIG. 22 shows an additional device embodiment that is adapted to fixate multiple vertebral levels. [0041] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 11 . [0042] FIG. 24 shows the device of FIG. 23 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0043] FIG. 25A shows the device of FIG. 23 attached to a spine model. [0044] FIG. 25B illustrates a cross-sectional view wherein the spinous process fixation screw is shown. [0045] FIG. 26A shows another embodiment of the device of FIG. 11 wherein the rods are replaced with paddle attachment members. [0046] FIG. 26B shows an exemplary embodiment of a paddle attachment member. [0047] FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate additional device embodiments. [0048] FIG. 29 shows another device embodiment used to fixate three or more vertebral bones. [0049] FIG. 30 shows the device of FIG. 29 attached to the spine. [0050] FIGS. 31 to 33 illustrate a device adapted to attach onto existing rod/screw instrumentation. [0051] FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a device embodiment adapted to preserve motion between the vertebral bodies. [0052] FIG. 35 shows the device of FIG. 34 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0053] FIG. 36 illustrates an exploded view. [0054] FIG. 37A shows a cross-sectional view through the articulation mechanism. [0055] FIG. 37B shows a cross-sectional view through the locking mechanism. [0056] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of an additional device embodiment. [0057] FIG. 39 shows the device of FIG. 38 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0058] FIG. 40 illustrates an exploded view. [0059] FIGS. 41 , 42 and 43 illustrate cross-sectional views at different points within the device. [0060] FIG. 44 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the motion preservation device. [0061] FIG. 45 illustrates a perspective view of an additional device embodiment. [0062] FIG. 46 shows the device of FIG. 45 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0063] FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded view. [0064] FIG. 48 shows a cross-sectional view through the locking mechanism. [0065] FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment. [0066] FIG. 50 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 49 . [0067] FIG. 51 shows an alternative embodiment of the device in FIG. 49 . [0068] FIGS. 52 and 53 illustrate additional device embodiments. [0069] FIG. 54 illustrates another device embodiment. [0070] FIG. 55 shows the device of FIG. 54 in multiple orthogonal planes. [0071] FIG. 56 shows an exploded view. [0072] FIG. 57 illustrates an additional device embodiment. [0073] FIG. 58 shows exploded views of the device. [0074] FIG. 59 shows a sectional view through the locking mechanism and articulation surface. [0075] FIG. 60A shows the posterior aspect of a spine. [0076] FIG. 60B shows a bone containment implant in place at the L4/5 level. [0077] FIG. 61A shows a perspective view of a bone containment implant [0078] FIG. 61B illustrates the device of FIG. 61A in multiple orthogonal views. [0079] FIG. 62 shows another embodiment of the bone containment implant in place at the L4/5 level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0080] FIGS. 1-3 show various views of an orthopedic device adapted to fixate the spinous process of a first vertebral bone to screw fasteners affixed to the pedicle portion of a second vertebral bone. The device includes a central member 110 having a pair of movably attached rods 115 extending outwardly therefrom. A central threaded bore 112 is contained in member 110 and serves as an attachment point for the device placement instruments. Each of the rods 115 has a ball-shaped head that is positioned inside a complimentary shaped seat inside the central member 110 . The spherical head is positioned into the seat inside member 110 and retained in place by collapsible “C” ring 116 . In the unlocked state, the spherical head of rod 115 is freely movable within the seat of member 110 . [0081] A U-shaped rod 120 is also attached to the central member 110 . The rod 120 can be fixated to the central member 110 by tightening a pair of lock nuts 125 downwardly onto ends of the rod 120 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the lock nuts 125 are positioned atop the heads of the rods 115 . This permits the lock nuts 125 to provide a downward force onto both the U-shaped rod 120 and the heads of the rods 115 . In this manner, the lock nuts 125 serve as a locking member that simultaneously locks the U-shaped rod 120 and the rods 115 to the central member 110 . The U-shaped rod 120 is adapted to fit around a spinous process of a vertebral bone. The rod 120 can have various shapes and configurations beside a U-shape that permits the rod to be fit around a spinous process. [0082] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the device and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the device through the locking mechanism. A locking plug 305 is interposed between each of rods 120 and the spherical heads of rods 115 . As the locking nuts 125 are tightened downward onto the rod 120 , the locking plugs 305 are advanced onto the spherical heads of rods 115 , locking and immobilizing the rods 115 relative to the central member 110 . [0083] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the device attached onto a segment of the spine. The vertebrae are represented schematically and those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual vertebral bones may include anatomical details that differ from those shown in FIG. 5 . The U-shaped rod 120 is shaped such that it can wrap around or otherwise secure onto the spinous process of a vertebral body. The central member 110 is also positioned to contact the spinous process. The foot plate 118 of member 110 is preferably positioned beneath the lamina of the upper vertebral bone. The U-shaped rod 120 can be adjusted relative to the central member 110 prior to the actuation of the lock nuts. The rod 120 can adjustably slide relative to the central member 110 to accommodate spinous processes of various sizes. Preferably, the rod 120 is positioned around the spinous process in a manner that tightly captures the top surface of the spinous process against the central rod bend and the bottom surface of the spinous process or lamina against member 110 . After appropriate positioning of rod 120 , the free end of each rod 115 is rotated and placed into the rod-receiving seat of the previously placed bone fasteners 122 . The fastener lock nuts are tightened and the ends of rods 115 are immobilized relative to the fasteners. Subsequently, tightening of lock nuts 125 immobilizes rod 122 , rods 115 and central member 110 relative to one another and produce a rigid implant. As illustrated, the device fixates the spinous processes of a first vertebral bone to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of a second vertebral bone. [0084] FIGS. 6 and 7 show another device embodiment. An exploded view is shown in FIG. 8 . While similar to the previous embodiment, the current device uses rods 120 with terminal hooks 805 to attach onto the upper aspect of the spinous process or upper edge of the lamina of the upper vertebral bone. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 8 , the end 805 of each rod 120 is configured as a hook wherein the two hooks 805 a and 805 b can interfit with one another. The cylindrical end of each rod 120 is adapted to fit within complimentary bores 126 of member 110 . [0085] As in the previous embodiment, central member 110 has a cavity adapted to accept the spherical head of each rod member 115 . “C” ring 116 retains the spherical heads attached to member 110 after device assembly. The locking mechanism of the device is similar to that of the previous embodiment. Advancement of lock nuts 125 immobilizes rods 120 , rods 115 and central member 110 relative to one another. The placement protocol is similar to that of the previous embodiment. However, as noted, hook member 805 may be alternatively attached onto the superior edge of the lamina of the upper vertebral bone. [0086] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate multiple views of another device embodiment that fixates the spinous processes of one vertebral bone to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. The vertebrae are represented schematically and those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual vertebral bones may include anatomical details that differ from those shown in these figures. In this embodiment, a U-shaped rod 120 is sized and shaped to wrap around the spinous process of a first vertebral body. Opposed ends of the rod 120 are coupled to bone fasteners such as bone screw assemblies 810 . The bone fasteners are attached to the pedicles of an adjacent vertebral body. Unlike the previous embodiments, this device does not include a central member. [0087] FIGS. 11-13 show another embodiment of a device that fixates the spinous processes of one vertebral body to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. The device includes a pair of central members 1105 a and 1105 b (collectively central members 1105 ) with opposed interior surfaces. Fixation members such as barbs 1107 are positioned on the interior surfaces such that the barbs face inward for attaching to a spinous process positioned between the central members 1105 . The central members 1105 are slidably mounted on a rod 1110 such that the central members 1105 can move toward and away from one another. In this manner, the size of the space between the central members 1105 can be adjusted to accommodate spinous processes of various sizes. Further, the orientation of members 1105 relative rod 1110 is adjustable in multiple planes. [0088] Each rod 115 is coupled to a central member 1105 such that it extends outwardly therefrom. Rod 115 has a spherical head that is positioned inside a complimentary shaped seat inside a respective central member 1105 and retained in position collapsible “C” ring 116 . In the unlocked state, the spherical head of rod 115 is freely movable within member 1105 in a ball and socket manner. The end of each rod 115 can be attached to a bone fastener, such as pedicle screw assemblies 810 , that is anchored to the pedicle portion of a vertebral bone. [0089] The top surface of each member 1105 contains a bore 1127 , which extends from the top surface to the cavity adapted to receive the spherical head of rod 115 . The upper aspect of bore 1127 is threaded. Bore 1127 is crossed by bore 1129 , wherein the latter bore extends from the lateral to the medial wall of member 1105 . A cross sectional view through the locking mechanism is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 . Spherical member 1410 has central bore 1412 and full thickness side cut 1414 , thereby forming a compressible “C” ring that can be compressed onto the contents of bore 1412 . In the assembled device, rod 1110 is positioned within central bore 1412 and can translate relative to it. With the application of a compressive load onto the outer surface of member 1410 by threaded locking nut 1125 , member 1410 is compressed onto rod 1110 and the latter is immobilized within bore 1412 . Retention pins 1145 are used to retain rod 1110 within member 1410 in the assembled device. [0090] Advancement of each of lock nuts 1125 immobilizes rod 1110 , rod 115 and central member 1105 relative to one another and renders the device rigid. With reference to the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 14 and 15 , tightening lock nut 1125 downwardly onto spherical member 1410 produces a compressive load onto rod 1110 and a downward force onto locking plug 1405 . The latter is pushed towards the spherical head of rod 115 , thereby immobilizing rod 115 within central members 1105 . In this manner, advancement of each lock nut 125 provides a downward force onto both rod 1110 and the spherical head of rod 115 contained with each member 1105 . Thus, each lock nut 125 serves as a locking member that simultaneously locks rod 1110 and rod 115 to the central member 1105 . [0091] The spinal level to be implanted has an upper and a lower vertebral bone and the device is attached onto the posterior aspect of these vertebral bones. Prior to device placement, the upper and lower vertebral bones are distracted to facilitate decompression of the nerve elements. FIG. 16 shows a perspective, assembled view of a distractor device. For clarity of illustration, the vertebral bodies are represented schematically and those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual vertebral bodies include anatomical details not shown in FIG. 16 . The device generally includes a pair of anchors that include elongate distraction screws 1610 coupled to a platform 1615 . Each of the distraction screws 1610 is advanced into the posterior surface of a spinous process and follows a posterior to anterior trajectory along the long axis of the spinous process. The distal end of each screw includes a structure for attaching to the spinous process, such as a threaded shank. The proximal ends of the distraction screws 1610 are attached to the platform 1615 . The screws 1610 are axially positioned within sheaths 1619 that surround the screws and extend downwardly from the platform 1615 . [0092] The distraction actuator 1622 is actuated to cause one of the distraction screws to slide along the rail 1621 such that it moves away form the other distraction screw. This applies a distraction force to the vertebral bodies to distract the vertebral bodies—as shown in FIG. 17 . (In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 18 , the distraction screws are replaced by clip members 1805 that couple to the spinous processes or lamina of the vertebral bodies. Other known methods of vertebral distraction may be alternatively used.) The decompression of the nerve elements is performed under distraction and it is schematically illustrated in FIG. 19 . The bony and ligament structures that are compressing the nerves are removed from the lower aspect of the lamina of the upper vertebra and the upper aspect of the lamina of the lower vertebra (regions 1152 ). [0093] Prior to device implantation, bone fasteners 810 had been placed into the pedicel portion of the lower vertebra on each side of the midline. A bone graft or bone graft substitute is packed with the facet joints and used to span the distance between the lamina of each of the upper and lower vertebra. The implant is positioned at the level of implantation such that opposing central members 1105 are disposed on either side of a spinous process of a the upper vertebral body. A compression device (not shown) attaches onto the lateral wall of each opposing central member 1105 at indentation 11055 . The compression device forcefully abuts the medial aspect of each central member 1105 against a lateral wall of the spinous process and drives spikes 1107 into the bone. Spikes 1107 provide points of device fixation onto the each side of the spinous processes. [0094] With the compression device still providing a compressive force, the distal ends of rods 115 are positioned into the rod receiving portions of bone fasteners 810 . The locking nuts of the fasteners are actuated so that each rod 115 is locked within the respective fastener. Lock nuts 1125 are actuated, locking the device's locking mechanism and immobilize opposing central members 1105 , the interconnecting rod 1110 and rods 115 relative to one another. The compression device is removed, leaving the device rigidly attached to the upper and lower vertebral bones. [0095] FIGS. 20 a - 20 c show the device of FIG. 11 attached to the spine. As mentioned, the central members 1105 are spaced apart with a spinous process of an upper vertebra positioned in the space between them. The rods 115 are oriented so that they extend toward respective bone fasteners that are anchored to the pedicle portion of a lower vertebra. In this manner, the device fixates the spinous processes of one vertebral body to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. FIG. 21 illustrates the addition of a second device at an adjacent spinal level. Note that device can be used to fixate the L5 vertebra to the sacrum. [0096] FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of a device that is similar to the device of FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the rods 115 have a length that is sufficient to span across multiple vertebral levels. This permits the device to be used to fixate multiple vertebral bodies across multiple levels to a spinous process of a single vertebral body. [0097] FIGS. 23 and 24 show an alternative embodiment. In this device, at least one of the central members 1105 has a portion 2305 that extends outwardly and overhangs the space between the central members 1105 . The portion 2305 is sized, shaped, and contoured such that it can fit around the spinous process that is positioned between the central members 1105 . A bore 2310 extends through the portion 2305 . The bore receives a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, that can be driven into the posterior surface of the spinous process and having a posterior to anterior trajectory that substantially follows the long axis of the spinous process. FIG. 25A shows the device of FIG. 23 attached to a spine model. FIG. 25B illustrates a cross-sectional view wherein the spinous process fixation screw 2510 is shown extending through the portion 2305 and into the spinous process. [0098] FIG. 26A shows another embodiment of the device of FIG. 11 wherein rods 115 are replaced with paddle attachment members 2605 . FIG. 26B shows an exemplary embodiment of a paddle attachment member 2605 . The paddle attachment member 2605 is used in place of a rod 115 . The attachment member 2605 has a head that fits into the central member 1105 and also has an opening 2610 that can be coupled to a bone fastener, such as a pedicle screw assembly. [0099] FIGS. 27 and 28 show additional embodiments of the device of FIG. 11 . In these devices, a portion 2705 is sized and shaped to capture the inferior surface of the lamina of the upper vertebral bone. In the embodiment of FIG. 27 , the portion 2705 extends outward from the rod 1110 . In the embodiment of FIG. 28 , the portion 2705 extends outward from each of the central members 1105 . [0100] FIG. 29 shows another device embodiment used to fixate three or more vertebral bones. In this embodiment, the central members 1105 are sufficiently long such that the spinous processes of one or more vertebral bodies can fit between the central members 1105 . The central members 1105 have barbs or other attachment means that are adapted to secure to the spinous processes. One end of each of the central members has a rod 115 movably attached thereto while the opposed end has another rod 117 movably attached thereto. The rods 115 and 117 can extend outward at any of a variety of orientations and angles relative to the central members. The rods 115 and 117 can be attached to pedicle screw assemblies for attaching the device to adjacent vertebral bodies. Thus, the device is adapted to fixate the spinous process of a middle vertebra to screw fasteners attached to the pedicle portions of an upper and a lower vertebra. FIG. 30 shows the device of FIG. 29 attached to a schematic representation of the spine. [0101] FIGS. 31 to 33 illustrate a device adapted to attach onto existing rod/screw instrumentation and extend the fusion to a additional level. Each of two rods 3110 is attached to a pair of vertebral bodies in a conventional screw/rod fixation arrangement. Each rod 3110 is attached to two pedicle screw assemblies 3115 —as shown in FIG. 31 . The extension device has a pair of central members 1105 that are positioned on opposed sides of a spinous process of an upper vertebra. Rods 115 extend outwardly from the device. The rods 115 movably attach to the rods 3110 via a pair of brackets 3120 . Perspective views of bracket 3120 are shown in FIG. 33 . Each bracket is sized to receive a spherical end of rod 115 while also receiving a cylindrical segment of rod 3110 . Actuation of the locking screw 3130 of bracket leads to the upward movement of member 3150 and the immobilization of rod 3110 and the special head of rod 115 within bracket 3120 . A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 32 . [0102] FIG. 34 illustrates a device embodiment 605 adapted to fixate onto the spinous processes of one vertebral bone and bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. The device provides controlled movement between the two attached vertebral bones. FIG. 35 shows the device in multiple orthogonal planes and FIG. 36 shows the device components in an exploded view. Each of opposing body members 612 has a top surface, bottom surface, an outer side surface, an inner side surface and a front and back surface. Each medial surface contains spike protrusions 617 that are adapted to be driven into the side surface of a spinous process and serve to increase device fixation onto bone. The lateral surface contains opening 622 of channel 624 that is intended to receive the spherical head 632 of rod 634 . Movement of head 632 within channel 624 forms the mobile bearing surface of the implant. A cross-sectional view of head 632 contained within channel 624 is illustrated in FIG. 37A . As shown, head 632 can move unopposed within channel 624 . In an alternative embodiment, a spring member is placed within channel 624 so that the position of head 632 is biased against movement away from a default position. Preferably, in the default position, head 632 is positioned at the end of channel 624 that is adjacent to bore 628 —as shown in FIG. 34 . [0103] The top surface of each body member 612 contains bore 628 adapted to accept a bone fastener 629 . Preferably, but not necessarily, bores 628 of the opposing body members 612 are angled in one or more planes so that the seated bone fasteners are not parallel. Non-parallel bore trajectories provide a crossed screw configuration and increased resistance to screw pull-out. As previously discussed, the seated screws may engage any portion of the lamina or spinous process bone but are preferably targeted and placed to engage the junction of the lamina and spinous process. [0104] The top surface of each body member 612 contains a cavity 636 with full thickness bore holes 638 within the medial cavity wall. The cavity is adapted to accept a segment of bone graft or bone graft substitute and to function as a bone containment cage. With time, the graft material within cavity 636 of an implanted device 605 will fuse with the lateral wall of the spinous process and provide an additional attachment point with the underlying bone. Since it contains living bone tissue, ossification of the fusion mass will provide a stronger and more enduring bridge between the implant and vertebral bone than any mechanical fastener. [0105] The top surface of each body member 612 contains a second bore 642 , wherein partial thickness bore 642 does not extend through to the bottom surface of the body member. The upper aspect of bore 642 is threaded. Bore 642 is crossed by bore 646 , wherein the full thickness bore 646 extends from the lateral to the medial wall of body member 612 . Bores 642 and 646 contain the device's locking mechanism. (A cross sectional view through the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 37B .) Spherical member 652 has central bore 654 and full thickness side cut 655 , thereby forming a compressible “C” ring that can be compressed onto the contents of bore 654 . In the assembled device, longitudinal member 658 is positioned within central bore 654 and can translate relative to it. With the application of a compressive load onto the outer surface of member 652 by threaded locking nut 656 , spherical member 652 is compressed onto longitudinal member 658 and the latter is immobilized within bore 654 . Retention pins 645 are used to retain longitudinal member 658 in the assembled device. In the assembled configuration, retention pins 647 are positioned within side cut 655 of spherical member 652 so as to limit the extent of rotation of opposing body members 612 . [0106] The spinal level to be implanted has an upper and a lower vertebral bone and the device is attached onto the posterior aspect of the vertebral bones. Prior to device placement, bone fasteners 660 had been placed into the pedicel portion of the lower vertebra on each side of the midline. In addition, each side of the spinous process of the upper vertebra is gently decorticated in order to maximize the likelihood of bone (fusion) mass formation. Each of opposing body members 612 is placed on an opposite side of the spinous process of the upper vertebra. A compression device (not shown) is used to compress each body member 612 onto a side of the spinous process and drive the spike protrusions 617 into the bone surface. With the compression device still providing a compressive force, the distal ends of rods 634 are positioned into the rod receiving portions of bone fasteners 660 . Preferably, each head 632 is positioned at the end of channel 624 immediately adjacent to bore 628 prior to locking bone fasteners 660 onto rods 634 . This configuration assures that vertebral extension is limited to the position set at the time of surgery. The locking nuts of the fasteners are then actuated so that each rod 634 is locked within the respective fastener 660 . Locking nuts 656 of device 605 are then actuated, locking the device's locking mechanism and immobilize opposing body member 612 and the interconnecting longitudinal member 658 relative to one another. The compression device is removed, leaving the device rigidly attached to the upper and lower vertebral bones. Preferably, but not necessarily, cavity 636 is packed with bone graft or bone graft substitute so that, with time, a bone fusion mass connects the device to the side wall of the spinous process. If desired, a bone fastener 629 can be placed through each bore hole 628 into the underlying bone and further increase device fixation onto bone. [0107] It is important to note that spike protrusions 617 and fastener 629 provide immediate device fixation to the upper vertebral level. With time, these fixation points may weaken from the cyclical device loading that invariably results during routine patient movement. Formation and ossification of the bone fusion mass contained within cavity 636 provides long-term fixation for the device. In contrast to spike and screw fixation, the fusion mass will increase in strength with time and provide a more permanent attachment point for the device. In this way, the immediate fixation of the spike and fasteners and the long-term fixation of the fusion mass compliment one another and provide optimal fixation for the device. [0108] After device implantation, certain movements between the upper and the lower vertebras are permitted while other movements are limited. For example, the illustrated embodiment permits forward flexion of the upper vertebra relative to the lower vertebra. However, extension is limited by the position set at the time of implantation (that is, the position of head 632 within channel 624 ). Anterior translation of the upper vertebral bone relative to the lower vertebral bone is significantly limited so that aberrant motion resulting in spondylolisthesis is prevented. Lateral flexion between the vertebral bones is permitted but to a lesser degree than that of normal physiological vertebral motion. Vertebral rotation is substantially eliminated. [0109] These limitations are determined by the interaction of heads 632 with channels 624 and can be varied by the shape and/or orientation of one or both of these structures. For example, extending the diameter of channel 624 in a medial to lateral direction will permit an increase in vertebral rotation. Further, a channel with lesser medial to lateral diameter at one end and a greater medial to lateral diameter at another end will permit a variable degree of rotational movement, wherein the extent of rotation depends of the extend of anterior flexion. This configuration can simulate physiological vertebral motion, wherein grater vertebral rotation is permitted in anterior flexion than in extension. As can be easily seen, numerous alternative motion characteristics can be produced by one of ordinary skill in the art through the simple manipulation of the shape and/or orientation of heads 632 and/or channels 624 . In addition, malleable members can be placed within channel 624 so that the position of head 632 is biased towards a default position and movement away from that position is opposed. [0110] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 38 . While similar to the preceding embodiment, this device provides a cross-member that inter-connects the bone fasteners 660 so as to obviate the possibility of fastener rotation (along its long axis) within the pedicle portion of the bone. The cross member also increases the resistance to fastener pull-out from the lower vertebral bone. FIG. 39 shows the device in multiple orthogonal planes. An exploded view is shown in FIG. 40 and multiple cross-sectional views are shown in FIGS. 41 , 42 and 43 . [0111] Device 685 is adapted to fixate onto the spinous processes of one vertebral bone and bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of an adjacent vertebral body. As before, each of opposing body members 612 has side spikes 617 , a central cavity 636 adapted to accept a bone forming graft, and a locking mechanism adapted to immobilize body members 612 to interconnecting longitudinal member 658 . (A section view through the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 41 .) The top surface of each body member 612 contains bore 628 adapted to accept a bone fastener 629 . Side indentations 662 receive the compression device during device implantation. [0112] The inferior surface of each body 612 contains opening 682 of channel 686 . Head 692 of rod 690 travels within channel 686 and forms the mobile bearing surface of the implant. Retention pin 681 ( FIG. 40 ) is used to retain head 692 within channel 682 and prevent device disassembly. As before the motion characteristics permitted by the implant are determined by the interaction of heads 692 with channels 686 and can be varied by the shape and/or orientation of one or both of these structures. (A section view through the bearing surface is shown in FIG. 42 .) Examples of the possible configuration changes were previously discussed. In addition, malleable members can be placed within channel 682 so that the position of head 692 is biased towards a default position and movement away from that position is opposed. [0113] Interconnecting rod 702 is used to attach the device onto the bone fasteners imbedded within the pedicel portion of the lower vertebral body. Rod 702 is comprised of telescoping segments 704 and 706 so that the rod length may be varied. Segment 704 contains rectangular protrusion 704 that, in the assembled state, is housed with a complimentary bore within segment 706 . A cross-sectional view through rod 702 is shown in FIG. 43 . A side rod 690 with head 692 (bearing surface) is contained in each of segments 704 and 706 —as illustrated. The procedure for placement of device 685 is similar to the placement procedure previously described for device 605 . [0114] An alternative device embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 44 . While the portion of the device that attaches onto the spinous process of the upper vertebral bone is largely identical to that of device 605 , the current embodiment contains two contoured rods 712 that are adapted to attach bone fasteners at multiple vertebral levels. In use, bodies 612 attach onto the spinous process segment of an upper vertebral while contoured rod 712 attaches onto bone fasteners that are attached onto a middle and a lower vertebral level. As before, the bone fasteners are preferably, but not necessarily, anchored into the pedicle portion of the middle and lower vertebral bones. In this way, the current embodiment provides a hybrid device that permits vertebral movement between a first and second vertebral bones and complete immobilization (and fusion) between a second and third vertebral bone. Clearly, additional fasteners can be attached to contoured rod 712 to immobilize additional vertebral levels. This device is particularly adapted for use within the lower lumber spine where it is frequently desirable to immobilize and fuse the S1 and L5 vertebral levels and preserve motion between the L5 and L4 vertebral levels. [0115] FIG. 45-48 show another embodiment of a device. The device includes central members 4510 that are slidably attached to a rod 4515 that extends through a bore 4513 in both of the central members 4510 . Each of the central members 4510 has a u-shaped slot 4517 that is sized to receive a contoured rod 115 . As in the previous embodiments, the central members are positioned on opposed sides of a spinous process and engaged thereto via spikes or barbs on the interior surface of the central members. [0116] A pair of locking nuts 125 are positioned within boreholes of central members 4510 and adapted to produce a compressive force onto “C” ring 119 and interconnecting rod 4515 . A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 48 . As illustrated in prior embodiments, each ember 4510 can move relative to rod 115 in one or more planes while in the unlocked state. With actuation of locking nuts 125 , members 4510 and rod 4515 are immobilized relative to one another. Rod 115 is affixed to fasteners that are attached to the pedicle portion of the lower vertebral level. Rod is freely movable within slot 4517 . In use, the device will preserve vertebral motion but prevent abnormal translational movement that produces spondylolisthesis. [0117] FIG. 49 shows perspective views of an additional device embodiment while FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded view. The present embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiment with the exception of placement of malleable members 131 between the interconnecting rod 4515 and rod 115 . The malleable member biases movement between the vertebral bones towards a default position and resists vertebral movement away from that position. FIG. 51 illustrates an embodiment in which a cavity 242 is placed within each spinous process abutment member in order to accept a bone forming substance. As noted in pervious embodiments, this feature would permit device fusion onto the spinous process of the first vertebral bone. Further, a bone graft or bone graft substitute 252 is positioned so that rod 115 transverses a bore within member 252 . This feature permits the establishment of a bony fusion between rod 115 and the lamina or spinous process of the second vertebral bone. [0118] Alternative device embodiments are shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 . In either embodiment, the device is adopted to fixate three vertebral bones. In the embodiment of FIG. 52 , the device anchors onto the spinous process of the middle vertebral level. Rod 890 is attached to bone fasteners that are anchored into the pedicle portion of the lower vertebral level. Rod 890 is freely movable within slot 892 of the spinous process attachment member. Rod 902 is attached to bone fasteners that are anchored into the pedicle portion of the upper vertebral level. Rod 902 is freely movable within slot 904 of the spinous process attachment member. In the embodiment of FIG. 53 , rod 902 is freely movable within slot 904 whereas arms 888 rigidly attach onto the spinous process attachment member using the same mechanism as that shown in FIG. 11 . In use, the embodiment of FIG. 53 provides rigid fixation between the middle and lower vertebral levels while permitting movement between the upper and middle vertebral levels. [0119] A perspective view of an additional embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 54 . Multiple orthogonal views are shown in FIG. 55 while an exploded view is shown in FIG. 56 . Interconnecting rod 2012 has articulation member 2014 on each end. The spinous process engagement members and the locking mechanism of the device are similar to prior embodiments, such as that of FIG. 45 . Rod 2022 is attached to bone fasteners anchored into the pedicle portion of the lower vertebral bone. Rod 2022 has triangular projections 2024 that articulate with articulation members 2014 of rod 2012 . The embodiment provides controlled movement between the two vertebral bones. [0120] A perspective view of an additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 57 . Exploded views are shown in FIG. 58 and a cross-sectional view through the articulation surface is illustrated in FIG. 59 . While similar to the prior embodiment, this device employs a different articulation mechanism. Spherical members 2106 are contained at the end of interconnecting rod 2102 . Two complimentary articulation surfaces 2112 are attached to rod 2114 . As shown in the cross-sectional view, the complimentary articulation surface 2112 contains a depression adapted to accept spherical member 2106 and, preferably, the depression is larger spherical member 2106 so as to permit some additional translational movement. That is, the articulations form a “loose” joint. [0121] FIG. 60A illustrates the posterior aspect of spine model whereas FIG. 60B shows the placement of bone forming material between the lamina of the L4 and L5 bones. The bone forming material may be an actual bone graft that is cut to the shape illustrated or a device adapted to contain bone graft or bone graft substitute. FIGS. 61A and B show perspective and orthogonal views of an exemplary graft containment device. As shown, the device preferably has a solid bottom that keeps the contained bone forming material form impinging upon the nerve elements. The sides may be open or solid. The top is preferably open and contains side protrusions 2302 that prevent anterior migration of the device into the spinal canal. An alternative device configuration is shown in FIG. 62 . The latter device is intended to cross the vertebral midline, whereas the former is placed on either side of the vertebral midline. [0122] The disclosed devices or any of their components can be made of any biologically adaptable or compatible materials. Materials considered acceptable for biological implantation are well known and include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, tantalum, shape memory alloys, combination metallic alloys, various plastics, resins, ceramics, biologically absorbable materials and the like. Any components may be also coated/made with osteo-conductive (such as deminerized bone matrix, hydroxyapatite, and the like) and/or osteo-inductive (such as Transforming Growth Factor “TGF-B,” Platelet-Derived Growth Factor “PDGF,” Bone-Morphogenic Protein “BMP,” and the like) bio-active materials that promote bone formation. Further, any surface may be made with a porous ingrowth surface (such as titanium wire mesh, plasma-sprayed titanium, tantalum, porous CoCr, and the like), provided with a bioactive coating, made using tantalum, and/or helical rosette carbon nanotubes (or other nanotube-based materials) in order to promote bone in-growth or establish a mineralized connection between the bone and the implant, and reduce the likelihood of implant loosening. Lastly, the system or any of its components can also be entirely or partially made of a shape memory material or other deformable material. [0123] Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. At a minimum, any feature illustrates in one device embodiment may be alternatively incorporated within any other device embodiment. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be strictly limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Devices and methods are adapted to permit fixation and stabilization of the bony elements of the skeleton. The devices permit adjustment and maintenance of the spatial relationship between neighboring bones. The motion between adjacent skeletal segments may be maintained, limited or completely eliminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements for use in automatic sample changers and more particularly, relates to apparatus for preventing excessive friction among test tube holders in a turn having a relatively short radius in the track of an automatic sample changer of the type used in the radiopharmaceutical field. The present invention also relates to means to adjust the relative spacing among the test tube holders in the continuous track of such automatic sample changer. There have recently become available for use by the health professions, automatic systems for performing radiopharmaceutical tests, such as gamma counting. Such tests typically are based upon detecting and determining the level of radioactivity in a test tube. The level of radioactivity may be used in tests where radioactive antibodies are introduced into a laboratory sample, another operation such as washing the sample is performed, and then the amount of radiation remaining in the test tube is measured. Presently, such radioactive tests are used in the detection of hepatitis. It has been known to perform such tests manually, wherein the necessary preliminary operations are performed on a test tube and then the test tube is either irradiated or the radiation of the test tube is measured in a specially shielded location. The automatic sample changer provides a system whereby the laboratory technician may load the samples into a number of test tubes and insert such test tubes into holders in a track in the machine and then leave the machine unattended to perform the desired test. Examples of such automatic sample changers may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,024,395, issued May 17, 1977, and also in 4,001,584, issued Jan. 4, 1977. Automatic sample changers typically employ a plurality of plastic rings or pucks which are adapted to slide along a continuous track. The plastic rings or pucks are provided with a inside diameter which is chosen to accept a standard size test tube. The continuous track is arranged in a serpentine fashion and the test tube holder pucks are positively driven along the track by a driving wheel which contacts the rings. An elevator housing is located along the track such that each puck will pass into the housing. The test tube in that puck will be lowered into a shielded safe chamber and then a counting operation performed. The elevator then returns the test tube and puck to the track and the next succeeding sample is lowered by the elevator. Needless to say, such automatic sample changers have provided a great improvement in the efficiency of the typical radioactive testing operation. Furthermore, although the original automatic sample changers employ up to 50 pucks or rings, i.e., it was possible to load 50 different radioactive samples into the automatic sample changer and then leave the machine unattended, more recent sample changers have been expanded and enlarged in successive steps to accept 100, 150, 200 and 300 separate and discrete samples in one machine top. As might be expected, the automatic sample changer which is able to accept 300 separate individual test tubes will necessarily require a long continuous track and a relatively large amount of surface area upon which to arrange the track. In order to overcome this requirement for a large surface area, an extremely complex and circuitous serpentine, track arrangement is provided in the top of the automatic sample changer so that the 300 test tube holders may be accomodated on a machine surface of reasonable size. However, in using such complex, circuitous, and convoluted track arrangement, it has been found that in attempting to drive the rings or pucks through particularly sharp turns, that large frictional forces are present between the individual pucks and also between the pucks and the continuous track. Such sharp turns may be likened to switchbacks used by railroads in traversing mountains. Additionally, in systems utilizing a large quantity of plastic ring sample holders or pucks, it has been found upon relocating the system from one ambient temperature to another, that the rings will necessarily expand or contract. The cumulative effect of 300 rings undergoing such expansion or contraction will obviously affect the spacing between each puck and thereby affect the overall puck train length. The spacing is critical since, as mentioned above, the potential for a large amount of friction to be present between the puck and between the pucks and the track is particularly great when negotiating the many small radius turns along the continuous track. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a non-driven, free-wheeling tooth sprocket or star wheel rotatably mounted, in a first instance, at turns in the continuous track which have relatively small radii and, in a second instance, at any substantially straight portion of the continuous track. In the second instance, the sprocket is rotatably mounted and is also movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the track, so as to adjust the extent of the engagement of the sprocket teeth with the plastic ring test tube holders, thereby adjusting the spacing between successive pucks. In the case where the free-wheeling sprocket or star wheel is mounted at a sharp turn or abrupt change of direction in the continuous track, the sprocket serves to prevent the pucks from binding in the track at the exit portion of the turn. This is accomplished by transferring the linear motion obtained from the moving pucks entering the turn, by causing the sprocket to rotate and linearly drive the pucks from the exit portion of the turn. Accordingly, a puck is never driven except in a relatively straight line since the sprocket prevents the puck train drive exerting forces on the pucks while they are in a turn, thereby avoiding excessive friction. When using the idler positioner of the present invention in a substantially straight portion of the continuous track, the positioner is also star shaped and is provided with a predetermined number of fingers or teeth, and is also free-wheeling. The sprocket is mounted in a slot in the track plate so that the extent of penetration of the sprocket teeth into the gap between successive pucks may be adjusted. By moving the center of rotation of the idler wheel to varying distances from the center line of the continuous track, the idler sprocket is permitted to turn with the flow of the pucks yet to accurately control the individual puck spacing. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for permitting test tube holders to circumnavigate a close radius turn without excessive frictional forces. It is another object of the present invention to provide such low friction, short radius turning capability by utilizing the linear motion of the plastic ring test tube holders at the entry into a turn and transferring this linear motion to the plastic rings at the exit portion of the turn. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suitable free-wheeling sprocket or star shaped idler wheel which can have a different number of teeth or points dependent upon the diameter of the test tube holders as well as the radius of the turn to be negotiated in the continuous track. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a free-wheeling star wheel which is useful in determining the spacing between the plastic ring test tube holders or pucks in the continuous puck train. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such free-wheeling tensioning starwheel with a slotted mounting arrangement which is manually adjustable such that the tensioner may be easily brought into and out of engagement with the continuous flow of the pucks in the track. These and other objects of the present invention, as well as many of the attendant advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an automatic sample changer of the type having a large number of test tube holders or pucks arranged in a continuous track configuration having small radius turns; FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the inventive idler drive wheel shown in position in a continuous track having a small diameter radius; FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the top surface of the automatic sample changer of FIG. 1 wherein the idler positioner wheel of the present invention is shown in cooperation with test tube holder rings arranged in a linear portion of the continuous track; and FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the inventive idler wheel of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows an automatic sample changer 10, as discussed above, which is capable of accepting three-hundred samples in three-hundred individual test tubes. The test tubes are inserted into the plastic rings or pucks, which are shown typically at 12. The plastic rings are then caused to circulate along a continuous track of a highly circuitous nature. Because it is necessary to provide the longest possible length of track within the smallest possible surface area, a relatively large number of small diameter bends or switchbacks will be required in the track. A bend of extremely small diameter is shown typically at 14 while a bend of somewhat larger diameter, but still of a problmatic nature, is shown at 16. The inventive idler wheel, or sprocket, provided by the present invention, is located at points at the center of the diameter of these turns, typically shown at 14 and 16. Such inventive sprocket wheel is, however, utilized beneath the top surface plate, or track plate, 18 of the automatic sample changer 10. A typical straight portion of the continuous track wherein the tensioning or spacing function provided by the present invention might be utilized is shown typically at 20. In operation, the automatic sample changer employing the large number of rings in a continuous track advances or drives the rings in discrete steps such that upon entry into an elevator station 22, the test tube in the plastic ring will be lowered into the chamber of the machine and a test performed. Upon completion of the test, the test tube and ring are raised again and the ring is sent on its way along the continuous track and the next successive test tube is operated upon. FIG. 2 shows the inventive drive helper or idler sprocket of the present invention, located in the portion of the track having a bend or switchback of small radius, which was shown typically at 14 in FIG. 1. The plastic rings or pucks are located in the track or open channel 24 and the direction of travel of the pucks is shown by arrows 26 and 28. The inventive idler sprocket 30 of the preferred embodiment is a starwheel or toothed wheel having large scalloped recesses between the teeth. The scalloped region 32 is generally of the same radius as the radius of the plastic rings or pucks which are used in the system. The sprocket 30 is provided with six teeth shown typically at 34 and which engage the moving plastic rings. The sprocket 30 is mounted on a shaft 36 such that the wheel is free to rotate, in other words, the inventive sprocket is an idler wheel. In the preferred embodiment, the sprocket 30 is of a thickness to provide a rigid element. The number of teeth or points 34 on the sprocket 30, and the attendant scalloped areas 32, is based upon the radius of the turn in the continuous track. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the radius is such that 6 points are required on the inventive starwheel 30. However, in the event that the radius of the turn was greater than that shown in FIG. 2, i.e., one shown typically at 16 in FIG. 1, a lesser number of points would be required. Referring to the automatic sample changer of FIG. 1, the inventive starwheel in location 16 would require only 5 points. In the operation of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the sprocket 30 is mounted to freely rotate upon the axle or rotating shaft 36 and upon actuation of the drive means of the automatic sample changer, the following sequence will occur. The pucks 40, 42 and 44 are set in motion by being pushed one against the other, by the drive means of the sample changer. The pucks 40, 42 and 44 are thereby being driven into the turn of the relatively small radius. As may be seen, if driving and pushing of pucks 40, 42 and 44 were allowed to continue, there would be considerable binding of the pucks, one against the other, as well as against the track walls 24. However, by use of the present invention when puck 44 has reached the location shown generally at 46, puck 44 will contact the sprocket 30 and will begin to transfer the linear motion of the puck into rotary motion of the starwheel 30, in the direction of arrow 48. Moreover, as the sprocket 30 is driven into rotary motion, the sprocket teeth 34 will become inserted between the successive pucks such as the point 50, which has become inserted between pucks 44 and 52. Because the starwheel 30 is free-wheeling, i.e., is an idler element, the successive pucks being driven into contact with the sprocket teeth, such as puck 42 which is next in line, will drive the idler wheel and transfer the substantially linear motion of the puck 42 into rotary movement of the idler wheel 30. The linear motion, being in a relatively straight line, will necessarily involve the least amount of friction between the plastic rings and the continuous track 24. Additionally, the plastic rings which have been fed into the center of the turn, such as plastic ring 54, will be well separated from each other by the teeth 34 of the sprocket 30, and also will be driven through the turn not by the pushing action of the pucks one against the other, but rather by the rotary motion forces transferred to the sprocket 30. This rotary motion is ultimately transferred to the rings exiting the turn. Accordingly, pucks shown at 52, 54, and 56 may be said to float around the turn, since they are not being driven by pushing against one another but rather merely being urged along by the starwheel. The additional advantage provided by the present invention is evidenced by the manner in which pucks 58, 60 and 62 are exited from the turn with a substantially linear force. This linear force is provided by the transfer of the rotary movement from the sprocket 30. Accordingly, the energy required by the system drive means to drive the plastic rings along the continuous track is determined only by the requirement for movement in a relatively straight line since the sharp bends 14 or 16 in FIG. 1, offer no direct resistance to the puck drive means. FIG. 3 shows the inventive idler drive wheel of the present invention utilized as a ring positioner or slack tensioner in the automatic sample changer machine 10 of FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, the idler tension wheel assembly 70 is mounted beneath the track plate 18 of FIG. 1. The problem which is solved by the use of the inventive positioner 70 is, as mentioned above, related to the fact that the overall combined length of the plastic rings or pucks is a function of the ambient temperature and humidity. When abrupt or excessive temperature and humidity changes occur, the rings may swell or shrink, thereby jamming in the track, either due to the lack of space between each ring or the excessive space between the rings, which will cause binding in the turns. Utilization of the sprocket shown in FIG. 3 will aid in relieving binding in the turn. Accordingly, as in FIG. 2, the positioner 70 is mounted beneath the track plate 18 a portion of which is shown removed in FIG. 3 so that the inventive positioner sprocket 70 may be seen. The manner of mounting the sprocket 70 will be shown in more detail in FIG. 4. However, in FIG. 3, it may be seen that the plastic rings, as they move along the continuous track 24, will contact the teeth 72 of the sprocket 70 and the rings will fit into the scalloped portions of the sprocket 70, shown typically at 74. The sprocket 70 is freely mounted as an idler, i.e., it is not provided with an independent drive means. Accordingly, upon contact of the starwheel 70 by a plastic ring, such as the ring shown at 76, motion will be imparted to the wheel positioner 70 in the direction of arrow 78. By inserting the tooth 72 of the wheel 70 between successive pucks, such as 76 and 78, it may be seen that an amount of space is taken up in the overall length of the puck train equal to the width of the point 72. However, more importantly, is the ability of the present invention to vary the amount of penetration of the finger into the interstices which occur between successive pucks. The variable positioning capability of the present invention is made possible in part by the taper of the teeth 72 and by a slot 90 in the track plate 18. The slot 90 is shown in phantom and located beneath the sprocket 70. Once a position is selected for the sprocket 70, it may be secured by rotating a thumb screw or knurled knob 92. The interaction of the knurled knob 92 and the slot 90 will be discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a cross section of the positioning sprocket of the present invention taken along section 4-4. In this cross section, the knurled knob 92 is located above the track plate 18. A threaded rod 94 having a shoulder portion 96 and a hub 98 is provided to cooperate with the knurled knob 92. The hub 98 is formed with a diameter greater than the axial bore of the inventive idler sprocket 70, while the shoulder portion 96 is of a diameter less than the axial bore through the center of the inventive sprocket 70. However, the shoulder portion is greater than the width of the slot 90 which has been milled into the track plate 18. A threaded portion 100 is provided at the end of the shaft portion 94 which protrudes through the slot 90. The shaft 94 is of a diameter which is less than the width of the slot 90. In operation, the location for the inventive sprocket 70 is chosen in relation to the desired amount of penetration of the sprocket finger 72 into the interstices of the puck train, and upon rotating the knurled knob 92, the shoulder portion 96 is drawn up against the track plate 18 and secured thereto. However, since the shoulder portion 96 is of a smaller diameter than the axial bore in the sprocket, the inventive sprocket 70 is permitted to freely spin. In this manner, the length of the puck train may be controlled regardless of changes in temperature or humidity in the environment of the automatic sample changer. It is understood, of course, that the foregoing description is given by way of example only, and that various other means may be utilized to embody the teaching of the present invention. For example, the sprocket wheel may have 5 or 6 or 7 teeth or arms and the specific locking apparatus using the threaded shouldered rod may be replaced by various other locking means.

A toothed sprocket wheel provides an idler for driving test tube holders into and out of sharp turns which occur in the track of an automatic sample changer employed in radiopharmaceuticals. The sprocket is provided with a selected number of well-defined teeth and is rotatably mounted at the center of a relatively sharp turn so as to transfer the linear motion from the test tube holder at its point of entry into the turn to the test tube holder at the point of exit from the turn. Also disclosed is a tensioner or positioner in a substantially linear alignment of the test tube holders such that, upon varying the degree of insertion of the sprocket teeth between successive test tube holders, the relative spacing between successive test tube holders, and the overall test tube holder train length may be adjusted to compensate for expansion/contraction of the holders due to environmental conditions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to expanding the functionality of an electronic device(s) without necessarily requiring changes to firmware in the electronic device(s), and more particularly, relate to a method, device, and computer program product for generating and obtaining new attributes that may be utilized by the electronic device(s) to expand and/or change a current set of functionalities of the electronic device(s). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Computer networks, television networks, and telephony networks are experiencing an unprecedented technological expansion, fueled by consumer demand. Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed related consumer demands, while providing more flexibility and immediacy of information transfer. [0003] Current and future networking technologies continue to facilitate ease of information transfer and convenience to users by expanding the capabilities of mobile electronic devices. To facilitate easier or faster information transfer and convenience, many electronic devices utilize firmware which is a combination of software and hardware. For instance, firmware may be a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device. Additionally, firmware may be the programmable content of a hardware device, which may consist of machine language instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a device. These settings may at least partially define the functionality of an electronic device. Currently, if a manufacturer of an electronic device desires to update the functionality of the electronic device because of changes or additions to the potential functionality of the electronic device that were introduced following the deployment of the electronic device or for some other reason, the parameters, settings, instructions or the like that define the updated functionality of the electronic device may need to be flashed to the firmware of the electronic device. In other words, the settings or parameters relating to the functionality of the electronic device that reside in the firmware (e.g., a read only memory (ROM) and/or flash memory) of the electronic device may need to be re-programmed to update the functionality of the electronic device. [0004] Making changes to firmware such as by re-programming the firmware in an electronic device(s) to change the functionality of an electronic device may be an expensive and time consuming task for a manufacturer, service provider or the like, especially in situations where there are many electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones) deployed in the marketplace. [0005] As such, there is an existing need to be able to update the functionality of an electronic device in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. For example, it would be desirable to be able to update the parameters, settings, instructions or the like that at least partially define the functionality of an electronic device in an efficient manner. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are therefore provided which permit the functionality of a device to be adapted or otherwise altered without requiring the device to be completely reprogrammed. In this regard, attributes which at least partially define the functionality of the device may be changed or supplemented in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in order to correspondingly alter the device functionality. As such, the functionality of a plurality of devices can be efficiently updated, even in instances in which a substantial number of devices are already deployed in the field by controllably altering or updating the attributes of the devices which define their functionality. [0007] In one aspect, a method is provided for storing one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The method may also receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The method may then store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the different function may be performed with that different function being at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action. [0008] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a processing element configured to store one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The processing element may also be configured to receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The processing element may be configured store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the processing element may perform a different function with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action. [0009] In a further aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein. The computer-readable program code portions include a first executable portion configured to store one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a first device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs) having an associated value. The computer-readable program code portions may also include a second executable portion configured to receive at least one other attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of the first device. For example, the at least one other attribute may be received via short-range communication. The computer-readable program code portions may further include a third executable portion configured to store the at least one other attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. Even though at least one of the initial attributes is maintained, other initial attributes may be overwritten. Thereafter, the computer-readable program code portions may include a fourth executable portion configured to cause a different function to be performed with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. While various functions may be defined and then performed, one function may include instructing a second device to perform an action. [0010] In yet another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a processing element configured to generate one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of a device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). The processing element may also be configured to send the initial attributes to the device. The processing element may also be configured to generate at least one other attribute which corresponds to a different function of the device and may also send the at least one other attribute to the device. Upon receipt of the at least one other attribute, the device is configured to perform a different function with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. [0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for generating one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of at least one device. In one embodiment, the initial attributes may include one or more Universally Unique Identifiers (UUIDs). The method may also send the one or more initial attributes to the at least one device and generate at least one other attribute which corresponds to a different function of the at least one device. The method may then send the at least one other attribute to the at least one device. Thereafter, the different function may be performed by the device with that different function at least partially corresponding to the at least one other attribute. [0012] In yet another aspect, a method is providing for receiving at least one attribute which corresponds to at least one different function of an electronic device. The electronic device stores one or more initial attributes which correspond to one or more functions of the electronic device. The method further comprises sending the at least one other attribute to the electronic device, which performs the different function corresponding to the at least one attribute while maintaining at least one of the initial attributes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: [0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a system for updating/expanding attributes of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 4A is a representation of Wibree™ attributes that define motion detection functionality of an electronic device(s) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 4B is a representation of the Wibree™ attributes that define motion detection functionality of an electronic device(s) following updating of the attributes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 6 is another representation of a portion of an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, which may communicate both via a wide area network, such as via TCP/IP, and via a short range communications link, such as via a Wibree™ protocol, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for updating/expanding attributes of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mobile terminal 10 that may benefit from the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the mobile terminal illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of electronic device that may benefit from the present invention and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present invention. While several embodiments of the electronic device are illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronic devices, such as portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, televisions, and other types of electronic systems, may employ the present invention. [0024] As shown, the mobile terminal 10 includes an antenna 12 in communication with a transmitter 14 , and a receiver 16 . The mobile terminal also includes a controller 20 or other processor that provides signals to and receives signals from the transmitter and receiver, respectively. These signals may include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and/or any number of different wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), wireless LAN (WLAN) techniques such as IEEE 802.11, and/or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and/or the like. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and/or the like. More particularly, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, and/or the like. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, EDGE, or the like. Further, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as UMTS network employing WCDMA radio access technology. Some NAMPS, as well as TACS, mobile terminals may also benefit from the teaching of this invention, as should dual or higher mode phones (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones). Additionally, the mobile terminal 10 may be capable of operating according to Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) protocols. [0025] It is understood that the controller 20 may comprise the circuitry required for implementing audio and logic functions of the mobile terminal 10 . For example, the controller 20 may be a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and/or the like. Control and signal processing functions of the mobile terminal may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The controller may additionally comprise an internal voice coder (VC) 22 a , an internal data modem (DM) 22 b , and/or the like. Further, the controller may comprise functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory. For example, the controller 20 may be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a Web browser. The connectivity program may allow the mobile terminal 10 to transmit and receive Web content, such as location-based content, according to a protocol, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and/or the like. The mobile terminal 10 may be capable of using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to transmit and receive Web content across Internet 50 . [0026] The mobile terminal 10 may also comprise a user interface including a conventional earphone or speaker 24 , a ringer 22 , a microphone 26 , a display 28 , a user input interface, and/or the like, which may be coupled to the controller 20 . Although not shown, the mobile terminal may comprise a battery for powering various circuits related to the mobile terminal, for example, a circuit to provide mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The user input interface may comprise devices allowing the mobile terminal to receive data, such as a keypad 30 , a touch display (not shown), a joystick (not shown), and/or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise conventional numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and/or other keys for operating the mobile terminal. [0027] As shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile terminal 10 may also include one or more means for sharing and/or obtaining data. For example, the mobile terminal may comprise a short-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver and/or interrogator 64 so data may be shared with and/or obtained from electronic devices in accordance with RF techniques. The mobile terminal may comprise other short-range transceivers, such as, for example an infrared (IR) transceiver 66 , a Bluetooth™ (BT) transceiver 68 operating using Bluetooth™ brand wireless technology developed by the Bluetooth™ Special Interest Group, and/or the like. The Bluetooth transceiver 68 may be capable of operating according to Wibree™ radio standards. In this regard, the mobile terminal 10 and, in particular, the short-range transceiver may be capable of transmitting data to and/or receiving data from electronic devices within a proximity of the mobile terminal, such as within 10 meters, for example. Although not shown, the mobile terminal may be capable of transmitting and/or receiving data from electronic devices according various wireless networking techniques, including Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), WLAN techniques such as IEEE 802.11 techniques, and/or the like. [0028] The mobile terminal 10 may comprise memory, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) 38 , a removable user identity module (R-UIM), and/or the like, which may store information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the SIM, the mobile terminal may comprise other removable and/or fixed memory. In this regard, the mobile terminal may comprise volatile memory 40 , such as volatile Random Access Memory (RAM), which may comprise a cache area for temporary storage of data. The mobile terminal may comprise other non-volatile memory 42 , which may be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory may comprise an EEPROM, flash memory, and/or the like. The memories may store one or more software programs, instructions, pieces of information, data, and/or the like which may be used by the mobile terminal for performing functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the mobile terminal 10 . [0029] Referring now to FIG. 2 , an illustration of one type of system that could support communications to and from an electronic device, such as the mobile terminal of FIG. 1 , is provided by way of example, but not of limitation. As shown, one or more mobile terminals 110 may each include an antenna 112 for transmitting signals to and for receiving signals from a base site or base station (BS) 44 . The base station 44 may be a part of one or more cellular or mobile networks each of which may comprise elements required to operate the network, such as a mobile switching center (MSC) 46 . As well known to those skilled in the art, the mobile network may also be referred to as a Base Station/MSC/Interworking function (BMI). In operation, the MSC 46 may be capable of routing calls to and from the mobile terminal 110 when the mobile terminal 110 is making and receiving calls. The MSC 46 may also provide a connection to landline trunks when the mobile terminal 110 is involved in a call. In addition, the MSC 46 may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages to and from the mobile terminal 110 , and may also control the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal 110 to and from a messaging center. It should be noted that although the MSC 46 is shown in the system of FIG. 2 , the MSC 46 is merely an exemplary network device and the present invention is not limited to use in a network employing an MSC. [0030] The MSC 46 may be coupled to a data network, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN). The MSC 46 may be directly coupled to the data network. In one typical embodiment, however, the MSC 46 may be coupled to a GTW 48 , and the GTW 48 may be coupled to a WAN, such as the Internet 50 . In turn, devices such as processing elements (e.g., personal computers, server computers or the like) may be coupled to the mobile terminal 110 via the Internet 50 . For example, as explained below, the processing elements may include one or more processing elements associated with a computing system 49 (two shown in FIG. 2 ), origin server 54 (one shown in FIG. 2 ) or the like, as described below. [0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the BS 44 may also be coupled to a signaling GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) support node (SGSN) 56 . As known to those skilled in the art, the SGSN 56 may be capable of performing functions similar to the MSC 46 for packet switched services. The SGSN 56 , like the MSC 46 , may be coupled to a data network, such as the Internet 50 . The SGSN 56 may be directly coupled to the data network. Alternatively, the SGSN 56 may be coupled to a packet-switched core network, such as a GPRS core network 58 . The packet-switched core network may then be coupled to another GTW 48 , such as a GTW GPRS support node (GGSN) 60 , and the GGSN 60 may be coupled to the Internet 50 . In addition to the GGSN 60 , the packet-switched core network may also be coupled to a GTW 48 . Also, the GGSN 60 may be coupled to a messaging center. In this regard, the GGSN 60 and the SGSN 56 , like the MSC 46 , may be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages, such as MMS messages. The GGSN 60 and SGSN 56 may also be capable of controlling the forwarding of messages for the mobile terminal 110 to and from the messaging center. [0032] In addition, by coupling the SGSN 56 to the GPRS core network 58 and the GGSN 60 , devices such as a computing system 49 and/or origin server 54 may be coupled to the mobile terminal 110 via the Internet 50 , SGSN 56 and GGSN 60 . In this regard, devices such as the computing system 49 and/or origin server 54 may communicate with the mobile terminal 110 across the SGSN 56 , GPRS core network 58 and the GGSN 60 . By directly or indirectly connecting mobile terminals 110 and the other devices (e.g., computing system 49 , origin server 54 , etc.) to the Internet 50 , the mobile terminals 110 may communicate with the other devices and with one another, such as according to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), to thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals 110 . [0033] Although not every element of every possible mobile network is shown in FIG. 2 and described herein, it should be appreciated that electronic devices, such as the mobile terminal 110 , may be coupled to one or more of any of a number of different networks through the BS 44 . In this regard, the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with any one or more of a number of first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and/or future mobile communication protocols or the like. For example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA), GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA). Also, for example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols GPRS, Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), or the like. Further, for example, one or more of the network(s) may be capable of supporting communication in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) network employing Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio access technology. Some narrow-band AMPS (NAMPS), as well as TACS, network(s) may also benefit from embodiments of the present invention, as should dual or higher mode mobile terminals (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones). [0034] As depicted in FIG. 2 , the mobile terminal 110 may further be coupled to one or more wireless access points (APs) 62 . The APs 62 may comprise access points configured to communicate with the mobile terminal 110 in accordance with techniques such as, for example, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth™ (BT), infrared (IrDA) or any of a number of different wireless networking techniques, including wireless LAN (WLAN) techniques such as IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, etc.), Wibree™ techniques, WiMAX techniques such as IEEE 802.16, Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) techniques and/or ultra wideband (UWB) techniques such as IEEE 802.15 or the like. The APs 62 may be coupled to the Internet 50 . Like with the MSC 46 , the APs 62 may be directly coupled to the Internet 50 . In one embodiment, however, the APs 62 may be indirectly coupled to the Internet 50 via a GTW 48 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the BS 44 may be considered as another AP 62 . As will be appreciated, by directly or indirectly connecting the mobile terminals 110 and the computing system 49 , the origin server 54 , and/or any of a number of other devices, to the Internet 50 , the mobile terminals 110 may communicate with one another, the computing system, etc., to thereby carry out various functions of the mobile terminals 110 , such as to transmit data, content or the like to, and/or receive content, data or the like from, the computing system 49 . As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0035] Although not shown in FIG. 2 , in addition to or in lieu of coupling the mobile terminal 110 to computing systems 49 and/or origin server 54 across the Internet 50 , the mobile terminal 110 , computing system 49 and origin server 54 may be coupled to one another and communicate in accordance with, for example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different wireline or wireless communication techniques, including LAN, WLAN, WiMAX, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wibree™ and/or UWB techniques. One or more of the computing systems 49 may additionally, or alternatively, include a removable memory capable of storing content, which can thereafter be transferred to the mobile terminal 110 . Further, the mobile terminal 110 may be coupled to one or more electronic devices, such as printers, digital projectors and/or other multimedia capturing, producing and/or storing devices (e.g., other terminals). Like with the computing systems 49 , the mobile terminal 110 may be configured to communicate with the portable electronic devices in accordance with techniques such as, for example, RF, BT, IrDA or any of a number of different wireline or wireless communication techniques, including USB, LAN, Wibree™, Wi-Fi, WLAN, WiMAX and/or UWB techniques. In this regard, the mobile terminal 110 may be capable of communicating with other devices via short-range communication techniques. For instance, the mobile terminal 110 may be in wireless short-range communication with one or more devices 51 that are equipped with a short-range communication transceiver 80 . The electronic devices 51 can comprise any of a number of different devices and transponders capable of transmitting and/or receiving data in accordance with any of a number of different short-range communication techniques including but not limited to Bluetooth™, RFID, IR, WLAN, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) or the like. The electronic device 51 may include any of a number of different mobile or stationary devices, including other mobile terminals, wireless accessories, appliances, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, motion sensors, light switches and other types of electronic devices. [0036] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a system 147 for updating the attributes of an electronic device is provided. As described below, the attributes of an electronic device generally define, or at least partially define, the functionality of the electronic device. The system 147 may include one or more electronic devices 102 and 104 as well as one or more intermediary devices 106 , such as one or more mobile terminals, and one or more servers 108 , although only one mobile terminal intermediary device and one server 108 are shown in FIG. 3 for illustration purposes. In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the intermediary device 106 and the server 108 may be embodied in a single component such as a computing device or an integrated circuit(s) such as for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, while two electronic devices 102 and 104 are shown in FIG. 3 , the system may include any number of devices which may communicate with each other and/or with the intermediary device 106 . As described below, the attributes of one or more of the electronic devices may be updated by the server, which provides the updated attributes to the intermediary device which, in turn, forwards the updated attributes to the electronic device(s). [0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic device 102 (for example, a motion detector) may be capable of including a memory 82 which may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and may be capable of storing content, data, information and/or the like. For example, the memory 82 may store content transmitted from, and/or received by, the intermediary device 106 and/or another electronic device 104 . The memory 82 may include a profile 85 which may define, or at least partially define, a function of the electronic device 102 . In instances in which the electronic device 102 is a sensor, for example, the profile 85 may be a sensor profile. The profile 85 may be comprised of one or more attributes 83 that collectively define a function of the electronic device. The attributes, in turn, may be dictated by the protocol in accordance with the electronic device is designed to communicate and operate. For example, an electronic device 102 configured to communicate via Bluetooth™ technology may include a profile that includes store one or more Wibree™ attributes which define the functionalities of the electronic device 102 . In this example, these attributes may consist of Wibree™ attributes which consist of a standardized Wibree™ attribute protocol (ATP) for low power Bluetooth™ devices. [0038] The electronic device 102 may also comprise a transceiver, such as a short range communication module 81 (also referred to herein, in one example, as a Bluetooth™ transceiver). The short range communication module 81 may also be capable of operating in one or more predefined frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz frequency band in one embodiment. The short range communication module 81 may be capable of communicating with other electronic devices, such as, for example, the intermediary device 106 and other electronic devices such as electronic device 104 , according to a predefined protocol. In embodiments in which the short range communication module 81 may communicate in accordance with Bluetooth™ techniques, for instance, the short range communication module 81 may be capable of transmitting/receiving data to/from the intermediary device 106 and/or the short range communication module 81 of another electronic device 104 according to a Wibree™ protocol. As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic device 102 may comprise a profile adaptation layer (PAL) 87 , such as a Wibree™ Profile Adaptation Layer (PAL), which may be embodied by software, for facilitating communication by the short range module 81 in accordance with the attributes. As described below, the short range module 81 of electronic device 102 may also be capable of receiving attributes, such as for example Wibree™ attributes, from the intermediary device 106 for defining the functionality of the electronic device. The attributes that are received by the short range module 81 may then be provided by the protocol adaptation layer 87 to memory 82 for storage. In an exemplary embodiment in which the attributes are Wibree attributes, the Wibree™ attributes received by the short range module may be stored in memory as Wibree attributes which, in turn, at least partially define the profile 85 of the electronic device 102 . [0039] The electronic device 102 may optionally comprise a processor 84 for controlling operations of the electronic device and a sensor 86 which may be capable of detecting motion of an entity, person or the like by sensing physical movement in a specified area. The sensor 86 may detect the motion and send signals to the processor 84 which may be capable of measuring change in speed and/or a vector of an object(s) in the field of view of the sensor 86 , for example. The data associated with the motion or movement detected by the sensor 86 may also be provided to and stored in memory 82 , such as in or in association with a profile 85 such as, for example, a sensor profile. The processor 84 may also be involved in the short range module 81 sending the data associated with detected motion or a movement to the intermediary device 106 , such as a mobile terminal. Additionally, profile 85 may contain instructions or otherwise define subsequent actions to be taken based on the detection of movement by the sensor 86 . For example, the profile may include directions to send a signal to another electronic device, such as electronic device 104 , when the sensor 86 detects movement. As such, when the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 detects movement, the processor 84 may reference the profile 85 to determine any subsequent action and, based on the profile, may send a signal to another electronic device, such as electronic device 104 , which may instruct the electronic device 104 to perform one or more actions. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the sensor 86 may optionally detect light as well as other forms of electromagnetic energy and when the sensor 86 detects a predetermined amount of light, the sensor is able to send an indication to the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 specifying that the predetermined amount of light has been detected. This indication may also serve as a trigger by the processor 84 to perform some action such as sending a message, command or signal to the intermediary device as described more fully below. Electronic device 104 may be any of a variety of devices, but in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 104 includes some of the same components as electronic device 102 , including, for example, a short range module 81 , a processor 84 , a memory 82 including a profile 85 and a number of attributes 83 and a protocol adaptation layer 87 . In contrast to a sensor, however, the electronic device 104 may comprise some other mechanism, such as a coffee maker 76 and/or a light 71 which make coffee in an automated fashion and which provide illumination, respectively, as known to those skilled in the art. [0040] In one embodiment, when the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 detects movement of an object within the field of view of the sensor 86 , the processor 84 may retrieve instructions from or may otherwise reference the profile 85 and based at least in part on the direction provided by the profile, the processor may instruct the short range module 81 to send a command to another electronic device such as electronic device 104 to turn on the coffee maker 76 , or to perform any other suitable action. For instance, in an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the device 104 also includes a light 71 , the electronic device 102 may instruct the electronic device 104 to turn on the light 71 in response to the detection of movement of an object within the field of view of the sensor 86 . In this regard, it should be pointed out that the electronic device 104 may have various mechanisms capable of performing any suitable action and is not limited to making coffee or turning on a light. Rather these are examples for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. [0041] While the functionality of the electronic devices 102 , 104 may be defined by any of a variety of types of attributes, the electronic devices of one embodiment may communicate in accordance with Bluetooth techniques and, as a result, may have functions defined by Wibree attributes. In an exemplary embodiment the functions defined by the attributes include but are not limited to: (1) changing a communication interval of the electronic devices; (2) changing parameter values that trigger a communication event with the electronic devices; (3) adding a new destination device for communication with an electronic device(s); (4) deleting a destination device for communication with an electronic device(s); (4) instructions for presenting a payload format to be transmitted by a device to one or more of the electronic devices; and (5) instructions regarding the manner in which to react to payload formats received from another device, as well as any other suitable functions. [0042] An example of modifying the functionalities of the electronic devices by utilizing attributes according to an alternative exemplary embodiment will now be provided. In particular, electronic device 102 may store one or more attributes such as “MyWebPage” in its memory 82 . A user operating intermediary device 106 may utilize a short range transceiver such as a Bluetooth transceiver to connect the electronic device 102 with the intermediary device when the intermediary device is within a predetermined range of the electronic device 102 , for example. When the electronic device 102 is connected to the intermediary device 106 , the electronic device 102 may utilize its short range module 81 to send a value such as a uniform resource locator (URL) of the attribute “MyWebPage” to the intermediary device 106 . Once the intermediary device 106 receives the URL of the attribute “MyWebPage” the intermediary device may forward the URL to the server 108 which retrieves Web content such as a Web page associated with the received URL. [0043] The server 108 may then send the retrieved Web page to the intermediary device 106 , which utilizes its Web browser to display the Web page that shows one or more choices for configuring the functionality of the electronic device 102 . These choices may be listed in a menu on a display such as display 28 for example. The choices may include but are not limited to data specifying that the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 may function as an alarm, siren, timer, etc. or operate according to any other suitable function. In this regard, the user of the intermediary device 106 may utilize the keypad 30 or the user input interface of the intermediary device 106 to select one of the choices. Each of the choices may correspond to one or more attributes that are associated with a functionality of the electronic device and which may be stored in a memory of the intermediary device 106 . [0044] It should be pointed out that the Web browser of the intermediary device 106 may execute a code such as for example Java™ that modifies the attributes which are to be sent to electronic device 102 based on the selected choice. Additionally, the Web browser of the intermediary device 106 may install a host application on the intermediary device 106 in accordance with the selected functionality. Consider a situation in which the user of the intermediary device 106 selects a choice to change the functionality of the electronic device 102 to an alarm. In this regard, the sensor 86 may detect a predetermined amount of light such as for example a level of light generated by the sun during a particular time of the day (e.g., sunset) and may serve as a trigger to send a signal to the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 which instructs the electronic device 102 to send a message such as a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, short message service (SMS) message, etc. to the intermediary device 106 . The SMS message may consist of any suitable message. For instance, in this example the SMS message may consist of an indication instructing a child of the user, who may currently have possession of the intermediary device 106 , that it is time to come home. [0045] Referring now to FIG. 4A , a representation of a number of Wibree™ attributes that may define the functionality of an electronic device(s) 102 , 104 is provided. The Wibree™ attributes may be pre-loaded in memory 82 of the devices 102 and 104 and may conform to a standardized Wibree™ Attribute Protocol (ATP) for Bluetooth™ devices. The Wibree™ attributes may at least partially define a function of an electronic device and each Wibree attribute may be identified by a universally unique identifier (UUID). The UUIDs may be used to uniquely identify every attribute of an electronic device and the UUIDs may be created by a person such as a network operator or the like and distributed to respective electronic devices such as, for example, electronic devices 102 and 104 . The UUIDs may consist of a predefined number of bits, such as 128 bits. [0046] As shown in FIG. 4A , the Wibree™ attributes of one embodiment may have descriptions including but not limited to Vendor, Type, Version, Threshold, Delay, Last Activity, Event Action, Detection value, and Detection destination. In this exemplary embodiment, the Wibree™ attributes may also include nine different UUIDs corresponding to the nine attributes (e.g., Vendor, Type, Version, etc.). The Wibree™ attributes may comprise nine handles and one or more values corresponding to the descriptions. However, it should be pointed out that the Wibree™ attributes may consist of any suitable number of UUIDs, handles, values, descriptions and other data. As shown in FIG. 4A , a unique handle is assigned to each UUID, such as by mapping UUIDs to corresponding handles during the initialization of the electronic device. This mapping may be performed in various manners, but in one embodiment, the handles may be assigned based on the order of the UUIDs with the first UUID being associated with a handle having a value of 1, the second UUID being associated with a handle having a value of 2, and so on. Based on the unique relationship between a UUID and a handle, UUID(s) can be referenced, such as by the processor 84 , by using the attribute handle to identify the respective UUID. [0047] With reference again to the example of the Wibree attributes provided by FIG. 4A , the value field of the Wibree™ attributes which may relate to the device 102 , 104 identifies the Vendor of the device as Nokia, the Type of the device as a motion detector and the Version of the motion detector as 1.2. The Threshold of the motion detector is defined to be 23%. In this regard, the motion detector may ignore any movement corresponding to a value that is less than or equal to 23% so that the motion detector is not overly sensitive. Additionally, the motion detector has a Delay of 3 seconds such that it typically does not perform an action (such as for example sending a command to device 104 to make coffee) until the time period associated with the delay has expired, in this example 3 seconds. Also, the Last Activity of the motion detector was Feb. 28, 2007 at 1:21 pm (i.e., 13:21). The values corresponding to the event action, detection value and detection destination descriptions may be empty, as shown in FIG. 4A . [0048] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the server 108 of FIG. 3 may desire to modify, add to or otherwise change the attributes that govern the functionality of one or more of the electronic devices 102 . As such, the server 108 may provide the updated or otherwise different attributes to the intermediary device 106 via a wide area network. The intermediary device 106 may then transmit the updated or otherwise different attributes to the electronic device(s) 102 via a short range communications technique. [0049] Referring now to FIG. 5 , a block diagram of one example of a server, such as server 108 of FIG. 3 , is provided. Although the server may be located at different locations within the network, the origin server 54 and/or computer system 49 of the system depicted in FIG. 2 may function as the server in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 , the server generally includes a processor 74 and an associated memory 76 . The memory 76 may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and may store content, data, and/or the like. For example, the memory may store content, data, information, and/or the like transmitted from, and/or received by, the server. The memory 76 may store one or more attributes that relate to the functionality of one or more electronic devices 102 , 104 . As described above, the attributes may be Wibree™ attributes that conform to a standardized Wibree™ attribute protocol (ATP) for Bluetooth™ devices in accordance with one embodiment. Also for example, the memory 76 may store client applications, instructions, and/or the like for the processor 74 to perform the various operations of the server in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. [0050] In addition to the memory 76 , the processor 74 may also be connected to at least one interface or other means for displaying, transmitting and/or receiving data, content, and/or the like. In this regard, the interface(s) may comprise at least one communication interface 78 or other means for transmitting and/or receiving data, content, and/or the like, as well as at least one user interface that may comprise a display 70 and/or a user input interface 75 . The user input interface 75 , in turn, may comprise any of a number of devices allowing the entity to receive data from a user, such as a keypad, a touch display, a joystick or other input device. [0051] In order to update or change the attributes of an electronic device 102 , new and/or modified attributes relating to the functionality of an electronic device may be generated at the server of FIG. 5 by processor 74 , or by an operator or the like utilizing user input interface 75 , or the new and/or modified attributes may be provided to the server from another network entity. Alternately, the processor 74 may automatically generate new attributes based on, for example, rules that may be defined by an operator. The server, for example server 108 , may then transmit the attributes to an intermediary device, for example intermediary device 106 , via a wide area network, as shown in FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the intermediary device 106 may be a mobile terminal, such as depicted in FIG. 1 and described above. The intermediary device 106 may be configured to receive the attributes from the server 108 via a wide area network and to then transmit the attributes to the electronic device 102 via a short range communication technique. [0052] In one embodiment in which the server 108 and the intermediary device 106 communicate via the Internet or other packet switched network and the electronic device 102 and the intermediary device 106 communicate via Bluetooth techniques, that portion of the intermediary device that relates to the relay of the attributes may be schematically represented as shown in FIG. 6 . In this regard, the intermediary device 106 may include an antenna 140 for transmitting signaling information to and/or receiving signaling information from the server in accordance with at least one air interface standard of an applicable cellular system and/or a wireless networking technique, for example Wi-Fi, WLAN, IEEE 802.11, and/or the like. For instance, the server 108 may provide the intermediary device 106 with data that includes one or more attributes, such as one or more Wibree™ attributes that define or further define the functionality of one or more electronic devices. Although the server 108 and the intermediary device 106 may communicate in accordance with a variety of protocols, the server and the intermediary device may be configured to communicate via the Internet or other packet switched network in accordance with TCP/IP, as reflected by block 142 of FIG. 6 . The attributes provided by the server may then be stored by the intermediary device as reflected by block 144 . In some embodiments, the intermediary device may maintain a profile 146 of the associated electronic device and, as such, the intermediary device may update the profile in accordance with the attributes provided by the server. In embodiments in which a mobile terminal 10 of FIG. 1 serves as the intermediary device, the attributes and the profile may be stored in one or more of the memories 40 and 42 . Following receipt of the attributes, the intermediary device 106 may transmit the attributes to one or more electronic devices 102 via a short range communication technique. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 , the intermediary device and the electronic devices may communicate via Bluetooth techniques with the attributes being correspondingly defined as Wibree attributes. As such, the intermediary device of the illustrated embodiment may include a profile adaptation layer (PAL) 148 , such as a Wibree™ Profile Adaptation Layer (PAL), a transceiver 150 , such as a Bluetooth transceiver, in order to send the attributes to the electronic devices, thereby permitting the electronic device(s) to update the attributes that define their functionality. [0053] In order to provide an example, reference is made again to the Wibree attributes depicted in FIG. 4A and stored in electronic device 102 . However, in relation to the system architecture of FIG. 3 , it is now desired to modify the attributes to alter the functionality of the electronic device 102 such that the electronic device 102 will alert electronic device 104 in the event that the sensor detects motion and cause electronic device 104 to turn on a light. In this regard, the server may transmit updated attributes that define the UUID associated with the Event action to be the UUID associated with a light switch, e.g., 654321-0600-8000-1000-60025b000b00, define the detection value to be “Put On” and define the detection destination to be 1212ab43ff23, that is, the address of electronic device 104 . The intermediary device 106 may then transmit the updated attributes to electronic device 102 via short range communications, e.g., Bluetooth. The electronic device 102 , in turn, stores the updated attributes and updates the profile 85 . As shown in the example of FIG. 4B , the processor 84 of the electronic device 102 may receive the Wibree™ attribute(s) 53 from transceiver 80 and execute a write command to write the UUID for a light switch (e.g., 654321-0600-8000-1000-00025b000b00 in this example) to the Event action handle, e.g., handle 0007, to write “Put On” to the Detection value handle, e.g., handle 0008, and to write the address of the other electronic device 104 , e.g., 1212ab43ff2e, to the Detection destination handle, e.g., handle 0009. The value written to the Detection destination handle, e.g., handle 0009, may correspond to an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the electronic device 104 . [0054] In this example, when the Wibree™ attribute(s) 83 have been updated as described above and as shown in FIG. 4B , the sensor 86 of electronic device 102 is capable of operating as a light switch. For instance, when the sensor 86 detects motion, the processor 84 is capable of sending a command to device 52 to turn on the light 71 . [0055] Referring to FIG. 7 , a flowchart is provided for updating or otherwise modifying the attributes of an electronic device and, as a result, altering the functionality of the electronic device. Optionally, at operation 600 , one or more attributes are defined and stored by an electronic device such as for example electronic device 102 . It should be pointed out that the attributes may be pre-stored by the electronic device. In one embodiment, the attributes may be Wibree™ attributes which may consist of UUIDs and other data relating to the functionalities (e.g., a motion detector detecting movement/motion) of the electronic device, as discussed above. At operation 605 , one or more additional or different attributes 53 may be defined, such as by being generated by or provided to a server 108 . At operation 610 , the attributes may be sent from server 108 to one or more intermediary devices 106 , such as a mobile terminal 10 . At operation 615 , one or more of the attributes may then be sent from the intermediary device to the electronic device 102 . [0056] At operation 620 , the electronic device 102 is capable of evaluating the received attributes and storing the corresponding attributes for future reference. At operation 625 , after storing the updated or otherwise modified attributes, the electronic device 102 may be capable of performing one or more different or new functions (e.g., turn on a light switch) based on the updated or modified attributes. At operation 630 , for example, the electronic device 102 of some embodiments may send a command, instruction or the like to another electronic device 104 to perform an action (e.g., turn on a light) based on the functionality defined by the updated or otherwise modified attributes. [0057] It should be understood that each block or step of the flowchart, shown in FIG. 7 and combination of blocks in the flowchart, can be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and/or software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device of the mobile terminal and executed by a built-in processor in the mobile terminal. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (i.e., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) means for implementing the functions implemented specified in the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the functions specified in the flowcharts block(s) or step(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions that are carried out in the system. [0058] The above described functions may be carried out in many ways. For example, any suitable means for carrying out each of the functions described above may be employed to carry out the invention. In one embodiment, all or a portion of the elements of the invention generally operate under control of a computer program product. The computer program product for performing the methods of embodiments of the invention includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as the non-volatile storage medium, and computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage medium. [0059] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention a device that has attributes that at least partially define the functionalities of the device may be overwritten or supplemented by newly received attributes. In this regard, new attributes can be sent to the device specifying one or more new functionalities of the device. Once the new attributes are received and stored in the electronic device, the electronic device has new functionality without making any changes to firmware. [0060] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are provided which permit the functionality of a device to be adapted or otherwise altered without requiring the device to be completely reprogrammed. In this regard, attributes which at least partially define the functionality of the device may be changed or supplemented in order to correspondingly alter the device functionality which, in turn, at least partially depends upon the attributes stored by the device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a division of parent application Ser. No. 08/252,743, filed Jun. 2, 1994, entitled VARIABLE-ANGLE GEAR SYSTEM. TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to universal couplings and, more particularly, to constant-velocity universal joints for directly connecting two shafts in a manner that transmits rotation from the driving shaft to the driven shaft while, at the same time, permitting the angle of intersection between the axes of the shafts to be varied away from 180°-alignment over a relatively wide and continuous range of angles (e.g., ±40°). BACKGROUND OF INVENTION For centuries, external and internal cog wheels and spur gears have been used to interconnect shafts on aligned and parallel axes, while bevel gears have been used to transmit rotational forces between shafts having axes that intersect with each other at fixed angles extending over the full range from 90° to 180°. During this century, hypoid gears have been developed to accomplish the same purpose with shafts that not only intersect with each other over the full range of wide angles but whose axes are offset (i.e., non-intersecting). For such known internal and external spur gearing, shaft alignment is an absolute necessity; and known bevel and hypoid gear pairs are designed specifically for only one predetermined angle between the axes of the gears. There are, however, some known special coupling and joint arrangements for compensating for small shaft misalignments where forces are being transmitted between aligned axes that must experience small angular changes during operation. For instance, it is known to use double-crowned spur gears in nylon sleeves for coupling shafts that may experience slight relative movements in parallel offset (e.g., 0.040"/1 mm) or slight angular misalignment (e.g., <1°). However, for each significant degree of angular change (e.g., >1°) between the axes, a completely new set of mating gears must be designed and manufactured to assure proper coupling and transmission of the rotational forces. Of course, there are known non-gear means for transmitting rotary motion between shafts experiencing angular change. Perhaps the best known of such devices are the universal joints used to connect the drive shafts and wheel axles of automotive vehicles. Such universal joints are often constructed in the form of two small intersecting axles, each held by a respective yoke. However, the shafts connected by such yoke and axle joints do not turn at the same rate of rotation throughout each entire revolution. Therefore, constant-velocity ("CV") joints have been developed (e.g., Rzeppa and Birfield) in which the points of connection between the angled shafts are provided by rolling balls which, during each revolution of the driving and driven shafts, roll back and forth in individual tracks to maintain their respective centers at all times in a plane which bisects the instantaneous angle formed between the shafts. Such universal and CV joints are quite complex and relatively difficult to lubricate, and the design and manufacture of such joint components is widely recognized as a very specialized and esoteric art of critical importance to the worldwide automotive industry. While this CV joint art is very well developed, the joints are expensive, comprising many parts that are difficult to manufacture; and such joints are limited in regard to the rotational speeds that they can transmit and in regard to the angles over which they can operate. Further, the rotational speeds that can be achieved by such joints are limited by the inertia of the rolling balls whose motion must reverse during each revolution. The invention has broad potential utility in any technology in which motion is transmitted between axes that intersect at variable angles during operation; and, as shown in specific embodiments disclosed below, the invention has particular applicability to, and provides remarkable improvements in, the CV joint art, providing the basis for remarkably simplifying and improving the design of CV joints. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its broadest sense, our invention is a gear system with novel forms of gearing for directly connecting two shafts in a manner that transmits rotation from the driving shaft to the driven shaft while, at the same time, permitting the angle of intersection between the axes of the shafts ("shaft angle") to be varied. Such angular variation is possible over a wide and continuous range extending to each side of 180° (i.e., extending to each side of the position where the axes are either in parallel alignment or are coincident) to some preferred maximum angle differing from 180° by more than 2° (e.g., 40°). As used herein, the term "preferred maximum angle" indicates any angle (differing from 180° in either direction) up to which the shafts must be able to intersect for the satisfactory transmission of rotational forces in the particular application in which the gear system is being used. For instance, if the preferred maximum angle were 40°, possible articulation would be up to 40° on each side of the 180° alignment position; and this would allow the shafts, while they were transmitting rotational forces, to be angularly adjusted relative to each other over a full range of 80°. Basically, the invention uses a single pair of gears to transmit constant velocity between two shafts, while allowing the angle between the shafts to vary during operation. In the most preferred embodiment, the shaft axes can be articulated relative to each other about a common pivot point in any plane; and this is accomplished by a design in which the pitch circles of the two gears are of identical size and always remain, in effect, as great circles on the same pitch sphere. As is axiomatic in spherical geometry, such great circles intersect at two points, and the pair of lunes formed on the surface of the sphere between the intersecting great circles (i.e., between the pitch circles of the gears) inscribe a giant lemniscate ("figure-eight") around the surface of the sphere. We believe that, since the relative movement of the tooth contact points shared between the mating gears inscribe respective lemniscates at all relative angular adjustments of the gear shafts, the two shafts rotate at constant velocity. As has just been indicated, in the explanation below relating to the design and manufacture of the gears, the pitch circles of each gear can be considered theoretically to be great circles on the same pitch sphere. However, each gear of the pair must of course have its own respective theoretical pitch surface (in order to account for relative motion between the gears), so each gear should also be thought of theoretically as having its own respective pitch surface in the form of a respective one of a pair of respective pitch spheres which have coincident centers and radii which are substantially identical while permitting each pitch sphere to rotate about its respective axis. Therefore, each pitch circle can also be considered theoretically to be, respectively, a great circle on a respective one of these substantially identical pitch spheres so that the pitch circles of the gear pair effectively intersect with each other at two points separated by 180° (i.e., "poles"), and the axes of rotation of the two respective pitch spheres intersect at the coincident centers of the two pitch spheres at all times and at all angles of intersection. For this primary organization of our invention, we use a first gear with internal teeth having a predetermined pitch circle, and then mate it with a second gear with external teeth and having a pitch circle identical to the first gear. The gears have mating teeth that are in mesh at two areas centered 180° apart; and, since their pitch circles are the same size, they rotate at a 1:1 ratio. The invention can also be organized to transmit rotary motion at a 1:1 ratio using two external gears, or to transmit rotary motion at ratios other than 1:1. In disclosed embodiments of this latter type of organization, the effective pitch circles of the gears are each, respectively, a great circle on a respective one of two differently-sized spheres that share one point of tangency, the smaller of the two spheres being positioned either inside or outside the larger sphere. However, in these embodiments, the gears share only a single meshing area in a manner similar to conventional internal or external gearing arrangements. For use with either of these just-described organizations of our variable-angle gear system, four different gear tooth designs are disclosed, namely: a circle/tangent ("CT") design, a circle-on-diamond ("CD") design, a "lune" design, and a lune/inverse-curve ("L/IC") design, all of which are described in detail below. All of these designs permit the axes of the gears to variably intersect throughout a range of angles measuring from each side of 180° up to some preferred maximum angle, and all share a common feature: At least the central portion of the lengthwise tooth surface of each mating tooth, when viewed on a pitch surface of its gear, is an arc of a single circle with a diameter selected so that, when said gears are rotating in a driving and driven relationship, the intersecting axes can be varied continuously throughout this preferred range of angles. [NOTE: For each of our gears, its respective "pitch surface" is a pitch sphere.] In the CT and CD designs (and in one gear of the pair in the L/IC combination), only the central portion of each tooth, when viewed in the pitch plane, is formed with the arc of a single circle; while in the lune design, the entire lengthwise curvature of each tooth surface is the arc of a single circle. In the preferred designs for our gears, a diametral pitch is selected so that, when the axes of the gears are inclined to each other at the maximum preferred angle, two or more of the mating teeth of each gear will be in mesh simultaneously at the each of the meshing areas shared between the gears. As in conventional gearing design, tooth thickness is selected to assure that expected loads will be safely transmitted by the number of teeth in mesh. In the CT and CD designs, the central portions of both tooth surfaces of each mating tooth, when viewed in a pitch plane, are respective arcs that form the opposite sides of a single circle of predetermined diameter. In the lune design, the arc that forms the entire lengthwise curvature of each tooth surface is also taken from a single circle of predetermined diameter. However, in the lune design, the circle is identical to a particular circle formed on the surface of a particular sphere, and its diameter subtends an angle, measured from the center of the sphere, equal to the maximum desired angle of intersection between the gear axes. The lune design for 1:1 arrangements is a circle formed on the sphere on which the pitch circles of each gear are great circles; and for arrangements other than 1:1, the circle is formed on the larger of the two intersecting spheres. The CT, CD, and L/IC designs are preferred for embodiments in which the gears may drive and be driven in either direction, since the CT, CD, and L/IC teeth operate satisfactorily with no backlash (i.e., with only minimal assembly tolerance). In contrast, the lune teeth mesh without backlash only when the axes of the gears intersect at the maximum desired angle. The backlash between the lune teeth increases to a maximum when the shaft axes are aligned at 180°. Therefore, the lune design is not practical where large backlash would create operating problems. For 1:1 arrangements, the teeth of the gears can be made with straight-sided profiles between top and bottom lands, because (a) the mating teeth do not "roll" relative to each other but rather, in a manner somewhat similar to hypoid gears, share sliding contact, and (b) the straight tooth sides lengthen the contact pattern on the mating teeth. Further, as will be apparent from the detailed description below, an involute profile would be relatively incompatible with the CT, CD, and L/IC designs. However, involute profile is quite compatible with the lune design, and such involute profile is necessary for arrangements other than 1:1, because the teeth must roll together as well as slide past each other. In addition, the involute profile may be desirable in certain 1:1 arrangements in which the gears do not transmit rotational motion but only nutate. The basic tooth designs of the invention are disclosed in detail along with various applications of the invention in novel CV-joint structures with features that combine a wide range of angular articulation in all planes with remarkable reductions in size and weight as well as ease of lubrication. DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional view of a pair of gears according to a first arrangement of the invention for transmitting rotational forces at a 1:1 ratio between a pair of shafts aligned on variably-intersecting axes, the gears being mounted within respective support frames and the respective shafts shown with their axes in 180° alignment. FIG. 2 is a symbolic-partial view representing just the gear and shaft portions of the gear system of FIG. 1, but showing the axes of the gears intersecting at a preferred maximum angle. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate schematically the relative motion between sets of tooth contact points on the pitch surfaces of a pair of rotating mating gears arranged in the manner generally indicated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a graphic-type representation of the relative motion between one of the respective sets of tooth contact points illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. FIG. 5A is a schematic representation of a portion of the pair of mating gears of FIG. 1, showing the gears with their respective axes aligned at 180° and indicating the projected chordal center distance between successive teeth on the pitch circle of each gear; and FIG. 5B is a schematic representation of a portion of the same pair of gears variably intersecting (as in FIG. 2) at a selected maximum preferred angle x, showing their meshing teeth in a modified flat projection as the gears rotate about their respective axes. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the partial outline of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears according to the invention taken in the radial center plane of the gears with axes aligned at 180°. FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the outline of a gear tooth according to the invention's CT design, the outline being shown in a pitch plane of its gear. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic representations of the outlines of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears according to the invention's CT design, the outlines being shown in modified flat projections, and the pair being shown with their axes intersecting at the preferred maximum angle x; FIG. 8A represents a first one of the gear pair's meshing areas, while FIG. 8B shows the second meshing area at the same instant in time; and FIG. 8C represents the second meshing area shown in FIG. 8B after the gears have each rotated a further distance of three-quarters of the circular pitch. FIGS. 9A and 9B show geometric constructions for determining the tooth shape of a pair of gears according to the invention's CD design. FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the outlines of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears according to the invention's CD design, the outlines being shown in modified flat projections. FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the meshing teeth of a further pair of gears according to a further shape variation that is applicable to either the invention's CT or CD designs, the meshing teeth being shown in outline in modified flat projections. FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the very slight tip relief clearance required on CD and CT design teeth, the tip relief being shown greatly exaggerated in the the illustration. FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic representations of gear teeth shaped according to the invention's "lune" design, FIG. 13A showing the geometric construction for determining the circular arc that forms the lengthwise curvature of each tooth face, and, FIG. 13B showing two sets of meshing teeth as the gears rotate about respective axes variably intersecting at a selected maximum angle, the outlines of the gear teeth again being shown in modified flat projections. FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic representations of the outlines of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears according to the invention's L/IC design, the outlines being shown in modified flat projections of the pair; in FIG. 14A the axes of the gears are intersecting at a preferred maximum angle, while in FIG. 14B the axes are intersecting at 20°. FIG. 15 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a constant-velocity joint according to the invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a constant-velocity joint according to the invention, this embodiment being preferred for use under high speed and high torque conditions. FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of two constant-velocity joints, similar to that shown in FIG. 15, incorporated in an articulated drive shaft assembly. FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a constant-velocity joint, similar to that shown in FIG. 15, incorporated in a steered drive-axle for a vehicle. FIG. 19 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional representation of a rotating constant-velocity joint similar to that shown in FIG. 15, the joint being articulated in the plane of the paper and including an encapsulating boot and lubricating fluid. FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic representations of two views of a further embodiment of the inventive gear system in an arrangement for transmitting rotational forces at a ratio other than 1:1, FIG. 20A showing a top view of an internal/external gear pair supported on shafts intersecting at an angle less that 180°, and FIG. 20B showing an end view of only the gears of the same pair when their respective shafts are aligned at 180°. FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of still another arrangement of the inventive gear system for transmitting rotational forces at ratios other than 1:1, this embodiment using only external gearing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Gear System FIGS. 1 through 5B illustrate various features of a pair of gears in a first arrangement of the invention for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts. In FIG. 1, which is a schematic and partially cross-sectional view of this first arrangement, an internal gear 10 fixed to a cup-like support 12 is splined to a shaft 14 held in a journal 16 of a carrier 26. A mating external gear 20 is fixed for rotation to the hub 22 of a second shaft 24, the latter being supported in a housing 18 for rotation in an appropriate bearing 28. Carrier 26 is itself pivotally mounted to housing 18 by pins 30 for rotation about axis 32. In FIG. 1, shafts 14 and 24 are shown with their respective axes 40, 42 positioned in 180° alignment. (A portion of the teeth of gears 10 and 20 are shown in this 180° alignment in FIG. 5A.) In this position, the teeth of gears 10 and 20 mesh together in the same manner as the teeth of a geared coupling. A spherical bearing, comprising interior member 34 and exterior member 36, maintains the mating gears 10 and 20 in proper meshing relationship. Namely, interior member 34 is bolted to the end of shaft 14, while exterior member 36 is captured between hub 22 and a lip 38 on the interior of gear 20. FIG. 2 represents, symbolically, just the gear and shaft portions of the gear system shown in FIG. 1. However, in FIG. 2 the axes 40, 42 of shafts 14 and 24, respectively, are shown intersecting at a "preferred maximum angle" (i.e., at some predetermined maximum shaft angle x up to which the shaft axes may variably intersect while rotational forces are being transmitted). Gear 20 is shown in solid lines pivoted about axis 32 at an angle x in a first direction, and it is shown in phantom lines pivoted about axis 32 at an angle x in the opposite direction. This illustrates the wide angular range of intersection through which the gear pair may be variably pivoted while rotational forces are being satisfactorily transmitted. At all times during such variable angular relative motion between the shaft axes, gears 10 and 20 remain in mesh at two respective meshing areas, the center of each meshing area being located at one of the two respective points at which the gears' pitch circles intersect with axis 32. In this basic first arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 through 5B, our gears 10, 20 function in a manner similar to known gear couplings in that they do not rotate relative to each other as their respective shafts rotate at a 1:1 ratio. However, whenever the angular orientation of their respective shafts is variably adjusted out of 180° alignment (as shown in FIG. 2), the teeth of the gears continuously move into and out of mesh even though the gears rotate at all times at the same speed. This relative movement of the teeth of gears 10, 20, into and out of mesh, is shown schematically in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C which represent, respectively, three different positions of relative gear rotation about axes 40, 42 when axes 40, 42 are intersecting at some preferred maximum angle x. FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show the relative advancement of four different respective sets of tooth contact points as the mating gear teeth move into and out of mesh. In FIG. 3A, a tooth contact point A on internal gear 10 is in mesh with tooth contact point A' on external gear 20; and, simultaneously, a tooth contact point C on internal gear 10 is in mesh with a tooth contact point C' on external gear 20. FIG. 3B shows the same tooth contact points on each gear after the gears have rotated at 1:1 for a quarter of a rotation, the gear tooth contact points D and B of gear 10 and points D' and B' of gear 20 now being in meshing contact. Following a further quarter turn, as shown in FIG. 3C, tooth contact points A, A' and C, C' are once again at mesh, but at a relative position 180° from their initial contact position shown in FIG. 3A. The tooth contact points represented in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are all located on the pitch circles of their respective gears; and, geometrically, these pitch circles are each great circles on the same sphere. All great circles intersect each other at two positions 180° apart. FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the relative motion between one of the respective sets of tooth contact points illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, namely, tracing the movement of tooth contact points A, A' along their respective pitch circles 10', 20' as gears 10, 20 make one full revolution together. Although the respective pitch circles are shown in flat projection, it can be seen that each tooth contact point traces a lemniscate-like pattern (a "figure-eight on the surface of a sphere"); and, as is well known in the universal joint art, such lemniscate motion is essential when transferring constant velocity between two articulated shafts. As indicated above, FIG. 5A schematically represents a portion of the pair of mating gears of FIG. 1, showing internal gear 10 and external gear 20 with their respective axes aligned at 180°. In this position, respective pitch circles 10' and 20' are coincident. Indicated on the coincident pitch circles are tooth centers 44 and 45 of internal gear teeth I 1 and I 2 , respectively, and tooth centers 46, 47, and 48 of external gear teeth E 1 , E 2 , and E 3 , respectively. Also shown are the projected chordal center distances PC between successive tooth centers 46, 47 and tooth centers 47, 48. FIG. 5B schematically represents approximately the same portion of gears 10, 20 as shown in FIG. 5A. However, in FIG. 5B, the gears are shown variably intersecting (as in FIG. 2) at selected maximum preferred angle x, and the gear teeth are represented in modified unwound flat projections of the pitch spheres of each respective set of gear teeth. The flat projections are modified so that the center distance between successive teeth on each flat projection equals the projected chordal distance PC between tooth centers. [NOTE: With reference to the flat projections and plane geometric constructions used to illustrate the tooth forms, it must remembered the gear system is based upon spherical geometry. That is, the projections onto the flat surfaces of our drawings represent lines on the surface of the respective sphere on which the pitch circle of the gear is a great circle. For instance, referring to the representation of the internal/external gear combination in FIG. 5B, the flattened projections of the teeth of gears 10 and 20 can be theoretically considered to be either on the surface of the same pitch sphere or, as indicated above, on the respective surfaces of one of a pair of respective pitch spheres having substantially equivalent radii and coincident centers.] As can be seen in FIG. 5B, when gears 10, 20 are rotating together with their respective axes variably intersecting at the preselected preferred maximum angle x, the center of their meshing engagement is coincident with axis 32 about which the gears pivot relative to each other, and the load being transferred between the gears is shared by ten teeth. That is, while only five teeth are shown in meshing engagement in FIG. 5B, as explained above (and as can be seen in FIG. 1), gears 10, 20 are simultaneously in mesh at all times about two meshing centers located 180° apart. Special attention is called again to the fact that gears 10, 20 do not roll relative to each other in the manner that mating spur and helical gears do in conventional gearing systems, and conventionally-designed gear teeth are not appropriate for our novel variable-angle gearing system for which we have developed unique gear tooth designs. Gear Tooth Designs (a) Basic Design Elements As indicated above, the variable-angle gearing system can be used for transmitting rotational forces at ratios other than 1:1. However, one of its primary applications relates to such 1:1 arrangements, and the following discussion is directed to the design of gear teeth appropriate for such arrangements. Referring to FIG. 6, the partial outline of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears 50, 52 according to the invention is represented schematically; and, for clarity, external gear 52 is not shown in cross section. The axes of the gears are aligned at 180°, and the outline is taken in the radial center plane of the gears. Two external gear teeth 54, 55 are shown in full mesh with three internal gear teeth 56, 57, 58. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the working surfaces of all the gear teeth are straight-sided. This is the preferred profile shape. As just explained above, whenever the axes of our gears are positioned out of the 180° alignment while the gears are rotating at a 1:1 ratio, the gears are constantly moving into and out of mesh about their two shared meshing centers. This movement causes the surfaces of the meshing teeth to slide over each other in a manner somewhat similar to the sliding contact that occurs between the meshing teeth of hypoid gears. The preferred straight-sided tooth surfaces create a full line of sliding contact through the mesh. Further, while the straight-sided teeth can be designed to follow radial lines 60, a spline shape (indicated by lines 62) is preferred. There is another characteristic common to gear teeth according to our invention, and this will be illustrated by using as an example a gear tooth formed according to the invention's CT (circle-tangent) design. FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the outline of a CT gear tooth 64, the outline being shown in a pitch plane of its gear. This CT tooth, like all teeth according to our invention, includes the following basic design characteristic: The central portions 66, 67 of the working surfaces of tooth 64, on each side of its radial center line 68, are formed by the arc of a single circle 70 having a diameter selected so that, when its gear is rotating in a driving and driven relationship with a mating gear according to our invention, the intersection of the axes of the mating gears can be varied continuously from an alignment of 180° throughout the range of angles extending to some preselected maximum preferred angle on each side of 180°. The circular arcs that form the central portions of the two working faces of each CT and CD tooth (and one of the teeth of the combination L/IC design) are formed from the same circle; however, while the two working faces of each lune tooth are also arcs of circles having the same diameter, they are not formed on the same circle. These features are discussed in greater detail below. In addition, the diameter for the required single circle in all of our designs is selected to assure that more than two mating teeth shall be in mesh simultaneously about each of the meshing centers shared by the mating gears. The selection of the diameter of the single circle will be described, along with other parameters, in the following explanations of four preferred tooth designs for our invention. (b) CT (Circle-Tangent) Tooth Design As just explained above and as can be seen in FIG. 7, the design of the CT gear teeth begins with the selection of a single circle. This first step is approached in the same manner as is well known in the gearing art, namely, size and strength specifications for our gear pair are initially determined in accordance with the application in which the variable-angle gear system is to be used (e.g., as a CV joint for a steer/drive axle in an automotive light truck). The addendum circle (maximum diameter) of the gears may be limited by the physical space in which the gearing must operate, and a diametral pitch must be selected so that the normal chordal thickness of the teeth (i.e., the chordal thickness of each tooth along the pitch circle) is sufficient to permit the maximum expected load to be carried by the number of teeth in mesh. In this regard, it is essential to remember that when using our gear system for transferring motion at a 1:1 ratio, a pair of our gears is capable of handling twice the load as a pair of conventional gears of the same size. That is, since the gear pairs share two meshing areas centered 180° apart, they have twice as many teeth in mesh as would a conventional gear of the same size, and a diametral pitch may be selected that provides a normal chordal thickness that is significantly smaller than would be conventionally required. Referring again to FIG. 7, following the selection of an appropriate addendum size and diametral pitch, a single circle 70 is used to form the central portion of the tooth. Circle 70 has a radius R which produces a circle having the required normal chordal thickness D along radial center line 68. Next, it is preferred to extend the lengthwise face width of each gear sufficiently to assure that more than two teeth will be in mesh about each of the two meshing centers shared by our gear pair. To accomplish this, an initial determination is made regarding the angular variability that will be required for the particular application. For instance: a universal joint designed for a specific truck drive shaft may require no more than 5°-10°, but even more than 40° of articulation may be needed in a steer-drive. As indicated above, this desired angular variability is referred to as the "preferred maximum angle x". In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the preferred maximum angle x is 40°. The angle x is marked off on each side of radial center line 68 (indicated by the construction lines between points AB and EF) so that points A and E measure respective tooth surface angles x (in this example, 40°) on each side of center line 68 on tooth surface 66, and points F and B measure the same tooth surface angles on tooth surface 67. Each respective tooth surface 66, 67 is then extended by constructing tooth surface extension portions outlined by straight lines 72, 73 and 74, 75, respectively, each of which is drawn tangent to a respective tooth surface angle point A, E, B, F. Each extension line 72, 73 and 74, 75 is respectively extended from its point of tangency toward a projected intersection with the axial center line 76, completing the construction of the tooth surface extension portions. In the final tooth form, the sharp ends of these extension portions are preferably chamfered as indicated in dotted lines. Since each extension line 72, 73 and 74, 75 is perpendicular to the respective radial line drawn to its point of tangency, it will be noted by simple geometric analysis that the angle formed between each said extension line and axial center line 76 is also equal to x (in this instance, 40°). Teeth proportioned according to this CT design will slide properly into and out of mesh as our gears interconnect two shafts at variably intersecting angles. Also, this CT design assures that, at one or both of the gear pair's centers of meshing engagement, more than two mating teeth will carry the load even when the axes of the gears are intersecting at the maximum preferred angle. Further, if the diametral pitch is selected so that each gear has an odd number of teeth, this design assures that more than two mating teeth will carry the load about both of the gear pair's centers of meshing engagement when the gears are intersecting at the maximum preferred angle. This latter condition is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 8A and 8B which represent the outlines of the meshing teeth of a pair of gears according to the invention's CT design, the outlines being shown in modified flat projections, and the pair being shown with their axes intersecting at the preferred maximum angle x. FIG. 8A represents a first one of the meshing areas of a CT gear pair designed according to the method just described above, while FIG. 8B shows the second meshing area of the same gear pair at the same instant in time. Once again, for purposes of illustration, it is assumed that the gear teeth have been designed for a preferred maximum angle of 40°. As indicated above, this provides an angular range that extends 40° to each side of the position where the axes are either in parallel alignment or are coincident, thereby creating 80° of total articulation. In FIG. 8A, the center of an external gear tooth 80 is positioned at the center of the first meshing area, and external gear tooth 80 is in contact with internal gear teeth 81, 82. At the same instant of time, at the second shared meshing area shown in FIG. 8B, the center of an internal gear tooth 83 is positioned at the center of the meshing area, and internal gear tooth 83 is in contact with external gear teeth 84, 85. Thus, when the shafts being interconnected by the gear pair are intersecting at the maximum angle, six gear teeth are sharing the load. FIG. 8C represents the second meshing area shown in FIG. 8B at a moment in time after the gears have each rotated a further distance of three-quarters of the circular pitch. At the time illustrated in FIG. 8C, the radial center line of external gear tooth 86 has come into contact with the right hand extension portion of internal gear tooth 87, and the line of contact between these two teeth begins its sliding movement to the right (as viewed in the drawing) along the front face of tooth 86 and to the left along the rear face of tooth 87. At the same time, the line of contact between internal gear tooth 87 and external gear tooth 85 is sliding to the left along the front face of tooth 87 and to the right along the rear face of tooth 85. As just indicated above, the number of teeth in mesh when the shafts are oriented at the preferred maximum angle x represents the minimum number of teeth in mesh for all expected operating conditions; and when the shafts move into substantial alignment at 180°, the teeth of the two gears are all fully meshed with each other in a coupling-like manner. Therefore, if the selected diametral pitch and normal chordal thickness of the teeth are sufficient to carry expected loads with the number of teeth in mesh at the preferred maximum angle, the gear pair will have appropriate strength under lesser angular orientations. Persons skilled in the gearing art will appreciate that the possible scoring of the gear tooth faces must be given special consideration in view of the sliding contact between our gears. However, when considering the possibility of scoring in our gear system, it should be noted that (a) the surface pressure on each tooth is reduced, since the load is shared by multiple teeth at two meshes simultaneously, and (b) the opposite tooth faces of each tooth are under load, respectively, at each of the shared meshes. Also, the tooth surface distance through which each pair of meshing teeth slide relative to each other, as they pass into and out of mesh, is reduced as the shaft angle approaches 180°. Therefore, the sliding velocity decreases as the shaft angle between the gears decreases, and the potential for scoring problems should be minimized if the surface pressure and the sliding velocity between the gear teeth are acceptable at the preferred maximum angle. (c) Design of CD (Circle-Over-Diamond) Teeth While there may be other ways to determine the design parameters of gear teeth appropriate for the variable-angle gear system, this is done by general geometric construction; and the general geometric construction for our CD teeth, illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, is as follows: (1) In the same manner as was explained above in regard to the CT teeth, the design of the CD teeth also begins by initially determining required size and strength specifications in accordance with the application in which the gearing is to be used and, therefrom, selecting an appropriate addendum size, diametral pitch, and normal chordal thickness for the teeth. (2) Following the initial selection of such appropriate basic parameters, a portion of the external gear of the pair is laid out in an axial view in the manner shown in the right hand portion of FIG. 9A. Namely, a portion of its pitch circle a and at least two tooth centers b and c are constructed. A radial line d passing through a tooth center b is selected to mark off the center of a "proposed mesh", and an unwound flat projection a' of a portion of the pitch circle a of the external gear is laid out perpendicular to radial line d. (3) A projected tooth center b' is marked at the intersection of radial line d and unwound pitch circle a' to serve, as indicated above, as the center of the proposed mesh. Then, a second tooth center c, adjacent to tooth center b, is projected from originally constructed pitch circle a to unwound pitch circle a', being identified as projected tooth center c'. (4) Next, circles e and f are constructed about tooth centers b' and c', respectively, each circle having a diameter equal to the normal chordal tooth thickness determined by the diametral pitch selected in step (1) above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, this diameter is also equal to one-half of the projected circular pitch of the gear (as indicated by the dotted circle of the same diameter shown midway between projected tooth centers b' and c'). (5) The unwound flat projection of the pitch circle g of the internal gear of the pair is then drawn through the center b' of the proposed mesh at an angle x which is selected to be equal to the maximum desired angle of intersection between the gear axes, and two new tooth centers h and i are marked on unwound pitch circle g, tooth centers h and i being positioned apart at a distance equal to the projected circular pitch and being centered about mesh center b'. New circles k and m, each having the same diameter as tooth circles e and f, are drawn about centers h and i. (6) Reference is now made to FIG. 9B which is a continuation of the projected mesh construction begun in the left hand portion of FIG. 9A. Unwound pitch circle g also represents the radial center line of each tooth circle k and m, and the angle x (which equals the preferred maximum angle of intersection between the gear axes) is marked off on each side of center line g on each of the opposite faces of tooth circle k, thereby creating two respective tooth face angles (of x°) on each opposite face of tooth circle k. A chord n is then drawn between the outer points o and p of the respective tooth face angles on one side of tooth circle k, and a bisector q is constructed through tooth center h and chord n. (7) A line is drawn from point o tangent to the surface of tooth circle f at r and ending at its intersection with bisector q at s. A second line is drawn from point s to point p at the other end of chord n, and the equal sides of the resulting isosceles triangle ops form the basic shape of an extension portion that increases the lengthwise width of the gear tooth in an axial direction on one side of tooth circle k. The bisector q is now extended to form the axial center line of the tooth, and a triangle of identical dimensions is then drawn extending from the outer points of the respective tooth face angles on the opposite side of tooth circle k as shown in FIG. 9B, completing an extension portion in the opposite axial direction. (8) The outline of this apparent "circle-over-diamond" tooth shape, as constructed about tooth center k in the manner just described, is then used for the shape of the teeth (when viewed in a pitch plane of the gear) of both gears in a mating CD pair. Of course, as appreciated by those skilled in the art of gear design and manufacture, while our final CD tooth shape is substantially in this form, minor modifications must be made for tip-relief, clearance, edge and surface smoothing, etc. A set of such meshing CD teeth are illustrated schematically in FIG. 10 with the gears positioned about a center of mesh 88 and with the axes of the gears oriented at a selected preferred maximum angle of intersection of 40°. At this maximum angle, it can be seen that three internal gear teeth 90, 91, 92 are in contact with two external gear teeth 93, 94. Therefore, like our other tooth designs, more CD teeth are in mesh at all times to carry expected loads than would be true with conventional gear systems. (d) Possible CT and CD Tooth Design Variation FIG. 11 schematically represents the meshing teeth of a further pair of gears according to a further shape variation that is applicable to either the invention's CT or CD designs. Once again, the meshing teeth are shown in outline in flat projections as the gears rotate about respective axes variably intersecting at a selected preferred maximum angle, and the flat projections are modified in the same manner as was noted above in regard to FIG. 5B. In this unusual variation, the respective gears of the mating pair have teeth of different thickness. Once again, the design is by construction and, in the initial design step, a diametral pitch is selected to provide a tooth of minimum size and normal chordal thickness, but still appropriate to carry expected loads. For instance, in FIG. 11 a portion of the CT teeth of an internal gear 100 are laid out in projection as shown; and by way of example, it can be assumed that internal gear 100 has a pitch circle of about 9 cm (3.5") and is initially selected to be a 10-pitch/36-tooth gear with a normal chordal thickness as indicated in the single circle 102 forming the center of one of its CT teeth. The circular pitch for the teeth of internal gear 100 is indicated as cp. Next, every other tooth is removed from gear 100 as indicated by dotted lines. This leaves a space between each tooth of gear 100 that is equal to three times the diameter of single circle 102, while the remaining internal gear teeth 104, 105, 106 are on centers that are two times the initially selected circular pitch (i.e., 2·cp). Nonetheless, internal gear teeth 104, 105, 106 retain their original dimensions and shape (e.g., as they would appear in a 10-pitch/36-tooth gear). In the next step of this variation, the teeth of mating external gear 108 are constructed on centers that are also separated by 2·cp. However, when using the CT construction as explained above, the single circle 110 (that is used to form the central portion of each tooth) is provided with a diameter which is equal to three times the diameter of single circle 102 used to form the central portion of the original teeth of internal gear 100. When the meshing portions of gears 100, 108, constructed in the manner just described above, are laid out in projections as shown in FIG. 11 with the axes of the gears intersecting at a selected preferred maximum angle x (for this example, x=40°), it can be seen that the differently-sized teeth can rotate together in a mating relationship. Further, based upon the gear size parameters suggested as an example above for gears 100, 108 in FIG. 11, each of the two gears become, in effect, a 5-pitch/18 tooth gear, but they retain the same circular pitch and the same shallower whole depth as the original 10-pitch/36-tooth gear would have had. It can also be seen in FIG. 11 that two of the oversized external gear teeth 111, 112 are in contact with two internal gear teeth 105, 106. Therefore, this variation provides at least four mating teeth for each mesh, i.e., eight teeth in mesh at all times during normal operation. Our CT, CD, and L/IC gears share another design feature, namely, all require a very slight tip relief for clearance. In FIG. 12, such tip relief is shown, in greatly exaggerated form, in a schematic perspective: a tooth face of an external gear CD tooth 114 has the upper addendum of each of its respective extension portions 116, 117 chamfered slightly, the depth of the chamfer increasing from zero, at the radial center line of the tooth, to a maximum at the outside edge of the tooth face as it meets the axial center line of the tooth. To provide some appreciation for the amount of relief required: the teeth of an external CD gear with an outside diameter of 10 cm (4") would require approximately 0.2 mm (0.008") maximum tip relief at their outer edges. Such slight tip relief can be simply generated during the manufacture of our gearing. For instance, in a process in which the gears are initially forged to a "rough-but-near-finished" shape, the forged rough gears can be finished by CBN grinding with a finishing tool having the form of a mating gear without any tip relief. (e) Lune Tooth Design The gear system includes still another gear tooth design that is easily manufactured and has particular utility in some applications. This design is called "lune" because the the outline of the entire lengthwise surface of each of the opposite working faces of each tooth is formed by the arc of a single circle, and when viewed on the pitch surface of the gear, the outline of the two working faces of each tooth create a lune-like shape. (Geometrically, a "lune" is the area bounded by two intersecting great circles on the surface of a sphere.) For this explanation of our lune design, reference will be made to FIGS. 13A and 13B. FIG. 13A shows the geometric construction used to determine the circular arc that forms the lengthwise curvature of each tooth face. First, in the same manner as was explained above in regard to our CT and CD teeth, the design of the lune teeth also begins by initially determining required size and strength specifications in accordance with the application in which the gearing is to be used and, therefrom, selecting an appropriate addendum size, diametral pitch, and normal chordal thickness for the teeth. With this information, a simple construction is made of a radial cross section of the external gear 115, laying out the addendum circle 116, the root circle 118, and the pitch circle 120; and the outlines of a few teeth are also added. Next, the preselected preferred maximum angle x (in this example: 25°) is laid out from the gear center 122 between radial lines 124, 125; and a chord 126 is drawn between the two respective points 127, 128 at which radial lines 124, 125 intersect pitch circle 120. The length of chord 126 is measured to provide the diameter measurement X which is used for creating the single circle that determines the arc that forms the entire length of the working surface of each lune tooth for the gears. In a further construction shown in FIG. 13B, external gear 115 and a mating internal gear 130 are laid out in modified flat projections (as explained above) with the axes of the gears intersecting at the preselected preferred maximum angle (i.e., 25°), the pivot axis about which the gear axes intersect being indicated by the center 132 of the shared mesh. A circle having a diameter of X is drawn about center 132, and the arcs of this circle form the front face of external gear tooth 134 and the rear face of external gear tooth 135. Center 132 is also used to mark the center of an external tooth, and further external tooth centers 137, 138 are marked off along radial center line 136 of gear 115 at successive distances equal to the preselected circular pitch. Thereafter, using circles of the same diameter X and using the successive centers 137, 138, etc., the front and rear faces of the other external gear teeth are constructed. Similarly, beginning at two points marked off at a distance of one-half the circular pitch on each side of mesh center 132, successive tooth centers 139, 140 are marked off along radial center line 141 of internal gear 130. Then, using circles of the same diameter X and using the successive centers 139, 140, etc., the front and rear faces of the gear teeth of internal gear 130 are constructed. As will be readily understood by persons skilled in the manufacture of gears, such lune gear teeth can be formed by using hollow cylindrical cutters with an inside diameter of X. With this construction as shown, it can be seen that many lune teeth (e.g., approximately 10 teeth at each shared meshing area) will be in full contact on both of their respective faces when the shaft angle between the gears is at the maximum angle. However, the normal chordal thickness of each lune tooth is not as large as the space between the teeth of its mating gear so that, as the shaft angle decreases from this maximum orientation back toward 180° alignment, the backlash between the meshing lune teeth increases, reaching a fairly substantial maximum amount of backlash when the axles reach 180° alignment. Therefore, our lune-tooth design is not appropriate for applications in which minimum backlash is required at all times, e.g., where expected shaft rotation reversals occur with relative frequency during normal operation. (f) Combination Lutte/lnverse Curve ("L/IC") Design FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic representations of the outlines of the meshing teeth of still another pair of gears according to the invention. For reasons that will be apparent from the following explanation, this design is called a lune/inverse-curve combination ("L/IC"). Once again, the outlines of the teeth are shown in modified flat projections of the pair with their axes intersecting at a preferred maximum angle. Of course, it must be remembered that such flat projection merely simulates the real gears whose pitch surfaces are spherical. That is, should the gears illustrated in FIG. 14A be erroneously laid out in the traditional manner on pitch "cylinders", serious interference would occur. However, when laid out on a pitch sphere (or on respective ones of a pair of respective pitch spheres having substantially equivalent radii and coincident centers), these teeth will mesh throughout the full range of angular adjustment without interference or excessive backlash. As with the other tooth designs just described above, the teeth shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B are most easily explained by means of a construction. For these L/IC teeth, a construction of the design begins with the usual initial determination for selecting an appropriate addendum size, diametral pitch, and normal chordal thickness for the teeth, as well as the desired maximum angle x through which the gear shafts shall be expected to variably intersect to each side of 180°. Based upon these preselected parameters, flat projections of the pitch circles of the two gears are laid out intersecting at the maximum angle (in this case at an angle of 45°); and, as with the CT and CD designs, a tooth center 80' for one of the gears is positioned at the point of intersection between the pitch circles. Using the selected circular pitch P', additional tooth centers 81', 82', and 83', 84', 85' and 86', respectively, are marked on each pitch circle. Next, the central portion of each tooth is laid out as a respective circle having a diameter equivalent to the desired chordal thickness D'. Namely, each respective circle is made with a radius T that is equivalent to one-half the chordal thickness (i.e., one-quarter the circular pitch). The teeth of a first one of the gears are then formed with a lune design, the entire length of each tooth face 87', 88', 89', 90' of each tooth being the arc of a circle having its center located on the pitch circle of the first gear and having a radius R' such that: ##EQU1## radius R' being equivalent to one and one-half times the selected chordal thickness, which is also equivalent to three-quarters of the circular pitch. The teeth of the mating gear of the second gear are formed about tooth centers 80', 81', 82' in a manner quite similar to that described above with regard to our CT and CD teeth. Namely, each circular-arc center portion 91', 92' of each tooth surface is provided with two axially-extending portions 93', 94' contiguous, respectively, with each of its ends; and the surface of each respective extension portion 93', 94' is a line (a) extending from circular central portion 91', 92' at a respective one of two points A', E' and B', F' oppositely disposed from the radial center line 95' of the tooth at respective predetermined tooth surface angles x and (b) extending toward a projected intersection with the axial center line 96' of the tooth. Also, in our L/IC design, like our CT design, the surface of each respective tooth surface extension portion is tangent to the circular central portion of each tooth face. However, as can be seen in FIG. 14A, each respective tooth surface extension portion 93', 94' is a curved line having a curvature inverse to the curvature of circular central portion 91'. Each of these inversely-curved extension portions is a circular arc with a center of curvature positioned on an extension of its respective tooth surface angle line A', B' and E', F'. Such a construction is shown for the tooth surface extension portions of tooth 97', for which the centers of curvature for extension portions 100', 101', 102' and 103' are, respectively, points 104', 105', 106' and 107'. In this construction, the radius R' of each extension portion is equivalent to three times the radius T of its respective circular central portion. FIG. 14B illustrates the same mesh of the same pair of L/IC gears shown in FIG. 14A, but with their axes intersecting at only 20° rather than at the preferred maximum angle. It can be seen that five teeth are still in mesh. Therefore, our L/IC design also provides more teeth in mesh at all times than does a conventional gear system; and, further, when the axes are aligned at 180°, all the teeth are in mesh as in a gear coupling. Constant- Velocity Joints While the gear system can be used in any application that requires the transfer of rotational forces between elements whose axes intersect at variable angles during normal operation, one of its primary applications is in automotive technology relating to universal and constant-velocity ("CV") joints. In FIG. 15, a first embodiment of a CV joint according to our invention is shown in a schematic and partially cross-sectional view. One of the external gears 150 is mounted to a hub 152 splined to the end of a drive shaft 154, and its mating internal gear 156 is mounted to a cup-like support 158 fixed to the end of a driven shaft 160. Gears 150 and 156 are maintained in a meshing relationship by means of a spherical bearing comprising a large ball bearing 162 fixed to the center of support 158 at the end of driven shaft 160 by a bolt 163. Ball bearing 162 is held in a cage 164 that is trapped between an outer lip 166 of hub 152 and a spring ring 168 located by an appropriate channel in hub 152. For assembly purposes, the splined end of hub 152 is bored out all the way to the inside diameter of the splines, and cage 164 is divided into two parts. During assembly: (a) the outer half of cage 164 is placed against lip 166, (b) ball 162 is placed in the outer half of cage 164, (c) the inner half of cage 164 is positioned around ball 162, (d) spring ring 168 is positioned in hub 152 to retain cage 164, and (e) bolt 163 is used to secure ball 162 to shaft 160. With this bearing structure, the centers of both gears are maintained at all times coincident with the center of ball 162, while ball 162 is free to move in any direction relative to its cage 164; and gears 150, 156 remain in mating contact about two meshing centers as shafts 154, 160 intersect variably throughout a wide range of shaft angles in any plane. FIG. 16 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a constant-velocity joint according to the invention. While this further embodiment is similar to the CV joint of FIG. 15, it includes a special spherical bearing that is preferred for use under high speed and high torque conditions. Internal gear 170 is fixed to cup-like support 172 and driven shaft 173, while external gear 175 is fixed to a hub structure 176 splined to drive shaft 177, and the central portion of the spherical bearing once again comprises a large ball 178 secured to support 172 and shaft 173 by a bolt 179. Also, ball 178 rides in a cage 180 that is retained in an appropriate channel formed in hub structure 176. However, in this heavy-duty embodiment, ball 178 does not ride directly on cage 180 but rather is supported by many smaller balls 182 that are trapped in cage 180 by a series of races formed by very thin ring washers 183 which are latitudinally positioned about ball 178. For assembly purposes, cage 182 is again split into two parts secured by bolts 184 (only one shown). With this ball-bearing arrangement, separate groups of smaller balls 182 are each retained, respectively, in separate latitudinal raceways, but the balls remain free to roll longitudinally. In the manner explained above, the teeth of our gears used in these CV joints are designed for some predetermined maximum preferred shaft angle. In FIG. 16, the CV joint is shown articulated in the plane of the paper about pivot axis 186 to its preferred maximum angle (in this example: 40°); and, to illustrate the range of articulation of this CV joint, the lower end of gear 175 is also shown in phantom lines, indicating the position of gear 175 when it is pivoted to the same maximum angle in the opposite direction. Lubrication of the spherical bearings of these CV joints is facilitated by suitable channels bored through, and around the surface of, the large balls (such channels are only shown in FIG. 15). Also in this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that during shaft angle changes, e.g., caused by the rise and fall of a knee-action supported drive wheel, the hubs (e.g., hub 152 and hub structure 176) must move slightly axially relative to the ends of their respective shafts. Under these circumstances, lubricating fluid trapped between the end of shaft 177 and ball 178 is pumped through and around the spherical bearing. It should be noted that the ball-mounted CV joints just described above are capable of articulation in any plane passing through the center of the ball. Of course, should the required articulation of the shaft angles be limited to only one plane (e.g., only left and right, or only up and down), then the CV joint may be simplified, e.g., to a structure similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In many trucks, the rear wheels are driven through a differential that is located nearer the ground than is the output of the truck's transmission, and a drive shaft incorporating our gear system can be used to provide the required articulated connection between the transmission and the differential of such trucks. FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of such a drive shaft 188 with a respective pair of the gears 189, 190 located at each end. The internal gear 192 of gear pair 189 is held in a cup-like support 193 which includes a base plate 194 adapted for connection to the output of the transmission. The external gear 195 of gear pair 189 is fixed to the left-hand end of shaft 188. Similarly, the external gear 196 of gear pair 190 is fixed to the right-hand end of shaft 188, while its mating internal gear 197 is held in cup-like support 198 that is fixed to a shaft 199 which can be appropriately connected to the truck's differential. Gear pairs 189, 190 on articulated shaft 188 are schematically represented as having respective ball bearings for positioning the gears relative to each other. Therefore, the arrangement shown in FIG. 17 is appropriate for any application in which either or both plate 194 and shaft 199 may require articulation in more than one plane. However, when this articulated shaft assembly is used in a truck in the manner just described, the angular orientation of each gear set is usually fixed in one plane at some preselected angle and, as just indicated above, simpler gear-mounting arrangements (similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1) can be used for supporting the gears. It should be noted that the total articulation provided by the gear arrangement of FIG. 17 includes the maximum preferred angle of gear pair 189 plus the maximum preferred angle of gear pair 190. Therefore, modifications of this arrangement can be used to provide a remarkably articulated joint. For instance, if the length of shaft 188 is minimized (e.g., if the two shaft ends were effectively positioned back-to-back), and if gear pairs 189, 190 were each designed to transmit constant-velocity rotational forces under all expected loads while the shaft angles of their respective gears are varied through 30° in any plane, then: the just-described back-to-back arrangement would provide constant-velocity articulation up to an angle of 60° in any one plane, while providing up to 30° articulation in one plane concurrently with another 30° articulation in any other plane. FIG. 18 shows, schematically, a further example of an application of the invention as a constant-velocity joint 200 (similar to that shown in FIG. 15) incorporated in a steered drive for a vehicle. One end of a steer-drive axle 201 is splined to a conventional driving flange 202 to which the front wheel of a vehicle is fixed by bolts (neither the wheel nor the bolts are shown). The other end of steer-drive axle 201 is fixed to a cup 204 that supports an internal gear 206 of the gear pair comprising CV-joint 200. The external gear 207 is fixed to the end of a drive shaft 208 which, in turn, rotates in journals (not shown) held in the automotive frame member 210. Steer-drive axle 201 is suitably supported by bearings (not shown) in a wheel support 212 rotatably connected to frame member 210 by kingpins 214. The large ball bearing 216 permits the shaft angle between gears 206, 207 to vary as wheel support 212 is steered. Further, in other well-known conventional arrangements, e.g., in which frame member 210 is replaced by knee-action structures for up-and-down movement, ball bearing 216 permits concurrent articulation in this second plane. During such instances of concurrent articulation in multiple planes, the gear pair 206, 207 of CV-joint 200 continues at all times to share two meshing areas centered 180° apart, and the gears move with a relative nutating motion as they rotate together at a 1:1 ratio. Attention is called to another feature of the steer-drive arrangement illustrated in FIG. 17; namely, it overcomes the torque-steer problems that occur in steer-drive axles with prior art CV-joints. "Torque-steer" is the term used in the art to describe the tendency of a rotating joint to create an undesirable turning moment about the kingpins of a steered axle. This problem is avoided in the axle design shown in FIG. 18 by the alignment of kingpins 214 with the pivot axis of CV-joint 200. Since gears 206, 207 share two mesh points positioned 180° apart, and since these mesh points are aligned with the pivot axis between the driving and driven shafts, the rotation of the gears at their 1:1 ratio creates no moment about the pivot axis; and since the pivot axis of CV-joint 200 is aligned coincident with the axis of kingpins 214, the rotation of the gears creates no unwanted steering moments about the kingpin axis and does not result in torque-steer. One of the important features of the constant-velocity joint relates to its ease of lubrication. FIG. 19 is a schematic and partially cross-sectional representation of a rotating constant-velocity joint similar to that shown in FIG. 15. The joint is represented during operation as an articulated connection between two elements of an open automotive drive shaft. At the moment illustrated, it is assumed that the shaft elements are articulated at an angle of about 15° and that they are rotating at more than 300 rpm. An external gear 150' is mounted to a hub 152' having a circumferential extension portion 153' splined to the end of an open drive shaft element 154'. The coupling's mating internal gear 156' is mounted to a cup-like support 158' that includes a circumferential lip portion 159' and is fixed to the end of an open drive shaft element 160'. Attached between circumferential extension portion 153' of hub 152' and circumferential lip portion 159" of cup-like support 158' is an elastomeric boot 161'. The respective ends of boot 161' are sealed against extension portion 153' by a sheet metal strap 165' and against lip portion 159' by a sheet metal collar 167'. Cup-like support 158' and elastomeric boot 161' combine to enclose the joint mechanism within an encapsulating cover. As rotational motion is transmitted from shaft element 154' to shaft element 160', a lubricating fluid 169' within the encapsulated joint is pressed by centrifugal forces to the sides of cup-like support 158' and into the meshing teeth of the mating gears. Since the entire joint mechanism rotates with the axle shaft elements, the spinning metallic sides of cup-shaped support 158' are air cooled and conduct away heat generated in lubricating fluid 169'. Further, the vertical portions of sheet metal collar 167' provide elastomeric boot 161' with support for restraining the axial flow of lubricating fluid and for withstanding the pressures of this centrifuge effect. As explained above (with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C), while angularly-intersecting external gear 150' and internal gear 156' rotate at a 1:1 ratio, their mating teeth continuously slide into and out of mesh at their two shared meshing areas positioned 180° apart. That is, as the joint shown in FIG. 19 rotates through one-quarter of a revolution, teeth 150a, 150b of external gear 150' slide across the respective faces of mating teeth 156a, 156b of internal gear 156' and into full mesh, carrying lubrication fluid pressed against them when in the position illustrated. After another one-quarter revolution, these gears move out of mesh and the spaces between the teeth of the gears are again filled with lubricating fluid pressurized by the centrifuge action of the rotating coupling. Also during operation, this sliding motion of the gear teeth creates a constant mist of lubrication fluid that saturates the atmosphere within the encapsulated joint for lubricating the ball bearing mechanism. Systems with Higher Gear Ratios The gear system can also be used to transmit rotational forces at ratios greater than 1:1. However, in such arrangements, the gears no longer share two meshing areas. Instead, the gears share only one meshing area in the same manner as conventional gearing, but they still transfer rotational forces while their respective shafts are varied relative to each other throughout a predetermined range of angles as explained above. FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic representations of two views of a gear system for transmitting rotational forces at ratios other than 1:1 (e.g., 2:1). FIG. 20A shows a top view of an internal gear 220 held by a cup-like support 222 that is fixed to the end of a shaft 224. A mating external gear 226 is formed at the end of a shaft 228 which, in this representation, has been adjusted upward in the plane of the drawing at a maximum preferred angle x above its 180° alignment position relative to shaft 224. Gear 226 is also shown in phantom lines after shaft 228 has been adjusted downward at the same maximum preferred angle x below its 180° alignment position relative to shaft 224. As explained in detail above, the mating teeth of gears 220, 226 remain in mesh as the shaft angle changes throughout this entire range of motion. Since gears 220, 226 have differently-sized pitch circles, they do not rotate at the same speed relative to each other. Therefore, while their respective tooth faces slide past each other in the manner explained above in regard to 1:1 ratio gear arrangements, the teeth of the smaller gear 226 must also engage in rolling contact with the teeth of the larger gear 220. To accommodate this rolling engagement in arrangements designed for ratios other than 1:1, the gear teeth are provided with involute profiles. As indicated above, the CT and CD tooth designs are preferably formed with straight-sided tooth profiles, and involute profiles cannot be readily added to either of these designs. Thus, for ratios other than 1:1, the above-described lune design is preferred for the gear teeth. As indicated earlier, lune teeth are only in tight mesh when the gear shafts are positioned at the preferred maximum angle; and backlash between the mating teeth increases steadily as the shaft angle decreases, reaching maximum backlash when the shaft angle is 180°. FIG. 20B is an end view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 20A, omitting all elements except gears 220, 226 and showing (with exaggerated spacing) the maximum backlash that occurs when the gears are positioned with their respective shafts aligned at 180°. In FIG. 21, still another arrangement of the gear system is schematically represented using only external gearing. While both gears 220', 226' have external teeth, this arrangement functions in a manner similar to that just discussed above. Namely, the gears transmit rotational forces at ratios other than 1:1 (e.g., 2:1), and the mating teeth of the gears remain in mesh at all times as the shaft angle between the gears changes throughout the entire range of motion determined by a preselected maximum angle. Further, since gears 220', 226' have differently-sized pitch circles, they do not rotate at the same speed relative to each other and, therefore, engage in rolling contact with each other. Again, to accommodate this rolling engagement in arrangements designed for ratios other than 1:1, the gear teeth are provided with involute profiles, and the lune design is preferred. Also the lune teeth of gears 220', 226' are only in tight mesh when the gear shafts are positioned at the preferred maximum angle, the backlash between the mating teeth increasing steadily to the maximum which is reached when the shaft angle between the gears is 180°, i.e., in the relationship shown in FIG. 21. Of course, this backlash does not create a problem for those applications in which the gears are used to transfer forces primarily in one direction of rotation, and our gear system can be used to transmit such rotational forces while the shafts of the gears are adjusted through a wide range of angles less than 180°.

A universal coupling directly transmits constant velocity between two shafts, while allowing the angle between the shafts to vary (e.g., by even more than 40°) continuously during operation. The primary elements of the coupling are a pair of distinctive spherical gears. The term "spherical" is used to distinguish these distinctive gears from conventional "cylindrical" (spur and helical) and "conical" (bevel and hypoid) gears. Several forms of spherical gear teeth are specifically detailed and applied in designs appropriate for automotive constant-velocity joints.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to moving walkways and, more particularly, to moving walkways having acceleration and deceleration regions. A wide variety of moving walkways, some with and some without accelerating and decelerating regions, have been proposed. For a variety of reasons, prior art moving walkway proposals have been somewhat unsatisfactory when attempts have been made to implement them. For example, many prior art moving walkways are formed of platforms which move people and/or freight in one direction from an entry region to an exit region. The platforms return from the exit region to the entry region along a path located directly, vertically beneath the path along which the people or freight are moved, whereby the overall structure is relatively thick. Because it is thick, a substantial depression must be created where such a structure is to be installed, or relatively long and high entrance and exit ramps must be provided. Thus, such prior art walkways cannot be readily installed on an existing horizontal surface. In addition, such prior art moving walkways have the disadvantage that less than half of their path of travel is actually utilized to carry people or freight. Rather, over half of their path of travel is utilized to return platforms from the exit region to the entry region, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,488, for example. Moving walkways which overcome some of these disadvantages have also been proposed. However, they have other types of disadvantages. For example, the passenger conveyor or moving walkway proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,543, has the disadvantage that it can only accelerate to approximately twice its entry speed, because of the mechanical nature of its platform coupling structure. Assuming that a safe boarding speed is 2.0 mph, this means that such as system can only move passengers at a maximum speed of 4.0 mph. In addition, many prior art moving walkways are more complicated than desired. Thus, they are subject to frequent mechanical breakdowns. Moreover, many of them are not suitable for use between widely separated exit and entry regions, such as those separated by a quarter of a mile or more. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved moving walkway. It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved moving walkway having acceleration and deceleration regions. It is a still further object of this invention to provide a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway adapted to carry passengers or freight over a substantial portion of a planar path of travel. It is yet another object of this invention to provide a new and improved accelerating and decelerating passenger conveyor that is relatively uncomplicated, and therefore suitable for widespread use over extended distances. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with principles of this invention, an accelerating and decelerating moving walkway suitable for moving people or freight in either direction between two points is provided. The walkway comprises a plurality of overlapping platforms which move in an oval path of travel. The platforms are connected together by an extendable and retractable means, such as a chain or cable. The extension and retraction of the extendable and retractable means is controlled by a cam/cam follower arrangement such that during acceleration the extendable and retractable means is extended and during deceleration the extendable and retractable means is retracted. The extension and retraction of the extendable and retractable means cause the amount of platform overlap to decrease and increase, respectively, to thereby create acceleration and deceleration. In accordance with other principles of this invention, the extendable and retractable means comprises a plurality of chain or cable sections, one secton interconnecting each platform with its adjacent platform. The interconnecting portions of the chain or cable section lie along the longitudinal centerline of the platforms in the direction of travel whereby all forces between the platforms are symmetrical, about the overall oval path of travel. In accordance with further principles of this invention, the oval path of travel includes parallel sides joined by curved ends. The parallel sides are adapted to move people or freight in opposite directions and each includes an accelerating and decelerating region. Preferably the parallel sides are relatively long, in the range between one-quarter mile and several miles. In accordance with still further principles of this invention, the cam/cam follower arrangement comprises a cam formed of a pair of diverging and converging rails located beneath the platform in the acceleration and deceleration regions or zones, and cam followers formed of members adapted to follow the rails. As the cam followers move inwardly and outwardly, as they follow the rails, the length of the interconnecting chain or cable extends and retracts to cause the desired decrease or increase in platform overlap. In accordance with still other principles of this invention, a rotating means is located at the platform overlap region. The rotating means is pinned to one of the platforms and interacts with combs formed in the other platform in a manner such that the rotating means rotates with respect to one patform when the platforms pass through the curved portion of the oval path of travel. In accordance with yet further principles of this invention, each platform includes a pair of wheels mounted on an axle affixed beneath one end of each platform. The other ends of the platforms ride on the upper surface of adjacent platforms above the region where the wheels and axle are located. Thus, each platform supports an adjacent platform in an overlapping manner. It will be appreciated from the foregoing brief summary that the invention provides a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway. Because the walkway is relatively planar, no lengthy and extensive approach ramps or other means for raising people and/or freight to the elevation of the moving walkway are needed. Further, a major portion of the orbit of travel is used for moving people and/or freight, rather than only one-half or less. The invention is relatively uncomplicated in that it merely requires a suitable track, platforms, means to interconnect the platforms and drive means. A suitable drive means may comprise a plurality of motor driven collars mounted beneath the platforms so that the collars sequentially move the platforms. Because of its unique arrangement of components, the invention can accelerate to a higher constant speed than can prior art devices. More specifically, moving walkways which operate at a uniform velocity are limited to a maximum boarding and alighting speed (approximately 2.0 mph) for their entire length of travel. Other walkways which have accelerating and decelerating regions have only been able to provide a twofold (or slightly greater) increase in this speed, i.e., to approximately 4.0 mph. On the other hand, this invention can accelerate passengers or freight smoothly and safely from a safe boarding speed to speeds up to 15 mph, and then decelerate to a safe alighting speed. Thus, the invention makes it practicable to provide moving walkway transportation between points separated by up to several miles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become 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 plane view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a portion of the preferred embodiment of the invention in an accelerating zone; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of platforms, and their associated apparatus, formed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5--5 of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mechanism suitable for moving the platforms formed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of an interconnecting plate which allows platforms, formed in accordance with the invention, to move about the curved end of an oval track; and, FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the interconnection between the interconnecting plate and the platforms illustrated in FIG. 7, in somewhat more detail. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a moving walkway formed in accordance with the invention and comprises a plurality of platforms 31 which move in an oval, substantially planar, track 11 formed in the housing 13. The oval planar, substantially planar, track includes two parallel sides 15 and 17 connected by curved end regions 19 and 21. The curved end regions 19 and 21 are covered by covers 23 and 25 forming part of the housing 13. Short ramps 27 and 29 lead up to and down from the covers 23 and 25. Each parallel side 15 and 17 is broken into three zones -- an acceleration zone; a constant speed zone; and, a deceleration zone. The zones run from left to right for the lower side 17 as viewed in FIG. 1 and vice versa (i.e., right to left) for the upper side 15, also as viewed in FIG. 1. As will be better understood from the following description, the plurality of platforms 31 continuously move through the oval track 11. Thus, the platforms are continuously passing through the two accelerating zones, the two constant speed zones and the two decelerating zones; and, through the curved end regions 19 and 21. Each end of the moving walkway illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an entry region and an exit region. Entry is into the accelerating zones and exit is from the decelerating zones. Thus, people desiring to use the walkway illustrated in FIG. 1 or freight to be transported by the walkway, enter the side 17 of the oval track, illustrated in the lower position of the figure, from the left and exit from the right side and vice versa for the other side 15, as illustrated by the entry and exit arrows. Drive units, preferably of the type hereinafter described, are located at the beginning of each decelerating zone in regions 33 and 35. The drive units cause the platforms 31 to constantly move about the oval, substantially planar, track in the desired manner. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, accelerating and decelerating handrails 37 are located on either side of both of the parallel sides 15 and 17 of the oval track 11. Since the accelerating and decelerating handrails form no part of this invention, they are not further described herein. They may, however, be formed of suitable types of platform-like sections which accelerate and decelerate in zones corresponding to the platform acceleration and deceleration zones. In addition, side handrails 39, located on either side of the ramps 27 and 29 and the covers 23 and 25, may be included, if desired. FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a plurality of platforms 31 in an acceleration zone. As also seen in FIG. 4, each platform is generally planar and includes a relatively thick front edge 41 and a rear edge which feathers into a tip 43. (As used herein, the terms "front edge" and "rear edge" relate to the illustrated direction of movement. Since the direction of movement can be reversed, these terms are reversible, i.e., what is recited as "front" will become "rear" and what is recited as "rear" will become "front" if the direction of travel is reversed.) More specifically, the platforms include relatively planar, parallel tops and bottoms, except near the rear end. Toward the rear end, the tops incline toward the bottoms so as to form the rear edge tip 43. In other words, the platforms are trapezoidal when viewed in cross section. In addition, as will be better understood from the following description, the upper surface of the platforms is "combined". Mounted slightly rearwardly of the front edge of each platform are downwardly projecting flanges 45, one located on either side of the platform. The flanges 45 support an axle 46 having a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the path of platform movement. Mounted on the axle 46 so as to lie beyond the outer surfaces of the flanges 45 are a pair of wheels 47. Thus, the wheels 47 support the front edges 41 of the platforms 31. The wheels 47 are arrayed in tracks 49, one located on either side of the orbit of travel of the platforms 31. The tracks 49 are channels, U-shaped in cross section, and rotated 90° so that their openings face one another. The channels 49 are affixed to a suitable base plate 51 and define an oval, substantially planar, path of travel about which the platforms 31 move. Both the channels 49 and the base plate 51 form a portion of the housing 13 (FIG. 1). While the base plate 51 is illustrated as solid, it may be formed of suitably located brace members, if desired. Affixed to and extending downwardly from each platform 31, "behind" its associated axle 46, are a pair of support brackets 53. The support brackets 53 are also located on either side of the longitudinal centerline of the platforms 31, as defined by the oval planar path of travel 11. Rotatably attached to the lower end of each support bracket 53 and extending inwardly therefrom are a pair of arms 55. A vertical shaft 57 extends through the outer end of each arm 55. Rotatably mounted on each vertical shaft 57, beneath its associated arm 55, is a roller 59 that acts as a cam follower. Also rotatably mounted on each vertical shaft 57, above its associated arm 55, is a sheave 61. Affixed to the base plate 51 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis defined by the oval planar path of travel 11 are a pair of cams 63. While the cams 63 can take on a variety of shapes, preferably, as illustrated, they are straight, right angle (in cross-section), longitudinal members which are affixed along one side to the base plate 51. The rollers 59 forming the cam followers ride on the thusly created vertical surfaces of the cams 63. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cams 63 diverge inwardly in the accelerated zones. Contrawise, in the deceleration zones, the cams diverge outwardly. While the cams can encompass the entire oval path of travel, as generally illustrated in FIG. 3, preferably, they only exist in the acceleration and deceleration zones. When the platforms 31 are in the constant speed zone, a suitable stop mechanism (not shown) locks the arms 55 in their most inward positions, which position, as will be better understood from the following description, allows the least amount of platform overlap to exist. The force created by the stop mechanism is overcome by any suitable mechanism (also not shown) when the platforms leave the constant speed zone and enter a deceleration zone. When in the curved end zones, the platforms are free to "float" with respect to one another. Mounted slightly behind the support brackets 53, and projecting downwardly from each platform 31, is a pin bracket 65 which terminates in a tip 67. Centrally located at the front edges of each platform, and projecting downwardly therefrom is a further support bracket 68. The further support bracket 68 is generally aligned along the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel 11. The further support bracket 68 supports vertical shaft 70 on which a sheave 69 is rotatably mounted. Vertical shaft 70 is on one side of the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel. A vertical pin 71 projects downwardly from an arm 72 affixed to the further support bracket 68 and lies on the other side of the same longitudinal axis. A suitable extendable and retractable member 79, such as a chain (illustrated) or a cable, extends from pin 67 to pin 71 about the three sheaves--the two mounted on the arms 55 and the one mounted on the further support bracket 68. More specifically, starting with the pin 67 mounted on the platform immediately in front of the platform of interest, the extendable and retractable member 79 extends along the longitudinal axis defined by the oval path of travel and then passes about the sheave 69 attached to the further support bracket 67. The extendable and retractable member 79 then pass outwardly around the sheave 61 mounted on the arm 55 illustrated on the left in FIG. 5. The member 79 then crosses through the longitudinal axis and passes about the sheave 61 mounted on the arm 55 illustrated on the right in FIG. 5. The member then extends to the pin 71, where it terminates. This path of the extendable and retractable member 79 is clearly shown in FIG. 3. It should be noted that if the extendable and retractable member is a chain as illustrated, the various sheaves are, preferably, toothed sheaves. Contrawise, if the extendable and retractable member is a cable, such as a steel cable, the sheaves are not toothed. From the foregoing description of the path followed by the extendable and retractable member 79, and viewing FIG. 3, it will be readily understood that, as the rollers 59 follow the cams 63 and the arms 55 are moved inwardly and outwardly, the member 79 extends and retracts. This extension and retraction causes the amount of platform overlap to decrease and increase, respectively. In this manner, platform acceleration and deceleration in the acceleration and deceleration zones, whereat the diverging cams are located, occurs. A variety of devices can be utilized to move the platforms making up the moving walkway of the invention. One such device is illustrated in FIG. 6 and comprises an electric motor 81 adapted, through a gear box 83, to drive a drive shaft 85. The drive shaft 85 is orthogonally, rotatably mounted with respect to a pair of parallel side rails 87. Affixed to the shaft 85 are a pair of spaced drive gears 89. The spaced gears 89 are located between a pair of center support rails 91 lying parallel to the parallel side rails 87 and supported by cross rails 88. An idler shaft 93 lying parallel to the drive shaft 85 is also mounted between the pair of center support rails 91. Mounted on the idler shaft 93 are a pair of spaced idler gears 95. Chains or belts 97 mounted in parallel, side-by-side relationship so as to move in spaced, parallel vertical planes, pass about the drive gears 89 and the idler gears 93 on a one-to-one basis. Affixed between the chains or belts 97 are collars 99. A drive mechanism of the type described above, or a similar drive unit, form the drive units located in regions 33 and 35, illustrated in FIG. 1. As the motor 81 rotates the drive shaft 85, the belts and collars 99 move in the desired direction. The collars 99 coact with drive lugs 101 that project downwardly from support plates 102. The support plates are affixed to the lower ends of a vertical shaft 70 and pin 71. The coaction is such that each succeeding collar grips the lug of the next platform and moves the platform until the collar releases from the drive lug it has gripped. In this manner the platforms are constantly being moved through the deceleration zones. Undriven platforms located in the other zones are, of course, pushed "forward" by the driven platforms. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper surfaces of the platforms are comb like, i.e., they include a plurality of parallel raised members or "teeth" 103 arrayed in side-by-side relationship, parallel to the axis of the oval path of travel. One of the problems with the use of the comb-like platform surface, particularly if some of the teeth thereof intermesh to maintain lateral alignment, is that such surfaces will prevent the platforms from turning in the curved end regions 19 and 21 illustrated in FIG. 1. In order to overcome this problem without loss of the desired alignment, a correspondingly combed rotatable plate 105 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is located between the bottom rear end of one platform and the top front end of the adjacent platform. The combed rotatable plate 105, as best seen in FIG. 8, includes a combed lower surface. The combed lower surface meshes with the combs formed in the upper surface of the adjacent platform 31. The upper surface of the combed rotatable plate is flat (not combed) and is pinned to the bottom rear of its associated platform 31 by a pin 109. The pinned upper surface and the combed lower surface of the combed rotatable plate 105 prevent lateral movement between the associated platforms. However, swivel movement about the longitudinal axis of the pin 109 is not prevented. Thus, the platforms are free to swivel with respect to one another as they move through the curved end regions 19 and 21. Preferably, the joining surfaces of the plate 105 and the upper platform 31 are as friction free as possible. For example, they may be coated with teflon. It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the invention provides a new and improved accelerating and decelerating moving walkway. The apparatus is umcomplicated, yet, the walkway is movable in a substantially planar oval track. Thus, the overall structure has a relatively low silhouette which allows it to be easily installed on the present walkways, for example. Moreover, the unique apparatus of the invention allows people to be moved at speeds unobtainable with prior art apparatus. Thus, the invention is suitable for use over relatively long distances, such as one-quarter of a mile or greater. In fact, the invention can be extended up to several miles in length, if desired. Hence, the invention is suitable for widespread use. Although not illustrated in the drawings, if desired, certain regions of the platforms, such as the rear upper surfaces thereof, can be painted to provide "step-on" regions, if desired. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. Hence, the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

A moving walkway having accelerating and decelerating regions whereat people and/or freight board and alight from the walkway, respectively, is disclosed. The walkway comprises a plurality of overlapping platforms with a pair of wheels or rollers affixed beneath one end of each platform. The platforms move in an oval, substantially planar, track having lengthy sides joined by curved ends. Users (people or freight) are moved in opposite directions along the lengthy sides and board and alight from the walkway at entry and exit regions located at both curved ends. Acceleration occurs immediately subsequent to the entry regions and deceleration occurs just prior to the exit regions. The platforms are interconnected by chains or cables movably attached to cam followers. The cam followers follow acceleration and deceleration cams located beneath the platforms. Through the chains or cables this cam action causes the amount of overlapping to increase or decrease to create platform acceleration and deceleration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-124060, filed on May 31, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to short arc discharge lamps and, more particularly, to a short arc discharge lamp in which a cathode electrode is provided with a tip part containing thorium oxide. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, short arc discharge lamps filled with xenon, which are used as light sources for projectors, or short arc discharge lamps filled with mercury, which are used as light sources of semiconductor or LCD exposure apparatuses, DC discharge lamps. FIG. 3 illustrates a representative example of such short arc discharge lamps. A discharge lamp 1 includes an arc tube 2 which has a light emitting part 3 and sealing parts 4 formed on opposite ends of the light emitting part 3 . A cathode electrode 5 and an anode electrode 6 are disposed opposite to each other in the light emitting part 3 . The discharge lamp 1 is turned on by a DC lighting system. In this way, the discharge lamp is turned on, and the spot of arc is fixed at the front end of the cathode electrode so that it can be used as a point light source. Therefore, when the discharge lamp is combined with an optical system, high light utilization efficiency can be realized. Cathode electrodes which are typically used in such DC discharge lamps constantly function to emit electrons when the discharge lamps are turned on stationarily. Therefore, cathode electrodes made of high melting point metal mixed with an emitter material are mainly used so as to facilitate emission of electrons. In such a discharge lamp which requires a point light source and high luminance, thorium oxide which can increase the operating temperature of the front end of the cathode electrode is generally used as the emitter material. However, because thorium oxide is a radioactive material, there are many regulations these days with regard to handling it. Hence, if there is no choice but to use thorium oxide for the cathode electrode, it is required to reduce thorium oxide content to the minimum. In this respect, as a method of manufacturing a cathode electrode that contains thorium oxide as emitter material, a technique in which a body part of the cathode electrode is made of tungsten and a tip part made of thoriated tungsten containing thorium oxide is solid-phase bonded to a front end of the body part was introduced in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2011-154927 (Patent document 1). The structure of the cathode electrode according to this technique will be explained with reference to FIG. 4 . The cathode electrode 5 includes a body part 51 which is disposed at a rear position, and a tip part 52 which is bonded to a front end of the body part 51 . The body part 51 is made of pure tungsten, while the tip part 52 is made of thoriated tungsten which contains thorium oxide (ThO 2 ) as an emitter material. In detail, thorium oxide content ranges from 0.5% to 3 wt %, for example, 2 wt %. Overall, the cathode electrode 5 has a cylindrical shape, and its front end that includes the tip part 52 is tapered. While the lamp is being turned on, the thorium oxide that is contained in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode 5 is heated and thus reduced so that thorium atoms are obtained. Thorium atoms which are formed by the reduction process in the cathode electrode 5 are moved to the surface of the cathode electrode 5 mainly by grain boundary diffusion among tungsten crystal grains and are exposed to the outside. Thereafter, the exposed thorium atoms move to the front end of the cathode electrode and cover the front end of the cathode electrode. The covering layer of thorium atoms, lowering the work function of the cathode, promotes emission of electrons, thus improving electron emission characteristics. However, thorium oxide, which contributes to improvement in electron emission characteristics, is limited to existing only at a very shallow depth from the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode. The reason for this is as follows: Although thorium is required to be continuously supplied to the front end of the cathode electrode because thorium is evaporated and consumed from the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode, if the lamp is in the turned on state over a long time, the reduction of the thorium oxide slows down and eventually stops, whereby the supply of reduced thorium is not performed enough. Therefore, even when the cathode electrode contains a sufficient amount of thorium oxide therein, the surface of the cathode electrode may enter a thorium-exhausted state. Such stagnation of reduction pertains to the following idea. When reduction of thorium oxide occurs due to C (Carbon) which is present in the arc tube (through the carburization of the cathode electrode, etc.), CO (carbon monoxide) gas is generated. The reduction occurs on the surface of the tip part of the cathode electrode or in the interior of the tip part. If CO is generated and accumulated in the cathode electrode and the pressure in the cathode electrode is increased, it becomes difficult to induce the reduction of thorium oxide. As a result, it may be impossible to supply thorium atoms to the surface of the cathode electrode. FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically show the sectional structure of the front end of the cathode electrode. FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively illustrate an initial lighting state and a thorium-exhausted state after a predetermined time has passed. As shown in FIG. 5A , in the initial lighting stage, both the tip part 52 and the body part 51 are in a small crystal grain state. After a predetermined lighting time has passed, as shown in FIG. 5B , although thorium oxide is in the tip part 52 , tungsten crystal grains of the tip part 52 gradually coarsen compared to those in the initial lighting stage, because the tip part 52 is exposed to high-temperature heat by arc. Meanwhile, because the body part 51 , which is lower in temperature than the tip part 52 , has not been processed by doping, a recrystallization temperature of tungsten is lower than that of thoriated tungsten of the tip part 52 , and tungsten crystal grains of the body part 51 also coarsen as time passes. As such, with the passage of time, tungsten crystal grains of both the body part 51 and the tip part 52 coarsen. In this state, grain boundaries among crystal grains decrease. The grain boundary decrease reduces the area of a portion which can occlude CO which is generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part 52 . Eventually, CO concentration increases, and reduction of thorium oxide is no longer conducted, whereby the supply of thorium is interrupted. Furthermore, even if the CO concentration in the body part 51 is comparatively low, crystal grains coarsen and decrease the area of the portion which can occlude CO. Thus, it becomes difficult for the body part 51 to occlude CO gas. As a result, CO gas is accumulated in the cathode electrode. Thereby, CO pressure in the tip part 52 is increased, and reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part 52 is stagnated. Consequently, the surface of the cathode electrode enters a thorium-exhausted state. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2011-154927 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a short arc discharge lamp which has a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten, wherein thorium can be reliably diffused from the internal portion of the cathode electrode onto the surface thereof without stagnation of reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part made of thoriated tungsten, and the surface of the cathode electrode can be prevented from entering a thorium-exhausted state, whereby satisfactory electron emission characteristics can be reliably maintained for a long period of time. In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a short arc discharge lamp, including: an arc tube; and a cathode electrode and an anode electrode disposed opposite to each other in the arc tube, the cathode electrode comprising a body part made of tungsten and a tip part made of thoriated tungsten, the body part and the tip part being solid-phase bonded to each other, wherein the cathode electrode is configured such that potassium concentration of the body part is higher than potassium concentration of the tip part. The present invention provides a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. A tip part of the cathode electrode is exposed to arc and heated to a high temperature. Thus, tungsten crystal grains grow and coarsen as the lighting time passes. Due to the coarsening of crystal grains, thorium oxide grains are collected close to the front end of the cathode electrode, as tungsten grain boundaries reduce. This locally provides the same effect as an increase in the thorium concentration. Thus, reduced thorium can be easily supplied to the front end of the cathode electrode. Meanwhile, because the concentration of potassium in the body part of the cathode electrode is higher than that of the tip part, the recrystallization temperature increases, thus restraining the growth and coarsening of tungsten crystal grains. The restraining of the coarsening of tungsten crystal grains makes it possible for grain boundaries between the crystal grains to be maintained in the multiple and multibranched state. These grain boundaries function as places to occlude CO gas generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part of the cathode electrode. Therefore, CO gas generated from the tip part is occluded by the body part so that the reduction of the thorium oxide in the internal portion of the tip part can be prevented from being stagnated, and thorium can be reliably diffused and supplied onto the surface of the front end of the tip part over a long period of time. Thereby, the lifetime of the discharge lamp can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1A is sectional view showing the structure of a cathode electrode of a short arc discharge lamp at initial lighting stage, according to the present invention; FIG. 1B is sectional view showing the structure of a cathode electrode of a short arc discharge lamp after predetermined lighting time, according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of the cathode electrode of FIGS. 1A and 1B ; FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of a typical short arc discharge lamp; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cathode electrode of FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5A is sectional view illustrating the structure of the cathode electrode of FIG. 4 at initial lighting stage; and FIG. 5B is sectional view illustrating the structure of the cathode electrode of FIG. 4 after predetermined lighting time. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference now should be made to the drawings, throughout which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components. As shown in FIG. 1A , a cathode electrode 5 includes a body part 51 which is made of tungsten, and a tip part 52 which is made of thoriated tungsten and is solid-phase bonded to the body part 51 . The body part 51 is made of, for example, tungsten (pure tungsten) having purity of 99.99%, and the tip part 52 is made of tungsten (thoriated tungsten) containing, for example, thorium oxide (ThO 2 ) of 2 wt %. The body part 51 contains a larger amount of potassium than does the tip part 52 . That is, the potassium concentration of the body part 51 is higher than that of the tip part 52 . To produce the cathode electrode 5 , a tungsten (potassium-doped tungsten) rod which is processed by doping potassium is provided for the body part 51 . Meanwhile, a thoriated tungsten rod which is processed substantially by doping only thorium oxide rather than potassium is provided for the tip part 52 . Thereafter, the tungsten rods which are provided for the body part 51 and the tip part 52 are put into surface contact with each other under pressure and maintained at a high temperature for a predetermined time. Then, atomic-level diffusion occurs on the junction interface so that the tungsten rods are strongly bonded to each other, thus forming the cathode electrode 5 in which the body part 51 and the tip part 52 are integrated with each other. Thorium oxide and potassium which are added to tungsten are known to function to restrain growth of crystal grains of tungsten. However, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 that is an enlarged view of a front end of the cathode electrode, when the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode that has been doped with thorium oxide is exposed to arc, it is heated to a very high temperature, and grain boundary diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium) occurs on the tip part 52 . Therefore, although the tip part 52 contains thorium oxide, as time passes in the high temperature state, the growth of tungsten grains is induced, and crystal grains coarsen. With regard to diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium) along grain boundaries, the coarsening of the crystal grains reduces the distance of a path from the internal portion of the cathode electrode to the tip part. Therefore, this is preferable in terms of the diffusion of thorium oxide (or thorium). In other words, in terms of the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, it is not preferable to add a doping material such as potassium, which restrains growth of grains, thereto. On the other hand, in the body part 51 of the cathode electrode, because the concentration of potassium contained in the body part 51 is higher than that of the tip part 52 , growth of crystal grains is restrained, whereby its recrystallization temperature is increased compared to that of tungsten having no doping material. Therefore, tungsten grains are restrained from coarsening. In other words, crystal grains of tungsten of the body part 51 are controlled to be smaller than the crystal grains of tungsten of the tip part 52 . As a result, due to small crystal grains, many grain boundaries are formed to have a multibranching structure. In the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, CO gas is unavoidably generated by reduction of thorium oxide. CO gas is diffused through multibranching grain boundaries towards the body part 51 of the cathode electrode that has low CO concentration. Here, the body part 51 can sufficiently occlude CO gas, because it has a comparatively long diffusion path. Thanks to this, CO can be prevented from being accumulated in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, and reduction of thorium oxide is not disrupted. Hence, thorium can be reliably supplied to the tip part over a long time. As described above, in the cathode electrode according to the present invention, since the concentration of potassium of the body part 51 is higher than the concentration of potassium of the tip part 52 , the crystal grains of tungsten of the body part 51 can be restrained from coarsening, and multibranched grain boundaries can be maintained. Therefore, the body part 51 can function as a part to occlude CO gas generated in the tip part 52 . Furthermore, in the tip part 52 of the cathode electrode, because the pressure of CO gas can be restrained from being increased, the reduction of thorium oxide can be continuously conducted without being slowed or stopped, whereby thorium atoms can be reliably provided to the front end of the cathode electrode. As a result, the present invention can provide a short arc discharge lamp in which supply of thorium as an emitter material is satisfactory and arc can be reliably maintained. Hereinafter, an example of a method of manufacturing the cathode electrode of the short arc discharge lamp according to the present invention will be described. A thoriated tungsten rod (W-2% ThO 2 ) for the tip part of the cathode electrode is machined by a lathe, for example, into a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 7 mm. Furthermore, a tungsten rod (99.99% pure tungsten) for the body part of the cathode electrode is machined by the lathe, for example, into a diameter of 15 mm and a length of 38 mm. The concentration of potassium contained in the thoriated tungsten rod is, for example, 5 wt ppm or less. The concentration of potassium contained in the pure tungsten rod, for instance, ranges from 30 wt ppm to 40 wt ppm. At least one of junction surfaces of the thoriated tungsten rod for the tip part and the pure tungsten rod for the body part is formed such that the surface roughness thereof, in detail, the center line average height roughness, ranges from 0.05 μm to 1.5 μm. Each junction surface is formed such that the surface planarity thereof ranges from 0.1 μm to 1.5 μm. Subsequently, the thoriated tungsten rod for the tip part and the pure tungsten rod for the body part are disposed such that the junction surfaces thereof are brought into contact with each other. Thereafter, in a state in which compressive force of 50 MPa is axially applied to the rods under vacuum conditions, the rods are electrically heated such that the temperature of the junction surfaces becomes about 2000° C., and the heated state is maintained for approximately five minutes. Then, the thoriated tungsten rod and the pure tungsten rod are bonded to each other on the interface therebetween by solid-phase diffusion bonding, thus forming an integrated cathode electrode substance. The cathode electrode material that has passed through the solid-phase bonding process is machined by cutting, thus forming the cathode electrode, in which the diameter of the front end thereof is φ1.6 mm, the angle of the front end is 60°, the length of the tip part is 7 mm, the length of the electrode is 45 mm, the front end is an emitter part (thoriated tungsten), and a rear part is the body part (pure tungsten) containing potassium ranging 30 wt ppm to 40 wt ppm. As described above, the present invention provides a cathode electrode formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. The cathode electrode is configured such that the concentration of potassium of the body part is higher than the concentration of potassium of the tip part. Thus, as the lighting time passes, in the tip part, tungsten crystal grains grow and coarsen, and internal thorium is diffused and is easily moved to the outer surface of the cathode electrode. Furthermore, in the body part, the crystal grains are restrained from coarsening, so that multibranched grain boundaries are formed, whereby CO gas which is generated by reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part can be effectively diffused to the body part without staying in the tip part. Thereby, reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part can be reliably performed for a long time without pausing. As a result, supply of thorium to the surface of the front end of the cathode electrode can be satisfied, whereby the arc can be stabilized. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Disclosed herein is a short arc discharge lamp which has a cathode electrode structure formed by solid-phase bonding a tip part made of thoriated tungsten to a body part made of tungsten. In the present invention, thorium can be reliably diffused onto the surface of the cathode electrode over a long period of time without stagnation of reduction of thorium oxide in the tip part. Therefore, satisfactory emission characteristics can be provided, whereby the arc stability is more reliable. The cathode electrode of the present invention is characterized in that potassium concentration of the body part is higher than potassium concentration of the tip part.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of light source used in illumination and display, and in particular, it relates to projection system, light source system and light source assembly. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0002] Currently, projectors are widely used in various applications, including playing movies, meeting and public events, etc. Phosphor color wheels are often used as the light source of projectors for providing a color light sequence. In such a device, different segments of the phosphor color wheel are alternately and periodically provided in the propagation path of the excitation light, on which the phosphor material coated are excited by the excitation light in order to generate color fluorescent light. However, because the spectral range of the fluorescent light generated by the phosphor material is wide, the color purity of the fluorescent light is poor, which result in an insufficient color gamut of the light source. In this case, color filters are needed to filter the fluorescent light, so that the color purity of the fluorescent light can be improved. However, because the spectral ranges of different colored fluorescent light are partly overlapped, they cannot be filter using a same color filter, so that different colored fluorescent light needs different color filter. In a conventional device, a color filter wheel composed of different color filters is provided in the entrance of the light homogenization rob, and a driving device of the color filter wheel and a driving device the phosphor color wheel are synchronized by electronic circuits. The above method has the following disadvantages: the structure is complex, it is difficult to achieve, and the synchronization effect is poor. [0003] As the projector industry is increasingly competitive, manufacturers have to improve the quality of the projector to enhance their competitiveness. The inventors of the present invention in the process of actively seeking to improve the quality of the projector found that: in the prior art, the synchronization architecture of the phosphor color wheel and the color filter wheel of the projector light source has the technical problem: the structure is complex, it is difficult to achieve, and the synchronization effect is poor. [0004] So, a projection system, a light source system and the light source devices are needed to solve the above technical problem existing in the synchronization architecture of the phosphor color wheel and the color filter wheel of the projector light source in the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention seeks to solve the problem by providing a projection system, a light source system and light source assembly to simplify the synchronization architecture of the wavelength conversion device and the color filtering device, and improve the synchronization effect. [0006] To solve the above problem, the present invention adopts a technical solution: providing a light source system, which includes an excitation light source, a wavelength conversion device, a color filter device, a driving device and a first optical assembly. The excitation light source is for generating an excitation light. The wavelength conversion device includes at least one wavelength conversion area. The color filter device is fixed with respected to the wavelength conversion device, and includes at least one color filter area. The driving device is for driving the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device and makes them move synchronously. The wavelength conversion areas are provided in the propagation path of the excitation light periodically in order to convert the excitation light into converted light. The first optical assembly is used to guide the converted light to the first color filter area, and the first color filter area filters the converted light to improve its color purity. [0007] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two ring structures fixed coaxially. [0008] In some embodiments, the driving device is a rotation device with a rotating shaft, and the two ring structures are coaxially fixed to the rotating shaft. [0009] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are located at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to a centre of the two ring structures. A light spot formed by the excitation light on the wavelength conversion device and a light spot formed by the converted light on the color filter device after being directed by the first optical assembly are located at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the two ring structures. [0010] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are located at 0-degree angle from each other with respect to a center of the two ring structures. A light spot formed by the excitation light on the wavelength conversion device and a light spot formed by the converted light on the color filter device after being directed by the first optical assembly are located at 0-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the two ring structures. [0011] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are spaced apart along an axial direction of the driving device; the first optical assembly includes at least one light collecting device disposed between the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device; and the light collecting device collects the converted light so that an energy of the converted light incident on the color filter device with less than or equal to 60-degree incident angles is more than 90% of a total energy of the converted light. [0012] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area reflects the converted light so that a direction of the converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion area is opposite to a direction of the excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion area. [0013] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area transmits the converted light so that a direction of the converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion area is the same as a direction of the excitation light incident on the wavelength conversion area. [0014] In some embodiments, the first optical assembly includes at least one light collecting device which collects the converted light so that an energy of the converted light incident on the color filter device with less than or equal to 60-degree incident angles is more than 90% of a total energy of the converted light. [0015] In some embodiments, the first optical assembly includes at least one reflecting device which reflects the converted light to change a propagation direction of the converted light, and the reflecting device is a planar reflecting device or a semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical reflecting device with a reflecting surface facing inside. [0016] In some embodiments, the planar reflecting device includes a dichroic mirror or a reflecting mirror. [0017] In some embodiments, the semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical reflecting device with the reflecting surface facing inside is provided with a light entrance port through which the excitation light is incident on the wavelength conversion device. [0018] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device further includes a first light transmission area which is periodically disposed in the propagation path of the excitation light under the driving of the driving device and which transmits the excitation light. [0019] In some embodiments, the system further includes a second optical assembly which combines the excitation light transmitted by the first light transmission area and the converted light filtered by the first color filter area. [0020] In some embodiments, the color filter device includes a second light transmission area or a second color filter area, and the first optical assembly guides the excitation light transmitted by the first light transmission area, along the same propagation path of the converted light, to the second light transmission area or the second color filter area to be transmitted or filtered. [0021] In some embodiments, the system further includes an illumination light source which generates an illumination light; the wavelength conversion device further includes a first light transmission area which is periodically disposed in a propagation path of the illumination light under the driving of the driving device, the first light transmission area transmitting the illumination light; the color filter device further includes a second light transmission area or a second color filter area; and the first optical assembly guides the illumination light transmitted by the first light transmission area, along the same propagation path of the converted light, to the second light transmission area or the second color filter area to be transmitted or filtered. [0022] In some embodiments, the system further includes: an illumination light source generating an illumination light, and a second optical assembly which combines the illumination light and the converted light filtered by the first color filter area into one beam of light. [0023] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device is a cylindrical structure and the color filter device is a ring structure which is coaxial fixed with the cylindrical structure so that they rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device. [0024] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area is provided on an outer surface of a sidewall of the cylindrical structure and reflects the converted light, and the first color filter area is provided on the ring structure located outside of the cylindrical structure to receive the converted light. [0025] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two cylindrical structures coaxially fixed and nested within each other to rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device; the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are respectively provided on sidewalls of the two cylindrical structure; and the converted light is transmitted by the wavelength conversion area and incident on the first color filter area. [0026] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two strip structures adjoined side by side, on which the wavelength conversion area and the first color filter area are provided side by side, the two strip structures move in an oscillating linear translational motion under the driving of the driving device. [0027] The present invention also provides a source module, which includes: wavelength conversion device including at least one wavelength conversion area, and a color filter device fixed with respected to the wavelength conversion device and including at least one color filter, where the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area move synchronously under the driving of a driving device. [0028] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two ring structures fixed coaxially. [0029] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device is a cylindrical structure and the color filter device is a ring structure which is fixed coaxially with the cylindrical structure. [0030] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion area is provided on an outer surface of a sidewall of the cylindrical structure, and the color filter area is provided on the ring structure located outside of the cylindrical structure. [0031] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two cylindrical structures which are fixed coaxially and nested within each other, and the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area are provided on sidewalls of the two cylindrical structures respectively. [0032] In some embodiments, the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device are two strip structures adjoined side by side, on which the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area are provided side by side. [0033] The present invention also provides a projection system, which includes a light source system described above. [0034] The advantage of the present invention is: different from the prior art, in the projection system, the light source system and the light source assembly of the present invention, the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device are fixed with each other, and driven by the same driving device, which can bring the advantages: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement, and the synchronization effect is excellent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [0036] FIG. 2 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 1 . [0037] FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [0038] FIG. 4 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 3 . [0039] FIG. 5 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [0040] FIG. 6 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 5 . [0041] FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [0042] FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [0043] FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [0044] FIG. 10 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [0045] FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [0046] FIG. 12 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [0047] FIG. 13 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [0048] FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [0049] FIG. 15 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [0050] FIG. 16 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 15 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0051] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of a light source system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device in the light source system shown in FIG. 1 . As show in FIG. 1 , the light source system in this embodiment mainly includes an excitation light source 101 , a dichroic mirror 102 , a mirror 104 , lenses 103 and 105 , a wavelength conversion device 106 , a color filter device 107 , a driving device 108 and a light homogenization device 109 . [0052] The excitation light source 101 is for generating an excitation light. In this embodiment, the excitation light source 101 is ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet laser diode or ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet light emitting diode, in order to generate ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light. [0053] As show in FIG. 2 , the wavelength conversion device 106 has a ring structure, including at least one wavelength conversion area. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 106 includes a red wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area, a blue wavelength conversion area and a yellow wavelength conversion area, which are provided in circumferential subsections of the ring structure. Different wavelength conversion materials are coated on the wavelength conversion areas respectively (for example, phosphor materials or nanomaterials). The wavelength conversion materials can convert the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light that illuminate them into the converted light of corresponding color. Specifically, the red wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into red converted light, the green wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into green converted light, the blue wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into blue converted light, and the yellow wavelength conversion area converts the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light incident to it into yellow converted light. In the present embodiment, a reflective substrate is provided under the wavelength conversion materials in order to reflect the converted light generated by the wavelength conversion materials, so that the exit direction of the converted light output from the wavelength conversion area is opposite to the incident direction of the excitation light incident to the wavelength conversion area. [0054] As show in FIG. 2 , the color filter device 107 has a ring structure, coaxially fixed with the wavelength conversion device 106 , and disposed outside the ring of the wavelength conversion device 106 . In other embodiments, the color filter device 107 can also be disposed inside the ring of the wavelength conversion device 106 . The color filter device 107 includes at least one color filter area. In the present embodiment, the color filter device 107 includes a red filter area, a green filter area, a blue filter area and a yellow filter area, which are provided in circumferential subsections of the ring structure. Each color filter area corresponds to a wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 106 . In the present embodiment, the color filter area and the wavelength conversion area of the same color are set at a 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 . The different color filter areas have different spectral responses, and filter the converted light of corresponding colors, in order to improve the color purity of the converted lights. [0055] Of course, the color filter area and the wavelength conversion area of the same color can be set at angles with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 . [0056] As show in FIG. 1 , the driving device 108 is a rotary device which has a rotary shaft 1081 , for example, a rotary motor. The wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 are coaxially fixed on the rotary shaft 1081 , and rotate synchronously under the driving of the rotary shaft 1081 . [0057] In the working process of the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light generated by the excitation light source 101 is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 102 , converged by the lens 103 , incident on the wavelength conversion device 106 , to form a light spot 101 A on the wavelength conversion device 106 as shown in FIG. 2 . The wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 rotate synchronously under the driving of the driving device 108 , so that the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 can rotate synchronously. When the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 rotate, the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 are disposed in the propagation path of the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light generated by the excitation light source 101 sequentially and periodically, so that the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet excitation light can be converted into the converted light of different colors sequentially by the respective wavelength conversion areas. The converted lights of different colors are further reflected by the wavelength conversion areas respectively, guided by the first optical assembly which is composed of lenses 103 and 105 , dichroic mirror 102 , and reflecting mirror 104 , then incident on the light filer device 107 and form a light spot 101 B as shown in FIG. 2 . [0058] In the first optical assembly, the lenses 103 and 105 are used for collecting and condensing the converted light respectively, so that the divergence angle of the converted light can be decreased. The dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 are used for reflecting the converted light, so that the propagation direction of the converted light can be changed. In the present embodiment, the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 are set at a 90-degree angle to each other and 45-degree angle to the incident direction of the converted light. In the present embodiment, because of the reflection of the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 , the propagation direction of the converted light is shifted by a predetermined distance and inverted by 180-degree angle, and the light spot 101 A is set at 180-degree angle to the light spot 101 B with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 . [0059] In this case, the wavelength conversion device 106 is fixed with respect to the color filter device 107 , and the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 with the same colors are set at 180-degree angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structures of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 and rotate synchronously, so that the converted light of different colors generated by the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 are incident on the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 with the same colors after they pass through the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 , and the color purity is improved by the color filter area with the same color filtering the light. After filtering by the color filter area of the color filter device 107 , the converted light then is incident on the light homogenization device 109 to be made uniform. [0060] In the light source system 100 of the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 are fixed with respect to each other and driven synchronously by the same driving device. At the same time, the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area of the same color are synchronized by the first optical assembly. It has the advantages that: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement and the synchronization effect is excellent. In addition, each element of the first optical assembly is stationary with respect to the excitation light source, and do not rotate with the rotation of the wavelength conversion device 106 and the color filter device 107 , so the optical stability is improved. [0061] Further, since the converted light generated through wavelength conversion generally has an approximately Lambertian distribution, if the converted light is directly incident on the color filter area, the incident angle will be distributed in the range of 0 degree to 90 degrees. However, the transmittance of the color filter area will shift with the increase of the incident angle, so in the present embodiment, the first optical assembly further includes a light convergence device (for example, a lens 105 ) to converge the converted light, which can decrease the incident angle of the converted light incidence on the color filter area and further improve the color filter effect. In a preferred embodiment, by adjusting the first optical assembly, the energy of the converted light that is incident on the light filter 107 with incident angles less than or equal to 60 degrees can be more than 90% of the total energy of the converted light. In the present embodiment, the dichroic mirror 102 and the reflecting mirror 104 can be replaced by other forms of planar reflecting device, and the lenses 103 and 105 can be replaced by other forms of optical devices. For example, the lens 105 may be replaced by various forms of light convergence devices like a solid or hollow tapered light guide, a lens or lens group, a hollow or solid composite light condenser, or a curved reflecting mirror, etc. [0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 can be a combination of one or more of the red wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area, the blue wavelength conversion area and the yellow wavelength conversion area, and the excitation light source can be another suitable light source. Alternatively, those skilled in the art can select the wavelength conversion area and the excitation light source with other colors as desired. In this case, the color filter areas of the color filter device 107 are configured according to the colors of the converted light generated by the wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 106 , and the present invention shall not be limited to any specific arrangement. [0063] Referring to in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the second embodiment of the light source system of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 3 . The light source system 200 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the excitation light source 201 is a blue laser or blue light-emitting diode in order to generate a blue excitation light. As show in FIG. 4 , in the present embodiment, besides of a red wavelength conversion area, a yellow wavelength conversion area and a green wavelength conversion area, the wavelength conversion device 206 further includes a blue light transmission area. The color filter device 207 includes a red color filter area, a yellow color filter area and a green color filter area. In the present embodiment, the area of the color filter device 207 which is corresponding to the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 206 is not required to have a particular optical property, and it can be provided as a counterweight balance area for rotation balance, so it should have the same or similar weight as the other color filter areas. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 206 and the color filter device 207 rotate synchronously under the driving of the driving device 208 , so that the wavelength conversion areas and the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 206 are sequentially and periodically disposed in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 201 . The wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into the converted light of corresponding colors and reflect them, and the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it. The blue light transmission area can be provided with appropriate scattering materials to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 206 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 203 and 205 , dichroic mirror 202 and reflecting mirror 204 and incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 207 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 210 and 213 , reflecting mirror 211 and dichroic mirror 212 , and is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 207 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 209 to be made uniform. [0064] Of the second optical assembly, the lenses 210 and 213 are used for collecting and converging the blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 , and the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 are used to reflect the blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 206 to change its propagation path. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 are arranged in parallel with each other and they are set at 45 degrees to the incident direction of the blue excitation light so that the propagation direction of the blue excitation light is shifted by a predetermined distance but its propagation direction remains the same. [0065] In the present embodiment, the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 201 is directly outputted as the blue light through transmission. In the present embodiment, the reflecting mirror 211 and the dichroic mirror 212 can be replaced by other forms of planar reflecting devices, and the lenses 210 and 213 can be replaced by other forms of optical devices. In addition, the above-described structure is also applicable to the light source system in which excitation light sources of other colors are used. [0066] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 5 . The light source system 300 of the present embodiment and the light source system 200 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 differ in that: the light source 300 further includes. in addition to the excitation light source 301 , a red illumination light source 315 (for example, a red laser or a red light emitting diode) in order to generate a red illumination light. The red illumination light source 315 and the excitation light source 301 are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the wavelength conversion device 306 and the color filter device 307 . The red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 passes through the lens 314 , the dichroic mirror 311 , the lens 310 to be incident on the wavelength conversion device 306 ; its incident direction is opposite to that of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 301 . [0067] In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 306 includes a red light transmission area, a yellow wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area and a blue light transmission area. The color filter device 307 includes a red light transmission area, a yellow color filter area, a green color filter area and a counterweight balance area. In the present embodiment, under the driving of the driving device 308 , the wavelength conversion device 306 and the color filter device 307 rotate synchronously, so that the wavelength conversion areas, the red light transmission area and the blue light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 306 are disposed in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 301 and the red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 sequentially and periodically. The various wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into the converted light of corresponding color and reflect it, the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it, and the red light transmission area transmits the red illumination light incident on it. The blue light transmission area and the red light transmission area can be provided with appropriate scattering materials to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light and the red illumination light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 303 and 305 , dichroic mirror 302 and reflecting mirror 304 and incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 307 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The red illumination light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lens 303 and 305 , dichroic mirror 302 and reflecting mirror 304 and incident to the red light transmission area of the color filter device 307 along the same propagation path of the converted light, then transmitted by the red light transmission area. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 306 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 310 and 313 , dichroic mirrors 311 and 312 , and combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 307 and the red illumination light transmitted by the color filter device 307 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 309 to be made uniform. [0068] In a preferred embodiment, in order to ensure that the light homogenization device 309 receives only one color light at any time, the rotation position of the wavelength conversion device 306 is detected, and a synchronization signal is generated based on the detection. The excitation light source 301 and the red illumination light source 315 are turned on and off in a time-division manner according to the synchronization signal. Specifically, the red illumination light source 315 is turned on only when the red light transmission area is in the propagation path of the red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 315 , and is turned off when the yellow wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area and the blue light transmission area are in the propagation path of the red illumination light. The excitation light source 301 is turned on only when the yellow wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area and the blue light transmission area are in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the blue excitation light source, and is turned off when the red light transmission area is in the propagation path of the blue excitation light. In addition, in another preferred embodiment, a dichroic filter which transmits the red illumination light and reflects the blue excitation light can be provided in the red light transmission area, a reflecting mirror which reflects the red illumination light can be provided for the yellow wavelength conversion area and the green wavelength conversion area on the side facing the red illumination light source 315 , and a dichroic filter that transmits the blue excitation light and reflects the red illumination light can be provided in the blue light transmission area. [0069] In the present embodiment, the red light outputted from the light source system 300 is supplied directly by the red illumination light source 315 , which can avoid the problem of low conversion efficiency of the red wavelength conversion material. Of course, when it needs to improve the color purity, the red light transmission area can be replaced by a red color filter area. In the present embodiment, those skilled in the art can use other illumination light source to generate the illumination light of other colors. [0070] Referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 400 of the present embodiment and the light source system 300 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 differ in that: the excitation light source 401 of the present embodiment is an ultraviolet or blue excitation light source. At the same time, the wavelength conversion device 406 in the present embodiment is provided with a yellow wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area and a red light transmission area. So the excitation light source 401 is only used to excite the yellow wavelength conversion area and the green wavelength conversion area to generate yellow converted light and green converted light. The light source system 400 in the present embodiment further includes a blue illumination light source 416 in addition to the excitation light source 401 and the red illumination light source 415 . The blue illumination light generated by the blue illumination light source 416 passes through the second optical assembly comprised of lenses 417 and 418 and dichroic mirror 419 , is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 407 and the red illumination light transmitted or filtered by the color filter device 407 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 409 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the excitation light source 401 , the red illumination light source 415 and the blue illumination light source 416 can also be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment. [0071] In the present embodiment, the red light outputted from the light source system 400 is supplied directly by the red illumination light source 415 and the blue light outputted from the light source system 400 is supplied directly by the blue illumination light source 416 , which can avoid the problem of low conversion efficiency of the wavelength conversion materials, and is more suitable for the display field. [0072] Referring to FIG. 8 , FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 500 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 506 converts the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 501 into the converted light and transmits it. The converted light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 506 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 503 and 505 and reflecting mirror 502 and 504 and incident on the color filter area of the same color on the color filter device 507 . After filtering by the color filter area it is incident on the light homogenization device 509 . [0073] In addition, the excitation light source 501 can also be a blue light source. A light transmission area can be further provided on the wavelength conversion device 506 . The light transmission area is provided in the propagation path of the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 501 periodically and transmits it. After being transmitted by the light transmission area, the excitation light passes through the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 503 and 505 and reflecting mirror 502 and 504 , and is guided to another light transmission area or color filter area on the color filter device 507 along the same propagation path as the converted light, to be is transmitted or filtered. [0074] Referring to FIG. 9 , FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 600 of the present embodiment and the light source system 500 shown in FIG. 8 differ in that: the light source system 600 of the present embodiment further includes, in addition to the excitation light source 601 , a red illumination light source 615 in order to generate a red illumination light. The red illumination light source 615 and the excitation light source 601 are provided on the same side of the wavelength conversion device 606 and the color filter device 607 . The red illumination light generated by the red light illumination light source 615 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 613 , converged by the lens 611 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 606 along the same direction as the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 601 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 601 is converted into the converted light by the wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 606 , and is transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 606 . The red illumination light generated by the red illumination light source 615 is transmitted directly by the red light transmission area of the wavelength conversion device 606 . The converted light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 606 and the red illumination light is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of reflecting mirror 602 and 604 and lenses 603 and 605 , and incident on the color filter area and the red light transmission area of the color filter device 607 . The converted light filtered by the color filter area and the red illumination light transmitted by the red light transmission area are further incident on the light homogenization device 609 . In addition, the red light transmission area can be replaced by a red color filter area. In addition, the excitation light source 601 and the red illumination light source 615 in the present embodiment can also be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment. [0075] Referring to FIG. 10 , FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 700 of the present embodiment and the light source system 600 shown in FIG. 9 differ in that: the light source system 700 of the present embodiment further includes a blue illumination light source 716 in addition to the excitation light source 701 and the red illumination light source 715 . The blue illumination light generated by the blue illumination light source 716 passes through the second optical assembly comprised of lens 717 and dichroic mirror 718 , and is combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 707 and the red illumination light filtered or transmitted by the color filter device 707 into one light beam, which is incident on the light homogenization device 709 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the excitation light source 701 , the red illumination light source 715 and the blue illumination light source 716 can be turned on and off in a time-division manner similar to the third embodiment. [0076] Referring to FIG. 11 , FIG. 11 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 800 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: in the present embodiment the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 is converged by the fly eye lenses 803 and 804 and converging lens 805 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 through the light entrance port on the reflecting device 802 . The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 806 is then reflected by the reflecting device 802 and incident on the color filter device 807 . The reflecting device 802 is semi-ellipsoidal or hemispherical and its reflecting surface faces inside. The converted light filtered by the color filter device 807 is further incident to the tapered light guide rod 809 . When the reflecting device 802 is semi-ellipsoidal, the converted light from the vicinity of one focus point of the reflecting device 802 can be reflected to the vicinity of the other focus point; when the reflecting device 802 is hemispherical, if two points are located near the center of the sphere and symmetrical with respect to the center of the sphere, then the reflecting device 802 can approximately reflect the converted light from one symmetrical point to the other. In addition, in other embodiments, the reflecting device 802 can be provided without a light entrance port, and the excitation light source 801 and the reflecting device 802 are provided on the opposite sides of the wavelength conversion device 806 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 is incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 and the converted light is then transmitted through the wavelength conversion device to the reflecting device 802 . [0077] It's worth noting that, under the reflection of the reflecting device 802 , the light spot formed by the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 801 incident on the wavelength conversion device 806 and the light spot formed by the converted light incident on the color filter device 807 are located at 0 degree from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 ; thus, the wavelength conversion area and color filter area of the same color on the wavelength conversion device 806 and color filter device 807 also need to be set at 0 degree from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 . [0078] Of course, in other embodiments, through appropriate optical arrangement, the light spot formed by the excitation light incident to the wavelength conversion device 806 and the light spot formed by the converted light incident to the color filter device 807 can be set at any angle from each other with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 , so the wavelength conversion area and the color filter area of the same color on the wavelength conversion device 806 and color filter device 807 can be set at any angle with respect to the center of the ring structure of the wavelength conversion device 806 and the color filter device 807 . [0079] Referring to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 900 of the present embodiment and the light source system 800 shown in FIG. 11 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 906 and the color filter device 907 are fixed coaxially by the bracket 908 , and are spaced apart along the axial direction. A tapered light guide rod 909 is provided between the wavelength conversion device 906 and the color filter device 907 . The excitation light generated by the excitation light source 901 is converged by the fly eye lens 903 and 904 and the converging lens 905 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 906 through the light entrance port on the reflecting device 902 . The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 906 is incident on the reflecting device 902 and reflected. The converted light reflected by the reflecting device 902 is first incident to the light guide rod 909 . The light guide rod 909 collects the converted light in order to reduce the divergence angle of the converted light. After guided by the light guide rod 909 , the converted light is incident on the color filter device 907 , so that the incident angle on the color filter device 907 is smaller, and the filtering effect is improved. In the present embodiment, the light guide rod 909 can also be replaced by other optical device that is able to achieve the functions described above. Further, in the present embodiment, if the wavelength conversion device 906 is a transmission type, the reflecting device 902 can be omitted, and then the converted light is transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 906 and incident on the light guide rod 909 directly. [0080] As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , an illumination light source can be further provided in addition to the excitation light sources 801 and 901 , such as a red illumination light source or a blue illumination light source. [0081] Referring to FIG. 13 , FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 1000 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: the wavelength conversion device 1006 of the present embodiment is a cylindrical structure, and the wavelength conversion areas are provided on the outside surface of the sidewall of the cylindrical structure. The color filter device 1007 has a ring structure. The wavelength conversion device 1006 and the color filter device 1007 are further coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the driving device 1008 , and rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device 1008 . [0082] In the working process of the light source system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1001 is transmitted by the dichroic mirror 1002 , converged by the lens 1003 , then incident on the outside surface of the sidewall of the wavelength conversion device 1006 . The wavelength conversion areas on the outside surface of the sidewall of the wavelength conversion device 1006 convert the excitation light into the converted light and reflect it. After reflected by the wavelength conversion device 1006 , the converted light is guided by the first optical assembly which is comprised of lens 1003 and 1004 and the dichroic mirror 1002 , and incident on the color filter device 1007 . The color filter areas on the color filter device 1007 are provided outside of the cylindrical structure of the wavelength conversion device 1006 , so that the converted light can be incident on them and filtered to improve the color purity. After filtered by the color filter areas of the color filter device 1007 , the converted light is further incident on the light homogenization device 1009 to be made uniform. In other embodiments, the wavelength conversion device 1006 can also transmit the converted light to the color filter device 1007 . [0083] Referring to FIG. 14 , FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The light source system 1100 of the present embodiment and the light source system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 differ in that: in the present embodiment the wavelength conversion device 1106 and the color filter device 1107 are two cylindrical structures which are fixed coaxially and nested within each other, and the wavelength conversion areas and the first color filter areas are provided on the sidewalls of the two cylindrical structures respectively. The color filter device 1107 is located outside of the wavelength conversion device 1106 . The wavelength conversion device 1106 and the color filter device 1107 are further coaxially fixed on the rotating shaft of the driving device 1108 , and rotate coaxially and synchronously under the driving of the driving device 1108 . [0084] In the working process of the light source system 1100 according to the present embodiment, the excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1101 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 1102 , converged by the lens 1103 , then incident on the wavelength conversion device 1106 . The wavelength conversion areas of the wavelength conversion device 1106 convert the excitation light into the converted light and transmit it. After being transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 1106 , the converted light is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lens 1104 and incident on the color filter device 1107 . The color filter areas of the color filter device 1107 filter the converted light to improve its color purity. After filtering by the color filter areas of the color filter device 1107 , the converted light is further incident on the light homogenization device 1109 to be made uniform. [0085] Referring to in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 , FIG. 15 is a schematic structural view of the light source system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is the front view of the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device of the light source system shown in FIG. 15 . The light source system 1200 of the present embodiment and the light source system 200 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 differ in that: in the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 are two strip structures adjoined side by side, where the wavelength conversion areas and the first color filter areas are arranged side by side in the two strip structures. In the present embodiment, the wavelength conversion device 1206 includes a red wavelength conversion area, a green wavelength conversion area, a blue light transmission area and a yellow wavelength conversion area which are arranged side by side sequentially from top to bottom. The color filter device 1207 includes a red color filter area, a green color filter area, a blank area and a yellow color filter area which are arranged side by side sequentially from top to bottom. [0086] The wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 move in an oscillating linear translational motion under the driving of a suitable driving device (e.g. a linear motor), so that the red wavelength conversion area, the green wavelength conversion area, the blue light transmission area and the yellow wavelength conversion area of the wavelength conversion device 1206 are periodically provided in the propagation path of the blue excitation light generated by the excitation light source 1201 . The wavelength conversion areas convert the blue excitation light incident on them into converted light of corresponding colors and reflect them, and the blue light transmission area transmits the blue excitation light incident on it. The blue light transmission area can be provided with an appropriate scattering material to destroy the collimation of the blue excitation light. The converted light reflected by the wavelength conversion device 1206 is guided by the first optical assembly comprised of lenses 1203 and 1205 , dichroic mirror 1202 and reflecting mirror 1204 , then incident on the color filter area of corresponding color on the color filter device 1207 , so that it is filtered by the color filter area to improve its color purity. The blue excitation light transmitted by the wavelength conversion device 1206 is guided by the second optical assembly comprised of lens 1210 and 1213 , reflecting mirror 1211 and dichroic mirror 1212 , and combined with the converted light filtered by the color filter device 1207 into one beam of light, which is incident to the light homogenization device 1209 to be made uniform. In the present embodiment, the structure of the wavelength conversion device 1206 and the color filter device 1207 can also be applied to the other embodiments described above, which is not described. [0087] The present invention further provides a light source assembly constituted by the wavelength conversion device and the color filter device which are described in the above embodiments. [0088] In summary, in the light source system and the light source assembly of the present invention, the color filter device and the wavelength conversion device are fixed with respect to each other, and they are driven by a same driving device, which can bring the advantages that: the structure is simple, it is easy to implement, and the synchronization effect is excellent. [0089] The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. Various modification and variations can be made in the light source device and system of the present invention based on the above descriptions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, as well as the direct or indirect application of the embodiment in other related technical fields.

Provided is a projection system, a light source system, and a light source assembly. The light source system ( 100 ) comprises an excitation light source ( 101 ), a wavelength conversion device ( 106 ), a color filtering device ( 107 ), a drive device ( 108 ), and a first optical assembly. The wavelength conversion device ( 106 ) comprises at least one wavelength conversion region. The optical filtering device ( 107 ) is fixed face-to-face with the wavelength conversion device ( 106 ), and comprises at least a first optical filtering region. The drive device ( 108 ) drives the wavelength conversion device ( 106 ) and the optical filtering device ( 107 ), allowing the wavelength conversion region and the first optical filtering region to act synchronously, and the wavelength conversion region is periodically set on the propagation path of the excitation light, thereby converting the excitation light wavelength into converted light. The first optical assembly allows the converted light to be incident on the first optical filtering region. The first optical filtering region filters the converted light, so as to enhance the color purity of the converted light. The light source system is simple in structure, easy to implement, and highly synchronous.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to apparatus for electronically timing and recording a moving object as it travels over a measured course. More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus for establishing precision timing for athletic events in conjuncton with a video recording of the event. The timing of certain athletic events is an important part of determining overall athletic prowess. An athlete's ability to run a fast forty-yard dash reveals his ability in other athletic endeavors according to leading biomechanists. In fact, athletic scholarships are often awarded with this single skill as an important factor in the selection. Therefore, it is of importance to standardize the technique for accurately and uniformally obtaining the time results of these tests. Further it is desirable to record the event with date, time and speed graphically displayed. In addition, it is desirable to record the event for archival purposes as well as to train the athlete. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for electronically timing and recording a moving object as it travels over a measured course and especially for electronically timing and recording an athlete as he runs a prescribed distance. The apparatus is easy to use, rugged in construction, and adapted to be used in an outdoor environment. According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors positioned in predetermined, spaced relationship along a course which is to be traveled over by a moving object such as a running athlete. The detectors produce a sequence of RF detection signals which are sent to a timing circuit means. A video camera and recorder are provided for capturing and recording a sequence of video frames depicting the travel of the object over the course. Simultaneously, the timing circuit means computes the elapsed times of travel of the object over the course as a function of the sequence of detection signals and records the timing information along with the video information. Upon playback on a video monitor, the sequence of video frames depicting the travel of the object over the course is combined with the timing information relating to the captured scene. According to an aspect of the invention, the elapsed times are displayable in sequence in the corners of a displayed image. According to another aspect of the invention, the timing circuit is initiated either by means of a manually actuated control signal or by an RF detection signal produced by a detector which detects the start of travel of the object over the course. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description of the drawings, like elements are numbered with like numbers. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of the present invention as used to electronically time and record an athlete running over a prescribed course; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing greater detail of certain components of the apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of the ultrasonic detector of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c are timing diagrams illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic detector of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of the electronic timer circuit of FIG. 1; and FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a format for displaying the timing information on a video monitor. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although the preferred embodiment of the present inventon will be described with respect to a specific application, i.e. the timing and recording of an athlete who runs over a specific distance course, it will be understood that the apparatus of the present invention may be used in other applications in which it is desirable to electronically time and record any moving object as it travels over a measured course. As depicted in FIG. 1, an athlete 10 (such as a high school athlete being considered for an athletic scholarship, or for membership on an athletic team), is required to run over a sixty yard course as fast as he can. The course 12 is marked off in twenty-yard intervals and positioned at each interval is an ultrasonic detector for detecting the passage of athlete 10. Thus, ultrasonic detector 14 is located at the zero yard or start line. Ultrasonic detector 16 is located at the twenty yard line. Ultrasonic detector 18 is located at the forty yard line and ultrasonic detector 20 is located at the sixty yard line. Ultrasonic detectors 14, 16, 18, and 20 will be described in greater detail later, but in general, they emit an ultrasonic signal which is reflected by athlete 10 when he is intercepted by the signal. The reflected ultrasonic signal will be detected by the respective detectors 14-20 and an RF detecton signal will be sent to an RF receiver in video recording and timing apparatus 22. A video camera 24 is connected to apparatus 22 and mounted on a tripod 26. Camera 24 captures and records the run of athlete 10. An operator 28 operates the electronic timing and recording apparatus 22 and communicates instructions to runners 10 by means of audio tones produced by audio box 30, which may be positioned close to the runner. The audio tones may be of different pitch or different quality to inform the runner that he is the next one up ("CALL"), that the should start running ("START") and that he has had a false start ("STOP"). According to an aspect of the invention, the start of timing may also be initiated by the runner as he is detected at the start or zero yard position by detector 14. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. As shown, camera 24 is connected through a video switch 32 to video cassette recorder (VCR) 34 and video monitor 36. A known type of character generator 37 generates data on each even to be recorded by VCR 34. Such data may include the time, date of an event, descriptive material relating to the event such as the athlete's name and identification number and the like. Character generator 37 is of any well known type used with video cassette recorders, video camcorders, television sets and the like, such as the KODAK MVS 80 Character Generator sold by the Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y. As an athlete 10 is sequentially detected by detectors 14, 16, 18, and 20, a sequence of RF detection signals are transmitted to RF transmitter and receiver circuit 38. An electronic timer Circuit 40, which may, for example, include a microprocessor, computes the elapsed time of the runner as he passes the predetermined intervals. circuit 40 also computes the elapsed time between certain intervals. For example, the elapsed time it takes for the runner to run from the start line past the forty yard line may indicate certain athletic abilities, whereas the elapsed time that it takes the runner to run from the twenty yard line to the sixty yard line, may be useful in determining other athletic abilities. According to an aspect of the invention, the "standing start" forty yard time and the "running start" forty yard time are also recorded and displayed on monitor 36. Timer circuit 40 also produces suitable video signals for displaying the timing information on video monitor 36 and for recording it along with the video recording to the athlete running the course produced by camera 24. Gen lock circuit 42 supplies horizontal and vertical sync signals to camera 24, to character generator 37 and to timer circuit 40 to synchronize the respective video signals produced thereby. A remote start control 46 may be provided to start a timing sequence. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown in greater detail circuits 30, 38, and 46. As shown, audio circuit box 30 includes an RF receiver 48, RF signal decoder circuits 50, 52, and 54 and audio tone generators 56, 58 and 60 connected to speaker 62. Decoder 50 detects an RF "CALL" signal which actuates a "CALL" audio tone generator 56 to produce an autio tone which alerts the next runner to move up to the starting line to be ready to run the course. Decoder 52 detects an RF "START" signal which actuates audio tone generator 58 to produce an audio tone which starts the runner running the course. Decoder 54 detects an RF "STOP" signal which actuates audio tone generator 60 to produce an audio tone which stops the runner after he has made a false start, (i.e., started before the "START" tone is generated). Circuit 38 includes a plurality of switches 64, 66 and 68 which respectively actuate coder circuits 70, 72 and 74 to produce a coded RF "CALL" signal, a coded RF "START" signal and a coded RF "STOP" signal. These coded RF signals are supplied to RF transmitter 73 for transmission to audio box 30. Remote start control 46 includes manually actuatable switches 76 and 78, which respectively actuate coder 80 to produce a coded RF "START" signal and coder 82 to produce a coded RF "STOP" signal. These RF signals are transmitted by transmitter 84. Circuit 38 also includes an RF receiver 86 for receiving either a coded RF "START" signal from remote start 46 or a coded RF detection signal from detector 14. These signals are decoded by decoder circuits 88 and 90. Start mode select circuit 91 in response to the respective signals decoded by decoders 88 and 90, sends a signal to electronic timer circuit 40 to indicate whether a runner is started by an audio tone or is self started. Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown in greater detail a block diagram of ultrasonic detectors 14, 16, 18 and 20. As shown, transmitter one-shot multivibrator 92 produces a a signal S 1 which actuates ultrasonic generator 94 to produce an ultrasonic signal S 2 with a duration of S 1 . The ultrasonic signal is amplified by amplifier 96 and applied to ultrasonic transducer 98 which produces a highly directionaly ultrasonic beam which is reflected back to the detector by passage of runner 10. The reflected ultrasonic wave is detected by transducer 98. The pulse produced by one-shot 92 is also applied to receive on-shot multivibrator 102. Multivibrator 102 produces a delayed pulse which is applied to AND gate 104 along with the received detection pulse amplified by amplifier 100 and detected by detector 103. Coder 105 is actuated to cause RF generator 106 to send a burst of a coded RF detection signal to an antenna 108 for transmission to RF receiver circuit 38. Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c, there is depicted signal diagrams illustrating the operation of the ultrasonic detector of FIG. 4. Signal S 1 (FIG. 5a) is the pulse produced by one-shot multivibrator 92. Signal S 2 (FIG. 5a) is the burst of ultrasonic frequency signal produced by ultrasonic generator 94 during the time period of signal S 1 . Signal S 3 (FIG. 5b) is the pulse produced by receive one-shot multivibrator 102 and signal S 4 (FIG. 5c) is the reflected burst of ultrasonic signal amplified by amplifier 100. FIG. 6 shows in greater detail electronic timer circuit 40. Circuit 40 receives the RF detection signals from detectors 14, 16, 18 and 20; computes the elapsed times of the object moving over course 12 and produces appropriate video signals for recording and/or displaying the timing signals in combination with the video signals produced by camera 24 and character generator 37. Circuit 40 includes a microprocessor 110 (such as the Motorola MC6840), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) 112 for storing the operating program of microprocessor 110 and Random Access Memory (RAM) 114 used for storing input-output (I/O) memory functions, program memory functions and display and timing memory functions. A Peripheral Interface Adaptor (PIA) 116 (such as the Motorola MC6821) is used with microprocessor 110 to receive input signals from keypad 118 through keypad detector 120 and from RF circuit 38 and to send output signals to RF circuit 38. A Programmable Timer Module (PTM) 120 (such as the Motorola MC6840) provides the accurate timing necessary for computing the elapsed times of a moving object. A bus 122 provides a link between microprocessor 110, EPROM 112, RAM 114, PIA 116 and PTM 120. Bus 122 is also linked to a Video Display Generator (VDG) 124 (such as the Motorola MC6847) which produces the video signals relating to timing information to be recorded and displayed with the video information produced by camera 24. The clock for VDG 124 is provided by synchronizer 126 which provides a clock signal which is synchronized with and which has a frequency which is a multiple of the V sync signal detected by V sync detector 128 from the composite sync signal produced by Gen Lock Circuit 42. A phase lock loop 130 locks the horizontal sync signals produced by VDG 124 and TV modulator 132 (such as Motorola MC1372) with the H sync signal detected by H sinc detector 134 from the composite sync signal from Gen Lock Circuit 42. Programming of microprocessors including the use of various related peripheral devices is well known to those skilled in the art. A general description of the structure, operation and programming of microprocessors is presented in Chapter 11, "Microprocessors", pages 484-535. of the Harvard Textbook, "The Art of Electronics", by Horowitz and Hill, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1980. A description of the structure and operation of the Motorola Microprocessor MC6809 and related peripheral devices is presented in the data handbook "Eight-Bit Microprocessor & Peripheral Data", supplied by Motorola Semiconductor Products, Inc., Austin, Tex. Further, the general design and operation of graphics overlay circuitry is also generally known to those skilled in the art. General information is described in the article, "Display-Generator Chips Implement Smart Terminals", by Peter Bissmire et al., EDN Magazine, Nov. 20, 1980. Information relating to the Motorola MC6847 is described in the Motorola Data Handbook "Eight-Bit Microprocessor & Peripheral Data", referred to above. In operation, at the start of an event to be recorded and time, the operator 28 (FIG. 1) enters identification information relating to a runner into apparatus 22 by means of character generator 37. The operator 28 alerts the runner 10 to proceed to the start line by actuating "CALL" switch 64 which causes the audio box 30 to sound the "CALL" tone. At this time, camera 24 and VCR 34 will be actuated to record the event. The operator then chooses the mode of starting the runner, i.e., either "self start" or "signal start". If the "self start" mode is chosen, timing is initiated when the runner is detected by detector 14. An RF detection signal is sent to circuit 38, which initiates timing of the event by circuit 40. If the "signal start" mode is selected, actuation of either "START" switch 40 or remote switch 76 intiates timing of the event. In this mode, the reaction time of the runner to an external stimulus (audio tone) is determined by the elapsed time between the "START" signal and detection of the runner by detector 14. This time is displayed in the upper left hand corner of monitor 36 (FIG. 7) as "S 0.82". In the "self start" mode the time is displayed as "S 0.00". In the "signal start" mode a "false start" is detected when detector 14 detects the runner at the start line but no "START" signal has been given. The operator actuates "STOP" switch 68 or 78 to sound the "STOP" tone by audio box 30 to signal return of the runner to the starting line. As the runner traverses course 12, detectors 16, 18 and 20 sequentially detect the runner and send RF detection signals to apparatus 22. Microprocessor 110 in conjunction with PTM 120, EPROM 112 and RAM 114 computes and stores the elapsed times for the runner as he passes the 20 yd. 40 yd. and 60 yd. lines. This timing information is converted by VDG 124 into suitable video signals for display on monitor 36 and for recording by VCR 34. As depicted in FIG. 7, the "20 yd.", "40 yd." and "60 yd." times are respectively displayed on monitor 36 in the upper right hand corner (i.e., "20 2.58"); in the lower right hand corner (i.e., "40. 5.43"); and in the lower left hand corner (i.e., "60 7.10"). In each of the corner displays, the left hand field (e.g., "S" "20", "40", "60") depicts the yard line crossed by the runner whereas the right hand field (e.g., "0.82", "2.58", "5.43", "7.10") depicts the corresponding time of the runner. At the center of the monitor display (FIG. 7), are depicted standing start and running start forty yard times computed by microprocessor 110. These times give an indication of different capabilities of an athlete. The standing start time is computed by determining the runner's elapsed time from the 0 yd. (S) line to the 40 yd. line (depicted in FIG. 7 as "40-S-4.61"). The running start time is computed by determining the runner's elapsed time from the 20 yd. line to the 60 yd. line (depicted in FIG. 7 as "60-20-4.52"). It will be appreciated that other elapsed times could be determined and shown in lieu of the depicted times. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The disclosed apparatus electronically times and records a moving object as it travels over a measured course. The apparatus is especially useful in recording and timing an athlete running over a measured course in order to determine the overall athletic prowess of the athlete. The apparatus provides more accurate and uniform testing of an athlete's ability to run a predetermined distance as fast as possible. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors positioned in predetermined spaced relationship along a course over which an athlete runs (object moves). A sequence of RF detection signals are sent to a timing circuit which computes the elapsed times of the athlete (object) over the course. The times are recorded along with video information produced by a video camera. When the timing information and recorded scene are played back on a video monitor, the timing information is displayed along with the video image to facilitate analysis of the recorded event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0048348, filed on Apr. 22, 2014, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND 1. Field The present disclosure relates to a hybrid electronic sheet and a method for preparing the same. 2. Description of the Related Art Researches on flexible high-performance materials and devices such as wearable computers, bendable displays, wearable biomedical electrodes and biosensors for health monitoring, human-robot interfaces, etc. are rapidly increasing nowadays. For such applications, development of a material which has excellent electrical property as well as superior mechanical property and to which biochemical or biological property can be further provided in addition to the electrical property, e.g., as in wearable biosensors, is of great importance. In addition, for realization of a high-performance device composed of various constituents on a flexible substrate, low contact resistance is required between the constituents and superior contact property with the flexible substrate is necessary. Since carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube, graphene, etc. have excellent electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, use of the materials as an electrode of flexible electronic devices, flexible bioelectrodes, sensors, flexible energy devices, etc. is actively studied recently. For application of graphene or carbon nanotube to flexible devices, a process of transferring the graphene or carbon nanotube synthesized at high temperature without decrease in electrical property is essential. In addition, for effective operation of a high-performance device, effective electrical contact property between the carbon nanomaterial and other constituents of the device and resistance property on the flexible substrate are very important. Carbon nanotube is commonly used by depositing a film on a substrate, for example, by spin coating the carbon nanotube dispersed in an organic solvent or by forming a film through vacuum filtration and dissolving out the filter membrane chemically to obtain a carbon nanotube film. However, these methods are problematic in that the performance of the device is decreased or contact property with a flexible substrate is unsatisfactory due to an organic solvent or a dispersant remaining after chemical etching. Also, transfer onto a substrate with a complex shape is impossible because of large film thickness and patterning which is essential for realization of the device is difficult. Graphene is used by growing the graphene on the surface of a metal such as copper by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and transferring onto a desired substrate using an etching solution or by reducing chemically prepared graphene oxide through spin coating to obtain a reduced graphene oxide film. However, the CVD-grown graphene is disadvantageous in that use of an environmentally very harmful etching solution is necessary and effective surface area per unit area is very small because the graphene consists of a single or only a few layer(s). Further, because graphene is chemically stable, it is not easy to confer additional properties to the graphene. The reduced graphene oxide is disadvantageous in that electrical property is not excellent because a process of chemically reducing the graphene oxide which has been chemically oxidized is required. When preparing a flexible electrode including a biomaterial such as a biosensor electrode, it is important to realize a high-performance flexible device without chemical etching. However, with the existing methods, it is difficult to realize a flexible device having superior electrical property wherein a biomaterial is nanohybridized. SUMMARY The present disclosure is directed to providing a hybrid electronic sheet which has superior and tunable electrical property, can be functionalized with a biomaterial and allows flexible device patterning. The present disclosure is also directed to providing a method for preparing the electronic sheet whereby a carbon nanomaterial having a graphitic surface is prepared into a thin hybrid electronic sheet with a large area in an aqueous solution without chemical etching. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material and an electronic device including the same. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material, including: preparing a mixture by mixing a colloid material including a graphitic material with a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material; and forming an electronic sheet in an aqueous solution by dialyzing the mixture using a membrane. In accordance with the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet which exhibits superior, tunable electrical property and allows biomaterial functionalization and flexible device patterning may be provided by binding a graphitic material in colloidal state to a biomaterial capable of binding thereto specifically and nondestructively. Since the electronic sheet has a nondestructively controllable nanostructure, an electronic sheet having semiconductor property can be obtained from an electrically non-separated, hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube. Further, since the electronic sheet is an electronic sheet wherein a biomaterial and an electrical material (graphitic material) are hybridized, it exhibits good compatibility with biomaterials and can be further functionalized with, for example, an enzyme that selectively reacts with a biochemical substance. Accordingly, an electrical material and a chemical or biological material may be effectively nanostructurized. In addition, the electronic sheet is structurally stable and exhibits superior flexibility owing to good contact property after transfer onto a flexible substrate. Accordingly, it can be realized as a multi-functional, high-performance electronic sheet. Furthermore, since the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure is prepared in an aqueous solution by dialyzing a mixture of the graphitic material and the biomaterial using a membrane, no chemical etching or additional carrier material layer is necessary for transference. Accordingly, it can be transferred even onto a polymer material with a complex shape (see FIG. 5 b ). In accordance with the present disclosure, a high-performance electronic sheet can be transferred onto various substrates. For example, a flexible electronic sheet exhibiting excellent electrochemical property, with 4 times or higher charging current even on a polymer substrate with a metal electrode layer than on Au, may be provided (see FIG. 7 ). Also, since patterning can be conducted easily using a substrate or a mask, a device can be prepared conveniently on a flexible substrate (see FIG. 9 ). Accordingly, the hybrid electronic sheet can be usefully used in a flexible electronic device, an information processing or storage device or as a brain surface electrode, a flexible biosensor electrode an electrode for a flexible battery, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 a schematically describes a process of preparing a hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 b schematically describes the principle on which a hybrid electronic sheet is formed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 a shows an image of a hybrid electronic sheet formed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 b shows the dependency of electronic sheet formation on the ionic strength of a dialysis solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 a shows an image of a large-area freestanding hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 b shows an image of a sample prepared using a single-walled carbon nanotube without a phage as a comparison to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images comparing the nanostructure of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure (SWNT-M13 phage) and a comparative sample prepared using a single-walled carbon nanotube without a phage (SWNT-only). FIG. 5 a shows an image of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a PES polymer substrate. FIG. 5 b shows an image of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a plastic with a complex shape. FIG. 6 schematically describes a method of forming a pattern of an electronic sheet using a stencil mask according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as well as images of the formed pattern. FIG. 7 shows a result of measuring contact angles to compare the change in hydrophilic property of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depending on the molar ratio of a graphitic material (SWNT) and a biomaterial (p8 GB#1) in the electronic sheet (SWNT:p8 GB#1=4:1, 10:1 or 20:1). FIG. 8 shows a result of comparing the electrochemical conductivity (current and voltage) of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure transferred onto a polymer or Au substrate (hybrid sheet on Au or hybrid sheet on PES) with that of a bare Au film (bare Au). FIG. 9 shows an SEM image of an electronic device including an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows a current-voltage (I-V) curve of an electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depending on the molar ratio of a graphitic material (SWNT) and a biomaterial (p8 GB#1) in the electronic sheet (SWNT:p8 GB#1=1:2, 1:4 or 1:8) and gate voltage. FIG. 11 shows a result of comparing the electrochemical conductivity of a hybrid electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a single-walled carbon nanotube and graphene are mixed (C:G:V=10:2:1) with one wherein only a single-walled carbon nanotube is present (C:G:V=10:0:1) (C: single-walled carbon nanotube, G: graphene, V: p8 GB#1). FIG. 12 a schematically describes current biosensing using a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with an enzyme according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 b shows selective current response of a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure to hydrogen peroxide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the present disclosure, a “graphitic material” refers to a material which has a surface wherein carbon atoms are arranged in a hexagonal shape, i.e. a graphitic surface. It is used in the broadest concept including any material having a graphitic surface, regardless of physical, chemical or structural properties. In the present disclosure, a “biomaterial” refers to a material derived from a biological source which is capable of binding to the graphitic material. It is used in the broadest concept including any biomaterial, e.g. nucleic acid, peptide or protein, which binds selectively and specifically to the graphitic material, regardless of the mode of binding and biological or structural properties. Hereinafter, the present disclosure is described in more detail. The present disclosure provides a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material. The present disclosure also provides a method for preparing a hybrid electronic sheet including a graphitic material and a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material, including: preparing a mixture by mixing a colloid material including a graphitic material with a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material; and forming an electronic sheet in an aqueous solution by dialyzing the mixture using a membrane. FIG. 1 a schematically describes the preparation method according to the present disclosure and FIG. 1 b describes the principle on which the hybrid electronic sheet is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the colloid material is specifically an aqueous solution wherein a graphitic material is dispersed or dissolved. The colloid material may be prepared, before preparing the mixture, by adding a graphitic material to a solution containing a surfactant and stabilizing the same. The surfactant may be, for example, sodium cholate but is not limited thereto as long as it can stabilize a graphitic material and is biocompatible with a biomaterial. In an exemplary embodiment, the graphitic material is not specially limited as long as it is a carbon nanomaterial. For example, it may be one or more selected from a group consisting of a graphene sheet, a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) sheet, a carbon nanotube such as a single-walled carbon nanotube, a double-walled carbon nanotube, a multi-walled carbon nanotube, etc. and fullerene. The graphitic material may be a metallic, semiconductor or hybrid material. More specifically, the graphitic material may be a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube. For example, when a graphene sheet is used as the graphitic material, the 2-dimensional structure of the graphene sheet allows a larger contact area between constituent materials as compared to a material of 1-dimensional structure. Therefore, a hybrid electronic sheet of a larger area can be realized. And, when a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube is used as the graphitic material, the problem that a high concentration is necessary only when the graphene sheet is used can be solved while providing the advantage of the 2-dimensional structure of the graphene sheet. In addition, when a graphene sheet is mixed with a single-walled carbon nanotube, the size and thickness of the sheet become larger and, in this case, the effective area of a nanoelectrode per unit area is large. Therefore, the applicability as a flexible electrode is high. In an exemplary embodiment, the biomaterial is a material capable of specifically and strongly binding to the graphitic material, in a nondestructive manner. For example, the biomaterial may be an M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material. Specifically, the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material as an exemplary embodiment of the biomaterial may be one in which a peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed. The peptide may be displayed on the coat protein P3, P6, P7, P8 or P9 of the M13 phage. Among them, p3, p6, p7 and p9 are minor coat proteins and p8 is a major coat protein. The major coat protein p8 is advantageous in that, whereas the minor coat proteins have a very small copy number of 5 or smaller, it has a very large copy number of 2700 and provides a relatively very larger area for peptide display since it is located at the body of the phage. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when a peptide of the present disclosure is displayed on the coat protein p8 located at the body of the M13 phage, the body of the phage itself, which is micrometers long (length: 880 nm, diameter ≦ 6 . 5 nm), may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the phage in which the peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed may be prepared by preparing an M13 phage display P8 peptide library and screening the same by binding it to a graphitic surface through biopanning. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, it may be prepared directly through genetic recombination by introducing the peptide including one or more amino acid sequence selected from DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) and DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) into the M13 phage itself. In an exemplary embodiment, the mixing ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial when preparing the mixture may be controlled as desired depending on the use of the electronic sheet. That is to say, it may be controlled depending on the desired properties of the electronic sheet, such as electrical conductivity, electrochemical charging current, hydrophilicity, etc. Further, the mixing ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial may be controlled differently depending on the kind of the mixed biomaterial. For example, if the biomaterial is an M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material, the colloid material and the biomaterial may be mixed with a molar ratio of from 20:1 to 1:30, more specifically from 20:1 to 1:20. More specifically, when the colloid material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material are mixed with a molar ratio of 4:1, the charging current of the electronic sheet may be improved greatly to 4 times or more as compared to a Au film. In this case, the electronic sheet may be usefully used as a flexible biosensor electrode, a brain surface electrode, an electrode for a flexible battery or a supercapacitor, etc. Further, network formation of the graphitic material in the hybrid electronic sheet may be controlled by controlling the molar ratio of the colloid material and the biomaterial. In case of a hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube which is not electrically isolated, semiconductor property may be achieved by controlling the molar ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial. For example, when the hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube as the graphitic material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material are mixed with a molar ratio of 1:8, the hybrid electronic sheet may exhibit a p-type semiconductor property and thus can be used to prepare an active device. That is to say, a semiconductor or metallic hybrid electronic sheet can be obtained by controlling the molar ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial and, accordingly, a flexible electronic device or a transparent, flexible electronic device can be realized not only on a flat substrate but also on a non-conventional substrate. If the molar ratio of the colloid material and the M13 phage genetically modified to be capable of binding to the graphitic material exceeds 20:1, formation of a large-area electronic sheet may be difficult due to decreased structural stability of the electronic sheet. And, if the molar ratio is lower than 1:30, application as an electrode may be difficult because the electrical resistance of the electronic sheet increases greatly. When the molar ratio is in the range between 20:1 and 1:30, a hybrid electronic sheet exhibiting superior electrical property and stable structural property may be formed. In the method for preparing an electronic sheet according to the present disclosure, the step of forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing may include dialyzing a membrane tube to which the mixture has been added using the dialysis solution or dialyzing the mixture using the membrane itself. The membrane is not limited in shape or property as long as it is a semipermeable membrane capable of dialyzing the mixture. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the step of forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing may include: adding an ion to a dialysis solution; adding the resulting mixture to a membrane tube; and dialyzing the membrane tube to which the mixture has been added using the dialysis solution to which the ion has been added. And, the dialysis solution may be distilled water, more specifically triply distilled water (resistance >18 MΩ cm), when considering the stability of the biomaterial included in the mixture. Specifically, if the membrane tube containing the colloid material including the biomaterial and the graphitic material is dialyzed using distilled water for about 16-36 hours, a thin electronic sheet is formed along the surface of the membrane tube. FIG. 2 a shows an image of the formed electronic sheet. The reason why such a thin electronic sheet is formed is as follows. While the dialysis proceeds, the concentration of the surfactant, which is attached on the surface of the graphitic material in the colloid material and stabilizes the carbonaceous material, in the tube decreases due to diffusion owing to the concentration difference inside and outside the membrane. This diffusion-driven dilution is the most prominent near the membrane. Since the biomaterial which exhibits strong binding ability to the graphitic material can begin reacting with the graphitic material only when the concentration of the surfactant surrounding the graphitic material is low, the binding occurs near the membrane where the dilution occurs the most actively. Based on this principle, a sheet may be formed through dialysis. The concentration of the ion in the dialysis solution is more than or equal to 0 mM and less than 10 mM. The concentration of the ion can be controlled by adding a monovalent electrolyte to the dialysis solution. For example, 0.1 mM NaCl may be added to triply distilled water as the dialysis solution. To form a sheet-type hybrid electronic material, i.e. a hybrid electronic sheet, through dialysis, it is important to form binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial mostly along the membrane of the membrane tube. In this regard, the ionic strength (i.e., ion concentration) of the distilled water is a very important factor. If the ionic strength of the distilled water satisfies the above range, continuous sheet formation is possible since the graphitic material remains dispersed well in the membrane tube while the sheet is formed through strong binding between the graphitic material which is negatively (−) charged owing to the adsorbed surfactant and thus exhibits strong electrical repulsion and the biomaterial along the membrane. In contrast, if the ionic strength is higher than the above range, aggregation may occur between the graphitic materials in the membrane because of decreased stabilization by the surfactant adsorbed on the graphitic material and, in an extreme case, only severe aggregation may occur in the tube without sheet formation. FIG. 2 b shows the dependency of electronic sheet formation on the ionic strength of the distilled water. Referring to FIG. 2 b , an electronic sheet is formed normally when the ion concentration of the distilled water is 0 (DI) or 0.1 mM, but an electronic sheet is not formed when the ion concentration of the distilled water is 10 mM (sheet thickness=0). The molar ratio of SWNT:p8 GB#1 is 4:1. In an exemplary embodiment, the preparation method according to the present disclosure may further include, after said forming the electronic sheet by dialyzing, separating the formed electronic sheet in an aqueous solution. The separation may be accomplished, for example, by twisting the membrane tube used for the dialysis to separate the electronic sheet formed along the membrane. A freestanding electronic sheet can be easily obtained by controlling the membrane clip in an aqueous solution. FIG. 3 a shows an image of a freestanding electronic sheet prepared and separated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The prepared and separated freestanding electronic sheet maintains its shape through strong binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial. If dialysis is conducted without adding the biomaterial, an electronic sheet is formed near the membrane but is limited in application because it is brittle. FIG. 3 b shows an image of an electronic sheet prepared by dialysis without using a biomaterial. To compare FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b , it can be seen that, whereas the electronic sheet of FIG. 3 a prepared using a biomaterial is formed stably with a large area due to the binding between the graphitic material and the biomaterial, the electronic sheet of FIG. 3 b prepared without a biomaterial is broken into pieces during the preparation process. In addition, since the formation of the electronic sheet simply depends on the aggregation of the graphitic material by a dilution effect, a microstructure with severe bundling is obtained. In contrast, when a biomaterial is used as in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a nanostructure wherein the graphitic material is uniformly dispersed is obtained due to the binding of the graphitic material with the biomaterial. As a result, a large-area, ultra-flexible electronic sheet having a thickness of 350 nm or smaller and an area of tens of cm 2 can be prepared. For example, the electronic sheet prepared according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have an area of 0.0001-1000 cm 2 , 0.0001-100 cm 2 , more specifically 1-20 cm 2 , and a thickness of 40-350 nm. However, the size of the electronic sheet produced according to the method of the present disclosure is not specially limited. The produced electronic sheet may be torn during detachment or transfer. The tendency of tearing is less for an electronic sheet having a larger thickness (about 350 nm). If the concentration of the mixture is increased to increase thickness, aggregation may occur and a nonunform electronic sheet may be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method for preparing an electronic sheet may further include replicating the separated hybrid electronic sheet in the aqueous solution using a suitable substrate or mask. The replicated and dried electronic sheet may be used for various materials and devices without chemical etching. In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including the electronic sheet. The electronic device may include, for example, an information processing device, an information storing device, a biodevice such as a biosensor and a bioelectrode or an energy device. Further, since the electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is transparent, it may be widely applied to applications requiring transparent electronic devices (see FIG. 6 a ). In an exemplary embodiment, the preparation method according to the present disclosure may further include, before the step of preparing the mixture or after the step of forming the electronic sheet, functionalizing the biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material with an enzyme. In this case, since the electronic sheet includes a biomaterial capable of binding to the graphitic material and further functionalized with a biochemical enzyme, a nanohybrid enzyme electrode wherein the biochemical enzyme and a nanoelectrode material are effectively nanostructured may be provided. Accordingly, a high-performance flexible biosensor which is selective for an analyte and can operate without a mediator that helps electron transport between the enzyme and the electrode may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the enzyme may be horseradish peroxidase (HRP). If the electronic sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is functionalized with HRP, the electronic sheet reacts selectively with hydrogen peroxide since HRP is an enzyme that reduces hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to water (H 2 O). In an exemplary embodiment, the step of functionalizing the biomaterial of the electronic sheet of the present disclosure with the enzyme may include, for example, conjugating the biomaterial with the enzyme, specifically using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS) or glutaraldehyde. The substrate or mask may be prepared from a metal, a semiconductor, an insulator, a polymer, an elastomer, etc. For example, a flexible electronic device may be prepared by replicating the electronic sheet using a flexible polymer substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, a pattern may be formed on the electronic sheet by replicating the separated electronic sheet using a patterned substrate or mask. For example, if a patterned stencil mask is used, the pattern is formed on the electronic sheet when the mask is detached after the electronic sheet is completely dried. Accordingly, a device can be realized on a flexible electronic sheet without additional physical or chemical etching. Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail through examples and test examples. However, the following examples test examples are for illustrative purposes only and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples test examples. Preparation Example 1 Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 1 As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared as follows. Preparation of Colloid Solution First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours. Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution can be calculated according to the following equation. Number of single-walled carbon nanotube (/mL)=concentration (μg/mL)×3×10 11   [Equation 1] The number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution was calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL. Preparation of Biomaterial An M13 phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed (p8 GB#1) and an M13 phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed (p8 GB#5), wherein the peptides are capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface, were prepared as follows. First, an M13HK vector was prepared by site-directed mutating the 1381st base pair C of an M13KE vector (product # N0316S, SEQ ID NO 3, NEB) into G. The M13KE vector (product # N0316S, NEB) is a cloning vector consisting of a 7222-bp DNA and its genetic information is available from the Internet (https://www.neb.com/-/media/NebUs/Page%20Images/Tools%20and%20Resources/Interactive %20Tools/D NA%20Sequences %20and %20Maps/Text %20Documents/m13kegbk.txt). The base sequences of oligonucleotides used for the site-directed mutagenesis are as follows: (SEQ ID NO 4) 5′-AAG GCC GCT TTT GCG GGA TCC TCA CCC TCA GCA GCG  AAA GA-3′. (SEQ ID NO 5) 5′-TCT TTC GCT GCT GAG GGT GAG GAT CCC GCA AAA GCG GCC TT-3′. Phage display p8 peptide libraries were prepared from the M13HK vector using the restriction enzymes BspHI (product # R0517S, NEB) and BamHI (product # R3136T, NEB). The base sequences of oligonucleotides used for the preparation of the phage display p8 peptide libraries are as follows: (SEQ ID NO 6) 5′-TTA ATG GAA ACT TCC TCA TGA AAA AGT CTT TAG TCC TCA AAG CCT CTG TAG CCG TTG CTA CCC TCG TTC CGA TGC TGT CTT TCG CTG CTG-3′. (SEQ ID NO 7) 5′-AAG GCC GCT TTT GCG GGA TCC NNM NNM NNM NNM NNM NNM NNM NCA GCA GCG AAA GAC AGC ATC GGA ACG AGG GTA GCA ACG GCT ACA GAG GCT TT-3′. The base sequences of the prepared phage display p8 peptide libraries have a diversity of 4.8×10 7 plaque-forming units (PFU) and each sequence has a copy number of about 1.3×10 5 . Then, the prepared phage display p8 peptide libraries were bound to a graphitic surface by biopanning so as to screen the phage in which the peptide as the biomaterial according to the present disclosure is displayed. Specifically, the biopanning was conducted as follows. First, a fresh surface was detached from a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG, product #439HP-AB, SPI) as a material having a graphitic surface using a tape to minimize defects due to, e.g., oxidation of the sample surface. A HOPG substrate with a relatively large grain size of 100 μm or smaller was used. Then, the prepared 4.8×10 10 (4.8×10 7 diversities, 1000 copies per each sequence) phage display p8 peptide libraries were prepared in 100 μL of Tris-buffered saline (TBS) and conjugated with the HOPG surface in a shaking incubator for 1 hour at 100 rpm. 1 hour later, the solution was removed and the HOPG surface was washed 10 times with TBS. The washed HOPG surface was reacted with pH 2.2 Tris-HCl as an acidic buffer for 8 minutes to elute the non-selectively reacting peptide and then XL-1 blue E. coli culture in mid-log state was eluted for 30 minutes. A part of the eluted culture was left for DNA sequencing and peptide identification and the remainder was amplified to prepare sub-libraries for the next round. The above procedure was repeated using the prepared sub-libraries. The left plaques were subjected to DNA analysis to identify the p8 peptide sequence. As a result, a phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed (p8 GB#1) and a phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed (p8 GB#5), wherein the peptides are capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface, were obtained. Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet The colloid solution prepared above and a phage solution containing the M13 phage (p8 GB#1) capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface were mixed with a molar ratio of 4:1 (Example 1), 10:1 (Example 2), 20:1 (Example 3), 1:2 (Example 4), 1:4 (Example 5) or 1:8 (Example 6). Next, each of the mixtures was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and each membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water. About 16 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. FIG. 2 a shows an image of the formed electronic sheet of Example 1. Next, each membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube and then dried. FIG. 3 a shows an image of the detached electronic sheet of Example 1. The prepared electronic sheet of Example 1 had a thickness of about 100 nm. Preparation Example 2 Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 2 As another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1 except that the biomaterial was prepared by genetic recombination as follows. Preparation of Biomaterial M13HK was prepared directly by genetic recombination using the restriction enzymes BspHI (product # R0517S, NEB) and BamHI (product # R3136T, NEB). The base sequences used to prepare the M13 phage in which the peptide DSWAADIP (SEQ ID NO 1) is displayed on the body (p8 GB#1) were as follows. (SEQ ID NO 8) 5′ [Phos] CATGAAA AAGTCTTTTG TCCTCAAAGC CTCTGTAGCC GTTGCTACCC TCGTTCCGAT GCTGTCTTTC GCTGCTGATT CTTGGGCTGC GGATATTCCG 3′. (SEQ ID NO 9) 5′ [Phos] GATC CGGAATATCC GCAGCCCAAG AATCAGGCAGC GAAAGACAGC ATCGGAACGA GGGTAGCAAC GGCTACAGAG GCTTTGAGGA CAAAGACTT TTT 3′. The base sequences used to prepare the M13 phage in which the peptide DNPIQAVP (SEQ ID NO 2) is displayed on the body (p8 GB#5) were as follows. (SEQ ID NO 10) 5′ [Phos] CATGAAA AAGTCTTTTG TCCTCAAAGC CTCTGTAGCC GTTGCTACCC TCGTTCCGAT GCTGTCTTTC GCTGCTGATA ATCCGATTCA GGCTGTTCCG 3′. (SEQ ID NO 11) 5′ [Phos] GATC CGGAACAGCC TGAATCGGAT TATCAGGCAGC GAAAGACAGC ATCGGAACGA GGGTAGCAAC GGCTACAGAG GCTTTGAGGA CAAAGACTT TTT 3′. The DNAs of SEQ ID NOS 8 and 9 were annealed at 95° C. for 2 minutes and cooled to 25° C. at a rate of 0.1° C./s. Then, the M13HK vector digested with the restriction enzymes BspHI and BamHI (after reaction with the enzymes at 37° C. for 2 hours, the enzymes were inactivated at 65° C. for 20 minutes) and then reacted T4 DNA ligase (product # M0202S, NEB) at 16° C. for 12 hours to obtain a circular vector. The ligated circular DNA was inserted into electro-competent E. coli (XL-1 Blue cell line, product #200228, Agilent) through electroporation and genetically recombined M13 phage was amplified by culturing in a shaking incubator at 37° C. for 6 hours (following the instruction of the product manual for product #200228, Agilent). In order to purify the phage from the culture wherein the phage and E. coli are mixed, the culture medium was centrifuged at 8000 rpm for 30 minutes and only the supernatant was taken. Since the phage was include in the supernatant, the separated supernatant was mixed with 20% w/v polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 8000, product # V3011, Promega Corporation)/NaCl solution, with a volume of ⅙ of that of the supernatant solution, and centrifuged at 12000 rpm for 30 minutes after reaction at 4° C. for about 16 hours. After discarding the supernatant from the resulting solution, the remaining phage was dissolved in Tris-buffered saline (TBS, product # S3001, Dako) to obtain a phage solution. The concentration of the phage solution was calculated according to Equation 2. Phage concentration (viral particles/mL)=1.6×10 16 ×O.D. viral solution /7237  [Equation 2] The obtained phage solution can be amplified repeatedly using E. coli . The phage was amplified using E. coli (XL-1 blue cell line) in early-log state (overnight culture diluted to 1/100). The amplified phage was purified in the same manner as described above. Comparative Example 1 Preparation of Electronic Sheet As a comparative example of the present disclosure, an electronic sheet not including a biomaterial was prepared as follows. First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours. Next, 0.4 mL of the colloid solution diluted with 10 mL of 1% w/v sodium cholate aqueous solution was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and the membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water. About 24 hours after the dialysis was started, an electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. Next, the membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube. FIG. 3 b shows an image of the detached electronic sheet of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 4 shows scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images comparing the nanostructure of the electronic sheets Example 1 (SWNT-M13 phage) and Comparative Example 1 (SWNT-only). As seen from FIG. 4 , the electronic sheet of Comparative Example 1 (SWNT-only), which does not include a biomaterial, showed severe bundling due to aggregation of single-walled carbon nanotubes. In contrast, the electronic sheet of Example 1 (SWNT-M13 phage) had a nanostructure in which the biomaterial and the single-walled carbon nanotube are strongly bound and uniformly distributed. Test Example 1 Comparison of Hydrophilicity of Electronic Sheet Depending on Mixing Ratio of Graphitic Material and Biomaterial The electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 prepared in Preparation Example 1 were transferred onto a polymer (polyethersulfone; PES) substrate (hybrid sheet on PES) and their hydrophilic property was compared with the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 not transferred onto the polymer substrate (bare PES polymer). The result is shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 5 a shows an image of the electronic sheet of Example 1 transferred onto the polymer substrate. The hydrophilic property of the electronic sheets was compared by measuring contact angles since a large surface contact angle indicates stronger hydrophobicity and a smaller contact angle indicates stronger hydrophilicity. After dropping 20 mL of distilled water on the substrate onto which the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 had been transferred, contact angles were measured 5 minutes later. As seen from FIG. 7 , the contact angle was about 2-3 times smaller when the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 were transferred onto the polymer substrate (hybrid sheet on PES) than when the electronic sheets of Examples 1-3 were transferred (bare PES polymer). Accordingly, it can be seen that the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure has high hydrophilicity. Test Example 2 Comparison of Electrochemical Property of Electronic Sheet The electronic sheet of Example 1 prepared in Preparation Example 1 was transferred onto a polymer (PES) substrate and a gold (Au) film and their charging current (current density) was compared as follows. The charging current was measured using a potentiostat/galvanostat (VersaStat 3, Princeton Applied Research (PAR)). Pt wire and Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl saturated, K0260, PAR) were used as a counter electrode (K0266, PAR) and a reference electrode, respectively, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 0.1 M phosphate, pH=7.4) was used as an electrolyte. The measurement was made in a voltage range of 0-0.6 V at a scan rate of 250 mV/s. The result is shown in FIG. 8 . Since higher charging current for the same sample area indicates better conductivity and good formation of a nanostructure, it can be seen from FIG. 8 that the electronic sheet according to the present disclosure exhibits superior conductivity and has a well-defined nanostructure. In addition, the fact that the electronic sheet exhibits about 4 times higher charging current on a transparent insulating polymer substrate without a metal film (hybrid sheet on PES) than on a metal film (bare Au) shows that the electronic sheet can also be used for electrochemical electrodes which require not only flexibility but also transparency. Test Example 3 Comparison of Electrical Conductivity of Electronic Sheet Depending on Mixing Ratio of Graphitic Material and Biomaterial Patterns of the electronic sheets of Examples 4-6 prepared in Preparation Example 1 were formed on a SiO 2 (300 nm)/Si substrate (EPI-Prime Si wafer, Siltron Inc.) using a stencil mask. Then, a 100-nm Au electrode was formed as an electrode for measurement by sputtering using another stencil mask. FIG. 9 shows an SEM image of an electronic device prepared by transferring the electronic device of Example 4. FIG. 10 shows a current-voltage (I-V) curve of the electronic sheets as a function of applied back gate voltage. The electronic sheets exhibit p-type semiconductor properties because the current increased (i.e., resistance decreased) when the (−) gate voltage was applied. Also, better semiconductor property (on/off current ratio and off current) was exhibited as the molar ratio of the biomaterial increased. Since the hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube exhibited little tube bundling and semiconductor property near the threshold nanotube network density, it can be seen that the electrical conductivity of the electronic sheet can be controlled by controlling the mixing ratio of the graphitic material and the biomaterial. Accordingly, the electronic sheet of the present disclosure is applicable not only as an electrode but also as information processing and information storing devices. Preparation Example 3 Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet 3 As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet was prepared using a mixture of a graphene sheet and a single-walled carbon nanotube as a graphitic material as follows. Preparation of Colloid Solution First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) and a graphene sheet (PureSheets QUATTRO, solution type, 50 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as graphitic materials with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours. Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution is calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL according to Equation 1. The number of the graphene sheet can be calculated as follows. (1) It is assumed that, since the graphene sheet (Puresheets QUATTRO, Nanointegris) is composed of single layers (6%), double layers (23%), triple layers (27%) and quadruple layers (44%), it is 3.09 layers on average. (2) Since the area of the graphene unit lattice is about 0.0524 nm 2 and there are two carbon atoms per lattice, the area occupied by one carbon atom is 0.0262 nm 2 . (3) Since each graphene sheet has an average area of 10,000 nm 2 , there are (10,000 nm 2 /0.0262 nm 2 )×3.09=1.18×10 6 carbon atoms per graphene sheet. (4) The average weight of a graphene sheet is {1.18×10 6 /(6.02×10 23 mol −1 )×12 g/mol=2.35×10 −17 g. Accordingly, the number of graphene sheets per 1 mg is 1×10 −6 g/2.35×10 −17 g=4.3×10 10 . The following equation can be derived from above. Number of graphene nanotube (/mL)=concentration (μg/mL)×4.3×10 10   [Equation 3] Since the concentration of the graphene sheet (Puresheets QUATTRO) solution was 50 μg/mL, it can be assumed that 1 mL of the solution contain (50×10 −6 g)/(2.35×10 −17 g) 2.13×10 12 graphene sheets. Preparation of Hybrid Electronic Sheet The colloid solution prepared above and a phage solution containing the M13 phage (p8 GB#1) capable of strongly binding to a graphitic surface of Preparation Example 1 were mixed with a molar ratio of SWNT:graphene:p8 GB#1=10:2:1. Next, each of the mixtures was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and each membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water. About 24 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. Each membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water and the electronic sheet was detached by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube and then dried. The prepared electronic sheet had a thickness of about 230 nm. When compared with the electronic sheet of Example 2, which was prepared using a colloid solution containing only the single-walled carbon nanotube without graphene (C:G:V=10:0:1), the addition of graphene (C:G:V=10:2:1) resulted in increased sheet thickness and increased charging current per unit area ( FIG. 11 ). Preparation Example 4 Preparation of Hybrid Enzyme Electronic Sheet Functionalized with Biochemical Enzyme As an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a hybrid enzyme electronic sheet including a biochemical enzyme and a nanoelectrode material was prepared as follows and a biosensor electrode which is selective for an analyte and can operate without a mediator that helps electron transport between the enzyme and the electrode was prepared using the same. Preparation of Colloid Solution First, an aqueous solution was prepared by adding 2% w/v sodium cholate as a surfactant to distilled water and a colloid solution was prepared by stabilizing a single-walled carbon nanotube (SuperPure SWNT, solution type, 250 mg/mL, Nanointegris) as a graphitic material with the sodium cholate by dialyzing for 48 hours. Assuming that the average length and the average diameter of the carbon nanotube (CNT) are 1 μm and 1.4 nm, respectively, the number of the single-walled carbon nanotube included in the colloid solution is calculated as 7.5×10 13 /mL according to Equation 1. Preparation of HRP-p8 GB#1 Conjugate Wherein p8 GB#1 Phage is Functionalized with Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) The phage surface was functionalized with the enzyme HRP (product # P8375-5KU, Sigma-Aldrich) using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS). 4 mg of EDC (product # E1769, Sigma-Aldrich), 11 mg of sulfo-NHS (product #56485, Sigma-Aldrich) and 1 mg of P8 GB#1 were mixed in 0.5 mL of 0.1 mM MES buffer (pH 6.0, Sigma-Aldrich) and reacted at room temperature for 30 minutes under mild shaking. Then, 1.4 μL of 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME; product #35602, Pierce) was added to stop the EDC reaction. Subsequently, after adding 0.5 mL of 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) solution in which 1 mg of HRP was dissolved, the mixture was reacted overnight. Then, the reaction was stopped by adding hydroxylamine (product #26103, Pierce) to a final concentration of 10 mM. The HRP-functionalized p8 GB#1 phage, i.e., HRP-p8 GB#1 conjugate, was purified using PEG/NaCl as described in Preparation Example 1. Preparation of Hybrid Enzyme Electronic Sheet Functionalized with Biochemical Enzyme The prepared colloid solution and a solution containing the prepared HRP-p8 GB#1 were mixed at a molar ratio of 2:1. Then, the mixture was added to a semipermeable dialysis membrane tube (MWCO 12,000-14,000, product #132 700, SpectrumLab) and the membrane tube was dialyzed using triply distilled water with an ionic strength of 0.1 mM. About 16 hours after the dialysis was started, a thin electronic sheet was formed along the surface of the membrane tube. The formed membrane tube was transferred to triply distilled water with an ionic strength of 0.1 mM and a freestanding hybrid enzyme electronic sheet was prepared by twisting the membrane of the membrane tube. Test Example 4 Selective Current Biosensor without Electron Mediator The prepared freestanding hybrid enzyme electronic sheet was transferred onto a Au substrate and hydrogen peroxide was detected by current biosensing. HRP is an enzyme which reduces hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to water (H 2 O) and reacts selectively with hydrogen peroxide. Since the reduction occurs only when the enzyme receives an electron, the measured reduction current is proportional to the amount of hydrogen peroxide (see FIG. 12 a ). The biosensing was conducted using the enzyme electronic sheet as a working electrode and using Pt wire and Ag/AgCl (3M KCl saturated, K0260, PAR) respectively as a counter electrode (K0266, PAR) and a reference electrode. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; 0.1 M phosphate, pH=7.4) was used as an electrolyte. The measurement was made at a voltage fixed to −200 mV. Current was measured while injecting the analyte with 100-second intervals to a final concentration of 0.1 mM. As seen from FIG. 12 b , the enzyme electronic sheet functionalized with HRP responds only to hydrogen peroxide and does not respond to ascorbic acid or uric acid, which are widely known as interfering factors in current biosensing. Hydrogen peroxide could be detected effectively without using a mediator commonly used to improve the electron transport efficiency between the enzyme and the electrode. Accordingly, it was clearly demonstrated that the enzyme electronic sheet according to the present disclosure not only exhibits very superior selectivity but also can be used as an electrode of a high-performance current biosensor since the enzyme functionalized on the biomaterial surface and the carbon nanotube nanoelectrode exchange electrons directly. Also, a multienzyme electronic sheet functionalized with other biochemical enzymes whose product is hydrogen peroxide may be realized. For example, GOx-HRP-p8 GB#1, prepared by further functionalizing HRP-p8 GB#1 with glucose oxidase which oxidizes glucose to hydrogen peroxide, may be used to detect glucose by current biosensing. Accordingly, a flexible current glucose biosensor may be realized. In addition, a biosensor may also be prepared by selectively functionalizing the surface of the biomaterial in the hybrid electronic sheet formed in Preparation Example 1 or 2 with an enzyme.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a hybrid electronic sheet which exhibits superior electrical property and allows biomaterial functionalization and flexible device patterning may be provided by binding a graphitic material in colloidal state to a biomaterial capable of binding thereto specifically and nondestructively. Since the electronic sheet is an electronic sheet wherein a biomaterial and an electrical material (graphitic material) are hybridized, it exhibits good compatibility with biomaterials and can be further functionalized with, for example, an enzyme that selectively reacts with a biochemical substance. Accordingly, an electrical material and a chemical or biological material may be effectively nanostructurized and it can be realized as a multi-functional, high-performance electronic sheet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/524,726, filed Nov. 25, 2003, now pending. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof with a Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) strain and, more particularly, to a method for treating human tumor cells with a combination of a Newcastle Disease Virus strain and a chemotherapeutic agent. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It has already been demonstrated that the viral vaccine known as MTH-68/H, developed by United Cancer Research Institute (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) and available from UCRI Hungary Ltd. of Budapest, Hungary, containing highly purified, attenuated, mesogenic Herefordshire Newcastle Disease virus strain (hereinafter “Herefordshire strain”), has significant oncolytic capacity. The strain is nonpathogenic in humans and was found to have antineoplastic effects in patients with certain therapy resistant tumors, such as glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, melanoma and hematological malignancies. This oncolytic effect is, at least in part, due to its direct cytotoxicity. Cell death caused by this strain of Newcastle Disease Virus comes in the form of apoptosis. As used herein, the vaccine designation “MTH-68/H” refers to the aforementioned viral vaccine containing highly purified, attenuated Herefordshire strain. [0004] Notwithstanding the acknowledged oncolytic effect of this Newcastle Disease viral strain it is believed that it can be a still more effective therapeutic agent against human tumor cells when used in combination with other oncolytic agents and that the combination will demonstrate a synergistic cytotoxicity which is more effective than either agent alone SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to characterize the oncolytic capacity of a purified, attenuated Herefordshire strain. [0006] It is also an object of the present invention to demonstrate the effect of the Herefordshire strain on cell lines originating from human tumors. [0007] It is another object of the present invention to demonstrate the cytotoxic effect of the Herefordshire strain in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in cell lines originating from human tumors. [0008] The foregoing and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof comprising the step of infecting the tumor cells with the Herefordshire strain. [0009] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided another method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof comprising the steps of infecting the tumor cells with a combination of the Herefordshire strain and a chemotherapeutic agent. [0010] In still another aspect of the present invention, the chemotherapeutic agents which evidence a synergistic cytotoxic effect, in combination with Herefordshire strain, on human tumor cells include: cisplatin, methotrexate, vincristine, bleomycin and dacarbazine. [0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the ratio of chemotherapeutic agent to Herefordshire strain in the combination is in the range of 100:1 to 1:1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on control cells. [0013] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on melanoma cell lines. [0014] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human colorectal cancer cell lines. [0015] FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human prostate cancer cell lines. [0016] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human pancreas cancer cell lines. [0017] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human lung cancer cells. [0018] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human astrocytoma cells. [0019] FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H on human A431 cancer cells. [0020] FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of various NDV preparations on PANC-1 cells. [0021] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of various NDV preparations on HeLa cells. [0022] FIG. 11 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/cisplatin combination on NCI-H460 cells. [0023] FIG. 12 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/methotrexate combination on NCI-H460 cells. [0024] FIG. 13 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on NCI-H460 cells. [0025] FIG. 14 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/vincristine combination on HCT-116 cells. [0026] FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HCT-116 cells. [0027] FIG. 16 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/dacarbazine combination on PC-3 cells. [0028] FIG. 17 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HeLa cells. [0029] FIG. 18 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/bleomycin combination on HT-29 cells. [0030] FIG. 19 is a graphical representation of the cytotoxicity of the MTH-68/H/chlorpromazine combination on PC-12 cells. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0031] To demonstrate the cytotoxicity of the Herefordshire strain and the synergistic cytoxicity of combination of the Herefordshire strain with chemotherapeutic agents, several studies were conducted on various human cell lines. The main features of the cell lines used in these studies are summarized in Table I. The cell lines were cultured in media described in Table I. Cultures were infected with freshly suspended batches of virus preparations. [0032] The following Newcastle disease virus strains were utilized: [0033] Herefordshire Strain [0034] The H (Herefordshire) strain of Newcastle Disease Virus was used in the form of the vaccine product MTH-68/H, obtained from UCRI Hungary Limited. The titre of the vaccine was 10 8.3 EID in one ml. The vaccine was stored at −20° C. and protected from light. The lyophilized vaccine was dissolved in 1 ml sterile saline immediately prior to use. [0035] LaSota [0036] LaSota is an avirulent (lentogenic) ND vaccine virus strain. The titre of the vaccine was approximately 10 9 -10 10 particles/ml. The vaccine was stored at −80° C. [0037] Vitayest [0038] Vitapest is an avirulent lentogenic ND vaccine virus strain. The titre of the vaccine was approximately 10 9 particles/ml. The vaccine was stored at −80° C. [0039] The following procedures were employed: [0040] Cell Proliferation Assay [0041] Proliferation and viability of cell lines under various experimental conditions TABLE I Cell lines used in this study Species of Cell line origin Tissue of origin Comment Culture medium Source Non-cancerous cell lines NIH 3T3 mouse normal fibroblast — DMEM, ATCC 10% calf serum Rat-1 rat normal fibroblast — DMEM, ATCC 10% calf serum CHO hamster ovarian cells — DMEM, from J. Szekeres 20% FBS human foreskin fibroblast primary culture DMEM, from G. Sáfrány 20% FBS Cancer cell lines PC12 rat phaeochromocytoma — DMEM, from G. M. 10% horse serum, Cooper 5% FBS PC12- rat phaeochromocytoma expresses DMEM, from M. Pap dn-p53 dominant 10% horse serum, negative p53 5% FBS PC12- rat phaeochromocytoma overexpresses DMEM, from Zs. Fábián p53 + wt-p53 10% horse serum, 5% FBS HeLa human cervix low p53 DMEM, ATCC adenocarcinoma expression 10% FBS MCF-7 human breast p53-positive DMEM, ATCC adenocarcinoma 10% FBS 293T human kidney transformed DMEM, ATCC with adenovirus 10% FBS 5 DNA Cos-7 African kidney SV40- DMEM, ATCC green transformed 10% FBS monkey PANC-1 human pancreas epitheloid RPMI1640 from Schering carcinoma 10% FBS supplemented with non-essential amiono acids and Na-pyruvate DU 145 human prostate carcinoma brain metastasis DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering 10% FBS NCI- human large cell lung cancer positive for c- DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering H460 myb, v-fes, v- 10% FBS fms, c-raf 1, Ha- ras, Ki-ras and N-ras mRNA HT-29 human colorectal cancer p53 mutation, DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering truncated c-Met 10% FBS PC-3 human prostate bone metastasis DMEM Ham′F12 from Schering adenocarcinoma 10% FBS B16 mouse melanoma DMEM, from J. Szekeres 10% FBS HCT-116 human colorectal cancer activated ras RPMI1640 from Schering 5% FBS U373 human astrocytoma DMEM, from G. Sáfrány 10% FBS HT-25 human colorectal cancer DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS HT-199 human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS WM983B human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár 10% FBS HT-168- human melanoma truncated c-Met DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár M1 10% FBS A431 human epithelial cancer HPV + DMEM Ham′F12 from J. Timár low p53 5% FBS were analyzed using the WST-1 kit of Roche Molecular Biochemicals following the manufacturers instructions. Optimal cell culture and assay conditions were determined in preliminary experiments. 1-4×10 4 cells/well were seeded in standard culture medium in 24-well plates. Cultures were infected with the virus preparations at different titres (ranging from 100/1 to 1/100 cell/particle ratios) for 72 hours. WST-1 assays were performed for 120 minutes and light absorption (A 440 ) of media were taken in 96-well plates using an ELISA reader. [0042] No-treatment and anisomycin-treated (1 μg/ml) cultures were used for negative and ctytotoxicity-positive controls, respectively. [0043] Analysis of Virus Replication [0044] Cells were cultured in 1 ml standard medium (see Table I) at a density of 4×10 4 cells/well in 24-well dishes. Cells were infected with MTH-68/H, La Sota or Vitapest NDV strains at various cell/particle ratios. Incubations were performed for 72 hours, media were harvested and stored at −80° C. until titration. No treatment and anisomycin (1 μg/ml) treatment were used as controls. [0045] Detection of DNA Fragmentation [0046] 2-5×10 6 cells were cultured in DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium) containing serum for 24 hours. Treatments were carried out as indicated in the legends of each of the Figures. Four positive control samples were incubated for 24 hours in serum-free DMEM or with anisomycin (1 μg/ml); for negative control they were kept in high-serum DMEM. After incubation for the time periods indicated in the Figures, cells were collected by scraping them into their own medium and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes. The soluble DNA of these cells was extracted by the following method. Collected cells were solubilized on ice in extraction solution containing 0.5% Triton X-100, 5 mM TRIS pH 7.4, 5 mM EDTA for 20 minutes. Soluble DNA in the supernatant rsulting from centrifugation at 13500 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. was extracted with phenol/chloroform, chloroform, and finally precipitated with ethanol. The precipitates were treated with DNase free RNase A (Sigma-Aldrich, Steinheim, Germany (2 mg/ml) at 37° C. for 1 hour. DNA fragments were separated by electrophoresis in 1.8% agarose gels, and visualized on a UV transilluminator after staining the gel with SYBR Gold (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). [0047] Western Blot Analysis [0048] Immunoblot analysis using antibodies against proteins indicated was performed as described by the manufacturers Cell Signaling (Beverly, Mass.) and Transduction Labs. [0049] Protein concentrations were determined using the Bio-Rad Protein DC assay, and equivalent amounts of protein were resolved by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using either 12% or 16% polyacrylamide gel. The proteins were transferred to an ECL membrane (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB., Uppsala, Sweden). Immune complexes were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence detection kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech AB) following the manufacturer's instructions. The following antibodies were used: Cleaved Caspase-3 (Rat specific), Cleaved Caspase-9 (Rat specific) from Cell Signaling (Beverly, Mass.) and PK R from Transduction Labs. [0050] Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) [0051] Nuclear extracts were prepared as described by Xu & Cooper in “Identification of a candidate c-mos repressor that restricts transcription of germ cell-specific genes”; Mol Cell Biol 1995; 15: 5369-5375. All subsequent steps were performed at 4° C. Cell pellets were washed twice in ice cold phosphate-buffered saline (1× PBS) and resuspended in 10 volumes of buffer containing 10 mM HEPES pH 7.9, 1.5 mM MgCl 2 , 10 mM KCl, 0.5 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), protease inhibitors (Complete, Mini EDTA-free tablets, Boehringer Mannheim), phosphatase inhibitors (Phosphatase Inhibitor Cocktail, Sigma) and placed on ice for 10 minutes. After vigorous vortexing, nuclei were collected by centrifugation in a microcentrifuge and resuspended in 2 volumes of buffer containing 20 mM HEPES pH 7.9,25% glycerol, 420 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM MgCl 2 , 0.2 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM DTT, protease inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors and placed on ice for 20 minutes. After centrifugation in a microcentrifuge, the supernatants were saved, aliquoted and stored at −80° C. Protein concentrations were determined with the Bio-Rad Protein Assay Kit (Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye). [0052] 5′-end labeling of oligonucleotides was performed using [γ- 32 P]-ATP and T4 polynucleotide kinase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech Inc.) according to the manufacturer's protocol. After reconstitution of Ready-To-Go T4 polynucleotide kinase by adding 25 μl water and incubation at room termperature for 2-5 minutes, 5-10 pmol of 5′-ends of oligonucleotide, 22 μl water and 2 μl of [γ- 32 P]-ATP (3000 Ci/mmol, 10 μCI/μl) were added, mixed gently and incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction was stopped by adding 5 μl of 250 mM EDTA. Labelled oligonucleotides were collected by Spin Column 10 (Sigma). [0053] The protein-DNA binding reaction was performed as follows: 10-20 μg nuclear proteins were mixed with 1 μg poly(dI-dC), 100 ng nonspecific single-stranded oligonucleotide and 4 μl buffer containing 10 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 10% glycerol, 1 mM EDTA, 100 mM NaCl. Sufficient amount of distilled water was added to bring the reaction volume to 18 μl. After 15 minutes incubation at room temperature the mixture was completed with 2 μl, approximately 100 000 cpm of 32 P-labelled oligonucleotide (total reaction volume was 20 μl) and incubation at room temperature was continued for another 30 minutes. [0054] DNA-protein complexes were electrophoresed in 5% non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel (5 ml 30% acrylamide-bisacrylamide mixture, 2.5 ml 10× Tris Base, Borate, EDTA buffer pH 8.3, 17.5 ml distilled water, 20 μl TEMED, 50 μl 25% ammonium per sulphate) using the Tris Base, Borate, EDTA buffer system (pH 8.3) for 2.5 h at 200V. Gels were dried and analyzed by a Cyclone Phosphorlmager system (Packard Instrument Co. Inc., Meriden, Conn.). [0055] With reference to FIGS. 1-8 and Table II there can be seen the results obtained by infecting various tumor cell lines with the Herefordshire strain utilized in the form of the MTH-68/H vaccine. [0056] WST-1 Proliferation Assays [0057] Control and tumor cell lines were tested for MTH-68/H cytotoxicity using the WST-1 kit. The results are summarized in Table II. Human fibroblasts were completely resistant to MTH-68/H even at very high virus titers (800 particles for 1 cell, see FIG. 1 ). This resistance was probably not caused by the high concentration of serum (20% FBS) used to grow the cells, since the presence of serum did not inhibit the cytotoxic effect of MTH-68/H on three tumor cell lines tested (PANC-1, HeLa, MCF-7). In contrast, Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cell line) displayed moderate sensitivity to MTH-68/H, comparable to certain tumor cell lines (See FIG. 1 and Table II). [0058] Melanoma Cell Lines [0059] All three human melanoma cell lines tested (HT-199, WM983B and HT168-M1) are highly sensitive to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 2 and Table II. [0060] Human Colorectal Cell Lines [0061] All three human colorectal cancer cell lines tested are sensitive to MTH-68/H (HT-29>HCT-116>HT-25). See FIG. 3 and Table II. [0062] Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines [0063] Both cell lines tested are sensitive to MTH-68/H (PC3>DU-145). See FIG. 4 and Table II. [0064] Human Pancreas Cancer Cell Line [0065] The PANC-1 cell line is one of the most MTH-68/H sensitive cell lines. See FIG. 5 and Table II. [0066] Human Large Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line [0067] The NCI-H460 cell line is quite sensitive to MTH-68/H cytotoxicity. See FIG. 6 and Table II. [0068] Human Astrocytoma Cell Line [0069] U373 cells have moderate sensitivity to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 7 and Table II. [0070] A431 Human Carcinoma Cell Line [0071] The A431 human epithelial cancer cell line is moderately sensitive to MTH-68/H. See FIG. 8 and Table II. [0072] To provide a basis for comparison, the NDV strains LaSota and Vitapest were also tested for their oncolytic potential. Liquid, unpurified batches of MTH-68/H, LaSota and Vitapest preparations that were isolated under identical conditions were tested on human tumor cells and compared. The preparations had the following approximate titers: MTH-68/H 10 8.8 particles/ml LaSota 10 9 -10 10 particles/ml Vitapest 10 9 particles/ml [0073] The fresh virus preparations were tested on PANC-1(see FIG. 9 ) and HeLa cells (see FIG. 10 ). On both cell lines all three NDV preparations were found to be cytotoxic, but MTH-68/H was 10 3 -10 4 times more effective than LaSota or Vitapest. TABLE II The cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H in various cell lines MTH-68/H titer causing 50% Semiquantitative cytotoxicity* assessment of Cell line Source (cell/particle) cytotoxicity Experiment Non-cancerous cell lines Rat-1 normal rat fibroblasts     <1/100 − #32 NIH3T3 normal mouse fibroblasts     <1/100 − #34 CHO chinese hamster ovary   10/1-1/1 ++ #66, #68 human fibroblasts     <1/800 − #86 Cancer cell lines PC12 rat pheochromocytoma  1/10 + #45 HeLa human cervical cancer >100/1    ++++ #18 MCF-7 human breast cancer  1/10 + #19 293T adenovirus-transformed >100/1    ++++ #20 human kidney Cos-7 SV40-transformed 1/1 ++ #22 monkey kidney PANC-1 human pancreas cancer >100/1    ++++ #80 DU 145 human prostate cancer    5/1-1/1 ++ #81 NC1-H460 human large cell lung    50/1-10/1 +++ #82 cancer HT-29 human colorectal cancer 10/1  ++ #83 PC-3 human prostate cancer    50/1-10/1 +++ #84 B16 mouse melanoma     1/10-1/50 + #54 #58 HCT-116 human colorectal cancer   10/1-5/1 ++ #100, #105, #106 U373 astrocytoma 1/5 + #107 HT-25 human colorectal cancer 5/1 ++ #116 HT-199 human melanoma  >10/1     +++ #116 WM 983B human melanoma  >10/1     +++ #119 HT168-M1 human melanoma 5/1 ++ #119 A431 human epithelial cancer 5/1 ++ #119 *Control: 0% cytotoxicity; anisomycin (1 μg/ml): 100% cytotoxicity. Synergism Between MTH-68/H and Chemotherapeutics [0074] A potential clinical application of MTH-68/H is its use in combination with other therapeutic regimens, especially chemotherapeutic treatments, to increase efficacy and reduce toxicity. Therefore, several cytostatic agents were tested in combination with MTH-68/H on various tumor cell lines. The highest nontoxic concentrations of the drugs for each cell line were determined in preliminary experiments, and then these concentrations were used in combination with MTH-68/H to demonstrate synergy. The results of these tests are summarized in Table III. Graphical representations of the cytotoxicity of MTH-68/H/chemotherapeutic agent combinations on human tumor cell lines are shown in FIGS. 11-18 . Each of these Figures shows the cytoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent alone, of chemotherapeutic agent/MTH-68/H combinations in ranges from 100/1 to 1/1 and of MTH-68/H alone. In each case, it can be seen that the cytotoxicity of the combination was better than each agent alone, demonstrating the synergy of their combination. [0075] Interestingly, when similar tests were conducted using MTH-68/H and chlorpromazine on PC12, MCF-7, B16, CHO, 293T and HeLa cells, no significant synergy between chlorpromazine and MTH-68/H was observed. See Table III and FIG. 19 . [0076] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended to the details of the disclosed methods other than as defined in the appended claims. TABLE III Cytotoxicity of Chemotherapeutic/MTH-68/H combinations in Various Cell Lines MTH-68/H + Cisplatin Methotrexate Vincristine 5-Fluorouracil Chlorpromazine Dacarbazine BCNU Bleomycin PC12 ++ − + # 46 # 50 #52 MCF-7 ++ − + − + − + # 47 # 47 # 47 #47 # 75 # 103 # 103 # 103 B16 ++ − − # 58 # 73 # 54 # 64 # 56 # 65 CHO +- # 66 # 72 293T ++ − + + − − − # 101 # 101 # 101 # 101 # 67 # 92 # 93 HeLa + + − − − ++ # 98 # 98 # 74 # 125 # 94 # 95 HCT-116 + ++ + + ++ # 105 # 106 # 105 # 105 # 106 Panc-1 − − − − # 125 # 109 # 125 # 109 HT-29 − − + − − ++ # 117 # 122 # 117 # 122 # 122 # 117 NCI-H460 ++ ++ − + − − ++ # 118 # 126 # 118 # 126 # 126 # 126 # 126 # 126 PC-3 ++ − # 124 DU-145 − + − + − # 124 # 124 # 124 − no synergy + weak synergy ++ significant synergy

A method for treating human tumor cells to induce apoptotic cell death thereof includes the step of infecting the tumor cells with a combination of the Herefordshire strain of Newcastle Disease Virus and a chemotherapeutic agent. The range of concentrations of chemotherapeutic agent/Herefordshire strain is in the range of 100/1 to 1/1. Illustrative chemotherapeutic agents include cisplatin, methotrexate, vincristine, bleomycin and dacarbazine.

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority benefit, under the national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/US14/18654, filed on Feb. 26, 2014 the contents of which application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/791,427 filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to cosmetic powder compositions for topical application to a keratinous surface, as well as to the delivery of cosmetic actives using the cosmetic powder compositions. In particular, the cosmetic powder compositions of the present invention comprise actives for delivery to the skin, such actives providing aesthetic and therapeutic benefits to the skin, such as, by improving the condition and appearance of skin affected by signs of chronological, hormonal, or photo-aging. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Powder-based cosmetics such as eye shadows and blushes typically comprise cosmetic particulates (e.g., pigments, fillers, talc, and mica) pressed into a cake with the aid of a dry or wet binder. However, the use of powder-based compositions has been limited to achieving optical effects and absorbing sebum. Unlike liquid cosmetic forms, however, powders have not been successfully used to deliver actives to the skin. There is therefore a need for powdered cosmetic compositions that can deliver effective amounts of cosmetic actives to the skin. [0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide cosmetic powder compositions comprising active agents, as well as methods for delivering active agents to the skin comprising applying the cosmetic powder compositions to the skin. It is another object of the invention to provide cosmetic powder compositions that are capable of delivering effective amounts of active agents to the skin. It is a further object of the invention to provide powdered compositions and methods of using the same for combating signs of skin aging and to improve the overall appearance of skin. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In accordance with the foregoing objectives and others, it has surprisingly been found that cosmetic actives can be delivered to the skin in effective amounts from powdered (e.g., non-liquid) vehicles. The powdered composition may be composed of a cosmetic particulate such as talc or mica, and may include additional cosmetic particulates such as pigments, lakes, fillers, polymeric powders, and the like. The cosmetic particulate material has an active agent (e.g., antioxidants, retinoids, depigmenting agents, anti-aging agents, humectants, etc.) and a liquid adsorbed, coated, or otherwise adhered to the surface of the particulates. The liquid is a solvent for the active and may suitably be any liquid that is safe and non-irritating for contact with a human integument. For example, the liquid may comprise a polyterpene oil, such as squalene, which is anticipated to improve transfer of the active to the skin and penetration of the active into the skin. The liquid is added in amounts effective to solubilize the active and facilitate transfer of the active to the skin, but no so much as to alter the free flowing characteristics of the powder. For example, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent may be about 9:1 to about 30:1, or about 15:1 to about 25:1, or from about 18:1 to about 22:1. The liquid may be applied to the powder by, for example, spraying it onto an agitated mass of the powder or mixing it with the powder under conditions of high shear or milling (e.g., in a ball mill). [0006] The cosmetic powder composition may be, for example, in the form of a free flowing powder or a pressed powder cake which may include a binder. The composition is capable of transferring effective amounts of said active agents on rubbing the powder topically on a keratinous surface. [0007] These cosmetic powder compositions are contemplated to be useful for delivering a variety of active agents that are beneficial in treating numerous skin disorders such as acne and blemishes, as well as signs of intrinsic aging and photo-aging of skin, skin hyperpigmentation, among others. [0008] The active agent in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise one or more of antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, humectants, organic sunscreens, depigmenting agents, desqumating agent, anti-acne agents, anti-cellulite agents, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, collagen stimulators, elastin stimulators, thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof, glycolic acid, N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide, and other anti-aging ingredients. [0009] These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 illustrates the concentration of caffeine found in forearm skin after having a cosmetic powder composition of the invention applied to the forearm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0011] All terms used herein are intended to have their ordinary meaning unless otherwise provided. All ingredient amounts provided herein are by weight percent of the total composition unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term “consisting essentially of” is intended to limit the invention to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention, as understood from a reading of this specification. [0012] It has surprisingly been found that cosmetic actives can be delivered to keratinous surface such as the skin in effective amounts from powered (e.g., non-liquid) vehicles. Such active agents may be transferred from the compositions of the invention to a keratinous surface by, for example, applying the powder topically onto the keratinous surface. The actives are delivered to the skin in effective amounts, by which is meant amounts sufficient to accomplish the purpose for which the active is intended. [0013] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it believed that the actives are in equilibrium between an adsorbed state on the particles and in a solvated state in a thin layer of solvent coating the particles. When contacted with the skin, a second equilibrium between the solvated state and the skin is established. Moreover, the terpenoid oils solvents are believed to facilitate penetration of the actives into the skin, by softening the stratum corneum, thereby allowing the actives to be more efficiently delivered. [0014] The cosmetic powder compositions comprise cosmetic particulates. In one embodiment, the cosmetic particulate includes talc. In another embodiment, the cosmetic particulate includes mica. The cosmetic particulates may include additional particulates such as pigments (e.g., pigments, pearls, and lakes), fillers, polymeric powders, and other cosmetic particulates. The talc and/or mica may comprise from 25% to 100% (or 50% to about 90%) by weight of the particulates. The pigments, fillers, and additional cosmetic powers may comprise from 1% to about 75% (or 10% to about 35%) by weight of the particulates. [0015] Suitable pigments include those known in the art and may include those disclosed in the C.T.F.A. Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, First Edition, 1988, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Exemplary pigments include, but are not limited to, metal oxides and metal hydroxides such as magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxides, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, iron oxides (α-Fe 2 O 3 , β-Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , FeO), red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, iron hydroxides, titanium dioxide, titanium lower oxides, zirconium oxides, chromium oxides, chromium hydroxides, manganese oxides, cobalt oxides, cerium oxides, nickel oxides and zinc oxides and composite oxides and composite hydroxides such as iron titanate, cobalt titanate and cobalt aluminate. Other suitable pigments include ultramarine blue (i.e., sodium aluminum silicate containing sulfur), Prussian blue, manganese violet and the like. The term “pigments” includes pearlescent or nacreous pigments. Suitable pearlescent agents may include, for example, bismuth oxychloride. [0016] Suitable fillers may include talc, silica, zinc stearate, mica, kaolin, nylon (in particular orgasol) powder, polyethylene powder, polypropylene powder, acrylates powders, Teflon, starch, boron nitride, copolymer microspheres such as Expancel (Nobel Industrie), Polytrap (Dow Coming), and silicone resin microbeads (Tospearl from Toshiba). [0017] Other fillers that may be used in the compositions of the invention include inorganic powders such as chalk, fumed silica, fumed alumina, calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, Fuller's earth, attapulgite, bentonite, muscovite, phlogopite, synthetic mica, lepidolite, hectorite, biotite, lithia mica, vermiculite, aluminum silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate, diatomaceous earth, starch, alkyl and/or trialkyl aryl ammonium smectites, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organically modified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, hydrated silica, fumed aluminum starch octenyl succinate barium silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, strontium silicate, metal tungstate, magnesium, silica alumina, zeolite, barium sulfate, calcined calcium sulfate (calcined gypsum), calcium phosphate, fluorine apatite, hydroxyapatite, ceramic powder, metallic soap (zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, zinc myristate, calcium palmitate, and aluminum stearate), colloidal silicon dioxide; organic powder, cyclodextrin, methyl polymethacrylate powder, copolymer powder of styrene and acrylic acid, benzoguanamine resin powder, and poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) powder. [0018] The powders in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise any shape (spherical, amorphous, platelet, etc.); particle structure (porous and non-porous), and size. The powders will typically have a median particle size greater than about 5 nm and less than about 300 microns, and more typically will range from about 0.1 microns to about 150 microns, and preferably from about 1 micron to about 75 microns. In one embodiment, the powder will have a multimodal particle size distribution. Interstitial spaces typically occur in powders having particles of equal diameter, and in powdered compositions these spaces may impair the delivery of actives by interrupting the substantial contact the cosmetic has with the underlying integument and reducing the surface area over which the liquid solvent may adsorb the active. Thus, it may be advantageous to have a powder with a multimodal size distribution to avoid air pockets and provide additional surface area over which the active may be adsorbed thereby enhancing the delivery of these actives to the surface of the underlying integument. The powder may have at least a bimodal particle size distribution, but trimodal and greater size distributions are contemplated as well. The smaller particles should be present in such quantity and size range to fit into the interstitial spaces between the larger particles as they pack together. [0019] The cosmetic particulates have dispersed thereon an active agent and a liquid solvent for the active agent. The actives can be added first (i.e., dissolved or dispersed) in the liquid solvent. The mixture can then be sprayed onto, or admixed with the particulates. When it is sprayed onto the particulates, the mixture may be sprayed onto an agitated mass of the particulates, for example in a ribbon blender or the like. The liquid mixture can also be added to the particulates at once or slowly over a period of time, and the resulting composition mixed, for example under high shear or milling (e.g., in a ball mill) to uniformly disperse the liquid and active across the surface of the particles. [0020] The weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent may be about 9:1 to about 30:1. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 10:1 to about 25:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 15:1 to about 25:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of the particles to the liquid solvent is about 18:1 to about 22:1. [0021] The liquid solvent for the active and may suitably be any liquid that is safe and non-irritating for contact with a human integument. In some embodiments the solvent is a liquid terpenoid. The terpenoid may be a hemiterpene (e.g., prenol), a mono terpene (e.g., geraniol), a sesquiterpene (e.g., Farnesol), a triterpene (e.g., squalene), and the like. For example, the liquid may comprise a polyterpene oil, including polyterpenes of the form: [0000] [0022] where x and y are independently 1-4. One example of such as polyterpene is squalene. Other polyterpene oils suitable for use as liquid solvents in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention include terpenols, including those of the form: [0000] [0023] which is anticipated to improve transfer of the active to the skin and penetration of the active into the skin. Derivatives of terpenes, including phytol , are also contemplated. [0024] In other embodiments, suitable liquid solvents are oils are selected from the group consisting of esters, particularly fatty acid esters; silicone oils; and hydrocarbons. [0025] Ester oils include any non-polar or low-polarity ester, including fatty acid esters. Special mention may be made of those esters commonly used as emollients in cosmetic formulations. Such esters will typically be the etherification product of an acid of the form R 4 (COOH) 1-2 with an alcohol of the form R 5 (OH) 1-3 where R 4 and R 5 are each independently linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon groups, optionally containing unsaturated bonds, and having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and more preferably, from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with one or more functionalities including hydroxyl, oxa, oxo, and the like. Preferably, at least one of R 4 and R 5 comprises at least 8, and more preferably, at least 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms, such that the ester comprises at least one fatty chain. The esters defined above will include, without limitation, the esters of mono-acids with mono-alcohols, mono-acids with diols and triols, di-acids with mono-alcohols, and tri-acids with mono-alcohols. [0026] Suitable fatty acid esters include, without limitation, butyl acetate, butyl isostearate, butyl oleate, butyl octyl oleate, cetyl palmitate, ceyl octanoate, cetyl laurate, cetyl lactate, cetyl isononanoate, cetyl stearate, diisostearyl fumarate, diisostearyl malate, neopentyl glycol dioctanoate, dibutyl sebacate, di-C.sub.12-13 alkyl malate, dicetearyl dimer dilinoleate, dicetyl adipate, diisocetyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, triisostearyl trilinoleate, octodecyl stearoyl stearate, hexyl laurate, hexadecyl isostearate, hexydecyl laurate, hexyldecyl octanoate, hexyldecyl oleate, hexyldecyl palmitate, hexyldecyl stearate, isononyl isononanaote, isostearyl isononate, isohexyl neopentanoate, isohexadecyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, n-propyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, n-propyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, hexacosanyl palmitate, lauryl lactate, octacosanyl palmitate, propylene glycol monolaurate, triacontanyl palmitate, dotriacontanyl palmitate, tetratriacontanyl palmitate, hexacosanyl stearate, octacosanyl stearate, triacontanyl stearate, dotriacontanyl stearate, stearyl lactate, stearyl octanoate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, tetratriacontanyl stearate, triarachidin, tributyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, tri-C.sub.12-13-alkyl citrate, tricaprylin, tricaprylyl citrate, tridecyl behenate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, tridecyl cocoate, tridecyl isononanoate, glyceryl monoricinoleate, 2-octyldecyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl myristate or lactate, di(2-ethylhexyl) succinate, tocopheryl acetate, and the like. [0027] Other suitable esters include those wherein R 5 comprises a polyglycol of the form H—(O—CHR*-CHR*)n- wherein R* is independently selected from hydrogen or straight chain alkyl, including methyl and ethyl, as exemplified by polyethylene glycol monolaurate. [0028] Salicylates and benzoates are also contemplated to be useful esters in the practice of the invention. Suitable salicylates and benzoates include esters of salicylic acid or benzoic acid with an alcohol of the form R 6 OH where R 6 is a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group, optionally containing unsaturated bonds, and having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 12 to 15 carbon atoms. Suitable salicylates include, for example, octyl salicylate and hexyldodecyl salicylate, and benzoate esters including C 12-15 alkyl benzoate, isostearyl benzoate, hexyldecyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, and the like. [0029] Other suitable esters include, without limitation, polyglyceryl diisostearate/IPDI copolymer, triisostearoyl polyglyceryl-3 dimer dilinoleate, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, and lanolin, to name but a few. [0030] The oil may also be a volatile or non-volatile silicone oil. Suitable silicone oils include linear or cyclic silicones such as polyalkyl- or polyarylsiloxanes, optionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative silicone oils include, for example, caprylyl methicone, cyclomethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, diphenyl dimethicone, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane, heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, methicone, methyl-phenyl polysiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, diphenyl dimethicone perfluorononyl dimethicone, polydimethylsiloxanes, and combinations thereof. The silicone oil will typically, but not necessarily, have a viscosity of between about 5 and about 3,000 centistokes (cSt), preferably between 50 and 1,000 cSt measured at 25° C. [0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the silicone oil is a fluorinated silicone, preferably a perfluorinated silicone (i.e., fluorosilicones). Fluorosilicones are advantageously both hydrophobic and oleophobic and thus advantageously contribute to a desirable slip and feel of the product. Fluorosilicones also impart long-wearing characteristics to the product. The preferred fluorosilicone is a fluorinated organofunctional silicone fluid having the INCI name perfluorononyl dimethicone. Perfluorononyl dimethicone is commercially available from Phoenix Chemical under the trade name PECOSIL. [0032] The liquid solvent may also comprise hydrocarbon oils. Exemplary hydrocarbon oils are straight or branched chain paraffinic hydrocarbons having from 5 to 80 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 40 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, including but not limited to, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, tetradecane, tridecane, and the like. Preferred hydrocarbon oils are highly branched aliphatic hydrocarbons, including C8-9 isoparaffins, C9-11 isoparaffins, C12 isoparaffin, and C20-40 isoparaffins and the like. Special mention may be made of the isoparaffins having the INCI names isohexadecane, isoeicosane, and isododecane. [0033] Also suitable as hydrocarbon oils are polyalphaolefins, typically having greater than 20 carbon atoms, including C24-28 olefins, C30-45 olefins, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated polydecene, polybutene, mineral oil, pentahydrosqualene, squalene, squalane, and the like. The hydrocarbon oil may also comprise higher fatty alcohols, such as oleyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, and the like. [0034] Other suitable oils include without limitation castor oil, C10-18 triglycerides, caprylic/capric/triglycerides, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, mink oil, olive oil, palm oil, illipe butter, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, walnut oil, avocado oil, camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, turtle oil, mink oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, maize oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, olive oil, and combinations thereof [0035] Any one of the foregoing terpenoids, ester oils, silicone oils, and hydrocarbon oils are contemplated to be useful in the practice of the invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the compositions comprise at least one oil selected from the terpenoids, ester oils, silicone oils, and hydrocarbon oils described above. In one embodiment, the liquid solvent will comprise a terpenoid, optionally in combination with at least one additional oil selected from hydrocarbon oils, silicone oils, and combinations thereof [0036] The liquid is added in amounts effective to solubilize the active and facilitate transfer of the active to the skin, but no so much as to alter the free flowing characteristics of the powder. The cosmetic powder composition may be in the form of a pourable, free flowing powder. In some embodiments, the cosmetic particulate substantially retains its flow properties after addition of the liquid solvent and active. In other embodiments, the cosmetic powder may be pressed powder cake according to conventional practice, in which case it may include may include a binder (e.g., powder, liquid, or oils binders) to facilitate adhesion of the particles into a unitary cake. [0037] The cosmetic powder compositions of the invention are particularly effective in delivering active agents to keratinous surface such as the skin. Such active agents may be transferred from the compositions of the invention to a keratinous surface by, for example, by contacting the keratinous surface with the powder, or by rubbing or pressing the powder topically onto the keratinous surface. The active agent or agents in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may comprise, for example, one or more of antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, retinoids, humectants, organic sunscreens, depigmenting agents, desqumating agent, anti-acne agents, anti-cellulite agents, collagenase inhibitors, elastase inhibitors, collagen stimulators, elastin stimulators, thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof, glycolic acid, N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide, and other anti-aging ingredients. [0038] An antioxidant functions, among other things, to scavenge free radicals from skin, protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. Examples of antioxidants that may be used in the compositions of the invention include compounds having phenolic hydroxy functions, such as ascorbic acid and its derivatives/esters; thiodipropionic acid and its esters; vitamins A, C, or E; polyphenols, beta-carotene; catechins; curcumin; ferulic acid derivatives (e.g. ethyl ferulate, sodium ferulate); gallic acid derivatives (e.g., propyl gallate); lycopene; reductic acid; rosmarinic acid; tannic acid; tetrahydrocurcumin; tocopherol and its derivatives; uric acid; or any mixtures thereof. Other suitable antioxidants are those that have one or more thiol functions (-SH), in either reduced or non-reduced form, such as glutathione, lipoic acid, thioglycolic acid, and other sulfhydryl compounds. The antioxidant may be inorganic, such as bisulfites, metabisulfites, sulfites, or other inorganic salts and acids containing sulfur. Compositions of the present invention may have an antioxidant preferably from about 0.001 weight % to about 10 weight %, and more preferably from about 0.01 weight % to about 5 weight %, based on the total weight of the composition. [0039] Suitable retinoids include, without limitation, retinoic acid (e.g., all-trans or 13-cis), derivatives thereof, and salts thereof, retinaldehyde, retinol (Vitamin A) and esters thereof, such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl propionate. Retinoids may comprise from about 0.001 weight % to about 10 weight %, and more typically from about 0.01 weight % to about 5 weight %, based on the total weight of the composition or formulation. [0040] Hydroxy acids may include, for example, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids. [0041] Any anti-acne agents may be used in the cosmetic powder compositions of the invention, including, for example, salicylic acid, alkyl salicylates, triclosan, benzoyl peroxide and other peroxides, sulfur and the like. [0042] Desquamating agents may include, for example, salicylic acid. [0043] Suitable anti-cellulite agents may include, for example, perilla oil and other unsaturated fatty oils and omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid; caffeine; theophylline; xanthines; retinoids (e.g., retinol); and the like. [0044] The active agents in the compositions of the invention may also be dipigmenting agents that are useful for treating hyperpigmentation or otherwise unwanted pigmentation. Suitable depigmenting agents may include, for example, tyrosinase inhibitors and/or melanosome transfer inhibitors. In particular, the suitable depigmenting agents may include thiodipropionic acid and esters thereof (notably, di-lauryl esters); hydroquinone and the monobenzyl ether thereof; hydroquinone-beta-D-glucopyranoside; retinoids (e.g., retinoic acid); tretinoin; azelaic acid; Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-4-pyran-4-one-2-methyl); Mequinol (4-hydroxyanisole); Niacinamide; soy protein and other serine protease inhibitors; paper mulberry extract; Glabridin (licorice extract); Arctostaphylos patula and Arctostaphylos viscida extracts; Magnesium-L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (MAP); 4-Isopropylcatechol; Aleosin; N-acetyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol and N -propionyl-4-S-cysteaminylphenol; N-acetyl glucosamine; and Tranexamic acid (trans -4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid); to name a few. [0045] Suitable humectants may include, for example, glycerin, caprylyl glycol, or polyols. [0046] Collagen or elastin stimulators are effective in, for example, providing improvement in procollagen and/or collagen production and/or improvement in maintenance and remodeling of elastin. A compound or substance is determined to be a collagen and/or elastin upregulator by, for example, assaying keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts of the skin and determining whether the candidate substance upregulates cellular mRNA encoding collagen and/or elastin. [0047] Suitable anti-aging agents may include, without limitation, botanicals (e.g., Butea frondosa extract); phytol; thiodipropionic acid (TDPA) and esters thereof; retinoids, exfoliating agents (e.g., glycolic acid, 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, etc.), estrogen synthetase stimulating compounds (e.g., caffeine and derivatives); compounds capable of inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase activity (e.g., linolenic acid, linoleic acid, finasteride, and mixtures thereof); and barrier function enhancing agents (e.g., ceramides, glycerides, cholesterol and its esters, alpha-hydroxy and omega-hydroxy fatty acids and esters thereof, etc.), to name a few. [0048] The active agents of the compositions may also include exfoliation promoters. Suitable examples of exfoliation promoters include alpha hydroxy acids (AHA); benzoyl peroxide; beta hydroxy acids; keto acids, such as pyruvic acid, 2-oxopropanoic acid, 2-oxobutanoic acid, and 2-oxopentanoic acid; oxa acids as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,847,003 and 5,834,513 (the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference); salicylic acid; urea; or any mixtures thereof. Some preferred exfoliation promoters are 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, or any mixtures thereof. When an embodiment of the invention includes an exfoliation promoter, the composition may have from about 0.1 weight % to about 30 weight %, preferably from about 1 weight % to about 15 weight %, and more preferably from about 1 weight % to about 10 weight %, of the exfoliation promoter based on the total weight of the composition. [0049] Additional actives agents may, include botanicals, keratolytic agents, keratinocyte proliferation enhancers, anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, desthiobiotin, piperazine carboxamide, cis-6-nonenol, caffeine, arginine, glucosamine, algae extract, chlorphenesin, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) inhibitors, and PLOD-2 stimulators (e.g., N-acetyl amino acid amides, such as N-Acetyl Tyrosinamide). [0050] Suitable botanicals include, without limitation, Abies pindrow, Abrus fruticulosus, Acacia catechu, Acacia melanoxylon, Alisma orientate, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Anogeissus latifolia, Archidendron clypearia, Asmunda japonica, Averrhoa carambola, Azadirachta indica, Berchemia lineate, Breynia fruticosa, Butea frondosa, Butea monosperma, Caesalpinia sappan Linn, Calatropis gigantean, Cayratia japonica, Cedrus deodara, Celosia argentea, Cistanche tubulosa, Clerodendron fragrans, Clerodendrum floribundum, Clinacanthus nutans, cola, Commersonia bartramia, Dendranthema indicum, Derris scandens, Desmanthus illinoensis, Dianella ensifolia, Dodonaea viscose, Duboisa myoporoides, Eclipta prostrate, Ehretia acuminate, Emblica officinalis, Erthrina Flabelliformis, Erythina indica, Fibraretinum resica Pierre, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus coronata, forskohlii, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Gomphrena globosa Linn, Goodenia ovata, Gynandropsis gynandra, hawthorne, Helichrysum Odoratissimum, Heliotropium indicum, Humulus japonicus, Hymenosporum flavum, Ilex purpurea Hassk, Innula racemosa, Ixora chinensis, Justicia ventricosa, Lavatera plebeian, Ligusticum chiangxiong, Ligusticum lucidum, Loropetalum chinense, Maesa japonica, Mallotus philippinensis, Mammea siamensis, Medemia nobilis, Melaleuca quinquernervia, Melicope hayesii, Mimusops elengi, Morinda citrifolia, Moringa oleifera, Naringi crenulata, Nerium indicum, Omolanthes populifolius, Operculina turpethum, Orthosiphon grandiflorus, Ozothamnus Obcordatus, Physalis minima, Portulaca oleracea, Pouzolzia pentandra, Psoralea corylifolia, Pteris semipinnata, Raphia farinifera, Sambucus chinensis, Sapindus rarak, Scoparis dulcis, Sesbania grandiflora, Stenoloma chusana, Tagetes erecta Linn, Terminalia bellerica, Tiliacora triandra , tomato glycolipid, Vernonia cinerea Linn. Less , yohimbine, aloe, chamomile, and combinations thereof. [0051] A skin plumper serves as a collagen enhancer to the skin. A suitable skin plumper, for example, is palmitoyl oligopeptide. Other skin plumpers may include collagen and/or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) enhancing agents. The skin plumper is preferably present from about 0.1 weight % to about 20 weight % of the total weight of the composition or formulation. [0052] The cosmetic powder compositions of the invention may be in the form of face powders, eye shadows, mineral powders, pressed powder, loose powder, mosaic powder, multi-color powder, powder blush, powder foundation, body talc powder, fragrance talc powder, or other powder-based cosmetic or personal care product. The cosmetic powder compositions are applied to the keratinous surface in the conventional manner, that is by sprinkling, rubbing coating or otherwise contacting the surface with the composition, which is intended to remain on the surface for a period of time, typically for at least one hour, for two hours, for three hours, for four hours, or even longer. [0053] In a preferred embodiment, the composition is in the form of a pressed powder cake. The powder cake may include a binder the adhere the particles into a unitary mass. The binders for forming a powder cake include, without limitation powder binders, which are solid (non-liquid) materials. Powder binders may include, for example, sodium stearyl fumarate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, and calcium stearate. The binders for forming a powder cake include, without limitation, liquid binders, including silicone oils (e.g., dimethicones, dimethicone copolyols, etc.), hydrocarbons (e.g., mineral oil; paraffin oil; petrolatum; squalane, polybutene and other polyolefins; dodecane, isododecane, hexadecane, isohexadecane, eicosane, isoeicosane, tridecane, tetradecane and other C 12-36 hydrocarbons), ester oils (e.g., caprylic/capric acid triglyceride, etc.), and vegetable oils (e.g., castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.), waxes, lanolin, liquid lanolin, to name a few. EXAMPLES [0054] The following examples describe specific aspects of the invention to illustrate the invention but should not be construed as limiting the invention, as the examples merely provide specific methodology useful in the understanding and practice of the invention and its various aspects. Example 1 Tape Stripping [0055] The efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of an active, caffeine, by the compositions of the current invention was evaluated using a tape stripping experiment. An eye shadow composition was prepared in accordance with the current invention using the formulation detailed within Table 1. [0000] TABLE 1 EYE SHADOW COMPONENTS Amount (Wt. %) Fillers Talc 6.00 Lauroyl Lysine 1.00 Boron Nitride 6.00 Synthetic Fluorphlogopite 10.00 Mica Magnesium Myristate 16.00 Total Fillers 33.00 Powder Binders Magnesium Myristate 4.0 Total Powder Binders 4.0 Pigments/Pearls Pigments 0.20 Pearlescent Pigments 45.50 Total Pigment/Pearls 45.70 Active Ingredient Caffeine 2.0 Total Active Ingredient 2.0 Liquid Solvent for Active Squalene 2.00 Cholesterol Esters 2.20 Myristyl Myristate 2.64 Isononyl Isononanoate 7.25 Total Liquid Solvent for Active 14.10 Preservatives Caprylyl Glycol 1.00 Disodium EDTA 0.20 Total Preservatives 1.20 [0056] The eye shadow composition was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), active ingredient, and dry preservative (Disodium EDTA). A premix of the liquid solvent for the active with the solid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) was also prepared by mixing at temperature of 55° C. The powder pre-mix and liquid solvent for the active/ preservative pre-mix were sprayed and then processed in a hammer mill. The pearlescent pigments were then mixed into the composition. The tape stripping test was performed by applying the above-noted eye shadow composition to the forearm of a test subject. The eye shadow composition remained on the forearm for a period of four (4) hours at which time the eye shadow composition was removed from the forearm using a cleaning solution. A 1 inch circular Dsquame tape strip (Strip #1) was applied to the area of the forearm and was smoothed out using hand pressure. The tape was then removed in one fluent motion. Portions of the skin, the stratum corneum—the outer layer of the epidermis specifically, are attached to the tape after removal. Nine more strips of tape (Strips 2-10) were applied and removed from the same area of the forearm in sequence. The stratum corneum on each of the tape strips was tested for the concentration of caffeine contained therein. The results are depicted in FIG. 1 , clearly illustrating that the active ingredient penetrated into the stratum corneum. Example 2 Franz Cell Experiment [0057] A Franz Cell experiment was conducted to determine the penetration of actives from cosmetic compositions of the current invention into an integument. Five formulations were prepared. A control formulation of water and 10% glycerin, a first filler only composition of talc and 10% glycerin, and a second filler only composition of Nylon powder and 10% glycerin were prepared. A negative control of a finished powder base without oil having the formulation of Table 2 listed below was prepared. [0000] TABLE 2 NEGATIVE CONTROL COMPOSITION Amount (Wt. %) Fillers Talc 49.89 Nylon Powder 0.76 Treated Talc 1.40 Sericite 13.00 Treated Sericite 13.74 Silica 0.40 Total Fillers 79.19 Powder Binders Zinc Stearate 0.01 Total Powder Binders 0.01 Pigments/Pearls Pigments 2.00 Pearlescent Pigments 10.00 Total Pigment/Pearls 12.00 Active Ingredient Glycerin 7.50 Total Active Ingredient 7.50 Preservatives Caprylyl Glycol/Phenoxyethanol Blend 1.00 Disodium EDTA 0.20 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.10 Total Preservatives 1.30 TOTAL 100.00 [0058] The cosmetic composition of Table 2 was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), and dry preservatives (D-EDTA & T-EDTA). A premix of the liquid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) and active ingredient was also prepared by mixing. The powder pre-mix was then combined with the preservative pre-mix through spray drying and further processed in a hammer mill. The pearlescent pigment was then added with mixing. [0059] A composition in accordance with current having the formulation of Table 3 was prepared. [0000] TABLE 3 INVENTIVE COMPOSITION Amount (Wt. %) Fillers Talc 43.89 Nylon Powder 5.76 Treated Talc 1.40 Sericite 13.00 Treated Sericite 13.74 Silica 0.40 Total Fillers 78.19 Powder Binders Zinc Stearate 0.01 Total Powder Binders 0.01 Pigments/Pearls Pigments 2.00 Pearlescent Pigments 10.00 Total Pigment/Pearls 12.00 Liquid Solvent for Active Isopropyl Isostearate 3.05 C12-15 Alcohol Benzoate 1.70 Total Liquid Solvent for Active 4.75 Active Ingredient Glycerine 3.75 Total Active Ingredient 3.75 Preservatives Caprylyl Glycol/Phenoxyethanol Blend 1.00 Disodium EDTA 0.20 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.10 Total Preservatives 1.30 [0060] The inventive cosmetic composition of Table 3 was prepared by mixing the fillers, powder binder, pigments (excluding pearls), and dry preservatives (D-EDTA & T-EDTA). A premix of the liquid solvent for the active with liquid preservative (Caprylyl Glycol) and active ingredient was also prepared by mixing. The powder pre-mix was then combined with the liquid solvent for the active/preservative pre-mix through spray and then processed in a hammer mill. The pearls were then mixed into the composition. [0061] The relative permeation of the active ingredient, glycerin, from each of the five compositions: the control, first filler, second filler, negative control, and inventive composition were tested within a Franz Diffusion Cell apparatus. The Franz Diffusion Cell apparatus has a donor chamber positioned over a receptor chamber with a membrane, which in this case was Invetro skin, positioned between the two chambers. The donor chamber contains the composition to be tested and positions the composition over the membrane. The receptor chamber is filled with water heated to between 37° C. to 40° C. using means such as a water jacket with a water jacket and heater/circulator . At predetermined periods the water from the receptor chamber may be sampled through the sampling port. [0062] The compositions of the current example were charged into the donor chamber of the Franz Cell apparatus on top of the membrane. The receptor chamber was filled with water at 40° C. and the apparatus was allowed to stand for a period of four (4) hours. The receptor chamber was then drained of water and the concentration of the active within the water was determined using gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS). The results of the Franz Cell experiment are illustrated in Table 4 below and clearly demonstrate that the current powdered composition provides for enhanced delivery of actives. [0000] TABLE 4 Results of Franz Cell Conc. (mg/ml)/ % per glycerin in control Formula Description formula* level Control (Water + 10% Water Dispersion 4.2 100% Glycerin) Negative Control Contains no Liquid 1.06  25% Composition (Table 2) Solvent for Active Inventive Composition With Liquid Solvent 6.1 146% (Table 3) for Active *Levels of glycerin found to penetrate were normalized given that the different formulas contained different levels of glycerin. [0063] All references including patent applications and publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The present invention relates generally to cosmetic powder compositions for topical application to a keratinous surface, as well as to the delivery of cosmetic actives using the cosmetic powder compositions. In particular, the cosmetic powder compositions of the present invention comprise actives for delivery to the skin, such actives providing aesthetic and therapeutic benefits to the skin, such as, by improving the condition and appearance of skin affected by signs of chronological, hormonal, or photo-aging.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,013 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Screening and Proffering Providers of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0002] This non-provisional application also claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,015 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Matching a Seeker with a Proffered Provider of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0003] Additionally, this non-provisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/657,018 filed on Jun. 7, 2012, entitled “Systems and Methods for Facilitating Transactions Between a Seeker and a Proffered Provider of an Urgent Goods or Service”, which application and is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. BACKGROUND [0004] The present invention relates to systems and methods for selecting a proffered provider from a plurality of providers of an urgent goods or service requested by a seeker. [0005] There are times when we travel—or even when we are close to home—that we have a near-emergency need for services and/or goods. Let's call such “really-need-to-have-now” services and goods: Urgently Required Goods and/or Services (URGS). [0006] When we travel near home, much is familiar and URGS can be easy and quick to access—especially when we have located and acquired them previously or know someone who can give us pointers. But even in an age of standardization and globalization, traveling further from home is much more of an isolating experience where any services and goods are harder to locate and harder to acquire—especially URGS. [0007] In some instances, we can pay for the convenience of having URGS brought to us. But due to cost-driven centralization and the separation of commercial, office and residential districts, we often need to locate, select, contact and travel to a remote locale to get the specific URGS we need. [0008] Finding URGS can be a more critical and difficult problem than it might seem on first flush. Because time is of the essence, attempts that don't succeed are much harder to tolerate. Such missteps can cost us time, money, suffering and distress. Perhaps worse in a business situation, such time-wasting foul-ups can result in lost business opportunities; and in some instances, result in being punished or even fired. [0009] While we might have had the help of relatives, subordinate coworkers, in-house specialists, or outside professional facilitators to help secure URGS, in today's personal and business environments, nearly everyone is expected to be self-reliant and calling on others for help is often viewed and treated negatively. [0010] So given today's do-it-yourself environment, how might we accomplish acquiring URGS efficiently and effectively? First of all, based on our need, we need to figure out what the URGS are, and who—if anyone—provides the URGS we need. This search process is typically a repetitive one—where poking around, piecing together, weeding through, and then finally settling on an URGS provider based on partial information and our intuition is—at best—hit and miss. Often, we find we've made a less than optimal selection and end up lamenting: “if only I'd known”. [0011] Although the mobile cellular telephone and the Internet make finding a variety of services and goods somewhat easier than print, billboard, Radio and TV ads lodged in our memory and yellow page telephone business directories, and landline telephones were the primary aids for locating URGS. Nonetheless, the process of locating and acquiring URGS can be a time-consuming and frustratingly complex process that is still largely fragmented, manual and ad hoc. [0012] For example, one may live in Dallas Tex., but we have traveled on business to California's San Francisco Bay Area. Using an on-line travel and booking service, we pre-book a seemingly bargain-priced hotel in Fremont. Our flight into San Jose and subsequent car rental are uneventful, but what had been a twinge in our lower back before the flight has become an ominously painful cramping knot. We know where this is headed and it isn't good. [0013] By the time we've gathered up the luggage, picked up the rental car, and driven to our hotel in Fremont, its 8 PM and we know we are in trouble. The pain is definitely getting worse. Thankfully, we have a smart phone that provides us Internet access nearly anywhere. The screen is ill suited to the vast majority of “full screen” web sites, but by “hunting and zooming”, we can navigate most any web site. [0014] We Google “Emergency Chiropractor Fremont Calif.”, although the backache is not quite life threatening . . . yet. The pain slowly ramps up from agonizing to excruciating. [0015] The first search result link title is “Emergency Chiropractor: $37”. The second is “$49 Chiropractic Emergency”. We cringe at the thought of going to a “bargain chiropractor”. The third result is “Fremont Emergency Back Care”, but tapping the link leads to the web site of a family osteopath with an unpronounceable name and nowhere is there mention of emergency services. Also, there are no patient ratings shown on the site. We call the number on the site and get an after-hours answering service. We ask for a number for the doctor and they decline. They take our number and say we'll get a call back. We don't get a call back until the next morning when the office opens. [0016] The fourth search result is a Google map with seven red “map pins” shown in the vicinity of Fremont. Below it are the links corresponding to the red pins. The first is the unpronounceable osteopath again. Next is “Fremont Bones”. The web site has the motto “get crackin' . . . ”, and no mention of chiropractic emergencies. The third link is My Autism Team (huh ???). The fourth link is Dr. Paul Chiropractic Care—with lots of Google reviews. The Dr. Paul Dental Group apparently does Family and Herbal Wellness from four locations with 12 Doctors of Chiropractic mostly with exotic last names. We pull up the Google reviews—the hours are listed 9 AM-5 PM. The first reviews are glowing, but no mention of urgent treatment. Going deeper, there are a number of very negative reviews. One says “This doctor cannot fix my back problem. I visited another chiropractor, who was amazed by the workmanship of Dr. Paul's work.” Which reviews should we trust? [0017] We decide on a brute force approach and just start dialing. We encounter answering machines, voice mail, disconnected numbers and answering services. Eventually, we get some return calls, and the confusion begins over insurance coverage. In exasperation, we decide to pay directly, but then the issue becomes non-cash payment. Finally, we set an appointment with a chiropractor who: 1) can be contacted, 2) is available, 3) is reasonably nearby, 4) seems acceptably qualified, and 5) agrees on payment. In the end, even with the aid of the Internet and a search engine, a great deal of time is consumed in a trial-and-error winnowing process. [0018] Hence there is clearly is an unmet need for a service that assembles and pre-qualifies providers of URGS and pre-vets them for seekers of URGS requirements—meeting the criteria of both the seeker and of the potential providers—so as to offer the seeker a limited but highly-qualified set of URGS providers from which to choose. SUMMARY [0019] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, systems and methods for matching seekers to providers of urgent goods and services is provided. In particular the systems and methods for screening and proffering a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker is provided. [0020] In one embodiment, a computerized urgent goods and services fulfillment system is configured to vet a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker. The fulfillment system includes an urgent goods and services (URGS) fulfillment server and an URGS database configured to store provider profiles associated with the plurality of providers. [0021] The fulfillment server is configured to receive a request for an urgent service or goods requested by a seeker and to screen the providers capable of providing the urgent service or goods requested by the seeker. The providers and seeker may be pre-registered. [0022] The provider screening includes analyzing the provider profiles, the seeker profile, proximal data and temporal data associated with the plurality providers. The server then proffers at least one screened provider to the seeker, wherein the screened provider(s) are selected from the plurality of providers. The screened provider(s) can be ranked using one or more provider criteria. [0023] The provider profiles can include at least one of professional qualifications, service territory, work addresses, their phone number, email address, specializations, education and training, credentials and licenses, professional memberships and associations, career histories, work philosophies, and languages spoken. The seeker profile can include at least one of preferred service area, creditworthiness, recent purchases, health condition, physical address, phone number, email address and language spoken. [0024] In some embodiments, the fulfillment server is further configured to facilitate communications between the seeker and the proffered provider(s). The server may also protect the privacy of at least one of the seeker and the proffered provider(s) during the communications. [0025] Note that the various features of the present invention described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0027] FIG. 1 is a System Level Block Diagram of one embodiment of an URGS Fulfillment System in accordance with the present invention; [0028] FIG. 2 is an exemplary Top Level Logic Flow Diagram for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0029] FIG. 3 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 230 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 2 ; [0030] FIG. 4 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 340 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 3 ; [0031] FIG. 5 is a Logic Flow Diagram that further decomposes Step 240 of the Flow Diagram of FIG. 2 ; [0032] FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 are exemplary screen images illustrating the Seeker experience in three different scenarios for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0033] FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen image illustrating the Seeker experience wherein the Seeker selects from a icon-based list of URGS for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0034] FIG. 10A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0035] FIG. 10B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map and wherein one Provider is described by a pop-up sub-screen display for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0036] FIG. 11 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0037] FIG. 12 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0038] FIG. 13A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locales of Seekers who have selected that Provider for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0039] FIG. 13B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locales of Seekers who have selected that Provider, wherein Seeker Locales have changed from FIG. 13A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0040] FIG. 14 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0041] FIG. 15 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0042] FIG. 16 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0043] FIG. 17A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0044] FIG. 17B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, wherein the Provider Locale has changed from FIG. 17A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0045] FIG. 18 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map, and wherein a location is displayed for a rendezvous, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0046] FIG. 19 is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered one choice to contact the selected Provider—by phoning—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0047] FIG. 20 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0048] FIG. 21 is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0049] FIG. 22A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0050] FIG. 22B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is proffered a set of proximate Providers as displayed as icons on a map, wherein the Provider Locales have changed from those in FIG. 22A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0051] FIG. 23A is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered one choice to contact the selected Provider—by texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0052] FIG. 23B is an exemplary screen image wherein the Seeker is offered two choices to contact the selected Provider—either phoning or texting—directly from the Seeker's terminal device, wherein the Provider is different than the Provider in FIG. 23A , for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0053] FIG. 24 is an exemplary screen image wherein a Provider is alerted of selection and likely contact by a new Seeker for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0054] FIG. 25A is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0055] FIG. 25B is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Provider the most recently determined Locale of a Seeker who has selected that Provider, and wherein the most recently determined Locale of the Provider is also displayed, and wherein the Locales of both the Seeker and the Provider have changed from FIG. 25A for the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; and [0056] FIG. 26 is an exemplary screen image wherein a map displays to a Seeker the most recently determined Locales of both the Seeker the Provider that the Seeker has selected for the embodiment of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0057] The present invention is described in detail with reference to selected preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known technologies—such as World Wide Web operation, functionality of Internet-enabled mobile communication devices such as “smart phones”, and/or device-centric graphic user display techniques—have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow. [0058] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for manipulating and utilizing data in a database or databases accessed over wide area networks (WANs) via any of a wide assortment of electronic network terminal devices. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel methods and systems to enable consumers with urgent needs (“Seekers”) to expeditiously locate, evaluate and acquire services and goods using devices such as, but not limited to, mobile communication devices; and for the vendors (“Providers”) of such urgently required good(s) and/or service(s) (“URGS”) to electronically offer them through a centralized enhanced automated directory service and to respond to Seekers requests for URGS via any of a wide assortment of electronic network terminal devices. [0059] Of note is that, in the remainder of this application, particular attention is placed upon visual displays on a mobile communication device. It is important to realize that the present invention may apply equally well to operation with all manner of consumer electronic network terminal devices including, but not limited to, computers, tablet computer systems, e-reader devices, and virtually any electronic device which includes WAN access and a user interface. In addition, while examples of a visual interface are described in great detail, the present invention is entirely capable of operation with a wide range of interface types, including any combination of a visual display, tactile and audio output and a visual, tactile or acoustic user interface (UI). And although the present invention may utilize the PSTN for communication between Seeker and Provider, it may equally well utilize equivalent communication over other WANs using services such as, but not limited to, VoIP and Skype. [0060] The present application for letters patent describes a directory, request processing and fulfillment agent system which interposes between database(s) and the user interfaces of electronic network terminal devices in such a way as to bring Seekers and Providers of URGS together virtually and/or physically in a timely fashion. [0061] The present invention enables a Provider to adaptably conduct commercial activities such as: to advertise and offer URGS, detail the type of URGS provided, accumulate independent third-party assessments and reviews, display credentials, leverage the draw of a centralized need-targeted electronic directory, offer informative mini-tutorials and FAQs, update and display availability status, prequalify prospective Seeker customers, provide repeatable direct Seeker-Provider communication, arrange for commercial transactions, facilitate and track progress towards consummating commercial transactions, consummate commercial transactions for URGS and possibly other service(s) and/or good(s) with Seekers, follow-up post-transaction with Seekers to encourage and enhance good-will, and measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the foregoing and make adjustments and refinements. [0062] Additionally, the present invention enables a unified adaptable facility for a Seeker to prequalify, locate, evaluate, make repeatable contact with, and acquire URGS from, one or several Providers. [0063] Although at first consideration, the present invention may have some resemblance to generic search engines such as Google, it is much different in operation, function and result. Unlike a generic search engine, it uses a great deal of specificity—including Seeker- and Provider-sourced Profiles—in selecting a usably small set of well qualified results. Furthermore, it provides a much richer service that is tailored to urgent requirement fulfillment. When using a generic search engine, a user is generally anonymous and the user's motivations not apparent, and therefore the results provided are often voluminous, non-applicable, poorly differentiated, commonly misranked and generally of little or no use. The present invention on the other hand—based in part on information provided by a given Seeker specifically for this purpose—may pre-authenticate, validate, rank and otherwise screen Providers before responding with a vetted set of Providers in reply to that Seeker's specific request. I. Urgent Requirement Fulfillment System and Methods Thereof [0064] FIG. 1 provides a structural block diagram for an example of an Urgent Requirement Fulfillment System in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Such a Fulfillment System 150 may be accessed using a mobile communication device or any other electronic network terminal device with a user interface. For brevity, an electronic network terminal device may be referred to as a “terminal”, which can either be a dedicated purpose-built device or a suitable general purpose device. [0065] The services of the Fulfillment System 150 are provided by the Fulfillment Server(s) 155 , which utilize one or more Database(s) 158 containing information about users who can utilize the Fulfillment System 150 either as a Seeker or as a Provider. This distinction of two separate types of users does not prevent a user who is a Provider from also separately using the System 150 as a Seeker; nor does it prevent a Seeker from separately using the System 150 as a Provider. When describing use of the Fulfillment System 150 that is equivalent whether by a Seeker or by a Provider, the term “User” is used to mean either of these two types of users. [0066] Seeker terminal choices, 110 through 119 , represent the multiplicity of devices that can support access to the Fulfillment System 150 . Often these terminals are mobile communication devices—i.e., devices that can be carried easily from place to place by the Seeker—typically with Wi-Fi or cellular data or other wireless connectivity and in numerous instances with built-in mobile telephone capability. However, less portable or fixed installation terminals may also support access to the Fulfillment System 150 . [0067] Provider terminal choices, 190 through 199 , mirror the choices available to a Seeker. They differ specifically in the role of the User, i.e., Provider rather than Seeker, and the specific device chosen by each individual User. So for instance a given Seeker may use a “smart phone” mobile communication device, 110 , whereas a Provider may use a desktop computer, 199 . [0068] In some embodiments, a Seeker or Provider's use of the Fulfillment System 150 is not bound to a specific terminal device, so for instance a Seeker could initially access the Fulfillment System 150 using a laptop computer, say from home, and subsequently use the Fulfillment System 150 with a tablet computer, while traveling in a car. [0069] In some instances, a User's electronic network terminal device that is dedicated to providing data access, e.g., a desktop computer, 119 / 199 , may be augmented for telephone communication by a separate telephony device (not shown) and/or third party telephony software (not shown) running on the terminal device. Such separate telephony devices may include, but not be limited to: a mobile cellular phone or a landline telephone, or a headset paired with third party telephony software running on the terminal device, e.g., Skype. [0070] At the level of network connectivity, a Seeker's terminal and a Provider's terminal operate in equivalent ways, therefore for simplicity: the terms “User's” device or “User's” terminal is used when operation of a Fulfillment System 150 feature applies in the same fashion to either a Seeker's terminal or a Provider's terminal device. [0071] Inter-communication between a User's terminal device and the Fulfillment System 150 may use a Wide Area Network (WAN), 140 , such as the Internet. Communication between a User and the Fulfillment System 150 , or between a Seeker and a Provider, may involve traversing more than one WAN (not shown). In some embodiments, Fulfillment System-facilitated communication between a Seeker and a Provider may also involve a WAN or WANs such as the PSTN and/or the Internet. [0072] The Database(s) 158 used by the Fulfillment System 150 may be centralized or distributed. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 is coupled to one or more external database(s) 170 via WAN 140 . [0073] Generally, the Database 158 used by the Fulfillment System 150 is remote from the User's terminal; however in some embodiments, portions of database(s) used by the System 150 may reside on the User's electronic terminal device (not shown). [0074] Depending on the embodiment, the Fulfillment System 150 may use one or several models of connectivity including, but not limited to: client/server and peer-to-peer. Client/server connectivity may use a WAN such as the Internet for access between the User's terminal device and the Fulfillment System's server(s) 155 . Peer-to-peer connectivity, such as a Fulfillment System-facilitated telephone call or text message exchange between a Seeker and a Provider, may typically also use a WAN such as the PSTN or the Internet. [0075] In some embodiments, communication between a Seeker and a Provider may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 . In such intermediation—sometimes referred to as “proxying”—the System 150 may source, receive, reroute, multicast, broadcast or otherwise initiate or respond to and/or terminate communication: from a Seeker (or on a Seeker's behalf) intended for a Provider, and/or; from a Provider (or on a Provider's behalf) intended for a Seeker. In addition, the System 150 , may translate, clarify, expand, simplify, repeat, and/or generally modify or enhance the content communicated between Users in such a way as to improve or enhance comprehension or to increase the likelihood of successful completion of the communication. Such intermediation services may have varying mixes of automation and/or direct human participation depending on the embodiment. [0076] Additionally, the Fulfillment System 150 may translate, clarify, expand, simplify and otherwise modify or enhance what is communicated. At a signal content level, the System 150 may amplify, filter, encode, decode, transcode, compress, expand, error correct and generally process the signal corresponding to the communication in ways well understood to one well versed in the art. [0077] In some embodiments, voice communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that the telephone number(s) nominally routed directly to a User are actually directed to and/or are routed by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: PBX services including call routing/forwarding, call attendance, voice mail, call center and client notifications by outgoing call. [0078] In some embodiments, data communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that logical network addresses—e.g., web site URLs and email addresses—nominally routed directly to a User are actually routed to and/or sourced from and/or redirected by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: Web site, email, blog, on-line forum/social network posts, electronic newsletters, and push notifications to clients. [0079] In some embodiments, text messaging communication may be intermediated by the Fulfillment System 150 in such a way that logical texting addresses—e.g., Universal Resource Identifiers—nominally routed directly to a User are actually routed to and/or sourced by and/or redirected by and/or translated by the System 150 . For example, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide additional services to a Provider or on a Provider's behalf including, but not limited to: text-email translation, text-voice translation, system-to-system gateway (e.g., between SMS and IM) and push text messaging notifications to clients. [0080] A number of third parties, such as Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, professional/trade organizations and consumer rating sites—e.g., Angie's List and 1800Dentist—maintain large databases describing service vendors. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may use data from such third party databases and/or from Users' terminal devices. Hence, Seekers have access to a very wide variety of Providers listed in a virtual aggregate database or virtual composite database comprised of Database 158 plus data accessed or acquired from third parties plus data stored on or acquired from Users' terminal devices. For simplicity in the following description, we refer to representative Database 158 . [0081] A large number of third parties, such as telephone companies, business journals, professional associations, and business directory companies—e.g., yp.com—maintain directories of service vendors as a business. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may redirect certain Seekers to third party directory sites; or the System 150 may display contents from third party sites to Seekers. Motivations to do so may include, but not be limited to: Seeker requires non-urgent service, the third party pays for referrals, no suitable Providers are found in the Database 158 for the URGS the Seeker requires. [0082] Elemental to the operation of the Fulfillment System 150 is User-descriptive data entered into the Database 158 voluntarily by Seekers and Providers themselves. In some embodiments, this data may be augmented with data from third parties, which may be copied or simply utilized on a one-time basis. Such User-descriptive data for a given User may be referred to as a “Profile” or for multiple Users or in aggregate—“Profiles”. [0083] Profiles may be stored in Database 158 and can be organized, portioned, sorted, encrypted, firewalled, access-restricted, backed-up, transaction logged and otherwise managed, maintained and protected using techniques familiar to one skilled in the art. [0084] In general, industry best practices are applied so as to comply with any legal mandates, regulatory requirements, or industry consensus on the protection of private, sensitive and proprietary information or otherwise privileged information. So for instance when a Profile includes or the System 150 accesses a User's medical records, appropriate HIPPA standards are complied with. Encryption may be applied to protect information in the Database 158 and also protect information communicated between Users and the System 150 and/or third parties and the System 150 . In many embodiments, encryption may occur as appropriate using technologies familiar to one well versed in the art, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Virtual Private Network (VPN). [0085] In some embodiments, Seekers' Profiles may describe things such as their creditworthiness, their employment, their recent purchases, their property, their health, their physical and work addresses, their phone number(s), their email address(es), and similar descriptive information that may assist in determining whether a given Seeker is someone a given Provider might want to do business with. The Fulfillment System 150 may automatically and transparently vet some Seekers so as to preempt a potential match with a Provider. In other instances, portions of a Seeker's Profile may be viewable to a Provider to assist that Provider in deciding whether to do business with a given Seeker. [0086] In the case of Providers, their Profiles may describe details such as their qualifications and specializations, their education and training, their credentials and licenses, their professional memberships and associations, their career histories, their work philosophies, languages they may speak, as well as more prosaic information such as a business address, telephone number and email address. [0087] In a typical embodiment, a User's Profile may specify requirements that User has for transacting commerce with their counterpart User—i.e., a Seeker with a given Provider; and a Provider with a given Seeker. So for instance, a Seeker may indicate what form of payment they wish to have accepted, what awards programs they wish to have credited, what language they prefer to be spoken to them, and other details of how they prefer or require a transaction to be conducted. Similarly, a Provider may indicate what form of payment they are willing to accepted, what awards programs they support, what language(s) they speak, and other details of how they prefer or require a transaction to be conducted. [0088] Sources for information in a User's Profile may include, but are not limited to: the User directly, private records from third parties (possibly with the User's permission), and publicly accessible records. Some Profile information may be placed into the Database 158 and not be updated for indeterminate periods of time. Other Profile information may have a specific “time to live” after which it is either updated or simply deleted. The shortest such “time to live” may be per access. Other Profile information may be sourced from a User or a third party on a per use basis. This may be done for instance because the sources prohibit retaining copies of it, or because there is a need to get the most up-to-date information, e.g., checking criminal records. [0089] Information in a User's Profile may be beneficial or derogatory. The information in a Provider's Profile is generally there for the use of Seekers. Similarly, the information in a Seeker's Profile is generally there for the use of Providers. Consequently, even if a User can enter or view an item of information in their Profile, they may not necessarily be able to alter or delete it. [0090] Some information in a Provider's Profile may be entered by Seekers—typically in the form of ratings. Similarly, a Seeker's Profile may contain information entered by Providers. Additionally, third parties may source some information in a User's Profile. In some instances, such ratings or characterizations may be unsolicited or gathered as part of a follow-up instigated by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0091] Profiles for Seekers contain generally different information than, and are commonly kept separate from, Profiles for Providers. In the instance where a User is both a Seeker and (separately) a Provider, the contents of the User's Seeker and Provider Profiles are typically not intermingled. Of course, some User information may be duplicated in both Profiles, for example the User's name. [0092] Some portions of a User's Profile may be used strictly internal to the Fulfillment System 150 or for the purposes of operators of the Fulfillment System and never be visible to any Users—Seeker or Provider—nor utilized on their behalf by the System 150 . [0093] Some Seeker Profile information may be visible to a Provider or to the Fulfillment System 150 on a Provider's behalf, but not visible to that Seeker. Similarly, some Provider Profile information may be visible to a Seeker or to the System 150 on a Seeker's behalf, but not visible to that Provider. [0094] Some of the Profile information of a Seeker may be visible to other Seekers. For example, in some embodiments limited Profile information may be viewable via an on-line user forum that is part of the Fulfillment System 150 . [0095] A User who is a Provider may conceivably offer several different types of URGS as separate businesses. The Fulfillment System 150 may allow multiple Provider Profiles for such a User, where some of the information in the Profiles is duplicated in each Profile and other information is unique to a Profile specific to the corresponding URGS provided. In some embodiments, such Profiles may be accessed using separate unique accounts. [0096] Referring to FIG. 2 , the Fulfillment System 150 may serve to fulfill a Seeker's need for URGS using a winnowing and matching process that commonly results in the Seeker being paired with a well suited Provider that the Seeker selects from a list of qualified potential Providers. FIG. 2 illustrates the process used in some embodiments. Steps appearing in FIG. 2 are illustrated by several different examples in the discussions that follow. [0097] In step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 prepares to proffer a set of potential Providers to the Seeker. Substantial amounts of information about the Seeker and about potential Providers may be retrieved from the Database 158 and utilized by the System 150 to either validate or reject potential pairings of the Seeker to proximate Providers. [0098] As mentioned above, both the Profiles of the Seeker and potential Providers may contain requirements that are mandatory qualifiers as well as other requirements that reflect non-mandatory preferences. Accordingly, some embodiments may apply weightings to Profile preferences and instantiate rankings of potential Providers based on the degree of “acceptability” or “goodness” of a given Provider as determined algorithmically based on Seeker and Provider Profiles, third party ratings, and other external data. In some embodiments, the ranking of potential Providers may be displayed for the Seeker's use (not shown herein) prior to selecting a Provider. A given Provider's ranking may be represented by a color code, icon size, some number of stars, a ranking number, or any of a multiplicity of indicators of relative rank familiar to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments and some instances, there may be more potential Providers than is practical to proffer. In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may limit the number of potential Providers proffered to a number lower than the total available. In such instances, the ranking of a given Provider—relative to other potential Providers—may determine whether or not that Provider is proffered. [0099] Some of the Profile information of a User may affect other aspects of Fulfillment System 150 operation and use. For example, language preference may cause the System 150 to generate displays in a language suited to the User. A “zooming” feature and/or audio dialog may support the visually impaired. A multiplicity of behaviors—System 150 operation in general and display operation specifically—may be influenced by User Profile preference settings. [0100] FIG. 3 shows step 230 in greater detail. Referring to step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the URGS sought by the Seeker. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by offering a list of the URGS to select from. In some embodiments, such a list may be in the form of graphic icons—as in FIG. 9 . Other embodiments, which may support substantial numbers of URGS, may provide various facilities to allow a Seeker to locate and select the URGS sought—for instance, key word search. [0101] As shown in step 320 of FIG. 3 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. The Seeker's Locale may be determined in a multiplicity of ways depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to: the type of URGS sought by the Seeker; whether the Seeker is required to travel to a rendezvous location to acquire the URGS; whether the Seeker can not or does not want to travel. The Seeker's Locale may be determined around the time that the Seeker utilizes the System 150 to seek URGS or it may be previously determined. So for instance, the Seeker's Locale may be taken to be the Seeker's home or place of work as defined by the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Seeker's Locale may be taken to be the expected location of the Seeker based on a schedule defined by the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Seeker's Locale may be taken as a geo-location provided by the Seeker or by a mobile communication device in the Seeker's possession or by a third party geo-location service such as a telephone service company, a security surveillance company, or other organizations that utilize or commerce in the geo-location of individuals to conduct their own business and/or facilitate the businesses of others. [0102] Information from the Seeker's Profile may include preferences that affect how the Seeker's Locale is determined. In many embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 displays information reflecting the Fulfillment System 150 's calculation of the Seeker's Locale (not shown)—allowing the Seeker to determine if the Fulfillment System 150 has made a mistake in attempting to establish a Locale for the Seeker. [0103] Having ascribed a Locale to the Seeker, in Step 330 the Fulfillment System 150 processes the Database 158 to identify proximate Provider(s) of the URGS sought by the Seeker. Proximity typically involves measuring between locations. As relates to URGS fulfillment, those locations commonly correspond to the Seeker's Locale and to the Provider's Locale. Where the Seeker's Locale or a given Provider's Locale may be ascertained to be—for the purpose of determining proximity—can depend on a number of factors. In some instances, determination of proximity may be affected by preferences in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 and/or in a given Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . For example, a given Provider's Profile preference may require the rendezvous location and/or the Seeker's Locale to lie within a specific region or territory based on the strictures of a License or Certificate or third party permission issued to that Provider. If that preference is not met, the Provider is determined by the Fulfillment System 150 to not be proximate to the Seeker. [0104] Proximity may also have temporal determining factors. For instance, a potential Provider may be relatively near a Seeker, but have prior commitments that must be seen to first. Or for example, bad traffic may slow the time it takes to travel to a rendezvous location. In an urgent situation, temporal proximity may be more important than physical proximity. In many embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may ascribe proximity to a given Provider based on a multiplicity of temporal-related factors including, but not limited to: projected travel route, third party traffic congestion and weather reports, historical traffic patterns and records, and Provider promptness ratings. In some instances, factors impacting temporal proximity may not be apparent to the System 150 such that communication between the Seeker and a Potential Provider may indicate a different—perhaps less attractive—temporal proximity. [0105] For the purposes of Step 330 , the Provider's Locale may be ascribed in a number of different ways depending on numerous factors including but not limited to: the type of URGS provided; whether the acquisition of the URGS requires the actual physical presence of the Provider and/or of the Seeker; whether the Provider operates from a fixed business location; and/or whether it is necessary for the Provider to travel to provide the URGS. So for instance, the Provider's Locale may be taken to be the Provider's place of business as defined by the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Provider's Locale may be taken to be the expected location of the Provider based on a schedule defined by the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 . Or the Provider's Locale may be taken as a geo-location provided by the Provider or by a mobile communication device in the Provider's possession. Information from the Provider's Profile may include preferences that affect how the Provider's Locale is determined. [0106] In many embodiments, the information: URGS sought, Seeker's Locale, and each Provider's availability and Locale is deemed sufficient to allow the Fulfillment System 150 to process the Database 158 to identify proximate Provider(s) of the sought after URGS—see 330 . [0107] In many embodiments, additional winnowing of the set of potential Provider's may occur based on additional preferences a Seeker has indicated in their Profile and/or additional preferences a given Provider has in theirs—reference 340 . FIG. 4 provides instances of some additional Seeker and Provider criteria— 430 and 460 , respectively—that in some embodiments may serve to further cull the set of potential Providers. [0108] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may attempt to winnow down the set of potential Providers. In 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 may present the resulting set of potential Providers to the Seeker. In some embodiments, the System 150 may modulate the winnowing process so as to proffer at least two potential Providers. [0109] In some embodiments, the set of potential Providers is displayed on a map that shows their approximate Locales and their relative proximity to the Seeker—see FIG. 10A for an example. In some embodiments, a Seeker may further open a pop-up subscreen to view additional Provider details—see 1020 in FIG. 10B . [0110] Referring to 240 —the Seeker typically selects one of the Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0111] The response by the Fulfillment System 150 to the Seeker's selection of a URGS Provider may vary between embodiments, but also in some instances, within a given embodiment based on the Provider's Profile. FIG. 5 provides an example of one such embodiment. [0112] A Seeker's selection of an URGS Provider—see 510 —may be acknowledged by the Fulfillment System 150 —reference 520 —so the Seeker knows the Fulfillment System 150 has recorded the correct selection. [0113] Referring to 525 , a confirmation ID may be assigned that may be used subsequently to look up a record of the Seeker-Provider match that is stored in the Transaction Log—see 530 . [0114] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may attempt—on behalf of the Provider—to pre-qualify the Seeker's ability to pay by running a test charge for a pre-set amount—typically a minimum payment—against the Seeker's payment card, insurance payer, or other payment source—see 535 . Referencing 540 , the Fulfillment System 150 may query the payment source for pre-approval. [0115] In such embodiments, if the test charge is rejected by the payer, the Provider's Profile may be checked to see if the Provider accepts Seekers with potential payment problems—see 550 . If not, the Fulfillment System 150 may inform the Seeker of denial—see 590 —typically causing the Seeker to select a different potential Provider. [0116] If on the other hand, the Seeker's payment source can pay, or the Provider accepts Seekers with potential payment problems, appropriate data about the Seeker—see 560 —may be made available for the Provider and notification of the selection sent to the Provider—see 570 —and a corresponding confirmation to the Seeker—see 580 . [0117] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 offers the Seeker the opportunity to initiate contact with the selected Provider immediately— FIG. 11 . In other embodiments the Fulfillment System 150 may act on the Provider's behalf to arrange the details of providing the URGS to the Seeker. [0118] In most embodiments, particularly those where the Seeker contacts the Provider to complete the transaction, the Fulfillment System 150 acts to notify the Provider promptly of the selection— FIG. 12 . [0119] To assist both the Seeker and the Provider, the Fulfillment System 150 may provide a tracking service—see 260 —and corresponding map-based display mechanism that periodically updates, substantially in real-time, the geo-location of the traveler(s)—be it the Seeker, the Provider, or both—relative to the rendezvous location where the Seeker and Provider intend to transact the acquisition of the URGS. In some embodiments, tracking maps are made available for both the Seeker— FIG. 10A , and the Provider— FIG. 13A . [0120] In some instances, where the URGS are a good or goods, it may be the good(s) traveling and the tracking map reflecting the current Locale of the good(s). In some instances, the URGS may be provided by ways that are not well suited to tracking on a map, e.g., funds may be wired electronically with seeming instantaneous travel. [0121] The Fulfillment System 150 may utilize an internal set of identifiers and transaction records in the process of matching Seekers to Providers for the purpose of acquiring URGS. In a typical embodiment, a stored set of records is retained in the Database 158 (“Transaction Log”) that records the details of each such process. [0122] Operators of the Fulfillment System may derive revenue or other recompense—from Seekers and/or Providers and/or third parties—for use of the System 150 and/or use of information accumulated in the Database 158 . Information stored in the Transaction Log may serve to determine what recompense is appropriate and from whom. It may be used for instance, to provide details that may appear in an invoice. Such details may for example include transaction information representing a “billable moment”—e.g., when a valued service—such as facilitating a Seeker to contact a Provider—instantiated and correspondingly recorded in the Transaction Log. [0123] In addition to maintaining Transaction Logs, in some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may maintain in its Database 158 algorithmic manipulations of various log data (“Metrics”) for a single User or several Users individually or a set of Users as an aggregate—where a given User may be a Provider, or a Seeker, or both a Provider and a Seeker (dual use of Fulfillment System 150 ). Such data may be measurements, statistics, and correlations for an individual Provider, or Providers as individuals, or Providers as an aggregate, and/or Multiple Providers. [0124] In addition to maintaining Transaction Logs, and Metrics, in some embodiments the Fulfillment System 150 may keep stored copies (as permissible) or aggregations of any information—from or about Users or third parties—that enters the Fulfillment System 150 . This information may at some time be manipulated to derive useful data that may be of value to operators of the Fulfillment System, Fulfillment System Users, or third parties. [0125] For most Providers, a key goal of providing URGS is to be compensated. In many instances a Seeker may contemplate using the Provider again, and therefore want the Provider to be pleased with being compensated. Also—for both a Seeker and a Provider—having a record of having transacted the requisite compensation is useful in case of a dispute, or more in general, to maintain good credit histories. [0126] The Fulfillment System 150 may facilitate the compensation of Providers— 270 . In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 provides a basic service to the Provider—access to a reproduction of the Transaction Log record reflecting the pairing of the Provider and the Seeker. [0127] In some embodiments, the Provider may enter additional information into the Transaction Log to record the status of the transaction with the Seeker and the status of the corresponding compensation by the Seeker. Such information may include third party confirmation of compensation of the Provider by the Seeker. In some instances, such information may be provided to the Fulfillment System 150 directly from authoritative third parties. [0128] Some embodiments may provide broader facilitation to a Provider such as Appointments, Billing and Accounting. [0129] In some embodiments, a Seeker has access to a record of Provider searches and pairings conducted by the Fulfillment System 150 on behalf of the Seeker. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a Seeker may have access to a record of other related transactions conducted by the Fulfillment System 150 on behalf of the Seeker. [0130] Facilitating follow-up between Seekers and their Providers—see 280 —is another utilization of the Transaction Log. For instance, the Fulfillment System 150 may communicate instructions from a selected Provider to the corresponding Seeker. In the opposite direction, the System 150 may communicate feedback from a Seeker to a Provider selected by that Seeker. Additionally, in some embodiments, the System 150 may obtain Provider ratings from Seekers and Seeker ratings from Providers and add these to User metrics in the Database 158 . In some embodiments, positive or negative ratings may cause the System 150 to increase or decrease a given Provider's ranking, which may in turn impact the frequency of that Provider being proffered. [0131] Follow-up with Seekers may be a key component of a Provider's client loyalty program. In some instances, it may generate immediate follow-on transactions. In other instances, it may generate good-will. By facilitating follow-ups, the Fulfillment System 150 may gain access to the Seeker's opinions, and help increase the Seeker's loyalty to the Provider. A side benefit may be increased loyalty of both the Seeker and the Provider to the Fulfillment System 150 . [0132] In addition to direct follow-up, the System 150 , may provide, support, be affiliated with, link to, direct Users to, or otherwise facilitate follow-up via user forums/social media. Many consumers use social media such as Yelp, Facebook and Twitter to express their praise and/or criticisms regarding a vendor. [0133] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—i.e., creating, maintaining, promoting and expanding User loyalty to the Fulfillment System 150 —focused on both Providers and Seekers—see 290 . Loyaltization may play an important role in the commercial acceptance and success of the Fulfillment System 150 . [0134] Loyalty may be created as a byproduct of the inherent usefulness of the Fulfillment System 150 , but in some embodiments loyalty may be actively sought—using additional features and incentives—to make Providers and Seekers want to recommend the Fulfillment System 150 to others and continue using it themselves. For example, the System 150 may increase the ranking of a valued Provider and thereby increase the likelihood and frequency of that Provider being proffered. Additionally, in some embodiments, the System 150 may improve other metrics associated with a valued Seeker or Provider. Such metrics might be shared for instance with other Users and/or third parties. [0135] In some embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may administer loyalty programs on the behalf of individual Providers. Additionally, the Fulfillment System 150 may operate loyalty programs on behalf of an aggregate of multiple Providers and offer incentives to Seekers based on desired behavior relative to any Provider within said aggregation. Such loyalty programs conducted on behalf of Providers also have the benefit of Loyaltization of Providers to the Fulfillment System 150 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the System 150 may administer loyalty programs—on behalf of individual Seekers or Seekers in aggregate—that reward Providers and increase good-will between Providers and Seekers and perhaps the System 150 as well. Loyalty programs, whether on behalf of Seekers or Providers, may award benefits to Users—for example discounts for future URGS acquired using the System 150 or rewards such as goods and/or services from Providers and/or third parties. For instance, rewards may include airline frequent flier miles or hotel stay points. Also, in some embodiments, the System 150 may offer enrollment in third party loyalty programs [0136] In many urgent situations, a Seeker may have need for more than one URGS. For example, a vacationer with a broken down car may need a place to stay overnight in addition to automotive repair. If the car is seriously damaged, a rental vehicle may be needed. In typical embodiments, the Fulfillment System 150 may proactively facilitate the proffering of a set of related URGS based on Seeker-provided information and/or inference by the System 150 . In some embodiments, the System 150 may facilitate the proffering of non-urgent services and goods that might be useful in the context of the Seeker's circumstances. For instance, the stranded traveler might like a book or newspaper to read or perhaps some comfort food—once the car and a place to stay have been taken care of. A Seeker's Profile may determine whether and how the System 150 proffers, suggests or recommends additional services and goods. [0137] In addition to directly facilitating the Seeker's acquisition of a set of circumstance-related URGS and non-urgent services and goods—in some embodiments—the Fulfillment System 150 , may suggest, recommend or otherwise prompt a Provider to proffer additional URGS and other non-urgent services and goods to a Seeker. II. Exemplary Scenarios [0138] The following discussions and references to figures are provided to illustrate a set of exemplary scenarios for some embodiments of the Fulfillment System 150 . The examples may include particular limitations which are unique to the given example and are not intended to extend to the invention as a whole. Likewise, some examples may have been simplified in order to aid in clarity. It is understood that while the foregoing examples aid in explanation and clarification of the present invention, these examples do not limit the scope or function of the present invention. [0139] In some instances, graphic representations with the appearance of screenshots from mobile communication devices are provided by way of example to aid in the illustration of some embodiments. This is not intended to imply that mobile communication devices are preferred to the exclusion of other terminal device types. [0140] Several different fulfillment scenarios may occur when a Seeker and Provider are not situated at the same place. Such scenarios include, but are not necessarily limited to: A. The Seeker travels to a rendezvous location that is the Provider's Locale, B. The Provider travels to a rendezvous location that is the Seeker's Locale, C. The Seeker and the Provider both travel to a fixed rendezvous location. D. The Seeker and the Provider both travel towards each other without a fixed rendezvous location until they converge. [0145] The scenario descriptions that follow detail the individual Scenarios—A, B, C and D—by stepping through the logic flow diagrams— FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 —and by providing corresponding exemplary screen shots to illustrate the User experience. FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 —corresponding to Scenarios A, B and C, respectively—illustrate the process of selecting and contacting a Provider from the Seeker's perspective. In each instance, the Seeker actuates a virtual button on each of a sequence of three screens: button actuation 1—Select URGS; button actuation 2—Select a Provider; and button actuation 3—Contact that Provider. Scenario A—Seeker Travels to Provider's Locale [0146] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker traveling to the Provider's Locale, the Seeker is imagined to be a business traveler from Spain—Mirabella Sanchez—who has a severe toothache; the URGS is urgent dental care; and the URGS Providers are dentists. Referring back to FIG. 6 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS Services (dental)— 610 ; 2) select a Provider (dentist)— 620 ; and 3) contact that Provider (dentist)— 630 . [0147] Referring to FIG. 2 step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type sought by the Seeker. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . In step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent dental care. [0148] In step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is imagined to use a “smart phone” mobile communication device, which allows the Fulfillment System 150 to use GPS to geo-locate the Seeker, who at the time is in San Ramon, Calif. [0149] Referencing step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a dentist. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the dentist office location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale, so determined, is compared to the Seeker's Locale—San Ramon in this example—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is accumulated in this fashion by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 examines the Database 158 for dentists and identifies eight Providers proximate to San Ramon. [0150] In Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. In Step 430 each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics found in the Provider's Profile. Mirabella's Seeker Profile in the Database 158 indicates that she requires a Spanish-speaking Provider. Three of the potential Providers are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 because their Profiles in the Database 158 do not have Spanish selected as one of the languages they speak. [0151] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker based in turn on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Provider in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics found in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Two potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in cash or by pre-approved insurance organization. Mirabella's Seeker Profile indicates that she desires to pay either with V-Pay debit card or by check. Mirabella's Spanish dental insurance does not match the pre-approved insurance payers in these two Provider's Profiles. Therefore, these additional two potential Providers are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 . Three other Providers do accept checks and therefore pass the vetting process. [0152] Referring to step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has three potential Providers to display to Mirabella, so she can select one from them. One Provider has an office in Berkeley, one has an office in Vallejo, and the third has an office in Walnut Creek. FIG. 10A provides an example of what the display may look like on Mirabella's mobile communication device. Shown there are four icons. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1050 represents Mirabella's Locale in San Ramon. The three tooth outline icons represent the three potential URGS Providers—the dentists in Vallejo 1010 , Walnut Creek 1020 , and Berkeley 1030 , respectively. [0153] Referring to FIG. 2 step 240 , the Seeker selects an URGS Provider from the three potential Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Seeker Mirabella selects the Provider in Walnut Creek by tapping on the icon 1020 in FIG. 10A . In this example, the Provider—Dr. Keith White—has preset his preferences in his Provider Profile in the Database 158 such that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Mirabella—to contact Dr. White, as shown in FIG. 11 , by the actuating virtual button 1110 to phone or the virtual button 1120 to text directly from her mobile communication device. At the same time, the Fulfillment System 150 , sends Dr. White a notice to his mobile communication device—see FIG. 12 —alerting him to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Mirabella Sanchez. [0154] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Mirabella telephones Dr. White by actuating the virtual button 1110 which causes her mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Mirabella and the URGS Provider Dr. White, DDS. [0155] Referring to FIG. 12 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 1210 , which Dr. White does. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 responds by displaying FIG. 13A , a tracking map on which Provider Dr. White can look to see what information the Fulfillment System 150 has on the geo-location of any URGS Seekers who may be coming to his Locale. The tracking map includes a new icon— 1310 —representing the Locale of the new Seeker, Mirabella Sanchez, that the Fulfillment System 150 determines to be in San Ramon. [0156] Dr. White's mobile communication device rings with the call from Mirabella—Dr. White answers. They discuss Mirabella's tooth and her dental history; go over compensation and any final details necessary to decide whether to meet; and agreeing to do so, set up an appointment for Mirabella. [0157] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 initiates ongoing tracking of the progress of the Seeker traveling to meet the Provider. Referring to FIG. 13B , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates the a tracking map—as it may appear on Provider Dr. White's mobile communication device—to reflect changes in the Locale of Seekers traveling to the Provider's Locale. In the example, Mirabella's icon 1310 has not moved, because Mirabella needs to arrange transport to travel to Dr. White's Locale. Meanwhile, icon 1320 and icon 1330 —representing two other Seekers traveling to Provider Dr. White's Locale—have both moved. [0158] In step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction that has just occurred whereby Seeker Mirabella Sanchez selected Provider Dr. White. Both Dr. White and Mirabella Sanchez can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. [0159] Referring to step 280 —in this example, Dr. White's Provider Profile in the Database 158 is preset for the Fulfillment System 150 to facilitate follow-ups by alerting Dr. White at a future time to follow-up with a Seeker who has selected him—in this instance with Mirabella Sanchez. [0160] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. Scenario B—Provider Travels to Seeker's Locale [0161] To illustrate the scenario of a Provider traveling to the Seeker's Locale, the Seeker is imagined to be a high-powered corporate executive just arrived at a major airport and running late for a critically important business meeting—Lee Nelson; the URGS is transportation to meeting location in time for his presentation; and the URGS Providers are helicopter operators. Referring back to FIG. 7 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS Service (helicopter)— 710 ; 2) select a Provider (helicopter operator)— 720 ; and 3) contact that Provider (helicopter operator)— 730 . [0162] Referring to step 230 —the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type sought by the Seeker. [0163] Referring to FIG. 3 step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent helicopter commuter service. [0164] In step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker's Locale is determined by the System 150 via GPS support in his “smart phone” to be Alameda, Calif. [0165] In Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a helicopter operator. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the Provider's heliport location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale, so determined, is compared to the Seeker's Locale—Alameda—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is accumulated in this fashion by the Fulfillment System 150 . The System 150 examines the Database 158 for helicopter operators and identifies four Providers proximate to Alameda. [0166] Referring to step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 shows step 340 in greater detail. Referring to step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences—preset by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics found in the Provider's Profile. One helicopter operator is found to be currently unavailable and is vetted accordingly. This leaves three potential Providers. [0167] In step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. Such willingness is determined by a comparison of preferences—preset by the Provider in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics found in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Lee has sterling credit and five major credit cards. He is acceptable to all of the Providers. [0168] Referring to FIG. 3 step 350 —the Fulfillment System 150 has three potential Providers to display to Lee, so he can select one from them—one in Brisbane, the second in San Carlos, and the third in Santa Clara. FIG. 14 provides an example of what the display may look like on Seeker Lee Nelson's mobile communication device. Shown there are four icons. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1410 represents Lee's Locale in Alameda. The three helicopter outline icons represent the three potential URGS Providers—the helicopter operators in Brisbane 1420 , San Carlos 1430 , and Santa Clara 1440 , respectively. [0169] In FIG. 2 step 240 , the Seeker selects an URGS Provider from the three potential Providers proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 . In this example, the Seeker Lee selects the closest Provider—based in Brisbane—by actuating the virtual button represented by the icon 1420 in FIG. 14 . In this instance, the Helicopter operator—Chris Kelley—has preset her preferences in her Provider Profile in the Database 158 such that the System 150 prompts the Seeker—Lee—to contact Ms. Kelley, as shown in FIG. 15 , by the actuating the virtual button 1510 to phone or the virtual button 1520 to text directly from his mobile communication device. At the same time, the Fulfillment System 150 sends Ms. Kelley a notice to her mobile communication device—see FIG. 16-alerting her to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Lee Nelson. [0170] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Lee telephones Ms. Kelley by actuating the virtual button 1510 which causes his mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Mr. Lee Nelson and the URGS Provider Ms. Chris Kelley—helicopter operator. [0171] Referring to FIG. 16 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 1610 , which Ms. Kelley does. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 responds by displaying FIG. 17A , which Provider Ms. Kelley can examine to see geo-location information the System 150 has on URGS Seekers she may intend to travel to—in this instance, only Mr. Nelson. The tracking map includes a single head and shoulders silhouette icon— 1710 —representing the new Seeker—Lee Nelson—whose Locale the Fulfillment System 150 displays in Alameda. [0172] Ms. Kelley's mobile communication device rings with the call from Lee Nelson—Ms. Kelley answers. They discuss Lee's urgent need for an immediate helicopter ride to Palo Alto; go over compensation and any final details necessary to be certain that Mr. Nelson is at the correct location at the airport in Alameda; and agreeing to the fare, set up to meet at Lee Nelson's Locale in Alameda. [0173] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the Provider as the Seeker awaits the Provider's arrival. Referring to FIG. 17B , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates a tracking map—as it may appear on Provider Chris Kelley's mobile communication device—to reflect changes in the Locale of the Seeker and/or Provider. In the example, Lee Nelson's icon 1710 has not moved, but Ms. Kelley's icon 1720 is now substantially closer to Seeker Lee Nelson's Locale in Alameda. [0174] In step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction that has just occurred whereby Seeker Lee Nelson selected Provider Ms. Kelley—the helicopter operator. Both Ms. Kelley and Lee Nelson may subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. [0175] Referring to step 280 —in this example, Ms. Kelley's Provider Profile in the Database 158 is not preset for the Fulfillment System 150 to facilitate follow-ups. However because the Transaction Log record is available to Ms. Kelley, she can follow-up with Lee Nelson if she chooses to do so. In this case she does follow up promptly—step 280 —because she would like referrals and hopefully a repeat customer. She subsequently revises her Provider Profile to facilitate follow-ups. [0176] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. Scenario C—the Seeker and the Provider Both Travel to a Rendezvous Location. [0177] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker and a Provider both traveling to a rendezvous location, the Seeker is imagined to be a landlord—Rick Sawyer—who has a leaking pipe at a rental home; the URGS is urgent plumbing repair; and the URGS Providers are plumbers. Referring back to FIG. 8 , it is possible for the Seeker to use a small number of virtual button actuations to: 1) select URGS (plumbing services)— 810 ; 2) select a Provider (plumber)— 820 ; and 3) contact that Provider (plumber)— 830 . [0178] FIG. 2 , step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type the Seeker requires. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . [0179] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: urgent plumbing. [0180] Referring to step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is not at the location where the URGS need to be provided—i.e., the rental home with the leaking pipe. Rick Sawyer, the Seeker, enters the address of the rental home—located in Cotati, Calif.—into the Fulfillment System 150 . The Fulfillment System 150 processes the address to derive a geo-location and puts both the address and the corresponding geo-location into the Database 158 to set the rendezvous location. [0181] At Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a plumber. In this example, the System 150 uses the plumber business location specified in each Provider's Profile in the Database 158 as that Provider's Locale. Each Provider's Locale is compared to the rendezvous location—Cotati—to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is figured accordingly by the Fulfillment System 150 . Processing plumbers in the Database 158 , the System 150 identifies ten Providers proximate to Cotati. [0182] Referring to Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. [0183] In Step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences set by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics set in the Provider's Profile. Rick Sawyer's Seeker Profile indicates that he requires a English-speaking Provider. The Fulfillment System 150 rejects one of the potential Providers because their Profile in the Database 158 does not include English as one of the languages spoken by that plumber. Rick also requires licensed and bonded contractors—all potential Providers comply. Additionally, Rick's Seeker Profile contains a preference for a work guarantee. Two of the potential Providers do not have “work guaranteed” selected in their Profiles, and as a result are rejected by the System 150 . [0184] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. That willingness is determined based on a comparison of preferences—the Provider's preferences expressed in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics preset in the Seeker's Profile in the Database. Three potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in cash. Rick's Seeker Profile reflects his preference to pay by check or credit card—but not cash. Therefore, the Fulfillment System 150 rejects these three additional potential Providers. Four remaining Providers accept check or credit payment—so they pass the vetting process. [0185] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has four potential Providers to display to Rick, to allow him to select one of them. One Provider has an office in Sebastopol, the second is based in Santa Rosa, the third works from Rohnert Park, and the fourth has a storefront in Petaluma. FIG. 18 shows a display of proffered Providers as it may appear on Rick's mobile communication device. There are six icons shown. The human head and shoulders silhouette icon 1810 represents Seeker Rick Sawyer's Locale—currently at work in Windsor, where he received the distressed call from his tenant. The four wrench-outline icons represent the potential URGS Providers—the plumbers—in Santa Rosa 1820 , Sebastopol 1840 , Rohnert Park 1830 , and Petaluma 1860 . The water drop icon 1850 denotes the rendezvous location in Cotati where the leak is. [0186] In FIG. 2 , at step 240 , the Seeker selects a Provider from the four choices proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 in this example. Rick selects the Provider in Petaluma by tapping on the icon 1860 in FIG. 18 . The Provider (plumber) in this example—Mark Walsh—has set up his preferences in his Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the System 150 prompts the Seeker—Rick—to contact Mark, as shown in FIG. 19 . Actuating the virtual button 1910 telephones from Rick's mobile communication device to Mark's. Mark's Provider Profile does not indicate an address for texting, so that option is not offered to Rick. The Fulfillment System 150 , sends the Provider Mark a notice to his mobile communication device—see FIG. 20-alerting him to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Rick Sawyer. [0187] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Rick telephones Mark by actuating the virtual button 1910 which causes his mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Rick and the URGS Provider Mark Walsh. [0188] Referring to FIG. 20 , the Provider—having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 2010 , which Mark Walsh chooses not to do. Instead, he waits for the Seeker to phone. Mark's mobile communication device rings with the call from Rick Sawyer—Mark answers. They discuss the leaking pipe problem and also other work Rick would like done. They discuss Mark's availability, how he guarantees his work, and what his labor rate is. They agree to the work, and arrange to rendezvous at the rental home in Cotati. [0189] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the progress of the Provider and/or the Seeker both traveling to meet at the rendezvous location. Referring to FIG. 21 , the Fulfillment System 150 periodically updates a tracking map—as it may appear on Seeker Rick Sawyer's mobile communication device—displaying the updated Locales of both the Seeker and Provider. [0190] Referring to step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction whereby Seeker Rick Sawyer selected Provider Mark Walsh. Both Seeker and Provider can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. Each can separately associate additional annotation with the Transaction Log. The Seeker and Provider annotations are separate and private to Seeker and Provider, respectively. They have no indication of, or access to, each other's annotations. In this example, Rick makes notes on the verbal guarantee he received from the Provider Mark. Separately, Mark records the details of the work done including time and materials and the amount charged to the Seeker's credit card. [0191] In step 280 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates follow-up. Mark's Provider Profile in the Database 158 indicates that the Fulfillment System 150 may, at a set number of days subsequent to a given transaction, prompt him to follow-up with the Seeker—in this case Rick Sawyer. The corresponding annotated Transaction Log reminds him of details of his work for the Seeker that are useful in conducting the follow-up. Mark may add further annotation to the Transaction Log to record the results of a given follow-up. [0192] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 . Mark has handled a large number of Seeker's URGS requests and has gotten consistently high ratings for quality and promptness. Accordingly, the Fulfillment System 150 improves the weighting in Mark's Provider Profile so as to increase his ranking and therefore likelihood of selection in the future. In some embodiments, the System 150 notifies the Provider of such improvement in weighting/ranking [0000] Scenario D—Seeker and Provider's Both Travel Until they Converge [0193] To illustrate the scenario of a Seeker and a Provider both traveling towards each other—without a fixed rendezvous location—until they converge, the Seeker is imagined to be a baseball fan—Judy Piper—who has arrived at the stadium with her son Bobby on his birthday, but has tickets for the wrong day; the URGS are two tickets for today's baseball game; and the URGS Providers are same-day ticket sellers. [0194] FIG. 2 , step 230 , the Fulfillment System 150 works to proffer Providers of the type the Seeker requires. FIG. 3 details an embodiment of step 230 . [0195] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 310 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines from the Seeker the type of URGS sought—in this example: two same-day baseball tickets. [0196] Referring to step 320 , the Fulfillment System 150 determines the Seeker's Locale. In this example, the Seeker is in the North parking lot of the baseball stadium as geo-located by her “smart phone.” [0197] At Step 330 , the Fulfillment System 150 examines its Database 158 and determines that the corresponding type of Provider sought is: a same-day ticket seller. In this example, the Fulfillment System 150 uses the geo-location determined from a given Provider's “smart phone” to determine that Provider's Locale. [0198] Each Provider's Locale is compared to the Seeker's Locale to determine if a given Provider is proximate. A set of proximate Providers is figured accordingly by the Fulfillment System 150 . Processing same-day ticket sellers in the Database 158 , the System 150 identifies twelve Providers proximate to Judy's Locale at the baseball stadium. [0199] Referring to Step 340 , the Fulfillment System 150 further vets the potential Providers. FIG. 4 details an embodiment of the vetting process. [0200] In Step 430 , each of the potential Providers is vetted based on a comparison of preferences set by the Seeker in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 —against a Provider's characteristics set in the Provider's Profile. Judy Piper's Seeker Profile indicates that she requires a positive proof of identification. Six of the potential Providers do not have “will prove identity” selected in their Profiles, and as a result are rejected by the Fulfillment System 150 . [0201] In Step 460 , for each potential Provider, the Provider is vetted by the Fulfillment System 150 based on the Provider's willingness to accept the Seeker. That willingness is determined based on a comparison of preferences—the Provider's preferences expressed in the Provider's Profile in the Database 158 —against the Seeker's characteristics preset in the Seeker's Profile in the Database 158 . Four potential Providers have indicated preferences for payment specifically in either cash or by credit card. Judy's Seeker Profile reflects her need to pay by check—not credit card nor cash. Judy assumes she isn't carrying sufficient cash and is not about to give out her credit card info to a stranger in a stadium parking lot. The System 150 rejects these four additional potential Providers. Two remaining Providers accept checks—so they pass the vetting process. [0202] Referring to FIG. 3 , step 350 , the Fulfillment System 150 has two potential Providers to display to Judy, to allow her to select one of them. One Provider is in the West parking lot of the baseball stadium. The other Provider is caught in traffic a few blocks from the stadium. FIG. 22A shows a display of proffered Providers as it may appear on Judy's mobile communication device. There are three icons shown. The blue human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2210 represents Judy's Locale in the North parking lot. The yellow human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2220 represents the Locale of the Provider in the West parking lot. The violet human head and shoulders silhouette icon 2230 represents the Locale of the other Provider—still approaching the stadium. [0203] In FIG. 2 , at step 240 , the Seeker selects a Provider proffered by the Fulfillment System 150 —one of two choices in this example. Judy selects the “yellow” ticket seller by tapping on the icon 2220 in FIG. 22A . The Provider in this example—Jack Craig—has set up his preferences in his Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Judy—to contact Jack, as shown in FIG. 23A . Jack's Provider Profile does not indicate a phone number—only an address for texting. Judy's Profile could—but does not—indicate “no texting”. [0204] When Judy sees that Jack can not be phoned, she immediately actuates the “back” virtual button 2310 that returns her to an updated Provider proffer display—FIG. 22 B—where she taps the violet icon 2230 . The fall back Provider in this example—Linda Rogers—has set up her preferences in her Provider's Profile in the Database 158 so that the Fulfillment System 150 prompts the Seeker—Judy—to contact Linda, as shown in FIG. 23B . Linda's Provider Profile provides both a phone number and a texting address. The System 150 sends Linda the ticket seller a notice to her mobile communication device—see FIG. 24-alerting her to expect to be contacted by a Seeker—Judy Piper. [0205] The Fulfillment System 150 can facilitate communication between Seeker and Provider, by either providing contact information for the Provider or—as in this example—providing a facility to contact the Provider directly. In this instance, Judy telephones Linda by actuating virtual button 2320 which causes her mobile communication device to place the phone call directly. The Fulfillment System 150 is not a party in the conversation between the Seeker Judy and the URGS Ticket Seller Linda Rogers. [0206] The Provider—see FIG. 24 —having been alerted to expect to be contacted by a new Seeker—can view the Locale of the new Seeker by actuating the virtual button 2410 , which Linda Rogers chooses to do. This displays a tracking map showing Seeker Judy's Locale as she walks toward the main gate of the stadium and Provider Linda's Locale as she is just pulling into the stadium parking lot—see FIG. 25A . [0207] Linda's mobile communication device rings with the call from Judy Piper—Linda pulls over, parks, and then answers. Judy immediately explains her situation including limited cash. They negotiate a total sale amount—partially to be paid in cash and partially by check. Neither Judy nor Linda are familiar with stadium land marks, but they agree to walk in each other's direction as they both can see on instances of tracking maps on their respective mobile communication devices. [0208] In step 260 , the Fulfillment System 150 starts ongoing tracking of the progress of the Provider and/or the Seeker both traveling to meet at an ad hoc rendezvous location. Referring to FIG. 26 , the System 150 periodically updates a tracking map as it may appear on Seeker Judy Piper's mobile communication device. [0209] The Seeker and Provider continue walking roughly towards each other—each looking around and at their respective tracking map screens. Referring to FIG. 25B , the System 150 periodically updates a tracking map as it may appear on Provider Linda Roger's mobile communication device. As their geo-locations converge both “smart phones” send a loud audible alert. As they near, Linda sees a woman walking away from the stadium with a worried looking young boy in tow—both staring at a loudly sounding phone. Linda calls out to Judy. They walk towards each other, speak greetings, and then turn to head toward the stadium gate as they finish transacting their business. [0210] Referring to step 270 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates compensation by logging the transaction whereby the Seeker—Judy Piper—selected the Provider—Linda Rogers. Both Seeker and Provider can subsequently look up the Transaction Log record. Each can separately associate additional annotation with the Transaction Log. In this example, Judy will make a note of Linda's driver license number. [0211] In step 280 , the Fulfillment System 150 facilitates follow-up. Linda's Provider Profile in the Database 158 indicates “no follow-up”. Judy's Seeker Profile is set for a next day follow-up, which will turn out to be a brief but heartfelt thank you call. [0212] The Fulfillment System 150 facilitates Loyaltization—step 290 —as described above. [0213] While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. Although sub-section titles have been provided to aid in the description of the invention, these titles are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. [0214] It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

A computerized urgent goods and services fulfillment system vets a plurality of providers of an urgent service or goods (URGS) requested by a seeker. The fulfillment system includes a server and a database for storing provider profiles. Upon seeker request, the server screens the providers capable of providing requested URGS. Screening can include analysis of provider profiles, the seeker profile, proximal data and temporal data associated with the plurality providers. The server then proffers at least one screened provider selected from the plurality of providers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 13/270,272, filed Oct. 11, 2011, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/979,721, filed Dec. 28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,064,784, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12/683,199, filed Jan. 6, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,890,001, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/619,359, filed Jan. 3, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,672,601, which is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-009259, filed on Jan. 17, 2006, with the Japanese Patent Office. The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus which outputs the consumed status of a consumable item and a message for exchanging the consumable item. The consumed status and the message of the consumable item are displayed on an operating panel of the image forming apparatus, on a screen of a computer connected to the image forming apparatus via a network by using a HTTP protocol, or are printed on a recording medium such as a paper by a printer engine of the image forming apparatus. [0006] In addition, as a maintenance system of the image forming apparatus, there is a system in which a seller or a manufacturer of the image forming apparatus maintains performance and output quality of the apparatus and exchanges a consumable item for achieving the performance and for maintaining the output quality. In the following description, the above maintenance system is referred to as a performance maintenance system, a person who maintains the apparatus is referred to as a manager, and a person who uses the apparatus is referred to as a user. [0007] When a consumable item is used up, not only can an image forming process not be executed but also this may cause a breakdown of the apparatus. Therefore, messages on the consumed status of a consumable item and on an exchange of the consumable item must be suitably output. In several cases, the messages on the consumed status of the consumable item and on the exchange of the consumable item which messages are important to maintain the performance of the apparatus are output with higher priority than a message on an error of software, for example, application software. [0008] In Patent Document 1, a consumable item managing method is disclosed. In the method, an apparatus of a user side informs a managing apparatus of a manager side about the consumed status of a consumable item. With this, the manger side can supply the consumable item to the user side based on an agreement between the user and the manager. [0009] In Patent Document 2, an image forming apparatus and a managing method thereof are disclosed. In the apparatus, output timing of messages concerning the status of the apparatus, the consumed status of a consumable item, and the exchange of the consumable item is managed based on the following information items. That is, the information items are a used period of the apparatus, a remaining amount of the consumable item, an exchanged history of the consumable item, and a printed history on a recording medium. [0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-280865 [0011] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2005-84611 [0012] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the apparatus is manufactured, output contents and an output I/F (interface) are determined. Therefore, when the same I/Fs are used in the apparatuses of the user and the manager, the user and the manager obtain the same contents. In the performance maintenance system, when the user does not exchange a consumable item, that is, the manager exchanges the consumable item, a message to request the exchange of the consumable item is displayed on the operating panel of the user. That is, not only is a message unnecessary to the user displayed but also the unnecessary message is output with higher priority than a message on an error of software which message is more important for the user. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus in which output messages on the consumed status of a consumable item and on an exchange of the consumable item can be suitably set by the manager or the user. [0014] Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Features and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by an image forming apparatus and an output setting method of the consumed status of consumable items of the image forming apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. [0015] To achieve one or more of these and other advantages, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which uses a consumable item. The image forming apparatus includes a consumed status detecting unit which detects a value of the consumed status of the consumable item, a determining unit which determines to output an exchange message of the consumable item by comparing the value of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit with a predetermined value, an exchange message output setting unit which sets presence or non-presence of an output of the exchange message, and a consumed status output setting unit which sets presence or non-presence of an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit. [0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output setting method of the consumed status of a consumable item of an image forming apparatus. The output setting method includes the steps of detecting a value of the consumed status of the consumable item, determining whether to output an exchange message of the consumable item by comparing the detected value of the consumed status of the consumable item with a predetermined value, setting presence or non-presence of an output of the exchange message, and setting presence or non-presence of an output of the detected consumed status of the consumable item. Effect of the Invention [0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image forming apparatus can be obtained in which apparatus a manger or a user of the apparatus can easily set an output of the consumed status of each consumable item and can easily set a message concerning an exchange of each consumable item. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of an electrophotographic process in a printer engine shown in FIG. 1 ; [0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram in which an intermediate transfer belt is used in the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 2 ; [0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a tandem-type color laser printer in which the electrophotographic process is used; [0023] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer shown in FIG. 1 in which an output setting table is used; [0024] FIG. 6 is the output setting table in a case where there is a single exchange message; [0025] FIG. 7 is an output setting table in a case where there are plural exchange messages; [0026] FIG. 8 is a table showing combinations of output contents in the output setting table; [0027] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer shown in FIG. 1 in which a modified output setting table is used; [0028] FIG. 10 shows examples of the plural consumable-item output setting tables; [0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0030] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where plural exchange messages exist corresponding to values of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0031] FIG. 13 is another flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where a single exchange message exists corresponding to a value of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0032] FIG. 14 is a table showing “PRESENCE” and “NON-PRESENCE” of exchange messages to be output based on the consumed status of the consumable item; [0033] FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing processes for outputting exchange messages of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0034] FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing processes for outputting the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0035] FIG. 15C is a flowchart showing processes for outputting a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0036] FIG. 16 is a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention; [0037] FIG. 17 is a table in which remaining amount information of each consumable item is shown; and [0038] FIG. 18 is another list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention [0039] The best mode of carrying out the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, as an image forming apparatus, a color laser printer is described, and as consumable items of the printer, a photoconductor body and toner are described. However, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile apparatus. In addition, as the consumable items, other consumable items such as a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit can be used. [0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a color laser printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. [0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , a color laser printer 1 includes a controller 2 , an operating panel 4 , and a printer engine 13 . The color laser printer 1 is connected to a host computer 3 and a network 15 . The controller 2 controls all the elements in the color laser printer 1 and includes a host I/F 5 , a program ROM 6 , a font ROM 7 , a panel I/F 8 , a CPU 9 , a RAM 10 , an NV-RAM (non-volatile RAM) 11 , an engine I/F 12 , an HDD 14 , and a network I/F 16 . The controller 2 can further include an additional RAM (not shown). [0043] A manager or a user inputs several settings on the operating panel 4 . In addition, several operations of the color laser printer 1 are displayed on the operating panel 4 . [0044] The printer engine 13 outputs control signals and print data from the controller 2 onto a recording medium (paper). [0045] The host computer 3 transmits control signals and print data to the color laser printer 1 , and processes signals to perform the several operations of the color laser printer 1 . [0046] One or more computers (not shown) are connected to the network 15 , and print data and control signals from the computers are transmitted to the color laser printer 1 via the network 15 . The computers receive output signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 via the network 15 . [0047] The host computer 3 transmits the control signals and the print data to the color laser printer 1 via the host I/F 5 . The color laser printer 1 outputs signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the host computer 3 via the host I/F 5 . [0048] In the program ROM 6 , programs are stored in which programs a data processing method and a data managing method in the controller 2 and a module controlling method of modules (not shown) in the color laser printer 1 are described. [0049] In the font ROM 7 , various fonts which are used for printing are stored. [0050] The controller 2 is connected to the operating panel 4 via the panel I/F 8 , and the panel I/F 8 receives signals input from the operating panel 4 and outputs the signals of the several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the operating panel 4 . [0051] The CPU 9 executes data processing in the color laser printer 1 , data processing between the color laser printer 1 and external apparatuses, and controls the processes by using the programs stored in the program ROM 6 . [0052] In the RAM 10 , data processed by the CPU 9 , print data, and image data which the print data are converted into are temporarily stored. [0053] The NV-RAM 11 stores data even if a power source of the color laser printer 1 is turned off. [0054] The controller 2 is connected to the printer engine 13 via the engine I/F 12 . The engine I/F 12 outputs print data and control signals output from the controller 2 to the printer engine 13 , and receives control signals output from the printer engine 13 . [0055] The printer engine 13 executes a printing process by using the print data and the control signals received from the controller 2 . [0056] The HDD 14 stores, for example, print data when the print data are large. [0057] The controller 2 is connected to the network 15 via the network I/F 16 . The network I/F 16 receives print data and control signals from the computer (not shown) connected to the network 15 and transmits signals of several operations of the color laser printer 1 to the computer. [0058] [Data Receiving Process] [0059] The print data and the control signals are input to the color laser printer 1 from the host computer 3 via the host I/F 5 , or from the computer (not shown) connected to the network 15 via the network I/F 16 , and are separated into letter print data, letter print control data and so on. The separated data are stored in a buffer (not shown) in the RAM 10 . [0060] [Image Data Forming Process] [0061] The CPU 9 executes programs stored in the program ROM 6 one by one. With this, the data stored in the buffer are taken out element by element and are processed. For example, from the letter print data, an intermediate code is generated which code provides a letter print position, a letter print size, a letter code, and font information. The generated intermediate code is stored in an intermediate buffer (not shown). A predetermined process is applied to the letter print control data, and the processed data are stored in an intermediate buffer. The definitions of the processes are described in the program stored in the program ROM 6 . [0062] When the amount of the processed data becomes an image forming amount of one page, or a print command is received from the computer which transmits the print data, the data stored in the intermediate buffer are converted into image data. [0063] [Image Data Outputting Process] [0064] The controller 2 transmits a print start command and the image data synchronized with the print start command to the printer engine 13 via the engine I/F 12 . [0065] [Electrophotographic Process] [0066] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow of an electrophotographic process in the printer engine 13 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a diagram in which an intermediate transfer belt is used in the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a tandem-type color laser printer in which the electrophotographic process is used. [0067] In FIG. 2 , when processes from step S 1 through S 7 are applied to an organic photoconductor drum 1301 and a paper 1302 , the image data input to the printer engine 13 are printed on the paper (recording medium) 1302 . [0068] Referring to FIG. 2 , the above processes are described in detail. [0069] First, negative electric charges are applied on the organic photoconductor drum 1302 (step S 1 ). [0070] Next, image data are exposed by removing the electric charges at parts where the image data do not exist by irradiating laser beams on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 based on the image data (step S 2 ). [0071] Next, the image data are developed by adhering positive toner to the electric charges remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 (step S 3 ). [0072] Next, the paper 1302 is carried to the organic photoconductor drum 1301 on which the image data are developed and negative electric charges are applied from the paper 1302 . With this, the toner adhered on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is transferred onto the paper 1302 (step S 4 ). [0073] Next, an image is fixed on the paper 1302 by fixing the transferred toner on the paper 1302 (step S 5 ). [0074] Next, after transferring the toner onto the paper 1302 , toner remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is removed by using a brush, a magnetic brush, or a blade, that is, the surface of the organic photoconductor drum 1301 is cleaned (step S 6 ). [0075] Next, the electric charges remaining on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 are discharged (erased) (step S 7 ). [0076] In FIG. 3 , as an example, an intermediate transfer body is used when the toner is transferred from the organic photoconductor drum 1301 to the paper 1302 . [0077] As shown in FIG. 3 , a first transfer step is executed by transferring the toner adhered on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 onto the intermediate transfer belt 1303 . The toner transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 1303 is transferred onto the paper 1302 by a second transfer step. The toner transferred onto the paper 1302 is fixed by a fixing step. [0078] In the difference of the processes shown in FIG. 3 from the processes shown in FIG. 2 , in FIG. 3 , an intermediate transfer body is used, that is, the intermediate transfer belt 1303 is used. The first transfer step is similar to the steps S 1 through S 4 , S 6 , and S 7 shown in FIG. 2 . The fixing step is similar to step S 5 shown in FIG. 2 . Therefore, the same description is omitted. [0079] In FIG. 4 , a tandem-type color laser printer is shown in which an electrophotographic process is applied to each color image of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). [0080] A toner cartridge 1304 stores K toner, a toner cartridge 1305 stores Y toner, a toner cartridge 1306 stores M toner, and a toner cartridge 1307 stores C toner. [0081] A writing optical unit 1308 forms a latent image by charging the surface of an organic photoconductor drum and exposing an image formed by laser beams irradiated onto the organic photoconductor drum 1301 . [0082] A developing unit 1309 develops the latent image by adhering toner to the latent image formed on the organic photoconductor drum 1301 . [0083] A transfer unit 1310 transfers the developed toner image onto the paper 1302 . Paper feeding cassettes 1311 and 1322 store papers on which no image is printed. [0084] A fixing unit 1313 fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper 1302 . [0085] [Detection and Output of Consumed Status of Photoconductor Body] [0086] In the electrophotographic process, a charging process, an exposing process, a toner adhering process, an image transferring process, a cleaning process, and a discharging (erasing) process are applied to a photoconductor body. When the electrophotographic process is repeated, the surface of the photoconductor body is worn and marks of the wearing appear thereon, and this leads to lowering the optical conductivity. That is, the surface of the photoconductor body is degraded. The degradation leads to lowering the image quality, to excessively consuming toner, and to generating failures such as paper jamming. Therefore, when the wearing (consumed) status of the surface of the photoconductor body becomes a predetermined value or more, printing operations are restrained, for example, the printing operations are stopped, or information about the wearing status of the surface of the photoconductor body is output. With this, the user is requested to exchange the photoconductor body. [0087] The information on the consumed status of the photoconductor body can be estimated from, for example, accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body. When the accumulated driving hours of the motor are stored in the NV-RAM 11 , even if the power source of the color laser printer 1 is turned off, the accumulated driving hours can be maintained. When the accumulated driving hours exceed a predetermined value, a message showing that the exchanging time will be soon is output. Further, when the accumulated driving hours exceed a predetermined value, a message showing that the exchanging time is right now is output, and the printing operations are stopped. [0088] The accumulated driving hours of the motor can be converted into the number of printed papers by using a predetermined method. In the conversion, for example, an A4 size paper (210 mm×297 mm) is used and an image is printed on the A4 size paper in its long length direction. Then, the number of the printed A4 size papers is counted. [0089] [Detection and Output of Consumed Status of Toner] [0090] Toner is consumed by adhering onto a photoconductor body when a latent image is developed in the electrophotographic process. Further, when a developing unit is operated, since the toner is used as a buffer between the developing unit and the surface of the photoconductor body, a small amount of the toner is consumed regardless of image forming operations. [0091] When the toner is used up, there is a risk that jamming may occur due to abnormal contact of the photoconductor body with a recording medium (paper) upon transferring an image onto the paper. In addition, when the toner as the buffer is used up, there is a risk that abnormal degradation of the surface of the photoconductor body may occur due to direct contact of the photoconductor body with the developing unit. In order to solve the above problems, re-supply of the toner is requested by the user based on detecting the remaining amount of toner. [0092] Detection of the remaining amount of toner is executed by measuring the mass of the remaining toner in the apparatus, or is executed by detecting the upper surface of the toner in a toner container by a sensor. When it is determined that the toner container is full of toner as a reference, the remaining amount of the toner is detected at several intervals from full to vacancy. The intervals are determined, for example, every 5%, 10 or 20% of full. When the remaining amount of the toner is smaller than a predetermined value, a message showing that toner must be re-supplied soon is output. When the remaining amount of the toner is further smaller than the predetermined value, a message is output showing that toner must be re-supplied right now or printing operations will be restricted or stopped. [0093] When the remaining amount of the toner is output, supplying the toner can be easily executed. [0094] [Setting of Output of Consumed Status of Consumable Items] [0095] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which an output setting table is used. The output setting table is described below in detail. [0096] As shown in FIG. 5 , the color laser printer 1 includes the controller 2 , the operating panel 4 , the printer engine 13 , a consumed status detecting unit 101 , and consumable items 102 a through 102 c. [0097] The controller 2 further includes a determining unit 201 , an exchange message output setting unit 202 , a consumed status output setting unit 203 , a consumable-item output referring unit 204 , an output setting table storing unit 205 , an output setting table 206 , and an output selecting unit 207 . As described above, as the output I/Fs, the controller 2 includes the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , and the network I/F 16 . The output selecting unit 207 selects one of the output I/Fs. [0098] The consumed status detecting unit 101 detects the consumed status of the consumable items 102 a through 102 c , and sends the name of the consumable item and a value indicating the consumed status to the determining unit 201 . The name of the consumable item is also sent to the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . [0099] The determining unit 201 determines the consumed status of the consumable item by using a predetermined value Va which is determined for each consumable item, based on the value indicating the consumed status of the consumable item received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 . For example, when the consumable item is a photoconductor body and the accumulated driving hours of the motor exceed a predetermined value, or when the consumable item is toner and the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the determining unit 201 sends a signal to the exchange message output setting unit 202 which signal requests to output an exchange message of the consumable item. [0100] In addition, when plural exchange messages are set (prepositioned) for a consumable item, the determining unit 201 determines the consumed status of the consumable item by using predetermined values set for plural consumed status, and requests to output an exchange message corresponding to the value to the exchange message output setting unit 202 . [0101] When the exchange message output setting unit 202 receives the signal which requests to output an exchange message of the consumable item from the determining unit 201 and an output setting signal of the exchange message received from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 is “PRESENCE”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets the output of the exchange message of the consumable item as “PRESENCE”. Then the exchange message output setting unit 202 outputs the exchange message with the name thereof to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 . [0102] When the output setting signal of the exchange message received from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 is “PRESENCE”, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets the output of the consumed status of the consumable item as “PRESENCE”. Then, the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the exchange message with the name thereof and a value indicating the consumed status of the consumable item to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 . [0103] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output for each consumable item based on the name of the consumable item received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 . Then, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 sends the selected one of “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” to the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 . [0104] FIG. 6 is an output setting table in a case where there is a single exchange message. As shown in FIG. 6 , in a photoconductor body, only the consumed status is output, and an exchange message is not output. In toner, both the consumed status and the exchange message are output. [0105] FIG. 7 is an output setting table in a case where there are plural exchange messages. In FIG. 7 , an exchange message 1 indicates that a consumable item must be exchanged right now (in some cases, hereinafter referred to as “END”) and an exchange message 2 indicates that the exchange time will be soon (in some cases, hereinafter referred to as “NEAR END”). [0106] In the description, “message” includes not only a message by letters and numerals but also by signs. [0107] The settings in the output setting tables shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be changed at any time by the manager or the user. The manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 to change the setting from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown). [0108] The output selecting unit 207 sets “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output of the exchange message and the consumed status in each I/F, regardless of the output from the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . When the output from the output selecting unit 207 does not coincide with the outputs from the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 , the output from the output selecting unit 207 is used as the higher priority. [0109] [Modified Example of Process in Consumable-Item Output Referring Unit] [0110] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 can select a combination of the consumable items in the output setting table which is stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 . [0111] FIG. 8 is a table showing combinations of output contents in the output setting table. In FIG. 8 , four combinations A through D are shown. The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects a combination in the four combinations. [0112] The names of the combinations are not limited to the signs A through D, and can be modes such as “customer engineer mode”, “user mode”, “performance maintenance mode”, and “normal maintenance mode” for the convenience of the manager or the user. [0113] The combination of the consumable items can be changed at any time by the manager or the user. The manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 to change the setting from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown). [0114] [Modified Example of Output Setting Table] [0115] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the color laser printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which a modified output setting table is used. That is, in the modified output setting table, plural output setting tables are used. [0116] As different points from those shown in FIG. 5 , in FIG. 9 , a plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 , a plural consumable-item output setting table storing unit 209 , and plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 are newly added. [0117] The plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 selects one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 stored in the plural consumable-item output setting table storing unit 209 based on an instruction of the manager or the user. Then, the plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 sends the selected one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables to the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . [0118] The consumable-item output referring unit 204 selects a combination of output settings of a consumable item of a name received from the consumed status detecting unit 101 from the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 selected by the plural consumable-item output selecting unit 208 . Further, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 sends “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” of the output contents to the exchange message output setting unit 202 and the consumed status output setting unit 203 in the selected combination of the output settings by referring to the output setting table 206 stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 for every output content. [0119] When one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 is selected, the manager or the user instructs the consumable-item output referring unit 204 from the host computer 3 , the operating panel 4 , or any one of the computers 151 a through 151 c via a connection route (not shown). [0120] FIG. 10 shows examples of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 . In FIG. 10 , the combination name shown in FIG. 8 is used. [0121] When the manager or the user selects the plural consumable-item output setting table shown in FIG. 10( a ), the manager or the user can obtain the output contents of the consumable items in the selected table 210 at the same time. In FIG. 10( a ), since the manager of both the photoconductor body and the toner is the user, the output contents shown in FIG. 7 are needed for the user. [0122] In FIG. 10( b ), a case is shown. In this case, the manager of the photoconductor body is not the user, and the manager of toner is the user. Therefore, with respect to the photoconductor body, only the exchange message 1 is needed for the user, and with respect to the toner, all of the output contents are needed for the user. [0123] In FIG. 10( c ), a case is shown. In this case, the manager of the photoconductor body and toner is not the user. Therefore, with respect to both the photoconductor body and the toner, only the exchange message 1 is needed for the user. [0124] As described above, when the combination names are assigned as modes such as “customer engineer mode”, “user mode”, “performance maintenance mode”, and “normal maintenance mode”, the manger and the user can easily select one of the plural consumable-item output setting tables 210 by using one of the assigned modes. [0125] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention. [0126] Referring to FIG. 11 , the processes are described. [0127] First, the consumed status detecting unit 101 detects the consumed status of each consumable item (step S 11 ). [0128] Next, the determining unit 201 determines whether an exchange message of the consumable item is to be output by comparing the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 with a predetermined value determined for each consumable item (step S 12 ). [0129] Next, when the determining unit 201 determines to output the exchange message of the consumable item, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message of the consumable item (step S 13 ). [0130] Next, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 (step S 14 ). [0131] In steps S 13 and 14 , with respect to “PRESENCE” or “NON-PRESENCE” in the output contents, the consumable-item output referring unit 204 can refer to the output setting table 206 stored in the output setting table storing unit 205 . [0132] When the processes in steps S 11 through S 14 are repeated, the outputs of the exchange message and the consumed status of each consumable item can be set corresponding to a change of the consumed status of the consumable item. [0133] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where plural exchange messages exist corresponding to values of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention. [0134] Referring to FIG. 12 , the processes are described. [0135] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 shows a predetermined value (step S 121 a ). In this, when accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body exceeds the predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value, and when the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value. [0136] When the determining unit 201 determines that the consumed status value shows the predetermined value (YES in step S 121 a ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the consumed status value is in a range where the exchanging time will be soon (step S 122 a ). [0137] When the detected value is in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (YES in step S 122 a ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 2 (step S 131 a ). [0138] When the detected value is not in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (NO in step S 122 a ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 1 (step S 132 a ). [0139] FIG. 13 is another flowchart showing processes to output information of a consumable item in a case where a single exchange message exists corresponding to a value of the consumed status of the consumable item according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a table showing “PRESENCE” and “NON-PRESENCE” of exchange messages to be output based on the consumed status of the consumable item. [0140] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the processes are described. [0141] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 shows a predetermined value (step S 121 b ). In this, when accumulated driving hours of a motor which drives the photoconductor body exceeds the predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value, and when the mass of the remaining toner is less than a predetermined value, the detected value shows the predetermined value. [0142] When the determining unit 201 determines that the detected value shows the predetermined value (YES in step S 121 b ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the detected value is in a range where the exchanging time will be soon (step S 122 b ). [0143] When the detected value is in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (YES in step S 122 b ), since the exchange message 2 does not exist in the table shown in FIG. 14 , the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable item detected by the consumed status detecting unit 101 (step S 14 of FIG. 11 ). [0144] When the detected value is not in the range where the exchanging time will be soon (NO in step S 122 b ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of the exchange message 1 based on the table shown in FIG. 14 , and outputs the exchange message 1 to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 132 b ). [0145] FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing processes for outputting exchange messages of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the processes, messages are output based on the table shown in FIG. 7 . [0146] First, the determining unit 201 determines whether a value showing the consumed status of a photoconductor body is a predetermined value (step S 21 ). [0147] When the determining unit 201 determines that the value showing the consumed status of the photoconductor body is the predetermined value (YES in step S 21 ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether the consumed status is “NEAR END” (step S 22 ). When the consumed status is “NEAR END”(YES in step S 22 ), the process goes to step S 01 (described below). When the consumed status is not “NEAR END” (NO in step S 22 ), that is, the consumed status is “END”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the photoconductor body must be exchanged right now and outputs the message to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 23 ). [0148] Next, when the determining unit 201 determines that the value showing the consumed status of the photoconductor body is not the predetermined value (NO in step S 21 ), the determining unit 201 further determines whether a value showing the consumed status of toner is a predetermined value (step S 31 ). [0149] When the value showing the consumed status of the toner is the predetermined value (YES in step S 31 ), the determining unit 201 determines whether the consumed status is “NEAR END” (step S 32 ). When the consumed status is “NEAR END” (YES in step S 32 ), the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the toner must be exchanged soon and outputs the message (message 2 ) to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 33 ). [0150] When the consumed status is not “NEAR END” (NO in step S 32 ), that is, the consumed status is “END”, the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets to output a message that the toner must be exchanged right now and outputs the message (message 1 ) to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 34 ). [0151] FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing processes for outputting the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. That is, in FIG. 15B , the process starts from step S 01 shown in FIG. 15A . [0152] First, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets to output the consumed status of the photoconductor body, and when the output of the consumed status of the photoconductor body exists (YES in step S 41 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the consumed status of the photoconductor body to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 42 ). [0153] Next, when the output of the consumed status of the photoconductor body does not exist (NO in step S 41 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets to output the consumed status of toner, and when the output of the consumed status of the toner exists (YES in step S 43 ), the consumed status output setting unit 203 outputs the consumed status of the toner to the host I/F 5 , the panel I/F 8 , the engine I/F 12 , or the network I/F 16 (step S 44 ). [0154] When the output of the consumed status of the toner does not exist (NO in step S 43 ), the process goes to step SO 2 (described below). [0155] Setting conditions of the outputs in steps S 41 and 43 can be arbitrarily changed by the manager or the user by using the input I/F such as the operating panel 4 . [0156] FIG. 15C is a flowchart showing processes for outputting a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. That is, in FIG. 15C , the process starts from step SO 2 shown in FIG. 15B . [0157] First, it is determined whether an output request for the list of the consumed status of the consumable items exists (step S 51 ). [0158] Next, the consumed status output setting unit 203 sets an output of the consumed status of the consumable items based on an output of each consumable item which is referred to by the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . At the same time, the determining unit 201 compares a value showing the consumed status of each consumable item with a predetermined value, and the exchange message output setting unit 202 sets an output of a message regarding the consumed status, based on the determination of the determining unit 201 and the output of each consumable item which is referred to by the consumable-item output referring unit 204 . Based on the determined output of the consumed status and the output of the message regarding the consumed status, a list of the consumed status of the consumable items is formed (step S 52 ). [0159] Next, the engine I/F 12 outputs the formed list of the consumed status of the consumable items to the printer engine 13 (step S 53 ). The printer engine 13 prints the list of the consumed status of the consumable items on a recording medium and outputs the printed list. [0160] FIG. 16 is a list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16 , an example of a normal maintenance system is shown. [0161] In FIG. 16 , the remaining toner amount of each color, conditions of a waste toner bottle, and the remaining service life of each developing unit, a transfer unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a fixing/secondary transfer unit, a fixing unit, and a fixing oil unit are printed on a paper. [0162] In addition, the remaining amount (consumed status) of each consumable item is shown by the length of a bar having intervals. When the consumed status becomes “NEAR END” or “END”, a letter string of “NEAR END” or “END” is used instead of the bar, and when the consumed status is not available, a dashed line is used instead of the bar. [0163] FIG. 17 is a table in which remaining amount information of each consumable item is shown. As shown in FIG. 17 , toner can be displayed in two expressions of black and color, or in four expressions of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta. The remaining amount of the toner is expressed at intervals of 10% or 20%. In addition, when the exchange time of toner will be soon, the letter string “NEAR END” is displayed (printed), and when the toner must be exchanged right now, the letter string “END” is displayed (printed). [0164] In the case of a waste toner bottle, the remaining amount information is displayed (printed) in three steps, some vacancy, NEAR END, and full. [0165] In case of the developing units, the transfer unit, the intermediate transfer unit, the fixing and secondary transfer unit, the fixing unit, and the fixing oil unit, the manager can determine whether the consumed status thereof is to be output for the user. Since the user does not exchange the above items, it is enough that the manager can obtain the information. In addition, the display (printing) of each of the developing units, the transfer unit, the intermediate transfer unit, the fixing and secondary transfer unit, the fixing unit, and the fixing oil unit can be turned on/off in the customer engineer system. [0166] The table shown in FIG. 17 is an example, and the consumed items of the table are different among apparatuses. In addition, the intervals in the remaining amount information can be set arbitrarily. [0167] In the remaining amount information, at 10% intervals, for example, when the remaining amount is 1% to 100 , the bar is at the 10% point. The concept is the same as at 20% intervals. In addition, in the remaining amount information, when the remaining amount becomes 0%, “END” is displayed, and becomes almost 0%, “NEAR END” is displayed. [0168] FIG. 18 is another list of the consumed status of consumable items according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 18 , an example of a performance maintenance system is shown. In this case, since the toner is exchanged by the user, the toner is not displayed. [0169] Further, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

An apparatus in which a plurality of consumable items are loadable to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a consumption status detecting unit to detect a respective consumption status of each of the consumable items, a consumption information output setting unit to set whether an exchange message for each of the consumable items is to be output, and a consumable item information output unit to output the exchange message, which is indicative of an exchange time of the respective consumable item, based on the respective consumption statuses detected by the consumption status detecting unit and the setting of the consumption information output setting unit.

This application is a division of prior application Ser. No. 07/157,790, filed on Feb. 19, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,359, which is a division of prior application Ser. No. 06/691,531, filed Jan. 15, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,438. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a suspension control system for an automotive vehicle with variable damping force depending upon road surface condition. More specifically, the invention relates to a suspension control system which includes a sensor monitoring road surface conditions for use in controlling the stiffness of the suspension in accordance therewith. Various uses of road preview sensors have been proposed and developed. For example, SAE Technical Paper Series Nos. 680750 and 800520, respectively published on October, 1968 and February, 1980 show road preview sensors for use in suspension systems for obtaining optimum riding comfort and drivability. In addition, Japanese Patent First Publication No. 57-172808, published on Oct. 23, 1982 discloses a vehicle height control system which includes a sensor which detects rough road conditions and adjusts the vehicle height level depending upon road surface conditions. A vehicle height or level sensor is employed in the disclosed vehicle height control system for monitoring the relative displacement between the vehicle body and wheel axle. The output of the vehicle level sensor is compared with a reference level, which serves as a rough road criterion, and adjusts the vehicle height according to the result of judgment of the road surface conditions. In another example, Japanese Patent First Publication No. 58-30542, published on Feb. 23, 1983, discloses a variable damping force shock absorber with damping characteristics varying in accordance with vehicle driving conditions. In the disclosed system, the magnitude of relative displacement between the vehicle body and wheel axle is measured and a vehicle height variation indicative signal is derived from the measured displacement and the instantaneous vehicle speed. The vehicle height variation indicative signal value is compared with a reference value which serves as a staff suspension criterion for adjustment of the damping characteristics of the shock absorber in accordance therewith. Conventional suspension control systems encounter difficulty in recognizing the nature of vibrations causing relative displacement between the vehicle body and the wheel axle. For instance, when the road wheel vibrates due to small-scale irregularities in the road surface, a softer or weaker suspension may be preferred in order to provide sufficient riding comfort. On the other hand, when the vehicle body vibrates on a larger scale, i.e. if it starts to roll or pitch, a stiffer suspension is preferable to provide riding comfort and better drivability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a suspension control system which overcome drawbacks in the prior art and can provide both riding comfort and drivability by recognizing whether relative displacement between vehicle body and road wheels is due to vibration of the wheel or of the body relative to the plane of the road. A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a suspension control system which includes a sensor capable of distinguishing between road surface conditions which cause road wheel vibrations and those which cause vehicle body vibrations so that the suspension is stiffened only when the relative displacement due to vehicle body vibrations, such as rolling or pitching, is recognized. In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects, a suspension control system, according to the invention, includes a sensor producing a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of the relative displacement between a vehicle body and a road wheel and having only frequency components corresponding to possible frequencies of vibration of the vehicle body. A first comparator compares the amplitude of a predetermined first higher-frequency range of signal components with a first reference level so as to detect the magnitude of vibration of the road wheel. The first comparator produces a high-level first comparator signal when the magnitude of the higher-frequency range vibrations is greater than the first reference level. A second comparator compares the amplitude of a predetermined second lower-frequency range of signal components with a second reference level so as to detect the magnitude of vibrations of the vehicle body. The second comparator produces a high-level second comparator signal when the magnitude of the lower-frequency range vibrations is greater than the second reference level. A controller analyzes road surface conditions on the basis of at least the second comparator signal level. The controller produces a control signal which triggers a variable-damping-characteristics suspension mechanism to adjust the damping characteristics between a stiffer suspension mode and a softer suspension mode depending upon the road surface conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following drawings, throughout which like numerals refer to like elements, may be of assistance in understanding the concepts behind the present invention and the structure, function and purpose of some preferred embodiments thereof: FIG. 1, a diagram of major elements of, a typical vehicular suspension system and of a first preferred embodiment of a suspension control system; FIGS. 2(A)-2(D) are some examples of road surface sensor signals characteristic of distinct road conditions; FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of the suspension control system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4, a more detailed block diagram of the controller of FIG. 3; FIG. 5, a more detailed block diagram of the ultrasonic sensor of FIG. 3; FIG. 6, a flowchart of an ultrasonic sensor timing control program executed by the controller of FIGS. 3 and 4; FIGS. 7(A)-7(E) are the timings of some typical waveforms appearing in the circuitry of FIG. 3; FIG. 8, a diagram of possible states of a low-frequency reference signal; FIG. 9, a diagram of possible states of a high-frequency reference signal; FIG. 10, a longitudinal section through a shock absorber used in the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 11, a partial longitudinal section through a modified shock absorber; FIG. 12, an enlarged longitudinal section through the damping force adjusting mechanism of FIG. 11; FIG. 13(A) and (B), cross-sections through the mechanism shown in FIG. 12 at positions revealing the three possible fluid flow paths; FIG. 14, an enlarged elevation in partial section of actuating elements of the mechanism shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 15, a block diagram similar to FIG. 3 of a second preferred embodiment; FIG. 16, an elevation of a strut assembly for use with the second preferred embodiment; FIG. 17, an enlarged elevation of part of the strut assembly of FIG. 16; FIG. 18, a block diagram of a modification to the circuit of FIG. 15; FIGS. 19(A)-19(J) illustrates a timing chart for typical signals obtaining in the circuit of FIG. 18; FIG. 20, a diagram of the possible states of a low-frequency reference signal; FIG. 21, a diagram of the possible states of a high-frequency reference signal; FIG. 22, a block diagram of another modification to the circuit of FIG. 15; FIG. 23, a block diagram of yet another modification to the circuit of FIG. 15; FIG. 24, a block diagram of still another modification to the circuit of FIG. 15; and FIG. 25, a diagram of a third embodiment of a suspension control system. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of an electronic suspension control system in accordance with the present invention generally comprises suspension strut assemblies 10, each including a shock absorber 12 with variable shock-absorbing characteristics and a controller 100 adapted to produce a control signal for actuating an actuator (not shown in FIG. 1) in each shock absorber 12 in order to adjust the shock-absorbing characteristics in accordance with the vehicle driving condition. It should be appreciated that the term "shock-absorbing characteristics" used throughout the disclosure refers to the quantitative degree to which a shock absorber produces damping force or spring force against bounding and rebounding motion of the vehicle body as a sprung mass and the road wheel assembly as unsprung mass, and pitching and rolling movement of the vehicle body relative to the road wheel assembly. In practice, the shock-absorbing characteristics can be controlled in various ways based on flow restriction between shock absorber working chambers disposed in shock absorber cylinders. In the shown embodiment, the flow restriction is variable by means of a flow control valve disposed within a reciprocable piston separating the chambers. The preferred embodiment described herebelow employs a shock absorber with two-way variable shock-absorbing characteristics, i.e. HARD mode and SOFT mode. Obviously, in HARD mode, the damping force generated in response to bounding or rebounding shock applied to the vehicle is greater than in SOFT mode. However, the shown embodiment is to be considered merely as an example for facilitating better understanding of the invention and simplification of the disclosure. In fact, shock absorbers which operate in three modes, i.e. HARD mode, SOFT mode and INTERMEDIATE or MEDIUM mode, are also applicable to the preferred embodiment of the suspension control system according to the invention. Some possible modifications to the shock absorber will be disclosed together with the preferred shock absorber design given later. Returning to FIG. 1, the controller 100 is connected to a road surface sensor 200 which produces a sensor signal S r indicative of road surface conditions, which will be referred to hereinafter as "road sensor signal S r ". The controller 100 may also be connected to sensors, such as a vehicle speed sensor, a brake switch, etc., in order to receive the sensor signals indicative of the suspension control parameters. The controller 100 is, in turn, connected to driver signal generators 102 which are responsive to the control signal from the controller, which control signal S c can assume either of two states, namely HIGH and LOW. The driver signal generator 102 produces a drive signal S d which actuates the shock absorber to one of the HARD and SOFT modes. The controller 100 is responsive to the road sensor signal S r to produce a control signal S c for switching the shock absorber between HARD mode and SOFT mode. The general concepts of road surface-dependent suspension control will be described herebelow with respect to FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D). FIG. 2(A) shows the waveform of the road sensor signal S r as the vehicle travels over a relatively smooth road. FIG. 2(B) shows a waveform of the road sensor signal as the vehicle moves along a graded but poorly surfaced road, such as a gravel road. FIG. 2(C) shows the waveform of the road sensor signal as the vehicle travels along a very rough road. FIG. 2(D) shows the waveform of the road sensor signal as the vehicle travels along an undulant but well-surfaced road. Generally speaking, softer or lower damping-force characteristics are preferable from the standpoint of good driving comfort. Thus, when travelling along a relatively smooth road, the SOFT mode of the shock absorber is preferable. In addition, in order to absorb relatively high-frequency vibrations caused by an uneven road surface, a SOFT suspension is preferred. On the other hand, when the vehicle is travelling on a relatively rough or undulant road, the vehicle body may tend to bounce due to abrupt vertical displacements. In this case, pitch suppression becomes the most important factor for riding comfort and driving stability. It should be apparent that as the road wheel vibrates due to a rough road surface, it generates high-frequency components in the road sensor signal. On the other hand, large-scale vehicle body vibrations as in lateral rolling or vertical pitching motions are reflected in the low-frequency components of the road sensor signal. Therefore, in the shown system, the road surface conditions, whether a relatively smooth road (A), an uneven road (B), a relatively rough road (C) or an undulant road (D), can be recognized by separately monitoring the high- and low-frequency components of the road sensor signals. FIGS. 3 to 10 show the first preferred embodiment of the suspension control system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the circuit layout of the first embodiment of the suspension control system of the invention. The road sensor 200 comprises an ultra-sonic sensor 202 which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a pair of band-pass filters 204 and 206, AC-DC converters 208 and 210, and comparators 212 and 214. The band-pass filter 204 serves as low-pass filter for filtering the high-frequency components out of the output signal of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 (FIG. 7(A)) in order to pick up only the low-frequency components as shown in FIG. 7(B). The low-pass filter 204 is connected to the AC-DC converter 208. The AC-DC converter 208 converts the output signal of the low-pass filter indicative of the amplitude of the low-frequency components of the ultra-sonic sensor output signal into a corresponding direct-current signal as shown in FIG. 7(D). The AC-DC converter 208 is connected for output to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 212. Similarly, the band-pass filter 206 is adapted to filter the low-frequency components out of the ultra-sonic sensor output signal so as to pick up only the high-frequency components as shown in FIG. 7(C). The output signal of the high-pass filter 206 is fed to the AC-DC converter 210. The AC-DC converter 210 produces a direct-current signal shown in FIG. 7(E) indicative of the amplitude of the high-frequency components of the ultra-sonic sensor output signal. The direct current level signal output from the AC-DC converter 210 is applied to the comparator 214 through the non-inverting input terminal. The inverting input terminals of the comparators 212 and 214 receive inputs from reference signal generators 216 and 218 respectively. The reference signal generator 216 has a voltage divider 220 consisting of resistors R 1 and R 2 . The junction 222 through which the reference signal generator 216 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 212, is connected to the output terminal of the comparator 214 via a diode D 2 and a resistor R 4 . The junction 222 is also connected to the controller 100 via an inverter 224, a diode D 1 and a resistor R 3 for purposes discussed later. With this arrangement, the signal level D of the reference signal produced by the reference signal generator 216 varies depending upon the output of the comparator 214 and the signal level C of control signal S c from the controller. In practice, the reference signal level of the reference signal generator 216 can be obtained from the following equation: A=A.sub.0-α1× C+α.sub.2× D . . . (1) where A is the signal level of the reference signal of the reference signal generator 216; A 0 is the source voltage determined by the voltage divider 220 at the junction 222; α 1 is a constant determined by resistance value of the resistor R 3; α 2 is a constant determined by resistance value of the resistor R 4 . C is a binary value determined by the control signal S c; and D is a binary value determined by the output of the comparator 214. Similarly, the reference signal generator 218 has a voltage divider 226 consisting of a pair of resistors R 5 and R 6 . A junction 228 between the resistors R 5 and R 6 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 216. In addition, the junction 228 is connected to the controller 100 via the inverter 224, a diode D 3 and a resistor R 7 . With this arrangement, the signal level of the reference signal produced by the reference signal generator 218 varies depending upon the signal level of the control signal from the controller 100. In practice, the signal level of the reference signal of the reference signal generator 218 can be obtained from the following equation: B=B.sub.0-β× C . . . (2) where B is the signal level of the reference signal of the reference signal generator 218; B 0 is the source voltage determined by voltage divider 226 β is a constant determined by the resistance value of the resistor R 7; and C is a binary value determined by the control signal S c . The controller 100 is connected for input from the output terminal of the comparator 212 and outputs a control signal value at either a HIGH level, by which the shock absorber is shifted to HARD mode or at a LOW level shifting the shock absorber to the SOFT mode. FIG. 4 shows the controller 100 which generally comprises a microprocessor. In practice, the microprocessor performs control operations not only depending upon the road surface conditions but also depending upon vehicle speed, other vehicle driving conditions, such as vehicle acceleration, and other preselected suspension control parameters. One of these suspension control parameters, is the HIGH- or LOW-level output signal from the comparator 214, which switch the damping characteristics of the shock absorber between the HARD and SOFT modes respectively. The microprocessor 100 generally comprises an input interface 102, CPU 104, RAM 106, ROM 108 and output interface 110. In the shown embodiment, the microprocessor 100 is connected to the road sensor 200 via the input interface 102. The microprocessor 100 is also connected for input from a clock generator 112. RAM 106 includes a memory block 114 serving as a mode-indicative flag F DH which is set while the shock absorber is operating in HARD mode. ROM 108 includes a memory block 116 holding the road surface-dependent suspension control program as an interrupt program triggered by a HIGH-level signal from the comparator 214. ROM 108 also has a memory block 118 storing an ultra-sonic sensor control program which triggers the ultra-sonic sensor at a given timing. The output interface 110 of the microprocessor 100 is connected for output of control signal S c to each of the driver signal generators. As shown in FIG. 5, the ultra-sonic sensor 202 comprises generally an ultra-sonic wave transmitter 230 and a reflected ultra-sonic wave receiver 232. The transmitter 230 is associated with the controller 100 to receive therefrom a trigger signal S Tr at a given timing. The transmitter 230 includes an ultra-sonic oscillator 234 and an ultra-sonic wave transmitting section 236. The ultra-sonic oscillator 234 is responsive to the trigger signal S Tr from the controller 100, which is issued periodically or intermittently, to transmit or discharge ultra-sonic waves through the transmitter section 236 toward the road surface. The ultra-sonic waves reflected by the road surface are received by a receiver section 238 of the receiver 232. The receiver section 238 produces a receiver signal S Rc having a value varying in accordance with the amplitude of the received ultra-sonic waves. The receiver section 238 is connected to an amplifier 240 to supply the receiver signa S Rc to the latter. The receiver signa S Rc is amplified by the amplifier 240 and transmitted to a rectifier 242. The rectifier 242 is connected to the band-pass filters 204 and 206 as set forth above, through a shaping circuit 244. The rectifier 242 is also connected to a peak-hold circuit 246 which holds the peak value of the receiver signal. The peak-hold circuit 246 produces an analog peak-value-indicative signal S Pe having a value proportional to the held peak value. The peak-hold circuit 246 is connected for output to the controller 100 via an analog-to-digital converter 248. The analog-to-digital converter 248 outputs a binary signal indicative of the peak-value-indicative signal value to the controller 100. The peak-hold circuit 246 is also connected to the controller 100 to receive the trigger signal S Tr . The peak-hold circuit 246 is responsive to the trigger signal from the controller to clear the currently held value. FIG. 6 shows a timing control program executed by the controller 100 for controlling the trigger timing of the ultra-sonic sensor 200. At the initial stage of execution of the timing control program, a trigger-signal-output-indicative flag F Tr in a memory block 120 of RAM is checked at a step 1002. The trigger signal F Tr is set when the trigger signal is output through the output interface 110 to the transmitter 230 and is reset when the trigger signal is not being output. If the trigger signal-indicative flag F Tr is set when checked at the step 1002, then the timer value T 1 of a timer 122 in RAM is latched at a step 1004. The timer 122 continuously counts clock pulses from the clock generator 112. A trigger-signal-ON-time indicative time value t 1 is added to the latched timer value T 1 at a step 1006. The resultant value (T 1+ t 1 ), which serves as a trigger-signal-OFF time value, is transferred to and stored in a T 2 -register 124 in RAM 106, at a step 1008. Then the flag F Tr is set at a step 1010. A HIGH-level output is applied to the output interface as trigger signal S Tr at a step 1012. During the period t 1 starting from the time T 1 , the potential at the output interface is held HIGH to continue application of the trigger signal S Tr to the transmitter 230. The timer 122 continues counting the clock pulses and produces a T 1 -timer signal after period t 1 which serves as a trigger signal for the timing control program. In response to the T 1 -timer signal at time T 2 marking the end of the period t 1 , the timing control program is executed again. Since the trigger signal-indicative flag F Tr was set at the step 1010 in the previous cycle of program execution, the answer at the step 1002 becomes "NO". Thus, control passes to a step 1014 in which the timer value T 2 of the second timer 124 is accessed in RAM 106. Similarly to the first-mentioned timer 122, the timer 124 continuously counts clock pulses from the clock generator 112. An OFF-interval-indicative time data t 2 is added to the latched timer value T 2 at a step 1016. The time data t 2 has a value corresponding to a predetermined interval between successive trigger signals. The resultant time value (T 2+ t 2 ) is stored in the T 1 -timer 122 of RAM 106 at a step 1018. Then, the flag F Tr is reset at a step 1020. After the step 1020, the output level at the output interface drops to LOW to terminate transmission of the trigger signal to the transmitter, at a step 1022. The detailed structure and operation of the aforementioned preferred embodiment of the ultra-sonic sensor has been disclosed in the co-pending U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 650,705, filed Sept. 14, 1984. The disclosure of the above-identified U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 650,705 is hereby incorporated by reference for the sake of disclosure. The operation of the suspension control system as set forth above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. As the vehicle travels over a relatively smooth road as illustrated by the zone labelled "SMOOTH" in FIG. 7(A), the output signal of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 is rather smooth and amplitudes of both the high- and low-frequency components small and regular. The output of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 is filtered by the low-pass filter 204 and the high-pass filter 206 as respectively illustrated in FIGS. 7(B) and 7(C). Therefore, the output levels of the AC-DC converters 208 and 210 remain LOW, as shown in FIGS. 7(D) and 7(E). The outputs of the AC-DC converters 208 and 210 are respectively input to the non-inverting input terminals of the comparators 212 and 214. At this time, since the signal level of the control signal issued by the controller 100 remains LOW, as will become obvious later, the logical value of the output of the inverter 224 become "1" (HIGH). The diodes D 1 and D 3 are thus non-conductive. As a result, current flowing through the resistors R 3 and R 7 drops to zero. Therefore, the potential at the junction 228 rises into correspondence with the divided power source voltage B 0 . As shown in FIG. 9, at this condition, the reference signal level HL to be applied to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 214 therefore becomes higher level. As a result, the logical value of the output of the comparator 214 remains "0" (LOW). Since, the diode D 1 is cut off to block current flow through the resister R 3 and the logical value of the output of the comparator 214 remains "0", the potential at the junction 222 corresponds to the power source voltage as divided by the voltage divider 220, i.e. A 0 , as shown by the solid line in FIG. 8. At this time, since amplitude of low-frequency component of the output of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 212 via AC-DC converter 208 is smaller than the HARD/SOFT criterion represented by the reference voltage A 0 , the output of the comparator 212 remains low. Therefore, the control signal produced by the controller 100 is LOW, holding the shock absorber in SOFT mode. As the vehicle starts to travel over a road full of dips and bumps as illustrated in the zone "UNDULANT" in FIG. 7(A), vibration of the vehicle body as a whole causing rolling and pitching increases while the relatively high-frequency vibrations of the road wheels remains relatively weak. Therefore, the amplitude of the high-frequency component of the output of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 remains low. On the other hand, as vehicle body vibrations increase, the low-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor output increases. Therefore, the waveform of the output of the low-pass filter 204 becomes more pronounced as illustrated in FIG. 7(B). As a result, the output level of the AC-DC converter 208 jumps to a higher level as shown in FIG. 7(D). On the other hand, the output level of the AC-DC converter 210 remains low as shown in FIG. 7(E). The amplitude of the low-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor varies according to the nature of the waviness of the road surface. For instance, when the peak-to-peak spacing of road features is much greater than their peak-to-trough vertical displacement, the vehicle body vibrations may be relatively weak. In this case, as the actual change in the sensor-to-road distance is relatively small, the amplitude of the low-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 will remain relatively low. On the other hand, if the spacing of the road features is relatively short in relation of the peak-to-trough height, the vehicle body vibrations may become significant. In this case, the rate of change of the sensor-to-road distance per unit time become greater, resulting in a relatively high-amplitude low-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor signal. Assuming that the road contours in the "UNDULANT" zone are sufficiently abrupt to cause vehicle rolling and pitching to an extent in excess of the HARD/SOFT criterion represented by the reference signal from the reference signal generator 216, the output of the comparator 212 will go HIGH. The controller 100 is responsive to the HIGH-level comparator output to produce a HIGH-level control signal and so operate the shock absorber in HARD mode. At this time, since the logical value of the control signal is "1" (HIGH), the input level to the reference signal generator 218 via the inverter 224 becomes logical value "0". The diode D 3 thus becomes conductive to allow some of the current available at the junction 228 via the voltage divider of resistors R 5 and R 6 to drain through the resistor R 7 . As a result, the output level of the reference signal generator 218 is lowered by a value BC, as shown in FIG. 9. At the same time, the diode D 1 in the reference signal generator 216 is also turned on by the LOW level input from the inverter 224. As a result, part of the current at the junction 222 is allowed to flow through the resistor R 3 and the diode D 1 . Since the high-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 is still at a low amplitude and thus the output level of the comparator 214 remains LOW, the potential applied to the junction 222 via the diode D 2 and the resistor R 4 remains nil. As a result, the output level of the reference signal generator 214 as a reference signal A is lowered by a value α 1 C, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 8. When employing the HARD mode of operation of the shock absorber, relative displacement between the vehicle body and the road wheel is inhibited to a greater degree than in the SOFT mode of operation of the shock absorber. This causes a reduction of the amplitude of the ultra-sonic sensor signal S r in comparison with that obtaining in SOFT mode. This down-shift of the sensor level can be compensated for by lowering the reference signal level by a value corresponding to the reduction in the amplitude of the sensor signal level due to HARD mode operation. In a zone labelled "ROUGH", small-scale irregularities in of the road surface increase in addition to the waviness of the road surface. As a result, the road wheels vibrate at relatively high frequencies and the vehicle body rolls and pitches due to the waviness of the road bed. Both the high- and low-frequency components of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 are increased due to the overall roughness of the road surface. Since the low-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor output remains relatively strong, the output level of the comparator 212 and of the controller 100 remain HIGH, ordering continued HARD-mode operation of the shock absorber. As set forth above, a HIGH-level control signal results in current drain via the diodes D 1 and D 3 of respective reference signal generators 216 and 218. In addition, the increase in the amplitude of the high-frequency component of the ultra-sonic sensor 202 means that the input level at the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 218 increases, as shown in FIG. 7(E). When the input level at the non-inverting input terminal becomes greater than the reference signal level B(=B 0- βC) of the reference signal generator 218, the output level of the comparator 214 goes HIGH. The HIGH-level comparator output is applied to the junction 222 of the reference signal generator 216 via the diode D 2 and the resistor R 4 . Therefore, the reference signal level of the reference signal generator 216 increases by an amount α 2 D, to the level shown in broken line in FIG. 8. This increase in the reference signal level of the reference signal generator 216 applied to the comparator 212 prevents the road wheel vibrations from influencing recognition of the road surface waviness. FIG. 10 shows the detailed structure of a variable-damping-force shock absorber 12 employed in the first embodiment of the suspension control system according to the present invention. The shock absorber 12 generally comprises inner and outer hollow cylinders 20 and 22 arranged coaxially, and a piston 24 fitting flush within the hollow interior of the inner cylinder 20. The piston 24 defines upper and lower fluid chambers 26 and 28 within the inner cylinder 20. The inner and outer cylinders define an annular fluid reservoir chamber 30. The piston 24 is connected to the vehicle body (not shown) by means of a piston rod which is generally referred to by the reference number 32. The piston rod 32 comprises upper and lower segments 34 and 36. The upper segment 34 is formed with an axially extending through opening 38. The lower end of the through opening 38 opens into a recess 40 defined on the lower end of the upper segment 34. On the other hand, the lower segment 36 has an upper section 42 engageable to the recess 40 to define therein a hollow space 44. An actuator is disposed within the space 44. The actuator 46 is connected to the driver circuit 16 through a lead 48 extending through the through opening 38. The actuator 46 is associated with a movable valve body 50 which has a lower end extension 52 inserted into a guide opening 54 defined in the lower segment 36. The guide opening 54 extends across a fluid passage 56 defined through the lower segment 36 for fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid chambers 26 and 28. The fluid passage 56 serves as a bypass for flow-restrictive fluid passages 58 and 60 formed in the piston 24. The upper end of the fluid passage 58 is closed by a resilient flow-restricting valve 62. Similarly, the lower end of the fluid passage 60 is closed by a flow-restricting valve 64. The flow-restricting valves 62 and 64 serve as check valves for establishing one-way fluid communication in opposite directions. In addition, since the flow-restriction valves 62 and 64 are biased toward the ends of the fluid passages 58 and 60, they open to allow fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid chambers 26 and 28 only when the fluid pressure difference between the upper and lower chambers 26 and 28 overcomes the effective pressure of the valves. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passages 58 and 60 and the set pressures of the fluid-restriction valves 60 and 62 determine the damping force produced in HIGH damping force mode. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 56 determines the drop in the damping force in the LOW damping force mode in comparison with that in the HIGH damping force mode. The movable valve body 50 is normally biased upwards by means of a coil spring 51. As a result, when the actuator 46 is not energized, the lower end section 52 of the valve body 50 is separated from the fluid passage 56 to allow fluid communication between the upper and lower chamber. When the actuator 46 is energized, the valve body 50 moves downwards against the resilient force of the coil spring 51 to block the fluid passage 56 with the lower end extension 52. As a result, fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid chambers 26 and 28 via the fluid passage 56 is blocked. When fluid communication through the fluid passage is permitted, the damping force produced by the shock absorber 14 remains LOW. On the other hand, when the fluid passage 56 is shut, fluid flow rate is reduced, thus increasing the damping force produced. Therefore, when the valve body 50 is shifted to the lowered position, the shock absorber works in HIGH damping force mode to produce a higher damping force against vertical shocks. A bottom valve 66 is installed between the lower fluid chamber 28 and the fluid reservoir chamber 30. The bottom valve 66 is secured to the lower end of the inner cylinder and includes fluid passages 68 and 70. The upper end of the fluid passage 68 is closed by a flow-restriction valve 72. The lower end of the fluid passage 70 is closed by a flow-restriction valve 74. In the normal state wherein the control signal of the controller 100 remains LOW, the movable valve body 50 is held in its upper position by the effect of the spring force 51 so that the lower end extension 52 does not project into the fluid passage 56. Therefore, the fluid communication is established through both the fluid passage 56 and the applicable one of the flow-restricting fluid passages 58 and 60. As a result, the total flow restriction is relatively weak to allow the shock absorber to operate in SOFT mode. In response to a HIGH-level control signal from the controller 100, the driver signal generator 102 corresponding to each shock absorber 12 becomes active to energize the actuator 46. The actuator 46 drives the movable valve body 50 downward. This downward movement shifts the lower end of the extension 52 of the valve body 50 into the fluid passage 56 so as to block fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid chambers 26 and 28 via the fluid passage 56. Therefore, the fluid can flow between the upper and lower chambers 26 and 28 only through one of the fluid passages 58 and 60. The fluid flow restriction is, thus, increased, resulting in a greater damping force than is produced in the SOFT mode. In other words, the shock absorber 12 operates in HARD mode. FIGS. 11 to 14 show a modified form of the variable-damping-characteristic shock absorber of FIG. 10. In this modification, the shock absorber 12 can be operated in any of three modes, namely HARD mode, SOFT mode and MEDIUM mode, in the last of which damping characteristics intermediate to those of HARD mode and SOFT mode are achieved. The hydraulic shock absorber 12 has coaxial inner and outer cylinders 302 and 304. Top and bottom ends of the cylinders 302 and 304 are plugged with fittings 306 and 305. The fitting 306 includes a seal 307 which establishes a liquid-tight seal. A piston rod 308 extends through an opening 312 formed in the fitting 306 and is rigidly connected to a vehicle body (not shown) at its top end. The piston rod 308 is, in turn, connected to a piston 314 reciprocally housed within the inner cylinder 302 and defining upper and lower fluid chambers 316 and 318 therein. The piston 314 has fluid passages 320 and 322 connecting the upper and lower fluid chambers 316 and 318. The piston 214 also has annular grooves 324 and 326 along its upper and lower surfaces concentric about its axis. The upper end of the fluid passage 320 opens into the groove 324. On the other hand, the lower end of the fluid passage 322 opens into the groove 326. Upper and lower check valves 328 and 330 are provided opposite the grooves 324 and 326 respectively to close the grooves when in their closed positions. The lower end of the fluid passage 320 opens onto the lower surface of the piston at a point outside of the check valve 330. Likewise the upper end of the fluid passage 322 opens onto the upper surface of the piston at a point outside of the check valve 328. Therefore, the fluid passage 322 is active during the piston expansion stroke, i.e. during rebound of the shock absorber. At this time, the check valve 328 prevents fluid flow through the fluid passage 320. On the other hand, during the piston compression stroke, i.e. during bounding movement of the suspension, the fluid passage 320 is active, allowing fluid flow from the lower fluid chamber 318 to the upper fluid chamber 316 and the fluid passage 322 is blocked by the check valve 330. The piston rod 308 has a hollow cylindrical shape so that a damping force adjusting mechanism, which will be referred to generally by the reference numeral "400" hereafter, can be housed therein. The damping force adjusting mechanism 400 includes a valve mechanism 402 for adjusting the cross-sectional area through which the working fluid can flow between the upper and lower chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the valve mechanism 402 allows three steps of variation of the damping force, i.e., HARD mode, MEDIUM mode and SOFT mode, the narrowest cross-sectional area representing the HARD mode, the widest the SOFT mode and intermediate the MEDIUM mode. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention will be described hereafter in terms of a three-way, adjustable-damping-force shock absorber, the number of adjustable positions of the shock absorber may be increased or decreased as desired and is not limited to this example. As shown in FIG. 12, the piston rod 308 defines an axially extending through opening 404 with the lower end opening into the lower fluid chamber 318. A fitting 408 seals the lower end of the opening 404 of the piston rod and has axially extending through opening 410, the axis of which is parallel to the axis of the through opening 404 of the piston rod. Thus, the through openings 404 and 410 constitute a fluid path 412 extending through the piston rod. The piston rod 308 also has one or more radially extending orifices or openings 414 opening into the upper fluid chamber 316. Thus, the upper and lower fluid chambers 316 and 318 are in communication through the fluid path 412 and the radial orifices 414. A stationary valve member 416 with a flaring upper end 418 is inserted into the through opening 404 of the piston rod. The outer periphery of the flaring end 418 of the stationary valve member 416 is in sealing contact with the internal periphery of the through opening. The stationary valve member 416 has a portion 420 with a smaller diameter than that of the upper end 418 and so as to define an annular chamber 422 in conjunction with the inner periphery of the through opening 404 of the piston rod. The stationary valve member 416 has two sets of radially extending orifices 424 and 426 and an internal space 428. The radially extending orifices 424 and 426 establish communication between the internal space 428 and the annular chamber 422. A movable or rotary valve member 430 is disposed within the internal space 428 of the stationary valve member 416. The outer periphery of the rotary valve member 430 slidingly and sealingly contacts the inner surface of the stationary valve member 416 to establish a liquid-tight seal therebetween. Radially extending orifices 432 and 434 are defined in the rotary valve member 430 at positions opposite the orifices 424 and 426 of the stationary valve member 416. As shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), the orifices 424 and 426 respectively include first, second and third orifices 424a, 424b, 424c, and 426a, 426b, and 426c. The first orifices 424a and 426a have the narrowest cross-sections and the orifices 432 and 434 are adapted to be in alignment with the first orifices to establish fluid communication between the upper and lower fluid chambers 316 and 318 in the case of the HARD mode. The third orifices 424c and 426c have the widest cross-sections and the orifices 432 and 434 are adapted to be in alignment with the third orifices in the case of the SOFT mode. The cross-sections of the second orifices 424b and 426c are intermediate those of the first and third orifices and the orifices 432 and 434 are adapted to align therewith in the case of the MEDIUM mode. A check valve 436 is provided within an internal space of the rotary valve member 430. The check valve 436 is normally biased towards a valve seat 438 by means of a bias spring 440 for allowing one-way fluid flow from the lower fluid chamber to the upper fluid chamber. This cause the bound damping force to be somewhat weaker than the rebound damping force. The rotary valve member 430 is associated with an electrically operable actuator such as an electrical step motor 442 through a differential gear unit 444 and an output shaft 446 as shown in FIG. 14. A potentiometer 448 is associated with the output shaft 446. The potentiometer 448 includes a movable contact 450 with contactors 450a, 450b and 450c. The contactors 450a, 450b and 450c are adapted to slidingly contact stationary contact elements 452a, 452b and 452c of a stationary contact 452. According to the electrical connections between the movable contact and the stationary contact, the potentiometer 448 produces a mode signal representative of the rotary valve position and thus indicative of the selected mode of the damping force adjusting mechanism. The step motor 442 is electrically connected to a controller 100 to receive the control signal as a mode selector signal which drive the motor 442 through an angle corresponding to the rotary valve movement to the corresponding valve position. In this case, the potentiometer will return the mode signal as a feedback signal to indicate the instantaneous valve position. It should be appreciated that the controller 100 may be operated either in automatic mode or in manual mode. Returning to FIG. 11, the shock absorber has a fluid reservoir chamber 332 between its inner and outer cylinders 302 and 304, which fluid reservoir chamber 332 is in communication with the lower fluid chamber 318 via the bottom fitting 305 described previously. The bottom fitting 305 may serve to produce damping force in cooperation with the piston and the damping force adjusting mechanism during bounding and rebounding motion of the vehicle. A relatively low pressure pneumatic chamber 336 is also defined between the inner and outer cylinders 302 and 304. The operation of the damping force adjusting mechanism 400 will be briefly described herebelow with reference to FIGS. 13. FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) show the case of the HARD mode. In this case, the orifice 432 of the rotary valve 430 is in alignment with the orifice 424a and the orifice 434 is in alignment with the orifice 426a During vehicle rebounding motion, i.e., in the piston compression stroke, the fluid flows from the upper fluid chamber 316 to the lower fluid chamber 318 though the orifice 426a. On the other hand, during vehicle bounding motion, the fluid flows from the lower fluid chamber 318 to the upper fluid chamber 316 through orifices 424a and 426a. Since the first orifices 424a and 426a are the narrowest, the damping force produced in this mode is the highest among the three selectable modes. In case of the MEDIUM mode, the orifices 432 and 434 of the rotary valve member 430 are respectively in alignment with the second orifices 424b and 426b. In case of the SOFT mode, the orifices 432 and 434 align with the third orifices 424c and 426c, respectively to cause fluid flow. Since the third orifices 424c and 426c are the widest of the three sets, as described above, the damping force created in this SOFT mode is the lowest. According to the shown embodiment, the electric step motor 442 is connected to the controller 100 through the driver circuit 16. Similarly to the case of the two-way shock absorber, the controller 100 selects any appropriate damping force state in accordance with detected road surface conditions but in this case produces a three-way control signal for actuating the shock absorber to one of the SOFT, MEDIUM and HARD modes. The driver circuit 16 is responsive to the control signal to drive the step motor 442 to operate the rotary valve member 430 to the corresponding valve position. As an alternative in the modification set forth above, only SOFT and MEDIUM modes may be used for road-condition-dependent suspension control. Therefore, when the HARD mode is selected in the foregoing first embodiment set forth above the controller 100 actuates the shock absorber to MEDIUM mode. FIGS. 15 to 17 show a second embodiment of the suspension control system according to the present invention. This second embodiment also employs the variable damping force shock absorber identical to that disclosed with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. On the other hand, this embodiment employs a vibration sensor for detecting the relative displacement between the vehicle body and the road wheel axle, instead of the ultra-sonic sensor employed in the first embodiment. The vibration sensor 500 is associated with a shock absorber in order to monitor axial displacement of the piston rod thereof. The vibration sensor 500 produces an AC vibration sensor signal with a value representative of the relative displacement between the vehicle body and the road wheel axle. The vibration sensor signal is fed to a high-frequency filter circuit 502 and a low-frequency filter circuit 504. The high-frequency filter circuit 502 is adapted to remove the high-frequency components from the vibration sensor signal and pass only the low-frequency components thereof. The high-frequency filter circuit 502 outputs a direct-current signal representative of the magnitude of vibration of the vehicle body, which signal will be referred to hereafter as "low-frequency component indicative signal". The low-frequency filter circuit 504 is adapted to remove the low-frequency components from the vibration sensor signal and pass only the high-frequency components thereof. The low-frequency filter circuit 504 produces a direct-current signal representative of the magnitude of high-frequency vibrations of the road wheel axle, which signal will be referred to hereafter as "high-frequency component indicative signal". The low-frequency component indicative signal from the high-frequency filter circuit 502 is input to a comparator 506 through its non-inverting input terminal. Similarly, the high-frequency component indicative signal of the high-frequency component filter circuit 504 is input to a comparator 508 through its non-inverting input terminal. Each of the comparators 506 and 508 has inverting input terminals connected to a corresponding reference signal generator 510 or 512. On the other hand, the comparator 506 has the output terminal connected to a controller 514 which is substantially the same as set forth with respect to FIG. 4 and produces a control signal to operate the shock absorber between HARD and SOFT modes. The output terminal of the comparator 508 is connected to the reference signal generator 510. The reference signal generator 510 has a voltage divider 516 including resistors R 10 and R 11 which generates a predetermined voltage at the junction between the resistors. Through the junction 518, the reference signal generator 510 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 506. The junction 518 is also connected to the controller 514 via a diode D 10 and a resistor R 12 to receive therefrom the control signal. Also, the junction 518 is connected to the output terminal of the comparator 506 via a diode D 11 and a resistor R 13 . On the other hand, the reference signal generator 512 has a voltage divider 520 including resistors R 14 and R 15 with a junction 522 therebetween. The junction 522 is connected to the controller 514 through a diode D 12 and a resistor R 16 . In comparison with the circuitry of the first embodiment of suspension control system, the inverter is omitted and the polarity of the diodes between the junctions and the controller is reversed. This is due to the fact that, since the sensitivity of the vibration sensor is boosted by the greater damping force produced in the HARD mode of shock absorber operation, compensating by increasing the reference value is necessary achieved for uniform detection of the HARD suspension criterion. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the behavior of the reference signals at the junctions 518 and 522 respectively in response to extremes of road surface condition. When the road is relatively smooth, the comparators 506, 508 and the controller 514 all output low-level signal due to the relatively low-amplitude sensor inputs. Thus, since neither reference signal generator 510, 512 receives a boost from the controller, and the generator 510 similarly is not boosted by the comparator 508 via diode D 11 , the divider voltages E o , F o are applied without modification to the inverting input terminals of the corresponding comparators 506, 508. If the road surface becomes noticeably bumpier, the comparators 506, 508 output HIGH-level signals. Thus, the first reference generator 510 may receive one boost G from the comparator 508, but certainly receives a boost H from the controller 514. The second reference generator 512 receives a single boost I from the controller 514. The boost G is applied to the reference voltage at junction 518 when high-frequency wheel vibrations are detected and the comparator outputs a HIGH-level signal. FIGS. 16 shows a suspension strut assembly employed in the second embodiment of suspension control system according to the present invention, of FIG. 15. The strut assembly includes a shock absorber 524 having variable damping characteristics and operable in either HARD or SOFT mode. A piston rod 526 extends from the shock absorber cylinder 528 and is connected to a strut housing 530 of the vehicle body through a mounting bracket 532. A rubber insulator 534 is interpositioned between the mounting bracket 532 and the strut housing 530 for absorbing vibrations transmitted between the vehicle body and the shock absorber. A suspension coil spring 536 is wound around the piston rod 526 of the shock absorber. The lower end of the suspension coil spring 536 seats on a lower spring seat 538 fixed to the outer periphery of the outer shock absorber cylinder. On the other hand, the upper end of the suspension coil spring 536 seats on an upper spring seat 540 which is connected to the mounting bracket 532 via a bearing assembly 542. The bearing assembly 542 allows the strut assembly to pivot freely about the piston rod 526. The upper spring seat 540 is rigidly secured to a dust insulator cover 544, to which the upper end of elastically deformable rubber dust insulator 546 is secured. The lower end of the dust insulator 546 is secured to the outer periphery of the outer cylinder of the shock absorber. A closure 548 with a connecting ring 550 is fitted to the bottom of the shock absorber cylinder. The shock absorber cylinder is connected to a suspension arm (not shown) via the connecting ring. The vibration sensor 500 is inserted between the mounting bracket 532 and the strut housing 530. As shown in FIG. 17, the vibration sensor 500 has a pair of piezoelectric elements 552 and 554 sandwiching a terminal plate 556. The piezoelectric element 552 is fixed to a disc plate 558 with an axially extending cylindrical section 560. The disc plate 558 is fixed to the mounting bracket 532 for motion therewith. On the other hand, the piezoelectric element 554 is secured to a disc plate 562 which is, conversely, fixed to the cover plate 544 which is fixedly mounted on a step 564 formed between the shaft 566 and the threaded end 568 of the piston rod. The cylindrical section 560 surrounds the threaded section 568 of the piston rod. A lead wire 570 extends from the terminal plate 556 through a rubber seal 572. The lead wire 570 is connected to the high-frequency filter circuit 502 and the low-frequency filter circuit 504. The output of the vibration sensor 500, i.e., the vibration sensor signal, is thus fed to the filter circuits 502 and 504 via the terminal plate 556 and the lead wire 570. The vibration sensor 500 constructed as above is not responsive to the static load applied to the vehicle, which generally causes a lowering of the vehicle level, such as passengers and/or luggage. The vibration sensor 500 is thus responsive only to dynamic loads due to vertical displacements and forces applied to the road wheel and vehicle body. The vibration sensor signal is thus indicative solely of the dynamic load applied to the vibration sensor 500. As shown in FIG. 18, the high-frequency filter circuit 502 may alternatively comprise a low-pass filter 502-1, a high-pass filter component 502-2, a full-wave rectifier 502-3 and a smoothing circuit 502-4. The low-pass filter is adapted to remove high-frequency components from the vibration sensor signal and pass only the low-frequency components. In the preferred embodiment, the low-pass filter 502-1 removes signal component at frequencies above 3 to 5 Hz so as to resolve signal components in the range of 1 to 2 Hz. The high-pass filter 502-2 is adapted to remove very-low-frequency components from the output of the low-pass filter for the sake of noise suppression. In practice, the high-pass filter 502-2 is intended to remove frequency components below 0.2 to 0.3 Hz. Similarly, the low-frequency filter circuit 504 comprises a high-pass filter 504-1, a full-wave rectifier 504-2 and a smoothing circuit 504-3. The high-pass filter is, in practice, designed to filter out signal components at frequencies below 3 to 5 Hz so as to pick signal components in the frequency range of 12 to 13 Hz. The operation of the aforementioned high-frequency filter circuit 502 and the low-frequency filter circuit 504 will be described with reference to FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 19, the vibration sensor signal (A) is filtered by the low-pass filter 502-1 and the high-pass filter 504-1, as illustrated in (F) and (B). The low-frequency component of FIG. 19(F) passes through the high-pass filter 502-2, leaving only the signal components in the frequency range of 1 to 2 Hz. The output (G) of the high-pass filter is rectified by the full-wave rectifier 502-3 into the waveform of FIG. 19(H). The output of the full-wave rectifier 502-3 is smoothed by the smoothing circuit 502-4 into the waveform of FIG. 19(I). On the other hand, the output of the high-pass filter 504-1 of FIG. 19(B) is rectified by the full-wave rectifier 504-2 into the waveform of FIG. 19(C). The rectifier output is smoothed by the smoothing circuit 504-3 into the waveform of FIG. 19(D). The smoothed signals, respectively representative of the amplitudes of the low-frequency component and the high-frequency component of the vibration sensor signal, are respectively fed to the corresponding comparators 506 and 508. In the foregoing second embodiment of FIG. 15, only the output of the comparator 506 is input to the controller as a road-surface-condition-indicative signal. However, it would be possible to apply both of the comparator outputs to the controller so that the controller can fully recognize the road surface conditions from the combination of the comparator outputs. In this case, the road surface conditions can be analyzed according to the following table: ______________________________________ 506 508Road Condition OUTPUT OUTPUT______________________________________ROUGH ROAD HIGH HIGHPOORLY SURFACED ROAD LOW HIGHUNDULANT ROAD HIGH LOWSMOOTH ROAD LOW LOW______________________________________ In the practical suspension control performed by the controller 100, the recognized road surface condition can be used in substantially the same manner as that disclosed with respect to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a modification to the road sensor in the second embodiment of suspension control system according to the invention. In this modification, comparators 507 and 509 are added. The comparator 507 is connected in parallel with the comparator 506 and its non-inverting input terminal is connected for input from the smoothing circuit 502-4. The inverting input terminal of the comparator 507 is connected to a reference signal generator 511. On the other hand, the comparator 509 is connected in parallel with the comparator 508 and connected to the smoothing circuit 504-3 at its non-inverting input terminal. The inverting input terminal of the comparator 509 is connected to a reference-signal generator 513. The reference signal generator 511 is adapted to produce a reference signal having a value smaller than the reference signal produced by the reference signal generator 510. Similarly, the reference signal generator 513 is adapted to produce a reference signal having a value smaller than that of the reference signal of the reference signal generator 512. With this arrangement, the magnitude of vibration of the road wheel and of the vehicle body can be more precisely detected than in the system shown in FIG. 15. The vibration magnitude of the road wheel and vehicle body can be resolved according to the following table: ______________________________________Vibration Magnitudeof Vehicle Body 506 OUTPUT 507 OUTPUT______________________________________STRONG HIGH HIGHINTERMEDIATE LOW HIGHWEAK LOW LOW______________________________________Vibration Magnitudeof Road Wheel 508 OUTPUT 509 OUTPUT______________________________________STRONG HIGH HIGHINTERMEDIATE LOW HIGHWEAK LOW LOW______________________________________ From the foregoing tables, road surface conditions may be more precisely detected than in the previously described systems according to the following table: ______________________________________ Vibration MagnitudeRoad Condition Vehicle Body Road Wheel______________________________________SMOOTH ROAD SMALL SMALLTEXTURED ROAD SMALL INTERMEDIATEGRAVEL ROAD INTERMEDIATE BIGROUGH ROAD BIG BIGSTONE PAVING BIG INTERMEDIATEOR THE LIKEBUMP BIG SMALL______________________________________ Given more precise resolution of the road surface conditions, more precise suspension control can be performed in order to fit the hardness of the shock absorber in close correspondence to actual road surface conditions. FIG. 23 shows another modification of the second embodiment of the suspension control system of FIG. 15. In this modification, analog-to-digital converters (A/D converters) 580 and 582 are connected for input from the smoothing circuits 502-4 and 504-3. The A/D converters convert the analog smoothing circuit outputs into binary values representative of the amplitude of the smoothing circuit outputs for direct application to the digital controller 100. Although the second embodiment has been illustrated as employing a vibration sensor to detect relative displacement between the vehicle body and the road wheel, this may be replaced by a well-known vehicle body height sensor, accelerometer, strain gauge or the like. FIG. 24 shows a further modification to the second embodiment of the suspension control system according to the present invention. In this modification, a comparator 590 is connected to the full-wave rectifier 502-3 to receive the rectified signal through its non-inverting input terminal. The inverting input terminal of the comparator 590 is connected to a reference signal generator 591. The reference signal generator 591 produces a reference signal having a value representative of the hard-suspension criterion, e.g. vibrations due to the vehicle passing over a bump or depression on the road surface. The output terminal of the comparator 590 is connected to a trigger circuit 592 which is adapted to output a LOW-level pulse for a given period of time, e.g. 10 ms, in response to the rising edge of a HIGH-level comparator output. The trigger circuit 592 is connected for output to a NOR gate 594 which also receives an input from the low-frequency filter circuit 504. The output terminal of the NOR gate is connected to a retriggerable monostable multivibrator 596. The NOR gate 594 outputs a HIGH-level signal when the trigger signal from the trigger circuit 592 is HIGH and the input from the filter circuit 504 remains LOW. The HIGH-level output of the NOR gate triggers the monostable multivibrator 596 to make the latter output a LOW-level signal for a given period of time. The controller 100 receives the output of the monostable multivibrator 596 and issues a HIGH-level control signal to switch the shock absorber into HARD mode for the period of time for which the monostable multivibrator output remains LOW. With this arrangement, the suspension control system temporarily hardens the shock absorber as the vehicle passes over a bump or a depression on the road surface and exhibits good response characteristics. FIG. 25 shows the third embodiment of the suspension control system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a known vehicle height control system is used for hardness control of the suspension. Such vehicle height control 4,349,077 to Sekiguchi et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,936 to Sekiguchi systems have been disclosed in U.S. Patent and European Patent First Publication No. 0 114 700, published on Aug. 1, 1984, for example. Detailed constructions of the suspension system with vehicle height control as disclosed in the above-referenced publications are hereby incorporated by reference for the sake of disclosure. In the shown system, an expandable and contractable pneumatic chamber 600 is formed above the shock absorber 602. The pneumatic chamber 600 is connected to a pressurized pneumatic fluid source 604. The fluid source 604 comprises a compressor 606 for pressurizing a fluid such as air, a reservoir tank 608 connected to the compressor 606 through an induction valve 610, and a pressure control valve 612. The pressure control valve 612 and the induction valve 610 are connected to the driver signal generator 102 to be controlled thereby. According to the shown embodiment, the driver circuit 102 is connected to the controller 100. When energized by the driver signal, pressure control valve 612 closes to block pneumatic fluid communication between the pneumatic chamber 600 and the fluid reservoir 608. As a result, the effective volume of the pneumatic chamber 600 is precisely that of the pneumatic chamber itself. Since the damping characteristics due to the pneumatic pressure in the pneumatic chamber is related to the effective volume of the pneumatic chamber and a smaller effective volume is achieved by blocking fluid communication between the pneumatic chamber and the fluid reservoir, the pneumatic chamber becomes relatively rigid in this case, providing a larger damping force in response to vehicle body-chassis displacement. On the other hand, in the normal valve position, the pressure control valve 612 opens to allow fluid communication between the pneumatic chamber and the fluid reservoir. As a result, the effective volume becomes equal to the sum of the volumes of the pneumatic chamber and the fluid reservoir. By providing a larger effective volume, the damping characteristics of the pneumatic chamber are weakened. As set forth above, according to the present invention, the vehicular suspension system can provide both riding comfort and good drivability by controlling hardness of the suspension depending upon the road surface conditions. It should be noted that although the shown embodiments control the damping force and/or rigidity of the suspension system by adjusting the damping characteristics of the suspension strut assemblies, it would also be possible to perform suspension control by adjusting the rigidity of a roll-stabilizer employed in the vehicle suspension. Such variable spring-force or damping-force stabilizers for vehicle suspension systems have been illustrated in the co-pending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 647,648, filed Sept. 6, 1984. The contents of the above-identified co-pending U.S. Patent Application are hereby incorporated by reference for the sake of disclosure.

A suspension control system for automotive vehicles automatically adjusts the damping strength of variable shock absorbers or other dampers in accordance with road surface conditions as recognized by frequency analysis of a vehicle height or vibration sensor signal. The sensor signal reflects vertical displacement of the vehicle body from the road surface and includes high-frequency components due solely to displacement of the wheels or unsprung mass relative to the road surface and low-frequency components due to displacement of the vehicle body or sprung mass. The sensor signal is filtered into these separate frequency bands, the amplitude of each of which is compared to a corresponding reference level. The results of comparison give an indication of the degree and scale of irregularities in the road surface; specifically, a high-amplitude low-frequency component indicates larger-scale bumps and dips capable of bouncing the vehicle whereas a strong high-frequency component reflects a rough-textured road surface, such as gravel. The comparison information is sent to a suspension system controller which causes actuation of the shock absorbers to a stiffer mode of operation when the low-frequency sensor signal components are relatively strong.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to an improved anchoring arrangement for use in conjunction with cavity walls. More particularly, the invention relates to construction accessory devices, namely, veneer ties with a compressed interconnection junction and a thermally isolated sealing anchoring system for insulated cavity walls. The invention is applicable to structures having an outer wythe of brick or stone facing in combination with an inner wythe of either masonry block or dry wall construction with optional insulation thereon. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In the past, investigations relating to the effects of various forces, particularly lateral forces, upon brick veneer masonry construction demonstrated the advantages of having high-strength wire anchoring components embedded in the bed joints of anchored veneer walls, such as facing brick or stone veneer. Anchors and ties are generally placed in one of the following five categories: corrugated; sheet metal; wire; two-piece adjustable; or joint reinforcing. The present invention has a focus on wire formative veneer ties. [0005] Prior tests have shown that failure of anchoring systems frequently occurs at the juncture between the veneer tie and the receptor portion of the wall anchor. This invention addresses the need for a high-strength veneer tie interconnection suitable for use with both a masonry block and dry wall construction and provides a tie-to-receptor connection. [0006] In the late 1980's, surface-mounted wall anchors were developed by Hohmann & Barnard, Inc., now a MiTek-Berkshire Hathaway company, patented under U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,518 ('518). The invention was commercialized under trademarks DW-10®, DW-10-X®, and DW-10-HS®. These widely accepted building specialty products were designed primarily for drywall construction, but were also used with masonry backup walls. For seismic applications, it was common practice to use these wall anchors as part of the DW-10 Seismiclip® interlock system which added a Byna-Tie® wire formative, a Seismiclip® snap-in device—described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,319 (319), and a continuous wire reinforcement. [0007] In the dry wall application, the surface-mounted wall anchor of the above-described system has pronged legs that pierce the insulation and the wallboard and rest against the metal stud to provide mechanical stability in a four-point landing arrangement. The vertical slot of the wall anchor enables the mason to have the wire tie adjustably positioned along a pathway of up to 3.625-inch (max). The interlock system served well and received high scores in testing and engineering evaluations which examined the effects of various forces, particularly lateral forces, upon brick veneer masonry construction. However, under certain conditions, the system did not sufficiently maintain the integrity of the insulation. [0008] The engineering evaluations further described the advantages of having a continuous wire embedded in the mortar joint of anchored veneer wythes. The seismic aspects of these investigations were reported in the inventor's '319 patent. Besides earthquake protection, the failure of several high-rise buildings to withstand wind and other lateral forces resulted in the incorporation of a continuous wire reinforcement requirement in the Uniform Building Code provisions. The use of a continuous wire in masonry veneer walls has also been found to provide protection against problems arising from thermal expansion and contraction and to improve the uniformity of the distribution of lateral forces in the structure. [0009] Shortly after the introduction of the pronged wall anchor, a seismic veneer anchor, which incorporated an L-shaped backplate, was introduced. This was formed from either 12- or 14-gage sheetmetal and provided horizontally disposed openings in the arms thereof for pintle legs of the veneer anchor. In general, the pintle-receiving sheetmetal version of the Seismiclip® interlock system served well, but in addition to the insulation integrity problem, installations were hampered by mortar buildup interfering with pintle leg insertion. [0010] In the 1980's, an anchor for masonry veneer walls was developed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,069 by Reinwall et al., which patent is an improvement of the masonry veneer anchor of Lopez, U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,984. Here the anchors are keyed to elements that are installed using power-rotated drivers to deposit a mounting stud in a cementitious or masonry backup wall. Fittings are then attached to the stud which include an elongated eye and a wire tie therethrough for disposition in a bed joint of the outer wythe. It is instructive to note that pin-point loading—that is forces concentrated at substantially a single point—developed from this design configuration. Upon experiencing lateral forces over time, this resulted in the loosening of the stud. [0011] the past, the use of wire formatives have been limited by the mortar layer thickness which, in turn are dictated either by the new building specifications or by pre-existing conditions, e.g. matching during renovations or additions to the existing mortar layer thickness. While arguments have been made for increasing the number of the fine-wire anchors per unit area of the facing layer, architects and architectural engineers have favored wire formative anchors of sturdier wire. [0012] Contractors found that heavy wire anchors, with diameters approaching the mortar layer height specification, frequently result in misalignment. This led to the low-profile wall anchors of the inventors hereof as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,283. However, the above-described technology did not fully address the adaption thereof to insulated inner wythes utilizing stabilized stud-type devices. [0013] Another prior art development occurred shortly after that of Reinwall/Lopez when Hatzinikolas and Pacholok of Fero Holding Ltd. introduced their sheetmetal masonry connector for a cavity wall. This device is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,392,581 and 4,869,043. Here a sheetmetal plate connects to the side of a dry wall column and protrudes through the insulation into the cavity. A wire tie is threaded through a slot in the leading edge of the plate capturing an insulative plate thereunder and extending into a bed joint of the veneer. The underlying sheetmetal plate is highly thermally conductive, and the '581 patent describes lowering the thermal conductivity by foraminously structuring the plate. However, as there is no thermal break or barrier, a concomitant loss of the insulative integrity results. [0014] The construction of a steel-framed inner wythe of a commercial building, to which masonry veneer is attached, uses steel studs with insulation installed outboard of the steel stud framing. Steel anchors and ties attach the outer wythe to the inner wythe by screwing or bolting an anchor to a steel stud. Although steel offers many benefits, it does not provide the high insulation efficiency of timber framing and can cause the effective R-value of fiberglass batt insulation between the steel studs to fall 50 to 60%. [0015] Steel is an extremely good conductor of heat. The use of steel anchors attached to steel framing draws heat from the inside of a building through the exterior sheathing and insulation, towards the exterior of the masonry wall. In order to maintain high insulation values, a thermal break or barrier is needed between the steel framing and the outer wythe. This is achieved by the present invention through the use of high-strength polymeric components which have low thermal conductivity. [0016] To ensure proper insulative properties in cavity walls, building requirements continue to increase the required amount of insulation. Exemplary of the public sector building specification is that of the Energy Code Requirement, Boston, Mass. (See Chapter 13 of 780 CMR, Seventh Edition). This Code sets forth insulation R-values well in excess of prior editions and evokes an engineering response opting for thicker insulation and correspondingly larger cavities. [0017] As insulation became thicker, the tearing of insulation during installation of the pronged DW-10X wall anchor, see supra, became more prevalent. This occurred as the installer would fully insert one side of the wall anchor before seating the other side. The tearing would occur during the arcuate path of the insertion of the second leg. The gapping caused in the insulation permitted air and moisture to infiltrate through the insulation along the pathway formed by the tear. While the gapping was largely resolved by placing a self-sealing, dual-barrier polymeric membrane at the site of the legs and the mounting hardware, with increasing thickness in insulation, this patchwork became less desirable. The improvements hereinbelow in surface mounted wall anchors look toward greater retention of insulation integrity and less reliance on a patch. [0018] The high-strength veneer tie of this invention is specially configured to prevent veneer tie pullout. The configured tie restricts movement in all directions, ensuring a high-strength connection and transfer of forces between the veneer and the backup wall. The wire formative insertion portion for disposition within the outer wythe, is optionally compressively reduced in height by the cold-working thereof and compressively patterned to securely hold to the mortar joint and increase the veneer tie strength. The close control of overall heights permits the mortar of the bed joints to flow over and about the veneer ties. Because the wire formative hereof employ extra strong material and benefit from the cold-working of the metal alloys, the high-span anchoring system meets the unusual requirements demanded in current building structures. Reinforcement wires are included to form seismic constructs. [0019] The following patents are believed to be relevant and are disclosed as being known to the inventor hereof: [0000] U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date 3,377,764 Storch Apr. 16, 1968 4,021,990 Schwalberg May 10, 1977 4,373,314 Allan Feb. 15, 1983 4,473,984 Lopez Oct. 2, 1984 4,598,518 Hohmann Jul. 8, 1986 4,869,038 Catani Sep. 26, 1989 4,875,319 Hohmann Oct. 24, 1989 5,392,581 Hatzinikolas et al. Feb. 28, 1995 5,454,200 Hohmann Oct. 3, 1995 5,456,052 Anderson et al. Oct. 10, 1995 5,816,008 Hohmann Oct. 15, 1998 6,209,281 Rice Apr. 3, 2001 6,279,283 Hohmann et al. Aug. 28, 2001 6,668,505 Hohmann et al. Dec. 30, 2003 6,789,365 Hohmann et al. Sep. 14, 2004 6,851,239 Hohmann et al. Feb. 8, 2005 7,017,318 Hohmann Mar. 28, 2006 7,325,366 Hohmann Feb. 5, 2008 7,415,803 Bronner Aug. 26, 2008 [0020] U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,764—Storch—Issued Apr. 16, 1968 Discloses a bent wire, tie-type anchor for embedment in a facing exterior wythe engaging with a loop attached to a straight wire run in a backup interior wythe. [0021] U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,990—Schwalberg—Issued May 10, 1977 Discloses a dry wall construction system for anchoring a facing veneer to wallboard/metal stud construction with a pronged sheetmetal anchor. Like Storch '764, the wall tie is embedded in the exterior wythe and is not attached to a straight wire run. [0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,314—Allan—Issued Feb. 15, 1983 Discloses a vertical angle iron with one leg adapted for attachment to a stud; and the other having elongated slots to accommodate wall ties. Insulation is applied between projecting vertical legs of adjacent angle irons with slots being spaced away from the stud to avoid the insulation. [0023] U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,984—Lopez—Issued Oct. 2, 1984 Discloses a curtain-wall masonry anchor system wherein a wall tie is attached to the inner wythe by a self-tapping screw to a metal stud and to the outer wythe by embedment in a corresponding bed joint. The stud is applied through a hole cut into the insulation. [0024] U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,518—Hohmann—Issued Jul. 7, 1986 Discloses a dry wall construction system with wallboard attached to the face of studs which, in turn, are attached to an inner masonry wythe. Insulation is disposed between the webs of adjacent studs. [0025] U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,038—Catani—Issued Sep. 26, 1989 Discloses a veneer wall anchor system having in the interior wythe a truss-type anchor, similar to Hala et al. '226 supra, but with horizontal sheetmetal extensions. The extensions are interlocked with bent wire pintle-type wall ties that are embedded within the exterior wythe. [0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,319—Hohmann—Issued Oct. 24, 1989 Discloses a seismic construction system for anchoring a facing veneer to wallboard/metal stud construction with a pronged sheetmetal anchor. The wall tie is distinguished over that of Schwalberg '990 and is clipped onto a straight wire run. [0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,200—Hohmann—Issued Oct. 3, 1995 Discloses a facing anchor with straight wire run mounted along the exterior wythe to receive the open end of wire wall tie with each leg thereof being placed adjacent one side of reinforcement wire. As the eye wires hereof have scaled eyelets or loops and the open ends of the wall ties are sealed in the joints of the exterior wythes, a positive interengagement results. [0028] U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,581—Hatzinikolas et al.—Issued Feb. 28, 1995 Discloses a cavity-wall anchor having a conventional tie wire for mounting in the brick veneer and an L-shaped sheetmetal bracket for mounting vertically between side-by-side blocks and horizontally atop a course of blocks. The bracket has a slit which is vertically disposed and protrudes into the cavity. The slit provides for a vertically adjustable anchor. [0029] U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,052—Anderson et al.—Issued Oct. 10, 1995 Discloses a two-part masonry brick tie, the first part being designed to be installed in the inner wythe and then, later when the brick veneer is erected to be interconnected by the second part. Both parts are constructed from sheetmetal and are arranged on substantially the same horizontal plane. [0030] U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,008—Hohmann—Issued Oct. 15, 1998 Discloses a brick veneer anchor primarily for use with a cavity wall with a drywall inner wythe. The device combines an L-shaped plate for mounting on the metal stud of the drywall and extending into the cavity with a T-head bent stay. After interengagement with the L-shaped plate the free end of the bent stay is embedded in the corresponding bed joint of the veneer. [0031] U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,281—Rice—Issued Apr. 3, 2001 Discloses a masonry anchor having a conventional tie wire for mounting in the brick veneer and sheetmetal bracket for mounting on the metal-stud-supported drywall. The bracket has a slit which is vertically disposed when the bracket is mounted on the metal stud and, in application, protrudes through the drywall into the cavity. The slit provides for a vertically adjustable anchor. [0032] U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,283—Hohmann et al.—Issued Aug. 28, 2001 Discloses a low-profile wall tie primarily for use in renovation construction where in order to match existing mortar height in the facing wythe a compressed wall tie is embedded in the bed joint of the brick veneer. [0033] U.S. Pat. No. 7,415,803—Bronner—Issued Aug. 26, 2008 Discloses a double-wingnut anchor system and method for connecting an anchor shaft extending from the back up wall to a wire tie extending from a veneer wall. The wingnut houses the wire tie legs and is independently rotatable to obtain the desired angular position. [0034] U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,505—Hohmann et al.—Issued Dec. 30, 2003 Discloses high-span and high-strength anchors and reinforcement devices for cavity walls combined with interlocking veneer ties are described which utilize reinforcing wire and wire formatives to form facing anchors, truss or ladder reinforcements, and wall anchors providing wire-to-wire connections therebetween. [0035] U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,365—Hohmann et al.—Issued Sep. 14, 2004 Discloses side-welded anchor and reinforcement devices for a cavity wall. The devices are combined with interlocking veneer anchors, and with reinforcements to form unique anchoring systems. The components of each system are structured from reinforcing wire and wire formatives. [0036] U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,239—Hohmann et al.—Issued Feb. 8, 2005 Discloses a high-span anchoring system described for a cavity wall incorporating a wall reinforcement combined with a wall tie which together serve a wall construct having a larger-than-normal cavity. Further the various embodiments combine wire formatives which are compressively reduced in height by the cold-working thereof. Among the embodiments is a veneer anchoring system with a low-profile wall tie for use in a heavily insulated wall. [0037] U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,318—Hohmann—Issued Mar. 28, 2006 Discloses an anchoring system with low-profile wall ties in which insertion portions of the wall anchor and the veneer anchor are compressively reduced in height. [0038] U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,366—Hohmann—Issued Feb. 5, 2008 Discloses snap-in veneer ties for a seismic construction system in cooperation with low-profile, high-span wall anchors. [0039] The present invention provides an advancement in anchoring systems. The use of polymeric components at key locations in the anchor provides thermal breaks between the highly conductive steel framing studs and the outer wythe. Further, the seal structure prevents moisture from infiltrating the insulation and cavity and provides an adjustable method of veneer tie attachment. This thermally-isolating anchor is combined with a configured compressed high-strength veneer tie that restricts veneer movement. [0040] None of the above references provide the innovations of this invention. As will become clear in reviewing the disclosure which follows, the insulated cavity wall structures benefit from the recent developments described herein that lead to solving the problems of thermal isolation, of insulation and air/vapor barrier integrity, of high-span applications, of pin-point loading, and a high-strength veneer tie interconnection. This invention relates to an improved anchoring arrangement for use in conjunction with cavity walls having an inner wythe and an outer wythe and meets the heretofore unmet needs described above. SUMMARY [0041] In general terms, the invention disclosed hereby is a high-strength veneer tie and anchoring system utilizing the same for cavity walls having an inner and outer wythe. The system includes a wire-formative veneer tie for emplacement in the outer wythe. In the disclosed system, a unique combination of a thermally-isolating stud-type wall anchor is interconnected with a veneer tie having a ribbon connector. The wall anchor has an elongated dual-diameter barrel body with a driven self-drilling tip and consists of high-strength, nonconductive components that provide a thermal break between the inner wythe and the outer wythe. This anchor maintains insulation integrity and precludes pin-point loading. [0042] The veneer tie is constructed from a wire formative with an insertion portion for disposition in the outer wythe bed joint. The insertion portion is optionally compressed and patterned by cold-working for securement within the bed joint, and has two offset legs that are configured to accept a reinforcement wire for seismic applications. The insertion portion is contiguous with two cavity portions which are, in turn, contiguous with a ribbon portion for interconnection with the wall anchor. The ribbon portion is comprised of two joinder portions and a substantially U-shaped interconnecting portion. [0043] The veneer tie is positioned so the patterned insertion end thereof is embedded in the outer wythe bed joint. The construction of the veneer tie results in an orientation upon emplacement so that the widest part of the interconnecting portion is subjected to the compressive and tensile forces. The driver portion of the anchor contains an oval aperture with predetermined dimensions to accept the veneer tie and restrict the movement of the construct, preventing veneer tie pullout. [0044] The anchoring system of this invention is for use with varied inner wythe structures including columns with drywall thereon and masonry. The inner wythes optionally include air/vapor barriers and rigid insulation. [0045] It is an object of the present invention to provide in an anchoring system having an outer wythe and an insulated inner wythe, a high-strength pullout resistant configured veneer tie that interengages a thermally-isolating wall anchor. [0046] It is another object of the present invention to provide labor-saving devices to simplify seismic and nonseismic high-strength installations of brick and stone veneer and the securement thereof to an inner wythe. [0047] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cold worked wire formative veneer tie that is characterized by high resistance to compressive and tensile forces. [0048] It is another object of the present invention to prevent air infiltration and water penetration into and along the wall anchoring channel. [0049] It is another object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system that maintains high insulation values. [0050] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anchoring system for cavity walls comprising a limited number of component parts that are economical to manufacture resulting in a relatively low unit cost. [0051] It is a feature of the present invention that the wall anchor has high-strength polymeric components that provide for a thermal break in the wall anchor. [0052] It is another feature of the present invention that the veneer tie, after being inserted into the anchor receptor, the interconnection location is oriented so that the widest portion thereof is subjected to compressive to tensile forces. [0053] It is another feature of the present invention that the veneer ties are utilizable with either a masonry block construct having aligned or unaligned bed joints or for a dry wall construct that secures to a metal stud. [0054] It is yet another feature of the present invention that the compressed veneer tie insertion portion is patterned to securely hold to the mortar joint and increase the veneer tie strength. [0055] It is another feature that the close control of the overall height of the veneer tie insertion portion permits the mortar of the bed joints to flow over and about the veneer ties. [0056] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent upon review of the drawings and the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0057] [In the following drawings, the same parts in the various views are afforded the same reference designators. [0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermally isolated anchoring system having a high-strength ribbon veneer tie of this invention with a reinforcement wire set therewithin and shows a wall with a drywall inner wythe and an outer wythe of brick veneer with a detailed perspective view of the anchor set therewithin; [0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the veneer tie of FIG. 1 with a compression for interconnection with a reinforcement wire; [0060] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the veneer tie of FIG. 2 ; [0061] FIG. 4 is rear view of the veneer tie of FIG. 2 ; [0062] FIG. 5 is a side view of the veneer tie of FIG. 2 ; [0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thermally isolated anchoring system having a high-strength low profile ribbon veneer tie of this invention with a reinforcement wire set therewithin and shows a wall with a masonry inner wythe with insulation thereon and an outer wythe of brick veneer; [0064] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the veneer tie and anchor of FIG. 6 ; [0065] FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the veneer tie of FIG. 7 ; [0066] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a thermally isolated anchoring system having a high-strength ribbon veneer tie of this invention with a reinforcement wire set therewithin and shows a wall with a drywall inner wythe and a vapor barrier with insulation thereon and an outer wythe of brick veneer; [0067] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a thermally isolated anchoring system having a high-strength ribbon veneer tie of this invention with a reinforcement wire set therewithin and shows a wall with a drywall inner wythe with insulation thereon and an outer wythe of brick veneer; [0068] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the veneer tie and anchor of FIG. 10 ; [0069] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the anchoring system of FIG. 10 with the anchor set within the inner wythe and the veneer tie interconnected thereto and set within the mortar joint of the outer wythe; and, [0070] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of cold-worked wire used in the formation of the ribbon portion hereof and showing resultant aspects of continued compression. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0071] Before entering into the detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments, several terms which will be revisited later are defined. These terms are relevant to discussions of innovations introduced by the improvements of this disclosure that overcome the deficits of the prior art devices. [0072] In the detailed description below, the veneer ties and reinforcement wires are wire formatives. The wall anchor includes thermally isolating components comprised of high-strength polymeric material. [0073] In the embodiments described herein the ribbon portions and optionally, the insertion portion of the wire components of the veneer ties are cold-worked or otherwise partially flattened and specially configured resulting in greater tensile and compressive strength thereby becoming better suited to cavity walls wherein high wind loads or seismic forces are experienced. It has been found that, when the appropriate metal alloy is cold-worked, the desired plastic deformation takes place with a concomitant increase in tensile strength and a decrease in ductility. These property changes suit the application at hand. In deforming a wire with a circular cross-section, the cross-section of the resultant body is substantially semicircular at the outer edges with a rectangular body therebetween. The deformed body has substantially the same cross-sectional area as the original wire. Here, the circular cross-section of a wire provides greater flexural strength than a sheetmetal counterpart. [0074] For purposes of defining the invention at hand, a ribbon portion is a wire formative that has been compressed by cold working so that the resultant body is substantially semicircular at the edges and has flat surfaces therebetween. In use, the rounded edges are aligned so as to receive compressive forces transmitted from the veneer or outer wythe, which forces are generally normal to the facial plane thereof. In the discussion that follows the width of the ribbon portion is also referred to as the major axis and the thickness is referred to as the minor axis. As the compressive forces are exerted on the ribbon edges, the ribbon portion withstands forces greater than uncompressed interconnectors formed from the same gage wire. Data reflecting the enhancement represented by the cold-worked ribbon portions is included hereinbelow. [0075] The description which follows is of three embodiments of anchoring systems utilizing the high-strength ribbon veneer tie devices of this invention, which devices are suitable for nonseismic and seismic cavity wall applications. Although each high-strength veneer tie is adaptable to varied inner wythe structures, the embodiments here apply to cavity walls with insulated masonry inner wythes, and to cavity walls with insulated and uninsulated dry wall (sheetrock) inner wythes. The wall anchor of the first embodiment is adapted from that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,653 of the inventors hereof. [0076] In accordance, with the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS 402-05, Chapter 6, each wythe of the cavity wall structure is designed to resist individually the effects of the loads imposed thereupon. Further, the veneer (outer wythe) is designed and detailed to accommodate differential movement and to distribute all external applied loads through the veneer to the inner wythe utilizing masonry anchors and ties. [0077] In both the dry wall construction and in the masonry block backup wall construction, shown herein, the insulation is applied to the outer surface thereof. Recently, building codes have required that after the anchoring system is installed and, prior to the inner wythe being closed up, that an inspection be made for insulation integrity to ensure that the insulation prevents infiltration of air and moisture. The term as used herein is defined in the same sense as the building code in that, “insulation integrity” means that, after the installation of the anchoring system, there is no change or interference with the insulative properties and concomitantly that there is substantially no change in the air and moisture infiltration characteristics. [0078] Anchoring systems for cavity walls are used to secure veneer facings to a building and overcome seismic and other forces, i.e., wind shear, etc. In the past, some systems have experienced failure because the forces have been concentrated at substantially a single point. Here, the term “pin-point loading” is defined as an anchoring system wherein forces are concentrated at a single point. In the Description which follows, means for supporting the wall anchor shaft to limit lateral movement and pin-point loading are taught. [0079] In addition to that which occurs at the facing wythe, attention is further drawn to the construction at the exterior surface of the inner or backup wythe. Here there are two concerns, namely (1) maximizing the strength and ease of the securement of the wall anchor to the backup wall; and, (2) as previously discussed, maintaining the integrity of the insulation. The first concern is addressed through the wall anchor. The latter concern is addressed in a two-fold manner, first by employing a channel seal which surrounds the opening formed for the installation of the wall anchor and secondly by using strategically placed thermally isolating components set within the anchoring system. In the prior art, the metal anchors formed conductive bridges across the wall cavity to the metal studs of the inner wythe. Thus, where there is no thermal break, a concomitant loss of the insulative integrity results. The thermal conductivity of components is used to evaluate this phenomenon and the term is defined as the heat transfer resulting from metal-to-metal contacts across the inner wythe. [0080] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5 , 7 , 8 , and 13 , the first embodiment of the anchoring system hereof including a ribbon veneer tie of this invention is shown and is referred to generally by the number 10 . A cavity wall structure 12 is shown having an inner wythe or drywall backup 14 with sheetrock or wallboard 16 mounted on metal studs or columns 17 and an outer wythe or facing wall 18 of brick 20 construction. Inner wythes constructed of masonry materials or wood framing (not shown) are also applicable. Between the inner wythe 14 and the outer wythe 18 , a cavity 22 is formed. The outer wythe 18 has a facial plane 23 in the cavity 22 . [0081] Successive bed joints 30 and 32 are substantially planar and horizontally disposed and, in accord with current building standards, are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height. Selective ones of bed joints 30 and 32 , which are formed between courses of bricks 20 , are constructed to receive therewithin the insertion portion of the veneer tie hereof. Being threadedly mounted in the inner wythe, the wall anchor is supported thereby and, as described in greater detail herein below, is configured to minimize air and moisture penetration around the wall anchor/inner wythe interface. [0082] For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface 24 of the inner wythe 14 contains a horizontal line or x-axis 34 and intersecting vertical line or y-axis 36 . A horizontal line or z-axis 38 , normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes. A wall anchor 40 is shown with a driver portion 66 having a substantially oval aperture 55 for interconnection with a veneer tie 44 . [0083] At intervals along a horizontal surface 24 , wall anchors 40 are driven into place in the anchor-receiving channels 48 . The wall anchors 40 are positioned on surface 24 so that the longitudinal axis 47 of wall anchor 40 is normal to an xy-plane and taps into column 17 . As best shown in FIG. 1 , the wall anchor 40 has an elongated body that extends along a longitudinal axis 47 from a driven end 52 to a driving end 54 . The driven end 52 is constructed with a threaded or screw portion 56 . [0084] Contiguous with screw portion 56 is a shaft portion 60 extending toward the driving end 54 . The driver portion 66 is contiguous with the shaft portion 60 and a flange 68 is formed between the driver portion 66 and the shaft portion 60 . An external stabilizer or external seal 70 is placed against the flange 68 . The external stabilizer 70 is constructed of a non-conductive, high-strength polymeric material that provides a thermal break in the anchoring system 10 , precluding thermal transfer. When fully driven into column 17 the screw 56 and shaft portion 60 of wall anchor 40 pierces the sheetrock or wallboard 16 . The external seal 70 covers the insertion point or installation channel precluding air and moisture penetration therethrough and maintaining the integrity of inner wythe 16 . Upon installation into the inner wythe 14 , the anchor shaft portion 60 is forced into a press fit relationship with anchor-receiving channel 48 and the external seal 70 seals the opening of the anchor-receiving channel 48 . Stabilization of this stud-type wall anchor 40 is attained by shaft portion 60 and external seal 70 completely filling the channel 48 with external seal 70 capping the opening of channel 48 into cavity 22 and clamping wall anchor 40 in place. This arrangement does not leave any end play or wiggle room for pin-point loading of the wall anchor and therefore does not loosen over time. With stabilizing fitting or external seal 70 in place, the insulation integrity within the cavity wall is maintained. [0085] The driver portion 66 is capable of being driven using a conventional chuck and, after being rotated to align with the bed joint 30 , the driver portion 66 is locked in place. The driver portion 66 has a substantially oval aperture 55 for accommodating the veneer tie and has the effect of spreading stresses experienced during use and further reducing pin-point loading as opposite force vectors cancel one another. The wall anchor 40 , while shown as a unitary structure, may be manufactured as an assemblage of several distinct parts. In producing wall anchor 40 , the length of the shaft portion 60 is dimensioned to match the drywall 16 thickness. [0086] The veneer tie 44 is more fully shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 . The veneer tie 44 is a wire formative constructed from mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel or other similar high-strength material and has an insertion portion 74 with an outer leg 79 and an inner leg 77 offset from the outer leg 79 . Contiguous with the insertion portion 74 are two cavity portions 65 , 67 . The veneer tie 44 has a ribbon portion 62 that is threaded through the anchor aperture 55 to interconnect with the anchor 40 . The ribbon portion 62 has a major axis 37 and a minor axis 39 and consists of two joinder portions 63 , 64 and an interconnecting portion 81 . The joinder portions 63 , 64 are contiguous with the cavity portions 65 , 67 . The interconnecting portion 81 is substantially U-shaped and contiguous with the joinder portions 63 , 64 and has a longitudinal axis 19 in a plane substantially parallel to the facial plane 23 of the outer wythe 18 . [0087] The ribbon portion 62 is formed by compressively reducing the wire formative of the veneer tie 44 . The ribbon portion 62 is dimensioned to closely fit within the driver aperture 55 . The ribbon portion 62 has been compressively reduced so that, when viewed as installed, the major axis 37 of said ribbon portion 62 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 47 of the anchor 40 . [0088] The cross-sectional illustrations show the manner in which wythe-to-wythe and side-to-side movement is limited by the close fitting relationship between the compressively reduced ribbon portion 62 and the driver aperture 55 . The minor axis of the compressively reduced ribbon portion 62 is optimally between 30 to 75% of the diameter of the 0.172- to 0.312-inch wire formative and when reduced by one-third has a tension and compression rating of at least 130% of the original wire formative material. The wire formative, once compressed, is ribbon-like in appearance; however, maintains substantially the same cross sectional area as the wire formative body. [0089] Alternative to the wire formative veneer tie shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 , the insertion portion 174 of the veneer tie 144 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a wire formative formed from a wire having a diameter substantially equal to the predetermined height of the mortar joint. Upon compressible reduction in height, the insertion portion 174 is mounted upon the exterior wythe positioned to receive mortar thereabout. The insertion portion 174 retains the mass and substantially the tensile strength as prior to deformation. The vertical height of the insertion portion 174 is reduced so that, upon installation, mortar of bed joint 30 flows around the insertion portion 174 . The insertion portion 174 has an upper surface 193 and a lower surface 195 which are each optionally compressibly deformed having a pattern of recessed areas 157 or corrugations impressed thereon for receiving mortar within the recessed areas 157 . [0090] Upon compression, a pattern or corrugation 157 is impressed on insertion portion 174 and, upon the mortar of bed joint 30 flowing around the insertion portion 174 , the mortar flows into the corrugation 157 . For enhanced holding, the corrugations 157 are, upon installation, substantially parallel to x-axis 34 . Other patterns such as a waffle-like, cellular structure and similar structures optionally replace the corrugations. With the veneer tie 144 constructed as described, the veneer tie 144 is characterized by maintaining substantially all the tensile strength as prior to compression while acquiring a desired low profile. The insertion portion 174 is optionally fabricated from 0.172- to 0.312-inch diameter wire and compressively reduced to a height of 0.162 to 0.187 inches. [0091] The insertion portion 74 is optionally configured with a swaged indentation or compression 73 to accommodate therewithin a reinforcement wire or straight wire member 71 of predetermined diameter. The insertion portion 74 has a compression 73 dimensioned to interlock with the reinforcement wire 71 . With this configuration, the bed joint height specification is readily maintained and the reinforcing wire 71 interlocks with the veneer tie 44 within the 0.300-inch tolerance, thereby forming a seismic construct. [0092] The description which follows is of a second embodiment of the anchoring system hereof including a ribbon veneer tie of this invention. For ease of comprehension, where similar parts are used reference designators “ 100 ” units higher are employed. Thus, the anchor 140 of the second embodiment is analogous to the anchor 40 of the first embodiment. [0093] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 8 and 13 , the second embodiment of the anchoring system is shown and is referred to generally by the number 110 . A cavity wall structure 112 is shown having an inner wythe or masonry backup 114 with rigid insulation thereon 126 and an outer wythe or veneer 118 of brick 120 construction. Between the inner wythe 114 and the outer wythe 118 , a cavity 122 is formed. The outer wythe 118 has a facial plane in the cavity 122 . [0094] Successive bed joints 130 and 132 are substantially planar and horizontally disposed in the outer wythe 118 and, in accord with current building standards, are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height. Selective ones of bed joints 130 and 132 , which are formed between courses of bricks 120 , are constructed to receive therewithin the insertion portion of the veneer anchor hereof. Being threadedly mounted in the inner wythe, the wall anchor is supported thereby and, as described in greater detail herein below, is configured to minimize air and moisture penetration around the wall anchor/inner wythe interface. [0095] For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface 124 of the inner wythe 114 contains a horizontal line or x-axis 134 and intersecting vertical line or y-axis 136 . A horizontal line or z-axis 138 , normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes. A wall anchor 140 is shown with a driver portion 166 having a substantially oval aperture 155 for interconnection with a veneer tie 144 . [0096] At intervals along a horizontal surface 124 , wall anchors 140 are driven into place in the anchor-receiving channels 148 . The wall anchors 140 are positioned on surface 124 so that the longitudinal axis 147 of wall anchor 140 is normal to an xy-plane and taps into the inner wythe 114 . As best shown in FIG. 7 , the wall anchor 140 has an elongated body that extends along a longitudinal axis 147 from a driven end 152 to a driving end 154 . The driven end 152 is constructed with a threaded or screw portion 156 . [0097] Contiguous with screw portion 156 is a shaft portion 160 extending toward the driving end 154 . The driver portion 166 is contiguous with the shaft portion 160 and a flange 168 is formed between the driver portion 166 and the shaft portion 160 . An external stabilizer or external seal 170 is placed against the flange 168 . The external stabilizer 170 is constructed of a non-conductive, high-strength polymeric material that provides a thermal break in the anchoring system 110 , precluding thermal transfer. When fully driven into the inner wythe 114 the screw 156 and shaft portion 160 of wall anchor 140 pierces the insulation 126 . The external seal 170 covers the insertion point or installation channel precluding air and moisture penetration therethrough and maintaining the integrity of inner wythe 114 . Upon installation into the inner wythe 114 , the anchor shaft portion 160 is forced into a press fit relationship with anchor-receiving channel 148 and the external seal 170 seals the opening of the anchor-receiving channel 148 . Stabilization of this stud-type wall anchor 140 is attained by shaft portion 160 and external seal 170 completely filling the channel 148 with external seal 170 capping the opening of channel 148 into cavity 122 and clamping wall anchor 140 in place. This arrangement does not leave any end play or wiggle room for pin-point loading of the wall anchor and therefore does not loosen over time. With stabilizing fitting or external seal 170 in place, the integrity within the cavity wall is maintained. [0098] The driver portion 166 is capable of being driven using a conventional chuck and, after being rotated to align with the bed joint 130 , the driver portion 166 is locked in place. The driver portion 166 has a substantially oval aperture 155 for accommodating the veneer tie 144 and has the effect of spreading stresses experienced during use and further reducing pin-point loading as opposite force vectors cancel one another. The wall anchor 140 , while shown as a unitary structure, may be manufactured as an assemblage of several distinct parts. In producing wall anchor 140 , the length of the shaft portion 160 is dimensioned to match the insulation 126 thickness. [0099] The veneer tie 144 is more fully shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and is substantially similar to FIGS. 2 through 5 with the exception of the compressed insertion portion 174 . The veneer tie 44 shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 is interchangeable with those shown in this embodiment and specifically included herein. The veneer tie 144 is a wire formative constructed from mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel or other similar high-strength material and has an insertion portion 174 with an outer leg 179 and an inner leg 177 offset from the outer leg 179 . Contiguous with the insertion portion 174 are two cavity portions 165 , 167 . The veneer tie 144 has a ribbon portion 162 that is threaded through the anchor aperture 155 to interconnect with the anchor 140 . The ribbon portion 162 has a major axis 137 and a minor axis 139 and consists of two joinder portions 163 , 164 and an interconnecting portion 181 . The joinder portions 163 , 164 are contiguous with the cavity portions 165 , 167 . The interconnecting portion 181 is substantially U-shaped and contiguous with the joinder portions 163 , 164 and has a longitudinal axis 119 in a plane substantially parallel to the facial plane 123 of the outer wythe 118 . [0100] The ribbon portion 162 is formed by compressively reducing the wire formative of the veneer tie 144 . The ribbon portion 162 is dimensioned to closely fit within the driver aperture 155 . The ribbon portion 162 has been compressively reduced so that, when viewed as installed, the major axis 137 of said ribbon portion 162 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 147 of the anchor 140 . [0101] The cross-sectional illustrations show the manner in which wythe-to-wythe and side-to-side movement is limited by the close fitting relationship between the compressively reduced ribbon portion 162 and the driver aperture 155 . The minor axis of the compressively reduced ribbon portion 162 is optimally between 30 to 75% of the diameter of the 0.172- to 0.312-inch wire formative and when reduced by one-third has a tension and compression rating of at least 130% of the original wire formative material. The wire formative, once compressed, is ribbon-like in appearance; however, maintains substantially the same cross sectional area as the wire formative body. [0102] Alternative to the wire formative veneer tie shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 , the insertion portion 174 of the veneer tie 144 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a wire formative formed from a wire having a diameter substantially equal to the predetermined height of the mortar joint. Upon compressible reduction in height, the insertion portion 174 is mounted upon the exterior wythe positioned to receive mortar thereabout. The insertion portion 174 retains the mass and substantially the tensile strength as prior to deformation. The vertical height of the insertion portion 174 is reduced so that, upon installation, mortar of bed joint 130 flows around the insertion portion 174 . The insertion portion 174 has an upper surface 193 and a lower surface 195 which are each optionally compressibly deformed and have a pattern of recessed areas 157 or corrugations impressed thereon for receiving mortar within the recessed areas 157 . [0103] Upon compression, a pattern or corrugation 157 is impressed on insertion portion 174 and, upon the mortar of bed joint 130 flowing around the insertion portion 174 , the mortar flows into the corrugation 157 . For enhanced holding, the corrugations 157 are, upon installation, substantially parallel to x-axis 134 . Other patterns such as a waffle-like, cellular structure and similar structures optionally replace the corrugations. With the veneer tie 144 constructed as described, the veneer tie 144 is characterized by maintaining substantially all the tensile strength as prior to compression while acquiring a desired low profile. The insertion portion 174 is optionally fabricated from 0.172- to 0.312-inch diameter wire and compressively reduced to a height of 0.162 to 0.187 inches. [0104] The insertion portion 174 is optionally configured with a swaged indentation or compression 173 to accommodate therewithin a reinforcement wire or straight wire member 171 of predetermined diameter. The insertion portion 174 has a compression 173 dimensioned to interlock with the reinforcement wire 171 . With this configuration, the bed joint height specification is readily maintained and the reinforcing wire 171 interlocks with the veneer tie 144 within the 0.300-inch tolerance, thereby forming a seismic construct. [0105] The description which follows is of a third embodiment of the anchoring system hereof including a ribbon veneer tie of this invention. For ease of comprehension, where similar parts are used reference designators “ 200 ” units higher are employed. Thus, the anchor 240 of the third embodiment is analogous to the anchor 40 of the first embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5 and 7 through 13 , the third embodiment of the high-strength anchoring system is shown and is referred to generally by the numeral 210 . The system 210 employing a wall anchor 240 in a dry wall structure 212 is shown having an interior wythe or drywall backup 214 with sheetrock or wallboard 216 mounted on metal studs or columns 217 and an outer wythe or facing wall 218 of brick 220 construction. Inner wythes constructed of masonry materials or wood framing (not shown) are also applicable. Between the inner wythe 214 and the outer wythe 218 , a cavity 222 is formed. The outer wythe 218 has a facial plane in the cavity 222 . The cavity 222 has attached to the exterior surface 224 of the inner wythe 214 an air/vapor barrier 225 and insulation 226 . The air/vapor barrier 225 and the wallboard 216 together form the exterior layer 228 of the inner wythe 214 , which exterior layer 228 has the insulation 226 disposed thereon. [0106] The outer wythe 218 has successive bed joints 230 and 232 that are substantially planar and horizontally disposed and, in accord with current building standards, are 0.375-inch (approx.) in height. Selective ones of bed joints 230 and 232 , which are formed between courses of bricks 220 , are constructed to receive therewithin the insertion portion of the veneer anchor hereof. Being threadedly mounted in the inner wythe, the wall anchor is supported thereby and, as described in greater detail hereinbelow, is configured to minimize air and moisture penetration around the wall anchor/inner wythe interface. [0107] For purposes of discussion, the cavity surface 224 of the inner wythe 214 contains a horizontal line or x-axis 234 and intersecting vertical line or y-axis 236 . A horizontal line or z-axis 238 , normal to the xy-plane, passes through the coordinate origin formed by the intersecting x- and y-axes. [0108] At intervals along a horizontal surface 224 , wall anchors 240 are driven into place in the anchor-receiving channels 248 . The wall anchors 240 are positioned on surface 224 so that the longitudinal axis 247 of wall anchor 240 is normal to an xy-plane and taps into column 217 . As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the wall anchor 240 extends from a driven end 252 to a driving end 254 . The driven end 252 is constructed with a self-drilling or threaded screw portion 256 . The wall anchor 240 , while shown as a unitary structure, may be manufactured as an assemblage of several distinct parts. [0109] Contiguous with screw portion 256 is a dual-diameter barrel with a smaller diameter barrel or first shaft portion 258 toward the driven end 252 and a larger diameter barrel or second shaft portion 260 toward the driving end 254 . At the juncture of shaft portions 258 and 260 , a first flange 262 is formed and a stabilizing neoprene fitting or internal seal 264 , constructed of a non-conductive, high-strength polymeric material, emplaced thereat. The seal 264 provides a thermal break in the anchoring system thereby precluding thermal transfer. When fully driven into column 217 the screw 256 and shaft portion 258 of wall anchor 240 pierces the sheetrock or wallboard 216 and air/vapor barrier 225 . [0110] At the driving end 254 , a driver portion 266 adjoins larger diameter barrel or shaft portion 260 forming a flange 268 therebetween and another stabilizing neoprene fitting or external seal 270 , constructed of a non-conductive, high-strength polymeric material is emplaced thereat. The seal 264 provides a thermal break in the anchoring system thereby precluding thermal transfer. Upon installation into the rigid insulation 226 , the second shaft portion 260 is forced into a press fit relationship with anchor-receiving channel 248 . Stabilization of this stud-type wall anchor 240 is attained by second shaft portion 260 and neoprene fitting 264 completely filling the channel 248 with external neoprene fitting 270 capping the opening of channel 248 into cavity 222 and clamping wall anchor 240 in place. This arrangement does not leave any end play or wiggle room for pin-point loading of the wall anchor and therefore does not loosen over time. With stabilizing fitting or external seal 270 in place, the insulation integrity within the cavity wall is maintained. The driver portion 266 is capable of being driven using a conventional chuck and has a substantially oval aperture 255 for interconnection with a veneer tie 244 . [0111] [In producing wall anchor 248 , the length of the first shaft 258 less the internal seal 264 height is dimensioned to match the external layer 228 thickness. Similarly, the length of the second shaft portion 260 plus the internal seal 264 height is dimensioned to match the insulation thickness. [0112] The veneer tie 244 is more fully shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 , 7 through 10 . The veneer tie 244 is a wire formative constructed from mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel or other similar high-strength material and has an insertion portion 274 with an outer leg 279 and an inner leg 277 offset from the outer leg 279 . Contiguous with the insertion portion 274 are two cavity portions 265 , 267 . The veneer tie 244 has a ribbon portion 262 that is threaded through the anchor aperture 255 to interconnect with the anchor 240 . The ribbon portion 262 has a major axis 237 and a minor axis 239 and consists of two joinder portions 263 , 264 and an interconnecting portion 281 . The joinder portions 263 , 264 are contiguous with the cavity portions 265 , 267 . The interconnecting portion 281 is substantially U-shaped and contiguous with the joinder portions 263 , 264 and has a longitudinal axis 219 in a plane substantially parallel to the facial plane 223 of the outer wythe 218 [0113] The ribbon portion 262 is formed by compressively reducing the wire formative of the veneer tie 244 . The ribbon portion 262 is dimensioned to closely fit within the driver aperture 255 . The ribbon portion 262 has been compressively reduced so that, when viewed as installed, the major axis 237 of said ribbon portion 262 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 247 of the anchor 240 . [0114] The cross-sectional illustrations show the manner in which wythe-to-wythe and side-to-side movement is limited by the close fitting relationship between the compressively reduced ribbon portion 262 and the driver aperture 255 . The minor axis of the compressively reduced ribbon portion 262 is optimally between 30 to 75% of the diameter of the 0.172- to 0.312-inch wire formative and when reduced by one-third has a tension and compression rating of at least 130% of the original wire formative material. The wire formative, once compressed, is ribbon-like in appearance; however, maintains substantially the same cross sectional area as the wire formative body. [0115] Alternative to the wire formative veneer tie shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 , the insertion portion 174 of the veneer tie 144 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a wire formative formed from a wire having a diameter substantially equal to the predetermined height of the mortar joint. Upon compressible reduction in height, the insertion portion 174 is mounted upon the exterior wythe positioned to receive mortar thereabout. The insertion portion 174 retains the mass and substantially the tensile strength as prior to deformation. The vertical height of the insertion portion 174 is reduced so that, upon installation, mortar of bed joint 230 flows around the insertion portion 174 . The insertion portion 174 has an upper surface 195 and a lower surface 193 which are each optionally compressibly deformed and have a pattern of recessed areas 157 or corrugations impressed thereon for receiving mortar within the recessed areas 157 . [0116] Upon compression, a pattern or corrugation 157 is impressed on insertion portion 174 and, upon the mortar of bed joint 230 flowing around the insertion portion 174 , the mortar flows into the corrugation 157 . For enhanced holding, the corrugations 157 are, upon installation, substantially parallel to x-axis 234 . Other patterns such as a waffle-like, cellular structure and similar structures optionally replace the corrugations. With the veneer tie 144 constructed as described, the veneer tie 144 is characterized by maintaining substantially all the tensile strength as prior to compression while acquiring a desired low profile. The insertion portion 174 is optionally fabricated from 0.172- to 0.312-inch diameter wire and compressively reduced to a height of 0.162 to 0.187 inches. [0117] The insertion portion 274 is optionally configured with a swaged indentation or compression 273 to accommodate therewithin a reinforcement wire or straight wire member 271 of predetermined diameter. The insertion portion 274 has a compression 273 dimensioned to interlock with the reinforcement wire 271 . With this configuration, the bed joint height specification is readily maintained and the reinforcing wire 271 interlocks with the veneer tie 244 within the 0.300-inch tolerance, thereby forming a seismic construct. The anchoring system hereof meets building code requirements for seismic construction and the wall structure reinforcement of both the inner and outer wythes exceeds the testing standards therefor. [0118] In FIG. 13 , the compression of wire formatives is shown schematically. For purposes of discussion, the elongation of the compressed wire is disregarded as the elongation is negligible and the cross-sectional area of the construct remains substantially constant. Here, the veneer tie 244 is formed from 0.187-inch diameter wire and the ribbon pintles 262 , 264 are reduced up to 75% of original diameter to a thickness of 0.113 inch. [0119] Analytically, the circular cross-section of a wire provides greater flexural strength than a sheetmetal counterpart. In the embodiments described herein the ribbon pintles components of the veneer tie 244 [also 44 and 144 ] is cold-worked or partially flattened so that the specification is maintained and high-strength ribbon pintles are provided. It has been found that, when the appropriate metal alloy is cold-worked, the desired plastic deformation takes place with a concomitant increase in tensile strength and a decrease in ductility. These property changes suit the application at hand. In deforming a wire with a circular cross-section, the cross-section of the resultant body is substantially semicircular at the outer edges with a rectangular body therebetween, FIG. 13 . The deformed body has substantially the same cross-sectional area as the original wire. In each example in FIG. 13 , progressive deformation of a wire is shown. Disregarding elongation and noting the prior comments, the topmost portion shows the original wire having a radius, r 1 =1; and area, A 1 =Π; length of deformation, L=0; and a diameter, D 1 . Upon successive deformations, the illustrations shows the area of circular cross-section bring progressively ½, ⅜ and ¼ of the area, A 1 , or A 2 =½ Π; A 3 =⅜; and A 4 =¼ Π, respectively. With the first deformation, the rectangular portion has a length L=1.11r (in terms of the initial radius of 1); a height, h 2 =1.14; (D 2 =0.71D 1 , where D=diameter); and therefore has an area of approximately ½ Π. Likewise, with the second deformation, the rectangular portion has a length, L=1.38r; a height, h 3 =1.14; a diameter D 3 =0.57D 1 ; and therefore has an area of approximately ⅝ Π. Yet again, with the third deformation, the rectangular portion has a length, L=2.36r; a height h 4 =1; a diameter, degree of plastic deformation to remain at a 0.300 inch (approx.) combined height for the truss and wall tie can, as will be seen hereinbelow, be used to optimize the high-strength ribbon pintle anchoring system. [0120] In testing the high-strength veneer tie described hereinabove, the test protocol is drawn from ASTM Standard E754-80 (Reapproved 2006) entitled, Standard Test Method for Pullout Resistance of Ties and Anchors Embedded in Masonry Mortar Joints. This test method is promulgated by and is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and provides procedures for determining the ability of individual masonry ties and anchors to resist extraction from a masonry mortar joint. [0121] In forming the ribbon pintles, the wire body of up to 0.375-inch in diameter is compressed up to 75% of the wire diameter. When compared to standard, wire formatives having diameters in the 0.172- to 0.195-inch range, a ribbon pintle reduced by one-third from the same stock as the standard tie showed upon testing a tension and compression rating that was at least 130% of the rating for the standard tie. [0122] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

An anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a wall anchor and a high-strength veneer tie. The anchor includes nonconductive thermally-isolating components that maintain the insulation R-values. The anchor features seals located at insertion points in the layers of the interior wythe that stabilize the wall anchor and protect against the entry of liquids and vapor. The veneer tie utilizes a ribbon connector that is cold-worked with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the wall anchor and is dimensioned to preclude significant veneer tie movement and to preclude pullout.

This application is a continuation of International Application No. CT/CN2006/001308, filed Jun. 13, 2006. International Application No. PCT/CN2006/001308 claims the priority of Chinese patent application No. 200510115535.4 submitted with the State Intellectual Property Office of P.R.C. on Nov. 4, 2005, entitled “Method for Reducing Service loss in Interworking between SS7 Signaling Network and M3UA”, the content of which is incorporated in entirety herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of network communication technology, and particularly, to a method for reducing the service loss in interworking between Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Signaling systems are critical to the modern communication networks. The good performance of a telecommunication networks depends on the reliable transmission of signaling messages through the telecommunication equipment. A series of specifications and techniques, such as the matured narrow-band No. 7 signaling system, have been introduced in the conventional telecommunication networks to ensure the reliability of a signaling system. With the gradual maturity of the Internet Protocol (IP) packet-based network technology, it becomes possible to utilize the IP packet-based network to transmit services such as voice service, data service, and multimedia service, etc. This requires combining the IP packet-based network with the conventional circuit switched network for service transmission. In order to achieve the interworking between the conventional circuit switched network and the IP packet-based network, a set of Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) protocols was constituted by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for transmitting the signaling of the conventional circuit switched network over the IP network. The MTP3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA) protocol is a protocol in the set of the SIGTRAN protocols for adaptation of the interface primitive between the Message Transfer Part 3 (MTP3) layer and the upper layer users of the MTP3 layer. M3UA is designed to enable the transparent transmission of messages between the MTP3 (Message Transfer Part 3) and the upper layer users of the MTP3 layer. The M3UA protocol is used for interworking between SS7 signaling and IP network as well as the transmission of MTP3 user messages over the IP network. The basic application model of the M3UA protocol is as shown in FIG. 1 . From the viewpoint of the Telephone User Part (TUP)/ISDN User Part (ISUP)/Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) (TUP/ISUP/SCCP . . . ), the Message Transfer Part (MTP) is only a channel for message transmission, i.e., the Message Transfer Part (MTP) is used to ensure the reliable and accurate transmission of user part messages to the user part of the destination signaling point (SP). The MTP includes 3 parts, i.e., Message Transfer Part 1 (MTP1), Message Transfer Part 2 (MTP2), and Message Transfer Part 3 (MTP3). While the M3UA is used for implement user adaptation function of the MTP3. In the M3UA protocol, several SS7 signaling network management messages are specified as follows: Destination Unavailable (DUNA): when a related signaling point of an SS7 signaling network has a failure and thus becomes unavailable, the M3UA of the Signaling Gateway (SG) will send the DUNA message to notify the relevant Application Server Process(es) (ASP(s)); Destination Available (DAVA): when a related signaling point of an SS7 signaling network recovers from a failure and thus becomes available, the M3UA of the SG will send the DAVA message to notify the relevant ASP(s); Destination State Audit (DAUD): this message is used for the ASPs to audit the state of a related signaling point of the related SS7 signaling network to the SG; Signaling Congestion (SCON): when a related signaling point of the SS7 signaling network is congested, the M3UA of the SG will send the SCON message to notify the relevant ASP(s); Destination User Part Unavailable (DUPU): when the MTP user part of a related signaling point of the SS7 signaling network becomes unavailable, the M3UA of the SG will send the DUPU message to notify the relevant ASP(s). As described above, in the specification for SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA protocol, it is specified explicitly that the signaling gateway (SG) should use the corresponding SS7 signaling network management messages in the M3UA to notify the relevant ASPs whenever the state of a signaling point in SS7 signaling network changes. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA. As shown in FIG. 2 , whenever the state of an SS7 signaling point “A” changes, the relevant SS7 Signaling Transfer Point (STP) will notify the SG by using the SS7 MTP3 signaling network management messages, such as Transfer Prohibit (TFP)/Transfer Allowed (TFA)/Transfer Congestion (TFC)/User Part Unavailable (UPU). Then, the SG notifies the relevant ASPs by using the M3UA SS7 signaling network management messages, such as DUNA/DAVA/SCON/DUPU. In this way, the ASPs may learn about the state of the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network quickly. However, though the M3UA protocol specifies explicitly the SS7 signaling network management messages and the corresponding processing schemes as described above, the relevant SS7 signaling points can not learn about the change in the states of the signaling points at the ASP side of M3UA when the states of the signaling points at the ASP side changes, because the M3UA does not notify the SS7 network of the change. Accordingly, an upper layer service user of the signaling points at SS7 side may not know the state change in the signaling points at the ASP side of M3UA, e.g., a failure in a signaling point at the ASP side of M3UA. This may result in a loss of service sent from an SS7 signaling point to the ASP side of M3UA, i.e., the loss of the relevant signaling services. Therefore, the reliability of communication can not be guaranteed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for reducing service loss in interworking between Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA), which may effectively reduce the service loss from an SS7 signaling point to a signaling point at M3UA ASP side and ensure the reliability of communication. The embodiments of the present invention provides the following technical solutions: A method for reducing service loss in interworking between a Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling network and Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer (M3UA), includes: determining whether there is a state change of an M3UA signaling point, obtaining the content of the state change of the signaling point; and sending, by a signaling gateway (SG), a message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content of state change of the M3UA signaling point. When discovering the state change of the M3UA signaling point or when receiving a notification indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point, M3UA of the SG determines that state of the M3UA signaling point has changed. The notification indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be a Destination Unavailable message, or a Destination Available message, or a Signaling Congestion message, or a Destination User Part Unavailable message. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that the ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the content of the state change of the signaling point is Application Server Process, ASP, related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable. The M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has recovered from a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is available, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available. The M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point is congested, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being congested. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, when M3UA of the SG discovers that upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point upper layer user having a failure or being unavailable. An SS7 signaling network management message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be sent by the SG to the SS7 signaling network, in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is Application Server Process, ASP, related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using a Transfer Prohibit message of SS7 signaling network management messages. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is available by using a Transfer Allow message of SS7 signaling network management messages. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point being congested, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is congested by using a Transfer Congestion message of SS7 signaling network management messages. the M3UA signaling point is an ASP-related signaling point, When the content of the state change of the signaling point is ASP-related signaling point upper layer user having a failure or being unavailable, the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer service user part of the M3UA ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using a User Part Unavailable message of SS7 signaling network management messages. A new message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point may be sent by the SG to the SS7 signaling network, in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point. An embodiment of the invention provides a signaling gateway, which includes: means for determining whether there is a state change of a Message Transfer Part 3 User Adaptation Layer, M3UA, related signaling point, means for obtaining the content of the state change; and means for sending a message indicating the state change of the M3UA signaling point to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content of the state change of the M3UA signaling point. As can be seen from the technical solution described above, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention may be applied in the next generation network (NGN). During this application, when the SS7 signaling gateway implements the interworking between SS7 signaling service and M3UA, the information that a signaling point at M3UA ASP side in IP domain has a failure or becomes congested may be notified to the SS7 signaling network in time. Therefore, the loss in transmission of SS7 signaling services due to the state change of the relevant signaling points at M3UA ASP side may be reduced as far as possible, and thereby the demand in actual networking applications may be satisfied better. Furthermore, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention may meet the demand in the SS7 networking applications and improve the reliability of the SS7 signaling network while being compatible to the protocol standards. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the basic application model of the M3UA protocol in the prior art; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages in M3UA in the prior art; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages when an M3UA ASP signaling is unavailable according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a processing flow diagram showing the method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for notifying a signaling point in an SS7 signaling network of the state change of a signaling point at the ASP side of M3UA (abbreviated as ASP-related signaling point) by using the messages defined for the existing protocols or other messages when the state of the ASP-related signaling point changes, so as to ensure that the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point when the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes unavailable or the state of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point becomes unavailable, while the SS7 signaling network will perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point when the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes available or the state of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point becomes available. In this way, the service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA may be reduced in the case of the normal interworking between the SS7 signaling network and M3UA. The implementation of the method for reducing the service loss in interworking between an SS7 signaling network and the M3UA according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages when an M3UA ASP-related signaling point is unavailable according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , upon discovering that a relevant ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or upon receiving a message (such as DUNA) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG should analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “unavailable”, the M3UA should notify the SG. The SG notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFP”. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the SS7 signaling network management messages according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4 , upon discovering a relevant ASP-related signaling point recovers from a failure, or upon receiving a message (such as DAVA) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point becomes available, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “available”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point recovers and thus be available by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFA”. Upon discovering a relevant ASP-related signaling point is congested, or upon receiving a message (such as SCON) indicating that the relevant ASP-related signaling point is congested, the M3UA of the signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the signaling points relevant to the ASP. If the states of the signaling points relevant to the ASP (M3UA signaling point management cluster, SPMC) change to “congested”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is congested by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “TFC”. When discovering the upper layer service user of a relevant ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or When receiving a message (such as DUPU) indicating that the upper layer service user of the relevant ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the M3UA of the signaling gateway SG will analyze the state change of the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points. If the state of an upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points relevant to the ASP changes to “unavailable”, the M3UA will notify the SG. The SG in turn notifies the relevant signaling points in the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling points is unavailable by sending an SS7 signaling network management message “UPU”. FIG. 5 is a processing flow diagram of a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 : Step 51 : it is determined whether the state of M3UA ASP-related signaling point has changed; Usually, upon discovering a state change of an ASP-related signaling point, or upon receiving a notification indicating the state change of the ASP-related signaling point, the M3UA of a signaling gateway SG may determine that the state of the ASP-related signaling point has changed; Step 52 : the content of the state change of the ASP-related signaling point is analyzed and obtained, so as to determine the content of the message to be sent to the SS7 signaling network in accordance with the content information of the state change; The content of the state change of the signaling point may include: the ASP-related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable, the ASP-related signaling point being recovered from a failure or being available, the ASP-related signaling point being congested, or the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point having a failure or being unavailable; Step 53 : the SG notifies the SS7 signaling network of the event indicating the state change of the ASP-related signaling point by sending a corresponding message based on the content of the state change of the ASP-related signaling point, so as to ensure that the state change of the ASP-related signaling point may be known by the SS7 signaling network. Thus, the SS7 signaling network may perform service interworking with the M3UA in accordance with the states of ASP-related signaling points. As a result, the service loss due to the lack of knowledge of the states of the ASP-related signaling points may be avoided effectively. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 , in order to ensure the compatibility between the present invention and the existing network protocols, the event indicating the state change of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point may be sent to the SS7 signaling network by using the SS7 MTP3 signaling network management messages TFP/TFA/TFC/UPU correspondingly. For the different contents of the state changes of an ASP-related signaling point, the specific processing manner of sending a message to the SS7 signaling network may be as follows: The M3UA of an SG analyzes the state of an ASP-related signaling point. When the state of the ASP-related signaling point becomes “unavailable”, the M3UA will notify the SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using the SS7 signaling network management message “TFP”, that is, the SG will send a TFP message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may know that the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, and therefore will not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point, so as to avoid the service loss in these cases. Similarly, when the ASP-related signaling point that had a failure and was unavailable recovers from failure and becomes available, the M3UA will notify SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that the ASP-related signaling point has recovered, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is available, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is available by using the SS7 signaling network management message TFA, that is, the SG will send an TFA message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point. When the state of an ASP-related signaling point becomes “congested”, the M3UA will notify the SG that the ASP-related signaling point is “congested”. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that an ASP-related signaling point has become congested, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the ASP-related signaling point is congested by using the SS7 signaling network management message “TFC”, that is, the SG will send a TFC message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network may know that the ASP-related signaling point is congested, and therefore may choose to perform or not perform service interaction with the ASP-related signaling point. Thus, the possibility of service loss may be reduced. When the state of the upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point becomes “unavailable”, the M3UA will also notify the SG. In this way, when the M3UA of the SG discovers that the upper layer service user of an ASP-related signaling point has a failure, or when the M3UA of the SG receives a message indicating that the upper layer service user of that ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SG will notify the SS7 signaling network that the upper layer user of the ASP-related signaling point is unavailable by using the SS7 signaling network management message “UPU”, that is, the SG will send a UPU (User Part Unavailable) message to the SS7 signaling network. Accordingly, the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction with the upper layer service user of the ASP-related signaling point, so as to avoid the service loss in this case. In another embodiment of the present invention, in the step 52 , a newly created message may be used alternatively by the SG to notify the SS7 signaling network of state change of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point in accordance with the content of state change of the ASP-related signaling point. However, the use of a new message for notifying the state change of an ASP-related signaling point requires a greater modification to the existing network protocols, and thereby will result in an increased difficulty in implementation of the method according to the embodiments of the present invention. In consideration of this, the first implementation solution described above is more preferred. However, the protection scope of the present invention should not be limited unduly to the first implementation solution. The method for reducing the service loss in interworking between an SS7 signaling network and the M3UA according to the embodiments of the present invention may be applied in the next generation network (NGN). In this application, when the SS7 signaling gateway implements the interworking between SS7 signaling service and M3UA, the information that a signaling point at M3UA ASP side in IP domain has a failure or becomes congested may be notified to the SS7 signaling network in time. Therefore, the loss in transmission of SS7 signaling services due to the state change of the relevant signaling points at M3UA ASP side may be reduced as far as possible, and thereby the demand in actual networking applications may be satisfied better. Furthermore, the method according to the embodiments of the present invention is implemented conforming to the protocol standards, thereby may further meet the demand in the SS7 networking applications and improve the reliability of the SS7 signaling network. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to some preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these. Various variations and modifications recognized readily by those skilled in the art should be covered within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

The invention discloses a method for reducing service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA. In the method, when state of an M3UA ASP-related signaling point changes, the SS7 signaling network may be notified by using messages defined in existing protocols or other messages. Thus, when performing service interworking with M3UA, the SS7 signaling network determines whether service interaction may be performed with M3UA in accordance with the state of current ASP-related signaling point. If the current ASP-related signaling point is unavailable, the SS7 signaling network will not perform service interaction. As a result, the service loss in interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA may be reduced without any affect on the normal service interworking between SS7 signaling network and M3UA. In addition, the method may conform to existing protocol standards, and implemented in a simple and easy way.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY The present invention relates to a mechanism for furling a jib; and it is particularly suited for furling the jib of a catamaran sailboat. In a catamaran sailboat of the type having separate hulls joined by a trampoline, and provided with a jib sail, the forward portion of the foot of the jib is held by a pair of bridle wires forming an inverted V and connecting the forward portion of the foot of the jib respectively to the forward portions of the hulls. In this type of structure, if it is desired to provide for furling of the jib, heretofore, the furling mechanism has been incorporated into the structure at a location between the bridle junction and the foot of the jib. This has the disadvantage of raising the front of the foot of the jib at least by a height of the furling mechanism. Although the front of the foot of the jib may be raised only in the order of four-six inches, it nevertheless can have substantial effect on the power and control of the catamaran because effective sail area is lost at a location (along the foot of the jib) most critical to increasing power and control through the jib. Because of the particular construction used in connecting the front of the foot of the jib to the hulls of the catamaran employing bridle wires, this "lost" effective sail area cannot be regained merely by lowering the bridle junction because as the bridle junction is lowered, an undue force is induced in the bridle wires when the jib is under sail, tending to pull the forward portions of the hulls toward each other. This not only places undue stress on the fittings, but performance and speed are reduced substantially if the hulls are not parallel to each other. This problem, of course, is of much less consequence in the case of a mono hull sailboat, and mechanisms for furling and hoisting a jib are known in these boats, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,523. In accordance with the present invention, the forestay is secured at its top to a halyard block by a first swivel. The top of the block is attached to a second swivel which, in turn, is secured to the mast by a wire. The luff of the jib is mounted to the forestay by means of a zippered sleeve or other means which permits it to be raised and lowered. A jib halyard extends from the head of the jib, over the block, and thence downwardly through the luff sleeve to permit the jib to be raised and lowered without detaching the forestay. The bridle wires are joined by a link which is integral with and located above a housing for a roller furling mechanism. Thus, the link forms a structural element at the bridle junction for securing the bridle wires together, and it also serves to hold the furling mechanism beneath the bridle junction. A drum rotatably mounted in the housing telescopically receives a forestay adjuster secured to the bottom of the forestay for adjusting mast rake. Thus, the luff of the jib is permitted to extend to the bridle junction because the furling mechanism is located beneath the bridle wires. Further, the furling mechanism provides an integral structural element for joining the bridle wires as well as for connecting the jib. In addition, the jib may be raised and lowered without detaching the forestay, and the forestay may be adjusted in its attachment to the furling mechanism to adjust mast rake without affecting the vertical position of the jib. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment accompanied by the attached drawing wherein identical reference numerals will refer to like parts in the various views. THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an upper forward perspective view of a catamaran sailboat incorporating the present invention with the jib furled; FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the jib unfurled for use; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing assembly for the furling mechanism incorporated in the boat of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a housing assembly oF FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through the sight line 5--5 of the housing assembly of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the unfurled jib, together with the hoisting apparatus and furling mechanism, taken from the right side of the jib and to the rear of the bridle wires; and FIGS. 7 and 8 are close-up perspective views of the furling mechanism with the jib respectively in the unfurled and furled positions, taken from approximately the same perspective as in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring first to FIG. 1, a catamaran sailboat is generally designated by reference numeral 10; and it includes left and right hulls 11, 12 respectively. The hulls are joined together by a frame which includes a forward cross bar 13 and a rear cross bar 14 which are also adapted to support a trampoline for occupants of the boat. A mast 16 is attached at the center of the forward cross bar 13, and a conventional boom 17 is secured to the mast 16. A mainsail 18 is attached to the mast 16 and the boom 17. Located forward of the mast 16 is a jib sail 20 (see in the unfurled or use position in FIG. 2). As seen in FIG. 1, the jib 20 is furled about a forestay 21 which is connected between the upper portion of the mast 16 and a junction generally designated 22 between two bridle wires 23, 24. The lower ends of the bridle wires 23, 24 extend laterally and are secured by conventional means to the forward portions of the decks of the hulls 12, 11 respectively. Thus, the bridle wires form a general inverted-V shape. A furling mechanism generally designated by reference numeral 25 is located beneath the bridle junction 22. Referring now to FIG. 6, the structure which permits mounting of the furling mechanism 25 beneath the bridle junction 22 is seen more clearly. It includes a housing assembly generally designated 27 and before describing the structure of the housing assembly 27 in detail, its principal functions will be discussed. One of the functions of the housing assembly 27 is to telescopically receive a forestay adjuster 29, which is secured by means of a pin 30 to a jaw 31 attached to the bottom of the forestay 21. The top of the forestay 21 is attached by a pin 33 to a first swivel connector 33A, the top of which is connected to the bottom of a jib halyard block 34. The top of the block 34 is connected by means of a pin 35 to a second swivel 36, the top of which is connected to the mast by means of a headstay 37. The jib 20 has a leading edge or luff 38 which is provided with a zippered sleeve generally designated 39. The forestay 21 passes through the zippered sleeve 39 on the luff of the jib. The head of the jib, designated 40 is attached by means of a connector 41 to a jib halyard 42 which passes over the block 34 and is routed through the zippered sleeve 39. The jib is held in the raised position by tying the bottom, free end of the jib halyard about the jib tack shackle after the jib is raised. This is not illustrated in the drawing for clarity. The front of the foot of the jib 20 is provided with a grommet 44 through which a shackle 45 passes for securing the jib to the housing assembly 27, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pin 46 passes through the shackle 45, and also through aligned apertures in the stay adjuster 29 and a pair of spaced tabs 48, 49 adapted to receive the stay adjuster 29. Referring now to FIG. 5, the tabs 48, 49 are seen to be formed as flat extensions of a tubular element 50 extending through the center of the housing assembly 27 and adapted to telescopically receive the stay adjuster 29. Torque is transmitted to the forestay because the stay adjuster 29 is flat and received between the flat, spaced tabs 48, 49. The tabs 48, 49 are provided with a first pair of aligned apertures 52 for receiving a pin 53 (see FIG. 8) in securing the housing assembly 27 to the stay adjuster 29. A second pair of similarly aligned apertures 54 receives the previously described pin 46. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, a solid yoke generally designated 56 includes a tubular neck 57 and integral side ears or dogs 58, 59. The yoke 56, by provision of the ears 58, 59 forms a solid link for joining the adjacent ends of the bridle wires 23, 24 which are pinned respectively to the ears 59, 58 through the apertures 59A and 58A. A drum 60 is secured to the bottom of the tubular assembly 50 by means of a screw 61 which extends through an annular spacer 62 interposed between the tubular assembly 50 and the drum 60. A line 63 is wound around the drum and secured to it for turning it. Turning of the drum, of course turns the tubular assembly 50, the tabs 48, 49, the stay adjuster 29 and the forestay in unison. Referring now to FIG. 7, the line 63 extends through an elongated opening 64 in a housing element 65 with surrounds the drum 60. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing element 65 includes a raised ridge 66 which is held to the yoke 56 by means of a retainer ring 68 (FIG. 5). The raised ridge 66 is slotted on either side as at 70 and 71. These slots receive the ears or link elements of the yoke (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and thereby prevent rotation of the housing element 65 relative to the yoke 56. The central opening of the yoke 56 is provided with a sleeve bearing 75; and a flanged liner 76 of low friction material such as nylon is interposed between the tube 50 and the bearing 75. A retainer ring 77 holds the tube 50 inside the yoke 56 and sleeve 75. An annular sleeve bearing 79 is also placed around the tube 50 beneath the liner 76 and immediately inward of the sleeve bearing. A thrust bearing 80 is interposed beteen the spacer 62 and the sleeve bearing 75. OPERATION With the mast in a generally upright position, the stay adjuster 29 is positioned relative to the housing assembly 27 to achieve a desired mast rake, and when this is achieved, the clevis pin 53 secures the stay adjuster to the tabs 48, 49 of the tubular assembly 50. The shackle 45 is then secured to the housing assembly and the stay adjuster 29 by means of the pin 46. This adjustment is ordinarily made on initial raising of the mast, and need be made thereafter only to adjust mast rake. The mast is secured and positioned by conventional shrouds secured to the hulls behind the forward cross bar. To raise the jib, the jib halyard 42 is entrained over the pulley in the block 34 and pulled, thereby raising the head of the jib, and causing the sleeve 39 to slide upwardly along the forestay 21. The jib halyard is preferably routed through the zippered sleeve and tied to the shackle 45. To furl the jib, the line 63 is pulled, thereby rotating the drum 60, tubular assembly 50 and the forestay 21, as described above. As the jib is furled, the forestay 21 has a tendency to twist under the torque applied in furling because it is a wire. Hence, the top of the forestay will lag the motion of the bottom, and the swivel 33A is considered an important feature because it permits the forestay to twist along its length independently of the jib luff and the jib halyard block 34 which is twisted under action of the head of the jib. The halyard block may also twist independently of the headstay 37 due to the swivel 36. The jib is unfurled by means of a jib sheet line and block connected to the tack of the jib. It will thus be appreciated that the forward portion of the foot of the jib is connected to the mainstay immediately adjacent the bridle junction (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This is facilitated by placing the furling mechanism beneath the bridle junction, and by providing an integral link (comprising the yoke 56 and ears 58, 59) joining the bridle wires. At the same time, the housing assembly includes a central opening for telescopically receiving a stay adjuster to vary mast rake. Having thus described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, persons skilled in the art will be able to modify certain of the structure which has been illustrated and to substitute equivalent elements for those disclosed while continuing to practice the principle of the invention; and it is, therefore, intended that all such modifications and substitutions be covered as they are embraced within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The jib furling mechanism is located beneath the junction of the bridle wires which hold the forestay to permit the forward portion of the foot of the jib to extend to the bridle junction and increase jib area. The bridle wires are joined by a structural link integrally formed with the housing for the furling mechanism. This housing telescopically receives a forestay adjuster for adjusting mast rake. The jib may be lowered without removing the forestay, or it may be furled about the forestay using the furling mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique of a light emitting device, more specifically, the invention relates to a light emitting device and a driving method therefor. 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, display devices for performing image display are being developed. Liquid crystal display devices that perform image display by using a liquid crystal element are widely used as display panels for mobile phones and display devices for personal computers because of advantages of high image quality, thinness, lightweight, and the like. In addition, light emitting devices using self-light emitting elements as light emitting elements are recently being developed. The light emitting device has characteristics of, in addition to advantages of existing liquid crystal display devices, for example, a high response speed suitable for dynamic image display, a low voltage, and low power consumption Therefore, the light emitting device is expected to have a wide range of applications including new generation's mobile phone and personal digital assistance (PDA), thereby attracting a great deal of attention as the next generation display device. The light emitting element is also called organic light emitting diode (OLED), and has a structure of an anode, a cathode, and an organic compound layer between the anode and the cathode The current flowing to the light emitting element is in directly proportional to the luminance of the light emitting element, the light emitting element emits light corresponding to the amount of the current flowing to the organic compound layer. A time-gray-scale scheme is adopted for the light emitting device (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Further, a method of applying reverse biases to the light emitting element also can be adopted (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-5426 [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-142413 However, the light-emitting element is not resistive to the moisture or oxygen in air, thus involving a problem of low reliability, heat-resisting stability, durability and the like due to the deterioration in an organic compound layer. For this reason, there is a proposal that a light emitting element is to be applied by a drive voltage having a polarity reverse to that upon light emission (reverse bias voltage) during each of constant time periods. This is because the light emitting element is improved against the deterioration in current-voltage characteristic by applying such a reverse polarity of drive voltage to the light emitting element. In order to apply a reverse polarity of drive voltage to the light emitting element, there is a need to change the potential at between the first and second electrodes of the light emitting element. The simplest way for changing the potential at between the first and second electrodes is to change a counter potential of the light emitting element. However, the counter potential of a light emitting element, in many cases, is connected to a line common to all the pixels, making it impossible to change the counter potential pixel by pixel or line by line. Namely, to change the counter potential of a light emitting element, there is no way but to carry out at one time on all the pixels. Thus, there is a difficulty in changing the timing of the counter potential. Accordingly, in case a reverse bias is to be applied by changing the counter potential of the light emitting element, there encounters an influence upon gray scale representation. Meanwhile, there are various schemes of drive methods to display multi-gray-scale image on a light-emitting device using light-emitting elements, one of which is a voltage-input scheme. The voltage-input scheme means a scheme that a video signal, for input to the pixel, is inputted to a gate electrode of a drive element thereby controlling the brightness on the light-emitting element through the use of that drive element. However, in the case of the voltage input scheme, the semiconductor element for driving the light-emitting elements is formed of polycrystal semiconductor (polysilicon) having a high on-current. However, the polysilicon transistor formed of polysilicon involves a problem that its electrical characteristic readily varies due to the defects in grain boundaries. In case there is variation in characteristics, such as threshold or on-current, pixel by pixel on the transistors configuring the pixels, even when inputting the same video signal, the drain current though the transistor is different correspondingly thus resulting in brightness variation between the light-emitting elements. Furthermore, there occurs unevenness in the emission-light brightness on the pixels of the screen, resulting in blurs. Accordingly, it is a subject of the present invention to provide a light-emitting device which is to be applied by a current input scheme capable of controlling the magnitude of a current flowing through the light-emitting element not dependent upon characteristics of the transistors configuring the pixels. Also, it is a subject to provide a light-emitting device that a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting elements freely from the influence upon gray scale representation thereby improving against the deterioration in current-voltage characteristics. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention arranges newly a semiconductor element in order to apply a reverse bias voltage (reverse bias) to a light-emitting element. The semiconductor element corresponds to a transistor or diode. By using the newly arranged semiconductor element, it is made possible to apply a reverse-- bias on the basis of arbitrary pixels, i.e. pixel by pixel or line by line. More specifically, simultaneously with a conduction state of the semiconductor element, a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element. Namely, when the semiconductor element is put in a conduction state, an electrical connection state is provided between a certain line and the light-emitting element. In this case, by making a potential on the certain line lower than the counter potential on the light-emitting element, a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element simultaneously with turning the semiconductor element to a conduction state. Although the application of a reverse bias naturally places the light-emitting element out of light emission, the invention -having the above configuration can apply a reverse bias in arbitrary timing to arbitrary pixels without the need to apply a reverse bias simultaneously to every pixel, thus having no effect upon gray scale representation. Also, the invention provides a light-emitting device which is made not dependent upon transistor characteristic by controlling the amount of a current flowing through the light-emitting element. More specifically, a current source is arranged within the pixel, to supply a signal current supplied from the current source to the light-emitting element. This makes it possible to supply a constant value of signal current to the light-emitting element freely from the characteristic variation between the transistors configuring the pixel. Incidentally, the current source includes at least one transistor and a capacitance element for holding a gate-to-source voltage of the transistor. The current source supplies a predetermined signal current without undergoing the influence of characteristic variation between the transistors. Because the brightness on the light-emitting element is proportional to a current flowing between the both electrodes, especially effective is the configuration of the invention that a predetermined signal current is supplied by using a current source to obtain a desired brightness from the light-emitting element. Meanwhile, it is the-conventional practice to determine the amount of a current flowing through the light-emitting element by inputting a video signal voltage to a transistor gate electrode. However, the invention uses a video signal, for -input to the pixel, only in selecting a case to flow a current to the light-emitting element and a case not to flow a current. As a result, it is possible to suppress against the influence of characteristic variation between the transistors configuring the pixel. A concrete configuration of a light-emitting device of the invention comprises: first setting means for setting a plurality of sub-frame periods within a unit frame period corresponding to a synchronization timing of an inputted video signal; capacitance means for holding the video signal; drive means for supplying a predetermined signal current supplied from the current source to the light-emitting element according to the video signal, during each of the sub-frame periods; erasing means for causing each of the light-emitting elements to cease light emission when a light emission period of each of the light-emitting elements reaches a predetermined light-emitting period with respect to a predetermined period of the frame period; and second setting means for supplying a reverse bias voltage to the light-emitting element while maintaining a potential on the first or second electrode, during the predetermined period of the frame period. Incidentally, the first setting means corresponds to a select transistor to control an input of a video signal to the pixel. Also, the first setting means corresponds to a drive circuit for driving the pixel, a control circuit or the like. Furthermore, the drive means corresponds to a drive transistor of the pixel. The drive transistor refers to a transistor, in many cases, having a source or drain terminal thereof directly connected to a first or second electrode of the light-emitting element. Meanwhile, the erasing means has a function to cease light emission of the light-emitting element, which concretely corresponds to an erasing transistor. In order to cause the light-emitting element to cease light emission, the capacitance element holding the video signal is released of charge. Consequently, the erasing transistor, in many cases, has a source and a drain that are connected sandwiching both electrodes of the capacitance element. Meanwhile, the second setting means corresponds to a transistor that turns to a conduction state when a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element. When the second setting means turns to a conduction state, the potential on one of the first and second electrodes of the light-emitting element is maintained as it is while the other electrode is connected to a reverse-bias line and changed in its potential. Thereupon, a reverse bias is applied to between the electrodes of the light-emitting element. Incidentally, the capacitance means, for holding a video signal, need not be explicitly provided. Provided that a sufficient capacitance is available, a parasitic capacitance or a drive-transistor gate capacitance may be used. Also, the drive transistor has a mere switching function. When the drive transistor turns to a conduction state, a predetermined signal current is supplied from the current source. Herein, explanation is made on the outline of the pixel of the light-emitting device of the invention, by using FIGS. 1A and 1B . In FIG. 1A , there is shown a pixel 10 arranged on i-th column and j-th row in a pixel region having a plurality of pixels. The pixel 10 has a signal line (S i ), a power line (V i ), a first scanning line (G aj ), a second scanning line (G bj ), a select switch 11 having a switching function, an erase switch 12 , a drive element 13 , a discharge switch 14 , a capacitance element 15 , a light-emitting element 16 and a current source 17 . The select switch 11 , the erase switch 12 and the discharge switch 14 preferably use one or a plurality of semiconductor elements having a switching function, such as transistors. The select switch 11 is determined on and off according to a signal provided from the first scanning line (G aj ) while the erase switch 12 is determined on and off according to a signal provided from the second scanning line (G bj ). The discharge switch 14 , at its gate electrode, is determined on or off according to a signal provided from a certain line. Meanwhile, the discharge switch 14 , at its source electrode, is connected to a certain line. The concrete connection of the discharge switch 14 will be hereinafter described in the embodiments. The capacitance element 15 holds a signal inputted to the pixel 10 through the signal line (S i ). The capacitance element 15 holds a gate-to-source voltage of the drive element 13 . The invention uses the discharge switch 14 , to control the timing applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 16 . More specifically, the discharge switch 14 is used for control to apply a reverse bias voltage during a period the light-emitting element 16 is out of light emission. Furthermore, the invention provides a current source 17 on the pixel 10 , thereby enabling to flow a desired amount of current to the light-emitting element 16 . The transistors configuring the pixel 10 can be suppressed against the influence of characteristic variation. FIG. 1B shows a pixel 10 having a different configuration from the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 1A . The pixel 10 has a signal line (S i ), a power line (V i ), a first scanning line (G aj ), a second scanning line (G bj ), a select switch 21 having a switching function, an erase switch 22 , a drive element 23 , a discharge diode 24 , a capacitance element 25 , a light-emitting element 26 and a current source 27 . The select switch 21 and the erase switch 22 preferably use one or a plurality of semiconductor elements having a switching function, such as transistors. The select switch 21 is determined on and off according to a signal provided from the first scanning line (G aj ) while the erase switch 22 is determined on and off according to a signal provided from the second scanning line (G bj ). The discharge diode 24 , at its one terminal, is connected to a certain line. The concrete connection of the discharge diode 24 will be hereinafter described in the embodiments. Incidentally, the discharge diode 24 may use an element having a rectifying characteristic. For example, besides diode, there is included a transistor having gate and drain electrodes connected together. Note that, in this description, the transistor having gate and drain electrodes connected together is referred to as a diode-connection transistor. The capacitance element 25 holds a signal inputted to the pixel 10 through the signal line (S i ). The capacitance element 25 holds a gate-to-source voltage of the drive element 23 . The invention uses the discharge diode 24 , to control the timing applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 26 . More specifically, the discharge diode 24 is used for control to apply a reverse bias voltage during a period the light-emitting element 26 is out of light emission. Furthermore, the invention provides a current source 27 on the pixel 10 , thereby enabling to flow a desired amount of current to the light-emitting element 26 . The transistors configuring the pixel 10 can be suppressed against the influence of characteristic variation. Meanwhile, in the case that the light-emitting-device driving scheme adopts a time-gray-scale scheme, a reverse bias is applied during a period the light-emitting element is out of light emission thereby making it possible to apply a reverse bias without affecting gray scale representation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a pixel of a light-emitting device of the present invention; FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention; FIGS. 3A and 3B are layout views of the light-emitting device of the invention; FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention; FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing a pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention; FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams showing a pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention; FIGS. 8A to 8D are overall views of the light-emitting device of the invention; FIGS. 9A-9B are diagrams explaining a drive method for the light-emitting device of the invention; FIG. 10 is a view showing a sectional structure of the light-emitting device of the invention; FIGS. 11A to 11H are views of electronic appliances to which the invention is applicable. FIGS. 12A and 12B are views showing a module; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a power circuit; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a series regulator; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a switching regulator; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a band-gap circuit; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a DC amplifier; FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operational amplifier; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an operational amplifier; FIG. 20 is diagram showing a current source; FIGS. 21A to 21D are diagrams showing a relationship between a light-emitting-element luminance and time. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 Although the pixel of the light-emitting device of the present invention was outlined two kinds by using FIGS. 1A and 1B , this embodiment explains a detailed configuration example and operation of the pixel of FIG. 1A by using FIGS. 2A to 2C , 4 A and 4 B. Specifically, explanation is made on a case that devising is made for a connection of the gate electrode of the discharge transistor 14 configuring for the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 1A , by using FIGS. 2A to 2C , 4 A and 4 B. Furthermore, explanation is made on a layout of the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C , by using FIGS. 3A and 3B . In FIG. 2A , the pixel 10 includes a select transistor 31 , an erase transistor 32 , a drive transistor 33 , a discharge transistor 34 , a capacitance element 35 , a light-emitting element 36 , a current-source transistor 37 , a set transistor 38 , a set transistor 39 and a capacitance element 40 . Also, the pixel 10 has a first scanning line (G aj )—a fourth scanning line (G dj ), a signal line (S i ), a power line (V i ) and a current line (C i ). In the periphery of the pixel 10 , there are provided a scanning-line drive circuit, a signal-line drive circuit, a current line, a power line (none shown) and so on. A signal is inputted from the scanning-line drive circuit to the pixel 10 through the first scanning line (G aj )—fourth scanning line (G dj ), while a signal is inputted from the signal-line drive circuit to the pixel 10 through the signal line (S i ). The select transistor 31 and the capacitance element 35 are connected in series and arranged between the signal line (S i ) and the power line (V i ). The select transistor 31 has a gate electrode connected to the first scanning line (G aj ). Hereinafter, the select transistor 31 is denoted as a transistor 31 . Meanwhile, the erase transistor 32 has a gate electrode connected to the second scanning line (G bj ), whose source and drain electrodes are connected together through both electrodes of the capacitance element 35 . Hereinafter, the erase transistor 32 is denoted as a transistor 32 . Note that the transistors 31 , 32 , functioning as mere switches, are not limited in their conductivity types. Nevertheless, because there is a case that the gate electrode of the transistor 32 and the gate electrode of the transistor 34 are connected to the same canning line, these transistors in such a case are preferably given the same conductivity type. The discharge transistor 34 , the drive transistor 33 and the current-source transistor 37 are connected in series and arranged between the power line (V i ) and the fourth scanning line (G dj ). The discharge transistor 34 has a gate electrode connected to the second scanning line (G bj ). The drive transistor 33 has a gate electrode connected to one terminal of the capacitance element 35 while the current-source transistor 37 has a gate electrode connected to one terminal of the capacitance element 40 . Hereinafter, the discharge transistor 34 is denoted as a transistor 34 , the drive transistor 33 as a transistor 33 and the current-source transistor 37 as a transistor 37 . The set transistor 38 and the set transistor 39 are common in their gate electrodes and connected to the third scanning line (G cj ). The set transistor 38 and the capacitance element 40 are connected in series and arranged between the current line (C i ) and the power line (V i ). The set transistor 39 and the current-source transistor 37 are connected in series and arranged between the current line (C i ) and the power line (v i ). Hereinafter, the set transistors 38 , 39 are denoted as transistors 38 , 39 . Although the transistors 38 , 39 are not limited in their conductivity types, both transistors are required in the same conductivity type because the same signal is to be inputted. Note that the transistors 37 - 39 and capacitance element 40 correspond to the current source 17 shown in FIG. 1A . Incidentally, in FIGS. 2A to 2C , the capacitance element 40 has one electrode connected to a gate of the transistor 37 and the other electrode connected to the power line (V i ). However, the other electrode of the capacitance element may be connected to a line having a constant potential, e.g. may be grounded. The operation of the pixel 10 is now explained by using FIGS. 2A to 2C . This embodiment separately explains the operation of the pixel 10 , i.e. the operation for setting the current source to flow a desired current (hereinafter, referred to as setting operation), the operation for causing the light-emitting element 36 to emit light (hereinafter, referred to as light-emitting operation), the operation for discharging the electric charge held on the capacitance element 35 (hereinafter, referred to as erasure operation) and the operation for applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 (hereinafter, referred to as reverse-bias applying operation). This embodiment explains the setting operation by using FIG. 2A , the light-emitting operation by using FIG. 2B , and the erasure and reverse-bias applying operations by using FIG. 2C . First, explained is the operation for setting the current source to flow a desired current, by using FIG. 2A . In the beginning, by a signal inputted from the scanning-line drive circuit (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 10 to a j-th row of third scanning line (G cj ), selected is the j-th row of third scanning line (G cj ). Thereupon, an H level signal is inputted from the third scanning line (G cj ) to the gate electrode of the transistor 38 , 39 This turns on the n-channel transistor 38 , 39 . At this time, there is no signal input to the first scanning line (G aj ) and second scanning line (G bj ), and the other transistors than the transistors 38 , 39 remain off. In the instant the transistor 38 , 39 turns on, no charge is yet held on the capacitance element 40 and hence the transistor 37 is off. At this time, a current is flowing from a power source (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 10 toward the current line (C i ) through the power line (v i ) and through the capacitance element 40 and source-to-drain of the transistor 38 . Thereafter, charge gradually builds up on the capacitance element 40 , and a potential difference begins to occur at between the both electrodes thereof. In case the potential difference between the both electrodes of the capacitance element 40 becomes a threshold voltage (V th ) or higher of the transistor 37 , the transistor 37 turns on. Thereupon, a current flows from the power line (V i ) toward the current line (C i ) through the source-to-drain of the transistor 37 , 39 . On the capacitance element 40 , storage of charge continues until the potential difference on between the both electrodes thereof, i.e. the gate-to-source voltage of the transistor 37 , reaches a desired voltage, i.e. until reaching a voltage (V gs ) that the transistor 37 can afford to flow a predetermined signal current I data . When the charge storage to the capacitance element 40 completes, the transistor 37 has a flowing current I data equal to the current flowing on the current line (C i ). If so, the signal write operation to the pixel 10 completes. Selection of the third scanning line (G cj ) ends to turn off the transistor 38 , 39 . Next, the light-emitting operation of the light-emitting element 36 is entered ( FIG. 2B ). By a signal inputted from the scanning-line drive circuit (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 11 to a j-th row of first scanning line (G aj ), selected is the j-th row of first scanning line (G aj ). An H-level signal is inputted from the first scanning line (G aj ) to the gate electrode of the transistor 31 . Thereupon, the n-channel transistor 31 turns on. At this time, because no signal is inputted to the second scanning line (G bj ) and third scanning line (G cj ), the transistors other than the transistor 31 remain off. Simultaneously, a video signal is inputted from the signal-line drive circuit (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 10 to the pixel 10 through the i-th row of signal line (S i ). The video signal is held on the capacitance element 35 . When the potential difference at between the both electrodes of the capacitance element 35 becomes a threshold voltage (V th ) of transistor 33 or higher, the transistor 33 turns on. At this time, because the capacitance element 40 holds the charge written as in the above, the transistor 37 is kept on. A current equal to the signal current I data flows from the power line (V i ) to the source-to-drain of the transistor 37 and source-to-drain of the transistor 33 , finally reaching the light-emitting element 36 . As a result, a signal current I data , as a desired current, flows to the light-emitting element 36 . Incidentally, in case the transistor 37 is provided to operate in a saturation region, the current can flow, without change, toward the light-emitting element 36 even if there is a change in the source-to-drain voltage of the transistor 37 . Subsequently, the erasure/reverse-bias-applying operation of the pixel 10 is entered ( FIG. 2C ). By a signal inputted from the scanning-line drive circuit (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 10 to a j-th row of second scanning line (G bj ), selected is the j-th row of second scanning line (G bj ). An H level signal is inputted from the second scanning line (G bj ) to the gate electrode of the transistor. 32 , 34 , and the transistor 32 , 34 turns on. At this time, because there is no signal input to the first scanning line (G aj ) and third scanning line (G cj ), the transistors other than the transistors 32 , 34 remain off. In case the transistor 32 turns on, the charge held on the capacitance element 35 is released to turn off the transistor 33 . When the transistor 33 turns off, the current supply ceases from the power line (V i ) to the light-emitting element 36 so that the light-emitting element 36 ceases its light emission. At this time, because the potential on the fourth scanning line (G dj ) is lower than the potential on the counter electrode of the light-emitting element 36 , a reverse bias can be applied to the light-emitting element 36 . Incidentally, in FIG. 2C , there is shown an arrow in a direction of from the light-emitting element 36 to the fourth scanning line (G dj ) through the source-to-drain of the transistor 34 . This is the showing with a dotted line in order for easier understanding of explanation though no current actually flows even if applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 . In this manner, the pixel 10 repeats the setting operation ( FIG. 2A ), the light-emitting operation of the light-emitting element 36 ( FIG. 2B ) and the erasure/reverse-bias-applying operation, due to the signals given from the drive circuit (not shown) provided in the periphery of the pixel 10 . Incidentally, in the case of digital drive, the charge held on the capacitance element 40 is always constant. Consequently, after a predetermined charge is once set to the capacitance element 40 , there is no need to carry out a setting operation each time a video signal is inputted. Namely, after once carrying out a setting operation of among setting operation, light-emitting operation and erasure/reverse-bias-applying operation, setting operation may be omitted to repeat light-emitting operation and erasure/reverse-bias-applying operation. However, because the charge held on the capacitance element 40 possibly discharges with a lapse of time, it is necessary to carry out setting operation to the capacitance element 40 in such timing in preventing that. Although the erasure operation and the reverse-bias applying operation are simultaneously made for the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C , the invention is not limited to it, i.e. erasure operation and reverse-bias applying operation may be carried out separately. The reverse-bias applying operation may not be done each time a video signal is inputted, i.e. it may be at a certain constant interval. Meanwhile, the configuration of a connection of the transistor 34 configuring the pixel 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C . For example, as shown in FIG. 4A , the gate electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to the gate electrode of the transistor 33 . This makes it possible to simultaneously carry out an erasure operation and a reverse-bias applying operation for the pixel 10 . In this case, however, the transistors 33 , 34 require setting in different conductivity types from each other in order not to prevent these from turning on simultaneously. This is because, when the transistors 33 , 34 turn on simultaneously, a current is supplied from the power line (V i ) to the light-emitting element 36 with a result that a reverse bias cannot be successfully applied to the light-emitting element 36 . Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4B , the gate electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to the third scanning line (G cj ) and the source electrode thereof to the fourth scanning line (G dj ). In this case, it is possible to simultaneously carry out the setting operation for the pixel 10 (corresponding to FIG. 2A ) and the erasure and reverse-bias applying operations (corresponding to FIG. 2C ). For this reason, the transistor 34 and the transistor 38 , 39 require setting in the same conductivity type. Incidentally, the operation of the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is similar to the operation of the pixel 10 explained using FIGS. 2A to 2C , and hence omittedly explained in this embodiment. Subsequently, explanation is made on a layout example of the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C by exemplifying the same using FIGS. 3A and 3B . The references of the elements configuring the pixels 10 of FIGS. 2A to 2C and 3 A are the same, which can be conveniently made reference to each other. In FIG. 3A , the pixel 10 has a select transistor 31 , an erase transistor 32 , a drive transistor 33 , a discharge transistor 34 , a capacitance element 35 , a light-emitting element 36 , a current-source transistor 37 , a set transistor 38 , a set transistor 39 and a capacitance element 40 . Also, the pixel 10 has a first scanning line (G aj ) a fourth scanning line (G dj ), a signal line (S i ), a power line (V i ) and a current line (C i ). The pixel 10 laid out, if represented directly in a circuit diagram, can be shown as in FIG. 3B . As can be understood from FIG. 3B , the transistors 32 , 34 are arranged in a linear form because they are connected to the same scanning line. 41 is a pixel electrode, which corresponds to an opening. The other transistors are arranged possibly right to the pixel 10 , thereby enhancing the opening ratio and making the opening of the pixel 10 in a simple form. Embodiment 2 Embodiment 1 explained the case that devising is made for the connection of the gate electrode of the discharge transistor 14 of FIG. 1A . This embodiment explains a case that devising is made for a connection of the source electrode of the discharge transistor 14 of FIG. 1A using FIGS. 5A to 5D . The pixel 10 shown in FIG. 2A and the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D are the same in the number of the elements configuring the pixel 10 and the connection relationship between the elements excepting the difference in connection of the discharge transistor 34 (hereinafter, denoted as a transistor 34 ), and hence detailed explanation is omitted in this embodiment. In FIGS. 5A to 5D , the transistor 34 has a gate electrode connected to the fourth scanning line (G dj ). In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 5A , the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the first scanning line (G aj ) while, in the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 5B , the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the signal line (S i ). In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 5C , the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the third scanning line (G cj ) while, in the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 5D , the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the current line (C i ). Incidentally, the connection of the transistor 34 configuring the pixel 10 is not limited to the connection shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D . The gate electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to one of the first scanning line (G aj )—third scanning line (G cj ) instead of the fourth scanning line (G dj ). Also, the source electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to the second scanning line (G bj ). Furthermore, provided that the potential on the cathode of the light-emitting element 36 is varied, the source electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to the power line (V i ). The operation of the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D is similar to the operation of the pixel 10 explained using FIGS. 2A to 2C , and is omitted in this embodiment. Incidentally, in the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D , the gate electrode of the transistor 34 is connected to the fourth scanning line (G dj ). Consequently, in case the scanning-line drive circuit is controlled, the transistor 34 is not inputted by a signal simultaneously with the other transistors. Thus, the operation of applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 can be done independently. However, by making the same between the timing to give a signal to and turn on the transistor 38 , 39 and timing to give a signal to and turn on the transistor 34 , setting operation and reverse-bias-applying operation can be simultaneously done for the pixel 10 . Also, by making the same between the timing to give a signal to and turn on the transistor 32 and timing to give a signal to and turn on the transistor 34 , erasure operation and reverse-bias-applying operation can be simultaneously done for the pixel 10 . At this time, the gate electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to any one of the first scanning line (G aj )—third scanning line (G cj ) instead of the fourth scanning line (G dj ). However, attention should be paid not to connect the gate electrode and the source region of the transistor 34 to the same line. Incidentally, this embodiment can be desirably combined with Embodiment 1. Embodiment 3 Although two kinds or more of the pixel outline of the light-emitting device of the invention was mentioned using by FIGS. 1A and 1B , this embodiment explains a detailed configuration example and operation of the pixel of FIG. 1B by using FIGS. 6A to 6C . Note that FIGS. 6A to 6C show, as a discharge diode 24 , a transistor in diode connection. The pixel 10 shown in FIG. 2A and the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C are the same in the number of the elements configuring the pixel 10 and the connection relationship between the elements except the difference in connection of the discharge transistor 34 (hereinafter, denoted as a transistor 34 ), and hence the details on the connection of elements are omitted in this embodiment. In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6A , the transistor 34 is an n-channel type. The transistor 34 has a gate electrode and a drain electrode that are connected with each other. Also, the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the fourth scanning line (G dj ). Incidentally, the invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6A , i.e. the source electrode of the transistor 34 may be connected to the second scanning line (G bj ) instead of the fourth scanning line (G bj ). In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6B , the transistor 34 is a p-channel type. The transistor 34 has a gate electrode and a drain electrode that are connected with each other and connected to the fourth scanning line (G dj ). Also, the transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the light-emitting element 36 . In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6C , the transistor 34 is a p-channel type. The transistor 34 has a gate electrode and a drain electrode that are connected with each other to the second scanning line (G bj ). The transistor 34 has a source electrode connected to the light-emitting element 36 . Also, by making the transistor 32 in a p-channel type, the fourth scanning line (G dj ) is eliminated to connect the gate electrode of the transistor 32 , 34 to the second scanning line (G bj ). Subsequently, explanation is made on the operation of the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C . As described above, the operation for the pixel 10 can be roughly divided with setting operation of the pixel 10 (corresponding to FIG. 2A ), light-emitting operation (corresponding to FIG. 2B ), erasure operation for the pixel 10 , and reverse-bias-applying operation to the light-emitting element 36 (corresponding to FIG. 2C ). The three operations, i.e. setting operation, light-emitting operation and erasure operation, are the same as the operations of the pixel 10 explained using FIGS. 2A to 2C , and hence explanation is omitted in this embodiment. Explanation is only on the reverse-bias-applying operation. In the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6A , when the transistor 33 is off, a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element 36 . When applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 , the potential on the fourth scanning line (G dj ) is given lower than the potential on the counter electrode of the light-emitting element 36 , to apply a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 . Similarly, in the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6B , when the transistor 33 is off, a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element 36 . Namely, by decreasing the potential on the fourth scanning line (G dj ) lower than the potential on the counter electrode of the light-emitting element 36 , a reverse bias is applied to the light-emitting element 36 . Meanwhile, the operation of applying a reverse bias to the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6C is similar to that of the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6B , and hence the explanation is omitted. The operation of applying a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 may be made simultaneously with the setting operation for the pixel 10 . For this reason, in the pixel 10 shown in FIG. 6C for example, setting may be made to simultaneously turn on the transistors 32 , 34 , 38 , 39 . Incidentally, this embodiment can be desirably combined with Embodiment 1 or 2. Embodiment 4 This embodiment explains an embodiment different from Embodiments 1-3, by using FIG. 7 . The pixel 10 shown in FIG. 7 shows a case that there is no discharge transistor 14 in the pixel of FIG. 1A . The other elements possessed by the pixel 10 of FIG. 7 and the connection configuration of the elements are as per the description in Embodiment 1, and hence the explanation is omitted. When applying a reverse bias to the pixel 10 of FIG. 7 , the potential on the counter electrode 42 of the light-emitting element 36 is increased. This makes it possible to apply a reverse bias to the light-emitting element 36 . Incidentally, this embodiment can be desirably combined with Embodiment 1-3. Embodiment 5 This embodiment explains a configuration of a light-emitting device of the invention, by using FIGS. 8A to 8D . The light-emitting device of the invention has, on a substrate 1801 , a pixel region 1802 arranged with a plurality of pixels in a matrix form. In the periphery of the pixel region 1802 , there are provided a signal-line drive circuit 1803 , a first scanning-line drive circuit 1804 and a second scanning-line drive circuit 1805 . Note that the pixels in plurality possessed by the pixel region 1802 correspond to the pixel 10 described in Embodiment 1 to 4. Although there are provided, in FIG. 8A , the signal-line drive circuit 1803 , and two sets of scanning-line drive circuits 1804 , 1805 , the invention is not limited to that, i.e. the number of drive circuits can be arbitrarily designed depending upon pixel configuration. Also, signals are externally supplied to the signal-line drive circuit 1803 , the first scanning-line drive circuit 1804 and the second scanning-line drive circuit 1805 through FPCs 1806 . Explanation is made on the configuration of the first scanning-line drive circuit 1804 and the second scanning-line drive circuit 1805 , by using FIG. 8B . The first scanning-line drive circuit 1804 and second scanning line drive circuit 1805 has a shift register 1821 and a buffer 1822 . Briefly explaining the operation, the shift register 1821 outputs sequentially sampling pulses according to a clock signal (G-CLK), a start pulse (S-SP) and a clock inversion signal (G-CLKb). The sampling pulses then amplified by the buffer 1822 are inputted to the scanning lines and placed in a selected state row by row. By the selected scanning lines, the pixels to be controlled are written, in order, by a signal current I data from the signal line. Incidentally, between the shift register 1821 and the buffer 1822 , a level shifter circuit may be arranged. The arrangement of a level shifter circuit can increase the amplitude of voltage. Explanation is now made on the configuration of a signal-line drive circuit 1803 , by using FIGS. 8C and 8D . The signal-line drive circuit of FIG. 8C has a shift register 1811 , a buffer 1812 , a sampling circuit 1813 and a constant-current circuit 1814 . Briefly explaining the operation, the shift register 1811 outputs sequentially sampling pulses according to a clock signal (G-CLK), a start pulse (S-SP) and a clock inversion signal (G-CLKb). The sampling pulses then amplified by the buffer 1822 are inputted to the sampling circuit 1813 . The sampling circuit, inputted with a video signal, inputs the video signal to the constant-current circuit 1814 according to the input timing of sampling pulses. Explanation is now made on a signal-line drive circuit 1803 having a different configuration from that of FIG. 8C , by using FIG. 8D . The signal-line drive circuit of FIG. 8D has a shift register 1831 , a first latch circuit 1832 , a second latch circuit 1833 and a constant-current circuit 1834 . Briefly explaining the operation, the shift register 1831 is configured with using a plurality of flip-flop circuits (FFs), which is inputted by a clock signal (S-CLK), a start pulse (S-SP) and a clock inversion signal (S-CLKb). Sampling pulses are sequentially outputted according to the timing of these signals. The sampling pulses outputted from the shift register 1831 are inputted to the first latch circuit 1832 . The first latch circuit 1832 is inputted with a digital video signal to hold the video signal on the columns according to the input timing of sampling pulses. In the first latch circuit 1832 , when holding the video signal completes to the last column, a latch pulse is inputted to the second latch circuit 1833 during a horizontal blanking period. The video signal held by the first latch circuit 1832 is transferred, at one time, to the second latch circuit 1833 . Thereupon, the video signal in an amount of one row is simultaneously inputted to the constant-current circuit 1834 . During the input of the video signal held on the second latch circuit 1833 to the constant-current circuit 1834 , the shift register 1831 again outputs sampling pulses. From then on, this operation is repeated to carry out video signal processing in an amount of one frame. Incidentally, the constant-current circuit 1834 , in some cases, has a role to convert a digital signal into an analog signal. Incidentally, this embodiment can be desirably combined with Embodiment 1 to 4. Embodiment 6 When the above-mentioned light emitting device of the present invention is driven digitally, in order to represent a multi-gray-scale image, a method configured by combining a digital gray scale scheme and an area-gray-scale scheme, and a method configured by combining by a digital gray scale scheme and a time-gray-scale scheme (hereafter referred to as time-gray-scale scheme) have been proposed. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned time-gray-scale scheme will be described using FIGS. 9A and 9B . In addition, FIG. 9A shows a timing chart in a case that the longitudinal axis denotes a scanning line, and the horizontal axis denotes a time, while FIG. 9B shows a timing chart in a case that attention is paid to j-th row. In display devices such as liquid crystal display devices and light emitting devices, a frame frequency is normally about 60 Hz. That is, screen rendering is performed about 60 times per second. This enables flickers (flickering of a screen) not to be recognized by the human's eyes. At this time, a period during which screen rendering is performed once is called one frame period. As an example in this embodiment, descriptions will be made of a time-gray-scale-scheme disclosed in the publication as Patent Document 1. In the time-gray-scale scheme, one frame period is divided into a plurality of subframe periods. In many cases, the number of divisions at this time is identical to the number of gray scale bits. To describe briefly, a case where the number of divisions is identical to the number of gray scale bits is shown. In other words, since the 3-bit gray scale is employed in this embodiment, an example is shown in which one frame period is divided into three subframe periods SF 1 to SF 3 . Each of the subframe periods includes a writing (address) period Ta and a light emission (sustain) period Ts. The address period is a period during which a video signal is written to a pixel, and the length thereof is the same among respective subframe periods. The sustain period is a period during which the light emitting element emits light in response to the video signal written in the address period. At this time, the sustain periods SF 1 to SF 3 are set at a length ratio of Ts 1 : Ts 2 : Ts 3 =4:2:1. More specifically, the length ratio of n sustain periods is set to 2 (n-1) : 2 (n-2) : . . . :2 1 :2 0 . Depending on which one of the sustain periods a light emitting element performs emission, the length of the period during which each pixel emits light in one frame period is determined, and the gray scale representation is thus performed. In other words, by taking a light emitting state or a non-light emitting state for the sustain (light emission) periods Ts 1 to Ts 3 , and utilizing the length of the total light emission time, 8 gray scales having brightnesses of 0%, 14%, 28%, 43%, 57%, 71%, 86%, and 100% can be expressed. The brightness is 57% if there is light emission during Ts 1 and no light emission during Ts 2 and Ts 3 , and while the brightness is 71%, light emission occurs during Ts 1 and Ts 3 but not during Ts 2 . Briefly, with the time-gray-scale scheme, however, the same gray scale is expressed by emitting light at 100% brightness for only 71% of the entire light emission period. In FIGS. 9A and 9B , the subframe period SF 3 has an erase period Te 3 . The erase period corresponds to a period for erasing and resetting the video signal written in the pixel. And, for example, in the pixel 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C , erasing is performed at the same timing with reverse biases. That is to say, in the pixel 10 , an erasing operation and a reverse biases applying operation are performed at the same time during the erasing period Te. The number of divisions for subframe periods may be increased to increase the number of display gray scales. Also, the order of the subframe periods does not necessarily need to be the order from an upper bit to a lower bit as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , and the subframe periods may be disposed at random within one frame period. In addition, the order may be variable within each frame period. In addition, this embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with Embodiments 1 to 5. Embodiment 7 This embodiment briefly explains a sectional structure of the light-emitting device of the invention. Note that FIG. 10 depicts only a sectional structure of a drive TFT 507 and light-emitting element in order to simplify explanation. In FIG. 10 , 500 is a substrate having an insulating surface. A drive TFT 507 is provided on the substrate 500 . Interconnections are provided to be connected to an impurity region provided in an active layer possessed by the drive TFT 507 , while a pixel electrode 509 is provided connected to the interconnection. An organic conductive film 522 is provided on the pixel electrode 509 , and an organic thin film (light-emitting layer) 523 is provided on the organic conductor film 522 . A counter electrode 524 is provided on the organic thin film (light-emitting layer) 523 . The overlying layers, of the pixel electrode 509 , the organic conductive film 522 , the organic thin film (light-emitting layer) 523 and the counter electrode 524 , correspond to a light-emitting element. For the light emitted from the light-emitting element, there are included a case of light emission toward the substrate 500 and a case of light emission away from the substrate 500 . The former case is called as downward light emission while the latter case is as upward light emission. In the case of downward light emission, the pixel electrode 509 corresponds to an anode while the counter electrode 524 to a cathode. Meanwhile, in the case of upward light emission, the pixel electrode 509 corresponds to a cathode while the counter electrode 524 to an anode. Incidentally, the organic thin film (light-emitting layer) 523 can suitably use a material for emitting light in red, blue, green, white or the like. When structuring an organic thin film (light-emitting layer) 523 by using a material for emitting white light, it is preferred to form the pixel electrode 509 or the counter electrode 524 by a transparent conductive film and arrange a color-filter coloring layer on a surface opposed thereto. By doing so, color display can be realized even by using a white-light material. This embodiment can be desirably combined with Embodiment 1 to 6. Embodiment 8 Electronic appliances using the light emitting device of the present invention include, for example, video cameras, digital cameras, goggle type displays (head mount displays), navigation systems, audio reproducing devices (such as car audio and audio components), notebook personal computers, game machines, mobile information terminals (such as mobile computers, mobile phones, portable game machines, and electronic books), and image reproducing devices provided with a recording medium (specifically, devices for reproducing a recording medium such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), which includes a display capable of displaying images). Practical examples are shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H . FIG. 11A shows a light emitting device, which contains a casing 2001 , a support base 2002 , a display portion 2003 , a speaker portion 2004 , a video input terminal 2005 , and the like. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2003 . Further, the light emitting device shown in FIG. 11A is completed with the present invention. Since the light emitting device is of self-light emitting type, it does not need a back light, and therefore a display portion that is thinner than that of a liquid crystal display can be obtained. Note that light emitting devices include all information display devices, for example, personal computers, television broadcast transmitter-receivers, and advertisement displays. FIG. 11B shows a digital still camera, which contains a main body 2101 , a display portion 2102 , an image receiving portion 2103 , operation keys 2104 , an external connection port 2105 , a shutter 2106 , and the like. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2102 . Further, the digital still camera shown in FIG. 11B is completed with the present invention. FIG. 11C shows a notebook personal computer, which contains a main body 2201 , a casing 2202 , a display portion 2203 , a keyboard 2204 , external connection ports 2205 , a pointing mouse 2206 , and the like. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2203 . Further, the light emitting device shown in FIG. 11C is completed with the present invention. FIG. 11D shows a mobile computer, which contains a main body 2301 , a display portion 2302 , a switch 2303 , operation keys 2304 , an infrared port 2305 , and the like. The present invention can be applied to the display portion 2303 . Further, the mobile computer shown in FIG. 11D is completed with the present invention. FIG. 11E shows a portable image reproducing device provided with a recording medium (specifically, a DVD reproducing device), which contains a main body 2401 , a casing 2402 , a display portion A 2403 , a display portion B 2404 , a recording medium (such as a DVD) read-in portion 2405 , operation keys 2406 , a speaker portion 2407 , and the like. The display portion A 2403 mainly displays image information, and the display portion B 2404 mainly displays character information. The present invention can be used in the display portion A 2403 and in the display portion B 2404 . Note that family game machines and the like are included in the image reproducing devices provided with a recording medium. Further, the DVD reproducing device shown in FIG. 11E is completed with the present invention. FIG. 11F shows a goggle type display (head mounted display), which contains a main body 2501 , a display portion 2502 , an arm portion 2503 , and the like. The present invention can be used in the display portion 2502 . The goggle type display shown in FIG. 11F is completed with the present invention. FIG. 11G shows a video camera, which contains a main body 2601 , a display portion 2602 , a casing 2603 , external connection ports 2604 , a remote control reception portion 2605 , an image receiving portion 2606 , a battery 2607 , an audio input portion. 2608 , operation keys 2609 , an eyepiece portion 2610 , and the like. The present invention can be used in the display portion 2602 . The video camera shown in FIG. 11G is completed with the present invention. Here, FIG. 11H shows a mobile phone, which contains a main body 2701 , a casing 2702 , a display portion 2703 , an audio input portion 2704 , an audio output portion 2705 , operation keys 2706 , external connection ports 2707 , an antenna 2708 , and the like. The present invention can be used in the display portion 2703 . Note that, by displaying white characters on a black background, the current consumption of the mobile phone can be suppressed. Further, the mobile phone shown in FIG. 11H is completed with the present invention. When the emission luminance of light emitting materials is increased in the future, the light emitting device will be able to be applied to a front or rear type projector for magnifying and projecting outputted light containing image information by a lens or the like. Cases are increasing in which the above-described electronic appliances display information distributed via electronic communication lines such as the Internet and CATVs (cable TVs). Particularly increased are cases where dynamic picture information is displayed. Since the response speed of the light emitting materials is very high, the light emitting device is preferably used for dynamic picture display. Since the light emitting device consumes power in a light emitting portion, information is desirably displayed so that the light emitting portions are reduced as much as possible. Thus, in the case where the light emitting device is used for a display portion of a mobile information terminal, particularly, a mobile phone, an audio playback device, or the like, which primarily displays character information, it is preferable that the character information be formed in the light emitting portions with the non-light emitting portions being used as the background. As described above, the application range of the present invention is very wide, so that the invention can be used for electronic appliances in all of fields. The electronic appliances according to this embodiment may use the structure of the light emitting device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7. Embodiment 9 The electronic device shown in Embodiment 8 has a module, mounting an IC including a controller, a power circuit and the like, mounted on a panel in a state sealed with the light emitting elements. The module and the panel both correspond to one form of a display device. Herein, explanation is made on a concrete configuration of the module. FIG. 12A shows an external view of a module having a controller 801 and power circuit 802 mounted on a panel 800 . The panel 800 is provided with a pixel region 803 having light-emitting elements on respective pixels, a scanning-line drive circuit 804 for selecting the pixel possessed by the pixel region 803 , and a signal-line drive circuit 805 for supplying a video signal to a selected pixel. Meanwhile, a printed board 806 is provided with a controller 801 and a power circuit 802 . The various signals and power voltage outputted from the controller 801 or power circuit 802 are supplied to the pixel region 803 of the panel 800 , the scanning-line drive circuit 804 and the signal-line drive circuit 805 through an FPC 807 . The power voltage and various signals to the printed board 806 are supplied through an interface (I/F) section 808 arranged with a plurality of input terminals. Incidentally, although this embodiment is mounted with the printed board 806 on the panel 800 by the use of the FPC, it is not limited to this structure. The COG (chip on glass) scheme may be used to directly mount the controller 801 and power circuit 802 on the panel 800 . Also, on the printed board 806 , there is a possible case that noise be involved in the power voltage or signal or signal rise be blunted, due to the capacitances formed between the extended interconnections, the resistances possessed by the interconnections themselves. Consequently, various elements such as capacitors and buffers may be provided on the printed board 806 , to prevent against noise be involved in the power voltage or signal or blunted signal rise. FIG. 12B shows, in a block diagram, a configuration of the printed board 806 . The various signals and power voltage supplied to the interface 808 are then supplied to the controller 801 and the power circuit 802 . The controller 801 has an analog interface circuit 809 , a phased-locked loop (PLL) 810 , a control-signal generating circuit 811 and SRAMs (static random access memories) 812 , 813 . Although SRAMs are herein used, it is possible to use SDRAMs or, DRAMs (dynamic random access memories) if data write or read is possible at high speed, in place of the SRAMs. The analog video signal, supplied through the interface 808 , is A/D-converted and parallel-serial converted in the analog interface circuit 809 , thus being inputted as a digital video signal corresponding to the colors of R, G and B to the control-signal generating circuit 811 . Also, on the basis of the various signals supplied through the interface 808 , an Hsync signal, a Vsync signal, a clock signal CLK and the like are generated in the analog interface circuit 809 and inputted to the control signal generating circuit 811 . Where the digital video signal is directly inputted to the interface 808 , there is no need to arrange the analog interface circuit 809 . The phase-locked loop 810 has a function to combine the frequency of various signals supplied through the interface 808 with the operating frequency of the control-signal generating circuit 811 . The operating frequency of the control-signal generating circuit 811 is not necessarily the same as the frequency of the various signals supplied through the interface 808 , but adjusted, in the phase-locked loop 810 , the operating frequency of the control-signal generating circuit 811 in a manner of synchronization with one another. The video signal inputted to the control-signal generating circuit 811 is once written to and held on the SRAM 812 , 813 . The control-signal generating circuit 811 reads out, bit by bit, the video signals corresponding to all the pixels of among all the bits of video signals held on the SRAM 812 , and supplies them to the signal-line drive circuit 805 of the panel 800 . The control-signal generating circuit 811 supplies the information concerning a time period the light-emitting element of each bit causes light emission, to the scanning-line drive circuit 804 of the panel 800 . The power circuit 802 supplies a predetermined power voltage to the panel 800 of the signal-line drive circuit 805 , scanning-line drive circuit 804 and pixel region 803 . Explanation is now made on the configuration of the power circuit 802 , by using FIG. 13 . The power circuit 802 comprises a switching regulator 854 using four switching regulator controls 860 and a series regulator 855 . Generally, the switching regulator, small in size and light in weight as compared to the series regulator, can raise voltage and inverts polarities besides voltage reduction. On the other hand, the series regulator, used in voltage reduction, has a well output voltage accuracy as compared to the switching regulator, hardly causing ripples or noises. The power circuit 802 of this embodiment uses a combination of the both. The switching regulator 854 shown in FIG. 13 has a switching regulator control (SWR) 860 , an attenuator (ATT) 861 , a transformer (T) 862 , an inductor (L) 863 , a reference power source (Vref) 864 , an oscillator circuit (OSC) 865 , a diode 866 , a bipolar transistor 867 , a varistor 868 and a capacitance 869 . When a voltage of an external Li-ion battery (3.6 V) or the like is transformed in the switching regulator 854 , generated are a power voltage to be supplied to a cathode and a power voltage to be supplied to the switching regulator 854 . The series regulator 855 has a band-gap circuit (BG) 870 , an amplifier 871 , operational amplifiers 1 - 6 , a current source 873 , a varistor 874 and a bipolar transistor 875 , and supplied with a power voltage generated at the switching regulator 854 . In the series regulator 855 , a power voltage generated by the switching regulator 854 is used to generate a power voltage to be supplied to an interconnection (current supply line) for supplying current to the anodes of various-color of light-emitting elements depending upon a constant voltage generated by the band-gap circuit 870 . Incidentally, the current source 873 is used for a drive scheme to which the current of video signal is written to the pixel. In this case, the current generated by the current source 873 is supplied to the signal-line drive circuit 805 of the panel 800 . In the case of a drive scheme to write the video signal voltage to the pixel, the current source 873 need not necessarily be provided. Explanation is briefly made on the operation of the series regulator 855 , as a constituent element of the power circuit 802 , by using FIG. 14 . The band-gap circuit 870 generates a reference voltage. The reference voltage is amplified by the amplifier 871 where a power of 10 V is generated. Also, the voltage generated by the band-gap circuit 870 is used also for the current source 873 . Incidentally, the band-gap circuit 870 is controlled by an external ON/OFF terminal. This is arranged because there is a possible case that the voltage supplied from the switching regulator 854 is unstable mainly upon a power rise or the like which power, if used as it is, makes it impossible to obtain a desired signal from the band-gap circuit 870 . The ON/OFF terminal provides delay to suppress against such phenomenon. The operational amplifier 1 supplies a +5 V voltage divided, by an internal resistance, of a +10 V voltage supplied from the amplifier 871 , thus serving as a buffer. The operational amplifier 2 supplies a +8 V voltage divided, by an internal resistance, of a +10 V voltage supplied from the amplifier 871 , thus serving as a buffer. The operational amplifier 3 supplies a voltage divided, by an external varistor, of a +10 V voltage supplied from the amplifier 871 , thus serving as a buffer. The operational amplifiers 4 - 6 supply a voltage divided, by an external varistor, of a +10 V voltage supplied from the amplifier 871 , thus serving as buffers. Incidentally, because the operation amplifiers 4 - 6 require much amount of output current, transistors 875 are used in the final output stage. The current source 873 converts, by an external resistance, a reference voltage generated by the band-gap circuit 870 into a current, and inverts and outputs it by an internal current mirror. Because this current source 873 has a supply current amount possibly dependent upon a temperature change, there is a need to suppress temperature change to a small extent. In this configuration, the series regulator 855 configures six direct-current power sources due to the +12 V power source configured by the switching regulator 854 . Explanation is now briefly made on the configuration and operation of the switching regulator 854 as a constituent element of the power circuit 802 , by using FIG. 15 . The switching regulator control (SWR) 860 is configured with error amplifiers 1 - 4 , comparators 1 - 4 and output circuits 1 - 4 . The ATT 861 is configured with resistances 890 , 891 . The error amplifier 1 - 4 detects an output voltage of the switching regulator. The error amplifier 1 - 4 is fixed in voltage gain and capable of making a stable phase compensation for the system. The comparator 1 - 4 is a voltage comparator having one inverted input and two non-inverted inputs, which is a voltage-pulse width converter for controlling on-time of an output pulse depending on an input voltage. The constituent elements other than the above of the switching regulator 854 were explained in the above and hence omitted. The switching regulator 854 is operating at all times in either mode of transistor 867 operation of on or off. By changing the time ratio of the modes, direct-current output voltage is stabilized. Consequently, the transistor 867 has less power loss, serving as a power source well in power conversion efficiency. However, because on/off switching frequency is at high frequency, the transformer 862 can be reduced in size. Herein, the switching regulator 854 is inputted by a power of +3.6 V to boost the voltage, thereby configuring six direct-current power sources. The output voltages are +12 V, −2 V, +8 V, −12 V, +5 V and −3V. Of these, +12 V and −2 V, and +5 V and −3 V are generated at the same circuits. Explanation is now made on the configuration of the ON/OFF terminal and band-gap circuit 870 , by using FIG. 16 . The band-gap circuit 870 is configured with transistors 892 - 899 and resistances 900 - 903 . An output terminal is connected to the amplifier 871 . The band-gap circuit having a configuration of FIG. 16 has a function to generate a reference voltage. Subsequently, explanation is made on the configuration of the amplifier (DC amplifier) as a constituent element of the series regulator 855 , by using FIG. 17 . The amplifier 871 has transistors 905 - 915 , resistances 916 - 920 and a capacitance 922 . An input terminal is supplied by a signal from the band-gap circuit 870 . The signal at the output terminal is supplied to the operational amplifiers 1 - 6 . The configuration of the operational amplifier 1 - 3 is explained by using FIG. 18 . The operational amplifier 1 - 3 has transistors 925 - 935 , 940 , resistances 936 - 939 , 941 , and a capacitance 942 . The input terminal is supplied with a signal from the band-gap circuit 870 . The signal at the output terminal is supplied to the panel 800 . The configuration of the operational amplifier 4 - 6 is explained by using FIG. 19 . The operational amplifier 4 - 6 has transistors 945 - 955 , 960 , resistances 956 - 959 , 961 , 962 and a capacitance 962 . The input terminal is supplied with a signal from the band-gap circuit 870 . The signal at the output terminal is provided to the interconnection (current supply line) for supplying a current to the anode of the light-emitting element of each color. The configuration of the current source 873 is explained by using FIG. 20 . The current source 873 has transistors 965 - 973 , resistances 974 - 980 , and capacitance elements 981 , 982 . To the input terminal is supplied with a signal from the band-gap circuit 870 . The power circuit 802 and controller 801 configured as above is mounted on the panel 800 . Thus, completed is a module of an embodiment of the invention. EXAMPLE Example 1 This embodiment describes a result of the measurement of luminance deterioration, conducted under direct-current drive (with applying a bias in the forward direction at all times) and alternate-current drive (with applying a forward bias and a reverse bias alternately with a constant period), on a spontaneous light-emitting device that a polymer compound is applied as an organic compound layer and further a buffer layer of a conductive polymer compound is provided between the anode and the light-emitting layer. FIGS. 21A and 21B show a result of a reliability test conducted under alternate-current drive at a forward bias: 3.7 V, a reverse bias: 1.7 V, a duty ratio 50% and an alternating-current frequency 60 Hz. The initial luminance was approximately 400 cd/cm 2 . For comparison, shown together is a result of a reliability test conducted under direct-current drive (forward bias: 3.65 V). As a result, the luminance under the direct-current drive was halved to approximately 400 hours whereas the luminance under the alternating-current drive did not reach a halving even after a lapse of 700 hours. FIGS. 21C and 21D show a result of a reliability test conducted under alternate-current drive at a forward bias: 3.8 V, a reverse bias: 1.7 V, a duty ratio 50% and an alternating-current frequency 600 Hz. The initial luminance was approximately 300 cd/cm 2 . For comparison, shown together is a result of a reliability test conducted under direct-current drive (forward bias: 3.65 V). As a result, the luminance under the direct-current drive was halved in approximately 500 hours whereas the initial luminance was held approximately 60% even after a lapse of 700 hours. From the above results, it can be seen that the spontaneous light-emitting device having undergone alternate current drive is higher in reliability than the spontaneous light-emitting device-having undergone direct current drive. The present invention can provide a light-emitting device using a fact that, by applying a drive voltage in reverse polarity to that in light emission to light-emitting elements for each constant time period, the light-emitting elements can be improved in current-voltage characteristic deterioration. Furthermore, the invention can provide a light-emitting device that is made not dependent upon transistor characteristic by controlling the amount of a current flowing through the light-emitting elements. Meanwhile, a light-emitting device improved in current-voltage characteristic deterioration can be provided by applying a reverse bias to light-emitting elements without exerting affection upon gray scale representation.

The light-emitting element has a problem that reliability, heat-resisting stability and durability are low because of the deterioration in an organic compound layer. The TFT for driving the light-emitting element has a problem that variation readily occurs in its electrical characteristic due to the defects existing in grain boundaries. The present invention provides a light-emitting device by using the fact that, by applying to the light-emitting element a drive voltage having a polarity reverse to that in light emission during each constant period, the light-emitting element is improved in current-voltage characteristic. Furthermore, the present invention provides a light-emitting device made not dependent upon transistor characteristic, by controlling the amount of a current flowing through the light-emitting element.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims benefit of priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/708,232, filed Oct. 1, 2012, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST This invention was made with government support under CNS-0845832, awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present technology relates to the field of virtual machine security, and in particular security of checkpoint information stored in physical persistent memory. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Virtualization technology is being widely adopted in grid and cloud computing platforms [31, 34, 23, 28] to improve server consolidation and reduce operating costs. On one hand, virtual machines (VMs) help improve security through greater isolation and more transparent malware analysis and intrusion detection [22, 24, 27, 10, 11, 14, 17, 29, 26, 19]. On the other hand, virtualization also gives rise to new challenges in maintaining security and privacy in virtualized environments. Although significant advances have been made in developing techniques to secure the execution of VMs, a number of challenges remain unaddressed. VM checkpointing refers to the act of saving a permanent snapshot (or checkpoint) of a VM's state at an instant in time. Virtual Machine (VM) checkpointing enables a user to capture a snapshot of a running VM on persistent storage. A VM's state includes, at the minimum, its memory image and CPU execution state and possibly additional states such as virtual disk contents. The checkpoint can be later used for various purposes such as restoring the VM to a previous state, recovering a long-running process after a crash, distributing a VM image with a preset execution state among multiple users, archiving a VM's execution record, conducting forensic examination, etc. Most hypervisors such as VMware (VMware Inc.), Hyper-V (Microsoft, Inc.), VirtualBox (Oracle Inc.), KVM [35], and Xen (Xen.org) support VM checkpointing. Despite the above benefits, VM checkpoints can drastically prolong the lifetime and vulnerability of sensitive information. Checkpoints are stored on persistent storage and contain the VM's physical memory contents at a given time instant. Data that should normally be discarded quickly after processing, such as passwords (especially clear text passwords), credit card numbers, health records, or trade secrets, can now be saved forever in persistent storage through VM checkpointing. This vulnerability can be demonstrated using a common scenario of entering credit card information in a website. As shown in FIG. 4 , the FireFox browser was started inside a VirtualBox VM. The browser was then connected to www.amazon.com, “my account” clicked to add credit card information, the number 9149239648 entered into the credit card number field, and then checkpointing was performed. When searching through the checkpoint file with a hex editor, the credit card number entered earlier was located. In some of experiments, the checkpoint file contains the string “addCreditCard-Number=9149239648”, which can enable an attacker to locate the credit card number easily by searching for the string “CreditCard” in the checkpoint. Furthermore, even if the checkpointing is performed after the browser terminates, the credit card number can still be located in the checkpoint file, likely because the browser's memory was not cleared before the browser terminated. In other words, the common advice to “close your browser after logging out” may give users a false sense of security. Many users are not aware that their input data may still reside in memory even after the application that has processed such data terminates. Such users may mistakenly assume that checkpointing the VM is safe simply because the application has terminated. Passwords in the memory of xterm terminal emulator (both running and terminated) were also identified in the checkpoint file. Besides memory, even checkpointing a VM's disk may also end up storing users' confidential data in the snapshot. For example, Balduzzi et. al [36] analyzed 5303 public Amazon EC2 snapshots and found that many of them contain sensitive information such as passwords, browser history, and deleted files. Previous work on minimizing data lifetime has focused on clearing the deallocated memory (also known as memory scrubbing). Chow et al. [6] and Garfinkel et al. [12] discussed in depth the problem of sensitive data being stored in memory, and observed that the sensitive data may linger in memory for extended periods and hence may be exposed to compromise. In [7], authors proposed a multi-level approach to clearing deallocated memory at the application, compiler, library, and system levels. A similar mechanism is included in Windows operating systems, which uses system idle time to clear deallocated memory pages [30]. Also, in Unix systems, it is common to clear memory before reuse [12]. However, simply clearing deallocated memory does not solve our problem because memory pages that have not been deallocated may contain sensitive information and such information may be checkpointed. As a result, SPARC also clears the memory pages of the excluded processes in checkpoints. Selectively clearing memory pages during checkpointing is much more challenging than scrubbing only deallocated memory because multiple processes may share the same memory pages (e.g. shared libraries) and we must ensure that excluding one process will not affect other processes when the VM is restored. Garfinkel et al. [12] also proposes to encrypt sensitive information in the memory and clear the sensitive information by simply discarding the key. However, encrypting sensitive information in memory can add significant overheads to access the information and may still expose sensitive information if the VM is checkpointed at the moment when some program decrypts the sensitive information. Features protecting virtual disk, memory, and checkpoints have found their way into research prototypes as well as commercial virtualization products. Garfinkel et al. [13] developed a hypervisor-based trusted computing platform that uses trusted hardware features such as encrypted disks and the use of a secure counter to protect against file system rollback attacks, to permit systems with varying security requirements to execute side-by-side on the same hardware platform. The platform's privacy features include encrypted disks and the use of a secure counter to protect against file system rollback attacks in which the state of a file is rolled back. [15] and [2] also suggested encrypting checkpoints. However, encrypting the checkpoint alone is insufficient because (1) it still prolongs the lifetime of confidential data that should normally be quickly destroyed after use; (2) when the VM is restored, the checkpoint will be decrypted and loaded into the memory of the VM, thus exposing the confidential data again; (3) the checkpoint file may be shared by multiple users, thus increasing the likelihood of data leakage. VMware ACE [2], VMware Infrastructure [33], and VirtualBox [25] allow users to exclude the entire memory from being checkpointed. However, none of them provides a level of granularity that we do by selectively excluding processes from the checkpointed memory. Davidoff et al. [9] retrieved clear text passwords from the physical memory of a Linux system. Their work aimed to show that the physical RAM may retain sensitive information even after the system has been powered off, and the attacker with physical access to the system can steal information through cold boot memory dumping attacks. However, with checkpoints, the problem is significantly more severe: in the RAM, the amount of time the sensitive information persists in the memory after the machine is powered off, is limited by the RAM's ability to retain information in absence of power. However, the checkpoints are saved to the disk and the information stored in the checkpoints can persist for long time. Also, they assume that the attacker has physical access to the system, but we do not. Several prior works have employed VM checkpointing to enable execution replay for intrusion analysis and OS debugging. Dunlap et al. [11] proposed an intrusion detection mechanism called ReVirt which allows instruction-by-instruction replay of the guest OS execution. King et al. [18] used ReVirt and disk logging to implement an OS debugger. However, neither work attempts to address data lifetime issues raised by VM checkpointing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To address the limitations of traditional checkpointing technologies, two approaches are provided to prevent users' confidential data from being stored in VM checkpoints. The first is an application-transparent approach for situations when it is not possible to modify the applications that handle confidential data. The approach seeks to identify processes that store confidential data and to exclude all the memory pages and files that potentially contain data accessed by these processes from the checkpoint file. While transparent, this approach results in the termination of applications when the VM is later restored. The second approach is an application-visible approach which preserves the application, but not the confidential data, upon VM restoration. The key idea is to provide the application programmers with an API that allows them to mark the memory regions and files that contain confidential data, and to be notified by the hypervisor when VM checkpointing or restoration events occur. Thus an application can adapt its execution and the visibility of confidential data to checkpoint/restore events. In both approaches, we assume that the VM is not compromised when the checkpointing is performed. A cooperative application may also store a time-varying code along with variable or contingent data, which permits the application to determine whether data is stale or has been restored. This, in turn permits blanking or corruption of the respective data in the checkpoint file, to the extent it is present, without interference with the application, since the application will ignore the contents if the data is restored or stale in any case. The key challenge with both approaches is to exhaustively exclude or sanitize all VM contents that contain confidential data and to ensure that the VM's stability and consistency are maintained when the VM is restored from the checkpoints. Similar approaches can be used to prevent confidential data from being stored in disk checkpoints or other local, remote or distributed storage media. Application-Transparent Approach for Excluding Confidential Data We will first investigate an application-transparent approach for privacy-aware checkpointing for cases where it is not possible to modify a VM's applications, such as Web browsers, Email clients, Terminals etc. Since the internal semantics of the application, such as data structures handling confidential information, are not known, the best one can do to exclude confidential information from checkpoints is to exclude the entire memory footprint of the application in both user and kernel space. This approach ensures that, when the VM is later restored from the sanitized checkpoint, the original applications that handled confidential information will no longer resume. Developing an application-transparent approach is challenging because processes and the operating system can have complex dependencies. Specifically, we expect the following requirements to be met in order to safely exclude entire applications from VM checkpoints: (1) During checkpointing, the stability of any processes currently executing in the VM should not be affected; (2) Checkpointing should exhaustively identify and exclude all memory regions accessed by applications that handle confidential information; (3) After restoration, processes that did not have any dependencies (such as inter-process communication) with the excluded application should resume normally; (4) The mechanism should not compromise the security of the VM and the hypervisor. FIG. 2B gives the high-level architecture of the proposed application-transparent approach, which works with both hosted and native hypervisors. A special process called the guest service inside the VM collects physical addresses of memory pages that belong to the applications being excluded from the VM checkpoint. When checkpointing is initiated, another special process in the hypervisor, called the exclusion service, requests the guest service to provide the collected physical addresses of memory pages to be excluded. The exclusion service then relays the addresses to the checkpointer in the hypervisor, which in turn zeros out the specified pages in the checkpoint file. Another option is to monitor the user input stream, or more generally selectively from the I/O stream from non-program memory sources during a session. The selection of sources, such as user keyboard input, is such that a reasonable assumption may be applied that any such information contains information that might be private, though exceptions may be provided. The stream is then searched or cross correlated with the checkpoint files, and memory locations that include “copies” of the stream are then tagged as possible private information. In some cases, this will be highly disruptive to a restoration of a checkpoint file, since this may void the state of an application, and therefore is best applied to applications whose particular state is not desired to be restored. To demonstrate the feasibility of the application-transparent approach, a prototype called SPARC—a Security and Privacy AwaRe Checkpointing system [38] was developed. SPARC ensures that all memory footprint of the excluded process, such as virtual memory pages, TTY buffers, and network packets, are cleared. FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example where a user enters a credit card number into the FireFox web browser and the checkpoint is performed as soon as the credit card number is entered. FIG. 1A gives the screenshot of a VM restored using VirtualBox's default mechanism. FIG. 1B gives the screenshot of the VM restored using SPARC in which Firefox and the information processed by Firefox (such as the credit card number entered) are excluded from being checkpointed. SPARC also handles dynamic changes to virtual-to-physical memory mappings while checkpointing is in progress (since memory pages can be swapped in and out of disks), by freezing all user space processes, except the guest service. The performance of the SPARC prototype was evaluated on a number of real-world applications. FIGS. 5A and 5B compare the execution time of performing checkpointing and restoration using SPARC and the VirtualBox's default mechanism. All experiments were conducted on a host with Intel Dual CPU 2.26 GHz processor and 2 GB of RAM, and running Ubuntu Linux 10.4 kernel version 2.6.32, and a guest VM with 800 MB of memory, a single processor, and Ubuntu Linux 9.10 kernel version 2.6.31. Each data point is an average of execution time over 5 runs. The experimental results show that the prototype imposes 0:5%-7:1% overhead on checkpointing, 1:4%-2:5% overhead on restoration, and 1%-5:3% overall overhead. Designing a Process Container to Facilitate Privacy-Aware Checkpointing The sensitive data processed by a process may reside in a number of memory locations such as process memory, the deallocated pages, TTY buffers, the socket/pipe/FIFO buffers etc. Currently, disparate locations in the VM's kernel memory must be examined in order to identify memory pages related to a process. To ease the identification of process-specific pages, a lightweight process container may be provided that cleanly encapsulates the state of each process (or process groups). Processes running inside the container will be excluded from being checkpointed. The design of such a container also makes traditional techniques for taint analysis easier and more efficient. Existing container mechanisms[20, 37] do not provide adequate support for memory tracking and exclusion for operations such as VM checkpointing. Accounting for Inter-Process Dependencies Processes may communicate with each other directly or in-directly through mechanisms such as sockets, pipes, FIFO buffers etc. As a result, excluding a process may affect other processes that communicate with it after restoration. In addition, non-system-critical processes that have interacted with the excluded process may obtain sensitive information from the excluded process, and hence also need to be excluded. Techniques may therefore be provided to account for such inter-process dependencies while maintaining system stability after restoration. All processes that depend upon the excluded process should be exhaustively identified. One possible solution is to monitor the establishment of inter-process dependencies using hooks in the guest kernel and analyze this information to derive inter-process dependencies. This approach, however, may miss some external dependencies that could occur when some the corresponding code paths have not been executed before checkpointing. For example, this approach cannot detect the dependency where the excluded process writes to a file before checkpointing and another process accesses the file after restoration. This issue may be addressed by combining both static analysis and dynamic tracking. Ensuring Consistent Storage A process being excluded from checkpoint file may be performing a write operation on a file or a database when checkpointing is performed. If the memory pages are simply cleared of the process from the checkpoints and the process killed during restoration, the file or the database could be left in an inconsistent state after restoration. Privacy-aware checkpointing could compound this problem by introducing I/O operations that do not complete after restoration. One approach to solving this problem is to checkpoint the specific files that have been closed by the process, and after restoration, roll back such files to a prior consistent state. Another approach is to track all the I/O operations on files opened by the excluded process and undo those operations upon VM restoration. Security Analysis Potential attacks that may specifically target privacy-aware checkpointing may also be identified. For example, the attacker may use privacy-aware checkpointing to hide their activities by excluding their malicious applications. This can affect intrusion detection techniques that rely on replaying checkpoints (e.g. [11]). Such potential attacks may be identified through formal verification, i.e., formally modeling the system and the attackers' behavior, and checking if the system conforms to desirable security properties. Application-Visible Approach for Excluding Confidential Data The application-transparent approach described above for privacy-aware checkpointing is useful when the applications within the VMs cannot be modified. Since the semantics of the application internals are unknown, this approach requires that the application be terminated when the VM is later restored, because the integrity of the application cannot be guaranteed upon resumption from a sanitized checkpoint. However, in some situations it may be desirable to keep the application alive after the VM is restored. Ideally, one would prefer that the application can determine on its own as to what internal state to reset and what to retain after a VM restoration event. To do so, firstly, an application needs to keep track of all the internal application state that contains confidential data so that it can be excluded from the checkpoint. Secondly, after a VM is restored from a checkpoint, the application needs to be able to resume execution safely, even though some of its internal state (containing confidential data) was excluded from the checkpoint. Finally, some of the application's confidential data may be stored in the guest OS in the form of internal kernel state, such as network packets, I/O buffers etc. Thus a VM checkpointing should ensure that such kernel state is excluded from the checkpoint and that the kernel can resume safely after VM's restoration. To address the above challenges, an application-visible approach is provided, which preserves the application, but not its confidential data, when a VM is restored from the checkpoint. As the name suggests, the basic idea is to expose the VM checkpointing and restoration operations to the applications within the VM through an application programmer interface (API). The API allows an application to specify the memory regions that contain confidential data before a privacy-aware checkpointing operation occurs and to resume normally with integrity once the VM is restored from a sanitized checkpoint. Specifically, the API will (a) allow applications to register confidential memory, which will not be checkpointed or transmitted without explicit permission of the applications; (b) inform applications just before checkpointing to allow applications to transition to a “safe” state; (c) inform applications after checkpointing completes to allow applications to resume safely; and (d) inform applications after the VM is restored from a checkpoint so that applications can restart safely. While an application can use the API above to register the memory location of its confidential data, it is still possible that other memory locations that are not registered become tainted by the confidential data during normal processing by the application. Information flow analysis may be performed to automatically register all variables that may store the registered data. In addition, the application also constantly interacts with the guest kernel by invoking system calls and exchanging data for I/O operations. Thus confidential data may also reside in the kernel memory at the time the checkpointing is initiated. Therefore, the checkpointer should exclude the application's footprint that may be present in kernel memory, not just in user space memory. One approach is as follows. When checkpointing is initiated, the kernel will temporarily pause new system calls and I/O requests from the application and complete (or flush) any pending I/O operations such as disk I/O, network packets, display buffers, etc. The kernel will also zero out all I/O buffers after the completion of the I/O operations to prevent data leakage through buffer reuse. Once the kernel memory is sanitized of application's confidential data, the VM checkpointing operation can be allowed to proceed. Scrubbing the kernel memory in this manner could potentially add non-trivial latency to the start of checkpointing. The technique permits application programmers to use a privacy-aware checkpointing API, to help applications retain greater control over their confidential data and execution state during VM checkpointing and after VM restoration. Specifically, by making the checkpointing mechanism visible to the applications, leakage of confidential data from the VM can be prevented without compromising the application's stability after the VM is restored. In addition, the technique will enable programmers to exclude confidential data that cannot be specified by users of the application, such as encryption keys processed within the program. It is therefore an object to provide a security and privacy aware VM checkpointing mechanism, which enables users to selectively exclude processes and terminal applications that contain users' confidential and private information from being checkpointed. The technology helps minimize the lifetime of confidential information by preventing unintended checkpointing of process-specific memory contents. A prototype of the technology using the VirtualBox hypervisor and Linux VM and tested it over a number of applications. This imposes only 1:02%-5:29% of overhead with common application workloads in testing. The technology can also exclude confidential disk information from being checkpointed. VMs are designed in which the state of each process is cleanly encapsulated. This helps avoid scrubbing process-specific information from disparate locations in OS memory. In addition, process containers can tightly isolate the entire state of a process and hence simplify the task of identifying and destroying sensitive information. Finally, the technology assumes that the hypervisor and the VM have existing runtime protection mechanisms against malicious intrusions and focuses on exclusively selective exclusion of confidential process information from checkpoints. Potential attacks on the technology that may specifically target the technology to hide the attacker's activities, may be identified, and counter-measures developed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1A shows VM restored using VirtualBox's default checkpointing mechanism; FIG. 1B shows VM restored using SPARC with FireFox excluded; FIGS. 2A and 2B shows the Architecture of SPARC with an application aware and application transparent approach, respectively; FIG. 3 shows the Teletype (TTY) subsystem architecture; FIG. 4 shows a scenario where the credit card number is checkpointed; FIGS. 5A and 5B show experimental results of SPARC and VirtualBox's default checkpointing mechanism; and FIG. 6 shows a hardware overview. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present technology provides techniques to address some of the security and privacy issues in VM checkpointing. VM checkpointing saves a persistent snapshot (or a checkpoint) of the entire memory and disk state of a VM in execution. Security and Privacy AwaRe Checkpointing (SPARC) is a mechanism that enables users to selectively exclude processes and terminal applications that contain sensitive data from being checkpointed. Selective exclusion is performed by the hypervisor by sanitizing those memory pages in the checkpoint file that belong to the excluded applications. SPARC poses only 1.02-5.29% of overhead with common application workloads, if most pages are dirty before checkpointing is performed, in a commodity Linux operating system. SPARC enables users to exclude specific applications, which contain users' confidential and private information, from being checkpointed by the hypervisor. For example, a user may wish to exclude a web browser application from being checkpointed because the user may enter his password and credit card number using the browser. Moreover, SPARC enables users to exclude terminal applications on which applications processing sensitive information are running from being checkpointed. A SPARC prototype based on the VirtualBox 3.1.2 OSE hypervisor and Ubuntu Linux 9.10 guest (kernel v2.6.31) was implemented. Excluding an Application from Checkpoint SPARC enables users to specify applications they wish to exclude from being checkpointed. Such applications are typically applications that may process sensitive information (e.g. FireFox, Internet Explorer, Email clients, etc). VirtualBox checkpointing creates two files: a .sav file which stores the contents of the VM's physical memory, and a .vdi file which stores the disk image. For efficiency, when checkpointing the disk image, instead of cloning the entire disk, VirtualBox freezes the current disk and creates a new differencing disk to which all subsequent write operations are redirected. Exclusion of physical memory of specific applications from being checkpointed is a particular focus. Disk checkpointing issues may be analogously handled. Again, consider the example where a user has entered a credit card number into the FireFox web browser. If the user performs checkpointing after the credit card number is entered, then the credit card number may be stored in the checkpoint even if FireFox has been terminated is being used to access other URLs. SPARC would let the user exclude FireFox from being checkpointed, i.e., data processed by FireFox will not be stored in the checkpoints (but the corresponding memory pages will not be cleared from RAM in order not to affect the current execution of processes). FIG. 1A gives the screenshot of a VM restored using VirtualBox's default mechanism, in which checkpointing is performed as soon as the user enters his or her credit card number. FIG. 1B gives the screenshot of the VM restored using SPARC in which FireFox and the information processed by FireFox are excluded from checkpointing. FIG. 2A gives the high-level architecture of SPARC. First, the user selects a list of applications that he or she wishes to exclude from being checkpointed. Next, a special process called the guest service in the VM invokes custom system calls to identify and collect physical addresses of memory pages that belong to the application being excluded, such as process memory, page cache pages, etc. Custom syscalls were used for ease of prototyping and can be easily replaced with a more transparent and extensible ioctl interface. Checkpointing is initiated from another special process called the host service located at the host system. The host service sends a notification to the guest service that checkpointing has been requested. The guest service replies with the collected physical addresses of memory pages that need to be excluded. The host service then relays the addresses to the hypervisor which in turn commences the checkpoint. The checkpointer in the hypervisor uses the received physical addresses to determine which memory to clear in the say file. To ensure that VM can be restored successfully, excluding a process should not affect other processes. As a result, memory pages that are shared by multiple processes will not be excluded from being checkpointed. Excluding Process Physical Memory In the virtual address space of a process in Linux, the program code segment stores the executable code of the program. The uninitialized and initialized data sections store uninitialized and initialized static variables, respectively. The heap contains dynamically allocated memory. The memory-mapped region for shared libraries section contains shared libraries mapped into the memory of the process. The stack contains information about function calls in progress e.g., local variables of functions. SPARC identifies and collects information about memory pages that belong to a process with ID pid and excludes those pages from the checkpoint. First, the guest service invokes a system call that locates the struct task struct associated with each process, which links together all information of a process e.g. memory, open files, terminal, and pending signals. This structure contains field struct mm struct *mm which points to the structure containing virtual memory information of a process. The mm struct contains fields unsigned long start code and unsigned long end code which point to the beginning and ending addresses of the process' code segment respectively, and struct vm area struct *mmap which points to the head of the list of vm area structs where each vm area struct represents a segment of process virtual memory. The vm area struct contains fields unsigned long vm start and unsigned long vm end which point to the beginning and ending addresses of the segment within the virtual process memory space, struct file *vm file which points to the corresponding file descriptor if the segment represents a memory mapped file (e.g. library or otherwise NULL), and struct vm area struct *vm next which points to the next segment. The system call then traverses a list of vm area structs and compares the vm start and vm end against start code and end code. If they match, then the memory segment represents an executable image, and hence is skipped because it cannot contain sensitive information and clearing the executable image may affect other processes which share the same in-memory executable image. Also, it checks if vm file is NULL and if so adds the address to the list; otherwise, the segment represents a shared library mapped into memory, and is skipped over because it may affect other processes which have mapped the same library into memory. The process file system (procfs) is a virtual file system that enables access and modification of kernel parameters from the user space through a file-like interface. For example, the user can find out the previously described process virtual memory information by reading file /proc/pid/maps. The guest service converts the virtual address of each page into the physical address based on file /proc/pid/pagemap in the procfs. For each virtual page of the process, this file contains e.g., a 64-bit integer which encodes a bit indicating whether the page is resident in the physical memory and if so the physical address of the page. To avoid affecting other processes in the system, all resident pages which are being mapped more than once are skipped. To determine the number of times a physical page has been mapped, the guest service checks the file /proc/kpagecount which contains an array that records the number of times each physical page has been mapped. Finally, the physical address of each page is sent to the host service which in turn relays the address to the hypervisor. When VirtualBox creates a memory checkpoint, prior to saving a physical page to the .sav file, SPARC checks if the physical address of the page matches one of the received addresses. If not, it saves the contents of the page to the checkpoint. Otherwise, it saves a page containing all 0's. To implement this behavior in the VirtualBox, the function pgmSavePagesQ, which saves the VM's physical memory in checkpoints, was modified. Because pages are constantly swapped between the disk and the physical memory, the virtual-to-physical memory mappings of a process may change after collecting the physical addresses. This may result in excluding the wrong memory contents. This is overcome by freezing all user space processes except the guest service. This is achieved by using the freeze processes( ) function of the Linux kernel and preventing the guest service from freezing by setting its PF NOFREEZE flag. Once the checkpointing completes, all processes are unfrozen with the thaw processes( ) function, and the execution proceeds as normal. When the VM is restored, the guest service detects the restoration event and sends the SIGKILL signal to each target process whose memory contents were previously excluded during checkpointing. This SIGKILL signal is useful to allow the guest kernel to clean up any residual state (other than memory) for excluded processes before the VM resumes. Finally, the guest service unfreezes the remaining processes and the execution proceeds as normal. If, prior to the checkpoint, the target process deallocates pages containing sensitive information, these page can no longer be identified and cleared. Hence, the function free pages( ) which deallocates pages is modified, to zero out any page belonging to the target process prior to deallocation. Excluding Pages of a Process in the Page Cache Page cache is used by the kernel to speed up disk operations by caching disk data in the main memory. Page cache speeds up disk operations as follows. When data is read from the disk, a page is allocated in the physical memory and is filled with corresponding data from the disk. Thus, all subsequent reads targeted at the same disk location can quickly access the data in the main memory. Subsequent write operations to the disk location simply modify the page in the page cache. The kernel, after some delay, synchronizes the page with the disk. Every disk operation in Linux goes through the page cache (except for the swap device or files opened with O DIRECT flag) [5]. If the process performs disk I/O operations, the sensitive information read from and written to the disk may reside in the page cache. For example, when searching for any string using the Google search engine through a web browser, it was found that the string appears in the kernel's page cache, possibly because Google caches suggestions for frequent searches on the local disk. Moreover, when a process terminates, the page cache retains some of the pages of the terminated process for a period of time in case that the same data is accessed by another process in the near future. Even when the page is evicted, the page contents will remain in the free memory pool until overwritten. SPARC excludes the cached pages of the target process in the checkpoints as follows. First, it locates the file descriptor table of the target process (struct fdtable *fdt). The file descriptor table contains field struct file **fd which is an array of opened file descriptors and struct fd set *open fds which points to the structure containing information about open file descriptors. If open fds contains a set bit for file descriptor i, we examine location i in array fd and refer to the field struct *fd entry which points to the directory entry associated with a file descriptor. The directory entry contains a field struct inode* d inode which points to the inode associated with the directory entry. Reference is then made to field struct address space i mapping* of the inode, which contains information about pages in the page cache that cache information of the file represented by the file descriptor. Next, function pagevec lookup( ) is called, which takes as a parameter the i mapping field of the inode and an object of type struct pagevec that contains an array pages of page descriptors. Function pagevec lookup( ) uses the i mapping field of the inode to identify all pages in the page cache which cache the data of the file represented by the file descriptor and fills the pages field of page vec with page descriptors of such pages. The page descriptors are then converted to physical addresses of the pages, the addresses transferred to the host service, and they are cleared similarly to the process physical pages. Note that when a process closes a file descriptor, the descriptor is removed from the descriptor table of the process. As a result, if the process closes the descriptor prior to checkpointing, the above approach will fail to detect the associated pages in the page cache. To counter this, whenever a file descriptor is closed, all pages are evicted and cleared from the page cache associated with the inode of the closed file descriptor. Even after a page is being evicted from page cache (remove from page cache( )), the physical memory pages may still retain sensitive data belonging to the target process. Hence SPARC sanitizes (zeros out) each evicted page that was originally brought into the cache on behalf of the target process. Finally, the (cleared) pages in the page cache may also be used by other processes. To avoid affecting the processes which rely on these pages, when the VM is restored (but before the processes are thawed), all pages used by the target processes are flushed from the page cache. Excluding Pipe Buffers Pipes and FIFOs are mechanisms commonly used for implementing producer/consumer relationship between two processes. A pipe enables communication between the parent and the child processes. A parent process creates a pipe by issuing a pipe( ) system call. The system call returns two file descriptors. Any data written the first file descriptor (e.g. via the write( ) system call) can be read from the second descriptor (e.g. with the read( ) system call. Shell programs make use of pipes to connect output of one process to the input of another (e.g. “1s|grep myinfo”). FireFox browser also uses pipes to trace malloc memory allocations. FIFOs are similar to pipes but allow communication of two unrelated processes. A FIFO is created via mkfifo( ) system call, which takes the name of the FIFO as one of the parameters. Once created, the FIFO appears like a regular file on the file system, but behaves like a pipe: the producer process opens the FIFO “file” for writing and the consumer process for reading. For example, in a terminal, a user can create a FIFO called myfifo with command mkfifo myfifo. Issuing command echo “Data lifetime is important”>myfifo will write the string “Data lifetime is important” to the buffer of myfifo. Subsequent command cat myfifo will remove the string from the buffer of myfifo and print “Data lifetime is important”. FIFOs are frequently used by the Google Chrome to implement communications between the renderer process and the browser process [16]. Data exchanged via pipes and FIFOs flows through a pipe buffer in the kernel. Thus, if the target process makes use of pipes and/or FIFOs, the corresponding pipe buffers should also be sanitized. Each pipe buffer is implemented using a struct pipe buffer structure, which contains a field page pointing to the page descriptor of a page storing the actual inter-process data. Pipe buffers are sanitized as follows. First the file descriptors opened by the process which represent pipes and FIFOs are located, in a manner similar to identifying file descriptors representing regular files, except that the S ISFIFO macro is called, which takes the i mode field of the inode and returns true if the file descriptor represents a pipe or a FIFO. If the macro returns true, the struct pipe inode info *i pipe field of the inode is referred to. This field contains array struct pipe buffer bufs[PIPE BUFFERS] of all pipe buffers owned by the pipe. The array is then traversed and the physical address of the page associated with each pipe buffer determined. Excluding Socket Buffers All application-level network communication takes place through network sockets. With each socket, the kernel associates a list of socket buffers (sk buffs) which contain data exchanged over the socket. If a process sends or receives sensitive information via an open socket (e.g. through read( ) and write( ) system calls), the information may be stored in the sk buffs of the sockets used by the process. Therefore, when excluding a process, all sockets opened by the process are detected the memory associated with sk buffs sanitized. Identifying all descriptors of a process that represent sockets is similar to detecting pipes and FIFOs, except that the S ISSOCK macro is used. The struct socket *SOCKET I(struct inode *inode) function is used to look up struct socket structure associated with the inode of the socket file descriptor. The socket structure contains the field struct sock *sk, which contains a queue of sending sk buffs called sk write queue and a queue of receiving sk buffs called sk receive queue; both have the type struct sk buff head. These two queues from the sk buff head are then gone through. Each sk buff contains field unsigned char *data which points to the data carried by the sk buff. The contents of the data fields of each sk buff in the checkpoints are cleared, every time when the sk buff is released. For each sk buff in these two queues, virt to phys( ) macro is used to translate the virtual address of the tt sk buff to the corresponding physical address and transfer the address to the host service. GUI Related Issues It is common for processes to display sensitive information on the screen. When a VM is restored, but before the target process is terminated, the information displayed by the process may linger on the screen for a brief moment. To address the problem, at checkpointing time, the XCreateWindow( ) API provided by X-Windows is invoked to visually cover the windows of the target processes with black rectangles. When the checkpoint completes, the rectangles are removed and the user continues using the process. When the VM is restored, the windows remain covered. The windows are removed briefly after sending the SIGKILL signals to the target processes and unfreezing the processes. To detect all windows of a given process, the list of all open windows is traversed, and the windows' NET WM PID property—the process ID of the process owning the window, is checked. SPARC also enables a user to choose the process to exclude from checkpointing by clicking on the process window. When the user clicks the window, SPARC automatically checks the NET WM PID property of the window and the process is then excluded as previously described. To enable this functionality, some code was borrowed from xwininfo[3], xprop [4], and slock[1] utilities. Note that the buffers belonging to the X-windows, GTK, and other GUI components may also contain sensitive information of the process encoded in a different format. Currently pages in the checkpoints that contain clear text are zeroed out. Zeroing out pages that contain sensitive information with different formats can use a similar approach. Excluding Terminal Applications Applications running on terminals may take confidential data as inputs and output confidential data on the terminal. As a result, terminals where the excluded applications are running should also be excluded from being checkpointed. In Linux, there are two main types of terminals: virtual consoles and pseudo terminals. A system typically contains 7 virtual consoles (named tty1-tty7); the first 6 consoles usually provide a text terminal interface consisting of the login and shell, and the 7th console usually provides a graphical interface. Pseudo terminal applications emulate a text terminal within some other graphical system. A typical pseudo terminal application such as xterm forks off a shell process (e.g. bash). When the user runs a command (e.g. 1s), the shell forks off a child process and replaces the child's executable image with the code of the specified command. In all terminal types, by default, the child process inherits the terminal of its parent process. In this paper, we consider two of the most often used terminals: virtual consoles and terminal emulators. All terminals rely on the Teletype (TTY) subsystem in the kernel. FIG. 3 shows the architecture of the TTY subsystem where arrows indicate the flow of data. The uppermost layer of the TTY subsystem is the TTY core, which arbitrates the flow of data between user space and TTY. The data received by the TTY core is sent to TTY line discipline drivers, which usually convert data to a protocol specific format such as PPP or Bluetooth. Finally, the data is sent to the TTY driver, which converts the data to the hardware specific format and sends it to the hardware. There are three types of TTY drivers: console, serial port, and pseudo terminal (pty). All data received by the TTY driver from the hardware flows back up to the line disciplines and finally to the TTY core where it can be retrieved from the user space. Sometimes the TTY core and the TTY driver communicate directly [8]. Identifying Terminals where a Processes is Running The terminal on which a process is running is identified as follows. First, the list of task structs associated with the process and refer to the field struct signal struct *signal which points to the structure containing signal related information of the process is traversed. The struct signal struct contains field struct tty struct *tty, which links together all information related to an instance of TTY subsystem. The tty struct contains field char name[64] which stores the name of the terminal where process P is running. If the process is running on the virtual console, then the name is “ttyxx” where “xx” is a number. Otherwise, if the process is running on a pseudo terminal, then the name is “ptsxx”. Once the terminal name where the process is running is determined, all other processes which are running on the same terminal are identified. Such processes will also be excluded from being checkpointed because the corresponding terminal is excluded. This is achieved by traversing the list of task structs and checking if the signal->tty->name field matches that of the tty struct of a target process. If so, the process is excluded. If the process is running on a pseudo terminal, the pseudo terminal application (e.g. xterm) is also excluded because it may contain the input or output information of the process. The terminal application is usually not attached to the same terminal as the target process. However, the terminal application can be detected by following the task struct *real parent pointer which points to the task struct of a parent process, until the terminal application is reached. The terminal application and all its descendants are then excluded as described above. Excluding TTY Information An instance of the TTY subsystem associated with the console/pseudo terminal is sanitized by clearing the buffers at every level shown in FIG. 3 . The tty struct representing the TTY subsystem contains all such buffers. When excluding a virtual console, the associated tty struct is located as follows. Array vc cons of type struct vc is traversed. This structure contains a field struct vc data *d which points to the structure containing console related information including int vc num which represents the console number. If vc num matches the number of the excluded console, then the field tty struct *vc tty which points to the tty struct associated with the console is referred to. Next, the information stored in the relevant tty structs is used to find all buffers associated with the TTY subsystem. The TTY core uses structure tty buffer to buffer the information received from the user space. The buffer includes field char buf ptr which points to the character buffer and field size which stores the size of the buffer. The tty struct contains field buf, which contains pointers to lists of all tty buffers associated with the TTY core. TTY line discipline drivers use three buffers: read buf, write buf, and echo buf. read buf stores the data received from the TTY driver, write buf stores the data received from the TTY core, which needs to be written to the TTY device, and echo buf stores the characters received from the device which need to be echoed back to the device. In experiments, no information buffered in the console driver was found. Next the physical addresses of the aforementioned buffers are obtained and send the addresses along with buffer sizes to the host service. Excluding TTY subsystems of pseudo terminals is slightly more complex because the pseudo terminal driver (also known as pty) must be sanitized. The pseudo terminal driver is a specialized interprocess communication channel consisting of two cooperating virtual character devices: pseudo terminal master (ptm) and pseudo terminal slave (pts). Data written to the ptm is readable from the pts and vice-versa. Therefore, in a terminal emulator, a parent process can open the ptm end of the pty and control the I/O of its child processes that use the pts end as their terminal device i.e. stdin, stdout, and stderr streams. Both pts and ptm devices are associated with tty struct structure. The pts tty struct can be located by examining the field signal->tty->name of the task struct associated with children processes of the pseudo terminal application e.g. the bash shell process forked by xterm. The tty struct *link field of the pts tty struct points to the tty struct of the ptm device. The buffers of both tty structs must be cleared. The rest of the operations are similar to operations involved in excluding a virtual console. Sensitive data may persist in the TTY subsystem buffers even after they are deallocated. Hence, to prevent such data from being checkpointed we modify functions: buffer free( ) and tty buffer free all( ) to sanitize the tty buffers on deallocation, static inline ssize t do tty write( ) and void free tty struct( ) to sanitize write buf and echo buf, and n tty close( ) to sanitize the read buf. Experiments The following experiments were performed. First an xterm terminal application was run, a string entered into the xterm prompt and, the VM checkpointed. The string appeared in the .sav file 6 times. After clearing the memory of xterm and its child process bash, the string appeared in the .sav file 3 times. After zeroing out xterm, bash, and the associated TTY buffers, the string no longer appeared in the file. In the second experiment, xterm was used to run the “su” program which is used to gain root privileges, the password entered into the su's prompt, and a checkpoint created. The string appeared twice. Clearing xterm, bash, and su processes had no effect on the number of appearances. Once we cleared the TTY buffers the string disappeared. Performance Results The performance of SPARC was evaluated on a number of applications that may process sensitive information: FireFox web browser, ThunderBird email client, Evince document viewer, Gedit text editor, OpenOffice Writer word processor, Skype VoIP application, Gnote desktop notes software, and Xterm terminal emulator. All experiments were conducted on a host system with Intel Dual CPU 2.26 GHz processor and 2 GB of RAM, and running Ubuntu Linux 10.4 kernel version 2.6.32, and a guest VM with 800 MB of memory, a single processor, and Ubuntu Linux 9.10 kernel version 2.6.31. TABLE 1 Execution time for performing checkpointing using VirtualBox's checkpointing mechanism. Execution Time (second) Operations FireFox Thunderbird Evince Gedit OpenOffice Skype Gnote Xterm Checkpointing 16.13 16.38 16.91 16.65 15.76 16.59 17.18 17.40 Restoration 10.45 12.18 13.02 9.91 10.49 10.30 9.97 12.05 TABLE 2 Execution time for performing checkpointing using SPARC. Execution Time (second) Operations FireFox TB Evince Gedit OO Skype Gnote Xterm 1 Receive checkpoint notification from host 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2 Identify processes running on a terminal N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.03 3 Freeze all user processes 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 4 Get physical page addresses of the process 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.09 0.14 5 Get page cache pages of the process 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.06 6 Get physical addresses of TTY buffers N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.03 7 Get physical addresses of pipe buffers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8 Get physical addresses of socket buffers 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 9 Send physical address information to host 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10 Notify host service that all addresses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 were sent 11 Receive notification that snapshot 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 is complete 12 Unfreeze processes. 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 13 Send checkpoint notification to the 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 guest service 14 Receive physical addresses from 0.35 0.30 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.32 0.30 0.40 the guest service 15 Receive notification that addresses were sent 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 16 Create a checkpoint with the process excluded 15.96 16.20 16.48 17.25 15.76 16.08 16.61 17.02 17 Notify the guest that the checkpointing 0.10 0.10 0.05 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.11 0.10 is completed 18 Receive notification that the checkpointing 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 is completed 19 Kill the excluded process 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20 Flush the page cache 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.14 0.12 0.07 0.08 21 Unfreeze processes 0.10 0.08 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.05 0.08 0.05 22 Checkpointing (Overall) 16.70 16.82 17.15 17.92 16.40 16.72 17.26 17.97 23 Restoration (Overall) 10.71 12.41 13.26 10.13 10.76 10.52 10.17 12.22 Tables 1 and 2 give the execution time when performing checkpointing using VirtualBox's default mechanism and using SPARC, respectively. Each data point reported is an average of execution time over 5 runs. Note that the time it takes for VirtualBox to perform checkpointing depends on the number of memory pages that are dirty; the more pages are dirty, the longer time the checkpointing is performed. In our experiments, prior to checkpointing, we run a program which allocates large amounts of memory and fills the memory with random data. The average sizes of .sav file after checkpointing is around 630 MB. The column heading “Operations” in these two tables gives the various operations performed. In particular, in Table 1(b), operations 1-12 and 13-18 are conducted by the guest and host services to perform checkpointing respectively, operations 19-21 are performed by the guest service to restore the VM. Rows 22 and 23 in Table 1(b) give the overall checkpointing time and the over overall restoration time, respectively. Note that, because some of the operations are performed in parallel by the guest and the host service, the numbers in row 22 are slightly higher than the actual execution time. Observe from Tables 1(a) and 1(b) that, SPARC imposes 0:51%-7:01% overhead on checkpointing, 1:38%-2:51% overhead on restoration, and 1:02%-5:29% of overall overhead. The overheads of SPARC can be further reduced by using system-specific optimizations. For example, in VirtualBox the overhead of communication between host and guest services can likely be reduced by using the Host-Guest communication mechanism. This however, comes with cost of added implementation complexity. Hardware Overview FIG. 6 (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,702,660, expressly incorporated herein by reference), shows a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 400 upon which an embodiment 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. The computer system may also employ non-volatile memory, such as FRAM and/or MRAM. The computer system may include a graphics processing unit (GPU), which, for example, provides a parallel processing system which is architected, for example, as a single instruction-multiple data (SIMD) processor. Such a GPU may be used to efficiently compute transforms and other readily parallelized and processed according to mainly consecutive unbranched instruction codes. Computer system 400 may be coupled via bus 402 to a display 412 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), 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, a trackball, 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. As discussed above, the present technology provides an alternate or supplemental user input system and method, which may advantageously be used in conjunction with other user interface functions which employ the same camera or cameras. The technology is related to the use of computer system 400 for implementing the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment, those techniques are performed 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 machine-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 for implementation. Thus, embodiments of are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term “machine-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data that causes a machine to operation in a specific fashion. In an embodiment implemented using computer system 400 , various machine-readable media are involved, for example, 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, semiconductor devices, 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 light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications. All such media must be tangible to enable the instructions carried by the media to be detected by a physical mechanism that reads the instructions into a machine. Wireless or wired communications, using digitally modulated electromagnetic waves are preferred. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, hard disk (or other magnetic medium), CD-ROM, DVD-ROM (or other optical or magnetoptical medium), semiconductor memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, 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 machine-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 the Internet through an automated computer communication network. An interface local to computer system 400 , such as an Internet router, can receive the data and communicate using a wireless Ethernet protocol (e.g., IEEE-802.11n) to a compatible receiver, and 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 world wide 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 . The received code may be executed by processor 404 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 410 , or other non-volatile storage for later execution. U.S. 2012/0173732, expressly incorporated herein by reference, discloses various embodiments of computer systems, the elements of which may be combined or subcombined according to the various permutations. In this description, several preferred embodiments were discussed. It is understood that this broad invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed herein, but rather is composed of the various combinations, subcombinations and permutations thereof of the elements disclosed herein. The invention is limited only by the following claims. REFERENCES (Each of the following references is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.) 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A checkpointing method for creating a file representing a restorable state of a virtual machine in a computing system, comprising identifying processes executing within the virtual machine that may store confidential data, and marking memory pages and files that potentially contain data stored by the identified processes; or providing an application programming interface for marking memory regions and files within the virtual machine that contain confidential data stored by processes; and creating a checkpoint file, by capturing memory pages and files representing a current state of the computing system, which excludes information from all of the marked memory pages and files.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application is the U.S. national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2010/001504, filed Nov. 11, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/260,253, filed Nov. 11, 2009, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. FIELD THIS INVENTION relates to syringes. More particularly, this invention relates to a retractable syringe that includes a replaceable, retractable needle and a plunger capable of engaging the replaceable, retractable needle to facilitate retraction of the needle. BACKGROUND The practice of sharing syringes without adequate sterilization between successive users is a major contributor to the transfer of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C with subsequent severe repercussions for the sufferer and at a high cost to society for supporting and providing medical attention to sufferers. Further problems arise for health professionals administering medicines to infected individuals, where accidental needle stick injury by a used syringe can lead to infection. In response to this problem, syringes have been developed which provide a needle sheathing mechanism and/or a needle retraction mechanism to prevent re-use and/or needle stick injury. However, many such syringes have fixed needles or highly specialized needle assemblies that are not amenable to replacing needles which have been bent or burred or for allowing a user to select alternative needle sizes for filling and injection. SUMMARY The invention is therefore, at least in part, broadly directed to a replaceable needle assembly for a retractable syringe, whereby a retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. The invention is also broadly directed to a barrel suitable for mounting the replaceable needle assembly. The invention further provides an improved plunger comprising a plunger seal that improves the efficiency of fluid delivery from a retractable syringe. In a first aspect, the invention provides a replaceable needle assembly for a retractable syringe comprising a plunger and a barrel, said replaceable needle assembly comprising: a mounting member removably mountable to the barrel; a retractable needle mount removably mounted to the mounting member and engageable by said plunger; and a needle mounted to the needle mount. In one embodiment the mounting member comprises a female member which receives a male member of said barrel. Preferably, the mounting member comprises a screw-thread which receives a complementary screw thread of said barrel. In a second aspect, the invention provides a barrel for a retractable syringe to which is removably mountable a replaceable needle assembly. In one embodiment, said barrel comprises a male member receivable by a female member of said replaceable needle assembly. Preferably, said barrel comprises a screw thread receivable by a complementary screw thread of the replaceable needle assembly. In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a needle mount retainer. Preferably, the releasing member comprises fingers that retain said needle mount until retraction. In one particular embodiment, said fingers are movable radially outwardly to release said needle mount for retraction. In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a seal. In one embodiment, the barrel further comprises a releasing member. In a third aspect, the invention provides a plunger for a retractable syringe, said plunger comprising: a biasing means; a plunger inner; a plunger outer; and a collapsible seal mounted to the plunger inner; wherein the plunger inner and plunger outer co-operate to maintain said biasing means in an initially energized state prior to retraction. Preferably, said plunger inner comprises a means for engaging a retractable needle mount of said replaceable needle assembly. More preferably, a needle is mounted to the retractable needle mount. In a particular embodiment, said means for engaging the retractable needle mount comprises one or more barbed arms. In a preferred embodiment, the plunger inner further comprises a trigger which initially engages said plunger outer to retain said biasing means in an initially energized state prior to retraction. Preferably, disengagement of said trigger from said plunger outer facilitates release of energy from said biasing means which facilitates retraction of said needle mount when coupled to said plunger inner. Suitably, said biasing member is any device which can store energy in a releasable form, such as a spring, elastic or the like. Preferably, said biasing means is a spring. In one embodiment, the collapsible seal comprises an internal hollow chamber. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a retractable syringe kit comprising the barrel of the second aspect and the plunger of the third aspect in combination; and a plurality of replaceable needle assemblies according to the first aspect. In one embodiment of the retractable syringe kit, the plurality of replaceable needle assemblies respectively comprise a 0.5 inch needle, a 1.0 inch needle and a 1.5 inch needle. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a retractable syringe comprising: the replaceable needle assembly of the first aspect removably mounted to the barrel of the second aspect; and/or the plunger of the third aspect. In one embodiment, the retractable syringe further comprises a lock formed between said plunger outer and said barrel which prevents or hinders removal of the plunger outer from the barrel after retraction of the retractable needle mount. In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a retractable syringe including the step of removably mounting a replaceable needle assembly to a barrel of a retractable syringe after filling the barrel with fluid contents for subsequent delivery. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of screw-threadedly mounting the replaceable needle assembly to the barrel. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the following drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe; FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a plunger; FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a replaceable needle assembly mounted on a barrel; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe during filling with fluid contents; FIG. 5A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a barrel after filling with fluid contents and after removal of a replaceable needle assembly; and FIG. 5B is a sectional view showing the same embodiment where the replaceable needle assembly has been replaced by another replaceable needle assembly mounted to the barrel mounting member; FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a plunger inner engaging a needle mount prior to needle retraction; FIG. 7 is shows an embodiment of a retractable syringe lock formed between plunger outer and barrel and release of plunger inner from plunger outer; FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a plunger outer comprising hooked teeth and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of an embodiment of a retractable syringe during needle retraction; FIG. 9 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a retractable syringe; and FIG. 10 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a plunger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of syringe 10 comprises barrel 11 and plunger 20 having plunger inner 50 and plunger outer 21 . Plunger seal 80 is mounted to plunger inner 50 . Plunger 20 is slidably, axially moveable within barrel 11 with plunger seal 80 forming a fluid-tight seal against inside wall 18 of barrel 11 and against plunger inner 50 . Replaceable needle assembly 30 comprises needle 31 that comprises cannula 32 and needle body 33 mounted to retractable needle mount 34 and mounting member 40 . Barrel 11 comprises plunger end 12 at which is located releasing member 13 , locking pawls 17 A, 17 B and finger grips 14 A, 14 B. Barrel 11 also comprises mounting portion 105 comprising “male” screw thread 1051 at needle end 15 onto which can be mounted complementary “female” screw thread 41 of mounting member 40 of replaceable needle assembly 30 . It will also be appreciated that this male-female orientation may be reversed. Barrel seal 42 is also mounted at needle end 15 of barrel 11 to provide a seal between mounting member 40 and barrel 11 . Barrel 11 further comprises needle mount retainer 60 at needle end 15 and fluid space 19 . Needle cover 95 is also shown, which is removed in use. Referring now to FIG. 2 , plunger 20 comprises plunger outer 21 comprising body 22 , inner shoulder 23 and flange 24 having inner lip 25 , rim 26 and button recess 27 . Plunger inner 50 further comprises needle mount-engaging portion 51 that comprises needle mount release in the form of head 52 and arms 53 A, 53 B that respectively comprise barbs 54 A, 54 B. Plunger inner 50 further comprises abutment 55 , inner ledge 56 , button 57 operable by a user and trigger 58 comprising notch 59 . Initially, notch 59 of trigger 58 engages inner lip 25 of plunger outer 21 to retain spring 70 in an initially compressed state, compressed between inner shoulder 23 of plunger outer 21 and inner ledge 56 of plunger inner 50 . In this context, “initially compressed” means that spring 70 is compressed (i.e. energized) prior to use of retractable syringe 10 . Plunger seal 80 is mounted to plunger inner 50 and located between head 52 and abutment 55 . Plunger seal 80 is collapsible or otherwise compressible or axially deformable by way of internally-located hollow chamber 81 and further comprises sealing ribs 82 A, 82 B which seals against inside wall 18 of barrel to prevent fluid leaking from fluid space 19 . As shown in FIG. 3 , replaceable needle assembly 30 comprises needle 31 that comprises cannula 32 and needle body 33 mounted to retractable needle mount 34 comprising annular base 35 . Cannula 32 is glued to, or co-moulded with, needle body 33 . Needle body 33 is glued to, interference fitted into, or co-moulded with, retractable needle mount 34 . Needle mount retainer 60 comprises bore 61 and fingers 62 A, 62 B that bear against annular base 35 of needle mount 34 to prevent inadvertent axial movement of needle 31 and retractable needle mount 34 toward plunger end 12 of barrel 11 . This could occur, for example, when a user applies a force to cannula 32 such as when piercing skin during injection. Referring now to FIG. 4 , fluid space 19 of barrel 11 is filled with fluid contents by a user by moving plunger 20 axially away from needle end 15 of barrel 11 . Optionally, particularly in the case of viscous fluid, the user may choose to fill barrel 11 using needle 31 having a larger cannula 32 and then replace needle 31 with a needle 31 having a smaller cannula 32 for injection. As is evident in FIGS. 5A and 5B , replaceable needle assembly 30 may be unscrewed from barrel 11 and another needle assembly 30 (e.g. with a needle 31 having a smaller cannula 32 or to replace a bent or burred cannula 32 ) screwed onto barrel 11 , as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 5A . Referring to FIG. 6 , to deliver fluid contents of syringe 10 , plunger 20 is moved axially by the user in the direction of the hatched arrow toward needle end 15 of barrel 11 . Towards the end of plunger 20 depression, collapsible seal 80 “bottoms out”, but continued movement of plunger 20 in the direction of the hatched arrow in FIG. 6 is allowed by compression of seal 80 . This continued axial movement of plunger 20 and collapsible seal 80 facilitates “squeezing out” remaining fluid to thereby assist delivery of the last remaining fluid contents of syringe 10 . As evident in FIG. 6 , this continued axial movement of plunger 20 allows arms 53 A, 53 B of needle mount engaging portion 51 to enter bore 61 in needle retainer 60 , followed by head 52 , until barbs 54 A, 54 B engage base rim 35 of needle mount 34 . Head 52 acts to move fingers 62 A, 62 B of needle mount retainer 60 radially outwardly in the direction of the solid arrows in FIG. 6 out of contact with annular base 35 of retractable needle mount 34 , thereby forming an unobstructed passageway in bore 61 of retainer 60 , through which retractable needle mount 34 can be retracted. Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B . At the end of plunger 20 depression to deliver fluid contents of syringe 10 when needle mount engaging portion 51 of plunger inner 50 and needle mount 34 are coupled, a releasing member in the form of release ring 13 bears against trigger 58 of plunger inner 50 , thereby moving trigger 58 radially inwardly in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. 7 . This disengages notch 59 from inner lip 25 of plunger outer 21 , which thereby triggers release of plunger inner 50 from plunger outer 21 and allowing compressed spring 70 to decompress and forcibly bear against inner ledge 56 of plunger inner 50 to thereby retract plunger inner 50 and needle mount 34 coupled to needle mount engaging portion 51 of plunger inner 50 . As best seen in FIG. 8A , plunger outer 21 comprises one or more locking elements in the form of hooked teeth 28 A, 28 B in underside of flange 24 . As best seen in FIG. 8B , at the end of plunger 20 depression and before plunger inner 50 retraction, hooked teeth 28 A, 28 B of plunger outer 21 form lock 90 with one or more locking elements 17 of barrel 11 , in the form of locking pawls 17 A, 17 B located at plunger end 12 of barrel 11 , to thereby prevent withdrawal of plunger outer 21 from barrel 11 . This also effectively prevents removal of plunger inner 50 . In this regard, axial travel of retracting plunger inner 50 is limited by seal 80 bearing against locked plunger outer 21 , so that plunger inner 50 and decompressed spring 70 cannot be removed from barrel 11 . As also shown in FIG. 8B , following retraction of plunger inner 50 , needle mount 34 , needle body 33 and cannula 32 are retracted into barrel 11 while retainer 60 , mounting member 40 and barrel seal 42 remain at needle end 15 of barrel 11 . It will be appreciated from the foregoing that syringe 10 is arranged so that disengagement of plunger inner 50 from plunger outer 21 to allow decompression of spring 70 occurs only when fluid contents have been delivered and after needle mount engaging means 51 and needle mount 34 are coupled. This prevents inadvertent triggering of the retraction mechanism and ensures that needle mount 34 and needle 31 mounted thereto are retracted when the retraction mechanism is triggered. The embodiment described in FIGS. 1-8 is particularly suited to a 3 mL or 5 mL capacity syringe 10 . Reference is now made to FIGS. 9 and 10 which describe a related embodiment particularly suited to a 1 mL capacity syringe 110 comprising barrel 111 and plunger 120 having plunger inner 150 and plunger outer 121 . Plunger seal 180 is mounted to plunger inner 150 . Replaceable needle assembly 130 comprises needle 131 that comprises cannula 132 and needle body 133 mounted to retractable needle mount 134 and mounting member 140 . Barrel 111 comprises plunger end 112 which comprises flared portion 900 which accommodates body 122 of plunger outer 121 and comprises inner waist 901 that limits axial travel of plunger 120 when delivering fluid contents of syringe 110 . Plunger end 112 of barrel further comprises releasing member 113 , locking pawls 117 A, 117 B and finger grips 114 A, 114 B. Barrel 111 also comprises mounting portion 1105 comprising “male” screw thread 11051 at needle end 115 onto which can be mounted complementary “female” screw thread 141 of mounting member 140 . Seal 142 is also mounted at needle end 115 of barrel 111 to provide a fluid-tight seal between mounting member 140 and barrel 111 . Barrel further comprises needle mount retainer 160 at needle end 115 . Needle cover 195 is also shown, which is removed in use. Referring particularly to FIG. 10 , plunger 120 comprises plunger outer 121 comprising body 122 , inner shoulder 123 and flange 124 having inner lip 125 , rim 126 and button recess 127 . Plunger inner 150 further comprises needle mount engaging portion 151 that comprises head 152 and arms 153 A, 153 B that respectively comprise barbs 154 A, 154 B. Plunger inner 150 further comprises abutment 155 , inner ledge 156 , button 157 operable by a user and trigger 158 comprising notch 159 . Initially, notch 159 of trigger 158 engages inner lip 125 of plunger outer 121 to retain spring 170 in an initially compressed state, compressed between inner shoulder 123 of plunger outer 121 and inner ledge 156 of plunger inner 150 . Plunger seal 180 is mounted to plunger inner 150 and is located between head 152 and abutment 155 . Plunger seal 180 is collapsible or otherwise compressible or axially deformable by way of internally-located hollow chamber 181 and further comprises sealing ribs 182 A, 182 B which seal against inside wall 118 of barrel to prevent fluid leaking from fluid space 119 of barrel 111 . Seal 180 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is relatively elongate in structure compared to seal 80 shown in FIGS. 1-8 given the relatively narrower internal diameter of barrel 111 of 1 mL syringe. Needle mount 134 engagement and retraction by plunger inner 150 is essentially as described for the syringe 10 embodiment described in FIGS. 1-8 . Similarly, lockdown of plunger outer 121 onto barrel 111 is also as described in FIGS. 1-8 . Although not shown in FIG. 9 or 10 , hooked teeth 128 A, 128 B of plunger outer 121 form lock 190 with locking pawls 117 A, 117 B located at plunger end 112 of barrel 111 , to thereby prevent withdrawal of plunger outer 121 from barrel 111 . In light of the foregoing it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a relatively simple, robust and inexpensive syringe that is automatically disabled with little or no assistance from the user to thereby prevent, or at least minimize the likelihood of, re-use of the syringe or needle-stick injury to the user. Furthermore, the replaceable needle assembly allows a user to select a needle of appropriate size of gauge or needle length and/or to replace a needle that becomes bent or burred. Another advantage of the retractable syringe described herein is that it can accommodate and fully encapsulate on retraction, needles of varying length up to 1.5 inches (˜3.8 cm) in length, thereby providing great flexibility to the user. It will also be appreciated that the collapsible plunger seal improves the efficiency of fluid delivery from the retractable syringe. Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention. The disclosure of each patent and scientific document, computer program and algorithm referred to in this specification is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A replaceable needle assembly is provided for a retractable syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger, whereby the retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. A mounting member is removably mountable to the barrel by way of a screw-thread connection and a needle mount is removably coupled to the mounting member. A needle is mounted to the needle mount. The barrel comprises a needle mount retainer that comprises a plurality of fingers that engage the retractable needle mount to prevent inadvertent retraction. The plunger comprises a collapsible seal which maximizes the efficiency of fluid delivery prior to the plunger engaging the retractable needle mount for retraction. An initially compressed spring decompresses to drive retraction of the plunger and the engaged needle mount. A lock formed between the plunger and barrel prevents further use of the plunger after retraction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/900,164, filed Oct. 7, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/362,725, filed Jan. 30, 2009, now abandoned, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/025,472, filed Feb. 1, 2008, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to mitigation of pressure ulcers and, in particular, the prevention of pressure ulcers by means of electrical stimulation. BACKGROUND [0003] Pressure ulcers (also known as “bed sores” or “pressure sores”) are typically associated with individuals having compromised mobility or lack of sensation, such as the infirm, elderly and people suffering from stroke, spinal cord injury, bone and joint disease, vascular pathologies, tumours and diabetes. People in intensive care units, hospital wards, or undergoing long surgical procedures are also at risk of developing pressure ulcers. [0004] A pressure ulcer is a tissue abnormality or lesion resulting from pressure imposed upon soft tissue underlying skin, fat, fascia, muscle, bone, or any combination thereof. Following prolonged periods of loading (e.g., compression and shear), the soft tissue positioned between a bony prominence (e.g. the ischial tuberosities, trochanter, shoulder blades, sacrum) and an external surface (e.g. bed, wheelchair) begins to break down or deform. Soft tissue breakdown results from the occlusion of capillaries and ischemic reduction of blood flow (i.e. a reduction of oxygen, nutrients, and removal of metabolic waste products) to the loaded tissue region. [0005] Ischemia, therefore, has historically been considered a major factor leading to pressure ulcer formation. Paradoxically, the restoration of blood flow, vital to preserving tissue viability, has also been identified to cause extended damage of the tissue. In addition to the injury caused by biochemical changes occurring during tissue ischemia and ensuing reperfusion, high stress levels at the bone-muscle interface and the duration of their application have also been reported to be direct causes of tissue injury. Furthermore, injury to the muscle result in the formation of scar tissue, thus creating more foci for increased stress and leading to injury of adjacent previously healthy tissue. It is the combined effects of these processes that cause the edema, inflammation and necrosis that ultimately leads to the formation of a pressure ulcer. [0006] Pressure ulcers can be initiated at the dermis, usually in the presence of excessive friction and/or compromised dermal integrity, and progress inwardly towards the deeper layers of tissue (“outside-in ulcers”). Alternatively, pressure ulcers can be initiated in the deep tissue, such as at the site of the bone-muscle interface, and evolve outwardly forming a severe pressure ulcer encompassing damage to muscle, fat and skin. Such ulcers, known as “inside-out ulcers”, result from muscle breakdown due to prolonged pressure causing sustained and damaging mechanical deformation of muscle and ischemic reduction in blood flow to the tissue. [0007] Muscle is considered to be more susceptible than dermis to tissue degradation from mechanical loading and oxygen deprivation. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel defines inside-out pressure-related injury to deep tissue under intact skin as “deep tissue injury” (DTI). Unlike outside-in ulcers, non-invasive and clinically viable methods for early detection of DTI currently do not exist, to our knowledge. In present clinical practice, pressure ulcers are normally detected by visual inspection of the skin, which often belies existing extensive damage occurring in deeper tissue. Therefore, DTI can be perilous, as it can develop and evolve undetected by the patient or care giver until a significant destruction of the tissue has already occurred. [0008] Current techniques employed to prevent inside-out and outside-in pressure ulcer formation include frequent repositioning of the patient, and the use of specialized cushions and mattresses that provide some pressure relief of the tissues at risk. However, effective administration of these pressure-relieving techniques is difficult, expensive and often dependent upon patient compliance. Repositioning of patients must achieve prolonged pressure relief to the tissue and must be performed either by hospital staff or by encouraging the patient to perform wheelchair push-ups or side-to-side leans. Specialized mattresses and cushions are heavy, expensive and not widely utilized. Further, these techniques merely provide passive tissue load reduction, thereby failing to actively engage the patient's own muscles. [0009] Electrical stimulation of muscle tissue, commonly referred to as electrical muscle stimulation or “EMS”, has been examined as a means for preventing pressure ulcer formation and DTI. For example, EMS treatment has been used with the objectives of: 1. Increasing muscle mass (bulk) in atrophied muscle, thereby improving the cushioning capacity of the muscle, or, 2. Relieving pressure, albeit intermittently, by inducing “lifting” movements of loaded muscles (i.e. inducing changes in seating interface pressure distribution). EMS to Build Muscle Mass [0012] Having regard to the first technique, EMS may be used as an exercise modality to increase the muscle mass of a particular muscle or muscle group. For example, in order to build mass, EMS may be used to stimulate contraction of a muscle during a “work-out” session (i.e. up to one hour per day), wherein the target muscle is continuously contracted or “activated” for a brief duration (i.e. 5 seconds) and then relaxed or “deactivated” for a brief rest period (i.e. 5 seconds) for the duration of the work-out session. Following daily work-out sessions for prolonged periods (i.e. for up to ˜3 months), increases in muscle mass can be achieved. Increases in muscle mass provide greater cushioning capacity of the muscle and passively improve the static distribution of pressure around bony prominences. Patients receiving treatment in this manner have been shown to be capable of withstanding longer durations in a wheelchair than previously possible due to their atrophied muscles. [0013] As with specialized cushions or mattresses, however, one primary disadvantage of this technique is that any benefits gained during EMS treatment of the loaded muscle (e.g., increase in muscle mass) are abolished when the work-out sessions are discontinued. In addition, in order for the treatment to be effective in reducing pressure sores, the target muscle or muscle groups must be capable of generating minimum threshold forces without becoming fatigued during the work-out. When the fatigued muscle can no longer contract, the work-out must be discontinued and the beneficial effects of the treatment are lost. [0014] Pre-conditioning of the muscle prior to treatment has been utilized as a means of increasing fatigue resistance, thereby enabling the muscle to withstand longer bouts of treatment. As with building muscle mass, however, pre-conditioning can be a laborious task necessitating that electrical stimulation be applied to the muscle daily for several months immediately prior to commencing treatment. [0015] There is a need, therefore, for a treatment that provides effective reduction in DTI pressure sores that does not fatigue the muscle. EMS to Induce Lifting [0016] Having regard to the second technique, EMS may be used to mimic the temporary relief in pressure that is achieved when a patient is repositioned. It is known that EMS applied directly to the loaded muscle may be utilized to change the shape of that muscle (Levine et al., 1990, Archives of Physical Med & Rehab, 71:210-215). One main disadvantage of this technique, however, is that individuals who suffer from sustained and appreciable muscle atrophy still require prolonged EMS stimulation or pre-conditioning for lifting treatment of the loaded muscle to be effective. [0017] In an alternative approach, EMS may be applied to the muscles surrounding the loaded muscle. One technique involves applying EMS to the muscles around a patient's hips or knee, such as the quadriceps muscles (Ferguson AC. et al., 1992 , Paraplegia, 30(7) 474-478), or hamstring muscles (Kaplan HM, et al., 2006, 11th Annual Conference of the International FES Society Proceedings, 112-114), to effect lifting of the (loaded) buttocks from the seating surface. In this approach, however, the patient must be securely stabilized (i.e. restrained) on the seating surface to effectively induce lifting of the target muscle from the seating surface. Further, where EMS is applied to muscles other than those muscles that are directly loaded due to sitting, the patient should be in a seated position and be strapped to the seating surface during treatment. The patient's legs may also be restrained such that when the quadriceps or hamstrings are stimulated to lift the buttocks, lifting movement at the hip is enabled, but movement around the primary joint (i.e. the knee) is prevented. Such restraint of the patient can lead to complications associated with reduced stability of the wheelchair user and/or fracture of weak bones. [0018] There is a need, therefore, for an EMS treatment that does not require pre-conditioning or “lifting” of the loaded muscle. [0019] Despite the foregoing attempts to use unloading or EMS, no single treatment has succeeded in preventing pressure ulcers effectively. The incidence rates of pressure ulcers remain as high as they were nearly half a century ago. Recognizing the absence of a significant reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers, new preventative interventions are needed, especially for DTI. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0020] A method is provided for mitigating pressure ulcers in a person by subjecting the person to repeated cycles of electrical stimulation of a loaded muscle, to effect contraction thereof, said stimulation being applied for a short period of time, followed by a cessation of stimulation for a longer period of time, to allow the muscle to relax, wherein the short and longer periods of time are selected to prevent or minimize muscle fatigue. [0021] A “short” period of electrical stimulation time may comprise a duration of time in the order of seconds up to one minute (e.g. 60 seconds or less), and a “longer” period of muscle relaxation may comprise a duration in the order of minutes up to one hour (e.g. 60 minutes or less). [0022] Electrical transmission means may be at least two electrodes positioned on the skin of a person to provide electrical stimulus sufficient to effect contraction of the muscle underlying the skin. Electrical stimulation causes active contraction of the person's own muscle, thereby dynamically deforming and reshaping the muscle to reduce damage caused by mechanical compression of the muscle and restoring blood flow and increasing oxygenation to the loaded tissue. [0023] Reconfiguration of loaded muscle tissue during the short electrically-induced activation period of time temporarily redistributes pressure away from the loaded tissue, thereby mimicking a form of muscle deformation or reshaping that occurs in able-bodied individuals during postural weight shifting or “fidgeting”, without lifting the person's body from the seating interface. [0024] Further, reconfiguration of the loaded muscle tissue during the electrically-induced short activation period of time, followed by a predetermined, longer relaxation period of time, restores blood flow and tissue oxygenation to the muscle, thereby reducing damage caused by long periods of ischemia and reperfusion. Sustained restoration of tissue oxygenation (i.e. for an order of minutes in duration) during the predetermined relaxation period of time occurs independently of muscle mass, prevents or reduces muscle fatigue from occurring during treatment, and occurs without the need to precondition the muscle prior to treatment. [0025] By way of example, during the activation period of the electrical stimulation, the stimulation pulses may be applied to a loaded muscle, either continuously (sustained throughout the entire activation period) or discontinuously. The activation period may comprise a predetermined “short” period of time in the order of seconds up to one minute such as, for example, at least 5 seconds and less than 60 seconds, and preferably 10 seconds. The short activation period may be, followed by the cessation of stimulation, causing muscle relaxation, for a longer predetermined relaxation period in the order of minutes up to one hour such as, for example, at least 5 minutes and less than 60 minutes, and preferably 10 minutes. The treatment pattern of intermittent muscle activation followed by muscle relaxation attempts to minimize or prevent muscle fatigue and may be repeated for at least one hour up to 24 hours per day. [0026] The person may be disposed in a variety of positions, such as for example, either a supine or recumbent position during the electrical stimulation treatment. Further, the stimulation may be applied through electrodes implanted near a nerve or muscle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0027] The invention will better be understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: [0028] FIG. 1 a is a top schematic view of the experimental set-up using a rat as the experimental subject, illustrating how constant pressure was applied to the quadriceps muscle of the right hind limb of a rat; [0029] FIG. 1 b is a graph illustrating a 50-minute record of the force applied to the quadriceps muscle of a rat; the sharp increases in force correspond to the contraction of muscle due to intermittent electrical stimulation (IES); [0030] FIGS. 1 c and 1 d are top and side views, respectively, of the experimental set up for the rat experiments, illustrating the locations of the electrode and leads for electrical stimulation (input) and the force transducer for measuring the force (output) generated by the contraction of the muscles. Also shown is the indenter that was used to apply external force to the body in order to load the muscle and surrounding tissue to levels that mimic the loading levels experienced by individuals sitting in a wheelchair or lying down in a bed; [0031] FIGS. 1 e and 1 f illustrate the force generated by contraction of muscle in response to the intermittent electrical stimulation treatment applied to quadriceps muscles in the rats during two hours of treatment having relaxation periods of: 5 minutes, wherein the force reduced to ˜75% of its initial value after 2 hours of application of treatment ( FIG. 1 e ), and 10 minutes, wherein no reduced in the level of force occurred after 2 hours of treatment; [0032] FIG. 2 shows magnetic resonance imaging scans of one animal, illustrating sequential T2-weighted spin echo magnetic resonance images (MRI) of a rat's thigh ranging from the rostral extent of the quadriceps muscle (a) to its caudal end (j), obtained 24 hours after the application of external pressure, with approximate placement of the indenter indicated in slice (f). [0033] FIG. 3 a is a T2-weighted spin-echo magnetic resonance image of rat hind limbs 24 hours after the application of pressure; FIG. 3 b shows magnetic resonance images of the quadriceps muscle; FIG. 3 c shows magnetic resonance images of the quadriceps muscle in both hind limbs, indicating the signal intensity of pixels within the region of the left and right quadriceps muscles; the signal intensity from pixels in the experimental limb was compared to the average±2*standard deviation intensity of those in the contralateral limb, pixels with higher intensity in the experimental limb were marked with red and considered to contain increased water content, pixels with higher intensity than threshold in the contralateral limb were marked with blue as a control; Cnt Grp=control group; Exp Grp 1-3=experimental groups 1-3; Contra Cnt Grp=contralateral control group; [0034] FIG. 4 shows images of sample hematoxylin and eosin-stained cross sections from different animals in each experimental group; Cnt Grp=control group; Exp Grp 1-3=experimental groups 1-3; [0035] FIG. 5 shows a summary of magnetic resonance imaging and histology results; left axis: individual data points (filled circles) and mean±SD (filled triangles) representing the percent of muscle volume with increased water content (edema) in the quadriceps muscle in all rat groups; right axis: individual data points (empty circles) and mean±SD (empty triangles) representing the necrosis score from the quadriceps muscle in all rat groups; and scoring for quantifying muscle necrosis (per 4.9 mm 2 of muscle area) is: 0=no necrosis in region analyzed; 1=0-10% of region analyzed exhibited necrosis; 2=10-25%; 3=25-50%; 4>50% (*represents statistically significant difference, P<0.05; [0036] FIGS. 6 a, b and c illustrate changes in levels of oxygenation and surface pressure due to loading and electrical stimulation, including: (a) quantitative T2* imaging following six 30-sec bouts of electrical stimulation applied to medial gastrocnemius (persistent regional increases in blood oxygenation were seen with IES); FIG. 6 a ); (b) quantitative T2* imaging of the gluteus maximus muscles under different conditions (i.e. no weight/unloaded, weight applied/loaded and weight applied+electrical stimulation); FIG. 6 b ). A persistent decrease in blood oxygenation was seen when the muscles were loaded, and a persistent increase was obtained with IES; (c) surface-skin interface pressure map of the gluteus muscles under different conditions FIG. 6 c ). The highest point of pressure with loading was observed around the sacrum (arrows), whereas, with IES, pressure became more evenly distributed, eliminating the previous concentrations of high pressure; ROI 1-4=region of interest 1-4; pre-stim=before electrical stimulation; post 1-6=after 1-6 bouts of electrical stimulation; [0037] FIG. 7( a ) illustrates the experimental set-up for human volunteers; FIG. 7( b ) illustrates a human volunteer positioned in the magnetic resonance imaging machine (i.e. 1.5T MRI magnet); and FIG. 7( c ) illustrates an example form of superficial pressure measurements (i.e., pressure sensing mat) that may be used to assess outcome of stimulation; [0038] FIGS. 8 a, b an c show an MRI of the left and right gluteus muscles of a human demonstrating: the changes in muscle shape during contractions (arrows) induced by electrical stimulation ( FIG. 8 a ); the redistribution of surface pressure ( FIG. 8 b ); and the increase in tissue oxygenation, as estimated from MRI data ( FIG. 8 c ); each during electrical stimulation; [0039] FIG. 9 shows the locations of the electrodes for delivering the intermittent electrical stimulation treatment in a variety of positions in which a patient may be oriented, namely the supine position ( 9 A), the sitting position ( 9 B) and the lateral recumbence position ( 9 C); [0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a system for effecting the mitigation or prevention of formation of pressure ulcers by transmitting an electrical stimulus to the skin of a human patient; [0041] FIGS. 11 a, b, c , and d illustrate examples of intermittent electrical stimulation patterns, namely: a basic intermittent electrical stimulation (ON/OFF) pattern ( 11 a ); bilateral application of intermittent electrical stimulation pattern ( 11 b ), wherein the bilateral application is applied simultaneously to the left and right (top) or applied in an alternating pattern to the left and right (bottom); a variation of intermittent electrical stimulation (ON) pattern ( 11 c , top), wherein the pattern of stimulation during the ON period is sustained or continuous, or wherein the pattern of stimulation during the ON period is discontinuous; and examples of acceptable waveforms of electrical pulses during the ON period ( 11 d ). [0042] FIG. 12 illustrates quantified pressure mat sensor readings showing reductions in surface pressure around the ischial tuberosities induced by electrical stimulation; [0043] FIG. 13 illustrates magnetic resonance images showing changes in muscle shape during IES; and [0044] FIG. 14 illustrates sustained increases in tissue oxygenation produced by contractions generated during the ON period of IES. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0045] A method for mitigating or preventing formation of pressure ulcers by transmitting electrical stimuli to a loaded muscle is provided. Electrical Transmission Means: [0046] The source of the electrical transmission comprises a stimulator 10 , which is electrically coupled to an electrode 12 , having an anode 14 and a cathode 16 , via electrical leads 18 and 20 , respectively ( FIG. 10 ). The stimulator 10 provides an electrical signal, such as, for example, a discrete signal (eg. pulsatile waveform), a continuous signal (eg. sustained sinusoidal waveform, rectangular waveform), or a combination of a discrete signal and a continuous signal. The electrical signal may be transmitted at a characteristic frequency of 20 Hz to 60 Hz, and preferably, the electrical signal is transmitted at a characteristic frequency of 40 Hz. The stimulator 10 may be battery operated. [0047] The electrode 12 is positioned on a person's skin such that the electrical stimulus is transmitted to skin underneath which lies the nerve controlling the contraction of a muscle at risk of developing a pressure ulcer. For instance, the electrode 12 may be positioned on a skin portion proximate to the gluteus maximus muscle of the person, where external forces (such as a seating interface) exert pressure upon the gluteus maximus muscle causing the tissue to be compressed and sheared between the skin portion and a bony prominence. [0048] Electrode 12 placement may vary depending upon the position of the person. As shown in FIG. 9 , where the person is lying in a supine position, the target muscle may be the gluteus muscle, a muscle at least partially surrounding the shoulder blades of the person, or a muscle disposed in proximity to the back of the person's head. Where the person is disposed in a lateral recumbence position, the target muscle may be a muscle of the hip (e.g., gluteus medius and tensor fascia latae muscles) or the side muscles surrounding the shoulder (e.g., deltoid muscle). [0049] Once the electrode 12 is in position, the method comprises transmitting an electrical stimulus to the skin portion of the person. The stimulus should effect contraction of the loaded muscle, wherein the contraction is sufficient to cause the deformation and reshaping of the muscle. The stimulus should cause temporary redistribution of pressure away of the loaded muscle away from bony prominences, thereby temporarily relieving compression and increasing oxygenation of the tissue at risk of developing an ulcer. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulus is sufficient to cause contraction and reshaping of the muscle, but is insufficient to effect lifting of the person (i.e. raising the muscle off the seat of a wheelchair) or movement of the person's limbs (i.e. effecting minimal joint movement). [0050] Movement of the person's limbs may be minimized by transmitting an electrical stimulus that only changes the angle between two bones defining each joint of the person by less than approximately 10 degrees (i.e. upon application of the electrical stimulus, none of the person's joints open or close by more than 10 degrees). In other words, depending upon the position of the person, the electrical stimulus transmitted to the person may cause isometric contraction of the muscle, while causing less than a 10 degree change in the angle of the joint nearest the stimulated muscle. [0051] By way of examples: where the person is in the sitting position, stimulation of the gluteus maximus would cause isometric contraction of the muscles with less than a 10 degree change in the hip joint angle; where the person is in the supine position, stimulation of the gluteus maximus would cause an isometric contraction of the muscles with less than 10 degrees change in the hip joint angle and lumbar spine; where the person is in the supine position, stimulation of trapezius would cause an isomeric contraction of the muscle with less than 10 degrees change in the shoulder joint angle; where the person is in the supine position, stimulation of the muscles of the back of the head would cause an isometric contraction of the muscles with less than 10 degrees change in the angle of the neck relative to the head; where the person is in the lateral recumbent position, stimulation of the deltoid would cause an isometric contraction of the muscle with less than 10 degrees change in the shoulder angle; where the person is in the lateral recumbent position, stimulation of the gluteus medius muscle would cause an isometric contraction of the muscle with less than 10 degrees change in the hip angles; where the person is in the lateral recumbent position, stimulation of tensor fascia latae would cause an isometric contraction of the muscle with less than 10 degrees change in the hip joint angle or knee angle. [0059] Reducing limb movement allows the person to remain in a supine position or in a recumbence position during treatment, thereby minimizing the need to restrain the person and decreasing the risk of injury or fall. [0060] Electrode burns can be mitigated by measuring the impedance of the electrode-skin interface and by regulating the amount of voltage applied by the stimulator 10 across the interface. Pattern of Electrical Stimulation: [0061] The stimulator 10 is preferably adapted to transmit an electrical stimulus for short periods of time, in the order of seconds up to a minute (e.g. up to 60 seconds), and repeated every several minutes, for a duration of at least one hour of treatment. Otherwise stated, the person is treated by applying short periods of either continuous or discontinuous stimulation pulses (activation) followed by relatively long periods of relaxation (deactivation), with the objectives of avoiding or minimizing muscle fatigue and enabling reoxygenation of the muscle during the relaxation period. The long periods of relaxation may be in the order of minutes up to one hour (e.g. less than 60 minutes). This cyclic process is repeated over a selected duration, which can be up to 24 hours per day. [0062] By way of example, FIG. 11( a ) illustrates a basic electrical stimulation pattern, wherein the stimulus may be activated or “ON” for a period of anywhere between 5 to 30 seconds, and then deactivated or “OFF” for a period of anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes. During the ON period, the electrical stimulus, sufficient to effect contraction of the target muscle, activates the target muscle such that it undergoes continuous contraction for the entire ON period (e.g. the entire 5 seconds). Following the ON period, the electrical stimulus is deactivated and the contracted muscle is “relaxed” (i.e. not induced to contract) for the entire OFF period (e.g. the entire 5 minutes). Following the OFF period, the stimulus reactivates the muscle for a second ON period. The second ON period is then followed by a second OFF period, and so on for at least one hour of treatment. This ON/OFF pattern may be repeated for all or substantially all of the treatment period. [0063] In one embodiment of the present method, the ON period will activate the muscle for a duration that is sufficient to effect contraction and to reshape the muscle, while restoring blood flow and increasing oxygenation of the loaded tissue, independent of any changes to muscle mass. For instance, the ON period may have a duration of at least 5 seconds, and preferably a duration of 10 seconds. The stimulation may be applied continuously for the entire ON period, or it may be applied in a “bursting” or discontinuous pattern for the entire ON period. Such brief bouts of stimulation are used to parallel the effects of voluntary or assisted repositioning of the person, and to mimic postural shifting or “fidgeting” observed in able-bodied individuals. [0064] The method will further comprise an OFF period, preferably having a duration of at least 5 minutes, and more preferably 10 minutes in duration. The duration of the OFF period may be any duration of time that provides the target muscle sufficient rest between each ON period of stimulation, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and obviating the need to pre-condition the target muscle prior to treatment. Without sufficient relaxation time during the OFF period, the muscle may become fatigued and require an unacceptable early termination of the treatment. [0065] It is an advantage of the present invention that the muscle being contracted need not be pre-conditioned immediately prior to the treatment. As described above, the purpose of pre-conditioning is to increase muscle mass and muscle endurance (fatigue resistance). Sufficient deactivation (prolonged relaxation) of the muscle during the deactivation period further provides sustained reoxygenation periods following muscle contraction, thereby reducing tissue injury caused by ischemia and/or reperfusion. [0066] FIG. 11 b illustrates an example of intermittent electrical stimulation pattern for bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation refers to the application of the basic ON/OFF intermittent electrical stimulation pattern to muscles on both sides of the body (e.g., left and right gluteus maximus muscles). The ON mode of pattern of stimulation can occur simultaneously to both sides of the body (i.e. the left and right sides are activated at the same time), or stimulation can be staggered (i.e. the right side is activated upon the deactivation of the left side). Where the stimulation is staggered, stimulation of the second side of the body may occur anywhere between immediately up to 15 minutes after the deactivation of the first side of the body. [0067] FIG. 11( c ) illustrates continuous (or “sustained”) and discontinuous applications of the electrical stimulus during the activation “ON” mode of the pattern. FIG. 11( d ) illustrates the general waveforms of each stimulus pulse during the ON mode of the pattern. [0068] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as distance, operating conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. [0069] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. [0070] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the following non-limitative examples. Example No. 1 [0071] Intermittent electrical stimulation may be a useful medical intervention that allows immobilized individuals to remain seated or supine for prolonged periods of time, reducing the frequency of assisted repositioning, and, most importantly, reducing the development of DTI. Experiments have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of applying intermittent electrical stimulation (IES) to reduce muscle injury due to the presence of persistent external pressure. Experiment 1: Effectiveness of IES in the Prevention of DTI in the Rat To investigate the effectiveness of IES in the prevention of DTI, a series of experiments were conducted in four groups of rats: [0000] A Control Group, which received 2 hours of external load applied to the quadriceps muscle of one hind limb, Experimental Group 1, which received the application of pressure and simultaneous application of a 10-s stimulus bout (biphasic, charge-balanced, constant current, 10-40 mA, 250 μs, 50 pulses/s) to the femoral nerve of the experimental leg every 10 minutes throughout the duration of pressure application (see FIG. 1 c ), Experimental Group 2, which received the same pressure as Group 1 and simultaneous electrical stimulation to the treated leg (10-s bouts) every 5 minutes, and Experimental Group 3, which received the application of IES at 5-minute intervals but without pressure application. [0076] Eighteen adult female, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with isoflurane (2-3% isoflurane in 500 ml/min oxygen) and a nerve-cuff was implanted around the femoral nerve of each hind limb. Following implantation, each rat was placed on a flat surface with both hind limbs extended and restrained in place with a padded strap positioned around each ankle (see FIG. 1 a ). The knee and upper calf in the experimental leg were also restrained using a padded clamp to prevent any off-sagittal movement of the leg. [0077] Pressure was applied to the quadriceps muscle of the experimental leg using a 3-mm diameter indenter (see FIG. 1 d ). Loads were measured with a miniature beam force transducer (Interface, Scottsdale, Ariz., U.S.A.). The force was recorded at a sampling rate of 100 samples/s using a CED Power 1401 A/D board (Cambridge Equipment Design, Cambridge, UK) and SIGNAL 2 software (Cambridge Equipment Design, Cambridge, UK) throughout the duration of the experiment. The indenter was adjusted as required using a micromanipulator (Narishige, Japan) to maintain the desired level of applied force ( FIG. 1 b ). Throughout the experiments, the pressure applied to each group was 164±6.7 kPa for the Control Group, 167±26.6 kPa for Experimental Group 1, and 165.2±25.1 kPa for Experimental Group 2. [0078] In all animals, pressure was applied for a period of 2 hours. Following the period of pressure application, the leg was unloaded, the nerve-cuffs from both limbs were removed and the skin was sutured. Post-operatively, buprenorphine (0.05 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously, to alleviate any discomfort. The contralateral leg served as an internal control. [0079] FIG. 1 e illustrates the force generated by contraction of muscle in rats in response to IES treatment during 2 hours of treatment. The mean and standard deviation of the force generated by the contraction of the muscle in response to the electrical stimulus during each bout of electrical stimulation over a 2 hour period are shown for 6 rats (top plot) and 5 rats (bottom plot). Bouts of 10 seconds of stimulation (stimulation ON period) delivered every 5 minutes resulted in force reduction of −25% after 2 hours (top plot). This reduction was not significant and did not significantly affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Bouts of 10 seconds of stimulation (stimulation ON period) delivered every 10 minutes resulted in no force reduction after 2 hours (bottom plot). [0080] Deep tissue injury was quantified 24 hours later by in-vivo T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and post mortem histological assessment of the extracted quadriceps muscles. The untreated contralateral legs of all animals served as healthy controls (Contralateral Control Group). Assessment of Deep Tissue Health Using MRI [0081] Magnetic resonance imaging was used to obtain an in-vivo assessment of deep tissue injury following pressure application, and to quantify the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in preventing such injury in rats. A T2-weighted spin-echo sequence (echo time (TE)=80 ms, relaxation time (TR)=2000 ms) was employed to detect the presence of edema (as indicated by increased water content) within the quadriceps muscles in both hind limbs of each rat. Data were collected during a 30-minute scanning session and twenty MRI slices (images) were acquired from each rat, with slice thickness of 2 mm and slice separation of 1 mm (every other slice shown in FIG. 2 ). The acquisition matrix size was 256 pixel×256 pixel within a field of view (FOV) of 120 mm×120 mm, resulting in an in-plane resolution of 0.47 mm×0.47 mm. Both hind legs were imaged in the same slice. MRI slices were obtained in the sagittal, coronal and transverse planes in relation to the rat's femur. [0082] The left and right quadriceps muscles were manually selected from every slice and all analyses were restricted to the pixels inside these two regions ( FIG. 3 a ). To quantify the amount of increased water content present within the experimental leg from each slice, the signal intensity of each pixel in that leg was compared to a threshold intensity level obtained from the contralateral leg ( FIG. 3 b ). The mean±2* standard deviations in the signal intensity from the quadriceps muscle of the contralateral leg was chosen as the threshold intensity level. If the signal intensity of a pixel in the experimental leg was higher than the threshold, the pixel was considered to have increased water content, or edema ( FIG. 3 c ). A percentage of the affected area relative to the total area of the muscle was obtained from each slice and the total affected volume was calculated for each rat by summing the results from all slices. The threshold was also applied to each control (contralateral) limb from each rat to quantify the amount of increased water content that could be attributed to factors other than the application of pressure or IES, such as the electrode cuff implantation or normal variation in the signal intensity. Results from the untreated contralateral limbs of all 24 rats were designated as the Contralateral Control Group. Histological Assessment [0083] To corroborate the extent of injury in the muscle from the MRI assessment, histological evaluation of the tissue was also performed. Under deep anesthesia (sodium pentobarbital, 40 mg/kg), the animal was transcardially perfused with a formaldehyde (1%)/gluteraldehyde (2.25%) fixative and the quadriceps muscles from both hind limbs were removed. The muscles were photographed, weighed and their volume calculated. The muscle tissue was stored in the same fixative, and subsequently dehydrated through washing in a graded series of ethanol dilutions and embedded in paraffin. [0084] Muscle sections obtained from the region identified by the MR images as containing edema were longitudinally bisected. A 2-3 mm thick longitudinal section was obtained, as well as five 2 3 mm thick transverse sections. A 5 μm slice was obtained from each section and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). [0085] A veterinary pathologist blinded to the experimental groups performed all histological analyses. A 4.9 mm 2 area from each slice was assessed to identify muscle fiber necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage and tissue mineralization. A necrosis score (0-4) was assigned to each longitudinal slice based on the approximate area exhibiting necrosis out of the slice total area. Subsequently, the transverse slices from each animal were used to confirm the extension of necrosis throughout the muscle. The estimated volume of the muscle affected by necrosis from the histological assessment was compared against the estimated volume of the corresponding muscle affected by edema as calculated from MRI slices. [0086] Results show that edema and tissue injury can develop after a 2-hour application of constant pressure. In all test groups and at the completion of the study, the skin under the pressure indenter did not exhibit any indication of inflammation or injury, underscoring the difficulty of identifying DTI by visual inspection of the skin. [0087] As illustrated in FIG. 4 , histological assessment of the quadriceps muscle tissue showed that the severity of muscle injury varied between the control and experimental groups. In general, the lesions within the muscle were characterized by swelling, loss of striations, and fragmentation of muscle fibers. The connective tissue surrounding affected muscle fibers was often infiltrated by numerous neutrophils admixed with smaller numbers of macrophages. Hemorrhage into muscle bundles was most apparent in severely affected tissue. [0088] The Control Group had the largest extension of necrotic fibers in the tissue with a score of 3.2±0.8. This score represented a necrotic area occupying 25 to 50% of the area analyzed. The extent of tissue necrosis was significantly larger in the Control Group than that in Experimental Group 1, which had a score of 1.0±0.9 (Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, p=0.01), representing a necrotic area of less than 10%. Experimental Group 2 also exhibited a significantly smaller area of muscle necrosis than the Control Group (Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, p=0.03), with a score of 1.2±1.5, equivalent to a necrotic area between 10% and 20%. The necrosis score was also significantly smaller in Experimental Group 3 (Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, p=0.004), with a score of 0.5±0.6. There was no significant difference between all three experimental groups in the amount of necrosis assessed. The infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, as well as the presence of red blood cells and mineralization of the tissue, were not significantly different between the control and experimental groups. [0089] FIG. 5 (right axis, open circles) summarizes the extent of tissue necrosis in the control and experimental groups and illustrates that in the Control Group (pressure, No IES), the application of external pressure for 2 hours generated edema in 60±15% of the muscle. In contrast ( FIG. 5 , left axis, filled circles), Experimental Groups 1 (pressure+IES every 10 min) and 2 (pressure+IES every 5 min) exhibited a significantly reduced region of edema in the muscle, (16±16% for Experimental Group 1 and 25±13% for Experimental Group 2). Experimental Group 3 (No pressure, IES every 5 min) and Contralateral Control Group (untreated contralateral limbs) exhibited a 5±4% and a 5±4% respectively. The extent of increased water content in all three experimental groups was significantly different from that in the Control Group (one-way ANOVA test, p=0.0001), but was not significantly different from each other (Tukey post-hoc test, Exp 1 vs Exp 2, p=0.59; Exp 1 vs Exp 3, p=0.45; Exp 2 vs Exp 3, p=0.06). Experiment #2: Mechanisms of Action of IES in the Human [0090] To obtain an insight into the mechanisms of action of IES, the effect of IES on tissue oxygenation was measured in two separate experiments with human volunteers. In the first experiment, tissue oxygenation measurements were obtained from an able-bodied volunteer by means of T2* MRI quantification in muscles in both unloaded and loaded conditions, respectively. In the second, changes in the surface (bed-buttocks interface) pressure profiles generated by the IES-elicited contractions were measured in an able-bodied volunteer. Tissue Oxygenation in Able-Bodied Human [0091] An initial experiment was conducted in an able-bodied volunteer (male, 22 yr) to assess changes in tissue oxygenation associated with contractions elicited by IES in an unloaded muscle. The experimental setup is illustrated in FIG. 7 . Electrodes were placed on the body and electrical stimulation was delivered to induce muscle contractions. The change in the shape of the muscle during contraction, redistribution of surface pressure and changes in tissue oxygenation were measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and surface pressure mats. [0092] Surface, non-magnetic electrodes were placed over the motor point of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle of one leg. Tissue oxygenation levels were estimated by quantifying changes in the T2* signal in MR scans of the muscle in which an increase in the T2* signal is attributed to an influx of oxygenated hemoglobin to the tissue. MR scans were acquired with a 1.5 Tesla whole body Siemens Sonata scanner (Siemens Medical Solution, Malvern, Pa.) and a 27-cm diameter transmit/receive knee coil circumscribing the lower leg. A custom-prepared multi-gradient-echo sequence (TR=51.8 ms, 8 TEs ranging from 3.6 ms to 47 ms, single slice, 6 mm slice thickness, flip angle=20°, FOV=208 mm×205 mm, readout matrix=160 pixel×158 pixel, in-plane resolution=1.3 mm×1.3 mm) was utilized for all data acquisitions. Baseline levels of oxygenation in MG were obtained as well as simultaneous measurements from the lateral gastrocnemius (LG), medial soleus (MS), and lateral soleus (LS) muscles for comparison. Following the acquisition of baseline scans, successive scans were acquired immediately after 30-s bouts of electrical stimulation delivered through the surface electrodes (biphasic, charge-balanced, constant current, 70 mA, 250 μs, 50 pulses/s). [0093] To mimic a simulated sitting position in which muscles are loaded (e.g., compressed and sheared), albeit around the ischial tuberosities, a second experiment was performed on the gluteus maximus muscles to assess changes in oxygenation levels induced by IES on a loaded muscle. Surface, non-magnetic electrodes were placed over the motor points of the left and right gluteus maximus muscles of an able-bodied volunteer (male, 26 yr). Due to space limitations within the MRI scanner, which prohibits volunteers from sitting upright, muscle compression during sitting was simulated by adding weight over the pelvis of the person lying supine inside a 1.5 Tesla whole-body scanner. Oxygenation measurements were obtained at: 1) rest, 2) with a 20 kg (30% of body weight) load applied over the pelvis, and 3) with a 20 kg load and IES applied simultaneously. [0094] Surface coils placed below the subject and a multi-gradient-echo sequence (TR=90.3 ms, 20 TEs ranging from 3.8 to 89.6 ms, single slice, 8 mm slice thickness, flip angle=30, FOV=223 mm×397 mm, readout matrix=72 pixel×128 pixel, in-plane resolution=3.1 mm×3.1 mm) were utilized for imaging the gluteus in the transverse plane. Three successive 31-s scans were acquired at rest to obtain baseline levels of oxygenation in the left and right gluteus maximus muscles. A 20 kg load was placed over the pelvic region to compress the gluteus muscles and 10 31-s scans were acquired over a 10-minute period of loading. Subsequently, 6 31-s scans were obtained each immediately following a 10-s stimulus bout (biphasic, charge-balanced, constant current, 70 mA, 250 its, 50 pulses/s, 3-s ramp-up, 3-s ramp-down) applied every minute to the gluteus muscles with the load in place. The stimulation parameters utilized did not cause pain or discomfort to the volunteer. [0095] A region of interest (ROI) was selected around each target muscle (MG, LG, SM, and SL, or right gluteus maximus, and left gluteus maximus) in each MR slice, and the T2* levels in each ROI were determined. The T2* values were normalized to their corresponding baseline levels obtained at rest. Results [0096] The effects of IES-elicited contractions on muscle oxygenation were first tested in a condition where the muscle was at rest and unloaded. FIG. 6 a summarizes the effect of IES on the level of oxygenation in the muscles of the lower leg. Normalized T2* levels in MG, LG, LS, and MS are shown. Interestingly, IES selectively increased the T2* level of MG, the stimulated muscle. This increase in oxygenation was maintained throughout the experiment. Oxygenation levels in LG, LS, and MS did not show any change when compared to baseline measurements. [0097] The effects of IES-elicited contractions on muscle oxygenation were then examined where the muscles were loaded. These loaded muscles had a corresponding reduction in oxygen supply, a situation that represents the state of tissue around the ischial tuberosities in a seated individual. FIG. 6 b summarizes the effect of IES on the level of tissue oxygenation in the gluteus maximus muscles in the presence of an external pressure. Normalized T2* levels in the right and left gluteus maximus muscles are shown for each condition tested (rest, weight, weight+IES). The oxygenation levels in both muscles decreased immediately by −4% after the load application; oxygenation remained at this lower level throughout the 10 minutes in which this condition was maintained. Following IES, the oxygenation levels in the muscles increased above the initial baseline levels by 6%. Surface Pressure Measurements in Able-Bodied Human [0098] In order to obtain insight into the effects of IES in reshaping the gluteus maximus muscles, and modifying the surface pressure profiles with each contraction, a second experiment was performed. The experiment was conducted in a male able-bodied volunteer, using the same testing conditions as those utilized in the first experiment to assess oxygenation levels in the gluteus maximus muscles: 1) rest, 2) weight, and 3) weight+IES. To elicit contractions in the left and right gluteus maximus muscles, surface electrodes were placed over the motor point of each muscle. The volunteer was placed in a supine position with the buttocks over an X-3 System pressure sensitive mattress (XSensor, Calgary, AB, Canada). Measurements of surface pressure in the sacral region of the buttocks were obtained over a 1-minute period of rest. A 20-kg load, equivalent to 30% of the body weight of the volunteer, was applied over the pelvis to compress the tissue of the buttocks. Surface pressure measurements were acquired for 1 minute under this condition. Electrical stimulation was then applied simultaneously to both gluteus maximus muscles. A series of 3 15-s stimulus bouts (biphasic, charge-balanced, constant current, 70 mA, 250 μs, 50 pulses/s) were applied with the load in place. Changes in surface pressure associated with IES were measured during each bout of stimulation. Results [0099] In a third experiment ( FIG. 6 c ) surface pressure measurements of the buttocks were obtained under the same three conditions previously tested (rest, weight, weight+IES). The average pressure throughout the buttocks at rest was 10.9 kPa, distributed over a 487 mm2 area. As expected, the region of highest pressure was that surrounding the bony prominence (the sacrum in this case), and exhibited an average pressure of 21.7 kPa. [0100] Following the loading of the pelvis, the average pressure throughout the buttocks increased to 13.9 kPa and was distributed over a 511 mm2 area. The average pressure in the region around the sacrum increased to 25.8 kPa. Simultaneous bilateral application of IES to the loaded (compressed and sheard) gluteus maximus muscles induced contractions which reconfigured the shape of the muscles. The average pressure throughout the buttocks became 14.3 kPa distributed over an area of 424 mm2. However, the average pressure around the sacrum was reduced to 19.5 kPa, a level lower than that seen even during the rest condition. [0101] FIG. 8 illustrates an MRI of the left and right gluteus muscles demonstrating the changes in muscle shape during contractions induced by electrical stimulation (top). It also shows the redistribution of surface pressure (middle) and the increase in tissue oxygenation (bottom) during electrical stimulation. Discussion [0102] The present experiments outline in EXAMPLE NO. 1 examined the efficacy of IES in preventing DTI in a rat model and its mechanism of action in human volunteers. Our results show, that within defined parameters of electrical stimulation, a considerable reduction in DTI was observed. Traditionally, tissue injury generated by ischemia following long periods of tissue compression, has been considered the principal etiological factor behind pressure ulcers. Within this precept, more frequent stimulation should restore tissue oxygenation in the tissue to normal or near-normal levels, potentially eliminating tissue injury caused by ischemia. The finding that there was no significant difference between our experimental groups (IES every 10 minutes vs. 5 minutes) could indicate that the beneficial effects of an increase in oxygenation to the tissue may have reached their threshold when stimulation occurred every 10 minutes. It is possible that the amount of damage observed in both experimental groups could be attributed to damage generated directly by the high stress levels at the bone-muscle interface and excessive cell deformation, a factor that was further exaggerated in our experimental set up due to the fixation of the hind limb which led to an increase, rather than a decrease, in focal pressure during the IES-induced contractions (evident in the increases in recorded force in FIG. 1 b ). Although the application of pressure to the rats' limbs was done outside the MRI scanner, utmost care was taken in the placement of the indenter, such that it was as centered as possible over the QM and the femur. [0103] Comparison of Experimental Group 3 and the Contralateral Control Group demonstrated that the use of IES as frequently as every 5 minutes does not cause an increase in the water content of the muscle. The minimal amount of water content identified in the Contralateral Control Group, as calculated in this study, indicates that 5% of the tissue water content quantified in the Control Group and Experimental Groups 1 and 2 was not caused by the load application. [0104] It has been suggested that high stress levels at the bone-muscle interface is a primary factor in the development of pressure ulcers, but the extent of tissue injury that is associated with these mechanical forces (shear and stress) has yet to be determined. Although complete elimination of DTI has not been achieved, our results suggest that IES delivered every 10 minutes is sufficient to reduce greatly the extent of damage in deep tissue exposed to constant external pressure. [0105] None of the rats in this study showing indications of DTI displayed injury to the overlying skin. This emphasizes that skin appearance is a poor indicator of deep tissue health, and supports the need for other alternative methods to detect DTI. The results of this study show that MRI is an effective tool for the detection of muscle edema associated with the presence of DTI, even when injury occurs in muscles as small as those in the rat hind limbs ( FIG. 3 a ). Although MRI currently may not be ideal for screening patients with DTI due to cost and availability, in situations where an individual is considered to be at high risk of developing an ulcer or has a long history of ulcer development, it might be necessary to perform periodic screenings. Identifying DTI before it fully evolves into a pressure ulcer would not only have a significant beneficial impact on the health and quality of life of the individual, but could greatly reduce costs associated with further medical and surgical treatments. Mechanisms of Action of IES [0106] Our results demonstrated that the levels of available oxygen in the tissue of gluteus maximus were reduced immediately after compressing the muscles ( FIG. 6 ). However, instantly following the first IES-induced contraction of the muscles, the levels of tissue oxygen increased. This increase was greater than baseline levels, and was most likely caused by reactive hyperemia, a process in which there is an increase in blood flow into the capillaries after brief periods of occlusion. This increase in oxygenation was maintained after each of the 6 IES-induced contractions. While oxygenation levels in the unloaded medial gastrocnemius muscle also increased with IES, the increase was less than that in the gluteal measurements. This may be due to the fact that blood flow to the medial gastrocnemius muscle was not altered, and consequently oxygenation levels were already at normal levels. [0107] While periodical increases in tissue oxygenation should have the beneficial effect of negating tissue injury associated with ischemia-reperfusion, pressure relief is still needed to prevent further damage from persistent high stress levels of muscle cells. Our results demonstrated that IES of the loaded gluteus muscles reconfigured the shape of the muscles and distributed the pressure laterally in the buttocks. The net result was a periodical relief of the superficial pressure around the bony prominence and reduction in the overall pressure throughout the buttocks. The use of superficial pressure measurements combined with recently developed finite element models of the gluteal muscles which can estimate the stress levels at the bone-muscle interface, could provide a more accurate tool for predicting the risk of developing DTI. Example No. 2 [0108] Experiments were conducted in seated volunteers to evaluate the effect of various parameters of IES on: 1) the redistribution of surface pressure during contraction, 2) changes in the shape of the gluteus maximums muscles around the ischial tuberosities, and 3) changes in tissue oxygenation. Surface pressure mats and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were used for the measurements. [0109] Five able-bodied volunteers with intact spinal cord and four volunteers with spinal cord injury (SCI) participated in the study. Four IES patterns were tested between the two groups of volunteers as described in Table 1 below. Electrical stimulation was provided through surface electrodes placed on the motor points of the gluteus maximus muscles of both legs in all volunteers. [0000] TABLE 1 IES parameters tested in volunteers with intact and SCI study participants Stimulation IES ON:OFF characteristics Stimulation Volunteer periods during ON period parameters Intact 10 (sec):7 (min) continuous 200 μs pulses, 20-120 mA, 40-50 pulses/s 10 (sec):7 (min) discontinuous (3 sec 200 μs pulses, on:2 sec off:3 20-120 mA, 40-50 pulses/s SCI 7 (sec):10 (min) continuous 200 μs pulses, 20-120 mA, 40-50 pulses/s 13 (sec):10 (min) continuous 200 μs pulses, 20-120 mA, 40-50 pulses/s [0110] Redistributions in surface pressure with IES were assessed with the volunteers seated in a regular office chair (intact) or a wheelchair containing a standard pressure relief cushion (SCI). A pressure mat containing a 36×36 array of sensors was placed between the volunteers and the sitting surface. A map of the surface pressure was obtained during the OFF period of IES and compared to that obtained during the ON period. [0111] Surface pressure was highest around the ischial tuberosities in both intact and SCI individuals during the OFF period of IES. During the ON period, contractions of the gluteus maximus muscles generated a redistribution in surface pressure in both intact and SCI volunteers. There were decreases in surface pressure around the high-risk ischial tuberosity regions that are most susceptible to the formation of pressure ulcers. Concomitant increases in pressure in the surrounding areas, low-risk regions, were seen. [0112] The redistribution in surface pressure produced by IES was quantified by comparing the changes in readings of each of the sensors embedded within the pressure mat during the stimulation ON and OFF periods. FIG. 12 shows a typical example of the distribution of sensors showing statistically significant changes in pressure readings between the ON and OFF periods of IES. Sensors with a significant reduction in pressure readings during the ON period of IES relative to the OFF period are shown in white, those with a significant increase are shown in grey, and those with no significant change are shown in black. During the ON period of IES, significant reductions in pressure were obtained around the ischial tuberosities in both able-bodied and SCI volunteers, regardless of the sitting surface (regular chair vs. wheelchair with pressure relief cushion). [0113] During these experiments, able-bodied volunteers as well as those with SCI who had some preserved sensation around the gluteal region (n=2) reported that IES relieved their discomfort due to long durations of sitting. Furthermore, the relief was sustained for several minutes after the ON period of IES. In comparison to standard clinical practices such as wheelchair push-ups, the volunteers reported that IES provided more relief of discomfort due to sitting and for longer durations. Able-bodied volunteers preferred the continuous mode of stimulation during the ON period of IES over the discontinuous patterns, even though they reported that both patterns produced a similar level of relief of discomfort due to sitting. Because of their altered sensation, the SCI volunteers could not subjectively compare the level of relief produced by the two durations of the continuous mode of stimulation during the ON period of IES (7 vs. 13 seconds). [0114] To investigate the changes in the shape of the muscle produced by IES as well as changes in oxygenation levels of deep tissue, the volunteers were transferred to a custom built MRI-compatible apparatus. This apparatus positioned the volunteers in a manner that mimicked a sitting posture and produced similar surface pressure profiles to those obtained while sitting in a chair/wheelchair. [0115] FIG. 13 provides T 2− weighted MRI scans which show the shape of the gluteus maximus muscles at rest (OFF period of IES) and during contraction (ON period of IES) for able-bodied (intact, left) and injured (SCI, right) volunteers. Substantial changes in muscle shape were seen in the intact volunteers ( FIG. 13 , left). Changes in muscle shape were also seen even in the much atrophied muscles of SCI volunteers ( FIG. 13 , right). These changes explain the redistributions in surface pressure seen in FIG. 12 , and demonstrate that redistributions in internal pressure are also obtained by IES. [0116] To assess the changes in tissue oxygenation, T2* MRI images were obtained and alterations in the signal intensity in the gluteus maximus muscles due to IES were quantified as previously described (pages 31 - 32 , FIG. 6 a, b ). FIG. 14 summarizes the changes in tissue oxygenation (mean±standard deviation) seen in intact and SCI volunteers, and in response to the four (4) patterns of IES tested (Table 1). To compare the changes in oxygenation in response to contractions produced by IES and voluntary activation, the able-bodied volunteers were also asked to contract their gluteus maximus muscles voluntarily and to hold the contraction for 10 seconds (mimicking the 10 sec ON, continuous, IES pattern). [0117] In all cases, significant increases (ANOVA, p<0.05) in tissue oxygenation were seen following the ON period of IES. These increases were at times more prominent than those produced by voluntary contraction. Furthermore, the increases in oxygenation were sustained for up to 10 minutes (longest IES OFF period tested to date), which explains the sustained relief from discomfort reported by the volunteers during the surface pressure measurements described above. Very importantly, the pattern of tissue oxygenation observed in volunteers with SCI was similar to that seen in intact volunteers, despite their substantially atrophied muscles. While direct measurements of blood flow or oxygen were not obtained, the increases in oxygenation (1-3% increase in T2* signal intensity) are estimated to reflect a 15-45% increase in blood flow in the gluteus maximus muscles. [0118] Some differences were observed in the level of tissue oxygenation produced by the various patterns of IES. First, the continuous pattern of stimulation during the ON period of IES produced larger increases in oxygenation immediately following the cessation of stimulation compared to the discontinuous pattern. However, by 3 minutes within the OFF period of IES, the oxygenation levels were similar for both the continuous and discontinuous stimulation patterns. Second, longer stimulation durations during the ON period of IES produce larger increases in oxygenation immediately following the cessation of stimulation. However, by 2 minutes within the OFF period of IES, the oxygenation levels were similar for all durations of the ON period of IES tested (i.e., 7, 10 and 13 seconds). Third, the changes in tissue oxygenation produced by the discontinuous pattern of stimulation during the ON period of IES were similar in profile to those produced by voluntary contraction. [0119] In conclusion, the experiments in the seated individuals (intact and SCI) demonstrated that IES is an effective means for redistributing surface pressure, changing muscle shape, and producing sustained increases in deep tissue oxygenation. All tested patterns of IES were effective in achieving these outcomes. Therefore, IES may provide a powerful means for prophylactically preventing the formation of pressure ulcers originating at deep bone-muscle interfaces. [0120] Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of hardware. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.

A method is provided for treating pressure ulcers by transmitting an electrical stimulus sufficient to effect contraction of a loaded muscle, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing an electrical transmission for effecting contraction of the loaded muscle, transmitting sufficient electrical stimulation to the muscle to contract it for a predetermined short period of time, and ceasing transmission of the stimulus to the muscle for a predetermined longer period of muscle relaxation, whereby the predetermined period of relaxation is sufficient to minimize muscle fatigue and cause sustained reoxygenation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to animal care, and more particularly to containers for litter for receiving the waste of household pets. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Litter boxes are well known to urban pet owners, and in particular cat owners. Litter boxes typically contain a granular adsorbent material for adsorbing pet waste and the accompanying odors. Often an open box is used, with the result that odor control is at best only partially effective, whatever the specific material used as an adsorbent. Animals are apt to scatter soiled litter and waste from open boxes when entering or leaving the boxes, and by instinctively "digging" into the adsorbent. The animal waste itself represents a potential health hazard to the pet owner and others, and especially to pregnant women. Closed boxes large enough to accommodate household pets such as cats can be difficult and uneconomical to manufacture, store and ship. On the other hand there is a need for an easy to use enclosed container for pet litter which can reduce the potential health hazards associated with contact with the animal waste, and which can be readily disposed of after use. Numerous attempts have been made to address the problem. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,581,977, 4,711,198, 4,782,788, 4,846,103, and 4,940,016 each provide collapsible, disposable litter boxes. However, each of these has significant shortcomings. For example, the litter box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,016 requires multiple tabs between sides and portions of the top of the container to be engaged when the container is opened, and disengaged when the container is closed prior to being discarded. This can be time-consuming and potentially very frustrating. Similarly, the box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,103 requires several steps to set up or take down. The box shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,198 appears very easy to set up and take down, but provides only limited room for the animal inside the box, given the amount of floor space it requires. The boxes of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,581,977 and 4,782,788 are each only partially enclosed. There is a continuing need for an easy-to-use disposable litter container, which protects against exposure to soiled litter and the dust associated with it. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an extensible disposable litter container for receiving the waste of household pets, such as cats. The container is extensible from a closed position to an open position, and includes a rectangular tray having a floor and opposing sides and ends for containing litter material, as well as a rectangular cover member having opposing sides and ends. The cover member has a handle which is releasably attached to the tray when the container is in the closed position. In addition, the cover member has at least one vent communicating with the atmosphere for equalizing pressure inside and outside the container when the container is opened or closed. A generally cylindrical, collapsible wall extends between the rectangular tray and the cover member and encloses the interior of the container. The wall has a door formed therein for entry and egress of household pets. The container also includes at least one spring means extending between the tray and the cover member. The spring means is compressed when the container is in the closed position, and extends between the cover member from the tray when the cover member is released from the tray and the container assumes the open position. Preferable, the door is preformed in the wall by a plurality of perforations, and the pet owner tears open the door along the perforations after opening the container. The door is preferably provided with resealable adhesive for affixing the door to the container to hold the door either open or closed. Preferably, the container also includes detent means for releasably attaching the cover member to the tray when the container is in the closed position, so that the container can be closed and sealed when the litter inside is no longer effectively adsorbing the animal waste or its odor, and the used container easily disposed of. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown in an open position. FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in an open position. FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the container of the present invention shown in an open position. FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the container of FIG. 5 shown in an open position with its door open. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view of the container of FIG. 1 showing a detent for sealing the closed container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements in each of the several views, reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein a container 10 according to the present invention is shown in a front elevational view in a closed position The container 10 is preferably shipped to the consumer encased in a flexible packaging material such as cellophane or the like (not shown), which is removed by the consumer prior to use. The container 10 includes a rectangular lower tray 12 containing an adsorbent litter material such as clay (not shown) and a rectangular cover member or cover 14. A pair of paper seals 15 adhere to the sides of both the tray 12 and the cover 14 during shipment. These are broken by the consumer after the container 10 is removed from its packaging. The rectangular tray 12 can be about twelve inches by sixteen inches, and deep enough to contain about two inches of litter material. The rectangular cover 14 has a pair of opposed sides 16, a pair of opposed ends 20 and a top 24 from which extends a handle 26 for opening and carrying the container 10. After the container 10 is removed from the packaging and the seals 15 are broken, the consumer lifts on the handle 26 to pull the cover 14 away from the tray 12 to open the container 10. A vent or air valve 28 is formed in the top 24 to permit air to enter the container 10 when it is opened and to escape when it is closed. The vent 28 can simply be a hole cut in the top 24 of the cover 14; however, a one-way valve responsive to a pressure difference between the interior of the container 10 and the atmosphere is preferably employed. A filter 22 formed from a circle of fiberous filter material adhered to the underside of the cover 14 over the vent 28 restrict litter dust from being forced out the vent 28 when the container 10 is closed. The rectangular lower tray 12 has pairs of opposed sides 30 and ends 32 and a floor 34, and is sized to fit within the cover 14 when the container 10 is closed. The sides 30 of the tray 12 have a plurality of detents 36 formed therein for securing the cover 14 to the tray 12 when the container 10 is closed after the litter material has become soiled. The sides 16 of the cover 14 include a plurality of cutouts 38, each for receiving a corresponding detent 36. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2, under the top 24 of the cover 14 there are a pair of helical spring means or springs 40 extending from the underside of the top 24 of the cover 14 to the floor 34 of the tray 12. When the container 10 is closed, these springs 40 are compressed. However, as soon as the seals 15 are broken, the springs 40 bias the container 10 to an open position, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3. The handle 26 can be simply cut from the top 24 of the cover 14, as shown in FIG. 2, with the handle 26 being bent upward (as shown in FIG. 1) just prior to initially opening the container 10. As seen in FIG. 3, a generally cylindrical, collapsible wall 42 extends between the tray 12 and the cover 14, enclosing the interior of the container 10 when the container is in the open position. The wall 42 has perforations 44 extending in a pair of generally parallel vertical lines in a portion of the wall 42 extending between corresponding ends 20, 32 of the cover 14 and tray 12 respectively, the vertical lines being connected by a horizontal line of perforations positioned proximate the end 32 of the tray 12. A tab 48 is permanently affixed to the wall 42 within the perforations 44, and releasably affixed with a resealable adhesive to the end 32 of the tray 12. To open the container 10 to permit an animal to enter, the tab 48 is firmly grasped and lifted upward to tear the perforations 44 to form a door 46 in the wall 42. The tab 48 has resealable adhesive on both its inside and outside surfaces, permitting the door 46 to be fastened in a open position by lifting the door 46 up and back over the top 24 of the cover 14 and adhering the tab 48 to the cover 14 (not shown). If desired, the perforations can be arranged so that the door opens to the side (not shown). Alternatively, a hook or latch can be can by substituted for the tab 48 so that the door 46 can be secured in an open or closed position (not shown). To close the container 10 prior to disposal after the litter within it has been soiled, the tab 48 is lifted from the cover 14, and the door 46 is closed and the tab 48 is reattached to the tray 12. The cover 14 is then simply pushed down, compressing the springs 40, until the detents 36 engage their corresponding cutouts 38, the collapsing wall 42 being guided inward away from the detents 36. The tray 12 and cover 14 are preferably formed from a lightweight, rigid material such as cardboard or a rigid plastic material, while the wall 42 of the container shown in FIGS. 1-3 is preferably formed from flexible plastic film stock. If cardboard is used to form the tray 12, it is preferably treated with a moisture barrier-forming substance such as a wax coating, or lined with a moisture-impervious plastic sheet, so that moisture is retained within the container 10. Alternatively, the wall 42 is closed at its bottom. The wall 42 is secured to the cover 14 and the tray 12 by conventional means, such as by an adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, or the like. FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. The container 50 has a door 56 formed in wall 42 between corresponding sides 16, 30 of the cover 14 and tray 12 respectively. In this case, the door 56 is bounded by an arc of perforations 54 and set in the upper two-thirds of the wall 42, and the additional height of the door 56 above the tray 12 reduces the amount of litter 58 which is scattered out of the container 50 by an animal using the container 50. A third embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the container 60 has a wall 62 formed with a plurality of concertina pleats or folds 64 and from a semi-rigid plastic material. The rigidity of the wall 62 opposes compression, and wall 62 itself serves as a biasing or spring means to push the container 60 and keep the container 60 in an open position when the detents 36 have been released. Accordingly, there is no need for internal springs to accomplish this function in this version of the container. The container 60 has a door 66 formed in wall 62 and having a tab 68 releasably and resealably securing the door 66 to one of the sides 30 of the tray 12. The tab 68 has a piece of release paper 70 covering a pad of adhesive material adhered to the outside surface of the tab 68. When the door 66 is opened, such as shown in FIG. 6, the release paper 70 is removed to permit the door to be bent back over the wall 62 and the cover 14 and secured to the cover 14 with the pad of adhesive material. After the litter 58 inside the container 60 has become soiled, the door 66 is closed, and the cover 14 is pressed down onto the tray 12 until the detents 36 engage the corresponding cutouts 38. The accordion-pleated wall 62 is compressed, with the folds 64 advantageously opposing the increased pressure within the container 60 as it is compressed, so that the no portions of the wall 62 become positioned between the detents 36 and the cutouts 38 as the container 60 is closed. FIG. 6 is a expanded, fragmentary view of one of the interengaging detents 36 and cutouts 38 shown as the container is being closed. Various modifications can be made in the details of the embodiments of the container of the present invention, all within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the cover and the tray can be circular or elliptical in shape rather than being rectangular. Similarly, the litter can be packaged separately from the container, with the container being filled with litter only after it is opened up, thus reducing the shipping weight of the container.

An extensible disposable litter container receives the waste of household pets, such as cats. The container is extensible from a closed position to an open position, and includes a rectangular tray for litter, and a cover with a handle which is releasably attached to the tray when the container is closed. A collapsible, pleated wall with a door extends between the tray and the cover, the wall biasing the container open. Detents maiantain the container in a closed position after use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application JP 2008-107308 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 16, 2008, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND Wireless networks have been getting attention as a system that frees people from traditional wired communication systems. Typically, the wireless networks adopt such wireless LAN standards as IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.1g. Wireless LANs enable flexible Internet connections that not only replace the existing wired LANs but also provide Internet access at such public facilities as hotels, airport lounges, train stations, and cafes. By offering such advantages, the wireless LANs have gained widespread acceptance already. It is becoming customary to install wireless LAN capabilities not only in information processing equipment such as personal computers (PCs) but also in CE (consumer electronics) appliances including digital cameras and music players. Ordinarily, a single unit of equipment serving as a control station called an access point (AP) or a coordinator is set up within an area constituting a wireless LAN, the control station providing overall control on the network. The control station coordinates the access timings of a plurality of terminals on the network, allowing the terminals to operate in synchronized fashion. Illustratively, NTT Communications Corporation in Japan is offering a public wireless LAN service called Hot Spot (registered trademark). This service permits users' communication terminals to connect with access points set up by Internet service providers in such places as hotels, airport lounges, train stations, and cafes. Thus connected, the terminals allow their users to make use of the Internet in a wireless broadband environment. For example, a user on the road may use the public wireless LAN service to transmit the data of pictures that he or she took with a digital camera (or a digital camera-equipped mobile phone) to a desired destination or place an order with a printing establishment for having the picture data printed on photographic paper. An imaging apparatus has been proposed (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-289619, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) which allows the user to prepare order information while not communicating with any wireless LAN communication apparatus and to send desired picture data and the prepared order information to a printing establishment when subsequently moving into a public wireless LAN service area. The proposed apparatus thus allows its user to place an order for picture printing in a steady communication state while the user is on the road. Where a traditional wireless LAN communication setup is in effect, each communication terminal scans usable nearby networks for the network of a particular Internet service provider to which the terminal subscribes. The network of the ISP has a particular service set identifier (SSID) for identification purposes. Illustratively, a group of wireless LAN operators called the “Wi-Fi Alliance” has worked out a user authentication program known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). This program is designed to facilitate the connection of wireless LAN devices to access points and the establishment of a security setup. As for WPS, see “Wi-Fi Protected Setup Specification (Version 10.h, December 2006)” for example. According to WPS, the apparatus for registering clients is called the registrar. At present, two kinds of methods are provided for authentication: a pushbutton method, and a PIN (personal identification number) code method. With the pushbutton method in effect, a dedicated pushbutton at an access point communicating with the registrar is to be pushed in conjunction with a similarly dedicated pushbutton on a client. The dual operations of the pushbuttons complete the security setup as per ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2). Where the PIN code method is in use, on the other hand, each client is to have a previously assigned four-digit or eight-digit number registered with the registrar by way of an apparatus connected to the network of interest. According to the latter method, the client is connected to an access point where the ESSID and WPA2 setups are in effect. The Wi-Fi Alliance has additionally worked out a so-called NFC (Near Field Communication) setup method whereby a token or a card need only be brought close to suitable equipment for completing the connection setup. NFC is an RFID (radio frequency identification) communication standard for permitting two-way communications over very short distances (e.g., about 10 cm) using a radio wave at 13.56 MHz. As such, NFC was adopted as an international standard “ISO/IEC IS 18092” in December 2003. Today, NFC is utilized extensively in such applications as personal authentication and settlement of electronic payments. Many of the above-mentioned public LAN services are available on a chargeable basis. This means that each user needs to follow predetermined steps to settle charges when subscribing to the service (i.e., follow the steps to settle the service charge) besides setting up the wireless LAN connection. When settling the service charge, the user generally needs to access the Web page of the selected Internet service provider and input necessary information (e.g., credit card number) or go to the provider's service counter to make payments directly. FIG. 19 schematically shows a typical structure of a public wireless LAN service. The public wireless LAN environment includes access points and user terminals. Each access point is connected to the Internet service provider (ISP) in question via the network. Each user of the service needs to register beforehand at a service counter of the ISP or at one of its similar outposts and pay the charge. Some ISPs may require the user to establish connection with their wireless LANs before proceeding to follow the above-mentioned steps at their Web pages. When starting to use the public wireless LAN service, the user thus needs to take a great deal of trouble to set up connection with the wireless LAN through WPS or similar authentication procedures in addition to separately settling the service charge as outlined above. Such bothersome chores can be a substantial impediment to the user's decision to subscribe to the wireless LAN service. There has been proposed a wireless LAN system (e.g., see Patent Document 1) which, when offering a Hot Spot-based service, identifies clients using identification information such as MAC (media access control) addresses. Upon elapse of a predetermined time period, the proposed system gives a new password solely to each legitimate client for password alteration at short notice in order to prevent illicit access. However, the proposed wireless LAN system has no capabilities allowing user terminals to settle service charges. Each user must register at a counter of the ISP or at one of its similar outposts and settle the service charge beforehand. Furthermore, there has been proposed a wireless LAN access system (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-117488, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) made up of user terminals, a plurality of authentication and billing agency servers, and public wireless LAN Hot Spots. The user terminals each contain a server selection section for selecting one of the authentication and billing agency servers, and a server authentication section for authenticating the selected authentication and billing agency server. Each of the authentication and billing servers includes an agency section for taking over user authentication and billing steps, and a user authentication section for authenticating the users attempting access. The public wireless LAN Hot Spots are capable of connecting the authentication and billing agency servers with the user terminals having successfully undergone both server authentication and user authentication. According to the proposed wireless LAN access system, each user terminal can access secure and extensive networks without resorting to a prepaid scheme. However, the user of each user terminal is apparently required to set up a wireless LAN connection to search for SSID while separately following predetermined steps to select the server. Related techniques are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-260518. SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing a user terminal to connect with a wireless LAN (local area network) service after completing the steps to gain access to an access point of that service. More particularly, the invention relates to a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing the user terminal to connect with a wireless LAN service offered at public facilities after completing the steps to settle the charge of the service in question. The present disclosure is in of the above circumstances and provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing a user terminal to connect properly with a wireless LAN service after following predetermined steps to connect to an access point of that service. The present disclosure also provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for enabling a user terminal to connect properly with a public wireless LAN service or the like offered at public facilities after following predetermined steps to settle the charge of the service. The present disclosure further provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing users utilizing a public wireless LAN service or the like to make a wireless LAN setup and to settle the charge of the service easily and securely. According to one embodiment, there is provided a communication system including: a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service; and a user terminal configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service. The term “system” in this specification refers to a logical configuration of a plurality of component devices or a plurality of functional modules for bringing about specific functions. Each of the devices or functional modules may or may not be housed in a single enclosure. Recent years have witnessed widespread acceptance of public wireless LAN services that allow user terminals to connect to networks via access points set up at public facilities. These connections, however, demand the users to follow predetermined steps to settle the service charge in addition to separately performing the steps to set up a public wireless LAN connection with the service. These troublesome chores may well pose a substantial impediment to the user's decision to subscribe to the wireless LAN service. The communication system of the present embodiment, by contrast, is suitable for public wireless LAN services and allows the user to make a wireless LAN setup and to settle the service charge securely and easily. In an embodiment, the communication system includes a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service. The communication system also includes a user terminal owned by a user and configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service. That is, the access point offering the chargeable network connection service has the proximity communication (NFC) capability to set up a wireless LAN connection in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. The access point further allows the service charge to be settled on the network by use of NFC-based electronic money technology. Preferably, upon authentication with WPS, identification information unique to the wireless LAN terminal capability of the user terminal and identification information of the user terminal for use in charge settlement may be used in combination as identification information of the user terminal. When the combined identification information is exchanged between the access point and the user terminal by use of secure NFC technology, it is possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology. Preferably, upon completion of the wireless LAN connection setup in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme, the service terminal may send the identification information of the user terminal to the service provider. The service provider may receive the identification information of the user terminal and, upon completion of settlement of the service charge, may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within a time limit corresponding to the service charge having been settled. Preferably, with the wireless LAN connection disconnected, the user terminal may send a connection request over a wireless LAN directly to the service terminal that has the previous wireless LAN connection setup stored therein, without following predetermined steps to set up the wireless LAN connection in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. In the case above, the service terminal may send the identification information of the user terminal to the service provider for inquiry. When the time limit corresponding to the service charge having been settled is found yet to expire, the service provider may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within the remaining time limit. If the time limit corresponding to the previously settled service charge is found to have expired, the service provider may allow the user terminal to connect to the network within the remaining time limit reflecting the service charge which is settled thereafter. The present embodiment thus provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for allowing the user terminal to connect properly to a wireless LAN service after taking steps to connect to an access point of that service. The present embodiment also provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for permitting the user terminal to connect properly to a public wireless LAN service offered at public facilities after taking steps to settle the service charge. The present embodiment further provides a communication system and a communication apparatus for enabling the user intent on utilizing a public wireless LAN service to set up a wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely. The communication system of the present embodiment includes access points which provide a network connection service on a chargeable basis and which are each furnished with a proximity communication (NFC) capability to let service charges be settled over a network as outlined above. Each access point is capable of having a wireless LAN connection established according to the WPS NFC scheme. When the identification number unique to each wireless LAN terminal and the identification number for settlement of service charges by the terminal are combined for WPS-based authentication, it is possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology. Implementation of the present embodiment only involve installing noncontact IC reader/writers additionally at the facilities where public wireless LAN services have been made available. The ease of reader/writer installation translates into appreciable savings in labor costs and in the cost of equipment. Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Further advantages will become apparent upon a reading of the following description and appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a typical configuration of a public wireless LAN system in an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a functional structure of a service terminal and a user terminal of the system in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps performed by the user terminal to set up a wireless LAN connection with the service terminal and to settle the charge of the service therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by the service terminal to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ; FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps performed by the Internet service provider in FIG. 1 to set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge between the user terminal and the service terminal in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 ; FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a typical screen that inquires of the user whether or not to start setting up a wireless LAN connection; FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed; FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the wireless LAN connection service is not available because of an insufficient balance; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a typical screen which notifies the user of establishment of the wireless LAN connection and which inquires of the user whether or not to settle the service charge; FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the service charge for the wireless LAN connection has been settled; FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message indicating that the attempt to settle the service charge for the wireless LAN connection has failed; FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a typical screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service; FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the wireless LAN connection is being set up; FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying a message indicating that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has succeeded; FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message indicating that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed; FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the user terminal makes use of the wireless LAN service for the first time; FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal reconnects to the wireless LAN service after settling the service charge again (i.e., connection permitted within the remaining time limit); FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal, service terminal, and Internet service provider typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal reconnects to the wireless LAN service upon elapse of the remaining time limit; and FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a typical configuration of a traditional public wireless LAN service. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments will now be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a typical configuration of a public wireless LAN system practiced as one embodiment. In the public wireless LAN environment of FIG. 1 , an access point 11 and a user terminal 20 exist. The access point (AP) 11 is connected to an Internet service provider (ISP) 30 via a network. The difference of the configuration of FIG. 1 from that of FIG. 19 is that an NFC reader/writer (simply called the reader/writer hereunder) is connected to the access point 11 . Whereas the reader/writer 12 and access point 11 are typically interconnected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, the connection may be accomplished by other suitable section for user convenience. In the ensuing description, the access point and the NFC reader/writer will be jointly referred to as the service terminal 10 . The service terminal 10 is installed at various public facilities to provide a public wireless LAN service to the user terminals 20 . FIG. 2 shows a typical functional structure of the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 . The service terminal 10 is made up of a storage section 13 that stores wireless LAN setup information as well as information necessary for settling service charges; a display section 14 that displays status of this terminal 10 ; a LAN block 15 that communicates with the ISP; a wireless LAN block 16 that functions as an access point communicating with the user terminal 20 ; the NFC reader/writer 12 ; and a control section 17 that controls these components. The LAN block 15 is a functional module that complies illustratively with IEEE 802.3. The wireless LAN block 16 is a functional block illustratively compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and functions as an access point. NFC setups come in three types by connection distance: contact type (0 to 2 mm in distance), proximity type (0 to 10 mm), and nearby type (0 to 70 mm). Depending on the type, the NFC reader/writer 12 complies with ISO/IEC 10536, ISO/IEC 14443, or ISO/IEC 15693. The user terminal 20 is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a notebook PC incorporating wireless LAN and NFC capabilities. The user terminal 20 in FIG. 2 is constituted by a storage section 21 that stores electronic money information and wireless LAN setup information; a display/touch panel section 22 (or an alternative user interface) that accepts user input and displays input and terminal status; a wireless LAN block 23 and an NFC reader/writer block 24 equivalent to their counterparts in the service terminal 10 ; and a control section 25 that controls these components. The wireless LAN block 25 is a functional module that complies illustratively with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and functions as a communication terminal to be accommodated onto the network of access points. Depending on the type, the NFC reader/writer 24 complies with ISO/IEC 10536, ISO/IEC 14443, or ISO/IEC 15693 as with the NFC reader/writer 12 above. The Internet service provider 30 is illustratively a host device networked with the service terminal 10 through a LAN interface. The ISP 30 may be constituted by a general-purpose computer and thus will not be discussed further. In the example of FIG. 2 , the authentication program “Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)” provided by the Wi-Fi Alliance is used to set up a wireless LAN connection and security settings easily between the access point capability in the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 . WPS covers such authentication methods as the pushbutton method, PIN code method, NFC method, and USB method. While setting up the wireless LAN connection using a four-digit or eight-digit number (PIN code method), an eight-digit fixed number “00000000” (pushbutton method), or a randomly generated hexadecimal number (NFC and USB methods) of 16 to 32 bytes, these methods share the same authentication protocol called EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)-WPS. With this embodiment, the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 using their NFC capabilities carry out WPS-based authentication therebetween by resorting to the NFC method. In the example of FIG. 2 , the proximity communication between the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 is assumed to be a passive communication between two reader/writers. However, this is not limitative of the present invention. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may be constituted not by an NFC reader/writer but by a noncontact data carrier (transponder) that allows the NFC reader/writer of the service terminal 10 to write and read data thereto and therefrom. Traditional public wireless LAN services have required the user to set up the wireless LAN connection through WPS authentication or the like and to settle service charges separately. By contrast, the public wireless LAN service according to this embodiment is designed to let the user set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely. Both the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 have NFC communication capabilities. The two terminals serve to let the user settle the charge of the public wireless LAN service using electronic money technology established for NFC. There are two methods for settling the service charge: a network-based method whereby the charge is settled over a network such as a wireless LAN, and an NFC method whereby the charge is settled via a noncontact transmission channel based on NFC. While both settling methods are usable in the communication environment shown in FIG. 2 , the ensuing description will focus on how the service is operated through network-based charge settlement. In this embodiment, the service terminal 10 and user terminal 20 using their NFC capabilities exchange authentication information therebetween in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme and enable the service charge to be settled by utilizing NFC-based electronic money technology. The service terminal 10 acting as an access point can thus associate the user terminal 20 connected via the wireless LAN with the user terminal 20 that settles the service charge. This feature makes it easy for the access point to manage the connected users. The identification information unique to an electronic money terminal is typically made up of eight-byte binary data. The identification information in hexadecimal may be expressed illustratively as “0102030405060708h.” Many of the traditional public wireless LAN services utilize six-byte wireless LAN hardware addresses called MAC (media access control) addresses for connected user identification and utilization time limit management (e.g., see Patent Document 2). Likewise, the service terminal 10 of this embodiment may perform MAC address-based time limit management on the user terminal 20 which connected to the service terminal 10 via a wireless LAN and which has settled the service charge. Illustratively, the time limit management may be carried out using both the MAC address of the user terminal 20 and the terminal identification information of the user terminal 20 necessary for charge settlement in combination as the authentication information to be exchanged in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. Suppose that the MAC address is a six-byte hexadecimal number “112233445566” (simply called MAC hereunder) and that the electronic money identification information is an eight-byte hexadecimal number “0102030405060708h” (simply called EID hereunder). In that case, the identification information needed for the WPS NFC scheme can be made available by combining MAC and EID supplemented with two-byte data to constitute 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes), i.e., “11223344556601020304050607080000h.” According to the WPS specifications, the authentication information (Out of Band Device Password) to be exchanged in NFC must have a minimum length of 16 bytes. For this reason, MAC and EID are combined into 14-byte data (MAC+EID) which is further padded with two bytes (0000h) in order to make up 16-byte authentication information. The combination 16-byte identification information constituted as described above may be exchanged between the service terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 using NFC-based proximity communication technology. This makes it possible for the user to minimize the dangers of suffering a man-in-the-middle attack or sustaining leaks of authentication information through WPS technology. As a result, when making use of a public wireless LAN service, the user can set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge easily and securely. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps performed by the user terminal 20 to set up a wireless LAN connection with the service terminal 10 and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In practice, the steps in FIG. 3 are carried out by the control section 25 executing a suitable processing routine. The processing routine is started illustratively when the user terminal 20 is turned on or when the user terminal 20 in operation is given the user's instruction (e.g., to start an application that makes use of a public wireless LAN service). When the processing routine is started, step S 1 is repeated until detection is made of an NFC target device (e.g., a reader/write or a setup NFC card of a public wireless LAN service) or until the user terminal 20 is turned off or its relevant application is deactivated. When the NFC target device is detected (“Yes” in step S 1 ), the user terminal 20 goes to step S 2 . In step S 2 , the user terminal 20 sends its own identification information to the detected service device through NFC communication and inquires of the user whether or not to start setting up a wireless LAN connection. The identification information is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above. For inquiry, the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 6 . Through the inquiry screen of FIG. 6 , the user may enter “Yes” to give an instruction to start setting up the wireless LAN connection (i.e., “Yes” in step S 2 ). In that case, the user terminal 20 goes to step S 3 . In step S 3 , the user terminal 20 notifies the service terminal 10 acting as an access point that the user will start setting up the wireless LAN connection, and proceeds to make the wireless LAN connection setup in accordance with the WPS NFC scheme. If, through the inquiry screen of FIG. 6 , the user enters “No” to withhold the instruction to start setting up the wireless LAN connection, then the control section 25 skips all the remaining steps and brings the processing routine to an end. Suppose that an attempt was made to set up the wireless LAN connection but failed (“No” in step S 4 ). In such a case, step S 12 is reached. In step S 12 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message indicating a failure of the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection. The control section 25 then skips all the remaining steps and terminates the processing routine. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a typical screen displaying an error message telling the user that the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has failed. When the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection has succeeded (“Yes” in step S 4 ), step S 5 is reached. In step S 5 , the user terminal 20 notifies the user that the wireless LAN connection setup has been completed. Following the wireless LAN connection setting, also in step S 5 , the user terminal 20 of this embodiment receives service information through wireless LAN communication and checks to determine whether the balance of the remaining electronic money is sufficient to make use of the wireless LAN connection service. The service information typically specifies the service charge per utilization time unit (e.g., \500 for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use). The electronic money balance left in the storage section 22 of the user terminal 20 (of this user) is compared with the service charge of the selected utilization time. If the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 is insufficient for settling the service charge of any utilization time option (“Yes” in step S 6 ), then step S 12 is reached. In step S 12 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message (see FIG. 8 ) indicating that the wireless LAN connection service is not available because of an insufficient balance. The control section 25 then skips all the remaining steps and brings the processing routine to an end. Alternatively, in case of the insufficient balance, the wireless LAN service may not be denied immediately. Instead, the user may be prompted to recharge the user terminal 20 with electronic money before the balance is checked again to see if the service is available. If the user terminal 20 is found to have a sufficient electronic money balance (“No” in step S 6 ), then step S 7 is reached and the user is asked to designate the service charge option. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a typical screen which notifies the user of establishment of the wireless LAN connection and which inquires of the user whether or not to settle the service charge. The screen example of FIG. 9 presents the user with the buttons for three service charge options: \500 to be settled for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use, or cancellation of the wireless LAN connection service. If the user selects the Cancel button on the selection screen in FIG. 9 , then the control section 25 skips all the remaining steps and terminates the processing routine. When one of the buttons for setting service charges is selected on the selection screen in FIG. 9 , step S 9 is reached. In step S 9 , the selected service charge is settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance left in the user terminal 20 . When settlement of the service charge is successfully completed (“Yes” in step S 10 ), step S 11 is reached. In step S 11 , the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display a message such as one shown in FIG. 10 , indicating that the charge for the wireless LAN connection service has been settled. The control section 25 then brings the processing routine to an end. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled. It might happen that the attempt to settle the service charge has failed because of the insufficient balance or other reasons (“No” in step S 10 ). If that is the case, the display/touch panel section 22 is caused to display an error message (see FIG. 11 ) indicating that the attempt to settle the charge for the wireless LAN connection setup has been unsuccessful. The control section 25 then terminates the processing routine. If the balance is found insufficient for the charge option corresponding to the selected button, either the option may be denied, or the user may be asked to recharge the user terminal 20 with electronic money before the balance is checked again to see if the service is available. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps performed by the service terminal 10 to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 and to settle the service charge therewith in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In practice, the steps in FIG. 4 are carried out by the control section 17 executing a suitable processing routine. The processing routine is started illustratively when the service terminal 10 is turned on. When the processing routine is started, step S 21 is repeated (“No” in step S 21 ) until detection is made of the user terminal 20 as an NFC target device. Illustratively, until the user terminal 20 is detected, the display section 14 may be caused to output a screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a typical screen showing details of the wireless LAN connection service. The screen of the example in FIG. 12 gives a message prompting the user to hold his or her user terminal over the service terminal 10 along with indications saying that the charge is \500 for two hours of use of the wireless LAN connection service and \2000 for 24 hours of use. When the target device is detected (“Yes” in step S 21 ), step S 22 is reached. In step S 22 , the service terminal 10 receives the identification information of the detected device (i.e., user terminal 20 ) through NFC communication. The identification information is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above. Also in step S 22 , the service terminal 10 is notified that the wireless LAN connection has been started (corresponding to step S 3 in FIG. 3 ) by the user terminal 20 . In turn, step S 23 is reached and the service terminal 10 starts a wireless LAN setup process. Illustratively during the process, the display section 14 may be caused to display a message such as one shown in FIG. 13 , on the screen saying that the setup process is currently underway. When the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 is successfully set up in step S 24 , the service terminal 10 causes the display section 14 to output on its screen a process complete message such as one shown in FIG. 14 . In step S 25 , the service terminal 10 notifies the Internet service provider 30 of the identification information from the user terminal 20 with which the connection has been set up. The control section 17 then brings the processing routine to an end. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled. If the attempt to set up the wireless LAN connection with the user terminal 20 has failed, then the service terminal 10 causes the display section 14 to display on its screen an error message such as one shown in FIG. 15 , indicating that the attempt to establish the connection has been unsuccessful. The control section 17 then terminates the processing routine. Since the service terminal 10 needs to keep providing the service continuously, the terminal 10 again starts detecting an NFC target device immediately after termination of the processing routine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of steps constituting a processing routine performed by the Internet service provider 30 to set up the wireless LAN connection and settle the service charge between the user terminal 20 and the service terminal 10 in the communication environment outlined in FIGS. 1 and 2 . It is assumed that the Internet service provider 30 possesses a customer database for managing the identification information about the users subscribing to the wireless LAN connection service provided by this ISP. The identification information on each user is made up of 16-byte data (MAC+EID+2 bytes) as mentioned above. The Internet service provider 30 starts the processing routine upon receipt from the service terminal 10 of the identification information about the user terminal 20 with which the wireless LAN connection setup has been completed. In step S 31 , the Internet service provider 30 checks the customer database to determine whether the information about the customer (i.e., user terminal 20 ) as part of the received identification information is registered therein. If the identification information of the user terminal 20 in question is found registered in the customer database (“Yes” in step S 32 ), then step S 33 is reached. In step S 33 , a check is made to determine if the service utilization time requested by the user terminal 20 falls within the time limit for which the service charge was settled. If the requested time period falls within the time period (“Yes” in step S 33 ), then step S 34 is reached. In step S 34 , the Internet service provider 30 notifies the service terminal 10 that the user terminal 20 in question is allowed to make use of the wireless LAN connection service. Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled. If the identification information of the user terminal 20 is not found registered in the customer database (“No” in step S 32 ) or if the service utilization time requested by the user terminal 20 exceeds the time limit for which the service charge was settled, then step S 35 is reached. In step S 35 (corresponding to step S 5 in FIG. 3 ), the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . Through the charge settlement screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 , the user at the user terminal 20 may settle the service charge using an NFC electronic money capability (corresponding to step S 9 in FIG. 3 ). In that case, the Internet service provider 30 receives the service charge via the service terminal 10 in step S 36 . Upon receipt of the service charge, the Internet service provider 30 goes to step S 37 , settles the account of the user terminal 20 in question using the received charge, and updates the customer database so as to reflect the result of the settlement. In step S 38 , the Internet service provider 30 sends a settlement complete notice to the service terminal 10 . Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the user terminal 20 makes use of the wireless LAN service for the first time. It is assumed that arrowed solid lines in FIG. 16 stand for wireless LAN communications and arrowed broken lines for NFC communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 16 for purpose of simplification. The user terminal 20 intent on starting to use the wireless LAN connection service initially sends identification information including the MAC address and electronic money identification information (EID) of the terminal 20 to the service terminal 10 using the NFC capability. The user terminal 20 proceeds to start setting up the wireless LAN connection and inquires of the service terminal 10 about permission to start the connection. Then a wireless LAN connection setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme is carried out between the user terminal 20 and the service terminal 10 acting as an access point. Upon completion of the WPS processing, the service terminal 10 notifies the user terminal 20 that the wireless LAN connection has been completed. At the same time, the service terminal 10 forwards the identification information received from the user terminal 20 to the Internet service provider 30 . The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the information on the user terminal 20 included in the received identification information is registered in the customer database. Following the check on customer registration, the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information including a charge system of wireless LAN services (e.g., \500 for two hours of use, \2000 for 24 hours of use) to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . Upon acquiring the service information, the user terminal 20 checks the balance of the electronic money currently left inside and inquires of the user about the preferred charge (i.e., utilization time) option of the wireless LAN service through the inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 . The user-selected service charge is then settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 . Information about the settled charge is sent to the Internet service provider 30 via the service terminal 10 . The Internet service provider 30 settles the service charge regarding the user terminal 20 based on the received service charge information, and updates the customer database to reflect the result of the settlement. The Internet service provider 30 then sends a settlement complete notice and service use permission to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . Thereafter, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge was settled. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal 20 reconnects to the wireless LAN service after settling the service charge again (i.e., connection permitted within the remaining time limit). It is assumed that all arrowed solid lines in FIG. 17 stand for wireless LAN communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 17 for purpose of simplification. The user terminal 20 may keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored in the storage section 21 . If that is the case, the user terminal 20 sends a connection request directly to the service terminal 10 over the wireless LAN, not through the NFC capability (i.e., without going through the wireless LAN setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme). Meanwhile, the service terminal 10 can acquire the identification information (MAC) of the user terminal 20 by use of a probe request frame sent from the user terminal 20 and in accordance with ARP (Address Resolution Protocol). In response to the request from the user terminal 20 for connection within the remaining time limit, the service terminal 10 sends to the Internet service provider 30 an inquiry about permission to use the connection service together with the MAC address of the user terminal 20 . The probe request is a frame which the terminal uses to carry out active scan for a network (i.e., access point) and which is defined by IEEE 802.11. ARP is a protocol under which a MAC address is obtained from a given IP (Internet protocol) address over a TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) network. The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the received MAC address of the user terminal 20 is registered in the customer database. If the user terminal 20 is found registered in the customer database and if the service utilization time for which the charge was settled has yet to expire, then the Internet service provider 30 notifies the user terminal 20 of permission to use the connection service via the service terminal 10 . In the manner described above, the user terminal 20 can make use of the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service within the remaining utilization time period for which the service charge was settled. If the user terminal 20 does not keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored inside, then the user terminal 20 is required to establish a wireless LAN connection using WPS in accordance with the communication sequence shown in FIG. 16 . FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing how the user terminal 20 , service terminal (AP) 10 , and Internet service provider (ISP) 30 typically communicate with one another when the previously registered user terminal 20 reconnects to the wireless LAN service upon elapse of the remaining time limit. It is assumed that all arrowed solid lines in FIG. 18 stand for wireless LAN communications. Detailed communication steps involved in NFS authentication are standardized and well-known to those skilled in the art and are thus excluded from FIG. 18 for purpose of simplification. As in the communication sequence shown in FIG. 17 , the user terminal 20 may keep the wireless LAN connection setup with the service terminal 10 stored in the storage section 21 . If that is the case, the user terminal 20 sends a connection request directly to the service terminal 10 over the wireless LAN, not through the NFC capability (i.e., without going through the wireless LAN setup process based on the WPS NFC scheme). In turn, the service terminal 10 inquires of the Internet service provider 30 about the access right of the user terminal 20 as well as the identification information acquired from the user terminal 20 . The Internet service provider 30 checks to determine whether the received MAC address of the user terminal 20 is registered in the customer database. If the user terminal 20 is found registered in the customer database, the Internet service provider 30 further checks to see if there remains any service utilization time period left for which the charge was settled. It might happen that the user terminal 20 has exhausted the service utilization time allotted thereto. In that case, the Internet service provider 30 sends wireless LAN service information instead of the use permission notice to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . Upon acquisition of the service information, the user terminal 20 checks the balance of the electronic money left inside. At the same time, through the inquiry screen such as one shown in FIG. 9 , the user terminal 20 inquires of the user about the preferred charge (i.e., utilization time) option of the wireless LAN service. The user-selected service charge is then settled by subtracting the amount from the electronic money balance in the user terminal 20 . Information about the settled charge is sent to the Internet service provider 30 via the service terminal 10 . The Internet service provider 30 settles the service charge regarding the user terminal 20 based on the received service charge information, and updates the customer database to reflect the result of the settlement. The Internet service provider 30 then sends a settlement complete notice and service use permission to the user terminal 20 via the service terminal 10 . In the manner described above, the user terminal 20 is allowed to access the network (i.e., Internet) via the service terminal 10 representing the public wireless LAN service during the utilization time period for which the charge has been again settled. Although the foregoing description has focused on the embodiments wherein the user terminal and service terminal are connected using two kinds of communication capabilities, i.e., wireless LAN and NFC proximity communication, this is not limitative of the present invention. Alternatively, the user terminal may be connected over a network to the service provider through setups furnished easily and securely according to the invention and in a manner combining appropriate communication capabilities with electronic money technology. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factor in so far as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

A communication system includes: a service terminal configured to have a wireless LAN access point capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN access point capability enabling the service terminal to act as a wireless LAN access point to be connected via a network to a service provider providing a network connection service on a chargeable basis, the service terminal thereby offering the chargeable network connection service; and a user terminal configured to have a wireless LAN terminal capability and a proximity communication capability, the wireless LAN terminal capability enabling the user terminal to connect with the wireless LAN access point, the user terminal further connecting to the network using the chargeable network connection service.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese patent application JP 2008-017013 filed on Jan. 29, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrically rewritable phase change memory device for non-volatile memory storage of a resistance value determined by the phase change of a metal compound between a crystalline state and an amorphous state. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Arts [0005] Non-volatile memory devices include those using a crystalline state and an amorphous state of a metal compound as memory information. As the memory material, tellurium compounds are generally used. The principle of storing information due to the difference of the reflectance thereof has been used generally in optical information memory media such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). [0006] In recent years, it has been proposed to utilize the principle also for electric information storage. Different from the optical method, this is a method of detecting the difference of an electric resistance between amorphous and crystal, that is, a high resistance state of the amorphous and a low resistance state of the crystal, by the amount of current or the change of voltage. This is known as a phase change (type) memory and known technical documents include, for example, Patent Document 1 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,469). The present invention concerns the electrical information storage. [0007] A basic structure of a memory cell of a phase change memory has a structure of a combination of a phase change resistance device and a selection device. The phase change memory stores and possesses information by forming a non-volatile recording material layer to a crystalline state or an amorphous state by a Joule heat generated by applying a current from a selection device to a phase change resistance device. Rewriting of the information may be attained by applying a high current to elevate the temperature of the resistance change material to a melting point or higher and then rapidly cooling the same, in a case where an amorphous state having electrically high resistance is formed. A crystalline state having an electrically low resistance may be attained by restricting the current to be applied so as to reach a crystallization temperature which is lower than the melting point. Generally, a resistance value of a no-volatile recording material layers changes from 2 to 3 digits by the phase change. Accordingly, in the phase change memory, a reading signal is different greatly depending on whether the state is crystalline or amorphous to facilitate the sensing operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In a case where a diode is used as the selection device in the phase change memory, an electric property of the diode is extremely important. For example, as shown in FIG. 39 , when reading from a memory cell MCa is conducted, a voltage Vr is applied to a word line WLa and a voltage V 0 is applied to a word line WLb respectively, and a current flowing in a bit line BLa is detected by a sensor amplifier SA. In this case, it is necessary to attain a low off leak in a selection device SE so that a current does not flow between the word line WLb and the bit line BLa in a memory cell MCb connected with the bit line BLa. However, in a diode using polysilicon, since a number of crystal grain boundaries are present in a film, the off leak property varies greatly and it is difficult to prevent erroneous reading. Accordingly, for manufacturing a phase change memory at a good yield, control for the crystal grain boundaries of polysilicon is necessary. In existent techniques, for example, in J. Appl. Phys., 87, 2000, pp. 36 to 43, Excimer Laser-induced Temperature Field in Melting and Resolidification of Silicon Thin Films, a relation between the irradiation method of an excimer laser and the crystalline state of polysilicon is studied in details. Further, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 37, 1998, pp. L492 to L495, A Novel Phase-Modulated Excimer-Laser Crystallization Method of Silicon Thin Films discloses a relation between laser irradiation and crystal grain boundaries. However, these documents intend the improvement of the property of TFT in which a current flows laterally but they do not show the improvement of the property of a selection device in which a current flows in the vertical direction as in the present invention. [0009] The present invention intends to provide a phase change memory at high yield with less variation in the electric property of a diode which is the selection device by eliminating crystal grain boundaries in polysilicon during a manufacturing process. [0010] For attaining the purpose described above, the invention provides a method of controlling the temperature profile of silicon thereby controlling crystal grain boundaries in laser annealing for crystallization and activation of amorphous silicon. FIG. 1A shows an intensity (P) of a laser power relative to a position (x) in a specimen in which amorphous silicon is formed on a surface. FIGS. 1A to 1C show that the intensity of the laser power is constant relative to the position of the specimen in the horizontal direction. FIG. 1B shows a temperature profile in a specimen cross section relative to the position (x) in the specimen. In the drawing, 001 denotes an amorphous silicon layer formed on the surface of a specimen, and an arrow in the drawing shows the preceding direction of laser scanning. When crystallization and activation are performed at a constant laser power as shown in FIG. 1A , the temperature profile of the specimen just after the laser irradiation is uniform relative to the position (x) in the specimen as shown in FIG. 1B . Axis z in the drawing shows the direction of depth of the amorphous silicon layer 001 and the relation of temperature just after the laser irradiation is: TMP1>TMP2>TMP3>TMP4. In the polysilicon layer 002 obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer 001 , crystal grain boundaries GB are present at random with no control as shown in FIG. 1C when viewed from the upper surface of the specimen. Axis y shows the direction perpendicular to the axis x within a horizontal plane on the specimen surface. [0011] In a first method of the invention, the laser power is constant as shown in FIG. 2A . When a light reflection layer MASK is provided above the amorphous silicon layer 001 which is the specimen as shown in FIG. 2B , the laser is absorbed to or reflected at the light reflection layer MASK, thereby providing a temperature profile which differs depending on the position (x) in the specimen. Since the temperature below the light reflection layer MASK is lowered and the portion is cooled precedingly, crystallization occurs from the portion below the light reflection layer MASK. As a result, when viewing the specimen from above the upper surface, crystal grain boundaries GB of the obtained polysilicon can be controlled so that they are generated on the outside of the light reflection layer MASK as shown in FIG. 2C . As will be described later specifically for an embodiment to be described later, since a diode which is a selection device is formed at a portion below the light reflection layer MASK, variation of the electric property of the diode is decreased and the yield of the phase change memory can be improved. [0012] Further, in a second method of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3A , the laser power is modulated relatively lower in a region PTN where a selection device is formed, thereby providing a temperature profile which is different depending on the position (x) in the specimen as shown in FIG. 3B . Since the temperature below the region PIN where a selection device is formed is lowered and the portion is cooled precedingly, crystallization occurs from the portion below the region PIN. As a result, when viewing the specimen from above the upper surface, crystal grain boundaries GB of the obtained polysilicon layer 002 can be controlled such that they are generated on the outside of the region PTN in which the selection device is formed as shown in FIG. 3C . Like the first method that has been explained with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , variation of the electric property of the diode is decreased and the yield of the phase change memory can be improved. In the second method, since it is not necessary to additionally provide a light reflection layer, the number of manufacturing steps is not increased. [0013] According to the invention, since a memory matrix can be constituted while avoiding the effect of the crystal grain boundaries in the diode layer, a non-volatile memory can be manufactured at a good yield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIGS. 1A , 1 B, and 1 C are views showing the laser irradiation position of a specimen, a laser intensity, a temperature profile, and a crystal state; [0015] FIGS. 2A , 2 B, and 2 C are views showing a laser irradiation position of a specimen, a laser intensity, a temperature profile, and a crystal state; [0016] FIGS. 3A , 3 B, and 3 C are views showing a laser irradiation position of a specimen, a laser intensity, a temperature profile, and a crystal state; [0017] FIGS. 4A , 4 B, and 4 C are views each showing a positional relation of a silicon substrate, a peripheral circuit portion, and a memory matrix portion; [0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 5 ; [0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 6 ; [0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 7 ; [0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 8 ; [0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 9 ; [0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 10 ; [0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 11 ; [0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 12 ; [0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 13 ; [0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view during a manufacturing step of the semiconductor device succeeding to FIG. 14 ; [0029] FIG. 16 is an upper plan view corresponding to the structure described in FIG. 15 ; [0030] FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a main portion of a memory matrix of a semiconductor device according to the invention; [0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 1 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 2 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 19 ; [0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 20 ; [0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 21 ; [0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 22 ; [0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 23 ; [0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 24 ; [0039] FIG. 26 is an upper plan view corresponding to the structure described in FIG. 25 ; [0040] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0041] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 27 ; [0042] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 28 ; [0043] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 29 ; [0044] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 30 ; [0045] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 31 ; [0046] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the semiconductor device during a manufacturing step succeeding to FIG. 32 ; [0047] FIG. 34 is an upper plan view corresponding to the structure described in FIG. 33 ; [0048] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 3 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0049] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a semiconductor device according to Embodiment 4 of the invention during a manufacturing step; [0050] FIG. 37 is an upper plan view corresponding to the structure described in FIG. 36 ; [0051] FIGS. 38A , 38 B, and 38 C are circuit diagrams each of a main portion of a memory matrix of a semiconductor device of the invention as Embodiment 5 according to the invention; and [0052] FIG. 39 is a circuit diagram of a main portion of a memory matrix of a semiconductor device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0053] The present invention is to be described specifically by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings for explaining the preferred embodiments, identical components carry identical reference numerals, in principle, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted. Further, in the following embodiments, descriptions for identical or similar portions are not generally repeated unless they are required. [0054] Further, in the drawing used for the embodiments, hatching may sometimes be not applied even in a case of cross sectional views for easy understanding of the drawings. Further, hatching may sometimes be applied even for plan views for easy understanding of the drawings. Embodiment 1 [0055] In this embodiment, a semiconductor device of the invention is formed above a semiconductor substrate 101 shown in FIG. 5 . The semiconductor substrate 101 has a peripheral circuit portion 004 for operating a memory matrix of a non-volatile memory. The peripheral circuit is manufactured by using an existent CMOS technique. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C show a positional relationship between a memory matrix portion 005 and the peripheral circuit portion 004 in the cross section of the semiconductor substrate (silicon substrate). In this embodiment, description is to be made with an example of manufacturing the memory matrix portion 005 above the peripheral circuit portion 004 as shown in FIG. 4A , but the positional relation between the memory matrix portion 005 and the peripheral circuit portion 004 may be such that the memory matrix portion 005 and the peripheral circuit portion 004 are in an identical layer as shown in FIG. 4B , or the memory matrix portion 005 and the peripheral circuit portion 004 are in an identical layer, and the peripheral circuit portion 004 may be present also in a layer below the memory matrix portion. [0056] FIG. 5 shows a structure of depositing a first metal interconnect layer 102 , a first amorphous silicon layer 103 , a second amorphous silicon layer 104 , and a light reflection layer 105 successively above a semiconductor substrate 101 (including the peripheral circuit portion 004 and the silicon substrate 003 in FIG. 4A ). The first metal interconnect layer 102 is formed by sputtering. The material of the first metal interconnect layer 102 is tungsten. Since a material of lower resistivity shows less voltage drop and can effectively obtain a read current, aluminum or copper of lower resistivity than tungsten is more preferred as a material. Further, a metal compound such as TiN may be deposited between the first metal interconnect layer 102 and the semiconductor substrate 101 for improving adhesion. Further, tungsten silicide or titanium silicide may also be formed between the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the first metal interconnect layer 102 for lowering the boundary resistance by using a known silicide technique. In the same manner, tungsten silicide or titanium silicide may be formed also between the second amorphous silicon layer 104 and the light reflection layer 105 for lowering the boundary resistance by using a known silicide technique. [0057] The first amorphous silicon layer 103 is formed of amorphous silicon containing boron, gallium, or indium, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 is formed of intrinsic amorphous silicon. In a case where the first metal interconnect layer 102 is formed of tungsten, boron-containing amorphous silicon is preferred than gallium- or indium-containing amorphous silicon for forming the first amorphous silicon layer 103 , since the boundary resistance between the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the first metal interconnect layer 102 is lowered. The first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 are formed by LP-CVD (Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition). The first amorphous silicon layer 103 has a thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 has a thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less. Then, by ion-implanting phosphor to the second amorphous silicon layer 104 , an n + type semiconductor region is formed. While the ion to be implanted is phosphor herein, it may also be arsenic. Further, the second amorphous silicon layer 104 may be formed previously as amorphous silicon containing phosphor or arsenic thereby saving the number of processing steps. [0058] As the material of the light reflection layer 105 , W, Mo, etc. are preferred in the case of metals, TiN, AlN, etc. are preferred in the case of conductive nitrides, and SnO, ZnO, etc. are preferred in the case of conductive oxides. While the metals are preferred since they do not increase the driving voltage of the phase change memory because the resistivity of the light reflection layer is lowered and the voltage drop in the light reflection layer is decreased, the metals involve a problem that they react with silicon which is heated to a high temperature upon laser annealing to deteriorate the reliability of the diode property. Such situations are reversed in a case of the conductive nitrides or the conductive oxides. [0059] The thickness of the light reflection layer 105 is such that the phase is inverted between a light transmitting through the reflection layer and a light transmitting through the reflection layer under reciprocation inside the layer to weaken each other. Assuming the wavelength of a laser used for laser annealing as λ, and a refractive index of the reflection layer to the wavelength as n, the layer thickness is preferably λ/2n. The layer thickness is 20 nm or more and 300 nm or less while it is different depending on the wavelength of the laser and the refractive index of the reflection layer. It is more preferably 50 nm or more and 250 nm or less. In a case where the layer thickness is excessively thin, the anti-reflection effect is decreased and, on the other hand, where it is excessively thick, the driving voltage is increased. [0060] FIG. 6 shows a structure after patterning a resist by using a known lithographic technique above the structure shown in FIG. 5 . The pattern of the resist 106 is the pattern for the word line and formed so as to extend in parallel with an adjacent pattern above the memory matrix as far as connection portion with the periphery circuit. [0061] FIG. 7 shows a structure after etching the light reflection layer 105 by a known dry etching technique using the resist 106 shown in FIG. 6 as a mask and removing the resist 106 by using a known technique. [0062] FIG. 8 shows a step of applying laser annealing to the surface of the structure shown in FIG. 7 for crystallizing and activating the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 . An arrow in the drawing shows the preceding direction of laser scanning. In the annealing, as has been described above with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , the temperature of the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 which are below the light reflection layer 107 are lower than the temperature of the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 where the light reflection layer 107 is not present thereabove since the laser is absorbed to or reflected at the light reflection layer 107 . Accordingly, since crystallization starts from the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 which are below the light reflection layer 107 , grain boundaries are formed at the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 where the light reflection layer 107 is not present thereabove and the yield of the selection device can be improved. [0063] By performing crystallization and impurity activation for the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 by the laser annealing, the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 are formed. In this embodiment, the selection device constituting the memory cell is a pn diode. Accordingly, while the manufacturing method has been explained using the case of a selection device in which the junction between the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 is the pn junction, a selection device having other junction such as an np junction or a pin junction, or a Schottky junction with the first metal interconnect layer 102 may also be used for the memory cell. [0064] FIG. 9 shows a structure after etching the second polysilicon layer 109 , the first polysilicon layer 108 , and the first metal interconnect layer 102 by a known dry etching technique using the light reflection layer 107 shown in FIG. 8 as a mask. The pattern of a stacked film comprising the first metal interconnect layer 110 , a first polysilicon layer 111 , a second polysilicon layer 112 and the light reflection layer 107 reflects the pattern of the resist 106 to form a pattern of a longitudinal stripe. Further, while the first metal interconnect layer 102 is electrically connected as a word line with the semiconductor substrate 101 so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed but this is not illustrated in the drawing. [0065] FIG. 10 shows a structure after scraping an insulative material deposited on the structure shown in FIG. 9 by HDP-CVD (High density plasma CVD) by using CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) which is a known technique. The amount of scraping is preferably such an amount that the surface height is identical between an insulative material 114 and the light reflection layer 107 . As another method, it is also possible to scrape the light reflection layer 107 such that the light reflection layer 107 is removed in the CMP step. In this case, since the effect of the resistance of the light reflection layer no more exerts, a memory cell capable of suppressing the voltage drop due to the resistance of the light reflection layer upon writing and reading and capable of operation with less power consumption can be obtained. [0066] FIG. 11 shows a structure after depositing a non-volatile recording material layer 115 and a second metal interconnect layer 116 above the structure shown in FIG. 10 by sputtering. The material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 is Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 and the layer has a thickness of 5 nm or more and 300 nm or less and, more preferably, has a thickness of 5 nm or more and 50 nm or less of low aspect ratio so that dry etching and burying of the insulative material can be performed easily in the subsequent step. In this embodiment, while the material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 has been explained with the example of Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 , an identical level of performance can be obtained by selecting a composition with a material containing at least one element of chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te). The material of the second metal interconnect layer 116 is tungsten and, more preferably, aluminum or copper of low resistivity. [0067] FIG. 12 shows a structure after patterning the resist by a known lithographic technique above the structure shown in FIG. 11 . The pattern of the resist 117 is a pattern of a bit line and formed so as to extend in parallel with the pattern of an adjacent bit line above the memory matrix. Further, the pattern of the resist 117 is formed so as to intersect the pattern of the first metal interconnect layer 110 . [0068] FIG. 13 shows a structure after fabricating the second metal interconnect layer 116 , the non-volatile recording material layer 115 , the light reflection layer 117 , the second polysilicon layer 112 , the first polysilicon layer 111 , and the insulative material 114 by a known dry etching technique using the resist 117 shown in FIG. 12 as a mask and removing the resist 117 by a known technique. In this case, fabrication is applied while leaving the first metal interconnect layer 110 corresponding to the word line of the memory matrix so that the memory cell can be selected. A stacked film U 1 comprising the first polysilicon layer 118 , the second polysilicon layer 119 , and the light reflection layer 120 after the fabrication has a pillar shape. Further, the non-volatile recording material layer 121 and the second metal interconnect layer 122 are of a shape identical with that of the pattern of the resist 117 . [0069] FIG. 14 shows a structure after filling an insulative film between the patterns by HDP-CVD above the structure shown in FIG. 13 and then performing scraping by CMP which is a known technique. The amount of scraping is desirably such an amount that the surface height is identical between the insulative material 124 and the second metal interconnect layer 122 . Further, the second metal interconnect layer 122 is electrically connected as a bit line with a peripheral circuit so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed. In a case of this embodiment shown in FIG. 4A , a contact for connection between the bit line and the peripheral circuit is provided and the bit line and the peripheral circuit are connected at the contact portion. [0070] FIG. 15 shows a structure after depositing an insulative material 125 above the structure shown in FIG. 14 . [0071] FIG. 16 shows an upper plan view of a memory cell manufactured by a manufacturing method described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 15 . The first metal interconnect layer 110 as the word line and the second metal interconnect layer 122 as the bit line of a memory cell intersect each other, and the stacked film U 1 is disposed at the intersection thereof. With such a structure, a memory cell matrix of high integration degree can be constituted. [0072] An operation method of the memory matrix applied with the memory cell of the non-volatile memory of the invention is to be described with reference to the drawings. [0073] FIG. 17 is a constitutional view of an equivalent circuit of a memory cell array of a non-volatile memory. The circuit has a structure in which each of memory cells MCij (i=1, 2, 3, . . . , m) (j=1, 2, 3, . . . , n) is disposed at each of intersections between a plurality of first interconnects WLi (i=1, 2, 3, . . . , m) disposed in parallel (hereinafter referred to as word lines) and a plurality of second interconnects BLj (j=1, 2, 3, . . . , n) (hereinafter referred to as bit lines) disposed in parallel so as to intersect the word lines WLi, and the selection device SE and the phase change resistance device VR are connected in series. In the drawing, while one end of the selection device SE is connected with the word line WLi and one end of the phase change resistance device VR is connected with the bit line BLj, one end of the selection device SE may be connected with the bit line BLj and one end of the phase change resistance device VR may be connected with the word line WLi for selecting the memory cell depending on the way of applying a voltage to the word line WLi and the bit line BLj, as described later. [0074] Recording in the non-volatile memory is performed as described below. For example, in a case of rewriting to the memory cell MC 11 , information is stored by applying voltage Vh to the first word line WL 1 , voltage V 1 to other word line WLi, voltage V 1 to the first bit line BL 1 , and voltage Vh to other bit line BLj and supplying a current to the phase change resistance device of MC 11 . In this case, voltage Vh is higher than the voltage V 1 . Upon rewriting, a selection device SE having a function of preventing erroneous writing to a not-selected memory cell is required. Naturally, the voltage Vh should be equal to or lower than the yield voltage of the selection device SE. The non-volatile memory is read out as described below. For example, in a case of reading the information in the memory cell MC 11 , information is read out by applying voltage Vm to the first word line WL 1 , voltage V 1 to other word line WLi, and voltage V 1 to the first bit line BL 1 and measuring the level of the current flowing through BL 1 . [0075] While a manufacturing method in the case of the single layer memory matrix having only the first layer has been described, stacking of the memory matrix is more preferred for increasing the bit density of the memory cell. For example, in a case of stacking the memory matrix by two layers as shown in FIG. 18 , this manufacturing method can be attained by forming, above the structure shown in FIG. 15 , that is, above the insulative material 125 , a first metal interconnect layer 126 as a word line of the second layer, a pillar stacked film U 12 of the second layer, the U 12 comprising a first polysilicon layer 127 of the second layer, a second polysilicon layer 128 of the second layer, and a light reflection layer 129 of the second layer of the memory matrix, an insulative material 130 , a phase change material layer 131 , a second metal interconnect layer 132 corresponding to the bit line of the second layer and an insulative material 133 of the memory matrix in the same manner as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 15 in this embodiment. Further, also in a case of stacking a plurality of memory matrix layers by the number of k (k=1, 2, 3, . . . , l), the memory matrix is manufactured by the same method. Naturally, in a case of stacking the plurality of memory matrix layers, the layer has to be selected upon recording on and reading from the non-volatile memory. The layer is selected such that a layer to be written can be selected by the bit line, for example, in a case of forming the word lines in common for each layer. [0076] As the material of the light reflection layer, also in a case of using a metal or an alloy containing 70 at % or more of W, Mo, or Al, or a material of an atom number ratio represented by the following general formula (1): [0000] A X B Y   (1) [0000] (where X and Y represent each: 0.3≦X≦0.7 and 0.3≦Y≦0.7, A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Ti, Zr, and Hf, and B represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of N, and O), instead of CdS, a reflection effect and a crystal grain boundary eliminating effect attributable thereto can be obtained. However, a driving voltage increases in a film of high electric resistance. When X is excessively small, the reflectance is low since the difference of the optical constant is small and, on the other hand, conductivity is excessively high when X is excessively high. The situations are reversed in a case of Y. [0077] Embodiment 1 has been described above. In this embodiment, by using the light reflection layer 105 , a region of high temperature and a region of a relatively low temperature are temporarily formed in the horizontal direction in the second amorphous silicon layer 104 and in the first amorphous silicon layer 103 upon laser irradiation. Since this relatively lowers the temperature in the region where the light reflection layer is present and relatively increases the temperature outside of the region, crystal grain boundaries GB of polysilicon are formed outside of the region. Then, the region where the temperature is increased relatively, that is, a region where the grain boundaries are generated, is removed by patterning in the subsequent step, thereby finally forming the diode constituted with a polysilicon layer with less grain boundaries. Accordingly, variation in the property of the diode can be decreased and the yield of the phase change memory can be improved. Further, in this embodiment, by using the light reflection layer as a mask for pattering the polysilicon layer, the region where the grain boundaries are generated can be removed in a self-alignment manner without further positioning to the region. That is, the light reflection layer has both a function of a mask for controlling the grain boundary and that of a mask for patterning polysilicon, and this can save the processing steps compared with the case where respective functions are used independently in different steps. Embodiment 2 [0078] In this embodiment, a memory cell of the invention is formed above a semiconductor substrate 101 shown in FIG. 19 . The semiconductor substrate 101 includes a peripheral circuit for operating the memory matrix of a non-volatile memory. The peripheral circuit is manufactured by an existent CMOS technique. The positional relation between the peripheral circuit and the memory matrix is identical with that in Embodiment 1. [0079] FIG. 19 shows the structure of depositing, above the semiconductor substrate 101 , a first metal interconnect layer 102 , a first amorphous silicon layer 103 , and a second amorphous silicon layer 104 successively. The first metal interconnect layer 102 is formed by sputtering. The material of the first metal interconnect layer 102 is tungsten. Since a material of lower resistivity shows less voltage drop and can provide a read current, aluminum or copper which is a material of lower resistivity than that of tungsten is more preferred. Further, a metal compound such as TiN may be deposited between the first metal interconnect layer 102 and the semiconductor substrate 101 for improving adhesion. Further, tungsten silicide or titanium silicide may also be formed between the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the first metal interconnect layer 102 for lowering the boundary resistance by using a known silicide technique. [0080] The first amorphous silicon layer 103 is formed of amorphous silicon containing boron, gallium, or indium, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 is formed of intrinsic amorphous silicon. In a case where the first metal interconnect layer 102 is formed of tungsten, boron-containing amorphous silicon is preferred than gallium- or indium-containing amorphous silicon as the material for forming the first amorphous silicon layer 103 , since the boundary resistance between the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the first metal interconnect layer 102 is lowered. The first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 are formed by LP-CVD. The first amorphous silicon layer 103 has a thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 has a thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less. Then, by ion-implanting phosphor to the second amorphous silicon layer 104 , an n + type semiconductor region is formed. While phosphor is referred to as the ion to be implanted herein, it may also be arsenic. Further, the second amorphous silicon layer 104 may be formed previously as amorphous silicon containing phosphor or arsenic thereby saving the number of processing steps. [0081] FIG. 20 shows a step of applying laser annealing to the surface of the structure shown in FIG. 19 for crystallizing and activating the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 . In the annealing, as has been described above with reference to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , the temperature at the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 on the pattern is lower than the temperature at the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 which are out of the pattern since the laser power is weakened on the pattern of the word line to be formed in the subsequent step. Accordingly, since crystallization starts from the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 which are out of the pattern, grain boundaries can be eliminated from the portion on the pattern and the yield of the selection device can be improved. Further, a phase change memory of high yield can be manufactured at a low cost without requiring the identical step as in the Embodiment 1. [0082] By performing crystallization and impurity activation for the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 by the laser annealing, the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 are formed. In this embodiment, the selection device constituting the memory cell is a pn diode. Accordingly, while the manufacturing method has been explained with the case of a selection device in which the junction between the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 is the pn junction, a selection device having other junction such as an np junction or a pin junction, or a Schottky junction with the first metal interconnect layer 102 may also be used for the memory cell. [0083] FIG. 21 shows a structure after depositing the buffer layer 134 , the non-volatile recording material layer 115 and a second metal interconnect layer 116 above the structure shown in FIG. 20 successively. [0084] The material of the buffer layer 134 has an average composition in the direction of the layer thickness at an atom number ratio, for example, represented by the following general formula (1): [0000] A X B Y   (1) [0000] (where X and Y each represents: 0.3≦X≦0.7, and 0.3≦Y≦0.7, A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W. Ti, Zr, Hf, Fe, Co, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, lanthanide elements and actinide elements, and B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S, and the buffer layer is disposed for preventing diffusion of impurities from the side of the non-volatile recording material layer to the diode. [0085] When X is excessively small, heat resistance is low and, when it is excessively large, electroconductivity is excessively high. The situations are reversed in the case of Y. The layer thickness is preferably 1 nm or more and 50 nm or less. In a case where the thickness is excessively thin, the buffer effect is insufficient. On the other hand, when the thickness is excessively large, the resistance is high and the driving voltage also increases. When there is no requirement for preventing diffusion of impurities, it is not always necessary to dispose the buffer layer 134 . [0086] The material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 is Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 and has a layer thickness of 5 nm or more and 300 nm or less. More preferably, it has a layer thickness of 5 nm or more and 50 nm or less of low aspect ratio so that dry etching and burying of the insulative material in the subsequent steps can be performed easily. In this embodiment, while the material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 has been explained with an example of Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 , performance at an identical level can be obtained by selecting the composition with the material containing at least one element of chalcogen elements (S, Se, Te). The material of the second metal interconnect layer 116 is tungsten and, more preferably, aluminum or copper of low resistivity. [0087] FIG. 22 shows a structure after processing the second interconnect layer 116 , the non-volatile recording material layer 115 , the buffer layer 134 , the second polysilicon layer 109 , the first polysilicon layer 108 , and the first metal interconnect layer 102 from the structure shown in FIG. 18 by using known lithographic technique and dry etching technique. A pattern of the stacked film comprising the first metal interconnect layer 110 , the first polysilicon layer 111 , the second polysilicon layer 112 , the buffer layer 135 , the non-volatile recording material layer 136 , and the second metal interconnect layer 137 is a pattern of the word line and formed so as to extend in parallel with an adjacent pattern above the memory matrix. Further, while the first metal interconnect layer 110 is electrically connected as the word line of the memory matrix with the semiconductor substrate 101 so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed, this is not illustrated in the drawing. [0088] FIG. 23 shows a structure after filling an insulative material between the patterns by using HDP-CVD above the structure shown in FIG. 22 , then after performing planarization by CMP, depositing of the third metal interconnect layer 138 is performed by sputtering. [0089] FIG. 24 shows a structure after processing a third metal interconnect layer 138 , a second metal interconnect layer 137 , a non-volatile recording material layer 136 , a buffer layer 135 , a second polysilicon layer 112 , and a first polysilicon layer 111 above the structure shown in FIG. 23 by using known lithographic technique and dry etching technique. A stacked film U 2 comprising the first polysilicon layer 118 , the second polysilicon layer 119 , the buffer layer 139 , the non-volatile recording material 140 , and the second metal interconnect layer 141 forms a pillar shape. The pattern of the third metal interconnect layer 142 is a pattern of the bit line and formed so as to extend in parallel with the pattern of an adjacent bit line above the memory matrix. The pattern of the third metal interconnect layer 142 intersects the pattern of the first metal interconnect layer 110 . Further, while the third metal interconnect layer 142 is electrically connected as the bit line of the memory matrix with the semiconductor substrate 101 so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed, this is not illustrated in the drawing. [0090] FIG. 25 shows a structure after filling an insulative material 124 between the patterns by using HDP-CVD above the structure shown in FIG. 24 , then after performing planarization by CMP, depositing of the insulative material 125 is performed. [0091] FIG. 26 shows an upper plan view of the memory cell manufactured by the manufacturing method described with reference to FIG. 19 to FIG. 25 . The first metal interconnect layer 110 as the word lines and the third interconnection metal layer 142 as the bit lines of the memory cell intersect each other, and a stacked film U 2 is disposed at each of the intersections thereof. Materials used for the respective layers are identical with those of Embodiment 1. Further, plurality of memory matrix may also be stacked like in Embodiment 1. [0092] The operation method of the memory matrix to which the memory cell of the non-volatile memory of this embodiment is applied is identical with that of Embodiment 1. Embodiment 3 [0093] In this embodiment, a memory cell of the invention is formed above a semiconductor substrate 101 shown in FIG. 27 . The semiconductor substrate 101 includes a peripheral circuit for operating the memory matrix of a non-volatile memory. The peripheral circuit is manufactured by using an existent CMOS technique. The positional relation between the peripheral circuit and the memory matrix is identical with that in Embodiment 1. A great difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 and 2 is that the diode layer is on the non-volatile recording material layer. [0094] FIG. 27 shows the structure of depositing, above the semiconductor substrate 101 , the first metal interconnect layer 102 , the non-volatile recording material layer 115 , the buffer layer 134 , the first amorphous silicon layer 103 , the second amorphous silicon layer 104 and the light reflection layer 107 successively. The first metal interconnect layer 102 is formed by sputtering. The material of the first metal interconnect layer 102 is tungsten. Since a material of lower resistivity shows less voltage drop and can effectively obtain a read current, aluminum or copper which is a material of lower resistivity than that of tungsten is more preferred. Further, a metal compound such as TiN may be deposited between the first metal interconnect layer 102 and the semiconductor substrate 101 for improving adhesion. Further, tungsten silicide or titanium silicide may also be formed between the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the buffer layer 134 for lowering the boundary resistance by using a known silicide technique. [0095] The first amorphous silicon layer 103 is formed of amorphous silicon containing any one of boron, gallium, and indium, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 is formed of intrinsic amorphous silicon. The first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 are formed by LP-CVD. The first amorphous silicon layer 103 has a layer thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less, and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 has a layer thickness of 10 nm or more and 250 nm or less. Then, by ion-implanting phosphor to the second amorphous silicon layer 104 , an n + type semiconductor region is formed. While phosphor is referred to as the ion to be implanted herein, it may also be arsenic. Further, the second amorphous silicon layer 104 may be formed previously as amorphous silicon containing phosphor or arsenic thereby saving the processing step. [0096] The material of the buffer layer 134 is, for example, represented at an atom number ratio by the following general formula (1): [0000] A X B Y   (1) [0000] (in which X and Y each represents 0.2≦X≦0.7, and 0.3≦Y≦0.8, A represents Ge, and B represents Si), and the buffer layer is disposed for preventing thermal deformation and evaporation of the non-volatile recording material layer thereby enabling annealing of the non-volatile recording material layer and preventing diffusion of impurities to the non-volatile recording material layer or the diode. In addition to Ge and Si, other elements than alkali metal elements and halogen elements may be contained by 20 at % or less. It is preferred that Ge content is higher on the side of the recording material and the silicon content is higher on the side of the diode in the direction of the layer thickness since they give less undesired effects even when they are diffused to adjacent layers. When Ge in the average composition is excessively small, the laser light used for annealing transmits to the non-volatile recording material layer excessively to possibly damage the non-volatile recording material layer. On the other hand, when it is excessively large, the resistance is increased. Situations are reversed in the case of the average Si content in the direction of the layer thickness. Use of the buffer layer and the composition thereof are effective also to a memory matrix where the reflection layer of the invention is not present. The thickness of the layer is preferably 100 nm or more and 500 nm or less. When the layer thickness is excessively large, the driving voltage increases excessively. On the other hand, when the thickness is excessively small, the effect for protection or diffusion prevention is insufficient. Further, while the buffer layer material in Embodiment 2 can also be used, the constitution of the buffer layer in this embodiment is desired from a view point of the protection effect of the non-volatile recording material layer to the annealing. [0097] The material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 is Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 and has a layer thickness of 5 nm or more and 300 nm or less. More preferably, it has a layer thickness of 5 nm or more and 50 nm or less of lower aspect ratio so that dry etching and burying of the insulative material in the subsequent steps can be performed easily. While the material of the non-volatile recording material layer 115 has been described in this embodiment with the example of Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 , a performance at an identical level can be obtained by selecting the composition from materials of known phase change memory and materials containing at least one element of chalcogen elements (O, S, Se, Te) which are materials of RRAM that store information by the change of resistance. The material of the second metal interconnect layer 116 is tungsten and, more preferably, aluminum or copper of lower resistivity. [0098] The material of the light reflection layer 105 is CdS and the layer thickness is defined such that the phase is substantially identical between a light reflected at the surface of the layer and a light reflected at the rear face and they are strengthened to each other, that is, the difference of the optical path between a light reflected at the surface and a light returning after reciprocation in the film is about an integer multiple of the wavelength. Assuming the wavelength of the laser used for the laser annealing as λ and the refractive index of the reflection layer to the wavelength as n, the layer thickness is preferably λ/2n. The layer thickness is 20 nm or more and 300 nm or less while it is different depending on the laser wavelength and the refractive index of the film. It is more preferably 50 nm or more and 250 nm or less. When the layer is excessively thin, the effect of anti-reflection is insufficient. On the other hand, when the layer thickness is excessively large, the driving voltage increases. FIG. 28 shows a structure after etching the light reflection layer 105 by a known dry etching technique in the structure shown in FIG. 27 . [0099] FIG. 29 shows a step of applying laser annealing to the surface of the structure shown in FIG. 29 for crystallizing and activating the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 . In the annealing, as has been described above with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , the temperature of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 at a portion below the light reflection layer 107 is lower than the temperature of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 at a portion where the light reflection layer 107 is not present thereabove since the laser is absorbed to or reflected at the light reflection layer 107 . Accordingly, since crystallization starts from the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 below the light reflection layer 107 , grain boundaries are formed at the portions of the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 where the light reflection layer 107 is not present thereabove and the yield of the selection device can be improved. [0100] By performing crystallization and impurity activation for the first amorphous silicon layer 103 and the second amorphous silicon layer 104 by the laser annealing, the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 are formed. In this embodiment, the selection device constituting the memory cell is a pn diode. Accordingly, while the manufacturing method has been explained with the case of a selection device in which the junction between the first polysilicon layer 108 and the second polysilicon layer 109 is the pn junction, a selection device having other junction such as an np junction or a pin junction, or a Schottky junction with the first metal interconnect layer 102 may also be used for the memory cell. [0101] FIG. 30 shows a structure after processing the second polysilicon layer 109 , the first polysilicon layer 108 , the buffer layer 134 , the non-volatile recording material layer 115 , and the first metal interconnect layer 102 by a known dry etching technique using the light reflection layer 107 shown in FIG. 29 as a mask. The pattern of a stacked film comprising the first metal interconnect layer 110 , the non-volatile recording material layer 136 , the buffer layer 135 , the first polysilicon layer 111 , the second polysilicon layer 112 , and the light reflection layer 107 is a pattern of the word line and formed so as to extend in parallel with an adjacent pattern above the memory matrix. Further, while the first metal interconnect layer 110 is electrically connected as the word line of the memory matrix with the semiconductor substrate 101 so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed, this is not illustrated in the drawing. [0102] FIG. 31 shows a structure after filling an insulative material between the patterns above the structure shown in FIG. 30 by using HDP-CVD, planarizing the same by CMP, and then depositing a second metal interconnect layer 116 by sputtering. [0103] FIG. 32 shows a structure after processing the second metal interconnect layer 116 , the light reflection layer 107 , the second polysilicon layer 112 , the first polysilicon layer 111 , the buffer layer 135 , and the non-volatile recoding material layer 136 by using known lithographic technique and dry etching technique above the structure shown in FIG. 31 . A stacked film U 3 comprising the non-volatile recording material layer 140 , the buffer layer 139 , the first polysilicon layer 118 , the second polysilicon layer 119 , and the light reflection layer 120 has a pillar shape. The pattern of the second metal interconnect layer 122 is a pattern of the bit line and formed so as to extend in parallel with the pattern of an adjacent bit line above the memory matrix. The pattern of the second metal interconnect layer 122 intersects the pattern of the first metal interconnect layer 110 . Further, while the second metal interconnect layer 122 is electrically connected as the bit line of the memory matrix with the semiconductor substrate 101 so that reading from and writing to the non-volatile memory can be performed, this is not illustrated in the drawing. [0104] FIG. 33 shows a structure after filling an insulative material 124 between the patterns above the structure shown in FIG. 32 by using HDP-CVD, then planarizing the same by CMP and then depositing the insulative material 125 . [0105] FIG. 34 shows an upper plan view of a memory cell manufactured by a manufacturing method described with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 33 . The first metal interconnect layer 110 which is the word line of the memory cell and the second metal interconnect layer 122 which is the bit line of the memory cell intersect each other, and the stacked film U 3 is disposed at each intersection. Materials used for respective layers are identical with those of Embodiment 1. Further, the plurality of layers of memory matrix may be stacked like in Embodiment 1. In this case, the second layer is preferably disposed in a reversed stacking order such that the word line can be used in common as shown in FIG. 35 , since the production cost is further lowered. [0106] The material and the thickness of the reflection layer are identical with those of Embodiment 1. [0107] The operation method of the memory matrix to which the memory cell of the non-volatile memory of this embodiment is applied is identical with that of Embodiment 1. Embodiment 4 [0108] In Embodiment 1, description has been made to a manufacturing method of disposing a light reflection layer above the word line pattern thereby controlling the crystal grain boundary. However, the light reflection layer does not necessarily have a stripe-like shape as the word line pattern described with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C as the first method of the invention so long as the light reflection layer is disposed above a region where the diode is formed upon completion of the memory cell. [0109] For example, in a case where the diode is formed as the selection device of the non-volatile memory explained in Embodiment 1, the light reflection layer may be disposed also on a dot form at the intersection between the word line pattern and the bit line pattern. FIG. 36 shows a structure after depositing, above a semiconductor substrate 101 , the first metal interconnect layer 102 , the first amorphous silicon layer 103 , the second amorphous silicon layer 104 , and the light reflection layer successively, and processing the light reflection layer such that the light reflection layer is disposed on the pattern DP forming the diode. FIG. 37 is a view showing a relative position between the pattern DP forming the diode and the light reflection layer 143 . When laser annealing is applied to the structure, crystal grain boundaries GB are formed as shown in FIG. 37 . In Embodiment 1, the upper surface area of the reflection layer is an upper surface area of the word line pattern WLP and this is larger than the upper surface area of the reflection layer of this embodiment since this is in the stripe form. Since distortion generated in the silicon layer increases upon crystallization when the area of the reflection layer is large, that is, the area of the silicon layer providing the temperature profile by the laser annealing is large, grain boundaries GB may be possibly formed at a portion where the diode is formed, which increases the variation of the diode property. On the other hand, when the area of the reflection layer is small, the effect is mitigated relatively. That is, when the light reflection layer is disposed in the dot form as shown in FIG. 37 , grain boundaries GB are not formed relatively at a portion where the diode is formed compared with that of Embodiment 1 and the variation of the diode property also decreases. Accordingly, this embodiment having a smaller area of the reflection layer can manufacture the diode at a higher yield than Embodiment 1. After laser annealing, the light reflection layer is removed by using a known etching technique to manufacture a non-volatile memory in the same manner as in Embodiment 2 explained with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG. 25 . [0110] The material and the layer thickness of the reflection layer are identical with those of Embodiment 1. Embodiment 5 [0111] In this case, description is to be made for crystal grain boundaries of polysilicon in the vertical cross section of the selection devices formed by Embodiments 1 to 4. FIG. 38A shows the cross section of a selection device portion of a memory cell formed by an existent manufacturing method, and FIGS. 38B and 38C show the cross section of the selection device portion of the memory cell formed by the manufacturing method of the invention. In FIG. 38 , 201 and 202 , 203 and 204 , and 205 and 206 constitute sets of pn junction diodes respectively, and TEL and BEL schematically describe electrodes for applying a voltage to the diodes. Further, each of the diodes may have a pin junction but the explanation thereof is omitted in this embodiment. Further, the thickness of each pn junction diode is 20 nm or more and 500 nm or less. [0112] In the existent manufacturing method, as shown in FIG. 38A , crystal grain boundaries in the first polysilicon 201 and the second polysilicon 202 are arranged at random relative to the lower electrode BEL and the upper electrode TEL. [0113] On the other hand, in the manufacturing method of the invention, as shown in FIG. 38B , crystal grain boundaries are arranged so as to connect BEL and TEL in a linear manner by controlling the reflection layer or laser power profile. In other words, a grain boundary connecting BEL and TEL comprises a single line and a branching point is not present in each of the lines. While it is preferred that the single line is not present at all as shown in FIG. 38C since the off leak current is decreased, one or two number of the single line may be disposed as shown in FIG. 38B , or more. As described above, the structural feature of the polysilicon diode layer in this embodiment resides in a structure where the grain boundaries are not present at all or the grain boundary connecting the electrodes consists of a single line and no branching point are present in a vertical cross section. They may be present in admixture in different memory cells in one direction. Such a structure can provide a memory device using a favorable polysilicon diode with less off leak compared with an existent selection device. [0114] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments 1 to 5, the invention is not restricted to each of the embodiments but various other embodiments may be considered so long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the invention. For example, the same effect as the invention can be obtained also by using light reflection layers in combination of Embodiments 1 and 2 and adopting a step of modulating the laser power.

In a phase change memory, electric property of a diode used as a selection device is extremely important. However, since crystal grain boundaries are present in the film of a diode using polysilicon, it involves a problem that the off leak property varies greatly making it difficult to prevent erroneous reading. For overcoming the problem, the present invention provides a method of controlling the temperature profile of an amorphous silicon in the laser annealing for crystallizing and activating the amorphous silicon thereby controlling the crystal grain boundaries. According to the invention, variation in the electric property of the diode can be decreased and the yield of the phase-change memory can be improved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to testing of well bore fluids and, more particularly, a method of measuring changes in the well bore fluid due to dilution from connate water invasion or surface dilution. 2. Description of the Background In well drilling, completion and workover operations, particularly well drilling operations, there is a need to know whether there has been any dilution of the well bore fluid, e.g. the drilling mud, from downhole formation water, i.e. connate water, or from surface dilution. Such dilution can change the density of the well bore fluid rendering it unsuitable for use and, in many cases, unsafe. For example, dilution of the drilling mud may lower its density to the point where it cannot maintain sufficient hydrostatic pressure in the well bore to prevent a blowout. Dilution by connate water may also be important as an indication of the nature of the formation through which the drilling is taking place. Furthermore, in workover and completion operations, it is desirable and often times necessary to know whether there has been invasion of connate water into the completion or workover fluid. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,042, there is described a method of testing well samples, such as a fluid or core material, to determine whether there has been invasion of the well sample by the drilling fluid. In the method described in the patent, nitrate ion is added to the drilling mud and the concentration of nitrate ion found in the well sample compared with the concentration of that originally in the drilling mud. In the method described in the patent, the well sample is tested to determine invasion from the drilling mud. However, there is no testing of the drilling fluid per se to determine dilution by invasion either from surface fluids or connate water. Moreover, the method described in the patent utilizes a colorimetric test method which can pose difficulties when the drilling fluid contains colored additives. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of determining the dilution of a well bore fluid by connate water or surface invasion. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of determining the dilution of a drilling mud which can be conducted in whole mud or mud filtrate. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a well bore fluid which can be easily analyzed to determine dilution by connate water or surface invasion. The above and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description given herein and the claims. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of determining the dilution of a well bore fluid, e.g. a drilling mud, by connate water or surface invasion. In the method, a well bore fluid having a known concentration of bromide ion is prepared. The well bore fluid is then used in an earth borehole, such as in a drilling, completion or workover operation, and a sample of the thus used well bore fluid recovered. The recovered sample is analyzed to quantitatively determine the concentration of the bromide ion in the recovered sample, which is then compared with the known concentration of the bromide ion in the well bore fluid to thereby determine any dilution of the well bore fluid. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a well bore fluid comprising water, a water-soluble source of bromide ion and a well treating agent selected from the class consisting of weighting materials, viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives and mixtures thereof. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The method of the present invention is applicable to a number of well bore fluids. The term "well bore fluids," as used herein, refers to any fluid which is commonly used in drilling, completion or workover operations in the oil and gas industry. The method is especially useful with drilling fluids or muds to determine dilution from formation water, e.g. connate water, or surface dilution. The well bore fluids are those which are water based or have an aqueous phase in which can be dissolved a water-soluble source of bromide ion. In the method of the present invention, a well bore fluid is prepared and is admixed with a suitable source of a water-soluble bromide ion, the well bore fluid being thoroughly mixed to ensure that the bromide ion source is dissolved and the bromide ion is uniformly distributed throughout the well bore fluid. It will be appreciated that insufficient mixing or distribution of the bromide ion in the drilling fluid and the well bore fluid will lead to errors in determining any dilution of the well bore fluid. The source of bromide ion can be any water-soluble compound which will provide a source of bromide ions in the desired range. Thus, water-soluble bromide salts, such as alkali metal bromides, alkaline earth metal bromides, etc. can be employed. Generally speaking, the alkali metal bromides, such as sodium bromide, potassium bromide, etc. are preferred. The amount of water-soluble bromide added to the well bore fluid will generally be in an amount sufficient to provide a bromide ion concentration of from about 20 to about 10,000 parts per million by weight. In order to practice the method of the present invention, it is desirable to prepare a series of calibration standards of the well bore fluid to be monitored containing various amounts of bromide ion. To this end, samples of fresh well bore fluid are admixed with varying amounts of a source of water-soluble bromide ion. These various calibration standards are then analyzed for bromide ion content and a suitable calibration curve which relates bromide ion concentration to a determinable parameter made. While other analysis techniques can be employed, the method of the present invention is particularly adapted to an electrochemical method of measuring the bromide ion concentration using a bromide ion sensitive electrode and developing a calibration curve or a plot of relative millivolts (Rel mv), the determinable parameter, versus bromide ion concentration. In developing the calibration curve, it is generally preferred to prepare, on semilog paper, a graph of millivolts versus bromide concentration. Ion sensitive electrodes are well known and widely used in analytical techniques. Such ion sensitive electrodes employ potentiometric analysis wherein direct measurement of an electrode potential from the ion sensitive electrode is directly related to the concentration of the ion under consideration. For a discussion of the method of analysis and the specific use of bromide ion sensitive electrodes, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,563,874, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable commercially available apparatus for conducting bromide ion analyses include an Orion Model 90-01 reference electrode, an Orion Model 94-35 bromide electrode and an Orion Model 901 Digital Ionalyze. Once a suitable calibration curve has been prepared, the well bore fluid containing a known amount of bromide ion is prepared and can then be used in normal well operations, e.g., drilling, completion or workover activities. Periodically, a sample of the "spiked" well bore fluid which has been prepared can be taken and the bromide ion concentration measured. By comparing the concentration of the sampled well bore fluid with the calibration curve, the content of the bromide ion in the "used" well bore fluid can be determined, i.e. since the concentration of the bromide ion in the "spiked" well bore fluid originally prepared is known, by comparing the concentration of the bromide ion in the "used" well bore fluid with the calibration curve, it can be determined whether the bromide ion concentration has decreased from the known value thereby indicating dilution of the well bore fluid. Compositions of well bore fluids made in accordance with the present invention are those well bore fluids which contain water, a water-soluble source of bromide ion and a well treating agent which can be a weighting material, e.g. barite, illmenite, etc., a viscosifier such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. or any one of numerous fluid loss additives commonly employed in drilling, completion or workover operations. The well treating agents can be present in the well bore fluids alone or in combination depending upon the specific type of well bore fluid being formulated. The well bore fluid can also contain non-bromide ion, water-soluble salts, such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, etc. Such salts are commonly used as weighting agents, alone or in admixture with viscosifiers and fluid loss control additives, in completion and workover fluids. To more fully demonstrate the invention, the following non-limiting examples are presented. In all cases, bromide ion measurements were made using an electrode pair of an Orion Model 90-01 Single-Junction Reference Electrode and a Model 94-35 Bromide Electrode using an Orion Model 901 Digital Ionalyzer. EXAMPLE 1 Different amounts of dry sodium bromide were dissolved in samples of ten different well bore fluids identified as Mud G-524 and Mud G-490, so as to form mud samples containing from about 50 parts per million to about 10,000 parts per million of bromide ion on a weight basis. The samples were thoroughly stirred using a GKH-heavy duty stirrer for two minutes. Potentiometric measurements were then made on the various samples with the electrode pair with continuous stirring. Properties of Mud G-524 and Mud G-490 are listed below in Table 1. Table 2 shows a comparison of bromide ion concentration (ppm) versus Rel mv for the different samples. TABLE 1______________________________________ Mud G-524 Mud G-490______________________________________Initial PropertiesDensity, lb/gal 16.3 12.1Color Dark Brown BlackOdor Lignosulfonate NoneSettling None NoneMethylene Blue Capacity, 4.0 0.5ml/ml MudEquivalent Bentonite, lb/bbl 20.0 2.5RetortWater, % by Volume 68 83Oil, % by Volume 0 TraceSolids, % by Volume 32 18Properties After Stirring 15 Min.Plastic Viscosity, cp 60 at 80° F. 11 at 85° F.Yield Point, lb/100 sq ft 33 1410-sec gel, lb/100 sq ft 8 210-min gel, lb/100 sq ft 36 3pH 10.4 9.1API Filtrate, ml 2.8 13.4Anaylsis of Soluble ConstituentsMud Alkalinity, Pm, 0.90 1.9N50 Acid, mlCalcium Sulfate, lb/bbl 0.80 None ListedSoluble Total 2.60 None ListedFiltrate PropertiesChloride, ppm 1300 163,000Sulfate, ppm 16,250 None ListedHydroxyl, ppm 0 68Carbonate, ppm 60 1,320Bicarbonate, ppm 549 None ListedCalcium, ppm 1,000 40Magnesium, ppm 0 None Listed______________________________________ TABLE 2______________________________________ppm of Received Mud Received MudBromide G-524 Rel mv G-490 Rel mv______________________________________10,000 -134.3 -125.58,000 -129.2 -120.44,000 -113.3 -104.72,000 -95.0 -89.61,000 -77.7 -88.2 800 -71.8 -85.6 400 -56.2 -82.3 100 -20.1 -72.0 50 3.1 -74.5______________________________________ Using linear regression, the following calibration equation for Mud G-524 was determined: ##EQU1## where y is the concentration of bromide ion and x if the Rel mv. The equation is found to be linear in the range from 100 ppm to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion. The calibration curve of Mud-490 was two linear parts --one being from 2,000 ion to 10,000 ppm of bromide and the other from 100 ppm to 2,000 ppm of bromide ion. The calibration equation for 2,000 to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion is ##EQU2## where x is the Rel mv and y is the concentration of bromide ion in ppm. The calibration equation for 100 ppm to 2,000 ppm is ##EQU3## where y is a bromide ion concentration in ppm and x is Rel mv. The calibration curve of Mud G-490 is thus formed to have two linear parts, i.e. from 2,000 to 10,000 ppm bromide ion and from 100 to 2,000 ppm bromide ion. EXAMPLE 3 Mud G-490 was filtered with an API filter press to obtain a filtrate The filtrate was diluted 50% by weight with deionized water and different amounts of dry sodium bromide dissolved in the diluted filtrate to obtain samples containing from about 50 ppm to 10,000 ppm of bromide ion on a weight basis. The samples were then measured as per the procedure of Example 1 to determine bromide ion concentration versus Rel mv. Table 3 below shows the results. TABLE 3______________________________________ ppm of Filtrate of Bromide Mud G-490______________________________________ 10,000 -95.2 8,000 -90.1 4,000 -74.0 2,000 -66.7 1,000 -56.7 800 -58.7 400 -54.7 100 -50.9 50 -18.4______________________________________ When plotted on semilog graph paper, a smooth calibration curve is obtained using the data in Table 3. EXAMPLE 3 To further demonstrate that the method of the present invention can be used both on the "whole" mud and the mud filtrate, measurements were made on Mud G-524 and its filtrate, Mud G-490 and its filtrate and a third mud, Mud G-619 and its filtrate. In all cases, the bromide ion concentration in the filtrate was 500 ppm by weight. The results are shown in Table 4 below. TABLE 4______________________________________COMPARISON OF RELATIVE MILLIVOLTSFOR Br.sup.- IN MUDS AND FILTRATES Rel mv Rel mv fromMud No. from Mud Mud Filtrate Cl.sup.- % in Mud______________________________________619 -73.1 -74.6 0.14524 -57.8 -61.7 0.13490 -91.2 -99.1 16.40______________________________________ As can be seen, the relative millivolts between Mud G-619 and its filtrate and Mud G-524 and its filtrate are within 4 mv, but 8 mv for Mud G-490 and its filtrate. As can also be seen from Table 4, the chloride ion content in Mud G-490 is very high indicating that at high chloride levels, interference from chloride must be taken into account in conducting the measurements. As can be seen from the data above, bromide ion concentration variation in well bore fluids, e.g. drilling muds, can be detected potentiometrically by establishing a calibration curve of bromide ion versus relative millivolts for the mud. If the calibration curve is linear (Example 1), linear regression can be used to obtain a calibration equation. If not, the curve can be treated linear in some region and calibration equations can still be obtained by linear regression (Example 2). If interfering ions are not present, the bromide electrode readings directly from whole mud is about the same as that from mud filtrate. However, as seen from Example 4, when chloride interference is strong, the difference in readings between the whole mud and its filtrate are considerably greater. EXAMPLE 4 A calibration curve on a drilling mud is prepared as per the procedure of Example 1. A known amount of bromide ion is then added to the drilling mud which is used in the conventional downhole drilling operation. Periodically, samples of the drilling mud returned from downhole are analyzed by the procedure of Example 1 and the results obtained compared with the calibration curve established. From the comparison, the concentration of bromide ion in the used drilling mud samples is determined, and it is determined whether there has been any dilution of the drilling mud from connate water or from surface invasion. The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the method steps may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A method of determining dilution of a well bore fluid, such as a drilling fluid, comprising preparing a drilling fluid having a known concentration of bromide ion, using the drilling fluid, recovering a sample of the used drilling fluid, determining quantitatively the concentration of bromide ion in the used drilling fluid, comparing the concentration of bromide ion in the sample drilling fluid with the known concentration of bromide ion in the drilling fluid and determining the dilution of the drilling fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to trailer doors, and more particularly to a mechanism to control the locking/unlocking of a door for closing the back end of a refuse trailer. Refuse trailers are used in an environment that requires a highly reliable mechanism that will operate under rugged conditions. The mechanisms used to lock the rear doors of such refuse trailers may be subject to failure with the highly undesirable result that refuse can spill from the trailer. Locking mechanisms controlled by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders can fail if the cylinders or the cylinder pressure source becomes inoperative. Additionally, adjustable links, such as turnbuckles, used in an active part of the locking mechanism can become worn and contribute to a locking failure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door. It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that utilizes a fluid actuated cylinder combined with a novel geometric arrangement of rotatable members. It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that utilizes a double-acting pneumatic cylinder. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that provides continuous positive locking even if the fluid actuated cylinder controlling the mechanism or its pressure source fails. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that does not utilize an adjustable member as an active part of the mechanism. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that can be manually operated by a switch located in the truck cab or by a switch located on the trailer adjacent the door. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock a trailer door that includes a safety system to prevent operation of a walking floor in the trailer when the trailer door is locked in its closed position. The present invention utilizes a novel geometric arrangement of a fluid actuated cylinder in combination with various rotatably connected members to provide a novel mechanism to lock/unlock the trailer door. This arrangement provides positive locking even if the fluid actuated cylinder or its pressure source fails. This is achieved by geometrically arranging the rotatably connected members so they resist unlocking of the door unless such unlocking is specifically sought by actuating the fluid cylinder. This is especially important for refuse trucks which are used in an extremely rugged environment which increases the likelihood of mechanical mechanisms failing. The invention features apparatus for locking a trailer door. It includes a trailer, a door rotatably connected to the trailer, apparatus for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position, and a control mechanism for selectively locking/unlocking the door in its closed position. The apparatus for locking/unlocking the door further includes a fluid actuated cylinder having a free end and a fixed end with the fixed end being rotatably connected to the trailer; a control member rotatably connected to the trailer that has a locked position for locking the door in its closed position; a control link having a first end rotatably connected to the control member and a second end rotatably connected to the fluid actuated cylinder free end, so that the second end of the link is beyond top dead center when the door is locked in its closed position; and an adjustable link having a fixed end rotatably connected to the trailer, and a free end rotatably connected to both the free end of the fluid actuated cylinder and the second end of the control link. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the door is rotatably connected to the trailer by a plurality of hinges. The door is located at the trailer back end so that it is capable of providing access to the trailer interior in its opened position and capable of sealing the trailer back end in its closed position. The fluid actuated cylinder is preferably a pneumatic cylinder and the free end of the cylinder is the end from which the cylinder piston extends. The control member is rotatably connected to the trailer at a point closer to the door than to the control link. The second end of the control link is located adjacent a rigid stop when the control member is in its locked position. The stop is positioned to impede longitudinal translation of the link away from the door. The rigid stop is, in the preferred embodiment, provided by a structural rib of the trailer. The adjustable link is substantially vertical and capable of impeding vertically upward translation of the control link when the control member is in the locked position. The means for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position further includes a pin extending from the end of the door. The pin is substantially parallel to the plane created by the door and is capable of engaging an upwardly extending opening in the end of the control member adjacent the door. The opening in the control member engages the pin when the control member is in the locked position in response to the fluid actuated cylinder piston being substantially fully extended. The opening in the control member disengages from the pin when the control member is moved to the unlocked position in response to the fluid actuated cylinder piston being substantially fully retracted. The apparatus for locking/unlocking the door in a closed position further includes: a plurality of pins extending from the distal end of the door that are substantially parallel and in a plane created by the door; a plurality of locking members located substantially parallel to the control member and arranged so that both the control member and the locking members are rotatably attached to the trailer along a vertical line transverse to the bottom edge of the trailer; an upwardly extending opening in the end of the control mechanism and the ends of the locking members that are capable of engaging one of the pins; and a connecting member rotatably connected to the ends of each of the locking members furthest from the door and to the control member so they operate substantially together, so that all the locking members and the control member engage one of the pins when the control member is in the locked position. The apparatus for locking a trailer door further includes a switch for actuating a walking floor in the trailer. The switch, which is actuated by an actuation lever attached to the control member, is only capable of being actuated when the control member is in its unlocked position. Therefore, the walking floor is operable only when the control member is in the unlocked position. All features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the claims. For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following description and to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown on a truck trailer. FIG. 2 is an end view of the truck trailer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially cut away side view of the truck trailer shown in FIG. 1, showing the invention in more detail. FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the invention shown in FIG. 3, showing the locked position. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the invention shown in FIG. 3, showing the unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention mounted on a refuse trailer 10. The invention comprises a rear door 12, attached to trailer 10 by hinges 13 (shown in FIG. 2), which closes the back end of refuse trailer 10, and a novel mechanism for controlling locking/unlocking of door 12. FIG. 3 shows the novel locking/unlocking mechanism in more detail. The mechanism includes a control locking member 14 and three parallel-controlled locking members 16 which are rotatably linked by connecting member 18. Connecting member 18 can typically comprise three rods 20, two box fittings 22, and two U-shaped fittings 24 as shown in FIG. 1. Control member 14 and locking members 16 are rotatably connected to the side of trailer 10 by pivots 26 which are aligned vertically along a line transverse to the bottom edge of trailer 10. The pivots are all located closer to door 12 than the connecting member 18. Additionally, control member 14 and locking members 16 all have an upwardly extending generally U-shaped opening at their ends nearest door 12. These openings are all capable of engaging pins 30 which extend from the distal end of door 12 and are transverse to the longitudinal axis of control locking member 14. Control locking member 14 is rotatably connected, at its end furthest from door 12, to a control link 32. The opposite end of control link 32 is rotatably connected to both piston 34 of fluid actuated cylinder 36 and the bottom end of adjustable link 38. The top end of adjustable link 38 is rotatably attached to flange 40 which is rigidly affixed to trailer 10. Adjustable link 38 typically comprises a rod 42 with threaded ends and end fittings 44 and 46 for receiving threaded rod ends. Fluid actuated cylinder 36 is rotatably connected to flange 48 which is rigidly affixed to trailer 10. One suitable fluid actuated cylinder 36 is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder such as Model 248-DPS manufactured by Bimba Manufacturing Company, Monee, Ill. 60449. Actuation fluid is provided to cylinder 36 via hoses 50 and 52 from an external pressure source (not shown). The pressure source for the actuation fluid may be provided by a tractor (not shown) adapted to pull trailer 10, or a separate pressure source (not shown) in combination with trailer 10. The operation of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. In FIGS. 3 and 4 the novel locking/unlocking mechanism is shown in its locked position with door 12 locked and closing the back end of trailer 10. In this position, piston 34 of cylinder 36 is fully extended and pins 30 are engaged by U-shaped openings 28 of control member 14 and locking members 16. In FIG. 5, the locking/unlocking mechanism is shown in its unlocked position with door 12 free to be opened. In this position, piston 34 of cylinder 36 is fully retracted and pins 30 are not engaged by U-shaped openings 28 of control member 14 and locking members 16. If the locking/unlocking mechanism is locked (as shown in FIGS. and 3 and 4) and the operator wishes to unlock door 12 the operator actuates manual switch 54. Upon actuation of switch 54, pressure is provided to cylinder 36 via hose 50 causing piston 34 of cylinder 36 to retract. Upon retracting, piston 34 causes both control link 32 and adjustable link 38 to rotate. Additionally, control link 32 translates towards cylinder 36 causing control locking member 14 to rotate about pivot 26. As shown in FIG. 5, when the locking/unlocking mechanism is in its unlocked position the end of member 14 nearest door 12 has rotated downward so its U-shaped opening 28 is disengaged from corresponding pin 30 extending from door 12. Additionally, the rotational movement of member 14 causes identical coordinated movement of locking members 16 due to connecting link 18 and therefore when opening 28 of control member 14 is disengaged from pin 30 the openings 28 in locking members 16 are also disengaged from pins 30. To change the status of the locking/unlocking mechanism from its unlocked state (shown in FIG. 5) to its locked state (shown in FIG. 4) the operator again actuates manual switch 54. Upon actuation of switch 54, pressure is provided to cylinder 36 via hose 52 causing piston 34 of cylinder 36 to extend. Upon extending, piston 34 causes both control link 32 and adjustable link 38 to rotate. Additionally, control link 32 translates away from cylinder 36 causing control member 14 to rotate about pivot 26. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the locking/unlocking mechanism is in its locked position the end of control member 14 nearest door 12 has rotated upward so its U-shaped opening 28 has engaged corresponding pin 30 extending from door 12. Additionally, the rotational movement of control member 14 causes identical coordinated movement of locking members 16 due to connecting link 18, and therefore when opening 28 of control member 14 engages pin 30 the openings 28 in locking members 16 also engage pins 30. One of the important advantages that arises from the novel geometric arrangement of the locking/unlocking mechanism is that it provides a positive door lock even if cylinder 36 or its pressure source (not shown) fails. When trailer 10 is at rest, gravity will hold control member 14 and locking members 16 in their locked positions since pivots 26 are located closer to door 12 than to connecting member 18. Additionally, when trailer 10 is moving with door 12 locked the locking/unlocking mechanism will resist moving to its unlocked state because the top end of control link 32 is rotated beyond top dead center and adjustable link 38 is substantially vertically oriented. In this position, if vibration urges the end of control locking member 14 that contains opening 28 downward, the opposite end of control member 14 will have its corresponding upward movement impeded. This upward movement of the end of control member 14 would cause the top end of control link 32 to move away from cylinder 36, but such motion is blocked by fixed rib 56 and by adjustable link 38 which cannot translate upward due to its rotatable connection to flange 40. Consequently, door 12 when locked, will tend to remain locked even if trailer 10 is both subjected to motion and cylinder 36 fails to forcibly hold its piston 34 in the fully extended position. Additionally, adjustable link 38 is not an active part of the locking/unlocking mechanism since its only purposes are to be stabilize the mechanism and to impede upward translation of control member 14 when it is in its locked position. Therefore, inevitable wear of adjustable link 38 will not detrimentally effect operation of the locking/unlocking mechanism. An additional feature incorporated in the preferred embodiment is a safety system to prevent operation of a walking floor (not shown) when door 12 is locked in its closed position. Typically, such a refuse truck trailer would use a walking floor for removal of a load from trailer 10. Operation of such a walking floor, however, when door 12 is locked in its closed position could damage the floor being moved and door 12. Therefore, referring to FIGS. 3-5, microswitch 58, activated by actuation lever 60, is used to prevent operation of the walking floor when door 12 is locked. In FIG. 4, microswitch 58 is shown in its "off" position when door 12 is locked. When door 12 is unlocked, as shown in FIG. 5, member 14 moves actuation lever 60 upward so to make microswitch 58, thereby permitting operation of the walking floor. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the door locking/unlocking mechanism can be operated from the truck cab in lieu of or in addition to being operable from switch 54 located on trailer 10. Cylinder 36 can be an appropriate hydraulic cylinder so the door locking/unlocking mechanism can be operated with hydraulic pressure instead of pneumatic pressure. There has thus been shown and described a novel mechanism to control locking/unlocking of a trailer door which fulfills all of the objects and advantages sought. Any changes, modifications, variations or other uses and applications of the subject invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon considering the specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications within the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

An apparatus for securing a rotatable trailer door is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid actuated cylinder having a free end and a fixed end with the fixed end being rotatably connected to the trailer; a control member, rotatably connected to the trailer, locks the door in its closed position; a control link, having a first end rotatably connected to the control member and a second end rotatably connected to the fluid actuated cylinder free end; and, an adjustable link, having a fixed end rotatably connected to the trailer and a free end rotatably connected to both the free end of the fluid actuated cylinder and the second end of the control link.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/663,831, filed Oct. 30, 2012. which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/116,375, filed May 26, 2011 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,305,990), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/192,705, filed Aug. 15, 2008, (U.S. Pat. No. 7,983,217), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/022,048, filed Dec. 22, 2004, (U.S. Pat. No. 7,450,542), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/383,976, filed Mar. 7, 2003 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,629), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/294,174, filed Apr. 19, 1999 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,209), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/796,584, filed Feb. 6, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,421), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0002] The invention disclosed herein is related to U.S. patent application by Gibbons, et al entitled “REMOTE WIRELESS UNIT HAVING REDUCED POWER OPERATING MODE,” Ser. No. 08/796,586, filed on Feb. 6, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,114), which application is incorporated herein by reference. [0003] The invention disclosed herein is related to the copending U.S. patent application by Greg Veintimilla, entitled “METHOD TO INDICATE SYNCHRONIZATION LOCK OF A REMOTE STATION WITH A BASE STATION,” Ser. No. 08/796,492, filed on Feb. 6, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,375), which application is incorporated herein by reference. [0004] The invention disclosed herein is related to the copending U.S. patent application by Elliott Hoole, entitled “DELAY COMPENSATION,” Ser. No. 08/796,491, filed on Feb. 6, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,000), which application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] 1. Field of the Invention [0006] This invention involves improvements to communications systems and methods in a wireless, frequency division duplex communications system. [0007] 2. Description of the Related Art [0008] Wireless communications systems, such as cellular and personal communications systems, operate over limited spectral bandwidths. They must make highly efficient use of the scarce bandwidth resource to provide good service to a large population of users. Examples of such communications systems that deal with high user demand and scarce bandwidth resources are wireless communications systems, such as cellular and personal communications systems. [0009] Various techniques have been suggested for such systems to increase bandwidth-efficiency, the amount of information that can be transmitted within a given spectral bandwidth. Many of these techniques involve reusing the same communication resources for multiple users while maintaining the identity of each user's message. These techniques are generically referred to as multiple access protocols. Among these multiple access protocols are Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), and Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). The technical foundations of these multiple access protocols are discussed in the recent book by Rappaport entitled “Wireless Communications Principles and Practice,” Prentice Hall, 1996. [0010] The Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol sends information from a multiplicity of users on one assigned frequency bandwidth by time division multiplexing the information from the various users. In this multiplexing scheme, particular time slots are devoted to specific users. Knowledge of the time slot during which any specific information is transmitted, permits the separation and reconstruction of each user's message at the receiving end of the communication channel. [0011] The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) protocol uses a unique code to distinguish each user's data signal from other users' data signals. Knowledge of the unique code with which any specific information is transmitted, permits the separation and reconstruction of each user's message at the receiving end of the communication channel. There are four types of CDMA protocols classified by modulation: direct sequence (or pseudo-noise), frequency hopping, time hopping, and hybrid systems. The technical foundations for CDMA protocols are discussed in the recent book by Prasad entitled “CDMA for Wireless Personal Communications,” Artech House, 1996. [0012] The Direct Sequence CDMA (DS-CDMA) protocol spreads a user's data signal over a wide portion of the frequency spectrum by modulating the data signal with a unique code signal that is of higher bandwidth than the data signal. The frequency of the code signal is chosen to be much larger than the frequency of the data signal. The data signal is directly modulated by the by the code signal and the resulting encoded data signal modulates a single, wideband carrier that continuously covers a wide frequency range. After transmission of the DS-CDMA modulated carrier signal, the receiver uses a locally generated version of the user's unique code signal to demodulate the received signal and obtain a reconstructed data signal. The receiver is thus able to extract the user's data signal from a modulated carrier that bears many other users' data signals. [0013] The Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) protocol uses a unique code to change a value of the narrowband carrier frequency for successive bursts of the user's data signal. The value of the carrier frequency varies in time over a wide range of the frequency spectrum in accordance with the unique code. The term Spread Spectrum Multiple Access (SSMA) is also used for CDMA protocols such as DS-CDMA and FHSS that use a relatively wide frequency range over which to distribute a relatively narrowband data signal. [0014] The Time Hopping CDMA (TH-CDMA) protocol uses a single, narrow bandwidth, carrier frequency to send bursts of the user's data at intervals determined by the user's unique code. Hybrid CDMA systems include all CDMA systems that employ a combination of two or more CDMA protocols, such as direct sequence/frequency hopping (DS/FH), direct sequence/time hopping (DS/TH), frequency hopping/time hopping (FH/TH), and direct sequence/frequency hopping/time hopping (DS/FH/TH). [0015] The Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) transmission protocol forms directed beams of energy whose radiation patterns do not overlap spatially with each other, to communicate with users at different locations. Adaptive antenna arrays can be driven in phased patterns to simultaneously steer energy in the direction of selected receivers. With such a transmission technique, the other multiplexing schemes can be reused in each of the separately directed beams. For example, the specific codes used in CDMA can be transmitted in two different beams. Accordingly, if the beams do not overlap each other, different users can be assigned the same code as long as they do not receive the same beam. [0016] The Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) protocol services a multiplicity of users over one frequency band by devoting particular frequency slots to specific users, i.e., by frequency division multiplexing the information associated with different users. Knowledge of the frequency slot in which any specific information resides permits reconstruction of each user's information at the receiving end of the communication channel. [0017] Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) addresses a problem that is faced, for example, when pulsed signals are transmitted in an FDMA format. In accordance with principles well known in the communication sciences, the limited time duration of such signals inherently broadens the bandwidth of the signal in frequency space. Accordingly, different frequency channels may significantly overlap, defeating the use of frequency as a user-identifying-parameter, the principle upon which FDMA is based. However, pulsed information that is transmitted on specific frequencies can be separated, in accordance with OFDM principles, despite the fact that the frequency channels overlap due to the limited time duration of the signals. OFDM requires a specific relationship between the data rate and the carrier frequencies. Specifically, the total signal frequency band is divided into N frequency sub-channels, each of which has the same data rate 1/T. These data streams are then multiplexed onto a multiplicity of carriers that are separated in frequency by 1/T. Multiplexing signals under these constraints results in each carrier having a frequency response that has zeroes at multiples of 1/T. Therefore, there is no interference between the various carrier channels, despite the fact that the channels overlap each other because of the broadening associated with the data rate. OFDM is disclosed, for example, by Chang in Bell Sys. Tech. Jour., Vol. 45, pp. 1775-1796. December 1966, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,445. [0018] Parallel Data Transmission is a technique related to FDMA. It is also referred to as Multitone Transmission (MT), Discrete Multitone Transmission (DMT) or Multi-Carrier Transmission (MCT). Parallel Data Transmission has significant calculational advantages over simple FDMA. In this technique, each user's information is divided and transmitted over different frequencies, or “tones,” rather than over a single frequency, as in standard FDMA. In an example of this technique, input data at NF bits per second are grouped into blocks of N bits at a data rate of F bits per second. N carriers or “tones” are then used to transmit these bits, each carrier transmitting F bits per second. The carriers can be spaced in accordance with the principles of OFDM. [0019] Both the phase and the amplitude of the carrier can be varied to represent the signal in multitone transmission. Accordingly, multitone transmission can be implemented with M-ary digital modulation schemes. In an M-ary modulation scheme, two or more bits are grouped together to form symbols and one of the M possible signals is transmitted during each symbol period. Examples of M-ary digital modulation schemes include Phase Shift Keying (PSK), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), and higher order Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM). In QAM a signal is represented by the phase and amplitude of a carrier wave. In high order QAM, a multitude of points can be distinguished on an amplitude/phase plot. For example, in 64-ary QAM, 64 such points can be distinguished. Since six bits of zeros and ones can take on 64 different combinations, a six-bit sequence of data symbols can, for example, be modulated onto a carrier in 64-ary QAM by transmitting only one value set of phase and amplitude, out of the possible 64 such sets. [0020] Suggestions have been made to combine some of the above temporal and spectral multiplexing techniques. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,967, issued to Schilling, there is disclosed the combination of TDMA and CDMA. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,475, issued to Bruckert, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,634 issued to Bartholomew, the combination of TDMA, FDMA, and CDMA is suggested. [0021] Other suggestions have been made to combine various temporal and spectral multiple-access techniques with spatial multiple-access techniques. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,378, filed Dec. 12, 1991, Roy suggests “separating multiple messages in the same frequency, code, or time channel using the fact that they are in different spatial channels.” Roy suggests specific application of his technique to mobile cellular communications using an “antenna array.” Similar suggestions were made by Swales et al., in the IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol. Vol. 39, No. 1, February 1990, and by Davies et al. in A.T.R., Vol. 22, No. 1, 1988 and in Telecom Australia, Rev. Act. 1985/86 pp. 41-43. [0022] Gardner and Schell suggest the use of communications channels that are “spectrally disjoint” in conjunction with “spatially separable” radiation patterns in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,968, filed Jun. 23, 1992. The radiation patterns are determined by restoring “self coherence” properties of the signal using an adaptive antenna array. “[A]n adaptive antenna array at a base station is used in conjunction with signal processing through self coherence restoral to separate the temporally and spectrally overlapping signals of users that arrive from different specific locations.” See the Abstract of the Invention. In this patent, however, adaptive analysis and self coherence restoral is only used to determine the optimal beam pattern; “ . . . conventional spectral filters . . . [are used] . . . to separate spatially inseparable filters.” [0023] Winters suggests “adaptive array processing” in which “[t]he frequency domain data from a plurality of antennas are . . . combined for channel separation and conversion to the time domain for demodulation,” in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,570, filed Oct. 20, 1993. Column 1, lines 66-67 and Column 2, lines 14-16. [0024] Agee has shown that “the use of an M-element multiport antenna array at the base station of any communication network can increase the frequency reuse of the network by a factor of M and greatly broaden the range of input SINRs required for adequate demodulation . . . ” (“Wireless Personal Communications: Trends and Challenges,” Rappaport, Woerner and Reed, editors, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1994, pp. 69-80, at page 69. See also, Proc. Virginia Tech. Third Symposium on Wireless Personal Communications, June 1993, pp. 15-1 to 15-12.) [0025] Gardner and Schell also suggest in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,968, filed Jun. 23, 1992, “time division multiplexing of the signal from the base station and the users” . . . “[i]n order to use the same frequency for duplex communications . . . ” “[R]eception at the base station from all mobile units is temporally separated from transmission from the base station to all mobile units.” Column 5, lines 44ff. In a similar vein, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,332 there is disclosed a wireless multi-element adaptive antenna array SDMA system where all the required adaptive signal processing is performed at baseband at the base station through the use of “time division retransmission techniques.” [0026] Fazel, “Narrow-Band Interference Rejection in Orthogonal Multi-Carrier Spread-Spectrum Communications,” Record, 1994 Third Annual International Conference on Universal Personal Communications, IEEE, 1994, pp. 46-50 describes a transmission scheme based on combined spread spectrum and OFDM. A plurality of subcarrier frequencies have components of the spreaded vector assigned to them to provide frequency-diversity at the receiver site. The scheme uses frequency domain analysis to estimate interference, which is used for weighting each received subcarrier before despreading. This results in switching off those subcarriers containing the interference. [0027] Despite the suggestions in the prior art to combine certain of the multiple access protocols to improve bandwidth efficiency, there has been little success in implementing such combinations. It becomes more difficult to calculate optimum operating parameters as more protocols are combined. The networks implementing combined multiple access protocols become more complex and expensive. Accordingly, the implementation of high-bandwidth efficiency communications using a combination of multiple access protocols continues to be a challenge. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0028] In at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a transmitter module of a communications unit configured to transmit a first data signal. The first data signal is allocated to a first set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in a first frequency band. The transmitter module is configured to transmit the first data signal during a first set of time intervals of a frame. The apparatus includes a receiver module of the communications unit configured to receive a second data signal. The second data signal is received using a second set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in a second frequency band. The receiver module is configured to receive the second data signal during a second set of time intervals of the frame. The first and second frequency bands are different. [0029] In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes transmitting, by a communications unit, a first data signal, using a first set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in a first frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands and during a first set of time intervals, fewer than all time intervals, of a plurality of time intervals of a frame. The method includes transmitting, by the communications unit, a second data signal, using a second set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in the first frequency band, and during the first set of time intervals. The first and second sets of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones are different. [0030] In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes transmitting, by a communications unit, a first data signal, using a first set of a plurality of sets of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in a first frequency band of a plurality of frequency bands and during a first set of time intervals of a frame. The method includes transmitting, by the communications unit, a second data signal, using the first set of the plurality of sets of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed discrete frequency tones in the first frequency band, and during a second set of time intervals of the frame. The first and second sets of time intervals are distinct. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] In the drawings: [0032] FIG. 1 is an architectural diagram of the PWAN FDD system, including remote stations communicating with a base station. [0033] FIG. 1.1 is a diagram of PWAN Airlink RF Band Organization [0034] FIG. 1.2 is a diagram of Physical Channels. [0035] FIG. 1.3 is a diagram of PWAN Physical Layer Framing Structure [0036] FIG. 1.4 is a diagram of Details of TDMA Slot Parameters [0037] FIG. 1.5 is a diagram of A PWAN 64 kbit/s data channel [0038] FIG. 1.6 is a diagram of Functional Block Diagram of Base transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. [0039] FIG. 1.7 is a diagram of The block diagram for Base CLC/BRC transmissions [0040] FIG. 1.8 is a diagram of Gray-coded mapping for the QPSK modulation on the CLC/BRCchannel. [0041] FIG. 1.9 is a diagram of The demultiplexing of a CLC/BRC message on two consequent TDMA frames [0042] FIG. 1.10 is a diagram of The Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode [0043] FIG. 1.11 is a diagram of The Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a CAC [0044] FIG. 1.12 is a diagram of Functional Block Diagram of RU transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode [0045] FIG. 1.13 is a diagram of The block diagram for RU CAC transmissions [0046] FIG. 1.14 is a diagram of The demultiplexing of a CAC message on two consequent TDMA frames. [0047] FIG. 1.15 is a diagram of The Functional Block Diagram of RU receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode [0048] FIG. 1.16 is a diagram of The baseband representation of the RU CLC/BRC receiver [0049] FIG. 2.1 is a diagram of Functional Block Diagram of Base transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. [0050] FIG. 2.2 is a diagram of The Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode [0051] FIG. 3.1 is a diagram of Forward beam pattern and its effect on RU RSSI [0052] FIG. 3.2 is a diagram of Forward beam pattern altered to accommodate incoming RU [0053] FIG. 4.1 is a diagram of Processing Diagram [0054] FIG. 4.2 is a diagram of Signals as seen at the Base station [0055] FIG. 4.3 is a diagram of Delay Compensation in action [0056] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0057] FIG. 1 is an architectural diagram of the frequency division duplex (FDD) personal wireless access network (PWAN) system, in accordance with the invention. The system employs the method of the invention that combines time division duplex (TDD), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), spatial diversity, and polarization diversity in various unique combinations. [0058] FIG. 1 provides an overview of how the invention combines TDD, FDD. TDMA, and OFDM to enable the base station Z to efficiently communicate with many remote stations U, V, W, and X. The base station Z receives a first incoming wireless signal 10 comprising a plurality of first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a first frequency band from the first remote station U during a first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The organization of the TDMA intervals is shown in FIG. 1.5 , which is discussed in detail below. Then the base station Z receives a second incoming wireless signal 12 comprising a plurality of second discrete frequency tones F 4 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the first frequency band from a second remote station W during the first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The first and second stations U and W accordingly have different sets of discrete frequency tones F 2 and F 4 , that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed. [0059] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a third incoming wireless signal 14 comprising a plurality of the first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the first frequency band from a third remote station V during a second time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The first and second TDMA intervals are part of the same TDMA frame, as is shown in FIG. 1.5 . The first and third stations U and V, accordingly are time division multiplexed by sharing the same set of discrete frequency tones F 2 in different TDMA intervals. [0060] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a fourth incoming wireless signal 16 comprising a plurality of the second discrete frequency tones F 4 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the first frequency band from a fourth remote station X during the second time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The second and fourth stations W and X accordingly are time division multiplexed by sharing the same set of discrete frequency tones F 4 in different TDMA intervals. [0061] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the first outgoing wireless signal 18 comprising a plurality of third discrete frequency tones F 1 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a second frequency band to the first remote station U during a third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The first remote station U and the base station Z accordingly are time division duplexed (TDD) by transmitting their respective signals 10 and 18 at different TDMA intervals. The first, second, third, and fourth TDMA intervals occur at mutually different times, as is shown in FIG. 1.5 . In addition, the first remote station U and the base station Z accordingly are frequency division duplexed (FDD) by transmitting their respective signals 10 and 18 on different sets of discrete frequency tones F 2 and F 1 in different frequency bands. [0062] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the second outgoing wireless signal 20 comprising a plurality of fourth discrete frequency tones F 3 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the second frequency band to the second remote station W during the third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The second remote station W and the base station Z accordingly are time division duplexed (TDD) by transmitting their respective signals 12 and 20 at different TDMA intervals. In addition, the second remote station W and the base station Z accordingly are frequency division duplexed (FDD) by transmitting their respective signals 12 and 20 on different sets of discrete frequency tones F 4 and F 3 in different frequency bands. [0063] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the third outgoing wireless signal 22 comprising the plurality of the third discrete frequency tones F 1 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the second frequency band to the third remote station V during a fourth time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The third remote station V and the base station Z accordingly are time division duplexed (TDD) by transmitting their respective signals 14 and 22 at different TDMA intervals. In addition, the third remote station V and the base station Z accordingly are frequency division duplexed (FDD) by transmitting their respective signals 14 and 22 on different sets of discrete frequency tones F 2 and F 1 in different frequency bands. [0064] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the fourth outgoing wireless signal 24 comprising the plurality of the fourth discrete frequency tones F 3 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the second frequency band to the fourth remote station X during the fourth time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The fourth remote station X and the base station Z accordingly are time division duplexed (TDD) by transmitting their respective signals 16 and 24 at different TDMA intervals. In addition, the fourth remote station X and the base station Z accordingly are frequency division duplexed (FDD) by transmitting their respective signals 16 and 24 on different sets of discrete frequency tones F 4 and F 3 in different frequency bands. [0065] FIG. 1 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein TDD, FDD, TDMA, OFDM, and space diversity are combined to enable the base station to efficiently communicate with many remote stations. This is possible because of the multiple element antenna array A, B, C, and D at the base station Z that is controlled by despreading and spreading weights. The spreading weights enable the base station Z to steer the signals it transmits to remote stations U and V that are have a sufficient geographic separation from one another. The despreading weights enable the base station Z to steer the receive sensitivity of the base station toward the sources of signals transmitted by remote stations U and V that have a sufficient geographic separation from one another. To illustrate the effectiveness of spatial diversity in this embodiment, remote stations U and V share the same discrete frequency tones F 1 and F 2 and the same TDMA interval. [0066] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a first incoming wireless signal 10 comprising a plurality of first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a first frequency band from the first remote station U at a first geographic location during a first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a second incoming wireless signal 14 comprising a plurality of the first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the first frequency band from the second remote station V at a second geographic location during the same, first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The base station Z in FIG. 1 , spatially despreads the first and second incoming signals 10 and 14 received at the base station Z by using spatial despreading weights. Spatial diversity is provided because the despreading weights enable the base station Z to steer the receive sensitivity of the base station toward the first remote station U and the second remote station V, respectively. [0067] Later, the base station Z in FIG. 1 , spatially spreads a first and second outgoing wireless signals 18 and 22 at the base station by using spatial spreading weights. Then the base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the first outgoing wireless signal 18 comprising a plurality of third discrete frequency tones F 1 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a second frequency band to the first remote station U at the first geographic location during a third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the second outgoing wireless signal 22 comprising a plurality of the third discrete frequency tones F that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the second frequency band to the second remote station V at the second geographic location during the same, third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. Spatial diversity is provided because the spreading weights enable the base station Z to steer the signals it transmits to the first and second remote stations U and V, respectively. [0068] FIG. 1 shows still another embodiment of the invention, wherein TDD, FDD, TDMA, OFDM, and polarization diversity are combined to enable the base station Z to efficiently communicate with many remote stations U, V, W, and X. This is possible because the antenna A, B, C, or D at the base station Z and the antennas at the remote stations U, V, W, and X are designed to distinguish orthogonally polarized signals. Signals exchanged between the base station Z and a first remote station U are polarized in one direction, and signals exchanged between the base station Z and a second remote station V are polarized in an orthogonal direction. To illustrate the effectiveness of polarization diversity in this embodiment, remote stations U and V share the same discrete frequency tones F and F 2 and the same TDMA interval. [0069] The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a first incoming wireless signal 10 polarized in a first polarization direction comprising a plurality of first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a first frequency band from the first remote station U during a first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The base station Z in FIG. 1 , receives a second incoming wireless signal 14 polarized in a second polarization direction comprising a plurality of the first discrete frequency tones F 2 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the first frequency band from a second remote station V during the first time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. The base station Z in FIG. 1 , distinguishes the first and second incoming signals 10 and 14 received at the base station by detecting the first and second polarization directions. Polarization diversity is provided because signals exchanged between the base station Z and the first remote station U are polarized in one direction, and signals exchanged between the base station Z and the second remote station V are polarized in an orthogonal direction. [0070] Later, the base station Z in FIG. 1 , forms a first and second outgoing wireless signals 18 and 22 at the base station by polarizing them in the first and second polarization directions, respectively. Then the base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the first outgoing wireless signal 18 polarized in the first polarization direction comprising a plurality of third discrete frequency tones F 1 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in a second frequency band to the first remote station U at the first geographic location during a third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. Then the base station Z in FIG. 1 , transmits the second outgoing wireless signal 22 polarized in the second polarization direction comprising a plurality of the third discrete frequency tones F 1 that are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) in the second frequency band to the second remote station V at the second geographic location during the third time division multiple access (TDMA) interval. Polarization diversity is provided because signals exchanged between the base station Z and the first remote station U are polarized in one direction, and signals exchanged between the base station Z and the second remote station V are polarized in an orthogonal direction. [0071] In still a further embodiment of the invention, TDD, FDD. TDMA, OFDM, spatial diversity, and polarization diversity are combined to enable a base station Z to efficiently communicate with many remote stations U, V, W, and X. The resulting invention makes highly efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources to provide good service to a large population of users. [0072] The PWAN system has a total of 3200 discrete tones (carriers) equally spaced in 10 MHZ of available bandwidth in the range of 1850 to 1990 MHZ. The spacing between the tones is 3.125 kHz. The total set of tones are numbered consecutively form 0 to 3199 starting from the lowest frequency tone. The tones are used to carry traffic messages and overhead messages between the base station and the plurality of remote units. [0073] In addition, the PWAN system uses overhead tones to establish synchronization and to pass control information between the base station and the remote units. A Common Link Channel (CLC) is used by the base to transmit control information to the Remote Units. A Common Access Channel (CAC) is used to transmit messages from the Remote Unit to the Base. There is one grouping of tones assigned to each channel. These overhead channels are used in common by all of the remote units when they are exchanging control messages with the base station. [0074] Selected tones within each tone set are designated as pilots distributed throughout the frequency band. Pilot tones carry known data patterns that enable an accurate channel estimation. The series of pilot tones, having known amplitudes and phases, have a known level and are spaced apart by approximately 30 KHz to provide an accurate representation of the channel response (i.e., the amplitude and phase distortion introduced by the communication channel characteristics) over the entire transmission band. [0075] Section 1 PWAN FDD Physical Layer 1.1 Overview [0076] The PWAN FDD system uses a TDMA structure to provide various data rates, and to allow a hybrid FDD/TDD technique at the remote station (RU). FDD is used in the sense that the Base and the RU transmit and receive on two separate bands, and the TDD is used to indicate that for a given connection both the Base and the RU transmit and receive on different TDMA slots. This has no effect on the overall system capacity, and is only a measure for simplifying the RU design; i.e. to ensure that a duplexer is not needed at the RU. 1.2 Frequency Definitions [0077] The total bandwidth allocation for the airlink of the PWAN Network is 10 MHZ in the PCS spectrum which is in the range of 1850 to 1990 MHZ. The total bandwidth is divided into two 5 MHZ bands called the Lower RF Band and the Upper RF Band. The separation between the lowest frequency in the Lower RF Band and the lowest frequency in the Upper RF Band (DF) is 80 MHZ. The base frequency (fbase) for the PWAN Network is defined as the lowest frequency of the Lower RF Band which depends on the specific PCS frequency band. As shown in FIG. 1.1 , the PWAN frequency assignment consists of a lower and an upper frequency band. [0078] There are a total of 1600 tones (carriers) equally spaced in each of the 5 MHZ of available bandwidth. The spacing between the tones is 3.125 kHz. The total set of tones are numbered consecutively from 0 to 3199 starting from the lowest frequency tone. Ti is the frequency of the ith tone: [0000] T i = { f base + Δ   f 2 + i · Δ   f 0 ≤ i ≤ 1599 f base + Δ   F + Δ   f 2 + i · Δ   f 1600 ≤ i ≤ 3199 [0000] where fbase is the base frequency, Df is 3.125 kHz, and DF is 80 MHZ. Equivalently, the relationship may be expressed as: [0000] T i = { f base + ( i + 1 2 ) · 3.125   kHz 0 ≤ i ≤ 1599 f base + 80000 + ( i + 1 2 ) · 3.125   kHz 1600 ≤ i ≤ 3199 [0079] The set of 3200 tones is the Tone Space. The tones in the Tone Space are used for two functions: transmission of bearer data, and transmission of overhead data. The tones used for the transmission of bearer data are the Bearer Tones, and the tones dedicated to pilot channels are the Overhead Tones. Bearer Tones [0080] The bearer tones are divided into 160 Physical Channels which consist of 80 Forward Physical Channels (FPC) and 80 reverse Physical Channels (RPC). Some of these channels are unavailable because they must be used as a guardband between PWAN and other services in the neighboring bands. Each of the Physical channels contains 18 Tones as shown in FIG. 1.2 . The mapping of tones into the ith FPCi, and the ith RPCi is shown in Table 1.1 and Table 1.2 respectively. Overhead Tones [0081] The overhead tones are used for the following channels: [0082] Forward Control Channel: FCC [0083] Reverse Control Channel: RCC [0000] These channels may use any set of the 160 overhead tones. The following equation shows the mapping of overhead tones: [0000] FCC( i )= T 101 0≦i≦159 [0000] RCC( i )= T 1600-101 0≦i≦159 1.3 Timing and Framing Definitions [0084] The framing structure is shown in FIG. 1.3 . The smallest unit of time shown in this figure is a TDMA Slot. 8 TDMA slots constitute a TDMA frame. 16 TDMA frames make a multiframe, and 32 multiframes make a superframe. Frame synchronization is performed at the superframe level. The multiframe boundary is determined from the superframe boundary. [0085] As shown in FIG. 1.4 , in every TDMA slot, there is a transmission burst and a guard time. Data is transmitted in each burst using multiple tones. The burst duration is Tburst. A guard period of duration Tguard is inserted after each burst. Table 1.3 shows the values of the TDMA slot parameters. 1.4 Bearer Channel Definitions [0086] A PWAN bearer channel uses a single physical channel with 18 tones separated by 3.125 kHz. The bandwidth occupancy of a bearer channel is therefore 56.25 kHz. Bearer channels may be used to carry traffic or control (access and broadcast) information. [0087] The PWAN traffic channels may carry between 16 kbit:s to 64 kbit/s of information depending on the number of TDMA slots assigned to them. A 16 kbitis PWAN traffic channel uses one TDMA slot per TDMA frame, a 32 kbit/s channel uses 2 TDMA slots per frame, and a 64 kbit/s channel uses 4 TMDA slots per TDMA frame, as shown in FIG. 1.5 . FIG. 1.5 assumes that there is no space division multiple access. However, it may be possible to support more than one user on a given TDMA slot, if the users are geographically separated and the transceiver can take advantage of that separation to form spatial beams. 1.5 Transmission Formats 1.5.1 Traffic Channel Modulation Modes [0088] In order to increase the overall capacity of the system, and to ensure viable deployment of the system in various interference levels, propagation environments, and possible required transmission ranges, PWAN may use various coded modulation schemes (rates). Under benign channel conditions, an efficient high rate code may be used. If conditions get worse, a low rate, coded modulation scheme is used. This is especially important considering the high availability requirements for a wireless local loop system. [0089] As an example, we consider the use of a bandwidth efficient rate 3/4 16 QAM scheme. Lower rate codes can also be used. 1.5.2 Base Transmission Format [0090] 1.5.2.1 Base Transmitter Functional Block Diagram 1.5.2.1.1 Traffic Channels (an Example) [0091] The Base transmits information to multiple RUs in its cell. This section describes the transmission formats for a 16 kbit/s to 64 kbit/s traffic channel, together with a 1 kbit/s to 4 kbit/s Link Control Channel (LCC) from the Base to a single RU. The 16 kbit/s link is achieved by assigning one TDMA slot per TDMA frame. The TDMA frame is 3 ms long, thus the effective data rate is 16 kbit/s times the number of TDMA slots per TDMA frame. For higher data rates, the process described in this section is repeated in every applicable TDMA slot. For example, for the 64 kbit/s link, 4 TDMA slots per frame need to be assigned; in which case, the process described here is repeated 4 times within a given TDMA frame. The block diagram for Base transmitter in FIG. 1.6 shows the processing of data for one TDMA slot. [0092] The Binary Source delivers 48 bits of data in one TDMA slot. The bit to octal conversion block converts the binary sequence into a sequence of 3-bit symbols. The symbol sequence is converted into a 16 element vector. One symbol from the Link Control Channel (LCC) is added to form a 17 element vector. [0093] The vector is trellis encoded. The trellis encoding starts with the most significant symbol (first element of the vector) and is continued sequentially until the last element of the vector (the LCC symbol). The output of the trellis encoder is a 17 element vector where each element is a signal within the set of 16QAM constellation signals. [0094] A known pilot symbol is added to form an 18 element vector, with the pilot as the first element of this vector. [0095] The resulting vector is to be transmitted over 8 different antennas. The elements of the vector are weighted according to the antenna element through which they are transmitted. The description of how these weights can be derived is found in Section 2. [0096] The 18 symbols destined for each antenna are then placed in the inverse DFT frequency bins (corresponding to the physical channel) where they are converted into the time domain. The symbols are mapped into tones on the ith forward physical channel FPCi. The mapping of the common link channel (CLC)/broadcast channel (BRC) symbols into tones is shown in Table 1-4. The digital samples are converted to analog, RF converted and sent to the corresponding antenna element (0 to 7) for transmission over the air. [0097] This process is repeated from the start for the next 48 bits of binary data transmitted in the next applicable TDMA slot. FIG. 1.6 is a Functional Block Diagram of Base transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. 1.5.2.1.2 CLC/BRC Channels [0098] The block diagram for the CLC/BRC transmissions is shown in FIG. 1.7 . The generation of CLC/BRC information is represented by a binary source that generates 72 bits of data for every CLC/BRC transmission. The 72 bit sequence is RS encoded using a shortened Reed Solomon RS (63, 35) code to generate a 40 RS symbol sequence (or equivalently a 240 bit sequence). [0099] The 240 bit sequence is then quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) modulated where every two bits are mapped onto a constellation point according to the Gray mapping shown in FIG. 1.8 . [0100] The output of the QPSK modulator is a 120 symbol sequence (S0-S119). The QPSK symbols are interleaved with 24 pilot symbols (P0-P23), where for every 5 data symbols, a pilot is inserted. This results in a 144 symbol sequence. The sequence is then time demultiplexed into 8, 18 element vectors for transmission over 8 TDMA slots (in two TDMA frames) as shown in FIG. 1.9 . [0101] A given 18 element vector is transmitted over 8 different antennas. The elements of the vector are weighted according to the antenna element through which they are transmitted. The description of how these weights can be derived is found in Section 2. [0102] The 18 symbols destined for each antenna are then placed in the inverse DFT frequency bins (corresponding to the physical channel) where they are converted into the time domain. The digital samples are converted to analog, RF converted and sent to the corresponding antenna element (0 to 7) for transmission over the air. Table 1.4 shows a mapping of symbols onto tones for CLC/BRC transmissions on the ith physical channel. [0103] 1.5.2.2 Base Receiver Functional Block Diagram 1.5.2.2.1 Traffic Channels (Example) [0104] FIG. 1.10 shows the block diagram of the Base receiver for a traffic channel. During a given TDMA slot, and on a given physical channel, the Base receives signals on all its 8 antennas. The signals are down-converted, digitally sampled, and transformed back into frequency domain using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). For a particular traffic channel, the appropriate tones are selected using a demultiplexer. The tones from all the antennas are then sent to a despreader. The despreader weights all the tones from a given antenna by a given weight which can be calculated as described in Section 2, and then adds all the tones from different antennas (addition of 8, 18 element vectors). The resulting 18 element vector is then sent to an equalizer where each element of the vector is multiplied by a phase correction factor, and the pilot symbol is stripped off the sequence. The remaining 17 symbols are sent to the trellis decoder which delivers 16 symbols (48 bits) of traffic data, and 1 symbol (3 bits) of LCC data. [0105] This process is repeated from the start for the next 48 bits of binary data transmitted in the next applicable TDMA slot. FIG. 1.10 is a Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. 1.5.2.2.2 Common Access Channels (CACs) [0106] FIG. 1.11 shows the block diagram of the Base receiver for a CAC. During a given TDMA slot, and on a given physical channel, the Base receives signals on all its 8 antennas. The signals are down-converted, digitally sampled, and transformed back into frequency domain using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). For a particular CAC channel, the appropriate tones are selected using a demultiplexer. The tones from all the antennas are then sent to a despreader. The despreader weights all the tones from a given antenna by a given weight which can be calculated as described in Section 2, and then adds all the tones from different antennas (addition of 8, 18 element vectors). The resulting 18 tones are sent to an equalizer where each tone is multiplied by a phase correction factor, and the 9 pilot symbols are stripped off the sequence. The 9 element vector is then QPSK demodulated. Since each element of the vector is a QPSK symbol representing two bits of information, the demodulator outputs 18 bits of information. [0107] The time multiplexer collects the symbols received in 8 consecutive TDMA slots to form 144 bits of RS encoded information hence forming a 24 RS symbol block (every RS symbol is 6 bits long). The RS block is then decoded to produce 12 RS symbols or 72 bits of the original CAC information transmitted from the RU. FIG. 1.11 is a Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a CAC. [0108] 1.5.2.3 RU Transmitter Functional Block Diagram 1.5.2.3.1 Traffic Channels [0109] The RU transmits information to the single Base in its cell. This section describes the transmission formats for a 16 kbit/s to 64 kbit/s traffic channel, together with a 1 kbit/s to 4 kbit/s Link Control Channel (LCC) from an RU to its Base. The 16-kbit/s link is achieved by assigning one TDMA slot per frame. For higher data rates, the process described in this section is repeated in every applicable TDMA slot. For example, for the 64 kbit/s link, 4 TDMA slots per frame need to be assigned. [0110] The block diagram for the RU transmitter in FIG. 1.12 shows the processing of data for one TDMA slot. [0111] The Binary Source delivers 48 bits of data in one TDMA slot. The bit to octal conversion block converts the binary sequence into a sequence of 3-bit symbols. The symbol sequence is converted into a 16 element vector. One symbol from the Link Control Channel (LCC) is then added to form a 17 element vector. [0112] The vector is trellis encoded. The output of the trellis encoder is another 17 element vector where each element is a signal within the set of 16QAM constellation signals. [0113] A known pilot symbol is then added to form an 18 element vector. The 18 elements are placed in the inverse DFT frequency bins (corresponding to the physical channel) where they are converted into the time domain. The digital samples are converted to analog, RF converted and sent to antenna for transmission over the air. [0114] This process is repeated from the start for the next 48 bits of binary data transmitted in the next applicable TDMA slot. FIG. 1.12 is a Functional Block Diagram of RU transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. 1.5.2.3.2 Common Access Channels (CACs) [0115] The block diagram for the RU CAC transmissions is shown in FIG. 1.13 . The generation of CAC information is represented by a binary source that generates 72 bits of data for every CAC transmission. The 72 bit sequence is RS encoded using a shortened Reed Solomon RS (63, 35) code to generate a 24 RS symbol sequence (or equivalently a 114 bit sequence). [0116] The 114 bit sequence is QPSK modulated where every two bits are mapped onto a constellation point according to Gray mapping. The output of the QPSK modulator is therefore a 72 symbol sequence (S0-S71). The QPSK symbols are interleaved with 72 known pilot symbols (P0-P71), where for every data symbol, a pilot is inserted. This results in a 144 symbol sequence. The sequence is time demultiplexed into 8, 18 element vectors for transmission over 8 TDMA slots (in two TDMA frames) as shown in FIG. 1.14 . Table 1.5 Mapping of symbols onto tones for CAC transmissions on the ith reverse physical channel [0117] During each TDMA slot, the 18 symbols are placed in the DFT frequency bins (corresponding to the physical channel) where they are converted into the time domain. The digital samples are converted to analog, RF converted and sent to the antenna for transmission over the air. FIG. 1.14 shows the demultiplexing of a CAC message on two consequent TDMA frames. [0118] 1.5.2.4 RU Receiver Functional Block Diagram 1.5.2.4.1 Traffic Channels [0119] FIG. 1.15 shows the block diagram of the RU receiver. During a given TDMA slot, and on a given physical channel, the RU receives a signal on its antenna. The signals are down-converted, digitally sampled, and transformed back into frequency domain using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). For a particular traffic channel, the appropriate tones are selected using a demultiplexer. The 18 tones are sent to an equalizer where each tone is multiplied by a phase correction factor, and the pilot symbol is stripped off the sequence. The remaining 17 symbols are sent to the trellis decoder which delivers 16 symbols (48 bits) of traffic data, and 1 symbol (3 bits) of LCC data. [0120] FIG. 1.15 shows the Functional Block Diagram of RU receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. 1.5.2.4.2 Common Link and Broadcast Channels (CLC/BRCs) [0121] FIG. 1.16 is a block diagram representation of baseband processing in the CLC/BRC receiver. During a given TDMA slot, on a given physical channels used for CLC/BRC transmission, the RU receives a time domain signal through its antenna. The signal is down-converted, digitally sampled, and transformed back into frequency domain using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). The appropriate tones for the CLC/BRC are selected using a demultiplexer. The 18 tones are sent to an equalizer where each tone is multiplied by a phase correction factor, and the 3 pilot symbols are then stripped off. The remaining 15 elements are then QPSK demodulated. Hence, the demodulator outputs 30 bits of information. [0122] The time multiplexer collects the data in 8 consecutive TDMA slots to form 240 bits of RS encoded information hence forming a 40 RS symbol block (every RS symbol is 6 bits long). The RS block is then decoded to produce 12 RS symbols or 72 bits of the original CLC/BRC information transmitted from the Base. [0123] Section 2 PWAN FDD Spatial Processing Introduction [0124] Spatial processing is incorporated into the PWAN physical layer to provide enhanced capacity and an improved grade of service. These are achieved through spatial isolation for frequency reuse and through the suppression of co-channel interferers. In a frequency division duplex (FDD) system where the transmit and receive bands are widely separated in frequency, reciprocity in the channel is not achievable. Therefore, different beamforming strategies are needed on the forward and reverse channels. [0125] This section specifically describes those functions required to implement spatial processing at the PWAN Base station. Spatial processing at the Remote Unit is optional and offers a potential means of gaining spatial degrees of freedom for further increases in capacity. [0126] The primary functions present in any beamforming system will be described for both the forward and reverse links. They include the application of the beamforming weights, weight computation, adaptation, and incorporation of the reference pilots. [0127] 2.1 Narrowband Assumption [0128] It is first important to address one of the primary assumptions inherent in any beamforming system; whether it is narrowband or broadband in frequency. For the PWAN system, it is assumed that all beamforming is narrowband. It is necessary to define the system as narrowband at the outset to be sure that the frequency responses at different array elements match closely and that received spatial samples are sufficiently correlated from one end of the array to the next. [0129] This assumption can be examined analytically in the context of the observation time-bandwidth product for the Base station antenna aperture. It can also be tested through observation of the mismatch present in the beam pattern across the frequency band of interest. [0130] The observation-time interval for an antenna aperture is defined as the time required for a plane waveform to travel completely across the antenna aperture. This is a function of the signal angle-of-arrival. The observation time-bandwidth product (TBWP) is the product of the observation interval and the signal bandwidth. For an array to be considered narrowband, the TBWP should be much less than 1 for all angles of arrival. [0131] A quick calculation of the TBWP for a linear aperture with 8 element uniform spacing should give a bound on this TBWP for PWAN, since this would be the limiting case on the observation interval for a uniformly spaced array. Equation 2.1 and Equation 2.2 describe this calculation, where Td is the observation time interval, BW is the signal bandwidth (112.5 kHz), N is the number of array elements (8), and c is the speed of light. [0000] Td =(Element Spacing*sin(angle-of-arrival))/ c )*( N− 1)=(2.63 e− 10)*(8−1)=1.84 e− 09  (Eq 2.1) [0000] TBWP=1.84 e− 09 *BW= 1.84 e− 09*112.5 e 03=2.07 e− 04 TBWP=2.07 e− 04<<1  (Eq 2.2) [0132] This calculation was done for the maximum angle-of-arrival off boresight (at endfire) of 90 degrees for the maximum observation interval. As can be seen from equation 1.2, the TBWP is much less than one for the maximum delay (all other angles would have smaller TBWP) so the narrowband assumption holds. [0133] This assumption was also investigated for the linear array through simulations with the result that mismatch in the beampatterns over this bandwidth had negligible mean-square error (MSE); again validating the narrowband assumption. 2.2 Far Field Assumption [0134] Another important assumption inherent in the PWAN beamforming system is the far-field assumption. This states that all beamforming functions are designed for waveforms received from the far-field (>˜4 meters) as opposed to the near field (<˜4 meters). This allows the designer to treat any propagating waveform impinging on the antenna aperture as a planar wavefront, thus implying that propagation of the signal between two antenna elements can be characterized as pure delay. The signal is assumed to have equal intensity at any point on the planar wavefront. 2.3 Forward Channel [0135] On the forward link, from the Base to the RU, beamforming is employed to provide isolation between spatially separated RUs. At transmission from the Base, beamforming is based on direction-of-arrival estimates derived from received RU transmissions. At the RU receiver, spatial isolation is provided by data combining at the antenna aperture itself for a continuous fixed beampattern. 2.3.1 Base Transmitter [0136] A functional representation of a single traffic channel for the Base transmitter is presented in FIG. 2.1 . This section will address those components of the Base transmitter that directly implement the spatial processing functions; the Spreader block shaded in FIG. 2.1 and the antenna array. FIG. 2.1 is a Functional Block Diagram of Base transmitter for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. [0137] 2.3.1.1 Antenna Array [0138] The antenna array for the Base transmitter consists of N sensors that transmit spatially weighted signals from each array element. This array is configured in a hemispherical geometry with either uniform or non-uniform element spacing. [0139] 2.3.1.2 Weight Application [0140] Beamforming in the forward direction is achieved by applying a complex weight matrix, W, composed of weight vectors corresponding to each user, such that the transmitted signal is reinforced in the direction of the desired RU(s) and attenuated for all other transmit directions. This weight application is described in the following equation. [0000] X=WY   (Eq 2.3) [0000] Equation 2.3 represents a matrix multiplication of the baseband tone data. Y, by the weight matrix. W, to produce the tone data to be modulated and transmitted, X. [0141] 2.3.1.3 Weight Derivation [0142] The Spreader block within the Base transmitter provides the matrix of spatial weights, W, for application to the tone data to be transmitted. This matrix may be derived by one of several methods; from data-independent fixed beam weights derived from the spatial separation of the antenna array aperture, by real-time, adaptive, computation of statistically optimum beam weights derived from second order statistics of the data received over the antenna array aperture, or by receiving either type of weight through an interface from another Base subsystem. [0143] Each method of weight derivation implies certain advantages with regard to spatial isolation, co-channel interference rejection, and system processing complexity. [0144] Data independent fixed beam weights place the least real-time computational burden on the baseband subsystem, since these weights can be pre-calculated and tabularized for look-up on a per call basis at real-time. Data-independent weights provide spatial isolation between downlink transmissions for spatial division multiple access (SDMA) but, will not steer nulls for direct suppression of co-channel interferers. However, suppression of these interferers is inherent in the spatial isolation provided by the mainlobe-to-sidelobe ratio, but the advantages (spatial resolution and increased attenuation) of adaptively steering nulls directly at a co-channel interferers are not available. [0145] Statistically optimum beamforming weights provide direct suppression of co-channel interferers, but require increased processing power and cause increased latency due to convergence times in the weight calculation. It should also be noted that in FDD systems, direction of arrival (DOA) estimation will not provide the transmit beamformer with accurate estimates of multipath components due to the independence of channel effects over the wide frequency separation of the forward and reverse bands. This implies that the transmit beamformer will only be able to null fixed line of sight (LOS) transmissions from interfering RUs. Another significant benefit to this approach, however, is the increased resolution of the mainbeam, thus providing enhanced spatial resolution over data-independent weights. [0146] 2.3.1.4 Weight Update [0147] The weight matrix, W, must be periodically updated. This update is required to track changes in the forward link channel as well as individual links continuously being torn down and set up over that channel. For data independent weights, channel tracking does not apply and the weight update is based on a per call basis. For statistically optimum weights, the update interval is based on the rate of adaptation derived from the channel statistics (time-bandwidth product and channel stationarity.) [0148] 2.3.1.5 Reference Signal [0149] The Base will transmit reference link maintenance pilots (LMPs) to provide a phase reference for coherent demodulation and an estimate of the desired signal for beamform error estimation. Reference signals are transmitted on both the forward link and on the reverse link. This allows the Base to make a measurement of mean-square error (MSE) for use in deriving an optimal beamform solution on the reverse link without relying on direction-of-arrival estimation. [0150] 2.3.1.6 Direction-of-Arrival Estimation [0151] A priori knowledge of the angle-of-arrival for RU transmissions is required to steer transmit beams at the desired signals on a call-by-call basis. This information must be gathered through DOA estimation techniques. [0152] 2.3.2 RU Receiver [0153] RU baseband spatial processing techniques perform spatial processing at the array aperture to form a continuous beam. 2.4 Reverse Channel [0154] On the reverse link, from the RU to the Base, beamforming is employed to provide isolation between spatially separated RUs and to provide suppression of co-channel interferers. On this link, no a priori knowledge of the angle-of-arrival of RU transmissions is required but, rather, reference signal adaptive beamforming is employed. [0155] 2.4.1 Base Receiver [0156] A functional representation of a single traffic channel for the Base receiver is presented in FIG. 2.2 . This section addresses those components of the Base receiver that directly implement the spatial processing functions; the Despreader block shaded in FIG. 2.2 and the antenna array. FIG. 2.2 shows the Functional Block Diagram of Base receiver for a single traffic channel in rate 3/4 16 QAM mode. [0157] 2.4.1.1 Antenna Array [0158] The antenna array for the Base receiver consists of N sensors that sample waveforms impinging on the array aperture at each array element. This array is configured in a hemispherical geometry with either uniform or non-uniform element spacing. [0159] 2.4.1.2 Weight Application [0160] Spatial processing in the reverse direction is achieved by applying a complex weight matrix, W, composed of weight vectors corresponding to each user, such that the received signal is reinforced in the direction of the desired RU and attenuated in all other directions. This weight application is described in the following equation. [0000] Y=WX   (Eq 2.4) [0000] Equation 2.4 represents a matrix multiplication of the baseband tone data, X, by the weight matrix, W, to produce the despread tone data, Y. [0161] 2.4.1.3 Weight Derivation [0162] The Despreader block within the Base receiver provides the matrix of spatial weights, W, for application to the received data. This matrix may be derived by one of several methods; from data-independent fixed beam weights derived from the spatial separation of the antenna array aperture, by real-time, adaptive, computation of statistically optimum beam weights derived from second-order statistics received over the antenna array aperture, or by receiving either type of weight through an interface from another Base subsystem. [0163] Each method of weight derivation implies certain advantages with regard to spatial isolation, co-channel interference rejection, and system processing complexity. [0164] Data independent fixed beam weights place the least real-time computational burden on the baseband subsystem, since these weights can be pre-calculated and tabularized for look-up on a per call basis at real-time. Data-independent weights provide spatial isolation between uplink transmissions for spatial division multiple access (SDMA) but, do not steer nulls for direct suppression of co-channel interferers. However, suppression of these interferers is inherent in the spatial isolation provided by the mainlobe-to-sidelobe ratio, but the advantages (spatial resolution and increased attenuation) of adaptively steering nulls directly at a co-channel interferers is not available. [0165] Statistically optimum beamforming weights provide direct suppression of co-channel interferers, but require increased processing power and cause increased latency due to convergence times in the weight calculation. [0166] 2.4.1.4 Weight Update [0167] The weight matrix, W, must be periodically updated. This update is required to track changes in the reverse link channel as well as individual links continuously being torn down and set up over the channel. For data independent weights, channel tracking does not apply and the weight update is based on a per call basis. For statistically optimum weights, the update interval is based on the rate of adaptation derived from the channel statistics (time-bandwidth product and channel stationarity.) [0168] 2.4.1.5 Direction-of-Arrival Estimation [0169] On the reverse link, direction-of-arrival estimation is performed on the received data set for application on the forward link. This information allows the Base transmit beamformer to steer beams at the intended RU and, for statistically optimum weights, nulls at interfering RUs. For a wireless local loop system such as PWAN, no tracking of the angle-of-arrival estimate is necessary since the source RUs are fixed in space. As mentioned previously, these angle-of-arrival estimates have the disadvantage of being independent across PCS bands so that they will not track multipath effects. [0170] 2.4.1.6 Reference Pilots [0171] The Base will transmit reference link maintenance pilots (LMPs) to provide a phase reference for coherent demodulation and an estimate of the desired signal for beamform error estimation. Reference signals are transmitted on both the forward link and on the reverse link. This allows the Base to make a measurement of mean-square error (MSE) for use in deriving an optimal beamform solution on the reverse link without relying on direction-of-arrival estimation. 2.4.2 RU Transmitter [0172] RU baseband spatial processing techniques RU perform spatial processing at the array aperture to form a continuous beam. [0173] Section 3 PWAN Channel Allocation Introduction [0174] When a traffic channel is to be established for an RU the base must allocate a channel on which the RU can meet the required grade of service. 3.1 RU Capability [0175] The channel allocation algorithm needs to know information concerning the capabilities of each active and new RU. If future equipments operate over different IF bandwidths then the channel allocation algorithm needs to know what each equipment can support. [0176] In the first generation of PWAN the RU's support a 1 MHz operating bandwidth. This allows operation over any of 16 channels. When an RU is identified by its RUID the base searches a data base containing the required information about the RU for the channel allocation algorithm e.g. frequency (IF), bandwidth (BW), number of bearer (B) channels supported, type(s) of voice coding supported, etc. 3.2 Direction of Arrival (DOA) [0177] Since the system is dependent on SDMA for increasing capacity, a very important parameter is the DOA for each RU. The channel allocation algorithm needs to know the DOA of every RU involved in an active call and the DOAs of any new RUs. [0178] Initially a channel allocation algorithm could be devised which simply maximizes the separation of the DOA between a new RU and the other active RU's on some number of available clusters. However, as the number of users on the system increases, there needs to be more information incorporated into the channel selection than just DOA. [0179] There are several candidate algorithms for DOA estimation: [0180] coherent signal-subspace (CSS) with spatial interpolation [0181] SS-DOA [0182] MUSIC [0183] ESPRIT 3.3 Channel Measurements [0184] In order for the best channel to be chosen, the RUs must make measurements on some number of channels and report the results to the base station for use in selecting the best channel for an RU when a link is established. These measurements include RSSI and SINR. Table 3.1 shows a gross look at how received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and signal to interference ratio (SINR) information could be used to assign channels to incoming RUs. [0185] It is clear that the lower the RSSI on a channel the better a candidate it would be since there is little energy directed at that RU on that channel by any base. However an RU could measure energy from a forward antenna pattern sidelobe as shown in FIG. 3.1 . From FIG. 3.1 it is seen that the incoming RU could be accommodated if the serving base altered its beam pattern for the established RU to steer a null at the incoming RU. Likewise the beam pattern for the incoming RU would have a null steered at the established RU. This situation is shown in FIG. 3.2 . FIG. 3.1 shows Forward beam pattern and its effect on RU RSSI. FIG. 3.2 shows Forward beam pattern altered to accommodate incoming RU. [0186] With only RSSI information it is impossible to distinguish between the beam sidelobe of the serving base and interference from surrounding bases. To help decide between intercell and intracell energy the SINR measurements are used. A low SINR value indicates high levels of noise and interference on the channel. A high SINR value indicates a clear signal from the serving base. So for the situation shown in FIG. 3.1 the RU would report significant RSSI with fairly high SINR. If the DOA of the incoming RU was far enough away from the established RU then there is enough information to know that the forward beam pattern can be squinted to accommodate the incoming RU on that channel as shown in FIG. 3.2 . [0187] As a first cut it seems that the three pieces of data can be combined into a channel candidacy assessment factor (CAF). The three desirable situations are: large separation in DOA, small RSSI, and high SINR. So an equation to quantify the candidacy of channel n is [0000] CAF( n )= f DOA( n )+ f RSSI( n )− f SINR( n )  (Eq 3.1) [0000] f DOA( n )= a 1(180−min(|DOA e ( k )−DOA i ≡)) for all k   (Eq 3.2) [0000] f RSSI( n )= a 2(133+RSSI( n ))  (Eq 3.3) [0000] f SINR( n )= a 3(SINRRU( n )+SINRBase( n ))  (Eq 3.4) [0188] A lower value of CAF indicates a better candidacy for that channel. An ideal channel would have a CAF of 0. In Equation 3.2 through Equation 3.4a1, a2, and a3 are scale factors for the three terms. The first term of Equation 3.1 assesses the DOA information. The maximum separation possible is 180 degrees. So a larger difference in DOA will cause the first term to be smaller. The second term of Equation 3.1 assesses the RSSI measurement. The noise floor of the receiver is −133 dBm. This is the ideal measurement indicating no activity on that channel, so any value greater than −133 dBm biases the CAF away from ideal. The third term of Equation 3.1 includes the effects of channel SINR. A larger value of SINRRU gives a better CAF since it means the energy seen by the RU is from the serving base. Likewise a larger SINRBase means there is less interference from RUs in other cells on that channel. EXAMPLE [0189] a 1 =a 2=1 ,a 3=1/2 [0190] An RU requests a traffic channel from its serving cell. It reports the following measurements as part of traffic establishment: RSSI(1)=−95 dBm, SINRRU(1)=9.3 dB [0000] RSSI(2)=−95 dBm,SINRRU(2)=4.5 dB. [0191] The serving base measures the incoming RU's DOA as 42 degrees. There is an RU on channel 1 at 127 degrees, and one on channel 2 at 133 degrees. Also, SINRBase(1)=12 dB, and SINRBase(2)=13 dB. [0000] CAF(1)=(180−|127−42|)+(133−95)−0.5(9.3+12)=122.35 [0000] CAF(2)=(180−|133−42|)+(133−95)−0.5(4.5+13)=118.25 [0192] The RU measured the same RSSI on both channels. The DOA of the existing RU on channel 1 was slightly better than the DOA of the existing RU on channel 2. The base's SINR measurement for channel 1 was slightly better than the measurement for channel 2. The measurement that made the biggest difference in this case was the RU SINR. [0193] In order to effectively measure SINR, the RUs and base must have a sense of whether or not a signal belongs to a given cell. Without any such mechanisms a SINR measurement would be the same for a signal of a given RSSI level from the serving base as it would be for a signal from a neighboring base with the same RSSI value. A way to differentiate signals in different cells is to encode the reference pilots on the traffic channels with different phases or sequence of phases which would be derived from the Base Station Offset Code. 3.4 Procedure [0000] 1. In idle mode each RU measures the RSSI and SINR of each channel it could potentially operate on and orders them from subjective best to subjective worst. 2. There is a parameter, meas_rpts, which is sent on the broadcast channel of each base stating how many channel measurements an RU will send to the base when a traffic connection is to be established. 3. When a traffic connection is to be established the RU sends the best meas_rpts channel measurements to the base on the SCAC channel. 4. The base uses the channel measurements sent by the RU to compute a CAF for each of the candidate channels in the set sent by the RU. 5. If one or more of the channels in the set which was sent by the RU produces an acceptable CAF then the channel with the best CAF is chosen. 6. If none of the channels in the set which was sent by the RU produces an acceptable CAF then the base requests the next best set of meas_rpts measurements from the RU. 7. The base repeats steps 4 through 6 until either an acceptable channel is found and is then used or the list of candidate channels is exhausted at which point the call is blocked. [0201] Section 4 PWAN Synchronization Introduction [0202] The RU synchronization and Base delay compensation algorithms are discussed. Both algorithms aim to achieve synchronization in either time (Base delay compensation), or in time and frequency (RU synchronization). 4.1 RU Synchronization [0203] When the remote unit (RU) is initialized and begins receiving transmissions from its Base, the time of arrival of the waveform is unknown. Also, the RU Signal Pilots (RSPs) will not likely be within the prescribed FFT bins because the Base oscillator and the RU oscillator are operating at slightly different frequencies. The purpose of the synchronization algorithm is to align the RU processing window, or receive gate, with the waveform, and to adjust the RU reference oscillator (VCXO) to operate at the same frequency as the Base oscillator. [0204] Synchronization is presented as a two-step process. First, acquisition of the synchronization waveform in both time and frequency must occur. The RU receive gate is adjusted to contain most of the signal energy, and the RU VCXO is adjusted to eliminate most of the RU-Base frequency disparity. Driving the residual frequency offset to zero and maintaining an average frequency offset of zero requires a robust method of frequency estimation, continuously running during RU operation. Once the frequency error is eliminated, the RU is said to be frequency-locked to the base. Maintaining the zero frequency error is the function of the frequency-tracking step, which runs continuously in the background. The phase-locked loop (PLL) is capable of tracking time-varying phase immersed in noise, and is thus an effective frequency estimator for tracking RU-Base frequency errors. In fact, the PLL is the implementation of the optimal; i.e., maximum likelihood, carrier phase estimator. [0205] The only requirement for the algorithm is that the system is based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), with even spacing between tones. [0206] 4.1.1 Time Required for Synchronization [0207] RU synchronization is performed at initialization of the RU, or whenever synchronization is lost. The time requirements for achieving initial synchronization are not as critical as for the case when the RU has to reestablish frequency lock after sleep mode. RU battery life is the critical issue in keeping resync time at a minimum. [0208] Time and frequency bandwidth are the resources that determine how long it takes to achieve frequency lock. Channel effects and noise must be averaged out in the estimation of time delay and frequency offsets; one can either average over time, or over frequency, to mitigate these effects. A balance must be struck between use of the available bandwidth and the time constraints determined by the system requirements. [0209] 4.1.2 RU Synchronization Implementation 4.1.2.1 Synchronization Pilots [0210] The proposed synchronization algorithm does not assume a particular model for the data channel configuration. That is, no particular tone mapping of the pilot waveforms, or RU signal pilots (RSPs), is assumed. The RSPs can comprise the overhead tones of a data channel, be in a separate synchronization channel, or constitute part of a message framing structure. 4.1.2.2 Functional Description [0211] The ultimate objective of synchronization is to achieve time and frequency lock for demodulation of data. Precise alignment of the RU receive time gate with the data burst, and frequency lock of the RU oscillator with the Base is required for orthogonality of the FFT bin data, and hence, for reliable demodulation. Synchronization relies upon a multiple step procedure in which coarse adjustments are made in time and frequency, then fine adjustments are made in time and frequency to system specifications. The steps, labeled coarse time alignment, coarse frequency alignment, fine time alignment, and frequency tracking, are outlined below. 1. Coarse Time Alignment. The waveform must be within the receive gate for determination of the RSPs in frequency. Coarse time alignment is achieved with a filter matched to the frequency-offset waveform. 2. Coarse Frequency Alignment. Outputs from a bank of matched filters in the frequency domain yield a coarse estimate of the frequency offset. The RU VCXO is adjusted to bring the RU oscillator within a specified frequency tolerance of the Base oscillator. 3. Frequency Track. A phase-locked loop (PLL) drives the residual frequency offset to zero and continuously adjusts the RU VCXO to keep the average frequency difference at zero. 4. Fine Time Alignment. This aligns the waveform with the RU receive gate to within the final required accuracy. [0216] 4.1.2.3 Processing Description [0217] A high level block diagram of the processing steps is given in FIG. 4.1 . FIG. 4.1 shows the methods used to accomplish the objective of each processing step. Except for the frequency tracking stage, matched filtering constitutes the primary tool for time and frequency acquisition. Realization of the matched filter differs in each step, but the concept is identical. Coarse time alignment uses a filter impulse response that is matched to the frequency-offset waveform. Coarse frequency alignment uses a bank of filters to estimate the frequency offset. The final time alignment step uses a single filter that is tuned to the exact specified frequency. 4.2 Delay Compensation [0218] When a RU is installed, it needs to know when to transmit its signals in relation to the signals received from the Base station so that its signal will arrive at the base station at the same time as the signals from the other RUs. The Base station measures the difference between the expected time of arrival and the actual time of arrival of the RU signals. It then transmits this measurement information to the RU so it can advance or delay the time that it sends signals to the Base station. [0219] FIG. 4.2 shows the signals that appear at the Base station. The Base station expects to see the signals from the RU arrive 55 us after it transmits its last burst. FIG. 4.3 shows the signals that appear at the Base and the RU. Before the RU is compensated, the signals it transmits arrive at the Base at a different time to the signals transmitted by the other RUs. The Base measures the delay and transmits the measurement to the RU. The RU then adjusts the time of transmission to compensate for the delay. [0220] Delay compensation can be performed upon installation and also at every call setup. The Delay Compensation calculation routine examines the average signal power in the signals used for the delay calculations and if they are above a certain threshold then a delay compensation measurement is made. FIG. 4.3 shows the Delay Compensation in action. 4.2.1 Algorithm Description [0221] Delay compensation relies on measuring the phase of pilot tones called delay compensation pilots (DCPs). The RU transmits the DCPs to the base station with each DCP having the same phase shift. If the RU has been compensated properly the DCP tones arrive at the base station in phase with each other. If the signal from the RU is delayed then each of the DCP tones experiences a phase shift, which is proportional to the DCP frequency. The Base measures the phase of each DCP and uses linear regression to fit the phases to a straight line. The slope of this line is proportional to the delay. A slope of zero indicates that no delay compensation is needed, whereas a nonzero slope means that the signal is arriving too early (or late) and the RU needs to delay (or advance) transmission of its signal. [0222] Multipath effects and noise will corrupt the phase measurements. This can be mitigated by averaging the phase measurements over frequency (over DCPs) and over time (over successive data bursts). [0223] Section 5 Diversity Introduction [0224] Diversity is a communication receiver technique that exploits the random nature of radio propagation by finding highly uncorrelated signal paths for communication. Diversity decisions are made by the receiver. If one radio path undergoes a deep fade, another independent path may have a strong signal. By having more than one path to select from, both the instantaneous and average signal to noise ratios at the receiver may be improved. [0225] In Space diversity, multiple base station or remote station receiving antennas are used to provide diversity reception. [0226] In polarization diversity, horizontal and vertical polarization paths between a remote station and a base station are uncorrelated. The decorrelation for the signals in each polarization is caused by multiple reflections in the channel between the remote station antennas. Depending on the characteristics of the link between a given remote and its base station. [0227] Frequency diversity transmits information on more than one carrier frequency. [0228] Time diversity repeatedly transmits information at time spacings that exceed the coherence time of the channel, so that multiple repetitions of the signal will be received with independent fading conditions. [0229] There are four categories of diversity reception methods: [0230] 1. Selection diversity [0231] 2. Feedback diversity [0232] 3. Maximal ratio combining [0233] 4. Equal gain diversity [0234] In Selection diversity m demodulators are used to provide m diversity branches. The receiver branch having the highest instantaneous SNR is connected to the demodulator. [0235] In Feedback or Scanning Diversity, the m signals are scanned in a fixed sequence until one is found to be above a predetermined threshold. [0236] In Maximal Ratio Combining, the signals from all of the m branches are weighted according to their individual signal voltage to noise power rations and then summed. [0237] In Equal Gain Combining, the branch weights are all set to unity but the signals from each branch are co-phased to provide equal gain combining diversity. [0238] Although frequency diversity is used to mitigate fading, it is not the sole means. In an FDD-based system in which the coherence bandwidth may exceed the available bandwidth, the effectiveness of frequency diversity is not sufficient to avoid fading. Receiving on orthogonal polarization components is used as a complementary means to combat fading. Polarization diversity is used in the PWAN system. 5.1 Frequency Diversity [0239] The maximum frequency separation possible in an 8×2 (spatial×frequency) implementation for the 5 MHZ band is 2.5 MHZ. The frequency separation must exceed the channel coherence bandwidth to minimize the likelihood that both carriers are simultaneously faded. The coherence bandwidths corresponding to correlations of 90% and 50% between frequencies are typically used for roughly characterizing the channel. An estimate of the coherence bandwidth at the 0.90 correlation level is given by equation: [0000] B c ≈ 1 50  σ τ [0000] where is the rms delay spread. When the coherence bandwidth is defined for 0.50, correlation between frequency components, becomes [0000] B c ≈ 1 5  σ τ [0240] Table 5.1 lists as a function of correlation level and upper and lower bounds on rms delay spreads measured at PCS bands including both line of sight and non-line of sight paths. [0241] At the 50% correlation level, the upper bound of exceeds the 2.5 MHZ frequency spacing available for frequency diversity in the PWAN FDD system. The data presented here is not intended as the definitive measure of the coherence bandwidths expected in the PWAN deployment. Rather, it is intended to show that given the uncertainties in the environment, the coherence bandwidth can easily exceed the available system bandwidth for frequency diversity. Given this, another mechanism, such as polarization, must be considered for diversity. 5.2 Polarization Diversity 5.2.1 Introduction [0242] Polarization diversity exploits the tendency of multipath to spill energy from a transmitted polarization component into the orthogonal polarization component. For example, a transmitter may emit a vertically polarized component, but the receiver would receive energy in both the vertical and horizontal polarization components. If fading affects one component and not the other, then the signal could still be received in a polarization diverse system. 5.2.2 Results [0243] Polarization diversity for 900 MHZ and 1800 MHZ systems can provide a diversity gain comparable to horizontal spatial diversity gain. Polarization diversity is used in conjunction with or in lieu of frequency diversity. Some conclusions are: The correlation between fading of the horizontal and vertical polarization components in multipath is significantly less than 0.70 95% of the time. Correlation values are less than 0.10. Polarization diversity receive systems can provide performance improvement over a single linear polarization channel in a strong multipath environment. The performance is comparable with that provided by a horizontal spatial diversity system. Diversity performance is enhanced when the transmitting antenna strongly excites a horizontal component in addition to the vertical component. This occurs with a slant 45 degree linear polarization or circular polarization. In this case, the average received signal experiences a loss of less than 1 dB compared with the spatial diversity system. Maximal ratio combining of the polarization branches is generally assumed in the papers. This provides the best performance compared to selection diversity and equal gain combining. Compared with selection diversity, maximal ratio combining can provide as much as a 3 dB gain benefit in mitigating multipath effects. In a multipath environment, the typical cross-polarization level is about −10 dB relative to the polarization level of the transmitting antenna. 5.3 The Polarization Diverse System [0249] The orthogonal polarization components may be sufficiently decorrelated to provide protection against multipath fading. (However, the high degree of cross-polarization that makes diversity possible works against polarization as an interference suppression mechanism.) The implementation scenario for polarization diversity in the PWAN system is the following: Polarization diversity reception at both the Base and RU Transmitting with either a slant-45 degree linear polarization, or with circular polarization Receiving with either a dual slant 45 degree linear polarization, or with vertical (V) and horizontal (H) components Combining the polarization branches with either maximal ratio combining or equal gain combining. A trade-off between the optimality of the maximal ratio combining and the implementational ease of equal gain combining will determine the best solution. [0254] The resulting invention makes highly efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources to provide good service to a large population of users. [0255] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that obvious modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit or essence. Consequently, the preceding description should be taken as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention should be determined in view of the following claims.

The high quality PCS communications are enabled in environments where adjacent PCS service bands operate with out-of-band harmonics that would otherwise interfere with the system's operation. The highly bandwidth-efficient communications method combines a form of time division duplex (TDD), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), spatial diversity, and polarization diversity in various unique combinations. The method provides excellent fade resistance. The method enables changing a user's available bandwidth on demand by assigning additional TDMA slots during the user's session.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/545,320, filed Apr. 7, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,545, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/128,113, filed Apr. 7, 1999. The disclosures of the '320 and '113 applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present application relates to a low profile fusion cage and an insertion set for the low profile fusion cage. Known spinal implants, such as those used for vertebral fusion, are often used in pairs to provide adequate, evenly distributed support and fusion inducement. Because of limited space for implantation and for surgical maneuvering, it is sometimes difficult or unfeasible to implement a pair of implants that otherwise have desirable dimensions and attributes. Certain existing implant designs are configured for close, adjacent placement to other implants, but none achieve optimum performance, versatility or ease of insertion. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an implant design, and associated instruments and methods, that provide optimum configurations for placement of adjacent implants in close proximity with optimum performance. These objects and others are achieved through the present invention implant configuration and associated instruments and method. In a preferred embodiment, a fusion implant according to the present invention is provided with a concave cut-away portion on a circumferential surface of an elongated implant. The concave portion accommodates the outer contour of an adjacently placed implant having a corresponding concave surface. A novel dual tang distractor tool is provided with two over-lapping cross-sectional configurations to facilitate close insertion and placement of implants according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fusion cage of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a side view of the fusion cage of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view of the fusion cage taken along lines B—B of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional view of the fusion cage as shown in FIG. 3 a , with a conventional implant cage of similar view placed adjacently thereto. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tang retractor of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the guide of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating attachment of the guide to the tang retractor, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plate of the impactor; FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a front, perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1-3 a illustrate perspective, side and end views of the low profile fusion cage ( 10 ) of the present invention. The present invention cage ( 10 ) is of the type known commercially as the Ray TFC™ Fusion Cage currently marketed by Surgical Dynamics, Inc. The Ray TFC™ Fusion Cage is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,740, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The fusion cage ( 10 ) disclosed herein can be implemented with another fusion cage to reduce the total amount of space occupied by two conventional fusion cages placed side by side. The fusion cage ( 10 ) has a helical thread ( 14 ) for facilitating insertion and securing of the cage ( 10 ) in a vertebral disc space. The thread ( 14 ) is carved out to form concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) to reduce the profile of the thread. As shown, the concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) are preferably provided 180 degrees apart. If desired, only one concave portion is necessary to carry out the present invention. It is possible, also, to provide more than two concave portions if desired. The concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) allow two or more cages ( 10 , 11 ) to be placed close together as the radiused portion of one cage ( 11 ) is placed within the concave portion ( 17 ) of an adjacent cage ( 10 ), as shown in FIG. 3 b . As can be appreciated, the combined width (transverse space) of the two low profile cages ( 10 , 11 ) placed in this fashion is less than the combined width if two conventional cages without at least one of them having a concave portion were placed side by side. FIGS. 4-7 b illustrate an insertion instrument set for fusion cages according to the present invention. The instrument set includes a tang retractor ( 20 ), a guide ( 30 ) and an impactor ( 40 ) and impactor plate ( 41 ). The tang retractor ( 20 ) includes a pair of spaced apart tangs ( 21 ) which are dimensioned and configured as wedges at the distal end for insertion into and distraction of the disc space. The configuration of the tangs ( 21 ) and the manner in which they distract the disc space is described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/889,661, filed Jul. 8, 1997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The tang retractor ( 20 ) includes a pair of proximally extending slotted tabs ( 22 ) for mounting the tabs ( 42 ) of the impactor plate ( 41 ) when the impactor plate ( 41 ) is mounted to the proximal end of the distractor ( 20 ). The tabs ( 42 ) are inserted into the slots ( 23 ) of the tabs ( 22 ) to mount the impactor plate ( 41 ) and the elongated integral impactor ( 40 ), which is connected to the impactor plate ( 41 ) by threads ( 43 , 45 ), to the tang retractor ( 20 ). The impactor ( 40 ) can then be impacted or tapped at its proximal end ( 47 ) by a suitable tool, such as a hammer, to insert the tang ( 21 ) into a vertebral space. After insertion, the tabs ( 42 ) are slid out of engagement with slots ( 23 ) to separate and remove the impactor ( 40 ) and impactor plate ( 41 ), leaving the tang retractor ( 20 ) in place with the tangs ( 21 ) inserted in the vertebral space. The guide ( 30 ) is then attached to tang retractor ( 20 ) by inserting the distal end pin ( 32 ) into the longitudinal slot ( 25 ) of the retractor ( 20 ). The distal end pin ( 32 ) is seated within the slot ( 25 ) 50 that the guide ( 30 ) can be pivoted, about the pin ( 32 ), with respect to the fixed tang retractor ( 20 ) between alignment with each of the two openings ( 26 , 27 ) of the tang retractor ( 20 ), respectively. Each of the openings ( 26 , 27 ) is configured to receive a fusion cage along with a conventional cage insertion tool (not shown). The guide ( 30 ) is rotated about pin ( 32 ) 50 that its axial bore ( 34 ) is aligned with one of the openings ( 26 , 27 ) of the tang retractor ( 20 ) during hole preparation through a respective one of the openings. Suitable tools, such as those described in the aforementioned application Ser. No. 08/889,661, are inserted through the bore ( 34 ) to prepare the space for fusion cage insertion. Fusion cages such as the type of the present invention, are then inserted via an elongated insertion tool through the bore ( 34 ) and the respective tang retractor opening ( 26 , 27 ) for placement within the vertebral space. Each cage is placed so that one of the concave portions ( 16 , 17 ) faces the adjacent opening or bore in the vertebral space. The guide ( 30 ) is subsequently rotated so that axial bore ( 34 ) is aligned with the other opening ( 26 , 27 ) in the retractor 20 . Another fusion cage, either with or without concave portions, is inserted in a similar manner as described above so that its outer circumferential portion fits within the concave portion ( 16 , 17 ) of the first-inserted fusion cage. It is contemplated that an interlocking device ( 33 ) be provided to retain the guide ( 30 ) in each of its two aligned positions relative to the tang retractor ( 20 ) during site preparation and insertion of a fusion cage therethrough. Alternate embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 8-9 , include variously Configured implant bodies having-a concave portion to facilitate close, adjacent placement with additional implant bodies. For instance, the implant body ( 100 ) in FIG. 8 is a half-oval having a central opening ( 102 ) to facilitate bone fusion, and a concave side wall ( 104 ) configured to matingly receive a circumferential, convex wall ( 106 ) of an adjacent, oval implant ( 108 ). The oval implant ( 108 ) is larger than the half-oval implant ( 100 ). The oval implant ( 108 ) also has a different size than the half-oval implant ( 100 ). The implant body ( 200 ) of FIG. 9 , is generally cylindrical and has a concave channel ( 202 ) aligned generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis running between open ends ( 204 , 206 ). It can be appreciated that the tang retractor ( 20 ) having a length approximately equal to its width increases visibility as well as enables the user to more easily remove extraneous disc tissue because of the increased mobility of instruments, e.g. rongeurs, inserted through the retractor 20 . While this is the preferred embodiment, the length of the retractor ( 20 ) may be varied as desired to achieve different advantages. While the preferred embodiment has been disclosed herein, it is understood and contemplated that modifications and variations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A bone fusion implant system including a first implant body having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces for engaging opposing vertebrae and a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, the side wall including a concave recess and a second implant body having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces for engaging the opposing vertebrae and a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces thereof, the side wall of the second implant including an arcuate portion adapted to be received within the concave recess for enabling the first and second implant bodies to be positioned in nested side-by-side relation between the opposing vertebrae.

This application is a continuation of application No. 07/868,688, filed Apr. 15, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,450. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a new and improved press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web. Generally speaking, the press section of a papermaking machine for dewatering a paper web, as contemplated by the present development, is of the type comprising two separate successively arranged press locations. Each press location is formed between an upper extended press surface and a lower extended press surface forming extended or wide press nips. The press section contains at the first press location and at the second press location at least one respective separate felt guided in conjunction with the paper web through the press locations. The second press location contains a cylindrical counter roll or roller extending essentially beneath the second press location and an extended nip press roll extending essentially above the second press location. This extended nip press roll forms the extended nip of the second press location and is essentially accommodated to the contour of the counter roll. 2. Discussion of the Background and Material Information Press sections or press arrangements of the aforementioned type for pressing and dewatering a paper web possess the decisive advantage that by using press structures which, as viewed in the direction of travel of the paper web, have an extended or wide press length, that is, an extended press nip, there is available a relatively large amount of time for expressing liquid out of the paper web. As a result, such a press section can operate with relatively few press locations and nonetheless can achieve a high dewatering effect or capacity even with relatively rapid throughpass or high speed travel of the paper web. The presently known press apparatuses or arrangements containing an extended press nip are frequently constructed such that there is provided a press roll equipped with a flexible shell or jacket which is pressed from internally of the press roll by means of an essentially only radially movable press element against a rigid counter roll, and the flexible shell or jacket, at the region of the extended press nip, can snugly bear against the rigid counter roll. However, other constructions are possible for achieving an extended press nip or press surface. In order to obtain as great as possible operational reliability of the press section, at high speed papermaking machines it is strived to continuously maintain the paper web in contact with at least one felt, in order to thus avoid a so-called free or open draw where the paper web would be exposed to the danger of tearing. What is disadvantageous with such arrangements is especially that, following departure of the paper web from the press nip, there occurs remoistening or rewetting of the paper web by the water entrained by the felt. In the commonly assigned German Published Patent Application No. 3,742,848, published Jun. 29, 1989, and the cognate U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,790, granted Apr. 10, 1990, there is disclosed an arrangement intended to solve the aforementioned problem, wherein special measures are undertaken in order to raise at least one felt very rapidly away from the paper web after the latter emerges from the press nip. Furthermore, solutions have become known in the papermaking art where only a single felt is present in the second press nip. If this felt is located at the top of the paper web, then such paper web can drop off such felt much too easily prior to entering the second press location or press nip. On the other hand, if such felt is located at the bottom of the paper web, especially in the form of a continuous felt which spans both press locations or press nips, then the paper web co-travels throughout its full width, following exit from the second press location or press nip, upwardly together with the top or upper roll, and is then difficult to handle. Moreover, at this location there also exists a greater tendency of the paper web to again suck up water from the felt behind the press nip. German Published Patent Application No. 3,815,278, published Nov. 16, 1989, discloses a press arrangement containing two successive roll presses each provided with an extended press nip. While here there exist favorable conditions for dewatering the paper web, on the other hand, the paper web is transported by one felt through both roll presses or press locations. It is not possible to condition the paper web between both of the roll presses. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, with the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved press section or press arrangement of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, which is not afflicted with the aforementioned limitations and drawbacks of the prior art. Another and more specific object of the present invention aims at improving upon the dewatering effect or capacity of press sections containing two successively arranged extended or wide press nips, without impairing the operational reliability as concerns guiding the paper web through both extended or wide press nips. Still a further noteworthy object of the present invention is directed to the provision of an improved press section or press arrangement of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, which is relatively simple in construction and design and exceedingly reliable and efficient in operation. Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the present invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the press section of the present development for dewatering a paper web is manifested, among other things, by the features that behind or downstream of the first press location, as viewed in the predetermined direction of travel of the paper web, the upper felt--to the extent present--of the first press location is removed or separated from the paper web located beneath such upper felt, thereafter the paper web is further guided from the first press location to a web removal or pickup device operated under vacuum conditions and contacted by the upper felt of the second press location, and the paper web can travel from such web removal or pickup device to the second press location. A particular advantage which is realized with the solutions proposed by the present invention resides in the fact that different felts or felt belts are used in each case for both of the press locations. Therefore it is possible to newly condition each felt or felt belt following passage thereof through the associated press location, in other words, it is possible to make each such felt or felt belt available with a relatively low water content for accomplishing a new pressing operation at the paper web. The transfer of the paper web from the first lower felt to the second upper felt is performed with the aid of a felted and vacuum-operated web removal or pickup device. There is also ensured that the wet or moist paper web is positively guided between the first and second press locations and can be retained at the felt. According to a further feature of the present invention, the at least one separate felt provided for the first press location and guided in conjunction With the paper web through the first press location defines a lower felt, and the paper web is transferred by the lower felt of the first press location to the vacuum-operated web removal device which is contacted by the upper felt of the second press location. According to another aspect of the present invention, the web removal device is advantageously located between the first press location and the second press location, and the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the second press location defines a lower counter roll. The paper web is transferred by such web removal device, after moving through at most a substantially short travel distance, into contact with the lower counter roll of the second press location and then the paper web is guided in conjunction with the upper felt through the second press location. Still further, there can be specifically provided an upper felt for the first press location, and the web removal device directly removes the paper web from the first press location. Also, in this regard there can be provided a lower counter roll for the first press location, and the web removal device directly removes the paper web from such lower counter roll. Moreover, a vacuum-operated suction box can be located above the upper felt of the second press location for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the suction box retains the paper web against the upper felt of the second press location. According to a further embodiment, a transport wire is located beneath the upper felt of the second press location and the paper web for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the transfer belt retains the paper web against the upper felt. A further design envisions that a blow box is located above the paper web for transferring the paper web between the web removal device and the lower counter roll oft he second press location. This blow box directs an air current in a direction away from the upper felt of the second press location. The paper web is transferred by the web removal device located between the first press location and the second press location to the upper felt of the second press location and then to the lower counter roll of the second press location such that the blow box retains the paper web against the upper felt. This blow box can comprise slot means, and thus, constitutes a slotted blow box for producing an injector action which directs the air current in the direction away from the upper felt. Another feature of the present invention contemplates arranging an additional web removal device downstream of the second press location with respect to the direction of travel of the paper web, and a further upper felt cooperates with the additional web removal device. A suction box operated under vacuum conditions is arranged above this further upper felt. The additional web removal device guides the paper web, following the second press location, at the further upper felt such that the suction box retains the paper web against the further upper felt. According to a further modification of the present invention, a blow box is arranged above the further upper felt, this blow box directs an air current in a direction away from the further upper felt. The additional web removal device guides the paper web, following the second press location, at the further upper felt such that the blow box retains the paper web against the further upper felt. Once again, such blow box can comprise slot means to define a slotted blow box for producing an injector action which directs the air current in the direction away from the further upper felt. Still further, the first press location can contain a substantially cylindrical counter roll extending beneath the first press location and an extended nip press roll extending above the first press location. This extended nip press roll forms the extended nip of the first press location and is essentially accommodated to the contour of the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the first press location. Moreover, the successively arranged first press location and second press location can be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height. According to a further embodiment, the substantially cylindrical counter roll of the second press location defines a lower counter roll, and an additional web removal device is arranged downstream of the second press location with respect to the direction of travel of the paper web. There also are provided means for providing a web drying section arranged downstream of the additional web removal device. A further upper felt cooperates with the additional web removal device. The upper felt of the second press location is guided, following passage through the second press location, such that it detaches from the paper web which remains adhering to the lower counter roll. Moreover, the additional web removal device removes the paper web from the lower counter roll and transfers the removed paper web to the drying section. Furthermore, this additional web removal device which cooperates with the further upper felt can be advantageously mounted to be pivotable towards and adjustable in position with respect to the lower counter roll. Still further, the drying section can be structured to provide a continuous closed guidance or closed draw guidance of the paper web through the drying section. It is also possible to arrange a waste or broke pulper or the like beneath the second press location for collecting and forming a suspension therein from broke or paper web material formed upon tearing or transfer of the paper web. According to another aspect, the press section can be devoid of means upstream of the second press location for forming transfer tails, so that transfer of the paper web through the first press location and the second press location occurs throughout the full width of the paper web. It is also possible to have means arranged downstream of the first press location for removing or separating the upper felt of the first press location from the paper web in order to prevent rewetting or remoistening of the paper web. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein there have been generally used throughout the different Figures the same reference characters to denote the same or analogous components or parts, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, containing first and second press locations; FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, likewise containing first and second press locations; FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, again containing first and second press locations; FIG. 4 is a schematic fragmentary side view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, equally containing first and second press locations; and FIG. 5 is a schematic fragmentary side view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a press section of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web, once again containing first and second press locations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Describing now the drawings, it is to be understood that only enough of the construction of the different exemplary embodiments of press sections of a papermaking machine for pressing and dewatering a paper web has been depicted therein, in order to simplify the illustration, as needed for those skilled in the art to readily understand- the underlying principles and concepts of the present invention. Turning attention to the first exemplary embodiment of press section 100 of a papermaking machine as depicted in FIG. 1, it will be seen that a paper web, only generally indicated by reference character PW, is delivered, for instance, by a longitudinal wire 21 through a pickup roll 22, such as a suction roll 22a, into the press section 100. This press section 100 is here shown to comprise two successively arranged press locations 1 and 2, defining a first press location 1 and the downstream situated second press location 2 as viewed with respect to a predetermined direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW through the press section 100. It will be seen that the first press location comprises press surfaces 3 and 4, and equally, the second press location 2 comprises press surfaces 5 and 6. It also will be recognized, as viewed in the direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW, the press surfaces 3 and 4 of the first press location 1 and the press surfaces 5 and 6 of the second press location 2 each have an extended shape, to thus define the respective extended or wide press nips 104 and 106. In the exemplary embodiment under discussion the first and second press locations 1 and 2 comprise the respective lower situated counter rolls 7 and 9 and the respective upper situated extended nip press rolls 8 and 10. Moreover, as depicted solely by way of example, the successively arranged first press location and the second press location 2 can be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height. At the site of the first press location 1 there are here shown to be used two looped or endless felts or felt belts 11 and 12 which travel conjointly with the paper web W sandwiched therebetween through the first press location 1. It will be observed that the upper felt is trained about a displaceable deflection or turning roll 90. It is here also noted that under certain circumstances the upper felt 11 might even be omitted. Regarding the second press location 2, only a single looped or endless felt or felt belt 13 is guided through such second press location 2. The removal or pickup of the paper web PW from the lower felt 12 is undertaken by a web removal or pickup device 15, here constructed, for instance, as a suction or vacuum roll 15a about which partially wraps upper felt 13. The paper web PW which is lifted or picked off from the lower felt 12 by the web removal device 15 is delivered through a short travel path or while in direct contact with the suction roll 15a to the lower counter roll 9 of the second press location 2, so that there is practically precluded dropping of the paper web PW due to its weight off of the upper felt 13 of the second press location 2. Behind or downstream of the extended or wide press nip 106, as viewed with respect to the direction of travel 102 of the paper web PW, such paper web PW remains adhering to the lower counter roll 9, whereas the upper felt 13 travels over a deflection or turning roll 92 and is raised away from the paper web. By means of a further web removal or pickup device 18, here constructed, for instance, as a suction roll 18a which can be shifted or displaced towards the lower counter roll 9, the paper web PW is deposited at a further upper looped or endless felt or felt belt 14 and then moves in conjunction therewith to the starting region of a subsequently arranged web drying section, generally indicated by reference numeral 108, of the papermaking machine. In the event that the paper web tears or during transfer in the case of start-up of the papermaking machine, the not further transported paper web or paper web strips can be deposited with the assistance of doctor blades or scrapers 19 and 20 into the waste or broke pulper or receiver 23 or the like without any problems arising. A further advantage can be realized if upon start-up of the press section 100 the paper web PW can be guided in its full width through the first and second press locations 1 and 2, because that measure serves to protect the sometimes sensitive structural parts of the extended nip press rolls 8 and 10. When the paper web PW then departs from the last extended nip press roll there can be formed a transfer tail or strip, for instance for the subsequently situated drying section. The thus formed waste or broke is deposited in the below situated waste or broke pulper 23. More specifically, in such waste or broke pulper 23 which is arranged beneath the second press location 2 there is formed a suspension from the collected broke or paper web material resulting during tearing or transfer of the paper web. With respect to the modified exemplary embodiment of press section 100A depicted in FIG. 2, the operationally reliable transfer of the paper web PW between the first press location 1 and the second press location 2 is ensured by a suction box 16. This suction box 16 exerts a negative pressure or vacuum action from above the upper felt 13 upon such upper felt 13, and thus, retains the paper web PW situated therebelow against this upper felt 13. From the location of the suction box 16 the paper web PW arrives together with the upper felt 13 at the second press location 2. Instead of using the suction box 16, it would be possible to also provide a special, for instance, slotted blow box, schematically represented in broken lines by reference numeral 110. This slotted blow box 110 operates according to the injector principle and produces an air current or flow through narrow slots having a flow direction extending away from the upper felt 13, and thus, exerts a retaining force or adhering action upon the paper web PW. Such a slotted blow box 110 also can be provided for the suction box 16 cooperating with the further upper looped or endless felt or felt belt 14 with which coacts the web removal or pickup device 18. Another possible construction of press section 100B is depicted in FIG. 3, where, instead of or in addition to the suction box 16 located upstream of the second press location 2, there is used a transport or transfer wire 17 or the like which presses the paper web PW from below against-the upper felt 13. This modified construction also affords an operationally reliable transfer of the paper web PW between the first press location 1 and the second press location 2. A further advantageous constructional possibility, useful for the same purpose, would entail the use of a blow box beneath the paper web PW, again schematically represented by the broken or dashed lines 110. Apart from the different constructions of press sections 100, 100A and 100B, as respectively depicted and considered with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, employing the upper situated extended nip press rolls 8 and 10 in the first press location 1 and the second press location 2, respectively, FIG. 4 depicts a variant construction of press section 100D employing an arrangement containing a lower situated extended nip press roll 8 arranged at the first press location 1 and on top of which there is arranged an upper counter roll 7. Similar to the previously considered embodiments, the paper web PW can be transferred by means of two looped or endless felts 11 and 12 from the first press location 1 and the upper looped or endless felt 11 can be raised or lifted away from the paper web PW. A suction roll 24 is mounted beneath the lower felt 12 to ensure for positive entrainment of the paper web PW. This solution can be advantageously combined with the different constructions previously discussed for transfer of the paper web PW to the second press location 2. In the depicted arrangement there is shown, by way of example and not limitation, a web transfer structure composed of the web removal device 15 like that considered with regard to the prior discussion of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Here also, the successively arranged first press location 1 and the second press location 2 are shown, by way of example, positioned at substantially the same elevation or height. FIG. 5 depicts a further construction of press section 100E according to the present invention. There is illustrated therein an exceedingly compact arrangement of the entire press section 100E. The web removal device 15, operated under vacuum or suction conditions, directly transfers the paper web PW from the lower counter roll 7 belonging to the first press location 1 to the lower counter roll 9 belonging to the second press location 2. After travel through the second press location 2 the paper web PW remains at the lower counter roll 9 until reaching the further web removal or pickup device 18, here constructed, for instance, as a suction roll 18a, whereas the upper felt 13 is picked-off or removed from the paper web PW immediately after emerging from the extended press surfaces 5 and 6. This further web removal or pickup device 18 directly delivers or transfers the paper web PW to the subsequently situated drying section 108. Moreover, such additional web removal device 18, which cooperates with the further upper felt 14, is advantageously mounted to be pivotable towards and adjustable in position with respect to the lower counter roll 9, for which purpose there can be used any suitable roll pivot structure as schematically represented by reference numeral 112. Additionally, the drying section 108 can be structured to provide a continuous closed guidance or closed draw guidance of the paper web through such drying section. Once again, it is possible for the successively arranged first press location 1 and the second press location 2 to be positioned at substantially the same elevation or height. While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is distinctly to be understood the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

The press section of a papermaking machine for dewatering a paper web comprises two separate, successively arranged extended nip press locations. Both of the extended nip press locations contain at least one respective felt which travels together with the paper web through the associated extended nip press location. The paper web is guided from the first extended nip press location to a web removal device contacted by an upper felt of the second extended nip press location, and from that location the paper web can move to the second extended nip press location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to lampshades and methods of making them and, more particularly, to an improved lampshade and a novel process of manufacturing the same. 2. The Prior Art Lighting a home or an office must be safe, convenient, efficient and ought to suit the functions of the room. Lighting brings a home or an office to life since color is only present when and where there is light. Colors and textures are affected by the intensity and color temperature of light available. The textures of furnishings, pictures and other objects in theorem can be emphasized or subdued by the choice of lighting. Light from a lamp can be warm or cool, bright or dim, depending on the type of lampshade employed. Lampshades are lighting accessories that re both functional and decorative, so that they play an important part in the appearance of a room. A lampshade demands a high standard of workmanship and a meticulous attention to detail, since any defects and/or imperfections can become immediately apparent when the lamp is on. Further, fashions in lampshades change constantly, so that the manufacturing process must be both economical and easily adapted for change. Of the several known methods for producing lampshades, the following three can be mentioned. The first method involves hand-sewing, which produces shades that are beautifully-carded, smooth-paralleled, carefully-stretched, and fully lines. Being labor intensive, hand-sewn lampshades are among the most expensive. A second metro involves less handwork, for example employing jigs for retaining the components, machinery for stretching the fabrics, and special sewing machines for stitching the fabrics, linings and trimmings. This technique, being less labor intensive, is less expensive, but results in lampshades that often lack the aesthetic appeal of hand-sewn lampshades. A third method, inter alia, relies more explicitly on shaping fabrics with the aid of a wire cage, and applying straps or pleats to mask or hide supporting struts. Such shortcomings are pronounced in the case of the so-called coolie shade and the like, which typically feature a smooth, tight, conical outer cover and a bell-shaped lining. In the past, high quality coolie shades have been hand-sewn because independent stretching and shaping of the cover and the lining have been difficult to achieve. Such a construction, aside from being hand-crafted, also has involved pleats, wrangles and a multiplicity of seams and treatments, for masking the struts of associated wire cages. Hence, in particular, an economical practical, highly aesthetic version of the coolie-type lampshade, i.e., a lampshade having a taut conical cover and a bell-shaped lining, has eluded workers in the field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the above disadvantages by providing an improved lampshade, including a coolie-type lampshade, and an economical process of fabricating the same. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lampshade having a novel elegant look that is provided by the unbroken or continuous geometry of the outer surface of a relatively stiff shell, and the soft contours of an inner fabric lining that are determined by the upper and lower perimeters of the shell to which the upper and lower borders of the lining are attached, and the tailoring and composition of the fabric. Essentially the lampshade of the present invention has a configuration that is defined by a pair of perimeters that are concentrically spaced form each other in parallel planes. In one form these perimeters are established by a pair of mounting rings, at least one of which is provided with a fitting for positioning the lampshade on a support. Mounted to and between the pair of mounting rings are an outer cover and an inner lining. The cover, which constitutes a semi-rigid shell that extends between the aforementioned perimeters, typically is composed of a laminate having an exterior cloth stratum and an interior plastic stratum. The lining is stretched between the perimeters and is shaped at least at the lower perimeter by an annular form, the under side of which is convex in cross-section. The inner stratum of the laminate is a relatively stiff shell that ensures rigidity and integrity of the lampshade configuration. The upper portion of the lining is scrolled outwardly, downwardly and reversely to form a welt which is cemented at the upper rim of the outer border of the cover. The lower portion of the lining is scrolled outwardly, upwardly and reversely to form a welt which is cemented at the lower rim of the outer border of the cover. The resulting lampshade provides an aesthetic visual effect that results from a novel interaction between the geometry of the lampshade and the interior and exterior luminosity by which it is observed. Other objects of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, which is to be taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is is an exploded perspective of an embodiment of a lampshade according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lamp featuring the lampshade of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale, with parts broken away, of the lampshade of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a plan view along the line 4--4 of the lampshade of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a plan view of an operative part of the lampshade of FIG. 1 in flat, spread out position; FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section, on an enlarged scale, illustrating how the part of FIG. 5 is secured to another operative part of the lampshade; FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing another operative part of the lampshade of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but illustrating the part of FIG. 7 as also secured thereto; FIG. 8A is a view similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating a different embodiment of lampshade construction; FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the securing of the lampshade of FIGS. 1 and 2 to its fitting; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an operative part of the structure illustrated in FIG. 9; and FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate several shapes of lampshades, including fittings, to each of which the invention is equally applicable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In general, a lampshade 10 having a construction according to the invention is illustrated in exploded perspective view in FIG. 1. The illustrated lampshade 10, which is of the coolie shape type, is shown in FIG. 2 as being mounted to a base 12 to form a table lamp 14. The lampshade 10 of the invention is characterized by an understated element look, by virtue of the interacting appearance of its cover and lining, which results for the construction now to be described. As may be observed, the lampshade 10 of the invention looks as if it were stretched on the outside, as expansive lamps of like appearance in fact are. Lampshade 10, furthermore, does feature a lining 16, bell-shaped as at 17, and stitched together along a vertical line 18. Lining 16, as shown, is formed of two parts, an upwardly diverging skirt 20 and a downwardly diverging skirt 24, stitched together along a horizontal annular seam 22. Basically, the lampshade 10 of the invention comprises a frame including a pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 concentrically spaced from each other in parallel geometrical planes, and a fitting 30, secured to the upper one of the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28. The illustrated fitting 30 is of a 3-arm pendant variety. In alternative embodiments, the fitting 30 also is formed as a 2-arm pendant, a wire drop pendant, a strip-flush pendant, a bulb clip, a candle cup, or a reversible gimbal type, all as known. It will be observed that the illustrated pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 are designed to form a coolie shape of the type shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the lower of the pair of rings 26 and 28 is formed with a larger diameter than the upper one. A laminate 40 is designed to be circumferentially secured to the pair of rings 26 and 28, forming thereby the shade proper of the lampshade 10. The laminate 40 is formed of an external cloth structure 42, secured, preferably by a suitable transparent adhesive 43, to an internal plastic structure 44. The securing of the two sheets 42 and 44 to each other so as to form the laminate 40, as shown, is effected in the flat position, after the respective sheets 42 and 44 have been cut and with the transparent adhesive 43 applied to the sheet 42, by an appropriate cold or hot press operation. It will be noted, observe FIG. 5, that the laminate 40 is formed with a semi circular bottom edge 46, a semi-circular top edge 48 and straight edges 49, 49 connecting with the edges 46 and 48. These edges 46, 48 and 49, 49 are formed of the cloth structure 42 only. The adhesive layer 43 can be conveniently spread on one side of the sheet of cloth 42, or if desired, the sheet of cloth 42 can be impregnated, as by being dipped into a liquid adhesive designed to form the layer 43 when dry. With the laminate 40, cut and assembled as shown in FIG. 5, the same is folded into a cone, i.e., the coolie-shape, with the adjacent straight edges 49, 49 placed in overlapping relation and adhered to one another in a way that the straight edges of the sheet of plastic 44 either are abutting or also are overlapping slightly. The now cone-shaped laminate 40 constitutes a semi-rigid or rigid shell, i.e. a substantially rigid shell, that is then secured to the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 by first folding the bottom edge 46 over the ring 26 to form a welt, followed by folding the top edge 48 over the ring 28 to form another welt, and securing the folded-over edges 46 and 48 to the inside surface of the sheet of plastic 44, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Forms or other spacer means 50 and 52, each provided with a curved profile 54, are mounted adjacent the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28, observe FIG. 3. As shown, each of the forms 50 and 52 is constructed from a flexible tube, which is secured in place preferably by being glued in place, observe FIG. 8. As shown, the form 50 is constructed from a single tubular element whose ends are glued to one another. As shown, form 52, however, is constructed in segments to seat within the illustrated 3-arm pendant fitting 30. The gluing preferably is effected by the same transparent adhesive which is used to impregnate the sheet of cloth 42. In the alternative, an adhesive layer also can be provided about at least a part of the surface of the forms 50 and 52 which are designed to come into contact with the reversely folded edges 46 and 48. In either event, the forms 50 and 52 are pressed and thus anchored into place. Forms 50 and 52 serve to space the lining from the laminate to define the configuration of the lining. The bell-shaped lining 16, which previously has been sewn into the shape as illustrated in FIG. 1, is thereafter secured about the mounting rings 26 and 28 and the forms 50 and 52. In order to attach the lining 16 to the shell, the borders of the skirt 20 and the skirt 24 are impregnated with a suitable transparent adhesive, note also FIG. 7. The impregnated skirts 20 and 24 are, respectively, folded over both the curved profiles 54 of the forms 50 and 52 as well as over the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 and respectively secured to the outside edges of the laminate 40, note FIG. 8. In an alternative embodiment, form 52, but not form 50, is omitted from the structure of the lampshade 10. Such an embodiment is illustrated at 40a in FIG. 8A in relation to elements 16a, 20a, 22a, 28a, which correspond to their counterparts in FIG. 8. Once the lining 16 is properly secured in place in between and to the parallel spaced pair of mounting rings 26 and 28, the lining 16 is further secured in place by trimmings 56 and 58. Although the trimmings 56 and 58 can take any appropriate form and shape, preferably they are formed as tapes of cloth, note FIGS. 3 and 4. The tapes of cloth, in various alternative embodiments, are folded over one another and comprise more than one layer, with each layer being of different texture and/or color, or featuring varying patterns or combinations of patterns. Thus the function of the trimmings 56 and 58 is two-fold: they serve to anchor both the lining 16 and the laminate 40 in and to the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28; and additionally, they serve a decorative purpose. In an alternative embodiment, the trimmings 56 and 58 also include a decorative ribbon 60, of the same or a different color and preferably mounted adjacent the tapes and forming a part thereof prior to their being mounted to the outside of the laminate 40. In order further to secure the lampshade 10 of the invention to the fitting 30, herein illustrated as a 3-arm pendant, a plurality of folded pieces of cloth 64, as many in numbers as there are arms of the particular fitting used, are employed, note FIGS. 9 and 10. The respective pieces of cloth 64 are first folded and then wrapped about each of the respective arms of the particular fitting, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The free ends of the pieces 64 preferably are secured, as by gluing, to the outside of the collar 20 and before the top trimmings 58 are secured in place. The frame of the lampshade 10 of the invention, comprising the pair of mounting rings 26 and 28 and the fitting 30, are formed either of metal or a dimensionally stable plastic. The fabric 42 of the laminate 40 preferably is formed of one of a group consisting of silk, wild silk, shunting, cotton, satin, crepe de China and crepe-backed satin. The plastic preferably is composed of a clear or translucent polymer so as to allow maximum light to penetrate through the laminate 40. If the laminate 40 is formed of silk, the use of clear plastic allows the viewing of the pinholes in the silk material, giving rise to a pleasing appearance for the shade 10. The fabric of lining 16 preferably is composed of a member of the group consisting of silk, cotton, rayon, dupion, jap silk, silk shunting, silk chiffon, cotton chiffon and polyester-cotton. In an alternative embodiment, the shell of the cover, together with the lower form which is inwardly directed as a downward ridge in cross-section, are cast in a die, and thereafter are faced with a fabric. In this embodiment the upper and lower perimeters of the shell are established inherently and no discrete mounting rings or forms are required. In another embodiment, the shell of the cover is constructed from a stiff cardboard. By selecting the respective diameter sizes for the respective pair of rings 26 and 28, the shape of a particular lampshade can be determined. For example, lampshade 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is of the coolie type exaggeratedly illustrated in FIG. 11. FIGS. 12-16 illustrate other known shapes of lampshades embodying the present invention. Specifically: FIG. 12 illustrates an empire shape 80 with a bulb clip fitting; FIG. 13 illustrates a drum shape 82 with a hanging fitting; FIG. 14 illustrates an American drum shape 84 with a strip pendent fitting; FIG. 15 illustrates a cylinder shape 86 with a hanging fitting; and FIG. 16 illustrates an oval shape 88 with a reversible fitting. OPERATION The following steps and characteristics explain the illustrated process of the present invention and the operation of the resulting product. The process of making a lampshade comprises: providing a frame including a pair of spaced rings and a fitting secured to one of the pair of spaced rings; providing a laminate; cutting the laminate to size; forming the sized laminate into the desired shape and securing it to and between the pair of spaced rings; mounting a form having a curved profile adjacent at least one of the pair of spaced rings; providing a lining; and securing the lining to the pair of spaced rings while enveloping the lower form. In one embodiment, the laminate is shaped from a sheet of cloth and a sheet of plastic. The lining is shaped from a pliable material which is cut to size and stitched to provide a bell shape on the inside surface of the lampshade. As shown, securing the laminate and the lining to the pair of spaced rings is effected by folding the respective edges thereof over the pair of spaced rings, gluing the folded edges in place, and gluing a tape over the folded edges. As shown, trimmings are provided as tapes circumferentially secured to the laminate in the vicinity of the pair of spaced rings. In one embodiment, the tapes are decorated with ribbons, at least one of which is of a color different from the laminate. In one embodiment, one of the ribbons is secured to the tapes by being glued thereto. In one form securing the laminate to and between the pair of spaced rings is effected by tapes overlapping the edges of the laminate, folded over the pair of spaced rings, and adhering to the inside of the laminate. The operation of the resulting lamp is such that moire or other interesting optical effects resulting from the optical interaction between the facing fabric of the cover and the fabric lining is not inhibited by the clear plastic shell. Thus it has been shown and described an improved lampshade featuring a stretched, elegant look and a novel process of its manufacture, which process and lampshade satisfy the objects and advantages set forth above. Since certain changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing form the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter described in the foregoing specification or shown in the accompanying drawings, be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

An novel lampshade and process of its manufacture are disclosed. The lampshade is characterized by an understated elegant look. The lampshade looks as if stretched on the outside, and features a contoured lining. Essentially, the lampshade comprises a cover that serves as a rigid shell that defines upper and lower perimeters. The lining is secured at the perimeters to the shell and is separated therefrom by a form.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY [0001] This invention relates to the field of artificial joint prostheses and, in particular, to an improved instrument for broaching a cavity in bone for receiving a prosthesis. [0002] For implantation of prosthetic stems, such as hip stems, accurate preparation of the bone or intramedullary canal is important in order to guarantee good contact between the prosthesis stem and sleeve and the bone. The underlying concept behind precise preparation is that a precise bone envelope reduces the gaps between the stem and sleeve of the implant (i.e. prosthesis or prosthetic component) and the bone, thereby improving the initial and long-term bone ingrowth/fixation. The bone canal is presently prepared for implantation of a prosthetic stem by drilling and reaming a resected end of a bone, such as a femur, and then preparing an area adjacent the drilled hole to provide a seat for the prosthetic stem or a proximal sleeve coupled to the stem of a modular prosthetic system. A sleeve of modular prosthesis system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference. [0003] Preparation of the area adjacent the reamed intramedullary canal may be accomplished by broaching or by milling. Currently available broaches or rasps used for bone preparation have limitations. Some such broaches or rasps rely solely on the surgeon for guidance. Currently available broaches and rasps suffer from a tendency to be deflected by harder sections of bone so that they do not create a precise triangular cavity for receipt of the stem or sleeve of the prosthesis. [0004] Thus, milling is currently the preferred method of bone preparation in many orthopaedic applications because it is a precise method of bone preparation. A limitation of milling systems today is that they are typically formed so that the drive shaft extends at an angle relative to the remainder of the frame from the end of the miller cutter machining the bone. A fairly large incision must be made to accommodate such milling assemblies. A typical incision for preparing a femur for a total prosthetic hip replacement using a standard triangle miller system is nine inches long. It is not uncommon for incisions as large as 12 inches to be used in a total hip replacement procedure. Efforts have been made to configure triangle miller systems to reduce the size of the incision required to accommodate a triangle miller during a prosthetic operation. However, to accommodate any miller, it is necessary to make an incision which may be undesirably large for cosmetic or other reasons. [0005] In a hip replacement operation, initially, an incision large enough to expose the proximal end of the femur and to accommodate the instruments to be used in the operation is made in the upper thigh of the patient. Then, the neck of the femur is resected at the appropriate varus-valgus and anterior-posterior locations (typically determined using a template) with a resection instrument such as an oscillating saw. Then the femoral canal is opened up and the femoral cortex is reamed in preparation for receipt of the distal stem component of the prosthesis. Typically a stepped starter drill is utilized to generate an initial hole in the intramedullary canal. The stepped starter drill is positioned to open the trochanteric region to guard against varus positioning of the reamer and prosthesis. To further protect against varus positioning a box osteotome can be used to remove additional bone from the medial aspect of the greater trochanter. [0006] Once the femoral canal has been appropriately opened, reaming begins utilizing a straight reamer. Distal reaming is done using a series of sequentially larger reamer diameters. The final straight reamer utilized should be ½ mm larger than the minor diameter of the selected femoral stem. The initial reamer is typically different from the rest in that it is an end cut reamer utilized to assist in canal finding, while the remaining reamers are blunt tipped side cutting reamers. The reamers are passed into the canal until a witness mark associated with the length of the stem component of the prosthesis to be utilized is adjacent the greater trochanter. The surgeon then works up progressively until cortical contact is made. Distal reaming is complete when the surgeon has reamed out to cortical bone in the shaft region. [0007] The proximal or cone portion of the femoral metaphysis is then performed. Progressively larger cone reamers attached to an appropriately sized pilot stem are utilized to perform the cone portion of the femoral metaphysis. The cone reamer is advanced until an appropriate witness mark on the shaft is adjacent the greater trochanter. Successively larger cone reamers are used until cortical contact is achieved in the proximal femur. [0008] Once cone reaming is completed calcar preparation is performed. Calcar preparation has been performed using triangular miller, broaches and reamers. When hand guided broaches or rasps or triangular millers are utilized for calcar prepartion, the initial incision must be fairly larger to accommodate these instruments. Following calcar preparation, a trial sleeve and trial implant are inserted into the proximal end of the femur. The trial sleeve is utilized to determine if anteversion or version must be changed in the prosthesis by performing trial reductions and adjusting the version and anteversion of the proximal trial component appropriately. Based on the trials, the final prosthesis components are selected assembled and inserted into the bone. [0009] Since the oscillating saw used for neck resection and the straight reamers and conical reamers used for canal preparation are typically smaller than the instrument used for calcar preparation, the calcar preparation instrument often dictates the size of the incision required to perform the operation. When a patient undergoes total hip replacement (THR) it is common for the patient to stay in the hospital for one to two weeks. Rehabilitation therapy lasts months and many patients do not fully recover for years. Some patients never fully recover. This recovery process poses a substantial psychological and financial strain on THR patients. Many patients are in the latter years of their lives and this recovery period represents a significant portion of the remaining years. Current trends in joint replacement surgery suggest that smaller incision size can lead to faster recovery, improved quadriceps function and increased patient satisfaction. [0010] When the calcar preparation is performed using a guided calcar broach, minimally invasive surgery can be performed. The disclosed broaching system is utilized for the calcar preparation in a hip prosthesis operation. [0011] In view of the above, it would be desirable to have a calcar preparation instrument that can be utilized through a smaller incision during a surgical process. [0012] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for creating a cavity in a bone, said cavity (i) having a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side, and (ii) being contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The apparatus comprises as shaft and a broach. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The broach is mounted to the shaft and has a first cutting side mounted at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cutting side is formed to include teeth. The shaft and broach are configured so that when the longitudinal axis of the shaft is advanced into the bone along the axis of the bone, the teeth of the broach form the triangular cavity. [0013] According to a second aspect of the disclosure an apparatus for creating a cavity in a bone for receiving a prosthesis which has a conical portion and a projection of a generally triangular profile is provided. The apparatus comprises a shell, a shaft and a broach. The shell comprises a conical portion which defines a longitudinal axis and a shaft-receiving cavity for receiving a shaft. The shaft is configured to be received in the shaft-receiving cavity and be movable with respect to the shell along the longitudinal axis when so received. The shaft is configured to carry a broach having a cutting surface disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The broach has a generally triangular profile and includes oppositely facing spaced apart triangular shaped side walls between which the cutting surface extends. The broach is mounted to the shaft. [0014] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for cutting a triangular cavity in bone is provided. The method comprises a providing a shaft step, an incising step and a cutting step. The provided shaft is configured to be movable relative to the bone to be prepared and includes a broach coupled thereto to dispose a cutting surface of the broach at an acute angle relative to the shaft. The shaft and broach have a width defined by the distance between the shaft and the outer most portion of the cutting surface. The incising step includes incising the patient adjacent the bone to be prepared to form an incision having a length approximating the width of shaft and broach. The cutting step includes cutting the cavity by driving the broach by moving the shaft relative to the bone. [0015] The disclosed broaching system is configured to reduce the size of incision required for preparation of a bone to receive a prosthetic stem therein. [0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be understood, of course, that both the drawings and the description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] The illustrative devices will be described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, in which: [0018] FIG. 1 is a view with parts broken away of a broach assembly formed form components of a broaching system inserted through an incision into a resected femur of a patient using a selected broach shell and pilot stem and a selected guided broach received in the selected broach shell; [0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the broaching system of FIG. 1 showing the guided broach with the driver component disassembled from the broach tool, two broach tools intended to represent a plurality of broach tools each configured to be coupled to the driver component, two shells intended to represent a plurality of shells each configured to slidably receive a broach tool and two pilot stems each configured to mount to each shell; [0020] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the guided broach of FIG. 1 ; [0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the guided broach of FIG. 3 ; [0022] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 of the guided broach; [0023] FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the broach toll of the guided broach of FIG. 3 ; [0024] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion of the guided broach enclosed in phantom circle 7 in FIG. 5 ; [0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 of the broach tool of FIG. 3 ; [0026] FIG. 9 is a view with surrounding skin and tissue removed of a patient's resected a femur with parts broken away showing the final straight reamer used to prepare the intramedullary canal for a prosthesis; [0027] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the final conical reamer used to prepare a conical cavity in the intramedullary canal for a prosthesis; and, [0028] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing a broach assembly including a broach shell and a pilot stem inserted in the straight and conical cavities formed in the femur and a guided broach positioned for insertion into or removal from the broach shell. [0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Like reference characters tend to indicate like parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0030] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. [0031] The disclosed broaching system 10 allows a surgeon to prepare bone for receipt of an implant through a smaller incision 12 compared to existing surgical instruments. In the illustrated embodiment, the incision 12 has a width 13 . Illustratively, the disclosed broaching system 10 can be utilized with an incision having a width 13 of less than two and a half inches. In one preferred embodiment, the width 13 of the incision 12 is two inches. The disclosed broaching system 10 is typically used for broaching of a triangular space 14 in a bone 16 adjacent the intramedullary canal 18 to facilitate receipt of a sleeve of a prosthesis that fits accurately in the intramedullary canal 18 , distributes loads evenly and provides rotational stability to the prosthesis. [0032] The disclosed broaching system 10 is particularly useful for preparing a bone 16 for receipt of a modular prosthesis having a plurality of stem components, a plurality of sleeves and a plurality of body components that may be assembled to provide a prosthesis appropriately sized and configured for a patient's specific anatomy. The disclosed broaching system 10 includes a plurality of broach shells 26 , a plurality of pilot stems 42 , and a plurality of guided broaches 20 . In one illustrated embodiment, the plurality of guided broaches 20 comprises a single driver component 24 configured for mounting to any one of a plurality of broach tools 22 . [0033] With reference now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 2 an exploded view of selected components of a broaching system 10 constructed in accordance with the invention. Broaching system 10 includes the plurality of guided broaches 20 for cutting the desired triangular-shaped cavity 14 , the plurality of broach shells 26 for registering the broaching system 10 with a pre-existing conical cavity in the patient's bone 16 , and the plurality of pilot stems 42 configured to be attached a broach shell 26 for insertion in a prepared medullary canal 18 of the patient's bone 16 . Indicators 28 , 30 are provided for indicating the longitudinal location of guided broach 20 relative to the broach shell 26 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 , the plurality of guided broaches 20 comprises a single driver component 24 configured to be removably coupled to any one of the plurality of broach tools 22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of integrally formed driver components 24 and broach tools 22 could be provided as a plurality of guided broaches 20 within the scope of the disclosure. Providing a plurality of integrally formed guided broaches 20 makes it easier for instruments to be selected during the surgical procedure. [0034] While in the illustrated embodiment, only two broach shells 26 , two pilot stems 42 , and two broach tools 22 are shown, it is to be understood that a plurality of broach shells 26 , pilot stems 42 and broach tools 22 may be made available to the surgeon using the disclosed broaching system 10 . Each broach tool 22 is configured to be coupled to the driver component 24 . Thus a plurality of guided broaches 20 may be formed each utilizing the same driver component 24 . Each broach shell 26 is configured to slidably receive a portion of the broach tool 22 and act as a guide therefore during calcar preparation of the bone 16 . Each pilot stem 42 is configured to mount to each broach shell 26 to facilitate stable seating of the broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 in the prepared bone 16 . Thus, the appropriate instrumentation for broaching the triangular cavity 14 can be selected and assembled by a surgeon to form a broach assembly 19 during a prosthetic operation. [0035] As shown, for example in FIGS. 1 and 2 , broach shell 26 has a longitudinal axis 40 . Pilot stem 42 is removably attached to the main body of the broach shell 26 by, for example, a threaded shaft 38 extending from the proximal end of the pilot stem 42 which is configured to be received in a threaded cavity in the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The broach shell 26 also has an external frustoconical surface 44 which engages the wall of the pre-existing conical cavity, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 . In addition, the broach shell 26 has shaft-receiving cavity 46 formed concentrically about the longitudinal axis 40 for receiving the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 and allowing the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 to move along longitudinal axis 40 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft-receiving cavity 46 is a cylindrical cavity extending longitudinally within the shell 26 from a circular opening in the proximal end of the shell 26 to adjacent the distal end of the shell 26 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft-receiving cavity 46 has a diameter of approximately 0.375 inches. [0036] The broach shell 26 includes a laterally opening slot 76 communicating with the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and extending through the side wall of the shell 26 adjacent the proximal end of the shell 26 . A laterally opening channel 77 communicating with the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and the slot 76 extends through the side wall of the shell 26 below the slot 76 . Channel 77 is wider than slot 76 to allow triangular broaches 34 to ride in the channel 77 but not in the slot 76 . A triangular broach 34 riding straight upwardly in the channel 77 eventually engages a broach engaging wall 74 at the upper wall of channel 77 where the channel 77 and slot 76 form a junction. In the illustrated embodiment, slot 76 has a length 75 from the proximal end of the shell 26 to the wall 74 . The length 75 of slot 76 facilitates insertion and removal of broach tools 22 from the shell 26 without requiring removal of the shell 26 from the bone 16 , as described more fully below. [0037] Broach shell 26 can include indicia 82 which relate to the geometry of the neck of the femoral prosthesis which is to be implanted. As shown in FIG. 1 , these indicia are referenced to the most proximal portion 84 of the great trochanter 86 of the patient's femur 16 . The index 82 which lines up with proximal portion 84 provides the surgeon with information regarding selecting the appropriate neck geometry for the femoral component. Additional notations can be included on broach shell 26 to indicate the sleeve cone sizes for which the broach shell 26 is appropriate (see reference numeral 88 in FIG. 1 ). A general reference number 90 to the cone size can also be imprinted on the broach shell 26 . [0038] The broach shells 26 and pilot stems 42 utilized with the present invention, are similar to miller shells and pilot stems utilized with triangular millers. Miller shells and pilot stems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694, which is incorporated herein by reference. [0039] In the illustrated embodiment, broach tool 22 includes a shaft 48 having a longitudinal axis 66 and a triangular broach 34 extending laterally from the shaft 48 . The proximal end 52 of the shaft 48 is configured to couple to the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5 , the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 is formed to include a threaded shaft 53 configured to be received in a threaded cavity 51 formed in the proximal end 52 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . The distal end 56 of the shaft 48 is configured to be slidably received in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 . The shaft 48 includes an intermediate anti-rotation plate portion 58 disposed between a distal rod portion 60 and a proximal rod portion 62 . The plate portion 58 is symmetrical about the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 . [0040] The longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 , when the shaft 48 is received in the broach shell 26 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 , coincides with the longitudinal axis 40 of broach shell 26 . Shaft 48 is sized to fit and slide longitudinally within shaft-receiving cavity 46 of broach shell 26 . When shaft 48 is received in shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 , the anti-rotation plate 58 extends through the slot 76 formed in the upper portion of the broach shell 26 for longitudinal movement relative to the slot 76 . To that end, anti-rotation plate 58 has a thickness 59 that is slightly less than the width 96 of the slot 76 . In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 59 of anti-rotation plate 58 is approximately 0.1965 inches while the width 96 of slot 76 is 0.1975 inches. Thus, the side walls of anti-rotation plate 58 and the walls forming slot 76 cooperate to guide the triangular broach 34 and prevent it from rotating while it is being driven through the bone 16 to form the triangular cavity 14 . [0041] Near the distal end 56 of shaft 48 the hypotenuse 35 of the triangular broach 34 is coupled to the shaft 48 . The hypotenuse 35 of the triangular broach 34 forms an angle 99 with respect to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 . Angle 99 corresponds to the angle the projection, or spout, forms with the body of the sleeve of the prosthesis and the angle of the triangular cavity 14 to be formed in the bone. Illustratively, angle 99 is approximately thirty one and eighty-three hundredths degree (31.83°). [0042] In the illustrated embodiments, the triangular broach 34 is configured as a right triangle having its hypotenuse side 35 extending at an acute angle 99 from adjacent the distal tip 56 of the shaft 48 upwardly and outwardly from the shaft 48 . The upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 . The upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is displaced longitudinally from the distal end of the proximal rod portion 62 by a distance 43 . In the illustrated embodiment, distance 43 is greater than the length 75 of slot 76 to facilitate insertion and removal of a broach tool 22 into the shell 26 without removal of the shell from the bone 16 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 . The side surface 39 of the triangular broach 34 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 66 and is displaced therefrom by a distance 41 approximately equal to the radius of the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft 48 . [0043] At the corner 37 of the triangular broach 34 formed by the upper surface 36 and hypotenuse side 35 , the broach tool 22 has a maximum width 32 (measured from the shaft 48 to the apex 37 of the triangular broach 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 ). It is this maximum width 32 that dictates the minimal size of the incision 12 required to perform a prosthetic surgery. Thus, the surgical incision 12 required to use the disclosed guided broach 20 need only be large enough to allow retraction to a width only slightly larger than the maximum width 32 of the guided broach 20 . [0044] Triangular broach 34 is formed symmetrically about a plane 33 including the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . The hypotenuse wall 35 of the triangular broach 34 is curved to smoothly join with the oppositely facing side walls 45 of the triangular broach 34 . The oppositely facing triangular shaped side walls 45 are generally parallel to the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 . The triangular broach 34 is formed to include a plurality of rows of broach teeth 47 formed in the side walls 45 and hypotenuse wall 35 . Illustratively, the each row of the plurality of rows of broach teeth 47 is formed in a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry 33 of the triangular broach 34 and the longitudinal axis 66 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . A plurality of chip breakers 49 are formed in the side walls and hypotenuse wall 35 of the triangular broach 34 . In the illustrated embodiment, each chip breaker 49 is a full rounded channel, as shown for example, in FIG. 8 . In the side walls 45 each chip breaker 49 runs at an angle with respect to the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 . Illustratively, the chip breaker angle is approximately forty-five degrees. [0045] The disclosed plurality of broach tools 22 include differently sized triangular broaches 34 coupled to the shaft 48 to allow calcar preparation of the femur for receipt of prosthesis having differently sized sleeves or projections from the stem component. Illustratively, broach tools 22 for calcar preparation of a femur for receipt of sleeves of the S-ROM modular prosthesis which includes a plurality of differently sized sleeves have maximum widths 32 of approximately 1.789 inches. For example, seven differently sized broach tools 22 designated 7×12, 9×14, 1 1×1 6, 13×18, 15×20, 17×22 and 19×24, respectively, are provided for use with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system. In such broach tools 22 , the thickness 94 of the triangular broach 34 varies depending on the size of triangular cavity 14 to be prepared. The triangle broaches 34 of broach tools 22 for utilization with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system for example have thicknesses 94 of approximately 0.315, 0.394, 0.472, 0.551, 0.630, 0.709, and 0.787 inches, respectively, to accommodate the plurality of differently sized sleeves provided in such modular prosthesis system. In such broach tools 22 , the length 98 of the triangular broach 34 varies depending on the size of triangular cavity 14 to be prepared. The triangle broaches 34 of broach tools 22 for utilization with the S-ROM modular prosthesis system for example have lengths 98 of approximately 1.780, 1.780, 1.780, 1.780, 1.820, 1.880, and 1.880 inches, respectively, to accommodate the plurality of differently sized sleeves provided in such modular prosthesis system. [0046] The driver component 24 includes a strike plate 50 coupled to a shaft 68 . Shaft 68 includes a proximal end 70 , a distal end 54 and a longitudinal axis 72 . The strike plate 50 is coupled to the proximal end 70 of shaft 68 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-5 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 68 includes a proximal portion 71 adjacent the proximal end 70 that is a larger diameter than the distal portion 55 adjacent the distal end 54 . The proximal portion 71 is knurled to facilitate gripping the shaft 68 as it is being used to drive the guided broach 20 into the bone 16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal portion 71 of the shaft 68 terminates at a location that would not require insertion of the proximal portion 71 into the incision 12 during the surgical operation. [0047] The distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 may be partially inserted into the incision 12 during the surgical procedure and portions of the distal portion 55 may even be received in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 . Thus, the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 has a diameter 57 approximately equal to the diameter 63 of the proximal rod portion 62 and the diameter 61 of the distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, diameters 57 , 61 and 63 are approximately 0.372 inches to facilitate receipt of the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 and the proximal rod portion 62 and distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 in the shaft-receiving cavity 46 of the broach shell 26 for longitudinal movement of the guided broach 20 relative to the shell 26 . [0048] The distal portion 55 of the illustrated shaft 68 is formed to include witness marks 30 . The witness marks 30 are utilized in the same manner as witness marks are utilized in currently available triangle milling devices. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, three witness marks 30 are provided on the distal portion 55 of the shaft 68 corresponding to three differently sized sleeves available in the modular prosthesis (small, large and double extra large). The small sleeve witness mark 27 is located closest to the distal end 54 of the shaft 68 with the large sleeve witness mark 29 disposed between the double extra large witness mark 31 and the small sleeve witness mark 27 . [0049] When the triangular broach 34 contacts bone 16 during calcar preparation, broaching is stopped if a witness mark 30 is currently adjacent an indicator mark 28 (illustratively the proximal end of the broach shell 26 ) and the sleeve corresponding to that witness mark 30 is utilized during prosthesis installation. Otherwise, broaching is continued to remove enough of the bone 16 to bring the next witness mark 30 adjacent the indicator mark 28 and the sleeve corresponding to that witness mark is utilized during prosthesis installation. [0050] Thus, if for example, a surgeon through pre-surgical analysis determines that a small sleeve of a modular prosthesis system, should be utilized in the prosthesis, the surgeon would initially drive the guided broach 20 into the bone 16 until the small sleeve witness mark 27 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 . If at this time, the broach 34 has contacted bone 16 of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be stopped and the small sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis. If bone has not been contacted by the triangular broach 34 or the contacted bone is not of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be continued until the large sleeve indicator mark 29 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 . If at this time, the broach 34 has contacted bone 16 of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be stopped and the large sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis. If at that time bone has not been contacted by the triangular broach 34 or the contacted bone is not of the appropriate consistency, broaching would be continued until the double extra large sleeve indicator mark 31 is adjacent the indicator mark 28 on the shell 26 and the double extra large sleeve would be utilized with the modular prosthesis. [0051] As discussed above, broach tool 22 and broach shell 26 include indicators 28 , 30 . The illustrated indicators or witness marks 30 comprise three indices 27 , 29 , 31 corresponding to three different triangles, referred to as small (“SML”), large (“LRG”), and double extra large (“XXL”) in the figures. More or less indices can be used as desired and, of course, can be otherwise designated. Illustratively, indicator 28 comprises the upper end of broach shell 26 . However, it is within the scope of the disclosure for broach shell 26 to include other structures or indicia thereon acting as indicator 28 for alignment with indicators 30 of guided broach 20 . [0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the position of the witness marks 30 may be varied to permit the witness marks to be aligned with other indicia of the appropriate size of sleeve to be selected. For instance, the witness marks may be positioned along the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 to align with indicia on the broach shell 26 , witness marks may be provided on the broach tool 22 that align with indicia on the broach shell 26 or witness marks may be provided on the broach shell 26 that align with indicia on the broach tool 22 . It is within the scope of the disclosure for other indicia to be provided from which the surgeon can determine when to stop broaching the bone and from which the surgeon can determine the appropriate sleeve to select from a modular prosthesis system. [0053] The strike plate 50 is a rounded circular plate including a top surface 78 configured to be struck by a mallet and a planar bottom surface 80 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 of the driver 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 68 is welded to strike plate 50 . The top surface 78 of the strike plate 50 facilitates exerting downward pressure on the guided broach 20 during the broaching process. The strike plate 50 can also be used to remove the broach tool 22 . Removal of the broaching system 10 from the bone cavity may be accomplished by striking the bottom surface 80 of the strike plate 50 with a mallet. The strike plate 50 also facilitates extraction of the broach tool 22 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 following bone cutting (see below). [0054] As mentioned previously triangular broach 34 has a thickness 94 that is greater than the width of the slot 76 . Illustratively, thickness 94 of triangular broach 34 is equal to or exceeds approximately 0.315 inches. Thus, when the guided broach is slid upwardly within the broach shell 26 , the triangular broach 34 cannot fit within slot 76 . Therefore, the top surface 36 of the triangular broach engages broach engagement surface 74 adjacent the distal opening of slot 76 during upward movement of the guided broach 20 . The engagement of top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 with broach engagement surface 74 transfers removal forces applied to the guided broach 20 to the broach shell 26 facilitating removal of the broach shell 26 and the pilot stem 42 coupled thereto from the bone 16 . [0055] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a broach assembly 19 formed from a broach shell 26 , a broach tool 22 , a pilot stem 42 and a driver component 24 of the broaching system 10 . The broach tool 22 is slidably received in the broach shell 26 for reciprocal movement along the longitudinal axis 40 of the broach shell 26 . The pilot stem 42 is received in a previously reamed cylindrical cavity. Pilot stem 42 is coupled to broach shell 26 to align the axis 40 of broach shell 26 relative to the cylindrical cavity. The frustoconical surface 44 of the broach shell 26 is received in the previously reamed conical cavity. The pilot stem 42 and broach shell 26 are selected from the plurality of pilot stems 42 and broach shells 26 based on the size of the reamers used to form the cylindrical and conical cavities, respectively. [0056] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-6 , the broach tool 22 includes a distal rod portion 60 and proximal rod portion 62 coupled to the anti-rotation plate 58 to which the triangular broach 34 is coupled. Anti-rotation plate 58 and the distal portion 60 and proximal portion 62 of the shaft 48 , are all aligned as shown, for example, in FIG. 4 , so that they slide within the shaft-receiving cavity 46 and slot 76 formed in broach shell 26 . Anti-rotation plate 58 engages the walls of the laterally opening slot 76 in broach shell 26 to prevent rotation of the triangular broach 34 with respect to the shell 26 during calcar preparation. As the broach tool 22 is reciprocated upwardly (proximally) within the broach shell 26 , the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 comes into engagement with the broach engagement surface 74 adjacent the distal end of the slot 76 in the broach shell 26 . Thus, removal of the broach tool 22 from the calcar cavity induces the broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 to be removed from the straight and conically reamed cavities in the intramedullary canal 18 . [0057] During assembly of a broach assembly 19 from components of the broaching system 10 , an appropriately sized broach shell 26 is selected and an appropriately sized pilot stem 42 is coupled to the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 are selected based on the size of the straight and conical reamers used to prepare the intramedullary canal 18 . The driver component 24 is coupled to the broach tool 22 which is assembled into broach shell 26 . Illustratively, a threaded shaft 53 extends from the distal end 54 of the driver component 24 that is configured to be received in a threaded cavity 51 formed in the proximal end 52 of the broach tool 22 . [0058] As shown, representatively by two broach tools 22 in FIG. 2 , a family of broach tools 22 is preferably provided to the surgeon with all members of the family having commonly sized shafts 48 to permit assembly of any on of the broach tools 22 with any one of the broach shells 26 . Each broach tool 22 of the family also includes a commonly sized threaded cavity 51 to facilitate assembling any broach tool 22 of the family to the driver component 24 to form a guided broach 20 . [0059] The broach tool 22 and broach shell 26 are configured so that the guided broach 20 may be inserted and removed from a broach shell 26 seated in the prepared cavities of the bone 16 . As shown, for example, in FIG. 11 , the longitudinal axis 66 of the broach tool 22 may be tilted at an angle with respect to the axis 40 of the broach shell and the distal rod portion 60 of the shaft 48 may be inserted through the channel 77 into the shaft-receiving cavity 46 . The anti-rotation plate 58 of the broach tool 22 may be slid into the slot 76 in the broach shell 26 while the upper surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 is disposed below the broach engagement surface 74 and the distal end of the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft is disposed above the proximal end of the broach shell 26 . The guided broach 20 may then be tilted to align the longitudinal axes 66 , 72 of the broach tool 22 and driver component 24 , respectively, with the longitudinal axis 40 of the broach shell 26 . Once the axes 66 , 72 and 40 are aligned, the guided broach 20 may be reciprocated longitudinally with respect to the broach shell 26 with the proximal rod portion 62 of the shaft 48 of the broach tool 22 and portions of the distal portion 55 of the driver component 24 being received in the shaft-receiving cavity of the shell 26 . Removal of the guided broach 20 from the broach shell 26 is accomplished in the opposite fashion when it is desired to remove the guided broach 20 from the broach shell 26 while leaving the broach shell seated in the bone 16 . [0060] The overall procedure in which broaching system 10 is used is similar in most steps to those described in greater detail in the Background of the Invention. Generally, an incision 12 large enough to receive the maximum width 32 of the broach tool 22 is made through which the patient's femur 16 is prepared. The head of the femur 16 is resected using an osteotome, oscillating saw or other instrument. An osteotome may be utilized to open the femoral canal 18 . The femoral canal 18 is then reamed with a straight reamer 100 to establish an extended cavity and center line for receipt of the distal stem of the femoral prosthesis and the pilot stem 42 of the broaching system 10 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 9 . As described in the Background and Summary, the straight reaming step may be accomplished utilizing a plurality of straight reaming steps in which reamers 100 having progressively larger diameters are utilized. [0061] Next, the intramedullary canal 18 of the proximal femur 16 is reamed with conical reamers 102 to form a cavity for receiving the conical portion of a sleeve or a stem of a prosthesis and the frustoconical portion 44 of the broach shell 26 of the broaching system 10 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 10 . This conical cavity is on the same center line as the straight cavity and the reaming is conducted until the proximal end of the reamer 102 is even with the proximal end of the resected femur. As described in the Background and Summary, the conical reaming step may be accomplished utilizing a plurality of conical reaming steps in which conical reamers 102 having progressively larger maximum and minimum diameters are utilized. [0062] Components of the broaching system 10 in its assembled form are shown in FIG. 1 inserted into the proximal end of the femur 16 . The assembled instrument, or broach assembly 19 , includes a guided broach 20 , broach shell 26 and a pilot stem 42 . The guided broach includes a broach tool 22 and a driver component 24 . The broach tool 22 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 are appropriate to 1) the size of the triangular projection of the sleeve which the surgeon wishes to implant, and 2) fit within the straight and conical cavities formed in the bone. As described below, this calcar preparation step may be performed using a single guided broach 20 or a plurality of guided broaches 20 having triangular broaches 34 with progressively increasing thicknesses 94 . [0063] Specifically, the broach assembly 19 is selected based on the width W of the triangular projection (or spout) of the sleeve which is to be implanted (see FIG. 1 of incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,694). The broach shell 26 is selected based on the size of the conical reamer used in step 2 . Specifically, frustoconical portion 44 of broach shell 26 has the same taper and same maximum diameter as the conical reamer. The height of frustoconical portion 44 is preferably slightly less than the height of the conical reamer so that the proximal end of the frustoconical portion 44 can be aligned with the resected end of the femur 16 without bottoming out in the reamed conical cavity. The pilot stem 42 is selected based on the size of the final straight reamer used in step 1 which in turn is selected by the surgeon based on the inside diameter of the patient's femur 16 . [0064] To provide the surgeon with the ability to match the finished prosthesis to various patient requirements, sleeves of various sizes and configurations and femoral prostheses having various proximal and distal diameters are provided to the surgeon along with corresponding sets of guided broaches 20 , pilot stems 42 , broach shells 26 , straight reamers and conical reamers. Guided broaches 20 may comprise a plurality of integrally formed broach tools 22 and driver components 24 or a plurality of broach tools 22 and a single driver component 24 configured to mate with each of the plurality of broach tools 22 within the scope of the disclosure. [0065] The initial insertion of broach assembly 19 into the cavity in the femur brings the proximal end of frustoconical portion 44 into alignment with the proximal end of the resected femur 16 . At this point, the surgeon can use indicia 82 to confirm his or her selection of a neck geometry for the femoral prosthesis. Calcar broaching is accomplished using an appropriately sized pilot stem 42 for the distally reamed canal, an appropriately sized broach shell 26 for the size of the cone milling performed and a guided broach 20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded proximal end of the pilot stem 42 is screwed into a threaded aperture in the distal end of the broach shell 26 . The pilot stem 42 is inserted into the reamed canal 18 until the frustoconical portion 44 of the shell 26 is seated in the conical aperture created during cone milling. The guided broach 20 is configured to be slidably received in the shell 26 . Once the broach 20 is partially inserted into the shell 26 , the assembly 19 is rotated to position the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 over the best available host bone, which may or may not be in the calcar. [0066] The guided broach 20 is then lowered until the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 makes contact with the cancellous bone. Once in contact with the cancellous bone, a hammer is used to strike the strike plate 50 on the proximal end of the guided broach 20 to drive the triangular broach 34 of the broach tool 22 into the femur until the cortical bone is contacted. Once the cortical bone is contacted, the surgeon examines the witness marks 30 on the shaft 68 of the broach 20 to determine which mark is most closely aligned with the proximal end of the shell 26 . In one embodiment of a method of calcar preparation, three increasingly larger guided broaches 20 are utilized to create the triangular calcar cavity. [0067] Triangular broach 34 is then driven into the bone 16 by impacting the driver component 24 with an appropriate instrument or tool, such as a mallet, while broach tool 22 is moved along longitudinal axis 40 of broach shell 26 . This process is continued until the appropriate index 30 on broach tool 22 is aligned with reference surface 28 , e.g., until the “LRG” index 29 is aligned if the sleeve to be inserted is to have a “LRG” triangular projection. In some cases, the original choice of triangular projection may be too small to reach the patient's hard calcar bone at the proximal end of the femur 16 , in which case the cutting of the triangular cavity 14 would be continued to the next index mark 30 and a further evaluation would be made at that point. If suitable at this point, a sleeve having a triangular projection portion or spout corresponding to the index mark 30 to which the cutting was continued would be used. Depending upon the circumstances, all or portions of the process may be repeated until a suitable fit is achieved. [0068] The broach assembly 19 is removed from the patient's femur by pulling guided broach 20 straight out using the strike plate 50 of the driver component 24 . During removal the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 engages with surface 74 of broach shell 26 . A light tap on the strike plate 50 from below with a hand, mallet, or other instrument, is usually sufficient to release broach shell 26 from the patient's bone allowing complete removal of the broach assembly 19 . Implantation of the femoral prosthesis then follows. [0069] In one embodiment of a method of broaching the triangular cavity 14 in a bone 16 , guided broaches 20 having triangular broaches 34 with progressively wider thicknesses 94 are utilized sequentially to form the triangular cavity 14 . As described above, in one embodiment of the broaching system 10 for use in preparation of a bone for receipt of an S-ROM modular prosthesis, seven broach tools are provided designated sizes 7×12, 9×14, 1 1×16, 13×18, 15×20, 17×22 and 19×24. These sizes correspond to the sizes of sleeves available in the modular prosthesis system. Thus, if the surgeon intends to utilize a size 13×18 sleeve, the initial guided broach 20 selected for calcar preparation would include the size 9×14 broach tool 22 . After broaching the triangular cavity 14 to the appropriate depth using the 9×14 broach tool 22 , the guided broach 20 would be removed from the broach shell 26 and the 9×14 broach tool 22 would be replaced with the 11×16 broach tool 22 . The guided broach 20 including the 11×16 broach tool 22 would then be inserted into the broach shell 26 and driven into the bone 16 to the appropriate depth. The guided broach 20 would then again be removed from the broach shell 26 and the 11×16 broach tool 22 would be replaced with the 13×18 broach tool 22 . The guided broach 20 including the 13×18 broach tool 22 would then be inserted into the broach shell 26 and driven into the bone 16 to the appropriate depth. The guided broach 20 would then be pulled straight up until the top surface 36 of the triangular broach 34 engages the broach engagement surface 74 of the broach shell 26 and the guided broach 20 , broach shell 26 and pilot stem 42 would be removed from the femur 16 . [0070] Broaching system 10 is fabricated using conventional techniques used in the manufacture of surgical instruments. Similarly, the broaching system 10 , is composed of conventional stainless steels or other materials employed in constructing surgical instruments. [0071] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein, other embodiments may be perceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, although the invention has been described in terms of the implantation of the femoral portion of a hip prosthesis, it can be used with prostheses for other joints such as the shoulder, knee, or elbow.

A broaching system is disclosed for creating a cavity in a bone. The cavity has a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side. The cavity is contiguous with a pre-existing conical cavity in the bone. The apparatus comprises as shaft and a broach. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The broach is mounted to the shaft and has a first cutting side mounted at the acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The first cutting side is formed to include teeth. The shaft and broach are configured so that when the longitudinal axis of the shaft is advanced into the bone along the axis of the bone, the teeth of the broach form the triangular cavity. A method for cutting a triangular cavity in bone is also described. The method comprises a providing a shaft step, an incising step and a cutting step. The provided shaft is configured to be movable relative to the bone to be prepared and includes a broach coupled thereto to dispose a cutting surface of the broach at an acute angle relative to the shaft. The shaft and broach have a width defined by the distance between the shaft and the outer most portion of the cutting surface. The incising step includes incising the patient adjacent the bone to be prepared to form an incision having a length approximating the width of shaft and broach. The cutting step includes cutting the cavity by driving the broach by moving the shaft relative to the bone.

The present invention relates to an improved clamp particularly suited for clamping a flange assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Clamp devices utilizing spring biasing arrangements to provide a closing force on an object being clamped are well known. U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,374 to Ruschmeyer illustrates one such device utilizing a spring biased bolt extended through a pair of eye members mounted on opposite ends of a clamping member. Closure of the clamp compresses the spring against the bolt and urges the eye members toward each other to clamp the object. U.S. Pat. No. 2,133,060 to Stephens relates to a closure device for pressure cookers, including a flexible band which is drawn together to seal the cover and the cooker body by a toggle arrangement consisting of a handle, a pair of pivotally connected linkage members and a spring contained in a housing formed at one end of the flexible band. Closure of the toggle arrangement compresses the spring and exerts a closing force to seal the cooker. Failure of the spring results in a shift of the flexible band equivalent to the space existing between the turns of the spring which is not sufficient to break the seal and cause loss of pressure existing within the cooker. U.S. Pat. No. 2,324,356 to Brown discloses a clamping arrangement for use in connection with cover structures for tank truck covers, manhole covers, and the like. The clamping arrangement includes a pivotally mounted arm extending diametrically over the cover, and a closure arrangement having a biasing element for forcing the arm downwardly over the cover and exerting a pressure on the cover when in the closed position. Other spring biased clamping arrangements are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 889,042 to Powers and 1,564,837 to Edeborg. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect, the present invention provides a toggle clamp comprising first and second clamping means pivotally connected together for receiving objects to be clamped therebetween; a handle pivotally mounted with respect to one of the clamping means; a bail including a force generating means where the bail is so mounted with respect to the handle that upon movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the force generating means is moved to a first position to generate a force for clamping the objects together with a first clamping force; and means, upon weakening or failure of the force generating means, for permitting movement of the force generating means to a second position where the objects remain clamped together with a force less than that of the first clamping force whereby a fail-safe operation is provided. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the objects to be clamped together comprise a pair of flange assemblies where each assembly includes means for accommodating a centering ring having a spacing portion having a predetermined width where the spacing portion includes means for receiving an elastic seal and where, in response to the force generating means being in its first position, the seal is compressed to the width of the spacing portion to effect a fluid tight seal and where, in response to the force generating means weakening or failing, the compression of the seal is decreased but is still sufficient to maintain the fluid tight seal. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping force generating means comprises a T-shaped member, the cross-piece of which is engageable with the other of the clamping means, and a biasing means in biasing engagement with the T-shaped member for urging the T-shaped member towards the first clamping position. Preferably, the bail includes spaced-apart side walls defining opposed elongate slots, and the cross-piece of the T-shaped member is mounted for reciprocal movement in those slots, with the extent of reciprocal movement being defined by the length of the slots. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the toggle means includes a locking means for locking the handle and bail together to prevent relative movement therebetween when the toggle means is in its closed clamping position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the clamp of the invention with the toggle means in a closed configuration; FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the clamp of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the clamp of FIG. 1 showing the toggle means in a disengaged configuration; FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the clamp of the invention showing a flange in clamped engagement with the clamp; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation taken along the line of V--V shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the flange shown in FIG. 4; and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation of the flange assembly of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the clamp of the invention, generally referenced 2, includes first and second clamping means 4,6 hingedly connected together at hinge point 8. A toggle means, generally referenced 10, is pivotally connected to the first clamping means 4 at pivot point 12 in end portion 13 of clamping means 4, and includes a handle 14 and a bail 16 pivotally mounted to the handle 14 at pivot point 18. The bail 16 includes a clamping force generating means, generally referenced 20, comprising a T-shaped member 22 having a cross piece 24 which is engageable in a recess 26 formed in end portion 28 of the clamping means 6. The clamping force generating means 20 also includes a biasing means which in the drawings is illustrated as comprising a compression spring 30, although it will be appreciated that any resilient biasing means may be employed, and this is not limited to a compression spring. Alternatively, although not shown, other arrangements of the toggle mechanism are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, the relative positions of pivot point 18 and recess 26 may be changed such that the pivot point for bail 16 is on end portion 28 of clamping means 6 while the recess 26 is on the outer periphery of handle 14. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the bail 16 includes spaced-apart side walls 32,34 defining therein opposed elongate slots 36,38 and the cross-piece 24 of the T-shaped member 22 is mounted for reciprocal movement in those slots. The bail 16 also includes a base member 40 extending between the side walls 32,34, and this serves to support the compression spring 30. A centralizing means 42 is mounted on the underside of the cross-piece 24 for maintaining the T-shaped member 22 centrally disposed within the compression spring 30, and the compression spring abuts against the centralizing means 42. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 2, the central member 44 of the T-shaped member extends through an aperture 45 in base member 40 and this maintains the T-shaped member 22 centrally disposed within the bail 16. The centralizing means 42 and the central member 44 also serve to retain the compression spring within the bail, and thereby prevent the spring from becoming disengaged from the bail. Referring to FIG. 3, disengagement of the clamping force generating means 20 from the second clamping means 6 is achieved by pivoting the handle 14 about pivot point 12 from left to right as seen in FIG. 3. When this is done, the bail is initially moved to the right as a result of pivotal movement about pivot point 18, and that is followed by downward movement of the bail as the handle 14 approaches the position shown in FIG. 3 where pivot points 12 and 18 are approximately laterally disposed with respect to each other. In this position, the bail has moved downwardly with respect to the second clamping means 6 by sufficient distance to allow the cross piece 24 to become disengaged from the recess 26, and permit free pivotal movement of the bail 16 about pivot point 18. The clamping means 4,6 can then be freely moved with respect to each other about hinge point 8, and this facilitates introduction or removal of an object to be clamped, as discussed in more detail below. In FIG. 4, an illustrative flange assembly 46 is shown in clamped engagement with the clamp 2. The flange assembly 46 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, and includes a pair of side members 48,50 having a cylindrical portion 52,54 and a flange portion 56,58 of larger diameter than the respective cylindrical portions. Each side member 48,50 has a cylindrical recess 59,60 shown in FIG. 7 which houses a centering ring 62 which may include a spacing portion 62a having vertical side walls 63a and 63b and a groove 62b for supporting an elastic sealing ring 64. As shown in FIG. 7, sealing ring 64 is supported on the centering ring 62, and is sandwiched between inner faces 66,68 of the flange portions 56,58. Each side member 48,50 may have a frusto-conical surface extending between the cylindrical portion 52,54 and the flange portion 56,58, and those frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 are receivable for clamping engagement within the clamping means 4,6, as discussed in detail below. It should be understood the above flange assembly is but typical and numerous other types of such assemblies may be used in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrative clamping means 4,6 are shown which may include an arcuate internal clamping surface 74,76 having a base surface 78,80 and inclined clamping surfaces 82,84 which are clampingly engageable with the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 of the flange. As will be seen from FIG. 5, the clamping means 4,6 are each essentially U-shaped in cross section, and the side walls on either side of the internal clamping surfaces 74,76 are thinner in cross-section and define inclined surfaces 86,88 on either side of the inclined clamping surfaces 82,84. As a result the primary clamping force on the flange assembly is exerted by the internal clamping surfaces 82,84. Again, it should be understood the above clamping means are but illustrative and numerous details of the illustrative clamping means may be varied in accordance with the invention. In use, the flange assembly 46 is inserted into the clamping means 4, and the clamping means 6 is closed around the flange assembly, followed by pivoting the bail 16 about pivot point 18 into overlapping engagement with the end portion 28 of clamping means 6 so that the cross piece 24 is aligned with recess 26. The handle 14 is then rotated from right to left towards its closed position as shown in FIG. 4, and this results in the cross-piece 24 engaging with the recess 26. As the handle 14 is closed, the clamping means 4 and 6 are urged towards each other into clamping engagement about the flange assembly 46, and the cross-piece 24 is urged, against the biasing force of the compression spring 30, along the elongate slots 36,38 from the position 89 shown in FIG. 1 where the cross-piece is in abutting engagement with the ends of the elongate slots 36,38 to a first clamping position 90 as shown in FIG. 4. In this closed configuration, the inclined clamping surfaces 82,84 press against the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 and urge the side members 48,50 towards each other to compress the sealing ring 64 and generate a fluid tight seal. In the event of failure or weakening of the compression spring 30 while the clamp is in the closed clamping position (as shown in FIG. 4), the cross-piece 24 of the T-shaped member 22 moves along the elongate slots 36,38 from the first clamping position 90 towards a second clamping position 94 shown in dotted relief in FIG. 4. When this occurs, end portions 13,28 of clamping means 4 and 6 move away from each other and the compressive force on the flange portions 56,58 is reduced allowing the side members 48,50 to move axially away from each other in view of the expansive force of the compressed resilient sealing ring 64. However, the extent to which the side members 48,50 become axially displaced from each other upon movement of the T-shaped member from the first clamping position to the second clamping position is not sufficient to break the fluid tight seal between the side members 48,50 and the sealing ring 64. This is despite the reduced clamping force being exerted on the frusto-conical surfaces 70,72 by the clamping means 4,6 when the T-shaped member 22 is in the second clamping position 94. Thus, the elongate slots 36,38 are positioned so that the sealing ring 64 is partially compressed to maintain the seal even when the spring 30 has failed or weakened sufficiently to permit movement of the T-shaped member 22 from the first clamping position 90 to the second clamping position 94. Arrangements other than the movement of T-shaped member 22 in elongate slots 36,38 may also be employed to establish the first and second clamping positions. Thus, for example, the slots 36,38 may be eliminated where the width of cross-piece 24 would be less than the distance between the inner surfaces of side walls 32,34. In place of the eliminated slots would be a reduced diameter portion having upper and lower shoulders on the central member 44 where the reduced diameter portion would be disposed within aperture 45. The diameter of aperture 45 would, of course, be greater than that of the reduced diameter portion but less than the diameter of the remainder of central member 45. Thus, in the first clamping position, the lower shoulder of the reduced diameter portion would engage or be near base member 40 while in the second clamping position, the upper shoulder would engage the base member. As a safety feature, the clamp 2 has a locking means provided in the toggle means 10 for locking the toggle means in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The locking means includes apertures 96,98 extending through the the bail 16 and the handle 14 respectively which come into axial alignment when the toggle means is is in its closed position, and a split pin or cotter pin 100 receivable through the apertures 96,98, as shown in FIG. 2. When the pin 100 is in place, the handle cannot be moved from its position shown in FIG. 1, so that accidental or unwanted opening of the clamp is avoided. From the above, it will be clear that the clamp of the present invention enjoys several advantages over prior known clamps which make it a useful advance over the art. In particular, the clamp embodies a simple and inexpensive toggle arrangement including a clamping force generating means which maintains a clamping force on the objects being clamped even in the event of failure or weakening of the biasing means. Since springs or other biasing means are always subject to fatigue failure, which in turn can result in loss of work in progress, this is a most valuable feature. The clamp is especially adapted for use in clamping flange assemblies, in which the clamp in its closed position generates a fluid tight seal which is maintained in the event the spring weakens or fails. Of course, such an arrangement also avoids the situation where the clamp fails entirely permitting potentially damaging leakage at the flanges. Furthermore, with the present arrangement, a simple spring such as compression 30 may be employed to effect the toggle clamp of the present invention within acceptable tolerances without resorting to more expensive, intricate leaf-type springs that characterize certain toggle clamps of the prior art. It is also to be noted that the toggle means is pivotally mounted to only one of the clamping means so that, in its open position, the toggle arrangement can be moved out of the way and the second clamping means is freely movable, which facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of the flange with the clamp. Furthermore, the movability of the clamping force generating means between the first and second clamping positions provides increased tolerance flexibility with respect to size variations in the various parts of flange assemblies. The clamping force generating means is thus capable of providing a closing clamping force over the full range of flange assembly tolerances. It will be understood that the invention as described above may be modified without departing from the principles thereof as has been outlines and explained in this specification. The present invention should be understood as encompassing all such modifications as are within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

A toggle clamp having first and second clamping members pivotally connected together for receiving objects to be clamped therebetween; a handle pivotally mounted with respect to one of the clamping members; a bail including a force generating member where the bail is so mounted with respect to the handle that upon movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the force generating member is moved to a first position to generate a force for clamping the objects together with a first clamping force; and, a member, upon weakening or failure of the force generating means, which permits movement of the force generating member to a second position where the objects remain clamped together with a force less than that of the first clamping force whereby a fail-safe operation is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Division of application Ser. No. 15/210,000 filed Jul. 14, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-151490, filed Jul. 31, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD [0003] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image forming apparatus and a method for demanding a more flexible printing processing. BACKGROUND [0004] As one type of an image forming apparatus, there is known an image forming apparatus equipped with a so-called image erasing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet with the use of a recording material, for example a decolorable toner, and furthermore carries out a decoloring processing on the toner used for forming the image through heating to erase the image printed on the sheet. In the image erasing apparatus, a reading section that reads the image in order to store the image before the image is erased and a decoloring section that decolors the toner for forming the image are comprised, and it is known to read the image again with the foregoing reading section to determine whether or not the decoloring processing of the toner is normally performed after the image is erased. In this way, at the time the image formed on the sheet is erased, a series of operations including reading and storing contents of the sheet with the reading section and decoloring the image are carried out. However, the contents printed on the sheet are various. Thus, there is a case in which in one sheet, a location at which a user wants to print the sheet with decolorable toner and a location at which the user wants to print the sheet with normal toner are mixed, and thus a more flexible printing processing is demanded. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment; [0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment; [0007] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image erasing apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment; [0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the image erasing apparatus according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment; [0009] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a bitmap image according to the first embodiment; [0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a bitmap image according to the first embodiment; [0011] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an emphasis information candidate file stored in an HDD of an MFP according to the first embodiment; [0012] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an emphasis information storage file stored in the HDD of the MFP according to the first embodiment; [0013] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a print job according to the first embodiment; [0014] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a copied document C according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment; [0015] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen displayed on an operation panel according to the first embodiment; [0016] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of an erasing job according to the first embodiment; [0017] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a sheet after erasing according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment; [0018] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating connection of the MFP and a PC according to the second embodiment; [0019] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the PC according to the second embodiment; [0020] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating an emphasis information candidate file stored in an HDD of the PC according to the second embodiment; [0021] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an emphasis information storage area stored in the HDD of the PC according to the second embodiment; [0022] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen displayed on a display section according to the second embodiment; and [0023] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a print request job according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] In accordance with an embodiment, an image forming apparatus comprises a first storage section configured to store image information to be printed, a printing section configured to include a decolorable recording material and non-decolorable recording material and print an image based on the image information stored in the first storage section with the decolorable recording material in a case in which the image meets a predetermined condition, a second storage section configured to store emphasis information for emphasizing a specific image, and a control section configured to control the printing section to print an image indicated by the emphasis information stored in the second storage section with the decolorable recording material in a case in which the image meets the predetermined condition existing in the image information stored in the first storage section. [0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 100 is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. [0026] In a first embodiment and a second embodiment, in a copied document C, as shown in FIG. 10 , “A” meaning that a character is not emphasized, “B” meaning that a character is emphasized in bold type and “C” meaning that a character is emphasized with an underline are recorded. In the first embodiment, the document C refers to a sheet on which the image is formed. Further, in the second embodiment, the document C refers to a document file. As an example of a recording material, decolorable toner and non-decolorable toner are described as examples; however, the recording material is not limited to them. The recording material may be decolorable ink and non-decolorable ink. First Embodiment [0027] The first embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 13 . FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. The MFP 100 according to the first embodiment functions as the image forming apparatus. The MFP 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a scanner section 1 , a printer section 2 , an operation panel 4 and a system control section 5 . [0028] The scanner section 1 reads an image of a document to convert the image to image data. The scanner section 1 has the well-known configuration equipped with, for example, a CCD line sensor which converts the image of the document on a reading surface to the image data. The scanner section 1 may scan the document placed on a document table glass (not shown) or read the image of the document conveyed by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The scanner section 1 is arranged on the upper side of a main body of the MFP 100 , for example. The scanner section 1 is controlled by the system control section 5 . [0029] The printer section 2 forms an image on a sheet as an image receiving medium. In the present embodiment, the printer section 2 is an electrophotographic type image forming section. The printer section 2 forms the image with the use of five of plural types of toner (for example, yellow (Y) toner, cyan (C) toner, magenta (M) toner, black (K) toner and decoloring (D) toner, although any number of toners can be employed). The yellow (Y) toner, the cyan (C) toner, the magenta (M) toner and the black (K) toner are non-decolorable toner which cannot be decolored even if they are heated at a predetermined or higher fixing temperature. The decoloring toner (D) is decolorable toner which can be decolored through heating at a predetermined or higher temperature exceeding the fixing temperature. The color of the decoloring toner (D) is, for example, dark blue. Furthermore, details of the well-known configuration for carrying out generation of the image by the printer section 2 are described later. [0030] The decoloring toner used in the embodiment is formed by including a color material in binder resin, for example. The decolorable color material contains a color generation compound, a developer and a decoloring agent. As the color generation compound, for example, leuco dye is exemplified. As the developer, for example, phenols are exemplified. As the decoloring agent, a substance which is blended with the color generation compound if heated and does not have affinity to the developer is exemplified. The decolorable color material develops the color through interaction of the color generation compound and the developer, and can be decolored as the interaction of the color generation compound and the developer is cut off through the heating at a temperature equal to or higher than a decoloring temperature. [0031] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 , the printer section 2 includes a paper feed cassette 20 ( 20 A, 20 B and 20 C) as a paper feed section. For example, each of the paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C is arranged at the lower part of the main body of the MFP 100 in a detachable state. These paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C respectively store sheets with different types (for example, different sizes and/or paper qualities) set respectively. It is also possible to set each of these paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C to a paper feed cassette corresponding to each size after the sheets with different sizes are respectively housed in the paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C, for example. A paper feed section sensor (not shown) is arranged in each of the paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C. The paper feed section sensor detects the number of the sheets housed in a paper feed tray. The paper feed section sensor is, for example an infrared sensor. In addition, a mechanical sensor can also be used in which a well-known micro switch is arranged. The paper feed section sensor sends a detection result to a system control section 5 described later. Further, the printer section 2 may include a manual feed tray (not shown) as another paper feed section. [0032] Setting information relating to the sheets housed by each of the paper feed cassettes 20 A, 20 B and 20 C is stored in a non-volatile memory. The printer section 2 selects a paper feed cassette that houses sheets to be used in a printing processing according to the setting information. The printer section 2 prints an image on the sheet fed from the selected paper feed cassette. Furthermore, in a case in which the printer section 2 includes the manual feed tray, a size of a sheet set in the manual feed tray, which is input from the operation panel 4 , may be stored in the foregoing non-volatile memory. [0033] Furthermore, in the following description, as the sheet is conveyed from the paper feed section 20 to a paper discharge section 30 , the paper feed section 20 side is regarded as the upstream side with respect to a sheet conveyance direction, and the paper discharge section 30 side is regarded as the downstream side with respect to the sheet conveyance direction. [0034] A conveyance section 22 shown in FIG. 1 conveys the sheet in the printer section 2 . The conveyance section 22 conveys the sheet supplied from the corresponding paper feed cassette 20 A, 20 B or 20 C through a pickup roller 21 A, 21 B or 21 C to a resist roller 24 . The resist roller 24 conveys the sheet to a transfer position at the timing when the image is transferred onto the sheet from an intermediate transfer belt 27 described later. [0035] Hereinafter, details of the image formation are described. As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming section 25 , an exposure section 26 , the intermediate transfer belt 27 and a transfer section 28 function as well-known image forming modules for forming an image. The image forming section 25 forms the image to be transferred onto the sheet. The configuration example of generating a color image shown in FIG. 1 is described in detail later; however, an image forming section 25 Y forms an image corresponding to yellow with the yellow toner by color-separating a document image. An image forming section 25 M forms an image with the magenta toner similarly. An image forming section 25 C forms an image with the cyan toner. An image forming section 25 K forms an image with the black toner. Then, each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C and 25 K overlaps and transfers the toner image of each color onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 . On the other hand, the image forming section 25 D forms an erasable document image used in a case in which the sheet is reused with the decolorable toner. As stated above, the color of the decolorable toner is the dark blue. Thus, the image formed by the image forming section 25 D is a monochrome image. Each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D includes the well-known configuration constituted by, for example, a photoconductive drum, a charging charger, a developing section containing the toner, a charge removing section and the like (only shown in FIG. 1 ). [0036] Each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D includes a well-known sensor such as a potential sensor and a density sensor (neither is shown). The potential sensor detects surface potential of the well-known photoconductive drum included in each image forming section. In each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D, the well-known charging charger charges the surface of the photoconductive drum before the photoconductive drum is exposed by the exposure section 26 described later. The system control section 5 can change a charging condition of the charging charger. The potential sensor detects the surface potential of the photoconductive drum of which the surface is charged by the charging charger. The density sensor detects density of the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 described later. Further, the density sensor may detect density of the toner image formed on the photoconductive drum. [0037] The exposure section 26 forms an electrostatic latent image of the document image acquired by the scanner section 1 on the charged photoconductive drum of each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D through laser light as stated above. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductive drum is an image to be developed with toner of each color. In other words, the exposure section 26 emits the laser light corresponding to each image forming section controlled according to the image data to each photoconductive drum via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. The exposure section 26 controls power of the laser light according to a control signal from the system control section 5 . The exposure section 26 also controls a modulation amount of a pulse width for controlling emission of the laser light according to a control signal from the system control section 5 . [0038] As stated above, each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the individual photoconductive drum with the toner of each color by the developing section. Each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C, 25 K and 25 D forms the toner image as a visible image on the photoconductive drum. The intermediate transfer belt 27 is an intermediate transfer body. In a case in which the color image is formed with the foregoing non-decolorable toner, each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C and 25 K transfers (primarily transfers) the toner image formed on the photoconductive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 . Specifically, each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C and 25 K applies transfer bias to the toner image at a primary transfer position. Each of the image forming sections 25 Y, 25 M, 25 C and 25 K controls the transfer bias through a transfer current. The toner image on each photoconductive drum is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 through the transfer bias at the individual primary transfer position (for example, a portion where the photoconductive drum is contacted with the transfer belt). The system control section 5 controls the transfer current used in a primary transfer processing by the image forming section. On the other hand, in a case in which the sheet is reused, in other words, in a case in which the monochrome image with the decolorable toner is formed, the toner image as the visible image is formed on the photoconductive drum by the image forming section 25 D. The toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 as stated above. [0039] The transfer section 28 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the sheet at a secondary transfer position. The transfer section 28 includes a support roller 28 a and a secondary transfer roller 28 b arranged along a conveyance path of the sheet, and the secondary transfer position is a position where the support roller 28 a and the secondary transfer roller 28 b are opposite to each other across the intermediate transfer belt 27 . The transfer section 28 applies the transfer bias controlled by the transfer current to the intermediate transfer belt 27 at the secondary transfer position. The transfer section 28 transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the sheet through the transfer bias. The system control section 5 controls the transfer current used in a secondary transfer processing. [0040] A fixing device 29 arranged at the downstream side of the foregoing transfer section 28 has a function of enabling the toner to be fixed on the sheet. For example, in the embodiment, the fixing device 29 enables the toner image to be fixed on the sheet through heat and pressure applied to the sheet. [0041] In the configuration example of FIG. 1 , the fixing device 29 is composed of a heat roller (heating section) 29 b in which a heating source 29 a is built and a pressure roller (pressure section) 29 c contacting therewith in a pressure state through a pressure mechanism (not shown). The heating source 29 a may be a heater capable of controlling a temperature. For example, the heating source 29 a may be constituted by a heater lamp such as a halogen lamp or may be an induction heating (IH) heater. Further, the heating source 29 a may be constituted by a plurality of heaters. Furthermore, the fixing device 29 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the heat roller 29 b . The temperature sensor sends the temperature of the heat roller 29 b to the system control section 5 described later. The pressure mechanism presses the pressure roller 29 c to the heat roller 29 b . The pressure mechanism is constituted by an elastic member. In a case in which the pressure roller 29 c is not pressed to the heat roller 29 b by the pressure mechanism, the pressure roller 29 c and the heat roller 29 b are separated from each other, and a gap is formed between the pressure roller 29 c and the heat roller 29 b. [0042] In a case of carrying out a fixing processing of enabling the toner image to be fixed on the sheet, the system control section 5 carries out control in such a manner that the temperature of the fixing device 29 becomes a predetermined fixing temperature. The fixing device 29 pressures the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer section 28 and heats the sheet at the fixing temperature. In this way, the fixing device 29 enables the toner image to be fixed on the sheet. Through a well-known branching mechanism (not shown) arranged at the downstream side of the fixing device 29 , the sheet to which the fixing processing is carried out is conveyed to either the paper discharge section 30 or an ADU (Automatic Duplex Unit) 31 in response to a processing request of a user. [0043] In a case in which the sheet to which the fixing processing is carried out by the fixing device 29 is discharged, the sheet is conveyed to the paper discharge section 30 . Further, in a case in which the image is also formed on the back surface of the sheet to which the fixing processing is carried out by the fixing device 29 , the sheet is switched back and then conveyed to the ADU 31 after temporarily conveyed to the paper discharge section 30 side. In this case, the ADU 31 supplies the sheet reversed through the switchback to the upstream side of the resist roller 24 again. [0044] The operation panel 4 is a user interface. The operation panel 4 includes well-known various input buttons and a display section 4 a equipped with a touch panel 4 b . The system control section 5 controls contents displayed on the display section 4 a of the operation panel 4 . The operation panel 4 outputs information input through the touch panel 4 b or the input button of the display section 4 a to the system control section 5 . Further, the operation panel 4 receives the input of information such as the number of printing sheets and density necessary for the printing at the time of the printing. An operator operates the operation panel 4 to select either a normal printing mode in which the printing is carried out with the non-decolorable toner or a part decoloring toner mode in which the printing is carried out with the decolorable toner and the non-decolorable toner. The operation panel 4 further includes a normal printing mode key (not shown) and a part erasing key (not shown). In a case of selecting the normal printing mode, the operator presses the normal printing mode key, and in a case of selecting the part decoloring toner mode, the operator presses the part erasing key. [0045] Next, the configuration of a control system of the MFP 100 is described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the MFP 100 of the present embodiment. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 53 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54 , an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 55 , an external I/F (Interface) 56 , the scanner section 1 , the printer section 2 and the operation panel 4 are connected with one another via a system bus line 52 . The CPU 51 , the ROM 53 and the RAM 54 constitute the system control section 5 . [0046] A program executed by the CPU 51 and a threshold value are stored in the ROM 53 in advance. For example, the fixing temperature at which the fixation of the decolorable toner or the non-decolorable toner is possible is also stored the ROM 53 . [0047] In the RAM 54 , various memory areas such as an area in which a program executed by the CPU 51 is copied or decompressed and a working area serving as a job area of a data processing based on the program are dynamically formed. Further, the RAM 54 includes a temporary storage area for temporarily storing the image information of the document read by the scanner section 1 (the temporary storage area is equivalent to a first storage section). The image information has a bitmap image for each color of each toner to be used in the printing. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the bitmap image divides the image information into a plurality of areas for each toner and has information indicating whether or not the toner is used in each area. In the present embodiment, there are the bitmap images of, for example, five types of toner including the yellow (Y) toner, the cyan (C) toner, the magenta (M) toner, the black (K) toner and the decoloring (D) toner. “1” meaning that the toner serving as an object is used in the area, and “0” meaning that the toner is not used in the area. A primary transfer is carried out on the basis of the bitmap image of each toner. [0048] The HDD 55 is a high capacity storage device. An OS (Operating System) for enabling the MFP 100 to operate is installed. In the HDD 55 , an emphasis information candidate file 55 a shown in FIG. 7 and an emphasis information storage file 55 b shown in FIG. 8 are stored. In the emphasis information candidate file 55 a , emphasis information indicating an object to be printed with the decolorable toner is stored at the time the part decoloring toner mode is selected. The emphasis information indicates, for example, bold type, underline, red character, number, italic, color painting, hatching and the like. The object indicated by the emphasis information is printed with the use of the decolorable toner. For example, in the document C as shown in FIG. 10 , the characters of “B” represented by bold type and the characters of “C” represented by the underline are printed with the decolorable toner. [0049] Further, the emphasis information candidate file 55 a is composed of an emphasis information column and an identifier column. The emphasis information column and the identifier column are a one-to-one relationship. The emphasis information is stored in the emphasis information column, and an identifier corresponding to the emphasis information is stored in the identifier column. The system control section 5 carries out management of the emphasis information through the identifier. [0050] In a case in which the part decoloring toner mode is selected, the system control section 5 refers to the emphasis information candidate file 55 a to display the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information column of the emphasis information candidate file 55 a and corresponding check boxes 4 a on the operation panel 4 . A completion key 4 b is displayed at the lower side of the operation panel 4 . If the check box 4 a is checked and the completion key 4 b is pressed by the operator, the system control section 5 reads out the emphasis information and the identifier corresponding to the checked check box 4 a from the emphasis information candidate file 55 a to store the read emphasis information and the identifier in the emphasis information storage file 55 b . The emphasis information storage file 55 b which has the same structure as the foregoing emphasis information candidate file 55 a includes the emphasis information column and the identifier column. The emphasis information checked by the check box 4 a is stored in the emphasis information storage file 55 b . It is determined whether or not the emphasis information exists in the image information temporarily stored in the RAM 54 on the basis of the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information storage file 55 b (the emphasis information storage file 55 b is equivalent to a second storage section). [0051] The external I/F 56 is an interface for realizing communication of the system control section 5 with an external device. For example, the external I/F 56 receives print data in response to a print request from the external device, for example, a client terminal (PC). The external I/F 56 may be an interface for carrying out data communication with the external device, for example, may be a device (USB memory) locally connected with the external device or may be a network interface for realizing communication via a network. The external I/F 56 is equivalent to a communication section. [0052] As the scanner section 1 , the printer section 2 and the operation panel 4 are described above, the description thereof is omitted. [0053] Next, an image erasing apparatus 200 is described. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image erasing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The image erasing apparatus 200 erases an image of a sheet P as the image receiving medium on which the image is already formed to enable the sheet P to be reused. In the present embodiment, an erasing processing of decoloring the recording material through the heating and thus erasing the image is described as an example of the erasing processing. [0054] The image erasing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 3 includes a paper feed section 220 for housing the sheet P on which the image to be erased is printed, a first conveyance path 290 and a second conveyance path 295 for conveying the sheet P, a first reading section 232 a and a second reading section 232 b for reading the image of the sheet P, an erasing section 250 for decoloring the recording material used for forming the image of sheet P, conveyance rollers 286 arranged in each conveyance path, a first route change section 210 for switching a conveyance route of the sheet P, a paper discharge section 280 composed of a first paper discharge section 260 and a second paper discharge section 270 for storing the sheets P to which the processing is completed, and a second route change section 215 arranged in the first conveyance path 290 for switching the routes between the first paper discharge section 260 and the second paper discharge section 270 . The combination of the first conveyance path 290 , the second conveyance path 295 and the conveyance roller 286 is equivalent to a conveyance section. [0055] The paper feed section 220 houses the sheet P to be reused, on which the image is already formed. The sheet P is fed to the inside of the image erasing apparatus 200 in order to erase the image of the sheet P. The sheet P to be reused is a sheet P on which an image is formed with the toner capable of being decolored through the heating as the recording material. Further, the sheets P may have various sizes such as A3, A4, B5 and the like. The sheet feed section 220 includes a sheet feed tray 222 and a pickup roller 221 (hereinafter, referred to as a sheet feed tray pickup roller) for picking up the sheet P in the sheet feed tray 222 . The sheet feed tray 222 stacks the sheet P to which the erasure of the image is carried out. The sheet feed tray pickup roller 221 picks up the sheets P one by one from the sheet feed tray 222 to send the sheets P to the first conveyance path 290 in order. Further, a sheet feed section sensor (not shown), arranged in the sheet feed section 220 , is used to detect whether or not the sheet P exists in the sheet feed tray 222 . The sheet feed section sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor. In addition, a sensor using a well-known micro switch can also be used. The sheet feed section sensor sends a detection result to a control section 250 described later. [0056] The first conveyance path 290 and the second conveyance path 295 include a plurality of the conveyance rollers 286 . Each conveyance roller 286 is composed of a pair of a driving roller and a driven roller. [0057] The first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b are arranged in the first conveyance path 290 along the conveyance path. The first conveyance path 290 conveys the sheet P from the sheet feed section 220 to the sheet discharge section 280 through the conveyance roller 286 via the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b. [0058] In the present embodiment, as the sheet P is conveyed from the sheet feed section 220 to the sheet discharge section 280 , the sheet feed section 220 side is regarded as the upstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet P, and the sheet discharge section 280 side is regarded as the downstream side with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet P. [0059] The first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b each include, for example, a two-dimensional CCD scanner (the combination of the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b is equivalent to a reading section). The two reading sections 232 a and 232 b , for example, are arranged at mutually different positions across the first conveyance path 290 . According to such a configuration, the first reading section 232 a reads one side of the conveyed sheet P, and the second reading section 232 b reads the other side opposite to the side read by the first reading section 232 a . The images read by the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b , for example, are properly stored in an HDD 212 described later. [0060] The first conveyance path 290 is connected to the sheet discharge section 280 via a branch point B 1 positioned at the downstream side of the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. As shown in FIG. 3 , the second conveyance path 295 is connected with the branch point B 1 , and the first route change section 210 for switching the routes between the first conveyance path 290 and the second conveyance path 295 is arranged at the branch point B 1 . For example, it is set by default that the first route change section 210 allows the route for conveying the sheet P from the sheet feed section 220 to the sheet discharge section 280 via the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b. [0061] In addition, the first conveyance path 290 is connected to the first paper discharge section 260 or the second paper discharge section 270 via a branch point B 2 located at the downstream side of the branch point B 1 . The second route change section 215 is connected with the branch point B 2 as shown in FIG. 3 . It is set by default that the second route change section 215 allows the route for conveying the sheet P from the first route change section 210 to the first sheet discharge section 260 . [0062] In the present embodiment, a reusable sheet is conveyed to the first paper discharge section 260 , and a sheet which is unsuitable to be reused due to a reason such as dirt and the like is conveyed to the second paper discharge section 270 . [0063] The second conveyance path 295 is branched from the first conveyance path 290 at the branch point B 1 and merged with the first conveyance path 290 at a merging point G positioned at the upstream side of the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b in the first conveyance path 290 and at the downstream side of the sheet feed section 220 . [0064] The erasing section 250 is arranged in the second conveyance path between the branch point B 1 and the merging point G of the first conveyance path 290 and the second conveyance path 295 . The erasing section 250 includes a roller pair 251 and a heater 205 serving as a heating source. The heater 205 , for example, is arranged in at least one of rollers constituting the roller pair 251 . The roller pair 251 is heated by the heater 205 . In this way, in the erasing section 250 , through the heater 205 , the image of the sheet P formed with the decolorable toner is heated to the decoloring temperature (target temperature) via the roller pair 251 and the toner used for forming the image is decolored. Further, though not shown, a temperature sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the roller pair 251 . The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the roller pair 251 and sends a measured result to a control section 250 described later. [0065] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image erasing apparatus 200 . A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 , CCD sensors 204 constituting the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b , the heater 205 of the erasing section 250 , an interface (I/F) 206 for carrying out data input and output with an external device such as a client terminal, a first route change driving section 207 for controlling the first route change section 210 , a second route change driving section 208 for controlling the second route change section 215 , a sheet conveyance motor 213 for driving various rollers, a sheet conveyance motor control driving section 209 for controlling the sheet conveyance motor 213 , an operation and display section 211 for carrying out the input and the display of various setting and the HDD 214 are connected with one another via a system bus line 201 . The CPU 201 , the ROM 202 and the RAM 203 constitute the control section 250 . [0066] The ROM 202 stores a program executed by the CPU 201 of the control section 250 . The ROM 202 further stores a threshold value of a printing rate of the image of the sheet and a threshold value of a density of the image of the sheet. The control section 250 determines whether or not the erasure is normally carried out on the basis of the two threshold values. In other words, the control section 250 determines whether or not the sheet can be reused. [0067] In the RAM 203 , various memory areas such as a working area serving as a job area of a data processing according to the program are dynamically formed. [0068] The CCD sensors 204 constituting the reading sections 232 a and 232 b are arranged as a row of line sensors (two-dimensional scanners) for reading the images of the sheet P to detect intensity of the surface of the sheet P with the conveyance of the sheet P. The CCD sensor 204 detects the intensity of the surface of the sheet P to read out or detect the image. The reading section 232 is not limited to the CCD sensor and may be a CMOS sensor. [0069] The heater 205 of the erasing section 250 uses, for example, an induction heating (IH) heater. As stated above, while the sheet P passes through the erasing section 250 , via the roller pair 251 , the heat from the heater 205 is indirectly applied to the sheet P to discolor the toner used for forming the image. The heater 205 may be optional as long as it can control the temperature. In addition to the induction heating heater, for example, a lamp heater such as a halogen lamp or infrared heater may be used. [0070] The operation and display section 211 which is, for example, a touch panel carries out the display and the input of information relating to operations of the image erasing apparatus 200 . In addition, the operation and display section 211 is an input section that includes various setting and instruction keys and inputs various operations. In a case of carrying out the erasure of the image, the operator operates a touch panel of the operation and display section 211 . For example, the operator presses a setting and instruction key (not shown) arranged on the touch panel to carry out the setting of the erasure in advance. In the present embodiment, in the erasing processing of the image, the sheet P is conveyed to the erasing section 250 after all the images of sheet P are read by the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b . Then, the sheet P is discharged to the discharge section 280 after the sheet P is erased by the erasing section 250 . Furthermore, the operation and display section 211 includes a start key (not shown) for starting the erasing processing of the image. [0071] The control section 250 controls the first route change driving section 207 to drive the first route change section 210 to switch the position set by default to execute distribution so that the sheet P is conveyed from the first conveyance path 290 to the second conveyance path 295 . [0072] Further, the control section 250 controls the second route change driving section 208 to drive the second route change section 215 to distribute the sheet P to the first sheet discharge section 260 or the second sheet discharge section 270 . [0073] The HDD 212 at least includes a read image storage area for storing the image read by the CCD sensor 204 for the first time and a redetermination storage area for storing the image of the sheet to which the erasing processing is carried out by the erasing section 250 . [0074] In the MFP 100 and the image erasing apparatus 200 with the foregoing configurations, on the basis of the preset programs, the MFP 100 carries out the print job as shown in FIG. 9 , and the image erasing apparatus 200 carries out the erasing job as shown in FIG. 12 . [0075] Firstly, the print job carried out by the MFP 100 is described. At this time, the document C shown in FIG. 10 is placed on the document table glass of the scanner section 1 . The MFP 100 reads the document C to copy it. As stated above, the characters of “B” in bold type and the characters of “C” with underline are recorded on the document C. The operator operates the operation panel 4 to press the part erasing key to copy the document C in the part decoloring toner mode. Further, the operator selects that the characters marked by bold type and underline are printed with the decolorable toner. [0076] The system control section 5 receives the input of a key signal of a part decoloring toner mode key through the operation panel 4 (ACT S 101 ). [0077] If the key signal of the part decoloring toner mode key is input, the system control section 5 displays the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information candidate file 55 a of the HDD 55 on the operation panel 4 as shown in FIG. 11 . Then, a random check is input to the check box 4 a of the displayed emphasis information through the operation panel 4 . In the present embodiment, the checks are input to the check boxes of the underline and the bold type by the operator. Then, if a key signal of the completion key 4 b is input to the system control section 5 , the system control section 5 reads out the selected emphasis information and the identifier from the emphasis information candidate file 55 a to store the emphasis information and the identifier in the emphasis information storage file 55 b . In the present embodiment, the underline and the bold type are stored in the emphasis information column, and 0001 and 0002 serving as the identifiers of the underline and the bold type are stored in the corresponding identifier column (ACT S 102 ). [0078] Subsequently, the system control section 5 receives the input of printing information such as the number of printing sheets and printing magnification through the operation panel 4 . The input printing information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 54 (ACT S 103 ). [0079] The system control section 5 receives the input of a key signal of a start key through the operation panel 4 . The system control section 5 that receives the input of the key signal enables the scanner section 1 to operate to scan the document C placed on the document table glass. The system control section 5 stores the read image information of the document C in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 (ACT S 104 ). [0080] Then, the system control section 5 determines whether or not the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information storage file 55 b of the HDD 55 is stored in the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 . The determination is carried out in such a manner that the system control section 5 uses OCR (Optical Character Reader) software or carries out various processing such as macro recognition or micro recognition on the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 to analyze the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 . Then, the system control section 5 compares the analysis result with the content in the emphasis information storage file 55 b of the HDD 55 to determine whether or not the emphasis information is recorded in the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 . In the present embodiment, the system control section 5 retrieves the characters recorded with underline and bold type from the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 (ACT S 105 ). [0081] If the system control section 5 determines that no emphasis information is recorded (No in ACT S 105 ), the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 is printed according to the printing information (the number of printing sheets and the printing magnification) stored in the RAM 54 (ACT S 107 ) and then the processing is terminated. [0082] On the other hand, if the system control section 5 determines that the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information storage file 55 b of the HDD 55 is recorded (Yes in ACT S 105 ), in order to print the object indicated by the emphasis information with the decolorable toner, the bitmap image stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 is rewritten. Specifically, the object (image information) printed with the decolorable toner as used in ACT S 105 described above is specified by the OCR software, the macro recognition or the micro recognition. Then, in the bitmap images as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , areas serving as the objects of the cyan toner, the magenta toner, the yellow toner and the black toner are rewritten from “1” to “0” and an area serving as the object of the decolorable toner is rewritten from “0” to “1”. In the present embodiment, the bitmap image is changed in such a manner that the characters “B” formed in bold type and the characters “C” with underline are printed with the decolorable toner (ACT S 106 ). [0083] After that, the printer section 2 is used to print the image information stored in the temporary storage area of the RAM 54 according to the printing information stored in the RAM 54 (ACT S 107 ), and then the processing is terminated. Through these processing, on the sheet P serving as a copy of the document C shown in FIG. 10 , the characters “B” and the characters “C” are printed with the decolorable toner. [0084] As stated above, if the part decoloring toner mode is selected, it is possible to automatically print locations where the bold characters or underlines, the red characters and the like are recorded with the use of the decolorable toner. [0085] Subsequently, the erasing job shown in FIG. 12 is recorded. As a condition, the sheet P to be erased is set in the paper feed tray 222 of the paper feed section 220 . Then, the sheet P is printed in the above-mentioned part decoloring toner mode of the MFP 100 . The print content of the sheet P set in the paper feed tray 222 of the paper feed section 220 is identical to that shown in FIG. 10 , and the characters “B” and the characters “C” recorded on the sheet P are printed with the decolorable toner. In the following processing, after the sheet P is read and stored, a processing of erasing the image on the sheet P is described as an example. The first route change section 210 is connected with the first conveyance path 290 and the paper discharge section 280 by default. [0086] Firstly, in ACT S 201 , the control section 250 controls the paper feed section 220 to feed the sheet P set in the paper feed tray 222 to convey the sheet P to the first conveyance path 290 . Specifically, the control section 250 picks up the sheets P set in the paper feed tray 222 one by one with the use of the paper feed tray pickup roller 221 . Then, the control section 250 controls the sheet conveyance motor control driving section 209 to activate the sheet conveyance motor 213 to drive the conveyance roller 286 to convey the sheet P in the first conveyance path 290 . [0087] After that, both sides of the sheet P are read by the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b arranged across the first conveyance path 290 , and the read images are stored in the read image storage area of the HDD 212 (ACT S 202 ). [0088] The first route change section 210 allows the default position of the route for conveying the sheet P from the paper feed section 220 to the paper discharge section 280 . Thus, before the reading processing, the control section 250 controls the first route change driving section 207 to drive the first route change section 210 to change the route to be capable of conveying the sheet P to the second conveyance path 295 via the branch point B 1 . In this way, the conveyance path from the second reading section 232 b to the erasing section 250 is connected. [0089] The erasing section 250 is arranged in the second conveyance path 295 . The control section 250 conveys the sheet P to the erasing section 250 via the branch point B 1 of the first conveyance path 290 and the second conveyance path 295 (ACT S 203 ). The sheet P conveyed to the erasing section 250 is sandwiched by the roller pair 251 heated by the heater 205 to be conveyed. The image (toner) formed on the conveyed sheet P is heated by the erasing section 250 . Then, the temperature of the toner formed on the sheet P rises to the temperature set in ACT S 2 to be decolored. As stated above, in the present embodiment, the characters “B” and the characters “C” on the sheet P are formed with the decoloring toner. Thus, in the erasing section 250 , if the sheet P is heated by the heater 205 , the characters “B” and the characters “C” are erased (ACT S 204 ). [0090] The control section 250 conveys the sheet P to the first conveyance path 290 again via the merging point G of the first conveyance path 290 and the second conveyance path 295 at the upstream side of the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b (ACT S 205 ). [0091] The control section 250 controls the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b arranged in the first conveyance path 290 to read the surfaces of the sheet P of which the images are erased. The read images are stored in the redetermination storage area of the HDD 212 (ACT S 206 ). [0092] The control section 250 , with respect to the images stored in the redetermination storage area of the HDD 212 , refers to the threshold value of the printing rate of the sheet and the threshold value of the density stored in the ROM 202 to determine whether or not the sheet can be reused (ACT S 207 ). [0093] In a case in which the sheet P as shown in FIG. 10 is erased, as there are many areas printed with the toner that cannot be erased, the control section 250 determines that the sheet P cannot be reused (No in ACT S 207 ). [0094] If the control section 250 determines that the sheet P cannot be reused (No in ACT S 207 ), the control section 250 controls the first route change driving section 207 and the second route change driving section 208 to drive the first route change section 210 and the second route change section 215 to switch the routes. Through the control, the sheet P can be conveyed to the second paper discharge section 270 via the branch points B 1 and B 2 . In this way, the conveyance path from the second reading section 232 b to the second paper discharge section 270 is connected. If the conveyance path from the second reading section 232 b to the second paper discharge section 270 is connected, the sheet P is conveyed to the second paper discharge section 270 . In this way, the sheet P that cannot be reused is housed in the second paper discharge section 270 (ACT S 209 ). [0095] On the other hand, a case in which all parts of the sheet are printed with the decolorable toner and the decolored sheet is in a good state is described. In this case, the control section 250 determines that the sheet can be reused (Yes in ACT S 207 ). If the control section 250 determines that the sheet can be reused, the control section 250 drives the first route change driving section 207 to switch the route. Through the control, the sheet can be conveyed to the first paper discharge section 260 via the branch point B 1 . In this way, the conveyance path from the second reading section 232 b to the first paper discharge section 260 is connected. If the conveyance path from the second reading section 232 b to the first paper discharge section 260 is connected, the sheet is conveyed to the first paper discharge section 260 . In this way, the reusable sheet is housed in the first paper discharge section 260 (ACT S 208 ). [0096] Through the foregoing configuration, as to document files created in various forms, it is possible to automatically print the emphasis information recorded on the sheet copied with the decolorable toner. For example, in order that document used in a conference can attract attention of a customer or a boss to achievement or selling points, there is a trend that important points of the document are added with underline or become bold type and are highlighted. The highlighted information is often important information. Therefore, the operator is possible to erase the important information (in other words, the emphasized information) in the document with an easy operation. In addition, in a case in which the sheet is erased by the image erasing apparatus, emphasized locations printed with the decolorable toner are erased and the image printed with the non-decolorable toner remains on the sheet without being erased as shown in FIG. 13 . Then, the sheet after erased is read by the first reading section 232 a and the second reading section 232 b again. At this time, as the printing with the non-decolorable toner remains on the sheet, the sheet is automatically conveyed to the second paper discharge section 270 for disposal. In this way, the document of which the important information (in other words, the emphasized information) is erased is seldom recycled. [0097] Further, the emphasis information is exemplified as a location where the image is formed with the decoloring toner in each embodiment described above; however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to register blue serving as the color of the decoloring toner in a file equivalent to the emphasis information candidate file 55 a . Then, in the part decoloring toner mode, if the color of the decoloring toner is selected and the copying is carried out on the screen shown in FIG. 11 , in a case of the document on which the images formed with the decoloring toner and the non-decoloring toner are mixed is printed, the operator can acquire the sheet having the same configuration as the document serving as copy source. In other words, the operator can acquire the sheet identical to the copied document by forming the image formed with the use of the decoloring toner with the decoloring toner and forming the image formed with the use of the non-decoloring toner with the non-decoloring toner. [0098] For example, it is also possible to register ruled lines as a template in the file equivalent to the emphasis information candidate file 55 a . In this case, at the time the document is copied, at the registered ruled line part, the image is formed with the non-decoloring toner and the image other than that image formed with the non-decoloring toner is formed with the decoloring toner. In this way, the operator can repeatedly use only a predetermined template part by carrying out the decoloring processing. Further, in the foregoing embodiment, by changing the setting, for example, only the predetermined template part may be formed with the decoloring toner. Second Embodiment [0099] Next, the second embodiment is described. The description of the same reference numerals of the MFP 100 and the image erasing apparatus 200 as those in the first embodiment is omitted. The external I/F 56 of the MFP 100 is the network interface for communication via the network. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , a PC (Personal Computer) 300 and the MFP 100 are connected with the network via an LAN (Local Area Network) 305 . [0100] Further, in the second embodiment, an emphasis information candidate file 353 a as shown in FIG. 16 and an emphasis information candidate area 353 b (a storage area of the emphasis information candidate area 353 b is equivalent to a second storage section) as shown in FIG. 17 are held in an HDD 358 of the PC 300 . The emphasis information candidate file 353 a and the emphasis information candidate area 353 b are equivalent to the emphasis information candidate file 55 a and the emphasis information storage file 55 b stored in the HDD 55 of the MFP 100 . The emphasis information candidate file 353 a and the emphasis information candidate file 55 a have a correspondence relationship, and the emphasis information candidate area 353 b and the emphasis information storage file 55 b also have a correspondence relationship. [0101] A block diagram of the PC 300 is shown in FIG. 15 . A CPU 351 , a ROM 353 , a RAM 354 , a display section 355 , an operation device 356 , an external I/F 357 (equivalent to a communication section) and the HDD 358 are connected with one another via the system bus line 352 . Further, the CPU 351 the ROM 353 and the RAM 354 constitute a control section 350 . [0102] A program for enabling the control section 350 to operate and a threshold value are stored in the ROM 353 in advance. [0103] In the RAM 354 , a memory area serving as a working area of a data processing according to the program is dynamically formed. Further, a mode management flag is stored in the RAM 354 . In a case in which the part decoloring toner mode is selected, “1” is set in the mode management flag, and in a case in which the part decoloring toner mode is not selected, “0” is set in the mode management flag. [0104] The display section 355 is a device for displaying information to the operator. [0105] The operation device 356 is a device such as a key board, a mouse and the like for inputting necessary information to the PC 300 . [0106] The external I/F 357 is an interface for communicating with the external device. For example, the external I/F 357 is the network interface for communication via the network. The external I/F 357 receives or sends data from or to the MFP 100 . [0107] The HDD 358 is a high capacity storage device. An OS (Operating System) for enabling the PC 300 to operate is installed in the HDD 358 . Further, a printer driver serving as software for printing a document file by the MFP 100 is also installed in the HDD 358 . The emphasis information candidate file 353 a and the emphasis information candidate area 353 b described above are stored in the HDD 358 as a part of the printer driver. Further, the HDD 358 also stores the document file the operator wants to print (an area for storing the document file to be printed is equivalent to a first storage section). [0108] In a case in which the document file stored in the HDD 358 is printed, a print command described in a page description language such as postscript data is used. The printer driver creates the print command described in the page description language on the basis of the content of the document file. The page description language refers to a program language for instructing the MFP 100 at the time a document or an image created on a computer is printed with the MFP 100 . In the page description language, position information and blank form information (font color, underline, bold type) of characters or figures are recorded. When the document file is printed with the MFP 100 , a bitmap image is created on the basis of the description of the page description language of the received print command. Then, in the second embodiment, the control section 350 determines the emphasis information to print with the decolorable toner on the basis of the content described in the page description language. [0109] In a case in which the printing is carried out with the printer driver, a part printing mode can be selected. In a case in which the part printing mode is selected, it is possible to select the part printing mode by checking a radio button from a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen (not shown), displayed on a display device 355 , which is generated by the printer driver as an example. If the part printing mode is selected, a processing is carried out in such a manner that the object indicated by the emphasis information is printed with the decolorable toner. A printing key is displayed on the GUI of the printer driver. In a case in which the part printing mode is selected, the GUI screen is switched to a screen for selecting the emphasis information by pressing the displayed printing key. On the other hand, in a case in which the part printing mode is not selected, if the printing key is pressed, a processing in which the print command is not rewritten is carried out. [0110] With a key signal of the printing key input, a screen as shown in FIG. 18 separately from the GUI screen is opened. As shown in FIG. 18 , the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information column of the emphasis information candidate file 353 a and the corresponding check box 355 a are displayed on the display section 355 . Further, a completion key 355 b is displayed at the lower side of the display section 355 . If a check box 355 a is checked by the operator and the completion key 355 b is pressed, the control section 350 reads out the emphasis information and the identifier corresponding to the checked check box 355 a from the emphasis information candidate file 353 a to store the emphasis information and the identifier in the emphasis information candidate area 353 b. [0111] In the PC 300 with the foregoing configuration, the control section 350 executes a print request job shown in FIG. 19 according to a preset program. At this time, the MFP 100 and the PCs 300 are connected with each other as shown in FIG. 14 . The document file as shown in FIG. 10 is created with the document software and the printing is carried out. Further, in the default setting already, “1” is stored in the mode management flag of the RAM 354 , and the part printing mode is selected. Further, it is set that the printer driver uses the black toner in in the default setting. In the print request job, the document file as shown in FIG. 10 is printed. In other words, the characters of “B” in bold type and the characters of “C” with underline are recorded in the document file. The operator operates the operation panel 4 to press the part erasing key to carry out the copying in the part decoloring toner mode. Further, the operator selects the characters marked by the bold type and the underline to print them with the decolorable toner. [0112] The GUI screen for printing generated by the printer driver is displayed on the display device 355 . The printing key is displayed on the GUI screen. Further, on the GUI screen, a check is already input to the part printing mode. The control section 350 receives the input of the key signal of the printing key. The control section 350 refers to the mode management flag to confirm that “1” is stored in the RAM 354 . If the control section 350 confirms that the part printing mode is selected, the emphasis information in the emphasis information candidate file 353 a is displayed on the display section 355 as shown in FIG. 18 . Then, a random check is input to the check box 355 a at the left side of the displayed emphasis information via the display section 355 . In the present embodiment, checks are input to the check boxes of the underline and the bold type (ACT S 301 ). [0113] Then, if the completion key 355 b is pressed, the control section 350 reads out the selected emphasis information from the emphasis information candidate file 353 a to store the emphasis information in the emphasis information candidate area 353 b . In the present embodiment, the underline and the bold type are stored in the emphasis information column, and 0001 and 0002 serving as the identifiers of the underline and the bold type are stored in the corresponding identifier columns (ACT S 302 ). [0114] After that, the control section 350 creates the print command according to the page description language on the basis of the document file serving as the object (ACT S 303 ). [0115] After the print command is created, the control section 350 determines whether or not the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information candidate area 353 b of the HDD 358 exists in the created print command (ACT S 304 ). [0116] If it is determined that the emphasis information does not exist in the print command (No in ACT S 304 ), the control section 350 sends the print command created in ACT S 303 to the MFP 100 via the external I/F 357 (ACT S 306 ). [0117] On the other hand, if it is determined that the emphasis information exists in the print command (Yes in ACT S 304 ), the control section 350 rewrites the print command created in ACT S 303 to carry out a processing of creating a print command again. As stated above, the print command is recorded in the page description language, and the position information and the blank form information (font size, presence or absence of the bold type and the underline) of the characters or the figures of the document file to be printed are recorded in the page description language. The control section 350 retrieves the emphasis information stored in the emphasis information candidate area 353 b of the HDD 358 from the print command and rewrites the color of the character of the blank form information at a corresponding location to print the location with the decolorable toner to create a print command (ACT S 305 ). The creation of the print command in ACT S 305 also contains amendment or rewriting of the foregoing print command created in ACT S 303 . In the present embodiment, the control section 350 retrieves the presence or absence of the bold type and the underline from the print command and rewrites the print command to print the corresponding location with the decolorable toner. [0118] Then, the control section 350 sends the print command to the MFP 100 via the external I/F 357 (ACT S 306 ) and then terminates the processing. Further, if the MFP 100 receives the print command, the control section 350 creates image data according to the print command to carry out the printing processing. [0119] The sheet printed by the MFP 100 is erased by the image erasing apparatus 200 as stated in the first embodiment. Further, the erasure of the image in the second embodiment is identical to that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. [0120] Through the above, as to the document files created in various forms, it is possible for the operator to automatically print the important information (emphasized information) recorded on the sheet to be copied with the decolorable toner without carrying out a complicated setting process. When the document file is created, if the locations the operator wants to erase are created with the underline and the bold type, it is possible for the operator to cancel any location with the easy operation. In other words, in a process of creating a document for conference or a document for presentation, it is possibly set for the MFP 100 to automatically print the location (in other words, the important information) emphasized spontaneously with the decolorable toner, and the burden of the operator, in other words, the operator is aware of locations he/she wants to erase to create a document, is reduced. [0121] In the first embodiment, the image information is acquired from the scanner section 1 ; however, for example, the image information may be received through the communication from the external I/F. [0122] In the second embodiment, after the print command created in the page description language is created, the rewriting is carried out; however, for example, at the stage of creating the print command in the page description language, after the character information of the document file is analyzed to determine whether or not the emphasis information is stored in the document file, the print command may be created in the page description language to print the document file with the decolorable toner initially. [0123] In the second embodiment, in the part decoloring toner mode, after converting the print command created in the page description language, the PC 300 sends the converted print command to the MFP 100 . However, it is certainly considered to rewrite the print command with the MFP 100 without rewriting the print command with the PC 300 . In this case, for example, a flag indicating the printing is in the part decoloring toner mode is recorded in the print command in advance. Then, after the MFP that receives the print command confirms the flag, a rewriting processing to print the emphasis information stored by the print command from the emphasis information candidate area 353 b stored in the HDD with the decolorable toner may be carried out. [0124] The first storage section and the second storage section may be formed integrally or separately. [0125] Further, in the present embodiment, it is described that the color of the image is erased as an example of the erasing processing; however, the method of erasing the image is not limited to this. In other words, the image erasing apparatus recorded in the present embodiment is not limited to an apparatus for erasing the color of the image through the heating. For example, the image erasing apparatus may be an apparatus for decoloring the color of the image on the sheet through irradiation of light or an apparatus for erasing the image formed on the sheet by using chemicals and the like. The image erasing apparatus may be optional apparatus as long as it enables the image on the sheet to be invisible in order to be capable of reusing the sheet. [0126] While certain embodiments are described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

A method for demanding a more flexible printing processing by an image forming apparatus which comprises a first storage section and a second storage section involves deciding whether to print the image information contained in the file; determining whether or not an image indicated by the emphasis information stored in the second storage section is contained in the image information contained in the file if the decision is carried out; creating a print command to print the image indicated by the emphasis information with a decolorable recording material in a case in which it is determined that the image indicated by the emphasis information is contained in the image information contained in the file; and sending the created print command through the communication section.

RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims priority based on 35 USC §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/503,837, filed Jul. 1, 2011. BACKGROUND The present invention relates to fastener feed systems for automatic fastener driving tools, and more specifically to a system for providing and loading multiple fastener strips into such a tool. In conventional production line applications for fastener driving tools, such as facilities manufacturing, cabinets, other furniture, pre-hung doors, windows or the like, powered staplers are commonly used. Such tools are typically pneumatically powered, but electric tools are also contemplated. To maintain high volume production, the tools are provided with elongated magazines capable of retaining multiple fastener strips, with four to five strips typically accommodated. Even with such magazines, a production line may be shut down for as much as 15 minutes each hour for the reloading of the multiple fastener tools used in production. Accordingly, there is an interest by users of such powered fastener drivers for reducing the downtime currently required for reloading the tools with fasteners. SUMMARY A system for loading multiple fastener strips into a fastener driving tool is provided, where each strip of fasteners is secured to an adjacent strip by a preferably continuous length of pressure sensitive adhesive tape to form a plurality of connected strips. A sufficient number of strips are connected to each other to form a coil, preferably having a polygonal shape. As the number of strips fastened together by the tape increases, the strips can be stacked in layers. At a free end of the tape, a first fastener strip is positioned adjacent a rear end of the fastener driving tool, in operational relationship to the conventional entry point of a fastener strip into the tool magazine. The free end is attached to a powered roller located on the tool, which winds up the tape to create a biasing force, drawing the fastener strips successively into the tool magazine. More specifically, a fastener driver tool fastener load system includes a fastener driving tool having a housing including a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller. A plurality of fastener strips is disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and each strip is secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end. In another embodiment, a fastener driver tool is provided for use with a fastener load system including a plurality of fastener strips joined end-to-end with at least one length of tape. The tool includes a fastener tool housing having a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller powered by a motor. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end. In yet another embodiment, a fastener coil is provided that is configured for use with a fastener driver tool fastener load system including a fastener driving tool provided with a driven roller. The coil includes a plurality of fastener strips disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. Each fastener strip is made up of fasteners having a pair of generally parallel legs spaced by a crown, the at least one tape being secured to the crown of the fasteners. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a fastener tool equipped with the present enhanced capacity staple load system; FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a stand used to support the coiled fasteners prior to feeding same to the fastener driving tool; FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic side elevation of the fastener tool of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of a fastener that is suitable for use with the present system; and FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic overhead plan view in partial section of an alternate embodiment of the present system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , a fastener driving tool is generally designated 10 , and in the preferred embodiment is a pneumatically powered, staple driver of the type typically used in industrial applications for mass produced assembly of window frames, pre-hung doors or the like. However, it is contemplated that the present system could be employed with other types of fastener driving tools employing conventional linear fastener magazines, including, but not limited to combustion powered and electrically powered tools. The present tool 10 includes a tool housing 12 enclosing a driving source 14 (shown hidden), preferably a reciprocating piston and driver blade (not shown) which are well known in the art. A shear block or nose piece 16 is configured for receiving the driver blade from the driving source 14 and creating a chamber for a fastener to be placed in position for being driven into a workpiece upon receipt of impact from the driver blade, as is well known in the art. A magazine 18 stores at least one collated strip of fasteners 20 , and is conventionally provided with a spring biased follower and follower handle (not shown) for urging the strip of fasteners 20 towards the shear block 16 for being sequentially driven into the workpiece by the driver blade. A magazine endplate 22 is dimensioned for receiving the strips of fasteners, and typically has an opening that is complementary to, and accommodates the shape of the particular fastener 20 . Between the shear block 16 and the endplate, the magazine 18 defines a fastener track 24 . Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 , while other types of fasteners are contemplated, in the present application, the preferred fastener 20 is a staple including a pair of generally parallel, spaced legs 26 each having a sharp point 28 . The legs 26 are separated by a generally linear crown 30 joining upper ends 32 in a single, integral, inverted “U”-shape. The length of the legs 26 varies according to the application. Accordingly, the endplate 22 has a generally inverted “U”-shaped opening dimensioned to complement the profile of the fasteners 20 . Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3 , in the present tool 10 , the conventional magazine follower, follower handle and return spring are removed, and a powered roller 34 is mounted to the tool housing 12 , preferably near the magazine endplate 22 . The powered roller 34 is powered, either directly or indirectly by a motor 36 , which in the case of a pneumatically powered tool 10 , is preferably a pneumatic motor. Alternatively, the motor 36 is electric, and is provided with a clutch as is known in the art. An idler roller 38 is placed on the tool 10 in operational proximity to the powered roller 34 , and in the preferred embodiment is located closer to the driving source 14 than to the magazine endplate 22 , when compared to the powered roller 34 . Preferably, the idler roller 38 is provided with a resilient, rubber-like cover 40 . As seen in FIG. 3 , an elongate piece 42 of adhesive tape connects the strips of fasteners 20 together, as discussed below. The piece 42 has a free end 44 that is wound around the idler roller 38 , and ultimately is attached to the powered roller 34 . Since it has replaced the conventional magazine follower and spring, the present powered roller 34 is used to pull fastener strips 46 into the magazine 18 , and at the same time, apply pressure on the fasteners 20 already in the magazine, in the manner of a conventional magazine follower spring. As is well known in the art, fasteners 20 in the magazine 18 need to be urged forward towards the tool shear block 16 so they can be driven by the reciprocating driver blade into the workpiece. Sufficient pulling power is provided by the motor 36 to provide enough torque for preventing any slack or space between the fastener strips 46 located inside the magazine 18 . In FIG. 3 , three such strips 46 are schematically depicted, two in the magazine 18 and a third about to enter the magazine once space is created by use of the fasteners 20 already in the magazine. In the present tool 10 , the roller motor 36 is preferably pneumatically powered, and features an adjustable torque setting for coordinating the motor pulling power with the respective air pressure so that just enough force is exerted on the tape 42 to pull the strips 46 into the magazine 18 and keep those fasteners 20 in the magazine under sufficient compression so that they are urged towards the shear block 16 . Such adjustments are contemplated to be variable depending on the application, the workpiece and the type of fastener employed. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a plurality of the fastener strips 46 are shown, held together in end-to-end fashion by the tape 42 . With sufficient fastener strips 46 held together, a coil 48 is formed that eventually takes a polygonal shape (here hexagonal), with complementary ends of the strips 46 slightly overlapping or nesting into each other. Other polygonal shapes are contemplated for the coil 48 . In a production environment, the strips 46 are optionally wound upon a spool 50 , which is rotatable relative to a base plate 52 . The motor 36 , the powered and idler rollers, 34 , 36 , the tape 42 and the coil 48 are collectively referred to as the present enhanced capacity fastener load system 54 . The number of fastener strips 46 in the coil 48 formed by the present length of tape 42 is limited only by the available space, the power of the roller motor 36 , and the tensile strength of the tape which secures the adjacent fastener strips together. It is contemplated that as the roller 34 fills with tape 42 with extended use of the tool 10 , the roller can be disposed of. In the preferred embodiment, the tape 42 is 3M brand polyester pressure-sensitive tape having a width of approximately ½ inch (1.25 cm). The tape 42 is preferably attached to the fastener strips 46 along the crowns 30 region of the fasteners 20 , which separates the spaced, parallel legs 26 of the staples as described above. During installation, the free end 44 of the tape 42 is preferably wound around the power roller 34 at least 1.5 times, with the adhesive side facing inwardly. Once the tool 10 is activated, the motor 36 is powered, which will draw fastener strips 46 into the magazine 18 . Some applicator assistance may be needed to properly align the fastener strips 46 as they enter the magazine 18 . Once the coil 48 is depleted of fastener strips 46 , the motor 36 will fail to sense further resistance, and will rotate freely. After a new fastener spool 50 is provided, the tool 10 is rapidly restored to operation. Referring now to FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment of the present system 54 is generally designated 60 . Components shared with the system 54 are designated with the same reference numbers. A main distinguishing feature of the system 60 is that in order to guide the incoming strip 46 of fasteners 20 to the magazine endplate 22 , a magazine rail 62 is located in the fastener track 24 for guiding the fasteners such that the fastener legs 26 straddle the rail. In the system 60 , the magazine rail 62 includes an optional extension 64 that projects beyond the endplate 22 in a tapering configuration that tapers or gradually narrows away from the endplate. A rounded or radiused point or tip 66 is preferably formed at a free end of the extension 64 . This configuration facilitates guiding of the fastener strip 46 into the magazine fastener track 24 . The length and angle of taper of the extension 64 may vary with the application. Other similar shapes of end rail are contemplated for enhancing the alignment of the fastener strip 46 with the magazine fastener track 24 . Thus, it will be seen that the present enhanced capacity fastener load system 54 provides operators with a relatively longer operational cycle between reloading, which facilitates production in the respective plant. Fastener reloading is required less often, and is more easily accomplished than when conventional fastener driving tools are employed. While a particular embodiment of the present enhanced capacity fastener load system has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

A fastener driver tool fastener load system includes a fastener driving tool having a housing including a magazine with a fastener entry end, an opposite shear block end, and a fastener track defined between the ends. A tensioner is mounted to the housing and includes a driven roller. A plurality of fastener strips is disposed linearly in end-to-end fashion and each strip is secured to each other by at least one fastening tape having a free end connected to the driven roller. The tensioner is constructed and arranged for creating a biasing force for urging the fastener strips toward the shear block end.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/096,615, filed Jul. 23, 1993, now abandoned. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to aqueous medium enzyme compositions suitable for degrading natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers and separating them from adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained radioactive contamination materials. In another aspect the invention relates to a method of utilizing the aqueous medium enzyme compositions for removing adsorbed petroleum products, crude oil and other non-aqueous liquids from natural fibers which have adsorbent capabilities for these materials through biodegradation of the natural fibers. Petroleum and hydrocarbon product spills produce an immediate and very observable impact on ecosystem. This impact can be minimized by appropriate rapid responses, ranging from controlled burning of, for example oil spills, to in situ bioremediation. Physical sorbents represent a direct approach to removal of spilled oil. These physical adsorbents can represent the primary removal method in the case of small spills, or adsorbents may serve to supplement mechanical equipment such as skimmers in the case of larger spills. Presently used physical adsorbents are not without problems regarding their usage, primarily the problem of reuse and/or disposal of petroleum or hydrocarbon product-soaked adsorbents. Various chemicals have been used such as detergents and surface active agents to disperse oil spills. In most cases they only spread the spills over a larger area or allow them to sink into the water. Also, these chemicals are frequently pollutants which kill marine life. In most cases the chemicals are expensive and the oil cannot be salvaged for processing. Several oil adsorbing materials have been used such as straw or vermiculite to spread on the surface of the contaminated water where the oil leakage or spillage occurs. Saw dust is another particulate used in such oil spills on water, highways, drilling rigs, manufacturing areas and on the ground along beaches and coastal locations. These items have good adsorption advantages. However, when these materials are removed they ultimately become waste products and oil cannot be recovered. Disposal of oil soaked adsorbents is frequently accomplished by placement in approved landfills, but this procedure is rather expensive and an economically undesirable approach. Approved incineration vastly reduces the amount of residual material associated with the disposal of used adsorbents, but such a process is also very expensive and may result in air pollution problems. Ideally, adsorbents would be reused on site and some adsorbents are fabricated or planned for reuse. Worn, reusable adsorbents must be properly disposed of and in the urgent context of spill clean-up, single use adsorbents are frequently more convenient. A recycling procedure has been suggested for a widely used adsorbent, airblown polypropylene fibers. These pads would be returned to the manufacturer for solvent extraction of hydrocarbons from the pads, then the airblown polypropylene fiber for example would be refabricated. In other procedures, for example non-woven fiber webs constructed of very short fibers of waste cotton, i.e. linters, gin motes and mill wastes, are utilized in providing recovery of spilled oil products; however, separation of the recovered oil products from the mat is by mechanical squeezing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,852 discloses use of a non-woven fiber mat for removing oil from a surface contaminated with the oil followed by separation of the oil from the mat by mechanical squeezing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,743 discloses a method for removing oil from the surface of a body of water using a layered sheet comprised of natural fibers to adsorb oil between the layers and the sheet, with the sheet later being removed from the water surface and compressed to squeeze oil from between the layers of the sheet. Natural fibers are biodegradable and also possess a strong adsorbency for petroleum and hydrocarbon products and therefore should be considered for use as adsorbents at oil spill sites. Peat moss, saw dust, paper and paper waste products as well as cellulose fibers such as cotton and protein-based fibers such as wool and like are frequently used for this purpose. These natural fibrous materials may contain amounts of lignin or other compounds which are resistant to rapid biodegradation. Cotton fibers are essentially free of lignin and can be biodegraded. In contrast to processed cotton, raw cotton has considerable potential for selective removal of spilled oil and hydrocarbon products from surface waters, since the natural waxes on the raw cotton make it preferentially oil wet. This potential was recognized by Robert F. Johnson, et al. in an article entitled "Removal of Oil from Prater Surfaces by Adsorption on Unstructured Fibers", Environmental Science & Technology, 7:439-443, 1973. However, biodegradation of natural fibers is generally undesirable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,463 specifically proportion cellulase multi-enzyme systems which are directed to detergent compositions useful as laundry detergents wherein said compositions possess excellent cleansing abilities while exhibiting reduced degradation potential against cotton fabrics. Another disastrous disposal problem exists which is not necessarily the result of spills but from long-term manufacturing, laboratory experimentation and the like. This area of concern is the disposal of radioactive waste materials which exists in various levels of radioactivity strengths. The need for an effective means of reducing and storing radioactive waste has become increasingly apparent. Radioactive waste is currently produced and has been produced in significant quantities for the last five decades. For example, mill tailings alone can account for over twenty million tons of uranium-containing waste per year. Additionally, large volumes of previously produced but ineffectually treated waste are present throughout the world. In addition to these volumes of waste are the stored radioactive waste fabrics made from natural fibers such as laboratory clothing, towels and wipes. These products have been stored for many years in 55 gallon containers and impose a unique disposal problem aside from the disposal of direct mill tailings from uranium plants and high level of radioactive processed uranium cores. While these contaminated towels, wipes, laboratory clothing and the like, may represent different levels of radioactive contaminated materials, suitable methods for disposal have not been achieved. The enzymatic modification of raw materials has been an important component of industrial processes for decades. However only recently has an increased understanding of molecular structure and function enabled workers to design processes which can utilize the enormous capability provided by naturally evolved catalytic systems, known as enzymes. Industrial applications are by no means equally distributed over the various classes of enzymes. Emphasis has been strongly biased toward hydrolytic enzymes, and more specifically toward peptide hydrolysis (the proteases). This biased leaning is a result of important industrial processes based on the action of intrinsic or exogenous hydrolytic activities. The bating (hair removal) of hides and leather production using the endogenous proteases and the natural saccharification of starch by amylases in alcoholic fermentations are two obvious examples. Also, the production of high fructose syrups by enzymatic action is a major industry. Successfully creating industrial uses of enzymes is a more difficult task than it might appear. Two approaches require the identification of a process where existing enzymes might be utilized and improved or the finding of interesting or new enzymes followed by searching for a suitable advocation, both of these approaches require considerable experimentation and discovery. Industrial use of enzymes presents multiple problems including costs, limited range of use regarding temperature, pH and the like as well as low solubility in aqueous solutions. However, enzymes can offer high or low specificity and can be selected to suit the desired bio function. Use of enzymes produce little or no byproduct formation and optimum activity occurs under very mild reaction conditions. Enzyme specificity which can be a great advantage is also a disadvantage in the requirement for experimentation and discovery to determine specific enzyme combinations for specific biochemical outcomes. One enzyme, or perhaps one enzyme complex, catalyzes each biochemical reaction. Different enzymes possess specificities and it is possible to select an enzyme for a given process. Specificity not only reduces interference by undesirable substrates but minimizes the problems of unwanted byproducts. The term "cellulase" refers to a multi-enzyme system which acts on crystalline and amorphous forms of cellulose and its derivatives to hydrolyze cellulose and give primary products, oligosaccharides, glucose and cellobiose. Cellulases are known in the art to be useful in detergent compositions, either for the purpose of enhancing the cleanability of the compositions or as a softening agents. Also, cellulases are used in fabric finishing operations where a soft feel or hand is desirable on the material. Cellulases in this application remove a portion of the fibers perpendicular to the surface of the cloth and produce a smoother fabric. However, regardless of its cleaning and/or softening mechanism, the use of cellulases in detergent compositions is complicated by the factor that exposure of cotton garments to cellulase results in partial degradation of the cotton fabric in these garments. Cellulases are known in the art as enzymes that hydrolyze cellulose (beta-1-4-glucan linkages) thereby resulting in the formation of glucose, cellobiose, and the like. In view of the prior art efforts in using sorbents to soak up petroleum and hydrocarbon product spills, selectivity of the materials utilized and use and reuse of said materials, it is readily understood that such modem methods fail to address the total need of the environment as well as efficiency requirements when non-biodegradable sorbents are used to help clean up oil spilled on large water surfaces. Present systems utilize synthetic as well as natural fibers to adsorb the petroleum and hydrocarbon product materials from the surface of water or other sources. However, the separation of the petroleum and hydrocarbon materials from the synthetic and/or natural fibers is generally achieved by squeezing, thus leaving a residual petroleum/hydrocarbon content in the fibers which either must be burned or presented to a landfill. None of these prior systems suggest the use of enzymes for the release of petroleum hydrocarbons from natural fiber adsorbents used for oil spills. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved, ecologically sound method which utilizes simple and commonly available inexpensive natural fibers which do not require manufacturing of fabrics, sophisticated process equipment or utilizes other chemicals which can become contaminants to the environment as well. Accordingly, it is an objective of this invention to develop enzymatic methods for the biodegradation of natural fiber sorbents and contaminant release of entrained or adsorbed petroleum/hydrocarbon materials for separation from the fibers. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of removing oil from the surface of water utilizing sorbents that can be degraded in aqueous medium enzyme compositions. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method of removing radioactive contamination from natural fibrous materials by degradation in aqueous medium enzyme compositions. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention as evidenced by the attached summary of the invention and detailed description of the invention and claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to the discovery that use of enzyme compositions are suitable for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed on to or entrained by natural fibers in an aqueous medium. The use of enzymes to degrade the natural fibers sorbents used for aquatic oil spill clean-up provides a unique opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill adsorbent materials. Degradation of fibrous mats by enzymes contained in an aqueous medium releases the oil adsorbed to, or entrained in, the natural fibers by reducing fiber lengths to the point that the adsorbed oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber length to remain held by the fibers and thus floats to the aqueous medium surface. The oil or hydrocarbon product can then be recovered from the aqueous medium surface using appropriate skimming and other methods. Efficiency separation rates by volume of 95-99% can be achieved as tested with diesel or light crude oils. The fibers undergo further degradation if allowed to remain in contact with the enzyme solution. Degradation of, for example, 90% by weight of cotton and cellulosic fibers has been obtained using cellulase as the enzyme. Residual material in this instance is comprised of cellulose, glucose and other non-degradable components of cotton. In addition, natural protein-based products such as wool and collagen or gelatin pads utilized as adsorbents for petroleum and hydrocarbon products can be separated from these contaminants in aqueous media utilizing proteases as the enzyme. However the process when degrading wool is enhanced through utilization of a reducing agent in order to break the disulfide cross linkages of wool. In one method, the present invention is directed to a method for removing oil from the surface of water using sorbents and a method of removing oil from natural fiber adsorbents containing petroleum and hydrocarbon products through the utilization of various enzymes in an aqueous medium. In another method, the present invention is directed to the release of radioactive particles and the like from fabrics made partially or totally from natural fibers of animal or vegetable origin. In this application, the use of enzymes to degrade fabrics made from natural fibers of animal or vegetable origin intentionally destroys the structure of the fabric. Depending upon the type of fibers in the fabric, the nature of the enzyme with which it is treated, and the conditions of treatment including but not limited to pH, time and temperature, the fabric is essentially dissolved completely, or extremely short fibers or fluff remain. In both instances, materials entrained in or on the fabric are released. The release may be complete, or residual material consisting of fiber and/or nonfibrous insoluble residues may still contain a portion of these entrained materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fiber has been defined as a relatively long, continuous piece of material made up of fine filaments. A fiber actually refers to a structure rather than a specific substance with the possibility of many substances combining to form the complicated matrix that we call fiber. The matrix can be comprised, for example of microfibrils of cellulose, a rigid glucose polymer. Hemicelluloses, pectins and other gums surround the cellulose as binding materials and in addition this matrix can be impregnated with lignin which can be visualized as a matrix in which the fibers are embedded. From this discussion of fibers, it is apparent that a single enzyme is not capable of totally hydrolyzing all the components of many natural fibers. In addition, the presence of many other components may hinder enzymes from reaching their substrate in the matrix. Frequently pretreatment methodologies such as grinding have been found necessary in order to achieve extensive hydrolysis of fiber components before effective enzyme treatment can be accomplished. Therefore, industry interest in the production and use of cellulolytic enzymes has been slow in developing probably because of the complexity of the cellulolytic enzyme system and the resistance of cellulose to rapid and efficient hydrolysis by enzymes and because of lack of cost-effectiveness. Cellulose, one of many natural fibers, is probably the most abundant biological compound on earth and is found either in pure form (cotton) or in the form of lignified cellulose (wood) and can be found in more refined purity states such as in paper, fibers and textiles. Cellulose is the predominant waste material in agriculture in the form of stalks, stems, husks, gin trash and the like. Cellulose is a linear glucose polymer coupled by β(1-4) bonds. Starch is a glucose polymer linked by α(1-4) bonds. Cellulose polymers can be very long and the number of glucose units in the cellulose molecule can vary from 15 to 15,000 with a mean value of about 3,000. Cellulose strands are usually coupled together by hydrogen bonds to give larger units. There remain different opinions about the number of cellulose molecules in such units and how they are organized. However it is thought that one area of the molecule will have regions of orderly configuration, rigid and inflexible in structure such as in crystalline cellulose and other regions of string-like flexibility in structure such as amorphous cellulose. Cellulose fibers adsorb water and swell. The swelling is limited to the amorphous regions of the fiber. Strong hydrogen bonding network of the crystalline regions prohibit swelling. The number of bonds available for enzyme action will depend upon the degree of swelling of the cellulose, thus for sufficient hydrolysis of cellulose by cellulases, pretreatment to promote swelling is frequently necessary. Or in the alternative, reactions within an aqueous medium would promote such swelling and enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose molecules. Cellulases are enzymes that degrade cellulose and are comprised of several different enzymes which are required to break down cellulose to glucose. In the breakdown of cellulose before pure glucose or relatively pure glucose is achieved, the fibers are reduced in length and size by degradation. These enzymes can attack cellulose through two modes. Endocellulases are capable of hydrolyzing the β(1-4) bonds randomly along the cellulose chain and exocellulases cleave off glucose and/or cellobiose molecules from one end of the cellulose strand. These two modes of attack are also observed for amylases and proteases on their respective substrates. Enzyme preparations containing only endocellulases have little effect on native cellulose. On the other hand, those containing both endo- and exocellulases will cause significant degradation of cellulose. Thus the endo- and exocellulases work in a systematic and cooperative and/or synergistic manner on cellulose. The hydrolysis product of simultaneous endo- and exocellulases activities are glucose, oligosaccharides and cellobiose, a disaccharide. As the cellobiose concentration increases in the reaction mix, exocellulase activity is inhibited. To obtain extensive cellulose hydrolysis, a procedure for removing cellobiose is needed. The enzyme cellobiase will achieve this by cleaving the cellobiose into two glucose molecules. Cellulases, commercially available, generally include the following enzymes. ______________________________________Systematic Name: 1,4-β-D-Glucan Endo-cellulase glucanohydrolaseReaction Catalyzed: It randomly hydrolyzes β (1-4) bonds in cellulose yielding oligosaccharidesSource: Trichoderma reesei, T. viride, Aspergillus nigerSystematic Name: 1,4-β-D-Glucan Exocellulase glucohydrolaseReaction Catalyzed: It hydrolyzes β (1-4) bonds in β-glucans so as to remove successive glucose units, Hydrolyzes cellobiose slowlySource: Trichoderma reeseiSystematic Name: 1,4-β-D-Glucan Exo-Cello-biohydrolase cellobiohydrolaseReaction Catalyzed: It hydrolyzes β (1-4) bonds in cellulose to release cellobiose from the nonreducing ends of the chainsSource: Trichoderma reesei, T. virideSystematic Name: β-D-Glucoside Cellobiase glucohydrolaseReaction Catalyzed: It hydrolyzes the β (1-4) bond in cellobiose, giving two molecules of glucoseSource: Aspergillus niger, T. Viride, S. cerevisae______________________________________ Another natural fiber, wool, that has neither been injured mechanically nor modified chemically is more resistant to attack by proteolytic enzymes such as pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin; however, papain and protease type IV were found to be effective. When the cuticle or scale layer of the fibers is damaged by mechanical means, the wool becomes much more susceptible to attack by pepsin and chymotrypsin. Under these conditions only a small portion of the wool is digested, yet the fibers are considerably weakened and their fiber structure is partially destroyed. Most natural fibers, i.e. formed by natural means in nature versus fibers made from natural materials, can be categorized as proteins from animals such as wool; or cellulose from plants, such as cotton. When processed for use in textiles, these natural fibers become relatively easily wet by water, if they have been treated to remove surface oils and waxes; hence they are not highly suitable for selective adsorption of oil from an aquatic oil spill. Natural fibers must repel water to prevent water from soaking into the fiber and causing subsequent damage to the animal or plant. To fulfill this need, wool is mated with significant amounts of water repellent materials generally called lanolin. Similarly, unprocessed cotton fibers are coated with wax, which is a high molecular weight ester. Cotton and wool with their surface waxes and oils still present appear to be natural fibers of choice for use as oil sorbents since the infrastructure for their large-scale growth, collection and marketing already exists. A typical price for apparel-grade wool is $1.30 per pound. An American Wool Council spokesperson estimated that 14 million pounds of wool which is unsuitable for apparel are available each year. This wool, whose fibers are too coarse and/or too short for apparel has a lesser value. Some of this poor quality wool is the result of raising lambs for meat, and keeping ewes for lamb production. Two forms of wool adsorbents were shown at the recent International Oil Spill Conference in Tampa. Wool adsorbent pads of weights varying from 6 to 12 ounces per yard were shown by Western Textile Products, and knopps, approximately 1/2 inch aggregates of wool developed in New Zealand were represented in the United States by Joymai Environmental. A considerable amount of BG, below grade cotton, is produced as a result of early frosts and other adverse growing conditions. The amount produced in Texas alone varies from 2 to 85 million pounds per year. The potential for using cotton as an oil adsorbent was recognized in the late 70's at Texas Tech University, but the impetus for its actual use did not come until the recent increase in environmental awareness. At least one firm is producing cotton pads and booms for aquatic oil spills. Other natural fibers have been tested for use as oil spill sorbents, but these materials are not readily available at a low cost. These materials include milkweed, kenaf and kapok fibers. Oil spill sorbents based on recycled newsprint, wood byproducts, and other plant materials are also available. For use with aquatic oil spills these materials may need to be made water repellent by special chemical treatments. These woody adsorbents generally contain significant amounts of lignin. Lignin degrades rather slowly, usually by fungi, hence the relative permanence of wood. For this reason, these lignin containing materials would be expected to biodegrade less rapidly and/or less completely than adsorbents made from relatively pure cellulose such as cotton, or protein such as wool. Table 1 indicates the physical properties of a number of biodegradable adsorbents and polypropylene adsorbents. For purposes of this disclosure, the term adsorbed shall include absorbed and/or entrained. As would be expected all effective adsorbents have very large porosities, above 90%, so that a large quantity of oil can be retained relative to the weight of adsorbent used. The fiber diameters were uniform for cotton and wool due to their biological origin, whereas the diameters of the polypropylene fibers varied widely due to the method of manufacture. The air permeability and resulting calculated specific surface areas indicate that the polypropylene fibers are on the average finer than the natural fibers. The oil-adsorbent capabilities, measured by the ASTM F726 procedure, are similar for all products tested except for raw cotton, whose capacity was considerably higher. These tests were made on a sweet West Texas Crude, whose initial API gravity was 33.3. Prior to testing the crude was weathered by blowing air through the crude oil until 30 weight percent of the crude had been vaporized. The resulting weathered crude oil had an API gravity of 23.8 and a viscosity of 73 cp. The oil capacities for two typical adsorbents using this crude oil at various stages of weathering indicate little change in adsorption capacity as a function of weathered viscosity. Cotton and wool perform effectively relative to polypropylene adsorbents. In general, it can be observed that the natural fiber pads show similar performance capabilities to the polypropylene pads. It has been shown that unprocessed cotton is an effective adsorbent relative to polypropylene materials. Tests have shown the natural fiber pads including wool and cotton to be more effective than polypropylene pads. An oil capacity of 21.6 was reported for a 12 ounce wool pad compared to 12 to 17 grams heavy crude/gram of polypropylene adsorbent. It should be stressed that these results are comparing commercial polypropylene pads, which presumably have been optimized for performance, with experimental cotton and wool pads whose adsorbent capacities have not yet been optimized. These results do clearly demonstrate that biodegradable pads made of either cotton or wool can perform effectively as adsorbents in comparison to commercial polypropylene products. Disposal of oil-soaked natural fiber adsorbents using biological methods is possible because both the oil and the adsorbent are naturally occurring materials, and eventually will undergo biodegradation. Tasks in "developing" ex situ biologically based methods for the disposal of this material included finding ways to do it faster than the rate at which it would occur naturally in the environment, and developing a means for doing it under conditions where the material was confined and would not be released into any environmental sink. In addition, since two different materials had to be degraded, fiber and oil, another task was to determine whether degradation should be done sequentially, i.e. first degrade one, then degrade the other, or simultaneously. In the interest of being able to better control and understand each process, it was decided that the best way to proceed would be to first find a way to degrade each substrate by itself, then to determine if each one could be degraded in the presence of the other. What is described below are some of the procedures we used to develop the technology for disposing of natural fiber sorbents with entrained hydrocarbons. Adsorbents made of natural fibers (cotton or wool) are naturally biodegradable. They are broken down by microbial and/or enzymatic activity within a time frame of several weeks in a closed environment where optimum conditions for degradation can be provided and controlled. The structural integrity of the sorbents was degraded first releasing their entrained oil. This allowed the oil to be separated and recovered from the residual sorbent and the medium in which degradation occurred, for example, aqueous medium. Residue to be disposed of from this process include undegraded sorbent (generally 15% or less of the original amount) consisted of extremely short fibers which collectively form a "fluff" of material which has no collective structural integrity and the medium in which the adsorbent degradation occurred. As long as these residues do not contain hazardous levels of hydrocarbons, such residues can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste. The oil released from the adsorbent can be either recovered or degraded biologically. Recovery methods include those standard in the industry for separating petroleum hydrocarbons from aqueous media. Table 1 presents various natural and man-made fibers frequently used as adsorbents. TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________Adsorbents Shape and Permeability Fiber length Fiber diameter Specific surfaceProduct Thickness Specification Porosity (cm.sup.2) × 10.sup.6 (cm) (μm) area**__________________________________________________________________________ (cm.sup.-1)Texas raw cotton loose fiber, NM* cellulose fiber 0.99 NM 1.63 14 NMCotton Pad needle-punched cellulose fiber 0.98 6.90 1.70 16 165 sheet, 1/2"Wool Pad needle-punched wool fiber 0.95 8.43 2.69 24 143 sheet, 1/4"3M HP156 sheet, 1/4" melt-blown fiber 0.96 2.26 NM 0.5-36 280polypropyleneERGON E100 sheet, 3/8" melt-blown fiber 0.93 3.27 NM 3-10 222SPC 100 sheet, 3/8" melt-blown fiber 0.94 2.14 NM 0.85-9.4 279polypropylene__________________________________________________________________________ *NM -- not measurable **calculated from KozenyCarman Equation: K = cP.sup.3 /S.sup.2 where K is permeability, P porosity, S specific surface area, c = 0.2 Wool fibers in which the disulfide cross-linkages have been broken, as by mechanical reduction, are almost completely digested by pepsin and chymotrypsin but are attacked only slightly by trypsin. Table 2 presents enzyme by type, supplier and degradation utilization suitable in accordance with the invention. TABLE 2______________________________________Enzyme Type Vendor Separate______________________________________Rapidase ® Cellulase International Cellulose (raw Bio-Synthetics cotton)Indiage ® Cellulase Genecor Cellulose (raw cotton)Cellusoft ® Cellulase Novo Nordisk Cellulose (raw cotton)Protease: Protease Sigma Chem. Co. Wool (raw,Type IV unscoured)Papain Protease Spectrum Wool (raw, Chemical unscoured) Manufacturing Corp.Protease: Protease Sigma Chem. Co. Collagen (formedType IV pad)______________________________________CELLULASES AND THEIR MANUFACTURERSEnzyme: Rapidase ® GLManufacturer: GIST-BROCADES, formerly INTERNATIONAL BIO-SYNTHETICS P. O. Box 241068 Charlotte, NC 28224-1068 (704) 527-9000CAS Name: CellulaseCAS Number: 9012-54-8Product Code: 5299Producing Organism: Trichoderma reeseiActivity: measured in carboxymethyl cellulase units (CCUs) =98-106 CCU/gram liquidEnzyme dosage recommended: 0.5-2.0%, O.W.G. (on weight ofgoods)Enzyme: IndiAge ™ 44LManufacturer: Genencor International 4 Cambridge Place 1870 South Winton Road Rochester, NY 14618 (716) 256-5200CAS Name: CellulaseCAS Number: 9012-54-8Product Code: CL601Producing Organism: Trichoderma reeseiActivity: Activity: 2500 CMC units/ml*Enzyme dosage recommended: For treating denim: a) 5-10 mlenzyme/kg denim if treated for 20-30 minutes, or b) 2.5-5 mlif treated for 30-45 minutes.Enzyme: Denimax LManufacturer: Novo Nordisk Bioindustrials, Inc. 33 Turner Road P. O. Box 1907 Danbury, CT 06813-1907 (203) 790-2600 Chemtrec Number: (800) 424-9300CAS Name:CAS Number: 9012-54-8Producing Organism: Trichoderma humicola isoenlsActivity: Activity: measured in endoglucanase units (EGUs) =90 EGU/gramEnzyme dosage recommended:Enzyme: Cellusoft LManufacturer: Novo Nordisk Bioindustrials, Inc. 33 Turner Road P. O. Box 1907 Danbury, CT 06813-1907 (203) 790-2600 Chemtrec Number: (800) 424-9300CAS Name: CellulaseCAS Number:Producing Organism: Trichoderma reeseiActivity: 750 EGU/gram (see Denimax for definition of EGU)Enzyme dosage recommended: 0.5 to 2.0% on fabric weight*Units are International Units (IU). 1 IU liberates 1 μmolereducing sugar (expressed as glucose equivalents) in 1 minuteunder standard conditions (50 C. at pH 4.8)PROTEASES AND THEIR MANUFACTURERSEnzyme: Protease, Type IV: Bacterial, purifiedManufacturer: Sigma Chemical Company P. O. Box 14508 St. Louis, MO 63178-9916Producing Organism: Streptomyces caespitosusActivity: 0.7-1.0 unit per mg solid*Enzyme: Protease, Type VManufacturer: Sigma Chemical Company P. O. Box 14508 St. Louis, MO 63178-9916Producing Organism: Streptomyces griseusActivity: 0.7-1.0 unit per mg solid*Note: This item was discontinued by the manufacturer in 1980. Itis the same enzyme as Type XIV, differing from it in that Type Vcontained a starch extender.Enzyme: Protease, Type VI (Pronase P)Manufacturer: Sigma Chemical Company P. O. Box 14508 St. Louis, MO 63178-9916Producing Organism: Streptomyces griseusActivity: 3-4 units per mg solid*Note: This item was discontinued by the manufacturer in 1980. Itis the same enzyme as Type XIV, except it was referred to as aPronase P (P grade) rather than as Pronase E.Enzyme: Protease, Type XIV, Bacterial, (Pronase E)Manufacturer: Sigma Chemical Company P. O. Box 14508 St. Louis, MO 63178-9916Producing Organism: Streptomyces griseusActivity: approximately 4 units per mg solid*Protease, unit definition:One unit will hydrolyze casein to produce color equivalent to1.0 μmole (181 μg) if tyrosine per min at pH 7.5 at 370 C.(color by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent), unless otherwise indicated.______________________________________ Cotton is a filament of cellulose ready for use by the textile industry at a minimal price. It has been proposed recently to use cotton as a sorbent for oil spills. Due to cotton's physical properties, it accumulates oil readily and it is also a natural, biodegradable, non-polluting fiber. The present invention answers how to degrade the cotton in the easiest, quickest, and most complete manner possible using biological methods. Since attempting to degrade the oil soaked cotton as a whole is a difficult and complicated task, it is easier to try to degrade the oil and the cotton separately in order to have a general idea of what must be done to degrade the two as a whole and to determine which is the more effective way to do this. Thus an object of the invention was to determine the optimum conditions for degradation of cotton using enzymes in order to achieve quick and high efficiency release of sorbed oil. Cellulase enzymes have been used for practical purposes in food processing and in the denim garment industry. They are used in the latter to improve the "hand" (or soft feel) of denim. Cellulase, in part, or entirely, replaces the "stone-washing" process. The tiny cotton fibers which stick up from the cloth when it is new are digested by the cellulase (or abraded away by the stones), thus making the fabric feel smooth. Once the cellulose molecules which comprise the surface fibers have been partially hydrolyzed, mechanical action then can remove the weakened surface fibers. When cotton is treated with cellulase, there is a weight reduction and a loss in strength proportional to the amount of weight reduction. When the enzyme is first applied to the cotton, it begins to react with the cellulose fiber, partially hydrolyzing the molecules of cellulose. This occurs because the cellulase breaks the β-1, 4-glycosidic bonds of the cellulose molecule. Breaking the bonds by the hydrolytic chemical reaction catalyzed by cellulase removes glucose and cellobiose units from the cellulose molecule, making it smaller. Cellulase enzymes generally are characterized by the pH range in which they are most effective. These categories include: acid stable, neutral stable, and alkaline stable. Cellulase degradation of cotton and oil soaked rags and papers generally used acid stable enzymes which perform best between pH values of about 3.5 to about 6.5. In addition to pH, temperature is another critical factor which must be controlled. The temperature must be high enough for optimum enzyme activity, but low enough so that the enzyme does not denature. In order to optimize the cotton degradation, a proper ratio of time, temperature, pH, and amount of cellulase are required. Each of these parameters was tested experimentally to determine the optimum conditions for degrading the cellulose. Although most acid stable cellulase enzymes are most effective at temperatures of about 20° C. to about 60° C., a pH range of about 3.5 to about 6.5, and at concentrations of between about 50 to 100 ml enzyme solution per liter as supplied by the manufacturer, the amount degraded may vary depending on the enzyme source. Supplies of enzyme solutions provide technical procedures utilizing for example, cellulase, "On Weight of Goods (O.W.G.)" basis, volume of prepared enzyme solution to weight of goods (cotton) treated. According to the present invention, OWG of enzyme solution to natural fibers ranged from about 4 to about 30% (O.W.G.). Effective amounts of enzyme solution usage will vary depending on the natural fiber and/or specific enzymes. Thus, it was necessary to determine experimentally how each of these parameters affected the ability of various cellulase enzymes to degrade cotton. The goal was to degrade the maximum amount of cotton in the minimum amount of time. Several commercial adsorbents including adsorbent pads made from wool and cotton, plus raw cotton have been tested for adsorption capacity, adsorption rate, and oil selectively. The tests generally followed the ASTM 726 procedure. In this procedure for adsorption capacity and adsorption rate, adsorbents are placed on the surface of oil contained in a shallow tray until visibly saturated and then drained for 30 seconds and weighed. In the oil selectivity procedure, an absorbent pad, about 100×120 mm in size, is placed into a horizontal, 1-gallon jar, half full of water, and mechanically shaken at 150 cycles per minute for 30 minutes. Oil is added in 25 ml increments and shaken for an additional 30 minutes. The oil addition procedure is repeated until a layer of free oil remains on the water surface after shaking for 30 minutes, which implies saturation of the pad with oil. After draining for 2 minutes, the pad is weighed. The adsorbed liquid is extracted from pad with hexane, and water is separated from the hydrocarbons in a separatory funnel. The amount of oil adsorbed in the presence of water is obtained from total weight, dry pads weights and water weight. The first series of tests employed 20 weight non-detergent motor oil as the test fluid. In general, the raw cotton showed significantly superior performance in all categories. It had approximately twice the adsorption capacity of next best material, Titan polyurethane pad, 60 versus 29 g oil/g adsorbent. The adsorption rate for raw cotton was only slightly higher than for other materials. In the presence of water, in the low rate oil exposure test, raw cotton was 50% better the next best material, a polypropylene pad, 3M-HP-156, 29 versus 20 g oil/g adsorbent. The raw cotton did not sink during the low rate oil exposure tests. The Cotton Unlimited cotton pad containing polyester fibers did not perform as well as the raw cotton in these same tests. The performance was rather similar to the polypropylene pads. The Cotton Unlimited pad increased in volume and lost its shape, as the result of shaking and exposure to water during the low rate oil adsorption test. The wool pad performed similarly to the synthetics, except that it showed a higher rate of adsorption. It did not sink, and retained its integrity during the low rate oil adsorption test. A similar series of tests have been performed using diesel fuel as the oil. The results are very similar to those results observed in the previous tests with 20 weight motor oil. Due to the viscosity difference, adsorption rates are much higher for diesel than for motor oil, and, in the presence of water, oil adsorption capacities for diesel are lower than for motor oil, since fluids are allowed to drain from the pad for 2 minutes prior to weighing. Most significant change is for raw cotton, which has an adsorption capacity for diesel that is only one-half of that for motor oil. The following examples are offered to illustrate the present invention as well as comparative examples outside the invention. The comparative examples are offered in order to illustrate the refinements necessary in selecting variables such as pH, temperature, time, enzymes and the like to meet the requirements of the invention, i.e. the use of enzyme compositions in aqueous medium for the biodegradation of natural fibers which have been utilized for adsorbing petroleum product and hydrocarbon product spills. The first series of examples, Examples 1-9 are concerned with the degradation of cotton by Rapidase® cellulase without oil being adsorbed on the cotton. These examples illustrate the impact of varying pH, temperature and the like. Examples 10-11 present similar studies utilizing cotton having oils adsorbed thereon. Examples 12-15 are presented for showing the impact of utilizing a seawater aqueous medium on the process. Examples 16-18 presents studies reusing the enzyme both with and without oil. Examples 19-22 present studies for the degradation of cotton utilizing Indiage® cellulase with variations in specific parameters. Examples 23-28 present enzyme degradation of, for example, wool and cotton utilizing enzymes other than Rapidase® or Indiage®. Experiments with Rapidase® (No Oils) Example 1 Rapidase® (1 ml/75 ml medium) room temperature (RT) incubation, ca. 21°-22° C. 48 hr. incubation period Purpose: To test the ability of the commercial enzyme, Rapidase®, to degrade raw cotton and a commercially-available cotton pad (Cotton Unlimited, Post, Tex.). Results: ______________________________________ % Cotton Degraded + Cellulase - Cellulase______________________________________Raw cotton 14 3 (both static and weathered)CU pad 16 3 (both static and weathered)______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) More cotton was degraded in the presence of the Rapidase® enzyme than in its absence (true for both static and weathered [shaken] controls). (2) There was no statistical difference in the amount degraded between the raw cotton and the Cotton Unlimited pad. Example 2 Rapidase® (various concentrations) 32° C. pH 4.0 Purpose: To determine the optimum concentration of enzyme for maximum cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________Enzyme Concentration(mls & %) % Cotton Degraded______________________________________ 1 ml (1.33%) 30 4 ml (5.06) 40 8 ml (9.64) 4512 ml (13.79) 43 (repeat = 41)Static control 3Shaken control 0.5______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation was obtained with 4 ml enzyme (approximately 5%). (2) Increasing the amount of enzyme did not increase the amount of degradation under these conditions. Example 3 Same set up as Example 2. Purpose: To repeat Example 2 but extend the incubation period to 6 days (Example 2=3 days) Results: ______________________________________Enzyme Concentration(mls & %) % Cotton Degraded______________________________________ 1 ml (1.33%) 38 4 ml (5.06) 63 8 ml (9.64) 6212 ml (13.79) 59Static control 1Shaken control 2______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation occurred at 4 and 8% concentration of enzyme. (2) Extending the incubation period to six days from three increased degradation at all concentrations of enzyme (but not in the controls which lacked enzyme). Example 4 Rapidase® (8 ml/75 ml medium) 32° C. incubation temperature 200 rpm vary pH Purpose: To determine the effect of pH, and optimum pH, on cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________pH % Cotton Degraded______________________________________3.5 564.0 584.5 635.0 586.0 427.0 26______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation under these conditions occurred at pH 4.5. (2) Good degradation between pH 3.5 and 5.0; less at pH 6.0 and poor at 7.0. Example 5 Same as Example 4 except: (a) incubation extended to 6 days (b) a "minus enzyme" control was done at each pH tested. Purpose: To determine the effect of pH, and optimum pH, on cotton degradation to determine if low pH by itself leads to cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________pH +/- enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________3.5 + 53 - 24.0 + 56 - 14.5 + 66 - 15.0 + 65 - 16.0 + 47 - 27.0 + 24 - 2______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation under these conditions occurred at pH 4.5 and 5.0. (2) Good degradation between pH 3.5 and 5.0; less at pH 6.0 and poor at 7.0. (3) No degradation in "minus enzyme" controls at each pH, thus pH alone does not affect degradation in the range tested. Example 6 Rapidase® (8 ml) pH 4.5 (buffered) 200 rpm 6 day incubation period Purpose: To determine the effect of temperature on cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________Temp °C. +/- enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________21-22 + 44 - 040 + 77 - 250 + 65 - 055 + 63 - 265 + 0 - 4______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation under these conditions occurred at 40° C. (2) Good degradation also at 50° and 55°; but enzyme inactive at 65 ° C. (3) No degradation in "minus enzyme" controls at each temperature, thus temperature alone does not affect degradation. Example 7 Rapidase® (4 ml) pH 4.5 (buffered) 40° C. incubation temperature 200 rpm vary incubation period: 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days Purpose: To determine the effect of time on cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________Incubation Time (days) % Cotton Degraded______________________________________ 3 + enzyme 50 6 + 67 9 + 7612 + 8015 + 9015 - enzyme 3______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation (90%) under these conditions occurred in 15 days. (2) The longer the incubation period, the more cotton degraded. (3) No degradation in "minus enzyme" control at the longest incubation time. Example 8 Rapidase® (4 ml) pH 4.5 (buffered) 40 ° C. incubation temperature Either the medium was heated to 40° C. before adding the enzyme or it was not. Incubation was either static or shaking. Observations at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 hours after incubation beings. Results will be measured by loss of integrity of cotton mat (dissolution into fluffy bottom layer on flask or not) Purpose: To determine: (a) whether heating the solution to 40° C. before adding the enzyme hastens degradation. (b) if agitation is needed for degradation or whether it will occur in static flasks. (c) combination of (a) and (b). Results: (a) Static incubation: no degradation in 24 hr, and it did not make a difference whether the solution was heated before adding the enzyme or not. (b) Shaking incubation:+degradation of mat in 24 hr, and it did not make a difference whether the solution was heated before adding the enzyme or not. Conclusions: (1) Heating the medium before adding the enzyme has no effect on cotton degradation (static or shaking incubation). (2) Static incubation=no degradation, Shaking incubation=+complete degradation, as measured by loss of integrity of mat of cotton. Example 9 Rapidase® (4 ml) pH 4.5 (buffered) 40° C. incubation temperature 200 rpm 3 or 6 days incubation Purpose: To determine if there is a difference in the amount of substrate degraded between raw cotton and the Cotton Unlimited pad. Results: ______________________________________Substrate Days incubation % Cotton Degraded______________________________________raw cotton 3 48" 6 66CU pad 3 41" 6 59______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Raw cotton and CU pad were degraded about the same amount after 3 days of incubation; after 6 days of incubation. (2) More degradation occurred after 6 days as compared to 3 days. Rapidase® Experiments (with Oils) Example 10 Rapidase® (4 ml) pH 4.5 40° C. 200 rpm Purpose: To determine if cotton can be degraded by the enzyme in the presence of diesel and crude oil (separately). Results: ______________________________________Oil Days +/- enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________crude 3 + 28diesel 3 + 38none 3 + 46crude 6 + 64diesel 6 + 65none 6 + 60crude 6 - 0diesel 6 - 0______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Cotton is degraded in the presence of either diesel or crude oil, and the oil is released and floats to the top of the flask. (2) In the absence of the enzyme, cotton is not degraded and neither oil is released. Example 11 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm 5 ml diesel/0.5 g cotton or 5 ml crude oil/0.5 g time (hrs) varied: 3, 6, 24, 72 Purpose: To determine how quickly oil is released from the cotton in the enzyme solution. Results: ______________________________________Time (hrs) Oil Results______________________________________3 crude no degradation, no oil recovered diesel no degradation, no oil recovered6 crude no degradation, no oil recovered diesel no degradation, 0.1 ml diesel recovered24 & 72 crude degraded, oil recovered diesel degraded, oil recovered______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Degradation of the cotton by the enzyme sufficient to release the oils occurred between 6 and 24 hr. Rapidase® Experiments with Seawater Example 12 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm ±Instant Ocean salts added to the medium to simulate seawater (9g/L, pH adjusted to 4.5 with HCl) Incubation for 3 or 6 days Purpose: To determine if the enzymatic degradation of cotton is affected by the presence of the amount and kinds of salts normally found in seawater. Results: ______________________________________Addition Time (days) % Cotton Degraded______________________________________Control (+ enzyme) 3 48(McIlvaine buffer) 6 69Control (no enzyme) 3 0Instant Ocean 6 0Experimental 3 48(+ enzyme, 6 68+ Instant Ocean)______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Cotton degradation by enzyme was unaffected by the presence of seawater after either 3 or 6 days of incubation. (2) No enzyme=no degradation. Example 13 Same as Example 12 except that either 5 ml of diesel or crude oil was added to the cotton; no (-) enzyme controls were run. Purpose: To determine if the enzymatic degradation of oil-soaked cotton is affected by the presence of the amount and kinds of salts normally found in seawater. Results: (a) no enzyme=no degradation or oil release (b) other results varied with individual flasks and times; some released both diesel and crude after three days while others did not; same for 6 days. (c) pH was adjusted with HCl; when checked at the end of the experiment in the flasks which had not released the oil; the pH was 5.3 to 6.0. Example 14 Same as Example 13 except McIlvaine buffered Instant Ocean was used. Results: ______________________________________ ml OilMedium Time (days) % Cotton Degraded Recovered______________________________________Instant Ocean 3 0 0(diesel) 6 51 3.7Instant Ocean 3 46* 3.9(crude oil) 6 49** 3.5Control (noenzyme,+ diesel 6 0 0+ crude) 6 0 0______________________________________ *only two of three underwent complete degradation and oil release (result based on these two flasks) **only one of three underwent complete degradation and oil release (results based on only this one flask) Conclusions: (1) Rapidase® released oil (diesel or crude) from cotton in seawater. (2) Release was delayed (up to 6 days or more, vs. 24 hr.) Example 15 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm Instant Ocean salts added to the medium to simulate seawater at concentrations ranging from 9% to 1%. No oil added. Diesel oil added; or crude oil added Incubation 6 days Purpose: To determine at what percentage of realistically occurring sea salts*, the release of hydrocarbons from and degradation of cotton is inhibited. Results: ______________________________________% Sea Water Oil % Degradation______________________________________ 1% none 73 1% diesel 76 1% crude 750.5% none 740.5% diesel 740.5% crude 760.1% none 730.1% diesel 740.1% crude 740.01% none 750.01% diesel 720.01% crude 73 0% none 74 0% diesel 73 0% crude 73______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) There was release of oil and cotton degradation within 6 days for all the concentrations of sea salts tested. Sea salts at the levels that might be expected from raw cotton pads used to pick up oil on the ocean surface there would be no inhibition of oil release or cotton degradation. Rapidase® Experiments (Re-use of the Enzymes) Example 16 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm Incubation for 3 days Purpose: To determine if the enzymatic degradation of cotton (no added oil) can be accomplished by previously used enzyme solutions (not exposed to oils). Also, how does recovering the enzyme by filtration or centrifugation affect its activity as measured by the amount of cotton which remains at the end of the experiment (compared to new enzyme solution?) Results: ______________________________________Medium % Cotton Degraded______________________________________Filtered enzyme 51Centrifuged enzyme 52New enzyme 56(not used previously)______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Enzyme solutions previously used to degrade cotton are still active in degrading cotton alone (no oil added). (2) Approximately 10% loss in activity vs. new enzyme solution. (3) No difference in enzyme activity with regard to the method for collecting the used enzyme solution (filter vs. centrifuged). Example 17 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm Incubation for 3 days Purpose: To determine if the enzymatic degradation of cotton (no added oil) can be accomplished by previously used enzyme solutions which had been exposed to oil (diesel or crude) Results: ______________________________________ % Cotton % ActivityMedium Oil Exposure Degraded Loss______________________________________Filtered enzyme Diesel 38 24 Crude 43 14New enzyme None 50(not previously used)______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Enzyme solutions previously used to degrade oil-soaked cotton is still active in degrading cotton alone (no oil added). (2) Some activity loss compared to new enzyme solution. Example 18 Rapidase® (4 ml) 40° C. pH 4.5 200 rpm Incubation for 3 days New medium vs. medium recovered from Example 16 by either filtration or centrifugation Purpose: To determine if the enzymatic degradation of cotton (no added oil) can be accomplished by enzyme solutions previously used twice (not exposed to oils). Results: ______________________________________Medium % Cotton Degraded % Loss of Activity______________________________________Filtered enzyme 34 26Centrifuged 40 14New enzyme 46(not previously used)______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Enzyme solutions previously used to degrade cotton are still active in degrading cotton alone (no oil added). (2) Some loss in activity vs. new enzyme solution. (3) Some difference in enzyme activity with regard to the method for collecting the used enzyme solution (filtered lost more than centrifuged). Experiments with Indiage® Example 19 Indiage® (1, 4 or 8 ml/75 ml media) pH 5.0 (Mfg. recommended) 50° C. incubation (Mfg. recommendation, 50°-55° C.) 3 day incubation period Purpose: To test the ability of the commercial enzyme, Indiage®, to degrade raw cotton. Various concentrations of enzyme were tested. Results: ______________________________________Enzyme Concentration(mls & %) of Cotton Degraded______________________________________1 ml (1.33%) 384 ml (5.06) 528 ml (9.64) 51Shaken control 2______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation was obtained with 4 ml enzyme (approx. 5%). (2) Increasing the amount of enzyme did not increase the amount of degradation under these conditions. (3) Compared to Rapidase® at 3 days, Indiage® degraded more cotton at the 4 and 8 ml concentrations (Rapidase®=40 and 44% respectively). Example 20 Same set up as Example 19. Purpose: To repeat Example 19 but extend the incubation period to 6 days (Example 19=3 days). Results: ______________________________________Enzyme Concentration(mls & %) % Cotton Degraded______________________________________1 ml (1.33%) 454 ml (5.06) 678 ml (9.64) 65Control 4______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation occurred at 4 and 8% concentrations of enzyme. (2) Extending the incubation period to 6 days from 3 increased degradation at all concentrations of enzyme (but not in the control which lacked enzyme). (3) Compared to Rapidase® at 6 days, Indiage® degraded at about the same % cotton at the 4 and 8 ml concentrations (Rapidase® =63 and 62% respectively). Example 21 Indiage® (4 ml/75 ml medium) 50°-55 ° C. incubation temperature 200 rpm vary pH 6 day incubation period Purpose: To determine the effect of pH, and optimum pH, on cotton degradation in the presence of Indiage® enzyme. A control (minus enzyme) was run for each pH to ensure that degradation was not the result of pH alone. Results: ______________________________________pH +/-Enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________4.0 + 28 - 24.5 + 60 - 25.0 + 77 - 25.5 + 76 - 36.0 + 59 - 1______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation under these conditions occurred at pH 5.0 and 5.5. (2) Good degradation between pH 4.5 and 6.0; less at pH 4.0. (3) No degradation in the absence of the enzyme, therefore, degradation not due to low pH. Example 22 Indiage® (4 ml) pH 5.5 (buffered) 200 rpm 6 day incubation period Purpose: To determine the effect of temperature on cotton degradation. Results: ______________________________________Temp +/-Enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________21-22 + 31 - 340 + 20 - 350 + 57 - 055 + 3 - 560 + 0 - 0______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Maximum degradation under these conditions occurred at 50° C. (2) Enzyme inactive at 55° C. (3) At room temperature and 40 ° C., less than half the amount of cotton was degraded as at 50° C. (4) No degradation in "minus enzyme" controls at each temperature, thus temperature alone does not affect degradation. (5) Observation: enzyme appears to have a narrower temp. range than Rapidase®. Enzyme Experiments (Other than with Rapidase® or Indiage®) Example 23 Proteolytic enzymes: protease at pH 7.5 trypsin at pH 7.6 pepsin at pH 7.6 All enzyme solutions prepared in McIlvaine buffer Raw wool 37° C. for protease and pepsin; 25° C. for trypsin 200 rpm 3 days Purpose: To determine if protein substrates such as raw wool and formed collagen can be degraded by proteolytic enzymes. Controls run without enzyme. Results: ______________________________________Sorbent Enzyme % Sorbent Degraded______________________________________wool protease 14wool pepsin 0wool trypsin 0______________________________________ Note: As part of this experiment, formed collagen pads soaked with diesel fuel or crude oil also were tested to see if they would degrade in the protease. This was a "quick" experiment; oil release was all that was determined. Ans.=yes in 3 days at 37° C. in the protease solution. Conclusions: (1) Wool can be degraded slightly in 3 days by the protease, but not by trypsin or pepsin. (2) Collagen pads were degraded by the protease and released the oils in three days. Example 24 Proteases Crypes IV, V, VI and XIV) pH 7.5 buffered 37° C. incubation temperature 200 rpm 6 days Purpose: To determine if other proteases can degrade wool. Results: ______________________________________Sorbent Enzyme % Sorbent Degraded______________________________________wool protease IV 27wool protease V 18wool protease VI 20wool protease XIV 16______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) All were about as effective as the protease used in Example 23. (2) A little more degradation after 6 days as compared to Example 23 (3 days). Example 25 Papain (0.025%) with sodium bisulfite (2.0%) pH 6.5-7.5 (buffered) 65° C. incubation 200 rpm 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 days incubation raw wool Purpose: To determine if papain in the presence of sodium bisulfite degrades raw wool better than the proteases. Results: ______________________________________Days incubation % Wool Degraded______________________________________1 933 906 Dried9 Dried12 Dried3 control without enzyme but with sodium bisulfite =10% degradation______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Papain and sodium bisulfite successfully degraded wool. Example 26 Denimax cellulase (5% tested--2%, mfg. recommended) pH 7 (pH 6-8 mfg. recommended) various temperatures (room temp., 45°, 50°, 55° and 60° C.--mfg. recommends 50°-60° C.) 200 rpm 6 days Purpose: To determine if another type of cellulase (Denimax) which runs at a higher pH can degrade raw cotton; if so, how much. Results: ______________________________________Temp +/-Enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________room + 10 - 745 + 16 - 1650 + 19 - 1455 + 3 - 860 + 7 - 7______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Under these conditions, this enzyme did not work well. Example 27 Cellusoft® cellulase (5% test--2%, mfg. recommended) pH 7 (pH 4.5-5.5 mfg. recommended) various temperatures (room temp., 45°, 50°, 55° and 60° C.--mfg. recommends 45°-55° C.) Purpose: To determine if another type of cellulase (Cellusoft®) which runs at a higher pH can degrade raw cotton; if so, how much. Results: ______________________________________Temp +/-Enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________room + 0 - 250 + 20 - 155 + 0 - 160 + 0 - 1______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) Used wrong pH; mfg. recommended 4.5-5.5. (2) Even under these conditions, got better degradation than the (minus enzyme) controls at 45° C. (3) Experimental=controls at other temperatures. Example 28 Rapidase® (4 ml) pH 4.5 40° C. 6 days incubation Purpose: To determine if increasing agitation speed increases the amount of cotton degraded by Rapidase® in 6 days. A static control (no agitation, listed below as "0" rpm) was included. Results: ______________________________________RPM +/-Enzyme % Cotton Degraded______________________________________ 0 - 4 0 + 38 50 - 2 50 + 39100 - 3100 + 53200 - 1200 + 60250 - 1250 + 64300 - 0300 + 63350 - 0350 + 67400 - 0400 + 66______________________________________ Conclusions: (1) No degradation in the absence of enzyme. (2) No agitation (0 rpm) after 6 days led to measurable degradation (38%). (3) 50 rpm was not better than no agitation (0 rpm). (4) 100 to 400 rpm led to considerably more cotton degradation than 0 or 50 rpm. (5) Slightly better cotton degradation at 200-400 rpm than at 100 rpm. (6) No appreciable difference regarding the amount of cotton degraded between 200 and 400 rpm. Example 28 agitation studies were conducted on a Lab Line Gyrotary (shaker) utilizing 125 ml flask mounted on a platform, rpm refers to platform rotation. Examples 1-28 illustrate various refinements in accordance with the invention as compared to comparative examples which are outside the invention. Unexpected results were achieved in view of the prior art teachings, in Example 1, no statistical difference in the amount of degradation between raw cotton and a processed or a commercially available cotton pad was observed. Maximum degradation of cotton utilizing cellulase was found to occur in concentrations of the enzyme of between about 4 and 8% by volume of the reaction aqueous medium. Example 4 illustrates pH controls wherein good degradation was achieved between a pH of 3.5 and about 6.0 with less satisfactory results at a pH of 7.0. Cellulase degradation of cotton is found to provide maximum degradation in the aqueous solution at conditions of 40° C. with good degradation also at 50° and 55° C. Apparently enzyme activity ceases at temperatures of about 65° C. Diesel or crude oil adsorbed on cotton within the inventive aqueous medium utilizing cellulase was released and floats to the top of the container as the result of cotton degradation by the enzyme, as seen in the results of Example 10. Example 11 utilizing various concentrations of enzymes provided time studies wherein the degradation of the cotton fibers was sufficient to allow the adsorbed oil to be released and recovered from the surface of the aqueous medium. Such timing occurred between about 2 hours and 24 hours. Under ideal conditions such as enzyme concentration, temperature of the aqueous medium and selection of enzymes, petroleum product release from the cotton fibers has been observed to occur at about 2 hours. The process according to the invention was found to be of useful when the aqueous medium is comprised of seawater. In Example 28 impact of the additional enhancement variable, agitation of the aqueous medium containing the enzyme and the natural fiber which contains adsorbed petroleum products is shown. The enzymes utilized showed considerable tolerance to agitation, however enzyme activity may be impacted adversely by exaggerated shear forces. Several examples address the concept of reusing enzyme solutions after said solutions were separated from the aqueous reaction medium on a continuous recycle methodology. Approximately 10% loss in activity was observed versus new enzyme solutions. Cotton was degraded by the commercial enzyme, Indiage®, as compared to the commercial enzyme for cotton degradation Rapidase®. Both commercial preparations performed in accordance with the invention with similar results. Comparison of the various enzyme preparations, i.e. commercial preparations, indicate slight variations in pH, temperature and concentration refinements. In the degradation of wool the enzyme protease is found to perform at a low concentration level for satisfactory degradation of the fiber. In Example 25 the enzyme papain in the presence of a reducing agent, sodium bisulfite, degrades wool at a very high level, for example, after one day of incubation, 93% wool degradation. Other methods of preparing wool fibers for enzyme degradation include mechanical milling and the like or the chemical reduction of wool fibers either before or simultaneously with the enzyme degradation processes. The methodology for biodegradation separation of natural fibers and adsorbed petroleum products led to the present invention which is an alternative use of the technology and experimental data are presented which verify the application involving enzymatically treating fabrics made from similar organic natural fibers found in laboratory clothing, towels and wipes which have been contaminated by radioactive materials. These products have been stored for many years in 55 gallon containers and the problem of how to safely dispose of these materials and the associated radioactive contamination is of concern to the public and the federal government and is being addressed by both the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. The following two examples, Example 29 and Example 30 were performed to determine if a raw cotton fabric which was intentionally contaminated with a known amount of uranium compound (uranyl acetate, abbreviated UAc) releases the uranium upon enzymatic digestion with Rapidase® cellulase. In Example 29 squares of fabric made of raw cotton were used. In the time allotted for enzyme treatment (6 days), not all of the fiber was digested. However, since all of the uranium salt initially was associated with the fabric, the results showed that the enzyme could release much of the uranium on the fabric into the liquid. In addition, uranium did not denature the enzyme at this concentration. The utility of the information from Example 29 is that stored radioactive cotton-containing materials such as lab coats, lab wipers, etc., contaminated with uranium compounds can be treated with the enzyme solution to reduce the volume of contaminated material. Methods are available for disposal of radioactive materials in liquids, but methods are not available for disposing of contaminated laboratory clothing, etc. The present invention provides such a method in destroying the integrity of the material, resulting in a reduction in the volume of contaminated goods, and release of the radioactivity into the liquid medium for which disposal methods are available. In Example 30, it was demonstrated that all the fiber can be digested by the enzyme solution. This resulted in the release of uranium salts into the liquid. Although uranium also was detected in the insoluble residue, the residue represented a very large volume reduction in comparison to the amount of the original fabric, and the residue was completely free of cotton fibers. Methods for dealing with disposal of radioactive solids and liquids containing radioactive ions have been described. Two technologies relevant to the present invention process are vitrification (of solids, semi-solids and liquids) and ion scavenging from liquids. Example 29 The fabric was prepared as a tube of jersey knit with 18s greige cotton yarn (=untreated raw cotton). It was then treated with either TRITON X-100® or TRITON X-100® plus an aqueous solution of UAc. The TRITON X-100® was necessary to reduce the surface tension of the UAc solution so that the fabric could be wetted. Otherwise, since the fabric was made from raw cotton and is non-absorbent, the UAc solution would have beaded and rolled off the fabric. Three samples of each fabric type were prepared, including: (1) Control fabric (no TRITON X-100®, no UAc) (2) Fabric with TRITON X-100® only (no UAc) (3) Fabric treated with both TRITON X-100® and UAc. The samples were weight 0.5 g each. Each of the nine individual samples of fabric were placed into individual Erlenmeyer flasks (125 ml capacity) containing 71 ml McIlvaine buffer at pH 4.5 and 4 ml RAPIDASE® . The flasks were incubated at 40° C. for 6 days on a New Brunswick gyrotary shaker at 200 rpm. At the termination of the incubation period, the flasks were removed from the shaker, and, individually, their contents were filtered through single pieces of Whatman #1 filter paper. Aliquots of each filtrate were examined for uranium content, as was the undegraded residue from the enzyme-treated fabric samples captured on the filters. Control fabrics (no enzyme treatment) also were analyzed for uranium content for comparative purposes. The uranium contents of all of these samples is presented in the following table: ______________________________________Uranium Content, (Measured as Uranium, not Uranyl Acetate) + Enzyme Treatment (residue No Enzyme from 0.5 g ResidualFabric Treatment samples) Treatment Enzyme______________________________________Untreated 0.0001 0.0018 0.0136 mg/g U mg U mg/liter UBlank Control 0.0155 0.0061 0.0246[TRITON X-100 ®] mg/g U mg U mg/liter UTreated 77.6 25.9 12.0[TRITON X-100 ® mg/g U mg U mg/liter Uwith UAc]______________________________________ The results show that: (a) a portion of the uranium remained with the non-degraded portion of the fabric treated with the enzymatic solution, and (b) some of the uranium was released into the enzyme solution. Example 30 In this experiment, fabric prepared from raw cotton was treated with TRITON X-100® and uranyl acetate, as described in Example 29, with the following differences: (1) 65.28 g fabric were treated with 11.62 g UAc. (2) The TRITON X-100® control was omitted. (3) UAc treated and untreated (control) fabrics were separately ground to powder using a Wiley mill. The fabric was ground to enhance both the total amount of degradation in the enzyme solution and the rate at which it underwent degradation. (4) 5 g of the ground fabrics were removed for uranium analysis (these are the samples which did not receive any enzyme treatment). (5) The powdered fabric which had been treated with uranyl acetate was placed in 12 liters of the enzyme solution in the air-lift reaction vessel. Incubation was for 12 days at 45° C. until complete degradation of the fibers occurred, as determined by microscopic examination. Water was added as necessary to maintain the volume of the liquid. At the termination of the experiment, the enzyme solution was turbid; microscopic examination revealed no residual fibers and no bacterial contamination. The entire 12 liters of the enzyme solution was filtered. Undegraded material was collected on a filter and rinsed. (Note: Undegraded material is thought to consist of the waxes and insoluble materials associated with raw cotton.) The insoluble residue, the used enzyme solution, and the water used to rinse the filter were assayed for uranium content. The uranium contents of both treated and control samples is presented in the following table: ______________________________________ + Enzyme Treatment No Enzyme (insoluble ResidualFabric Treatment Treatment residue) Enzyme______________________________________Untreated, ground 0.00136 g/g Not Notraw cotton Applicable ApplicableTreated 0.08 g/g 0.159 g/g 0.063 g/L[TRITON X-100 ® (rinse =with UAc] 0.062 g/L)______________________________________ The results show that: (a) fabric made of raw cotton fibers intentionally contaminated with a soluble uranium salt can be completely degraded in the enzyme solution after being ground to a powder (b) uranium was detected in the insoluble residue (c) uranium was released into the enzyme solution (approximately the same amount of uranium was detected in the water used to rinse the insoluble material captured on the filter. While various embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, and examples, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

A method is presented for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed onto or entrained by natural fibers in an aqueous medium through the use of enzymes to degrade the natural fiber sorbents utilized for oil spill cleanup, the method provides an opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill sorbent materials. Natural fibers which have been utilized to adsorb petroleum and hydrocarbon products are separated from these petroleum and hydrocarbon products by reducing the natural fiber links to the point that the adsorbed or entrained oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber link to remain held by the fibers, thus float to the surface of the aqueous medium. Aqueous medium enzyme compositions are provided which are suitable for degrading natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers resulting in release of adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained radioactive contaminants.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] This patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/349,390 which was filed on Jun. 13, 2016 and the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of carvedilol long-acting disperse systems for parenteral administration of carvedilol to efficiently manage patients with hypertension, heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction. BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0003] In a hypertensive emergency, patients experience elevated blood pressure that could lead to damage to the brain, kidney, or cardiovascular system. Damage to these target-organs often produce myocardial ischemia, hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebral edema, renal failure that can be fatal. First-line drugs that are typically used for IV infusion for rapid onset includes nitroprusside, fenoldopam, nicardipine, labetalol. These drugs can produce fast onset of lowering blood pressure that could lead to hypotension in patients. Nitrates, such as nitroprusside, are rapidly broken down into nitric oxide and cyanide that can produce cyanide toxicity in some patients. [0004] Carvedilol is a non-selective β and a adrenergic receptor blocker with two active enantiomers that are responsible for the non-selectivity. Primary mechanism of action is inhibiting β-blocker receptors on myocytes slowing down the contractility of the heart thus lowering heart rate. Another mechanism of action is through blocking α-receptors that cause vasodilation. Currently, carvedilol is available only in immediate release oral tablets twice daily and oral controlled release once daily capsules. There is no parenteral dosage form of carvedilol available in market. Oral administration of carvedilol could potentially present a challenge for patients under acute care conditions, because oral dosage forms normally have a delay in drug onset due to the absorption process in GI tract, and carvedilol by oral administration has extensive first-pass metabolism that results in an oral bioavailability of only 25%-35%; Besides, side effects associated with carvedilol from oral dosage forms are frequently reported in patients taking those medicines. Therefore, a parenteral formulation of carvedilol with a rapid onset and yet a sustained release characteristics In-Vivo is desirable for management of inpatients with acute cardiovascular events. [0005] Patent application US2002/0169199A1 disclosed a ready to use carvedilol injectable solution, however a higher rate of incident is expected due to a higher C max resulted from the IV injection of the solution form and organic solvent used to solubilize carvedilol. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 8,367,112 B2 disclosed carvedilol nanoparticles (with diameter less than 2000 nm), which is stabilized by a surface stabilizer absorbed to the surface of the carvedilol particles for improvement of dissolution rate and bioavailability. However, its application in sustained release by parenteral route was not disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0007] The embodiments of the present invention are directed at formulating parenteral drug delivery systems of carvedilol, including but not limited to liposome, biodegradable micro/nanoparticles, micelles, and polymeric micro/nanoparticles, etc., having extended in vitro or in vivo carvedilol release and longer in vivo residence time than the free-carvedilol solution. [0008] In one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a parenteral drug delivery composition for sustained release, comprising a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor blocker, an α-adrenergic receptor blocker, or an α-β adrenergic receptor blocker, wherein the adrenergic receptor blocker is encapsulated inside microparticles or nanoparticles. [0009] In one aspect of the embodiment, the non-selective β-, α-, or α-β adrenergic receptor blocker of the composition provided is carvedilol or its metabolites. [0010] In another aspect of the embodiment, the composition provided is a liposome formulation. [0011] In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided are biodegradable. [0012] In still another aspect of the embodiment, the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided are polymeric. [0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition, wherein (i) the liposome formulation contains 0.001 to 10% percent (m/m) carvedilol or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) the liposome formulation is in a size range of 0.02 microns to 0.9 microns in diameter, and (iii) the liposome formulation provides a longer residence time of the carvedilol in vivo, as compared to a free-carvedilol solution administered parenterally. [0014] In one aspect of the embodiment, the liposome formulation of the composition provided before dosing includes between about 0.01 to 90 mole percent phospholipid(s), 0.01 to 70 mole percent cholesterol, and between about 0.01 to 90 mole percent of a negatively charged phospholipid. [0015] The composition of claim 5 , wherein a Z-average of a liposome mean diameter is less than 500 nm, preferably less than 300 nm, more preferably less than 200 nm, or even more preferably less than 100 nm. [0016] In another aspect of the embodiment, the liposome of the composition provided exhibits an in vitro release of 80% of total drug for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably an in vitro release of 80% of total drug for a minimum of 6 hours. [0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition, wherein (i) the biodegradable formulation contains 0.001 to 30.0 percent (m/m) of carvedilol or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) the microparticles or nanoparticles are in the size range of 0.02 to 20 microns in diameter, and (iii) the biodegradable formulation provides a longer residence time of the carvedilol in vivo, as compared to a free-carvedilol solution administered parenterally. [0018] In one aspect of the embodiment, the biodegradable formulation of the composition provided includes about 0.001% to 30% m/m of carvedilol or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, and the drug loading in the microparticles or nanoparticles is in the range of 0.1% to 90%, preferably 1% to 50%, and more preferably 10% to 30% (m/m). [0019] In another aspect of the embodiment, a Z-average of a mean diameter of the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided is less than 20 micron, preferably less than 1000 nm, more preferably less than 500 nm, still more preferably less than 300 nm, even more preferably less than 200 nm, or much more preferably less than 100 nm. [0020] In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided exhibits an in vitro release of 80% of total drug for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably an in vitro release of 80% of total drug for a minimum of 6 hours. [0021] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition, wherein (i) the polymeric microparticles or nanoparticles suspension contains 0.001% to 50% (m/m) carvedilol or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) the polymeric microparticles or nanoparticles are in a size range of 0.02 microns to 50 microns in diameter, and (iii) the polymeric microparticles or nanoparticles provide a longer residence time of the carvedilol in vivo as compared to a free-carvedilol solution administered parenterally. [0022] In one aspect of the embodiment, the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided contain 0.001 to 50% m/m of carvedilol, and a weight ratio of carvedilol to the polymer(s) is 1:1 to 1:100, preferably 1:20 to 1:1000, and more preferably 1:10 to 1:100. [0023] In another aspect of the embodiment, a Z-average of a mean diameter of the microparticles or nanoparticles of the composition provided is less than 50 micron, preferably less than 10 micron, more preferably less than 1 micron, still more preferably less than 500 nm, even more preferably less than 300 nm, much more preferably less than 200 nm, or even much more preferably less than 100 nm. [0024] In still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition for use in a parenteral drug delivery system for sustained release of carvedilol, wherein the composition being administered is for treating mild to severe congestive heart failure (CHF), left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) following heart attack in human or animals who are otherwise stable, and for treating high blood pressure for human or animals under emergence and intense care or who cannot swallow an oral dosage form. [0025] It is one of the objects for the present invention to provide a composition containing carvedilol (or a pharmacologically acceptable analog, derivative, or salt thereof) encapsulated in liposomes by using passive loading and active loading methods. As revealed by the results disclosed in the present application that carvedilol can efficiently be encapsulated into those parenteral delivery systems. The animal study showed that those formulations have efficient drug loading and sustained drug release for injectable delivery system when compared to free-carvedilol form given by intravenous administration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] FIG. 1 . In vitro dissolution profile of carvedilol liposome formulation prepared by active loading method. [0027] FIG. 2 . In vitro dissolution profiles of carvedilol liposome formulations from Example 8 and 9, before and after freeze-thaw. [0028] FIG. 3 . Mean time-plasma concentration profiles of Carvedilol in rats following a single iv administration (semi-log scale). [0029] FIG. 4 . Particle size distribution of plga nanoparticles of different types of polymer. [0030] FIG. 5 . Microparticle size distribution of polymeric microparticles of Example 14. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Definition [0031] Microparticles are a microscopic particle, which has a size range of 1 micron and 1000 micron. [0032] Nanoparticles are a nanoscale particle, which has a size range of <1 micron to 1 nanometer. Liposome [0033] A liposome is a spherical vesicle having at least one lipid bilayer, which fall in the category of microparticles or nanoparticles. Liposomes can be prepared by disrupting biological membranes (such as by sonication). Liposomes are most often composed of phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine, but may also include other lipids, such as egg phosphatidylethanolamine, so long as they are compatible with lipid bilayer structure. Lipid complexation with drug and other materials is also regarded as liposome in this invention. A liposome design may employ surface ligands for attaching to unhealthy tissue. The drug could be incorporated into the liposome in either hydrophilic or hydrophobic region or both. The major types of liposomes are the multilamellar vesicles (MLV, with several lamellar phase lipid bilayers), the small unilamellar liposome vesicles (SUV, with one lipid bilayer), the large unilamellar vesicles (LUV), and the cochleate vesicles. A less desirable form are multivesicular liposomes in which one vesicle contains one or more smaller vesicles. [0034] Liposomes are colloidal nanocarriers that can be administered by IV and injections. Liposomes hold great promise in delivering safely therapeutic agents due to their advantageous properties of having excellent physical stability, controlled release, encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, large surface area, and site specific targeting. Liposomal formulation of doxorubicin already possesses higher safety to the cancer patients when compared to its alternative formulations. Liposome Preparation [0035] A. Non-Selective Adrenergic Receptor Blockers [0036] Adrenergic receptor blockers can be divided into, at the least, β-adrenergic receptor blockers, α-adrenergic receptor blockers, or α-β adrenergic receptor blockers. Among them are β-adrenergic receptor blockers, which medications reduce the workload on a patient's heart and open the patient's blood vessels, causing the heart to beat slower and with less force. β-adrenergic receptor blockers include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin) and others. Orally administered β-adrenergic receptor include: Acebutolol (Sectral), Atenolol (Tenormin), Bisoprolol (Zebeta), Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), Nadolol (Corgard), Nebivolol (Bystolic), Propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL). [0037] α-adrenergic receptor blockers are medications that reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, reducing the effects of natural chemicals that narrow blood vessels. α-adrenergic receptor blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and others. α-β adrenergic receptor blockers are medications that, in addition to reducing nerve impulses to blood vessels, slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the vessels. α-β adrenergic receptor blockers include carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol (Trandate). Carvedilol [0038] The drug, carvedilol (±)-[3-(9H-carbazol-4-yloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl][2-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)ethyl] amine, used in preparing one of the compositions of the present invention is a non-selective β- and α-adrenergic receptor blocker with two active enantiomers with a pK a of 7.8. Carvedilol has poor aqueous solubility and undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Alternative route of administration has been the main driving force for developing drug delivery system for optimal therapeutic effect. [0039] Carvedilol has three active metabolites. Compared with Carvedilol, these metabolites exhibit only one-tenth of the vasodilating effect of the parent compound. However, the 4′hydroxyphenyl metabolite is about 13-fold more potent in β-blockade than the parent compound. The metabolite desmethylcarvedilol is approximately 2.5 times more potent than Carvedilol as a β-adrenoceptor antagonist, 4-hydroxyphenyl-carvedilol is approximately 13 times more potent, and 5-hydroxyphenyl-carvedilol is approximately one-half as potent as carvedilol itself Hoffman (2001), Tenero et al (2000). [0040] Liposomes are colloidal nanocarriers that can be administered by IV and injections. Liposomes hold great promise in delivering therapeutic agents safely due to their advantageous properties of having excellent physical stability, controlled release, encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, large surface area, and site specific targeting. Liposomal formulation of doxorubicin already possesses higher safety to the cancer patients when compared to its alternative formulations. Carvedilol is a mildly basic hydrophobic drug, hence making it difficult to deliver parenterally. This calls for an optimal formulated drug delivery system. Liposomes can be readily used in injectable dosage forms due to their nano-size. In addition, liposomes can have sustained release of the drug. They are made of biodegradable phospholipids that are physiologically well tolerated. [0041] The carvedilol ratio (g/g) to the liposomal materials can range from 9.9:0.1 to 0.01:10, preferably from 1:1 to 0.1:10, more preferably from 1:2 to 0.1:10, still more preferably from 01:3 to 0.1:10, and even more preferably from 1:4 to 0.1:10. [0042] B. Lipid Components [0043] The liposomes are prepared from standard vesicle-forming lipids, which generally include neutral and negative phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), respectively and sterols such as cholesterol. The selection of lipids is guided by considerations of (a) drug-release rate in vitro and in vivo, (b) drug encapsulation efficiency, and (c) liposome toxicity. From studies below, it will be seen neutral and negative phospholipids in combination or without sterol, such as cholesterol, were explored to determine their influence on these four main factors. With the addition of negatively charged phospholipids, the in vivo carvedilol release from liposomes was higher than liposomes with only neutral phospholipids. From in vitro release, it could be seen the carvedilol release from liposomes were slower when liposomes contained only phospholipids and no cholesterol. [0044] The range of mole percent of phospholipids could be from 0.01% to 100%, preferably from 10 to 90%, more preferably from 20 to 80%, still more preferably from 30 to 70%, and even more preferably from 40 to 60%. The mole percentage of cholesterol could range from 00.0% to 100%, preferably from 10 to 90%, more preferably from 20 to 80%, still preferably from 30 to 70%, and even more preferably from 40 to 60%. Drug entrapment efficiency and drug retention were good when liposomes contain from 50 to 55 mole percent phospholipids, either neutral and/or negative phospholipids, and from 40 to 45 mole percent cholesterol. With these lipids components, no in vivo toxicity was observed. [0045] C. Liposome Preparation [0046] In one embodiment, carvedilol and vesicle-forming lipids were dissolved in an organic solvent, ethanol, which was injected into an aqueous medium. The multilamellar vesicles were processed to form unilamellar vesicles of about 0.2 microns. The produced vesicles contained carvedilol concentration ranging from 0.01 to 10 mg/mL, and preferably from about 0.1 to 1 mg/mL. The aqueous media used in reconstituting the dried lipid or lipid/carvedilol are physiologically compatible saline or buffer solutions. [0047] In one embodiment, a thin-film hydration method, an active loading method and a passive loading method were used to prepare liposomes presented herein. In one method, vesicle-forming lipids with or without carvedilol are dissolved in organic solvent and dried to create a thin film. The film is then reconstituted in aqueous media to form liposomes. In one embodiment, the vesicle-forming lipids are dissolved in an organic solvent and then the solvent is removed to create a lipid film. The film is reconstituted in aqueous media to form multilamellar vesicles which are then processed by either extrusion or by high pressure homogenization. The unilamellar vesicles are then loaded with carvedilol. This produces vesicles having a carvedilol concentration of about 0.01 to 10 mg/mL, preferably from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL, and most preferably about 0.3 to 0.5 mg/mL [0048] D. Liposome Sizing [0049] The liposome suspension may be sized to achieve a selective size distribution of vesicles in a size range less than about 1 micron and preferably between about 0.02 to 0.6 microns, and most preferably between 0.05 to 0.2 microns. The sizing is done to extrude larger liposomes and to produce a defined size range. There are numbers of methods available to reduce sizes and size heterogeneity of liposomes. By using mini-extruder as shown in Examples 1 and 2, the resulting unilamellar vesicles are less than 0.1 microns in size. Extrusion process of liposomes through a small-pore polycarbonate membranes can achieve a liposome size range of about 0.1 to 1 microns. There are numbers of small-pore sizes available for the polycarbonate membranes that can be used for sizing the vesicles. Homogenization, sonication, or microfluidization are other methods of sizing multilamellar vesicles into small unilamellar vesicles. In one embodiment, the multilamellar vesicles are circulated through a standard emulsion homogenizer multiple cycles until selected liposome sizes, typically ranging from 0.1 and 0.5 microns are observed. [0050] E. Free Drug Removal [0051] Free drug, the drug present in the total aqueous phase of the suspension can be removed to increase the ratio of liposome-encapsulated to free drug. Under the preparation conditions described in Example 2, for example, after removal of the free carvedilol by dialysis in saline, the liposomes incorporated between about 85% to 86% of the carvedilol in the total suspension. Biodegradable Micro/Nanoparticles [0052] Biodegradable micro/nanoparticles are micron to nano-sized particles comprised of drug and biodegradable polymer(s), wherein the drug is dispersed in the matrix of bio-degradable polymer(s). The Z-average mean diameter of the particles of this invention range from 100 micron to below 100 nm, preferably from 50 micron to 10 micron, more preferably from 10 to 2 micron, still more preferably from 2 micron to 500 nm, even preferably from 500 to 100 nm, and most preferably below 100 nm. Biodegradable polymers are a specific type of polymer that breaks down after its intended purpose to result in natural byproducts such as gases (CO 2 , N 2 ), water, biomass, and inorganic salts inside of human body. The molecular weight can range from 500 to >100,000 Dalton. These polymers are found both naturally and synthetically made, and largely consist of ester, amide, and ether functional groups. Their properties and breakdown mechanism are determined by their exact structure. These polymers are often synthesized by condensation reactions, ring opening polymerization, and metal catalysts. [0053] Biodegradable polymer including but is not limited to the following: Agro-polymers including polysaccharides, like starches found in potatoes or wood, and proteins, such as animal based whey or plant derived gluten. Polysaccharides consisting of glycosidic bonds, which take a hemiacetal of a saccharide and binds it to an alcohol via loss of water. Proteins are made from amino acids, which contain various functional groups. These amino acids come together again through condensation reactions to form peptide bonds, which consist of amide functional groups. Examples of biopolyesters includes polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid. While polyesters dominate both the research and industrial focus on synthetic biodegradable polymers, other classes of polymers are also of interest. Polyanhydrides are an active area of research in drug delivery because they only degrade from the surface and so are able to release the drug they carry at a constant rate. Polyanhydrides can be made via a variety of methods also used in the synthesis of other polymers, including condensation, dehydrochlorination, dehydrative coupling, and ROP. Polyurethanes and poly(ester amide)s are used in biomaterials. Polyurethanes were initially used for their biocompatibility, durability, resilience, but are more recently being investigated for their biodegradability. Polyurethanes are typically synthesized using a diisocyanate, a diol, and a polymer chain extender. [0054] The preferred biodegradable polymers are polyester polymers, particularly the Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly lactic acid (PLA) and their derivatives. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a member of the aliphatic polyester family of biodegradable biocompatible polymers. PLGA is a copolymer of poly lactic acid (PLA) and poly glycolic acid (PGA). Poly lactic acid contains an asymmetric α-carbon which is typically described as the D or L form. PLGA is generally an acronym for poly D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid where D- and L-lactic acid forms are in equal ratio. PLGA undergoes hydrolysis in the body to produce the original monomers, lactic acid and glycolic acid (see structure below). These two monomers are by-products of various metabolic pathways in the body under normal physiological conditions. [0055] PLGA has been a popular choice for drug delivery applications ever since its approval from FDA for use in humans. In particular, PLGA has been extensively studied for the development of devices for controlled delivery of small molecule drugs, proteins and other macromolecules in commercial use and in research. Additionally, it is possible to modify the physical properties of the polymer-drug matrix by controlling the relevant parameters such as polymer molecular weight, ratio of lactide to glycolide, surfactant, surface property and drug concentration to achieve desired drug release profile. Moreover, to further enhance the circulation time of PLGA encapsulated drugs and improve its bioavailability, various types of block copolymers of PL(G)A with poly ethylene glycol (PEG) have been developed. In diblock (PLGA-PEG) types, PEG chains orient themselves towards the external aqueous phase, thus surrounding the encapsulated species. This PEG corona acts as a barrier and reduces the interactions with foreign molecules by steric and hydrated repulsion, giving enhanced shelf stability. [0056] Hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs can be encapsulated in PLGA particles via emulsification—diffusion, solvent emulsion—evaporation, interfacial deposition and nanoprecipitation method. Specifically, oil-water (single) emulsion method is very popular to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds. Briefly, the drug is dissolved with polymer in an organic phase that is then emulsified with the aqueous phase mixed with surfactant to stabilize the system. Various emulsifiers have been tested such as Poly (vinyl alcohol), poloxamer, Vitamin-E TPGS, etc. High intensity sonication bursts facilitate the formation of small polymer-drug droplets. The resulting emulsion is then added into a larger aqueous phase and stirred for several hours, which allows the solvent to evaporate. The dried nanoparticles are then washed and collected via centrifugation. PLGA degrades slowly via hydrolysis in aqueous environments to modulate controlled release of encapsulated agents. [0000] [0057] Chemical Structure of PLGA and its Hydrolysis Products Polymeric Micro/Nanoparticles [0058] Polymeric micro/nanoparticles refer to micron to nano sized drug particles coated with layer(s) of polymer(s) and/or other materials. A polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits. The molecular weight can range from 500 to >100,000 Daltons. A biodegradable polymer defined in the biodegradable micro/nanoparticles section is preferred for use in this invention. The Z-average mean diameter of the polymeric particles of this invention range from 100 micron to below 100 nm, preferably from 50 micron to 10 micron, more preferably from 10 micron to 2 micron, still more preferably from 2 micron to 500 nm, even more preferably from 500 nm to 100 nm, and most preferably below 100 nm. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles where the drug is coated by polymeric materials are deemed to be very efficient drug delivery systems. It should be highlighted that the liberation of the polymer encapsulated drug can be carefully controlled by total surface area or the particle size, or the coating materials; and the drug concentration in the target site is maintained within the therapeutic window. Biodegradable polymers are considered as ideal biomaterials for the development of controlled- and sustained-release drug delivery systems as well as therapeutic devices. The present invention relates to injectable polymeric compositions, which can be used to improve the formulation injectability and stability. The remarkable feature of the present nano-formulation is aiming at enhanced treatment efficacy and sustained drug release. A further feature of the invention is reduced toxicity and improved patient compliance. Compared with commercially available carvedilol in twice daily immediate release tablets and once daily controlled release capsules, nano/microparticle-formulations by parenteral routes, such as SC, IM, IV or bolus injection, could potentially convert the oral route to the parenteral route with once-a-day dosing, once-a-week, once a month or once 2-6 months dosing by using sustained release dosage form, which shows promise to enhance patient compliance, and to decrease the side effects and toxicity. [0059] The drug concentration in the polymeric micro/nanoparticle formulation ranges from 0.01 to 500 mg/ml, preferably from 0.1 to 300 mg/mL, more preferably from 1 to 100 mg/ml, and most preferably from 1 to 50 mg/ml. THE FOLLOWING NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES ARE PROVIDED TO FURTHER ILLUSTRATE THE PRESENT INVENTION Example 1 (Liposome-Passive Loading-) Materials [0060] Carvedilol was obtained from Kinfon Pharma (Shanghai, China), egg PC (L-α-phosphatidylcholine) was obtained from Lipoid (Newark, N.J.), cholesterol was obtained from Avanti Lipids (Birmingham, Ala.), DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), DMPG (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) and DSPE (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (ammonium salt) were obtained from NOF America (White Plains, N.Y.). It should be noted that phospholipids were used in these experiments as they are readily available. Other chemicals which can result in similar compositions can also be used. The primary particle size of liposomal carvedilol was about 100 nm, for the parenteral administration. Preparation Procedure [0061] Liposomal carvedilol was synthesized by initially dissolving carvedilol in methanol and then dissolving lipids and drug in chloroform. Phospholipids DMPC, DMPG, DSPE were used in molar ration of (85:10:5). Briefly, lipids with or without drug were dissolved in 4 ml of chloroform. After which solvent evaporation was performed under stream of nitrogen gas at room temperature in round bottom test tube for 20 minutes. Subsequently, thin film was created at the bottom of the round bottom test tube which was stored in the vacuum desiccator for complete solvent evaporation overnight. Then each thin film formulation with and without carvedilol was resuspended in PBS at pH 7.4 and 37° C. It was vortexed for 5 minutes and rehydrated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. Liposomes that were produced up to this stage are large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). Subsequently, the large liposomal carvedilol and empty liposomes were extruded gradually through 200 nm and 100 nm polycarbonate membranes using EmulsiFlex-C5 high pressure homogenizer Avestin, Inc. (Ottawa, ON, Canada). Finally, liposomal carvedilol was passed through 0.22 μm syringe filter for sterility. Example 2 (Liposome-Passive Loading) [0062] In another lipid formulation, lipids were dissolved in 10% ethanol of the formulation. Lipids molar concentration was 50:45:5 for DMPC:Cholesterol:DSPE (F1) and 55:45 for EPC:Cholesterol (F2). Briefly the lipid ethanol solution was heated to 60° C. Then the ethanol solution was injected into saline (0.9% NaCl) aqueous media. Further, these liposomal formulations were subjected to high shear by using a high pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI through 10 cycles. The liposome formulations were filtered through 0.22 μm PTFE filters for sterilization. In the passive loading technique liposomes have to be separated further from non-encapsulated carvedilol. Liposome formulation was dialyzed in 0.9% saline. Liposome formulations formed prior to process show large size around however size is reduced after extrusion with preselected membranes. Liposomes 1 showed the same size and narrow polydispersity index indicating homogeneous dispersion of liposomal carvedilol with two different formulations of phospholipids (Table 1). Final average liposomal carvedilol size is observed around 75-150 nm range. [0063] Drug loading (DL) capacity and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were determined by separating liposomes from aqueous phase containing non-associated carvedilol using Amicon® Ultra 50K membrane. The amount of free carvedilol in the supernatant was assayed. The drug load/assay were analyzed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and detected by ultra-violet (UV) absorbance. Carvedilol encapsulation efficiency was calculated as follows: [0000] EE   % = ( Wloaded Wtotal ) × 100  % [0000] TABLE 1 Formulation Particle size (nm) PDI DL (mg/ml) EE % F1 177.1 0.193 0.407 88.2 F2 143 0.117 0.874 83.4 [0064] Both formulations had entrapment efficiency of about 80-90% and drug loading obtained was 0.4-0.8 mg/ml. [0065] The liposomes described herein can also include or be prepared by other lipids from its family. Therefore, naturally occurring and semisynthetic phospholipids of fatty acid di-esters, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyeline can be used. Examples of similar lipids that are preferred to be used are dimyristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), distearoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-myristoyl-phosphatidylcholine (MPPC), diarachidoylphosphatidylglycerol (DAPG) and its alkali metal salts, dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) and its alkali metal salts, dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) and its alkali metal salts, distrearoylphosphatidylglycerol (DSPG), dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid (DPPA), dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE), distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE). It also includes modified phospholipids whereas hydrophilic head group is attached to another hydrophilic group, polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as in DSPE-PEG where ethanolamine head group is attached to various length of PEG moiety of molecular weight between 300 and 5000 Daltons. Example 3 (Liposome-Active Loading) [0066] Another method used for loading carvedilol inside was by creating pH gradient across liposome bilayer. First, lipids were solubilized in chloroform solvent which was evaporated. Thin film was rehydrated in 120 mM ammonium sulfate buffer. Buffer is utilized to establish interior aqueous chemical conditions. Alternate heating and vortexing followed by extrusion using mini-extruder, produced unilamellar liposomal vesicles. Empty liposomes were allowed to dialyze in external buffer saline to create pH gradient. Carvedilol was solubilized in 0.1N NaOH and added to the external media followed by incubation for 1 hour at 60 C. Example 4 (Free Drug Determination for Active Loading Liposome Formulation) [0067] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 75.0 mg of DMPC, 31.3 mg of cholesterol and 28.4 mg of DSPE was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into pH 3.6 0.1M citrate buffer. The final volume of the lipid solution was 10 mL. The multilamellar vesicle (MLV) dispersion was processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI. Once the liposomes became unilamellar, the liposomes were dialyzed in 0.9% w/v saline solution for 1 hour at ambient condition at 100 RPM. For dialysis, Spectra/Por® 6 membrane with molecular weight cutoff of 15,000 was utilized. To the same saline solution, which was heated to 37° C., 10.3 mg of carvedilol was dissolved and the liposomes were dialyzed for another 1 hour in the carvedilol solution. Then the liposomes were dialyzed in fresh 0.9% w/v saline solution for 24 hours to remove any un-encapsulated free carvedilol. The carvedilol containing liposomes had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was 0.0054 mg/mL; (b) After removing the free carvedilol, total carvedilol was 0.053 mg/mL Example 5 (Liposome-Active Loading Method) [0070] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 85.5 mg of EPC, 35.4 mg of cholesterol was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into pH 3.6 0.1M citrate buffer. The final volume of the lipid solution was 10 mL. The multilamellar vesicle (MLV) dispersion was processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 10,000 PSI. Once the liposomes became unilamellar, the liposomes were dialyzed in 25 mM HEPES saline solution for 4 hour at ambient condition at 350 RPM. For dialysis, Spectra/Por® 6 membrane with molecular weight cutoff of 15,000 was utilized. To the same HEPES saline solution, 60.1 mg of carvedilol was dissolved and the liposomes were dialyzed in the carvedilol solution. Following dialysis, the liposome formulation was filtered through 0.22 μm PTFE filter. In vitro dissolution of the liposome formulation was conducted. 2 mL of the liposome suspension was placed in a Spectra/Por® 6 membrane with molecular weight cutoff of 15,000. The liposome containing membrane was placed in 200 mL of pH 6.5 0.05M sodium phosphate solution containing 0.05% w/v tween 80. The dissolution medium was kept at 37° C. under constant stirring of 100 RPM. Samples were withdrawn at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 24 and 48 hours. Dissolution results are presented in FIG. 1 . Liposomes exhibit carvedilol release over 48-hour period and reaches more than 80% carvedilol release at 48 hours. The carvedilol containing liposomes described had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was 0.48 mg/mL before filtration; (b) After filtration, total carvedilol was 0.47 mg/mL; (c) The size distribution of was between 0.05 and 0.3 microns. Example 6 (Freeze Thaw for Formulation 1) [0074] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 75.4 mg DMPC, 31.4 mg cholesterol, 28.6 mg DSPE and 10.4 mg of carvedilol was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into 0.9% w/v saline solution at room temperature. The final MLV contained carvedilol at 1 mg/mL in a total of 10 mL volume. The MLV dispersion was further processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI. The sized liposomes were sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter. The sterilized liposomes were stored in glass vials at 4° C. and −20° C. The carvedilol containing liposomes had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was greater than 54% of the initial amount of drug; (b) The size distribution of was between 0.04 and 0.9 microns (determined by dynamic laser light scattering technique); (c) The total carvedilol in the thawed liposomes after 3 days of storage in −20° C. was greater than 56% of the initial amount of drug; (d) The thawed liposomes size distribution was between 0.09 and 0.5 microns. Example 7 (Freeze Thaw for Formulation 2) [0079] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 86.6 mg EPC and 35.5 mg cholesterol and 10 mg of carvedilol was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into 0.9% w/v aqueous saline solution at room temperature. The final multilamellar vesicle (MLV) contained carvedilol at 1 mg/mL in a total of 10 mL volume. The MLV dispersion was further processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI. The sized liposomes were sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter. The sterilized liposomes were stored in glass vials at 4° C. and −20° C. The carvedilol containing liposomes had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was greater than 68% of the initial amount of drug; (b) The size distribution of was between 0.09 and 0.5 microns; (c) The total carvedilol in the thawed liposomes after 3 days of storage in −20° C. was greater than 68% of the initial amount of drug; (d) The thawed liposomes size distribution was between 0.08 and 0.6 microns. Example 8 (PK Study Formulation 1) [0084] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 172.8 mg EPC and 71.7 mg cholesterol and 20.1 mg of carvedilol was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into 0.9% w/v aqueous saline solution at room temperature. The final multilamellar vesicle (MLV) contained carvedilol at 1 mg/mL in a total of 20 mL volume. The MLV dispersion was further processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI. The sized liposomes were sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter. The sterilized liposomes were stored in glass vials at 4° C. and −20° C. The carvedilol containing liposomes had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was greater than 52% of the initial amount of drug; (b) The size distribution of was between 0.06 and 0.5 microns; (c) The total carvedilol in the thawed liposomes after 1 day of storage in −20° C. was greater than 52% of the initial amount of drug; (d) The thawed liposomes size distribution was between 0.07 and 0.6 microns. Example 9 (PK Formulation 2) [0089] An ethanol solution of vesicle-forming lipids containing 225.7 mg DMPC, 91.9 mg cholesterol, 86.6 mg DSPE and 29.4 mg of carvedilol was prepared at 60° C. water bath. The lipid solution was injected into 0.9% w/v saline solution at room temperature. The final MLV contained carvedilol at 1 mg/mL in a total of 30 mL volume. The MLV dispersion was further processed 10 cycles using a high-pressure homogenizer at 12,000 PSI. The sized liposomes were sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filter. The sterilized liposomes were stored in glass vials at 4° C. and −20° C. The carvedilol containing liposomes had the following characteristics: (a) Total carvedilol in the liposomes was greater than 32% of the initial amount of drug; (b) The size distribution of was between 0.02 and 0.5 microns (determined by dynamic laser light scattering technique); (c) The total carvedilol in the thawed liposomes after 3 days of storage in −20° C. was greater than 30% of the initial amount of drug; (d) The thawed liposomes size distribution was between 0.07 and 0.4 microns Example 10 (In Vitro Dissolution of Examples 8&9) [0094] In vitro dissolution study was conducted using liposomes described in Examples 8 and 9. 1 mL of the liposome suspension was placed in a Spectra/Por® 6 membrane with molecular weight cutoff of 15,000. The liposome containing membrane was placed in 400 mL of pH 6.5 0.05M sodium phosphate solution containing 0.05% w/v tween 80. The dissolution medium was kept at 37° C. under constant stirring of 100 RPM. Samples were withdrawn at 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes. Dissolution results are presented in FIG. 2 . Except for a slight increased rate of carvedilol release observed in the thawed liposomes prepared in Example 8, the liposomes exhibit similar carvedilol release over 6-hour period. Example 11 (PK Study) Single Injection of Carvedilol Liposomes and Free-Carvedilol Solution [0095] Carvedilol liposomes were prepared as in Examples 8 and 9, to final carvedilol concentrations of 0.52 and 0.32 mg/mL. Free carvedilol was prepared in 20% w/w aqueous PEG 400 solution to final concentration of 0.46 mg/ml. 15 cannulated and non-cannulated, 9 and 6 rats respectively, Sprague-Dawley® male rats were divided into 3 groups. Each group received 2.5 mg/kg body weight dose of either carvedilol liposomes or free-carvedilol. Group 1 received thawed liposomes described in Example 8, group 2 received thawed liposomes described in Example 9 and group 3 received free-carvedilol solution. Treatment was administered intravenously. During the experiment, rats were inspected twice daily for vitality and as needed after dosing and intermittently and vitals, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, were recorded from the non-cannulated animals. Main vital signs were monitored prior to and at multiple time points after dose administration. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using a non-invasive tail cuff system after a brief acclimation period. Blood samples (approximately 300-325 μL each) were collected from cannulated rats at each time point into tubes containing K2EDTA. [0096] Following centrifugation at 4° C., the plasma was collected and stored at −80° C. The blood sampling time points were as follows: prior to (PRE) and approximately 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 8, 10 and 24 hours after dose administration. Samples were collected via Jugular Vein Cannulas. No adverse reaction was observed throughout the study as shown in Tables 3-5. As the mean-time plasma concentration profiles of carvedilol in rats are shown in FIG. 3 , both carvedilol liposomes exhibited presence of carvedilol in plasma 24 hours after administration whereas the free-carvedilol solution showed carvedilol was cleared 3 hours after the dose was administered. As shown in Table 2, C max , AUC and Half-life of carvedilol in liposomes were higher compared to those of the free-carvedilol in solution. [0000] TABLE 2 Cmax Tmax AUC(0-T) AUC(INF) T-HALF CL Vss Treatment Group (ng/mL) (hr) (ng/mL*h) (ng/mL*h) (hr) (mL/min/kg) (L/kg) Carvedilol Group Mean 644 0.25 402 412 5.64 102.4 50.1 (2.5 1 SD 237 0.00 61.7 58.5 0.24 14.6 9.1 mg/kg) Group Mean 506 0.25 344 368 3.20 197.2 23.4 2 SD 394 0.00 274 301 4.53 174.1 18.6 Group Mean 354 0.25 284 291 0.52 144.0 6.4 3 SD 51.3 0.00 23.0 29.8 0.11 14.2 0.7 [0000] TABLE 3 HR Temp Systolic Diastolic MAP (Beats/min) (° F.) Pre- 110 34 59 383 100 Dose 15 min 97 37 57 371 99 30 min 125 72 89 381 99  1 Hour 120 69 86 391 99 [0000] TABLE 4 HR Temp Systolic Diastolic MAP (Beats/min) (° F.) Pre- 108 23 51 423 99 Dose 15 min 98 42 61 365 99 30 min 89 39 56 375 100  1 Hour 104 47 86 391 100 [0000] TABLE 5 HR Temp Systolic Diastolic MAP (Beats/min) (° F.) Pre- 132 32 65 448 99 Dose 15 min 125 48 73 354 98 30 min 115 33 60 360 99  1 Hour 126 40 69 363 99 [0097] The present invention has been described in the following embodiments. Albeit, variations and some modifications described in the invention may be restored to without departing from the scope of the invention. Example 12 (PLGA Biodegradable Nanoparticles) [0098] In this example, single emulsion method was used to prepare polymer encapsulated carvedilol nanoparticles based on different types of PL(G)As (see table below). Briefly, Carvedilol is dissolved in Dichloromethane (DCM) as a 25 mg/mL stock solution. PLGA/PLA/PLA-PEG is prepared at the same concentration in DCM. Polymer to API at 10:1 ratio is optimized to prepare the oil (organic) phase by thorough vortex. 2% Poly (vinyl alcohol), PVA (Mw 9,000-10,000, 80% hydrolyzed), is chosen as water phase with surfactant. Other types of surfactants, such as poloxamer 188, poloxamer 407, Vitamin E-TPGS, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB), sodium caprylate, Tween 20, Tween 80, PEG, etc. can also be used. As an example of surface modification, we also illustrate the addition of PEG into the water phase in a test tube. To make nanoparticle emulsion, the polymer/carvedilol solution is added dropwise into small amount of water phase (oil:water phase ratio is 1:7) while the water phase is on high vortex. After the entire polymer solution has been added, the formed emulsion is vortexed thoroughly for an additional 20 seconds. The mixture is immediately transferred to the ultrasonicator (Fisher Scientific Sonic Dismembrator Model 500). The emulsion is immersed in ice water and sonicated for 7 minutes (65% amplitude, 20 seconds on, 8 seconds off). Nanoparticle size is checked periodically using Malvern Nano-ZS zeta sizer. The emulsion is then poured into stirring bulk water phase (2% PVA) solution and stirred (600 rpm) at room temperature for at least 3 hours. For nanoparticle collection, dried nanoparticles are centrifuged in a fixed-angle rotor for 30 minutes at 14,000×g. The supernatant is discarded and nanoparticles are washed with ddH 2 O. This process is repeated for three times. Then concentrated nanoparticle suspension is added into a Amicon® Ultra Centrifugal filter (50 kD cut-off) and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 14,000×g to remove free drug. The purified nanoparticles can be used freshly, stored at 4° C. for up to weeks or lyophilized after lyo- and cryo-protection with sucrose (10-30%). Drug loading is tested using HPLC. [0000] PL(G)A/PL(G)A-PEG Type and formed nanoparticles Surfactant Polymer Zeta Polymer Half Z. Average potential type Description M.W. Viscosity End Group Tm Tg Life Surfactant (d · nm) Pdl (mV) Resomer ® Poly(D,L- 18,000- 0.25- acid 48- <6 mo 2% PVA 135.2 0.072 −11.4 ± 10.6 R 203 H lactide) 24,000 0.35 dL/g terminated 52° C. 1% PVA + 127.2 0.106 −1.2 ± 0.1 10% (w/w) PEG 4500 Resomer Poly(D,L- 30,000 0.33- 48° C. 9° C. 2% PVA 110.3 0.090 −4.1 ± 0.3 Select lactide)-b-poly 0.45 dL/g 100DL (ethylene mPEG glycol) methyl 5000 ether 5000 (25% PEG) Resomer ® lactide:glycolide 7,000- 0.16- Acid 42- <3 mo 2% PVA 128.9 0.048 −13.4 ± 0.9  RG 502H 50:50 17,000 0.24 dL/g terminated 46° C. Example 13 (Polymeric Micro/Nanoparticles) Formulation of Composition [0099] Formula provides the formulation containing polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000), sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic. [0000] Name Concentration (mg/mL) Carvedilol 50 Polysorbate 80 5 PEG4000 10 sodium phosphate dibasic 6.0 sodium phosphate monobasic 7.1 Formulation Preparation [0100] Polysorbate 80 was dissolved into water for injections by mixing. The solution was sterilized by filtration through a sterile 0.2 μm filter into a sterilized stainless steel container. Sterile grade carvedilol was dispersed into the solution and mixed until homogeneous. The suspension was milled aseptically in Planetary Mill PULVERISETTE 5 using 0.5 mm sterilized glass beads as grinding media until the required particle size was reached. The suspension was filtered aseptically through a 100 μm filter into a sterilized stainless steel container. [0101] All the other excipients including PEG4000, sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic were added into water for injections and mixed well until dissolved. The solution was then sterilized by passing through a sterile 0.2 μm filter and transferred aseptically into the previous suspension. The suspension was mixed well until homogeneous and filled aseptically into sterile syringes. [0000] Particle size (nm) PDI Zeta-potential (mV) DL (mg/ml) 362 0.31 −5.9 47.4 [0102] The formulation described herein can also be pre-milled with other surfactants such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polyoxyl 35 castor oil (Cremophor EL), polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil (Cremophor RH 40), polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated caster oid (Cremophor RH 60), Sorbitan monooleate (Span 20), d-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). To prepare the injectable solution, there are some other preferred excipients could be used, including PEG 300 caprylic/capric glycerides (Softigen 767), PEG 400 caprylic/capric glycerides (Labrasol), PEG 300 oleic glycerdies (Labrafil M-1944CS), polyoxyl 8 stearate (PEG 400 monosterate), polyxyl 40 stearate (PEG 1750 monosterate), PEG 3350, PEG 8000, poloxamer 124, poloxamer 237, poloxamer 338 and poloxamer 407. Example 14 (Polymeric Micro/Nanoparticles) [0103] Using the procedure from Example 13, the following microparticles was obtained and the particle size distribution was shown in FIG. 5 . [0000] Particle Size Distribution D10 D50 D90 Mean Zeta-potential DL (um) (um) (um) (um) (mV) (mg/mL) 2.56 4.80 8.34 5.19 −9.8 52.5 Example 15 (Polymeric Micro/Nanoparticles) Formulation of Composition [0104] The formula below provides the formulation containing polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, mannitol, sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic. [0000] Name Concentration (mg/mL) Carvedilol 50 Poloxamer 188 10 Polysorbate 80 5 Mannitol 5 sodium phosphate dibasic 6.0 sodium phosphate monobasic 7.1 Formulation Preparation [0105] Polysorbate 80 was dissolved into water for injections by mixing and poloxamer 188 was added and mixed until homogeneous. The solution was sterilized by filtration through a sterile 0.2 μm filter into a sterilized stainless steel container. Sterile grade carvedilol was dispersed into the solution and mixed. The suspension was milled aseptically using LV1 Microfluidizer High Shear Fluid Processor until the required particle size was reached. [0106] All the other excipients including mannitol, sodium phosphate dibasic and sodium phosphate monobasic were added into water for injections and mixed well until dissolved. The solution was then sterilized by passing through a sterile 0.2 μm filter and transferred aseptically into the previous suspension. The suspension was mixed well until homogeneous and filled aseptically into sterile syringes. [0000] Particle size (nm) PDI Zeta-potential (mV) DL (mg/ml) 276 0.16 −12.7 48.2

Carvedilol parenteral sustained release systems by IV infusion, injection, or subcutaneous routes are disclosed. Preparation of carvedilol disperse systems such as liposomes, biodegradable microparticles or nanparticles, and polymeric microparticles or nanparticles have been presented in the present invention. Compositions containing carvedilol encapsulated in liposomes showed higher bioavailability and lower clearance rate than that of the free solution after intravenous administration. In vitro release of those liposomes in buffer solutions shows drug extended release over 48 hours, and correspondingly the in vivo animal data shows that parenteral administration of carvedilol encapsulated in liposomal materials has sustained release PK profile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical disc recording apparatus for recording information in a recording layer provided on one surface of the optical disc and forming an image in a coloring layer provided on the other surface off the disc. 2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, recordable optical discs, such as a CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) and a CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewritable) have been extensively used for recording a large amount of information. One surface (recording face) of this type of optical disc is provided with a recording layer, and information is recorded by radiating a laser beam to the recording layer according to the information to be recorded. Meanwhile, in recent years, there has been proposed a technology in which a coloring layer that changes its color in response to heat or light is integrally provided with an optical disc, the coloring layer being provided on a label face opposite from the recording face to draw images in order to indicate the contents recorded on the optical disc. The label face is set to face an optical pickup, and a laser beam is radiated by the optical pickup to cause the coloring layer to change its color so as to form a visible image. Such an optical disc will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the construction of the optical disc. As shown in the drawing, an optical disc 200 has a structure in which a protective layer 201 , a recording layer 202 , a reflective layer 203 , a protective layer 204 , a thermo sensitive layer 205 and a protective layer 206 are deposited in this order. Among these layers, the recording layer 202 is formed of a groove (pit) 202 a and a land 202 b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the groove 202 a observed from the recording face is spiraled clockwise from an inner circumference toward an outer circumference. To record information on the optical disc 200 , the recording face is set to oppose an object lens 114 of the optical pickup, as shown in FIG. 4 , the optical disc 200 is turned counterclockwise as observed from the recording face, as shown in FIG. 6 , tracking control is carried out to cause a laser beam B to follow along the groove 202 a from an end point Gs on the inner circumference side, and the laser beam is radiated according to the information to be recorded, thereby recording the objective information. There are various types of tracking control, including one, for example, in which a laser beam is divided into a main beam and an auxiliary beam adjacent before or after the main beam in the radial direction, and the object lens 114 is swung to right or left such that both of return lights of the auxiliary beam coincide when a certain groove 202 a is aligned with the center of the main beam. These tracking control methods are approximately the same in that the irradiation position of a laser beam is controlled so as to maintain the symmetry of the intensity distribution, including not only the return light in a certain groove 202 a but also the return lights in the lands 202 b located on both sides of the groove 202 a. Furthermore when information is recorded, focusing control is also carried out to maintain a constant distance between the object lens 114 and a disc surface even when the optical disc 200 is rotated, the control being accomplished by vertically moving the object lens 114 so as to follow a fluctuated vertical movement taking place as the optical disc 200 is rotated. There are various types of such focusing control, including one, for example, in which an optical system is disposed such that spot image formation of the return light reflected back by the optical disc 200 changes according to the distance with respect to the disc surface, and the object lens 114 is operated so as to maintain a constant condition of the spot image formation. These control methods are approximately the same in that the object lens 114 is operated to maintain the constant condition of the return light of the laser beam. Meanwhile, to form an image on the optical disc 200 , the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the object lens 114 of the optical pickup, the optical disc 200 is rotated, and the laser beam B is applied to the optical disc 200 to perform main scanning by the relative movement as the optical disc 200 is rotated. At the same time, the optical pickup is moved from an inner circumference toward an outer circumference to cause the laser beam B to perform sub scanning. During the scanning, the laser beam B having an intensity that is sufficiently high to change the color of the thermo sensitive layer 205 is applied on the basis of dots (pixel data) so as to form an objective image. When the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup, the tracking control becomes difficult for the reason described below. First, when the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup, the concavo-convex relationship between the groove 202 a and the land 202 b observed from the object lens 114 side is reversed from that 2 in the case where the optical disc 200 is set with its recording face opposing the optical pickup. If, therefore, the tracking control is to be conducted, a laser beam will follow the land 202 b. The material used for all the protective layers 201 , 204 and 206 is polycarbonate having a refractive index of about 1.5. The protective layer 201 is considerably thicker than the protective layers 204 and 206 . The recording layer 202 is at a point of about 1.2 mm as observed from the recording face, while it is at a point of only about 0.02 mm as observed from the label face. The object lens 114 is designed so that it is focused (or a laser beam forms a spot having a predetermined diameter) on the reflective layer 203 (the recording layer 202 ) when it opposes the recording face to record information thereon. Hence, when the object lens 114 thus designed opposes the label face, the resulting detection range of its intensity distribution makes more extensive than the range applied when the object lens 114 is set to oppose the recording face. This will make it difficult to control the irradiation position of a laser beam to follow the land 202 b. In addition, a laser beam is absorbed due to the coloration of the thermo sensitive layer 205 , leading to temporarily reduced return light. This is another factor not expected to be encountered when the object lens 114 is set to oppose recording face, and contributes also to the difficulty of tracking control when the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup. Thus, if the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup in order to form an image, normal tracking control cannot be expected. Rather, therefore, an image must be formed without using the tracking control. However, in a state where the tracking control is disabled, if the optical disc 200 is, for example, eccentrically rotated around a point C 2 slightly away from its central point C 1 , as shown in FIG. 7 , then an irradiation trajectory Lp of a laser beam will be a circle with its center at the point C 2 . As a result, the circle intersects with the groove 202 a having its center at the point C 1 a plurality of times (five times in FIG. 7 ) for each rotation of the optical disc 200 . If a laser beam crosses over the groove 202 a (or the land 202 b ), then the condition of the return light of the laser beam undesirably varies even when the distance to a disc surface remains constant. More specifically, the condition of the return light varies not only when the distance to the disc surface changes due to the rotation of the optical disc but also when the eccentric rotation causes the laser beam to cross over the groove 202 a (or the land 202 b ). Furthermore, these two types of variations are both caused by the rotation of the optical disc 200 , so that their frequency components are close to each other and relatively low. Therefore, in the construction for controlling the focus of a laser beam so as to maintain a constant condition of return light, there is no discrimination between the variation attributable to a changed distance to a disc surface caused by the rotation of the optical disc 200 and the variation attributable to the laser beam crossing over the groove 202 a or the like. This prevents normal focusing control. For instance, when an optical disc 200 that is ideally flat with no undulation is rotated, the distance between the optical disc 200 and the object lens 114 always remains constant; therefore, once a focus is fixed, then there should be no need to adjust the focus thereafter. If, however, a laser beam crosses over the groove 202 a or the like due to eccentric rotation, then the condition of the return light changes. As a result, the focus is readjusted to cancel such a change, thus preventing the focusing control from being normally carried out. Thus, if the focusing control feature fails to normally function, then the line width of the irradiation of a laser beam varies from one place to another, preventing uniformity from being maintained. This leads to deterioration in the quality of an image to be formed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made with the aforesaid circumstances taken into account, and it is an object of the invention to provide an optical disc recording apparatus and an image forming method that allow focusing control to be normally conducted so as to prevent deterioration in the quality of an image to be formed even when an optical disc is set with its label face opposing an optical pickup to form an image. To this end, an optical disc recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by being equipped with: a rotating section that is provided for rotating an optical disc having a recording layer on one surface of the optical disc and a coloring layer on the other surface of the optical disc, the recording layer being formed with a spiral groove for recording information by radiating a laser beam, the coloring layer having a color changeable in response to heat or light of a laser beam for forming an image in an array of dots arranged along circumferential zones which are defined by concentrically dividing the coloring layer; a light radiating section that is provided for radiating the laser beam onto the optical disc rotated by the rotating section; an irradiation position operating section that is provided for operating an irradiation position of the laser beam radiated onto the optical disc from the light radiating section; a focus operating section that is provided for operating a focus of the laser beam radiated to the optical disc from the light radiating section; a focus controlling section that is provided for controlling the focus operating section so as to maintain a constant spot diameter of the laser beam on the optical disc by detecting a return light of the laser beam reflected back from the optical disc; an irradiation position controlling section that is provided for controlling the irradiation position operating section, the irradiation position controlling section being operative when the light radiating section opposes the one surface of the optical disc for controlling the laser beam radiated by the light radiating section to track the spiral groove in the recording layer on the one surface, and being operative when the light radiating section opposes the other surface of the optical disc for controlling an irradiation trajectory of the laser beam to vibrate in a radial direction of the optical disc while the laser beam runs along the circumferential zones defined on the coloring layer; and a laser beam intensity modulating section being operative when the light radiating section opposes the one surface of the optical disc for modulating an intensity of the laser beam on the basis of the information to be recorded, and being operative when the light radiating section opposes the other surface of the optical disc for modulating the intensity of the laser beam on the basis of the dots along the circumferential zones so as to form the image. With this arrangement, when the optical disc is set with the other surface opposing the light radiating section to form an image, the irradiation position of the laser beam vibrates in the radial direction of the optical disc, so that the laser beam crosses over nearby grooves in the recording layer very frequently while the optical disc is rotating. Hence, the variation component of the return light produced by crossing over the grooves in the recording layer is shifted to a higher frequency that does not interfere with the focusing control so that the variation component is ignored in the focusing control. This makes it possible to realize the focusing control that cancels only the net variation component attributable to a change in the distance to a disc surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a construction of an optical disc recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a construction of an optical pickup in the optical disc recording apparatus. FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing a construction of a light receiving element in the optical pickup. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a construction of an optical disc on which information is recorded or images are formed by the optical disc recording apparatus. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an dot array of an image to be formed on the optical disc. FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing a groove when the optical disc is observed from a recording face. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between the groove and a laser beam irradiation trajectory as observed from the label face of the optical disc. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between the groove and a laser beam irradiation trajectory as observed from the label face of the optical disc. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing frequency/gain characteristics of focusing control. FIGS. 10( a ) and 10 ( b ), respectively, are diagrams for explaining laser beam irradiation trajectories. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining contents stored in a frame memory. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a conversion table of a data converter in the recording apparatus. FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the detection of a reference line and the detection of dot arrays of the optical disc. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for forming an image in the optical disc recording apparatus. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for forming an image in the optical disc recording apparatus. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation for forming an image in the optical disc recording apparatus. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of image contents stored in the frame memory. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an image formed on the basis of the stored contents. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an image formed on the basis of the stored contents. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of contents stored in the frame memory. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an image formed on the basis of the stored contents. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a conversion table of a data converter according to an application example of the recording apparatus. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image in the application example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following will explain embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Optical Disc Recording Apparatus> An optical disc recording apparatus according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to simply as “the recording apparatus”) has a newly added image forming feature for forming an image by radiating a laser beam to a coloring layer that is provided on an optical disc and that changes its color in response to heat, in addition to a general information recording feature for recording information by radiating a laser beam to a recording face of the optical disc. The construction of the optical disc itself has already been described; therefore, the descriptions will be given to the construction of the recording apparatus that records information and forms images on the optical disc. The feature for reading out recorded information uses a general technology, so that detailed explanation will be omitted. <Construction of the Optical Disc Recording Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of the recording apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in this drawing, a recording apparatus 10 is provided with an optical pickup 100 , a spindle motor 130 , a rotation detector 132 , an RF (Radio Frequency) amplifier 134 , a decoder 136 , a servo circuit 138 , a stepping motor 140 , a motor driver 142 , a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit 144 , a frequency divider circuit 146 , an interface 150 , a buffer memory 152 , an encoder 154 , a strategy circuit 156 , a frame memory 158 , a data converter 160 , a laser power control (LPC) circuit 162 , a laser driver 164 and a main controller 170 . The recording apparatus 10 is connected to a host computer through the interface 150 among the above components. The spindle motor 130 (rotating section) rotates the optical disc 200 on which information is recorded or images are formed. The rotation detector 132 is a type of frequency tacho-generator that utilizes, for example, the back electromotive current of the spindle motor 130 to output a signal FG having a frequency based on the rotational speed of the spindle. The recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment uses a CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) method to record information while forming an image. Accordingly, feedback control is carried out by the servo circuit 138 also as to set the rotational speed of the spindle motor 130 detected by the signal FG at the angular velocity specified by the major controller 170 . The servo circuit 138 also carries out tracking control and focusing control on the optical pickup 100 in addition to the rotational control on the spindle motor 130 . The optical pickup 100 (the light radiating section) is a block radiating a laser beam to the optical disc 200 that is rotating, the detailed construction thereof being as shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in the drawing, the optical pickup 100 includes a laser diode 102 that emits laser beams, a diffraction grating 104 , an optical system 110 for condensing a laser beam onto the optical disc 200 , and a light-receiving element 108 for receiving reflected (return) light. The laser diode 102 is driven by a drive signal Liquid crystal from a laser driver 164 (refer to FIG. 1 ), and emits a laser beam at the intensity based on the current value thereof. The laser beam emitted from the laser diode 102 is separated into a main beam and two sub-beams by the diffraction grating 104 , then the beams pass through a polarizing beam splitter 111 , a collimator lens 112 , a ¼ wavelength plate 113 and an object lens 114 , which constitute an optical system 110 , in order before they are condensed onto the optical disc 200 . Meanwhile, the three laser beams reflected off the optical disc 200 pass through the object lens 114 , the ¼ wavelength plate 113 , and the collimator lens 112 in order again. The laser beams axe reflected at the right angles through the polarizing beam splitter 111 , and pass through a cylindrical lens 115 before entering the light-receiving element 108 . A light-receiving signal Rv by the light-receiving element 108 is amplified by the RF amplifier 134 (refer to FIG. 1 ), then supplied to the servo circuit 138 or the like. The light-receiving element 108 actually receives the main beam and the two sub-beams, respectively. A detection area for receiving the main beam in the light-receiving element 108 is divided into four sections, as it will be discussed hereinafter, and the light-receiving intensity of an optical image by the main beam is determined for each detection area. For this reason, the light-receiving signal Rv is a generic term of the signals indicating the light-receiving intensities. The object lens 114 is retained by a focus actuator (focus operating section) 121 and a tracking actuator (irradiation position operating section) 122 , and can be moved in the direction of the optical axis of a laser beam (the vertical direction) by the former and in the radial direction of the optical disc 200 (the horizontal direction) by the latter. The details of the constructions of the components will be omitted. The focus actuator 121 vertically moves the object lens 114 in the optical axis direction by a focus coil, while the tracking actuator 122 horizontally moves the object lens 114 in the radial direction of the optical disc 200 by a tracking coll. A focus signal Fc from the servo circuit 138 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is applied to both ends of the focus coil. Hence, the position of the object lens 114 with respect to the optical axis direction, that is, the distance between a disc surface and the object lens 114 , is defined by the voltage of the focus signal Fc. In other words, the spot diameter of the laser beam applied to the optical disc 200 is determined by the voltage of the focus signal Fc. Similarly, a tracking signal Tr from the servo circuit 138 is applied to both ends of the tracking coil, so that the irradiation position of the laser beam with respect to the radial direction of the optical disc 200 is defined by the voltage of the tracking signal Tr. The optical pickup 100 has a front monitor diode (not shown), and receives the laser beam emitted by the laser diode 102 , the current based on the light quantity thereof is supplied to a laser power control circuit 162 in FIG. 1 . The optical pickup is a block that includes these focus actuator 121 and the tracking actuator 122 , and moves in the radial direction with respect to the optical disc 200 as a stepping motor 140 (a feeding section) revolves. The motor driver 142 supplies, to the stepping motor 140 , a drive signal for moving the optical pickup 100 in the direction only for the amount, both being specified by the main controller 170 . The RF amplifier 134 amplifies the light-receiving signal Rv by the optical pickup 100 and supplies the amplified signal to the decoder 136 and the servo circuit 138 . When recorded information is reproduced, the light-receiving signal Rv, which has been subjected to EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation), is subjected to EFM demodulation by the decoder 136 and supplied to the main controller 170 . The main beam and the two sub-beams in the optical pickup 100 share a positional relationship in which, when the spot center of the main beam is positioned at the center of the groove 202 a (refer to FIG. 4 ), one of the spots of the sub-beams reaches the inner surface of the groove 202 a (the land 202 b ), while the other spot reaches the outer surface thereof (not shown). Therefore, whether the main beam is shifted to the inner side or the outer side of the objective groove 202 a and the shifting amount (the tracking error amount) can be known by calculating the value of difference in light-receiving intensity between the sub-beams detected by the light-receiving element 108 . Therefore, when recording information, the servo circuit 138 (the irradiation position controlling section) generates a tracking signal Tr for reducing the shift amount in the shifting direction to zero to operate the tracking actuator 122 . This allows the main beam to be accurately traced along the groove 202 a even when the optical disc 200 eccentrically rotates (tracking control). To carry out the control for moving the optical pickup 100 in the radial direction by the revolution of the stepping motor 140 , the main controller 170 issues an instruction to move the optical pickup 100 outward by one step each time, for example, the optical disc 200 makes a predetermined number of rotations (thread control). Thus, when recording information, the thread control is carried out to position the optical pickup 100 with respect to the optical disc 200 , while the tracking control is carried out to make the laser beam emitted from the positioned optical pickup 100 trace the groove 202 a. However, when forming an image, the servo circuit 138 only generates the tracking signal Tr according to the instruction of the main controller 170 without conducting such tracking control, as it will be discussed hereinafter. The detection area of the light-receiving element 108 is actually divided into four areas, a, b, c and d, as shown in FIG. 3 . Meanwhile, the formed image of the main beam in the light-receiving element 108 turns into a vertical ellipse A if the object lens 114 is close to the optical disc 200 , or into a horizontal ellipse B if the object lens 114 is far, or into a circle C in a focused state through a cylindrical lens 115 . Thus, by obtaining the calculation result of (a+c)−(b+d) based on the intensities of the received light in the four areas, it is possible to know whether the object lens 114 is shifted to a closer side or a farther side from the focused point with respect to the optical disc 200 , and also to know the amount of the shift (the focus error amount). When recording information, therefore, even if the optical disc 200 undulates during its rotation, the servo circuit 138 generates a focusing signal Fc that sets the foregoing calculation result to zero so as to allow focusing on the recording layer 202 to be achieved. For the similar reason, when forming an image, it should be possible to maintain a fixed spot diameter of the laser beam applied to the thermo sensitive layer 205 by producing a focusing signal Pc that sets the calculation result to a constant value β (≠0) by the servo circuit 138 . However, as it has been described in the paragraph referring to the related art, when forming an image, it is difficult to implement the tracking control, so that the focusing control cannot be expected to be carried out because it can be implemented on condition that the tracking control is normally carried out. More specifically, when the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup to form an image, the laser beam does not accurately trace the land 202 b. Hence, when the optical disc 200 is eccentrically rotated, the irradiation trajectory of the laser beam crosses the groove 202 a or the land 202 b. When this happens, it is impossible to determine whether a change in the image formation of the light-receiving element 108 has been caused by a change in the distance to the disc surface or by intersecting the groove 202 a or the like. As a result, the focusing control cannot be expected to work for maintaining a constant distance to the disc surface. This aspect will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the loop characteristics of a focusing servomechanism required for recording information. The servo circuit 138 is designed to meet the characteristics When the optical disc 200 is set such that its label face faces against the optical pickup to form an image, the variable components of the return light of a laser bean are roughly classified into a variable component Fw attributable to a change in the distance to a disc surface caused by the rotation of the optical disc 200 , and a variable component Fgr attributable to a laser beam striding the groove 202 a or the like during eccentric rotation. These two types of variations are both due to the rotation of the optical disc 200 , so that their frequency components are close to each other and low. Accordingly, these two components remain in a range Sua covered by the focusing servomechanism, and the focusing control is undesirably engaged merely by the variable component Fgr attributable to the striding of the groove 202 a or the like. <Irradiation Trajectory of a Laser Beam> This embodiment, therefore, adopts a configuration in which an AC signal, e.g., a triangular wave signal, is produced such that the irradiation position of a laser beam vibrates in the radial direction, as a tracking signal Tr when forming an image. Supplying such a triangular wave signal as the tracking signal Tr causes the laser beam to draw a track Lq- 1 , as shown in FIG. 8 . More specifically, when the optical disc 200 eccentrically rotates around a point C 2 , the triangular waveform having a trajectory Lp of the central circle as its amplitude reference is produced, causing the laser beam to stride over the groove 202 a or the like forcibly and frequently. The frequent stride by the laser beam over the groove 202 a or the like causes the variable component Fgr of the return light attributable to the frequent stride to be shifted to a higher frequency range at once beyond the range Sua covered by the focusing servomechanism, as shown in FIG. 9 . For instance, when the number of rotations of the optical disc 200 per minute is 600, if no triangular wave signal is supplied as the tracking signal Tr, and if it is assumed that the laser beam strides over the groove 202 a five times per rotation, as shown in FIG. 7 , then the frequency of the variable component Fgr will be 50 Hz which is within the range Sua shown in FIG. 9 . Hence, even if the disc surface is constant, the focusing control undesirably works to cancel the variable component Fgr and fails to normally function. Meanwhile, if a triangular wave signal having a frequency of 40 Hz for causing vibration of a 0.1 mm width in the radial direction is supplied as an example of the tracking signal Tr, then the laser beam strides over the groove 202 a five thousand times per second (=40×2×0.1/0.0016) if the influences by eccentric rotation are excluded, since the pitch of the groove 202 a is 0.0016 mm(=1.6 μm). Thus, when the foregoing triangular wave signal is supplied as the tracking signal Tr, the frequency of a variable component Fgr′ obtained as the result of the laser beam striding over the groove 202 a will be 5050 Hz, which reflects the added influences by the eccentric rotation. The resulting frequency is out of the Sua range in which the focusing servomechanism is valid, as shown in FIG. 9 , thus being ignored in the focusing control. Accordingly, even if a laser beam strides the groove 202 a or the like, the focus signal Fc is produced so as to cancel only the variable component Fw attributable to a change in the distance to a disc surface. In this embodiment, therefore, it is possible for the focusing control feature to work so as to maintain a constant spot diameter of a laser beam applied to the thermo sensitive layer 205 by maintaining a constant distance to the disc surface, even if the tracking control feature does not work when forming an image. As it will be explained below, when the irradiation trajectory of a laser beam is to be vibrated with a width of about 0.01 mm, which is substantially equal to the sub scanning pitch of a dot array, to form an image, the frequency of the triangular wave signal may be set to about 400 Hz. FIG. 7 is intended to merely explain the state in which the irradiation trajectory of a laser beam crosses the groove 202 a when the triangular wave signal is supplied as the tracking signal Tr, and does not accurately reflect the frequency and amplitude of the triangular wave signal or the pitch of the groove 202 a. If it is assumed that the direction in which the optical disc 200 rotates is defined as the main scanning direction and the radial direction as the sub scanning direction in forming images, then the only section available to accomplish the sub scanning of laser beam irradiation position for a required amount in the radial direction without using the tracking control feature is to move the optical pickup 100 by the revolution of the stepping motor 140 . If the minimum movement resolution of the stepping motor 140 for the optical pickup 100 is about 0.01 mm (=10 μm), then the minimum possible pitch in the sub scanning direction for forming images will be about 0.01 mm, which is the same as the above resolution. Superficially, therefore, the purpose may be considered to be fulfilled by supplying a triangular wave signal as the tracking signal Tr and by carrying out the focusing control to adjust the spot diameter of the laser beam applied to the thermo sensitive layer 205 to about 0.01 mm, which is equal to the resolution, so as to define the intensity of a laser beam according to the dots of the image to be formed. However, if the laser diode 102 designed such that its spot diameter is set to about 0.001 mm (=1 μm) when recording information is used to expand its spot diameter to about 0.01 mm when forming an image, then the intensity of irradiation to the thermo sensitive layer 205 per unit area deteriorates and sufficient coloration cannot be accomplished. On the other hand, however, if a simple construction is used to radiate a laser beam having a spot diameter of about 0.001 mm to the thermo sensitive layer 205 and to carry out sub scanning by shifting the optical pickup 100 in the radial direction by about 0.01 mm, which is the minimum movement resolution, at a time, then the actually colored portion in one dot will be only a linear portion having a width of about 0.001 mm to which the laser beam has been applied, because the laser beam does not applied the remaining 90% of the portion of the dot, leaving it uncolored. Hence, the area of the colored portion in a dot having a lowest density occupies 0%, while the area of the colored portion in a dot having a highest density occupies only about 10%. The difference between these two dots is extremely small, possibly giving rise to a problem in that the contrast ratio in a formed image significantly lowers, resulting in deteriorated visibility. In this embodiment, firstly, in order to form the dots for one line, the optical disc 200 is rotated (circularly moved) a plurality of times with the optical pickup 100 fixed. This, however, may cause irradiation trajectory of a laser beam applied to the optical disc 200 to remain unchanged for the plurality of circular rotations. To avoid this, secondly, the phase of the tracking signal Tr supplied as a triangular wave signal is changed for each round so that the laser beam irradiation trajectory changes for each round. To be more specific, in this embodiment, as it will be discussed hereinafter, if an image is to be formed in eight gradations, then the optical disc 200 is given seven rounds to form the dots for one line. The main controller 170 instructs the servo circuit 138 to generate, as the tracking signal Tr, a triangular wave signal having its phase set to zero for the first round and then delayed by (2π/7) in sequence for the second round and after when the timing for passing a reference line is set to zero of a time axis. When such tracking signal Tr is supplied to the tracking actuator 122 , the irradiation trajectories of the laser beam to the optical disc 200 will be different from each other, track Lq- 1 in the first round to track Lq- 7 in the seventh round, as shown in FIG. 10( a ). In FIG. 10( a ), a trajectory Lp denotes the laser beam irradiation trajectory obtained when the optical pickup 100 is positioned at a point corresponding to a certain one line among the dot arrays of the image to be formed and the voltage of the tracking signal Tr is presumptively fixed to zero, when the optical disc 200 is eccentrically rotated around a point C 2 . The trajectory Lp is actually an arc, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 . However, FIG. 10( a ) shows a linear development for the convenience of explanation. Referring back to FIG. 1 , the buffer memory 152 stores the information supplied from a host computer through the intermediary of the interface 150 , that is, the information to be recorded into the optical disc 200 (hereinafter referred to as “data to be recorded”) in an FIFO (first in, first out) form. The encoder 154 carries out the EFM modulation on the record data read from the buffer memory 152 and outputs it to a strategy circuit 156 . The strategy circuit 156 carries out time axis correction processing or the like on the EFM signal supplied from the encoder 154 , and outputs the result to the laser driver 164 . Meanwhile, the frame memory 158 accumulates the information supplied from the host computer through the intermediary of the interface 150 , that is, the information to be formed on the optical disc 200 (hereinafter referred to as “image data”). The image data is a cluster of gradation data that defines the density of dots P to be drawn on the discoid optical disc 200 . The individual dots P are arranged, corresponding to the intersections of the concentric circles of the optical disc 200 and the radial lines extending from the center, as shown in FIG. 5 . Here, in order to explain the intersection coordinates in the optical disc 200 , the concentric circles are defined as a first line, a second line, a third line, . . . , m-th (last) line in order from the inner circumferential side toward the outer circumferential side, and a certain radial line is defined as a reference line, the remaining radial lines are defined as a first column, a second column, a third column, . . . , n-th (last) column in clockwise order for convenience sake. FIG. 5 is merely a schematic diagram to show the positional relationship among the dots P; actual dots are densely arranged. The same applies to the pitch of the groove 202 a shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 . Here, the arrangement of the dots has been conveniently defined, as described above, for the following reason. In general, the groove 202 a of the optical disc 200 is spirally formed clockwise from the inner circumferential side when observed from the recording face, as shown in FIG. 6 described above. When recording information, tracing is required to begin at an end point Gs on the inner circumferential side of the groove 202 a according to specifications; therefore, the optical disc 200 is rotated counterclockwise, as observed from the recording face, while the optical pickup 100 moves from the inner circumferential side toward the outer side. In this embodiment, based on the construction described above, when the optical disc 200 is rotated with its label face opposing the optical pickup 100 , the main scanning is carried out by the rotation of the optical disc 200 , while the sub scanning is carried out as the optical pickup 100 moves from the inner circumferential side toward the outer circumferential side thereby to form an image. Thus, regarding the relative movement of the optical disc 200 in relation to the optical pickup 100 , the main scanning direction with respect to the optical disc 200 is the clockwise direction, which is opposite from the rational direction, as shown in FIG. 5 . When defined as described above, the frame memory 158 stores the gradation data on the basis of the arrays of m-th lines, n-th columns, as shown in FIG. 11 . Here, in this embodiment, it is assumed that an image of 8 (=2 3 ) gradations per dot is formed, the gradation data being 3-bit. To be more specific, among the 3-bit the gradation data, (000) specifies a brightest (low) density, and the density grows darker (higher) in the order of (001), (010), (011), (100), (101), (110) and (111), the densities being thus specified to form dots. The image data accumulated in the frame memory 158 is read as follows. When a particular line is specified by the main controller 170 , the gradation data for the line is read at the same time and used for discrimination in the main controller 170 . If the main controller 170 specifies a line and a column, then the gradation data at the position specified by the line and the column is read for one dot and supplied to the data converter 160 . The image data used in a host computer is usually of a bit map format. For this reason, to form an image in the optical disc 200 , the image data in the bit map format may be converted into the coordinate system as shown in FIG. 5 by a host computer or the like, and the converted data may be accumulated in the frame memory 158 , as shown in FIG. 7 . The main controller 170 , a detailed illustration of which will be omitted, is constructed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The component units are appropriately operated according to a program stored in a machine readable medium such as the ROM so as to control the recording of information on the recording face of the optical disc 200 and the formation of an image on the label face of the optical disc 200 . <Gradation Display> As described above, in this embodiment, the irradiation trajectory of a laser beam differs for each round. Hence, the area ratio of a colored portion and an uncolored portion in a dot is changed by conducting control such that the thermo sensitive layer 205 is colored by radiating a laser beam in a certain round, while the layer is not colored in another round, thus making it possible to display a density. To be more specific, in this embodiment, of the seven rounds required to form the dots for one line, a laser beam is radiated to cause the thermo sensitive layer 205 to color only for the number of rounds equivalent to decimal values of gradation data. For instance, if the gradation data is (101), then a laser beam having an intensity that is sufficiently high to color the thermo sensitive layer 205 is applied for five rounds out of the seven rounds so as to color the track portion. Similarly, if the gradation data is (011), then a laser beam having an appropriate intensity is applied for three rounds out of the seven rounds so as to color the track portion. The data converter 160 (the laser beam intensity modulating section) is a major component unit for defining the intensity of a laser beam for each round until the seven rounds required to form the dots for one line, as described above. More specifically, in a high contrast mode, the data converter 160 converts the gradation data read from the frame memory 158 into ON data (bit) for setting a laser beam intensity to a write level or OFF data for setting it to a servo level on the basis of the number of rounds designated by the main controller 170 according to the table shown in FIG. 12 . For example, if the gradation data read from the frame memory 158 is (010), then the data converter 160 converts the data into the ON data for a first round and a second round, and into the OFF data for a third round up to a seventh round, respectively, and outputs them. Thus, the target dot receives two shots of the laser beam at the first and second rounds. Here, the write level is a value of irradiation intensity at which the thermo sensitive layer 205 is sufficiently colored, while the servo level is a value of irradiation intensity at which the thermo sensitive layer 205 is hardly colored. The reason for outputting a laser beam at the servo level intensity while the thermo sensitive layer 205 is not colored is to implement the focusing control and light amount control. In a quick mode, which will be explained below, the data converter 160 converts all data into ON data if the gradation data read from the frame memory 158 is other than (000), while it converts into OFF data only If the gradation data is (000). <Image Formation Mode> According to such a method, it is necessary to make seven rounds to form the dots for one line. On the other hand, if the image to be formed is constructed of only characters, such as alphabets, symbols and numerals, it is not always necessary to form an image using multiple gradations or a high contrast ratio. Instead, just two gradations for ON/OFF mode may be adequate for some cases, and shortening the time required for forming an image may be more important than complete gradation display for some users. This embodiment, therefore, has been configured to provide two modes, the high contrast mode for forming an image with a high contrast ratio and the quick mode for giving priority to a shorter time required for forming an image, thus allowing images to be formed in either mode. Mode setting may be accomplished in various methods, including the following: (1) a host computer issues instructions to the main controller 170 through the intermediary of the interface 150 , (2) the main controller 170 analyzes the gradation data accumulated in the frame memory 158 to prepare a histogram to make decisions based on the histogram, and (3) a user makes the setting through the intermediary of a separately provided selecting section. Referring back to FIG. 1 , the laser power control circuit 162 controls the intensity of the laser beams emitted from the laser diode 102 (refer to FIG. 2 ). To be more specific, the laser power control circuit 162 controls the current value of drive signal Li such that the value of the emitted light amount of the laser diode 102 detected by a front monitoring diode coincides with an optimum laser power target value supplied by the main controller 170 . Here, the embodiment uses the CAV system in which the angular velocity is constant, as mentioned above, so that the linear velocity increases toward the outer side of the optical disc 200 . For this reason, the main controller 170 sets a higher target value of the write level as the optical pickup 100 is positioned farther outward of the optical disc 200 . The laser driver 164 generates the drive signal Li that reflects the control information supplied by the laser power control circuit 20 on the basis of the modulated data supplied from the strategy circuit 156 when recording information, or on the basis of the converted data supplied from the data converter 160 when forming an image, and the generated drive signal Li is supplied to the laser diode 102 of the optical pickup 100 . Thus, the intensity of the laser beam provided by the laser diode 102 is subjected to feedback control such that it coincides with a target value supplied from the main controller 170 . <Reference Line and Column Detection> As described above, the rotation detector 132 outputs a frequency signal FG based on a spindle rotational speed. The PLL circuit 144 generates a clock signal Dck that synchronizes with the signal FG and has a frequency obtained by multiplying the frequency thereof, then supplies the clock signal Dck to the main controller 170 . Furthermore, the frequency divider circuit 146 generates a reference signal SFG obtained by dividing the signal FG by a predetermined number and supplies the reference signal SFG to the main controller 170 . Here, it it is assumed that, during the period of time in which the spindle motor 130 rotates once, that is, the optical disc 200 rotates once, the rotation detector 132 produces eight pulses as the signal FG, as shown in FIG. 13 , then the frequency divider circuit 146 divides the frequency of the signal PG into one eighth, and outputs it as the reference signal SFG. This allows the main controller 170 to detect the timing at which the reference signal SFG rises as the timing at which the irradiation position of the laser beam of the optical pickup 100 passes the reference line of the optical disc 200 . In this case, if the multiplying rate of the frequency in the PLL circuit 144 is set to a value of a quotient obtained by dividing a column number n per line by 8 , then one cycle of the clock signal Dck coincides with the period of time during which the optical disc 200 rotates by the angle equivalent to one column of dot arrays. Accordingly, when forming an image, sequentially counting the rise timings of the clock signal Dck from the moment the reference signal SFG rises allows the main controller 170 to detect what number of column the laser beam irradiation of the optical pickup 100 is positioned from the point at which the laser beam irradiation passes the reference line of the optical disc 200 . To be more accurate, the expression “the reference line of the optical disc 200 ” should read “the reference line for the rotating shaft of the spindle motor 130 .” However, when recording information or forming an image, the optical disc 200 rotates while being chucked onto a table directly coupled to the rotating shaft, so that the reference line with respect to the rotating shaft of the spindle motor 130 maintains a constant positional relationship with respect to a certain radial line on the optical disc 200 . Accordingly, as long as this condition is maintained, one radial line on the optical disc 200 may be referred to as the reference line of the optical disc 200 . In this embodiment, the timing at which the reference signal SFG rises is defined as the timing at which the optical disc 200 passes the reference line, and the timing at which the clock signal Dck rises is defined as the timing at which the optical disc 200 is rotated by the angle for one column of the dot arrays. Alternatively, however, fall timings may be used. <Operation> The operation of the recording apparatus 10 in accordance with this embodiment will be explained. The major feature of the recording apparatus 10 is to form images onto the optical disc 200 . Furthermore, the recording apparatus 10 is characteristic in combining the conventional information recording feature and the image forming feature. First, the operation performed for implementing the information recording feature will be briefly explained, then the operation performed for implementing the image formatting feature, which is the major feature of the apparatus, will be explained in detail. <Information Recording Operation> First, to record information, the optical disc 200 is set with its recording face opposing the optical pickup 100 , then the spindle motor 130 is subjected to the feedback control by the servo circuit 138 to obtain the angular velocity instructed by the main controller 170 , as described above. Meanwhile, the optical pickup 100 is moved by the revolution of the stepping motor 140 to the point equivalent to an innermost circumference of the groove 202 a. When the tracing of the groove 202 a is initiated by the tracking control, the record data stored in the buffer memory 152 is read out in the order in which it was recorded, subjected to the RFM modulation by the encoder 154 , and subjected to the time axis correction processing or the like by the strategy circuit 156 . Then, based on the EFM-modulated data, switching between the write level and the servo level is properly made, and control is carried out so as to cause the intensity to coincide with the target value designated by the main controller 170 . The recording layer 202 irradiated at the write level alters, thereby recording information. When recording information, the aforesaid thread control or focusing control is conducted in addition to the rotation control, the tracking control and the light quantity control. <Image Forming Operation> The descriptions will now be given of the operation performed by the recording apparatus 10 to form an image on the optical disc 200 . FIG. 14 , FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flow charts for explaining the image forming operation. To form an image, the optical disc 200 is set with its label face opposing the optical pickup 100 , as described above. It is assumed that the image data indicating the image to be formed is supplied from the host computer and stored in the frame memory 158 . When forming an image, the optical disc 200 is constantly placed under the focusing control, the light amount control and the rotation control, whereas the tracking control for tracing the land 202 b is set to be invalid and not carried out, as described above. <Contrast Priority Mode> First, the main controller 170 determines whether the mode has been set to the high contrast mode before actually forming an image (step S 11 ). If the determination result is affirmative, then the main controller 170 outputs an instruction for moving the optical pickup 100 to a point corresponding to the innermost circumference (first line) of the optical disc 200 (step S 12 ). In response to the instruction, the motor driver 142 generates a signal necessary to move the optical pickup 100 to that point. As the stepping motor 140 revolves on the basis of the generated signal, the optical pickup 100 actually moves to that point. The main controller 170 reads ahead the gradation data of the line at which the optical pickup 100 is positioned among the image data stored in the frame memory 158 (step S 13 ). When step S 13 is carried out for the first time, all the gradation data of the first line, which is the innermost circumference, of the optical disc 200 is advance-read. Then, the main controller (the first determining section) 170 determines whether all the gradation data of the line that has been advance-read is (000)(step S 14 ). If all the gradation data of the line is (000), it section that it is not required to color the thermo sensitive layer 205 for any one round out of the seven rounds required for forming the dots of the line. Hence, if the determination result is affirmative, then the main controller 170 skips all the processing steps to step S 28 , which will be discussed hereinafter, thereby to omit the processing required for forming an n number of dots making up the line. Meanwhile, if the determination result is negative, the main controller 170 sets a variable p to “1” (step S 15 ). Here, the variable p is used to indicate at what number of rounds the optical pickup 100 is positioned out of the seven rounds necessary for forming the dots of the line. Hence, setting “1” at the variable p indicates the first round. Subsequently, the main controller 170 scrutinizes the first column to process the first to the last n-th column in order on the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned (step S 16 ). Then, the main controller 170 stands by until the reference line of the rotating optical disc 200 passes a particular position, i.e., until the rise timing of the reference signal SFG is reached (step S 17 ). Here, when the reference signal SFG rises, the main controller 170 instructs the servo circuit 138 to output the tracking signal Tr of the phase equivalent to the round number indicated by the variable p (step S 18 ). This causes the servo circuit 138 to start outputting the tracking signal Tr if the phase corresponding to the round number indicated by the variable p. Actually, therefore, the light beam of the optical pickup 100 starts librating in the radial direction of the optical disc 200 while tracing the track corresponding to the variable p among tracks Lq- 1 to Lq- 7 shown in FIG. 10( a ). For example, if the variable p is “1”, then the light beam traces the track Lq- 1 of the optical disc 200 . The following series of processing from step S 19 through step S 24 is carried out in synchronization with one cycle of the clock signal Dck while the foregoing tracking signal Tr is being generated. More specifically, the main controller 170 reads from the frame memory 158 the gradation data of the dots corresponding to the target column of the line where the optical pickup 100 is currently positioned. Alternatively, of the gradation data for one line that has been advance-read, the data corresponding to the dots in the line and column may be output. Thus, the gradation data is converted by the data converter 160 into the ON data for setting the intensity of a laser beam to the write level or the OFF data for setting it to the servo level according to the round number indicated by the variable p (step S 19 ). The laser driver 164 discriminates the converted data (step S 20 ) and outputs the drive signal Li corresponding to the write level only if the data is the ON data (step S 21 ). This causes the laser diode 102 in the optical pickup 100 to emit light at the write level, thus coloring only the track portion corresponding to the round number indicated by the variable p among the dots in the line opposing the optical pickup 100 and corresponding to the column currently in interest in the thermo sensitive layer 205 of the optical disc 200 . Meanwhile, the laser driver 164 outputs the drive signal Li corresponding to the servo level if the converted data is the OFF data or in a non-ON data case, such as when no converted data is supplied (step S 22 ). Thus, the laser diode 102 in the optical pickup 100 emits light at the servo level, so that the thermo sensitive layer 205 is not colored. Thereafter, the main controller 170 determines whether the target columned is the last n-th column (step S 23 ), and if the determination result is negative, then moves to the next column (step S 24 ). Then, the similar processing is repeated on the new column. Thus, the processing is repeatedly carried out up to the last n-th column so that the laser beam is radiated along the track of the round number corresponding to the variable p on the line where the optical pickup 100 , is positioned. As described above, one cycle of the repetitive processing is synchronized with one cycle of the clock signal Dck, as discussed above. Hence, the laser beam is radiated according to the ON data or OFF data converted on the basis of the line and round number each time the optical disc 200 rotates for the angle corresponding to one dot from the reference line. Meanwhile, If the main controller 170 determines that the target column is the last n-th column, then it further determines whether the current variable p is “7” (step S 25 ), and if the determination result is negative, then it increments the variable p by “1” (step S 26 ) to prepare for the next round. Furthermore, the main controller (a second determining section) 170 scrutinizes the gradation data for one line that has been advance-read to determine whether the laser beam should be radiated at the write level for the round indicated by the variable p after the increment (step S 27 ). When, for example, the variable p following the increment is “4”, if, for instance, the gradation data for one line is all (011) or less, then it can be determined that there is no case where the laser beam should be radiated at the write level for the fourth round, referring to FIG. 12 . It can be also determined that there is a case where the laser beam should be radiated at the write level for that particular round it there is gradation data of (100) or more for even a single dot. If the determination result in step S 27 is negative, then the processing procedure returns to step S 25 again to determine whether the variable p after increment is “7.” As in the case of this embodiment, when the converted data in the data converter 160 is as shown in FIG. 12 , if the determination result in step S 27 is switched to negative when the variable p in a certain line is a value α (α being an integer satisfying 2≦α<7), then the determination result will continue to be negative until the variable p becomes “7.” On the other hand, if the determination result in step S 27 is affirmative, then the processing procedure returns to step S 16 again. Thus, the processing from step S 16 to step S 25 will be implemented based on the round indicated by the variable p after increment. Furthermore, if the main controller 170 determines in step S 25 that the variable p is “7” or if the determination result in step S 14 is affirmative, then it further determines whether the line on which the optical pickup 100 is positioned is the last m-th line (step S 28 ). If the determination result is negative, then the main controller 170 issues an instruction for moving the optical pickup 100 for the distance corresponding to one line on the optical disc 200 , i.e., the minimum movement resolution of the optical pickup 100 by the stepping motor 140 , to a point on the outer circumference side (step S 29 ). This instruction causes the motor driver 142 to generate a signal necessary for moving the optical pickup 100 to that point. The stepping motor 140 rotates according to the signal, thus actually moving the optical pickup 100 to the point. Thereafter, the processing procedure returns to step S 13 again. In this way, the processing from step S 13 to step S 28 is carried out on the line following the movement of the optical pickup 100 . Meanwhile, if it is determined that the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned is the last m-th line, then it section that the formation of the image of the first line to the last m-th line on the set optical disc 200 has been completed. The main controller 170 , therefore, terminates the formation of the image, and carries out, for example, ejection processing (not shown) for ejecting the optical disc 200 , as necessary. Thus, according to this embodiment, in the high contrast mode, the image for one line (one round) is formed on the optical disc 200 by overwriting seven rounds, each round tracing a different laser beam irradiation trajectory. For the seven rounds, the number of overwriting times is increased as the density level indicated by the gradation data increases. In this embodiment, prior to one-line overwriting, the gradation data for the one line is scrutinized. If all the gradation data for the one line is (000), i.e., if there is no need to radiate a laser beam at the write level for any one of the seven rounds required for forming the image of the one line, then the optical pickup 100 is immediately moved outward for one line without actually rotating the optical disc 200 for seven rounds. More specifically, if the determination result in step S 14 is affirmative, then the processing procedure skips over to step S 28 , and if the determination result in step S 28 is negative, then the processing in step S 29 is carried out. Hence, the processing is omitted for the line requiring no image formation (no coloration on the thermo sensitive layer 205 ), so that the time required for forming an image can be reduced. In the high contrast mode, it is determined beforehand whether there is a case requiring the irradiation of a laser beam at the write level in the second round and after, excluding the first round, out of the seven rounds necessary for forming the one-line image. If the determination result is negative, then the rounds thereafter are skipped. More specifically, if the determination result in step S 27 is negative, then the processing procedure returns to step S 25 rather than step S 16 . Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if the converted data in the data converter 160 is as shown in FIG. 12 , once the determination result in step S 27 is switched to negative, the determination result continues to be negative thereafter until the variable p reaches “7.” For instance, when the variable p in a certain line is, for example, “4” and the gradation data for this line is all (011) or less, if the determination result in step S 27 changes to negative, then the determination result in step S 27 continues to be negative thereafter until the variable p is incremented to “7.” Therefore, the optical pickup 100 moves outwards by one line from the fourth round to the seventh round without carrying out the processing from step S 16 to step S 24 . Thus, the processing for the rounds involving no image formation on the optical disc 200 is skipped (the rounds being skipped), resulting in a further reduced time required for forming an image due to the combination with the line skipping described above. In the high contrast mode, the first round is excluded from the rounds to be skipped out of the seven rounds necessary for forming the one-line image. This is because skipping the first round causes the determination result in step S 14 to be affirmative, so that the line is skipped. <Quick Mode> The descriptions will now be given of the operation for a case where the determination result in step S 11 is negative, that is, the image formation mode has been set to the quick mode. In the quick mode, the image formation of one line (one round) on the optical disc 200 is implemented only by one round on the optical disc 200 . Hence, in the quick mode, the processing related to the variable p does not exist, as it will be explained hereinafter, and image formation by overwriting cannot be implemented. Accordingly, in the quick mode explained here, only binary display such as ON/OFF display is possible. However, since the gradation data itself is 3-bit in this embodiment, a laser beam of the write level will be applied to color the thermo sensitive layer 205 if gradation data is other than (000), while the laser beam of the servo level will be applied so that the thermo sensitive layer 205 remains uncolored if gradation data is (000). When the mode has been set to the quick mode, the main controller 170 outputs an instruction for moving the optical pickup 100 to a point corresponding to the innermost circumference (first line) of the optical disc 200 (step S 30 ). This instruction causes the optical pickup 100 to move to the point, as in the case of the high contrast mode, as described, above. Next, as in the case of the high contrast mode, the main controller 170 reads ahead the gradation data of the line at which the optical pickup 100 is positioned among the image data stored in the frame memory 158 (step S 31 ). Then, the main controller 170 determines whether all the gradation data of the line that has been advance-read is (000)(step S 32 ). If all the gradation data of the line is (000), it section that it is not required to color the thermo sensitive layer 205 for at all during one round required for forming the dots of the line. Accordingly, if the determination result is affirmative, the main controller 170 skips all the steps of processing procedure to step S 42 , which will be discussed later, omitting the processing necessary to form the n number of dots making up the line. If, on the other hand, the determination result is negative, the main controller 170 focuses its attention on the first one column to process from the first column to the last n-th column in sequence in the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned (step S 33 ). The main controller 170 then stands by until the reference line of the rotating optical disc 200 passes a particular position, that is, until the rise timing of the reference signal SFG is reached (step S 34 ). Here, when the reference signal SFG rises, the main controller 170 instructs the servo circuit 138 to output the tracking signal Tr of the phase for the first round (step S 35 ). This causes the servo circuit 138 to start outputting the tracking signal Tr of the phase for the first round. Actually, therefore, the light beam of the optical pickup 100 starts librating in the radial direction of the optical disc 200 while tracing the track Lq- 1 shown in FIG. 10( b ). The following series of processing from step S 36 through step S 41 is carried out in synchronization with one cycle of the clock signal Dck. More specifically, the main controller 170 reads from the frame memory 158 the gradation data of the dots corresponding to the target column of the line where the optical pickup 100 is currently positioned. The data converter 160 converts the gradation data into the OFF data for setting the intensity of a laser beam to the servo level if the gradation data is (000) or into the ON data for setting it to the write level if the gradation data is other than (000)(step S 36 ). The laser driver 164 discriminates the converted data (step S 37 ) and outputs the drive signal Li corresponding to the write level only if the data is the ON data (step S 38 ). This causes the laser diode 102 in the optical pickup 100 to emit light at the write level, thus coloring only the track portion corresponding to the dots in the line opposing the optical pickup 100 and corresponding to the column currently in interest in the thermo sensitive layer 205 of the optical disc 200 . Meanwhile, the laser driver 164 outputs the drive signal Li corresponding to the servo level if the converted data is the OFF data or in a non-ON data case, such as when no converted data is supplied (step S 39 ). Thus, the laser diode 102 in the optical pickup 100 emits light at the servo level, so that the thermo sensitive layer 205 is not colored. Thereafter, the main controller 170 determines whether the target columned is the last n-th column (step S 40 ), and if the determination result is negative, then moves to the next column (step S 41 ). Then, the similar processing is repeated on the new column. Thus, the processing is repeatedly carried out up to the last n-th column so that the laser beam is radiated on the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned according to the converted ON data or OFF data. As described above, one cycle of the repetitive processing is synchronized with one cycle of the clock signal Dck, as discussed above. Hence, the laser beam is radiated according to the converted ON data or OFF data each time the optical disc 200 rotates for the angle corresponding to one dot from the reference line. Meanwhile, if the main controller 170 determines that the target column is the last n-th column or the determination result in step S 32 is affirmative, then it further determines whether the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned is the last m-th line (step S 42 ). If the determination result is negative, then the main controller 170 issues an instruction for moving the optical pickup 100 to a point on the outer circumference side by the distance corresponding to one line of the optical disc 200 (step S 43 ). This instruction causes the optical pickup 100 to actually move to the point. After that, the processing procedure returns to step S 31 so as to carry out the processing from step S 31 to step S 42 on the new line. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the line where the optical pickup 100 is positioned is the last m-th line, it section that the formation of the images from the first line up to the last m-th line on the set optical disc 200 has been completed. Hence, the main controller 170 terminates the formation of the image. Thus, in the quick mode, the image formation for one line (one round) on the optical disc 200 is accomplished by one writing cycle along the track Lq- 1 . Therefore, the time required for forming an image can be dramatically reduced although the contrast of the formed image is inferior to that formed in the high contrast mode. Prior to one-line single writing, the gradation data for the one line is scrutinized. If all the gradation data for the one line is (000), then the optical pickup 100 is immediately moved outward for one line. More specifically, if the determination result in step S 32 is affirmative, then the processing procedure skips over to step S 42 , and if the determination result in step S 42 is negative, then the processing in step S 43 is carried out. Hence, as in the case of the high contrast mode, the processing is omitted for the line requiring no image formation (no coloration on the thermo sensitive layer 205 ) on the optical disc 200 , so that the time required for forming an image can be reduced. <Specific Example of a Formed Image> The following is a specific example used to explain an image formed by the recording apparatus 10 . When the mode has been set to the high contrast mode, the dots in each line are represented by repeating the overwriting for the number of times indicated by a decimal value of the gradation data. More specifically, the area corresponding to the dots in the thermo sensitive layer 205 of the optical disc 200 is subjected to a laser beam of the write level for the number of times indicated by the decimal value of the dot gradation data, the laser beam being radiated along a different track for each round. Hence, the ratio of the colored area to the dot area substantially increases as the number of irradiations at the write level increases. When the gradation data on which the image is formed is stored in the frame memory 158 , as shown in FIG. 17 , the image formed in the high contrast mode will be as shown in FIG. 18 . More specifically, in the high contrast mode, for a dot whose gradation data is (111), a laser beam of the write level is radiated along a different track for each round from the first round to the seventh round. Therefore, the ratio of the area colored by the irradiation to the area of the dot will be maximum. When the contents stored in the frame memory 158 is as shown in FIG. 20 , the image formed in the high contrast mode will be as shown in FIG. 21 . More specifically, in the high contrast mode, for a dot whose gradation data is (000), the number of times of the irradiation of a laser beam of the write level is zero, while the number of times of the irradiation of the laser beam of the write level increases 1, 2, 3, . . . , 7 as the value of the gradation data increases (001), (010), (011), . . . , (111). Hence, the ratio of the area colored due to the irradiation of the laser beam to the area of the dot gradually increases with the gradation data, eventually making it possible to form an image of eight gradations respectively corresponding to the individual pieces of 3-bit gradation data. Meanwhile, when the quick mode has been set, the dots in each line are represented by one irradiation of a laser beam of the write level if the gradation data is other than (000) in this embodiment. Here, when the gradation data as shown in FIG. 17 is stored in the frame memory 158 , the image formed in the quick mode will be as shown in FIG. 19 . More specifically, in the quick mode, the dots whose gradation data is other than (000), will be merely expressed by the coloration caused by only one irradiation of the laser beam of the write level. Hence, the contrast ratio of a formed image degrades, as compared with the high contrast mode. However, in the quick mode, a one-line image can be formed by just one rotation of the optical disc 200 , making it possible to reduce the time required for forming an image to about one seventh, as compared with the high contrast mode, in a case where the gradation data of (111) exists for at least one dot or more in each line. Thus, the embodiment enables a user to set the mode to the high contrast mode when he or she wishes to form an image with a high contrast ratio, or to the quick mode when he or she wishes to quickly form an image. This feature makes it possible to properly use the modes according to user's needs or various conditions, such as image quality, in forming images. In FIG. 18 through FIG. 21 , i is a symbol used for general explanation of each line from 1 to m, and j is a symbol used for general explanation of each line from 1 to n (the same being applied to FIG. 23 , which will be discussed hereinafter). <Applications and Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be embodied by the following application and modification. <Prevention of Unevenly Colored Portion> The embodiment described above has been configured such that, when the high contrast mode has been set, gradation data is converted into the ON data or the OFF data according to the number of rounds by using the conversion table shown in FIG. 12 , the converted data being continuous among adjoining rounds. Therefore, if gradation data of a certain value or more does not exist throughout one line in a certain round, then the irradiation of a laser beam from that round and after is skipped, thus making it possible to shorten the time required for forming an image accordingly However, in the above construction, the tracks of the irradiation of a write level laser beam are adjacent to each other. For instance, if the gradation data is (100), the write level laser beam traces the track Lq- 1 for the first round, the track Lq- 2 for the second round, the track Lq- 3 for the third round and the track Lq- 4 for the fourth round, respectively, as shown in FIG. 21 . These tracks will be adjacent to each other both in the direction of lines and the direction of columns. Therefore, even for the same gradation data, the portion colored by the irradiation of the laser beam may have the dots concentrated on an upper side or a lower side of the colored portion, depending on the column. This may be visually recognized as a difference in display. For example, the dots in the (i+4)th line and the (j+2)th column and the dots of the (i+4)th line and the (j+5)th column share the same gradation data (100)(refer to FIG. 20 ); however, the colored portions are concentrated on the upper side of a dot in the former, while they are concentrated on the lower side of a dot in the latter (refer to FIG. 21 ). A conceivable application example that corrects the uneven coloration discussed above is constructed to define the conversion by the data converter 160 such that the irradiation trajectories of a write level laser beam are disposed at equal intervals as much as possible from the first round to the seventh round. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 , the conversion by the data converter 160 for one piece of gradation data may be carried out such that the ON data or the OFF data is disposed at equal intervals as much as possible for individual rounds. For such conversion, if the gradation data has been stored in the frame memory 158 , as shown in FIG. 20 , the image formed in the high contrast mode will be as shown in FIG. 23 , which indicates that the uneven coloration can be restrained to a certain extent. In addition to the above approach in which the conversion by the data converter 160 is changed, there is another approach for improving such an unevenly colored portion. The shifting amount or order of the phase of the tracking signal Tr may be changed for each round. <Forcible Insertion of the Servo Level> In the embodiment described above, if thick dots continue in a certain line, the write level laser beam is continuously radiated. Meanwhile, when the write level laser beam is applied, the thermo sensitive layer 205 is colored by the energy of the laser beam. The energy used for the coloration transiently and constantly changes from the moment the irradiation is started, and also varies according to diverse conditions, including individual differences or the like of the optical disc 200 . For this reason, it is considered that the return light when the write level laser beam is applied is not stabilized, easily leading to unstable focusing control. Therefore, when the write level laser beam is continuously radiated, the focusing control may fail to normally function. As a conceivable application example for preventing such failure, even when the write level laser beam should be continuously radiated, the servo-level laser beam may be periodically radiated for a short time (of course to an extent that does not affect the coloration) and the focusing control may be carried out by using the light receiving signal Rv in the irradiation period as a return value. <Another Example of the Tracking Signal> In this embodiment, the triangular wave signals have been supplied as the tracking signal Tr; however, any other type of signal can be adequately used as long as the irradiation trajectory of a laser beam crosses the groove 202 a or the like of the rotating optical disc 200 . Therefore, in addition to the triangular wave signals, various ac signals, including sine wave signals, may be supplied as the tracking signal Tr. <Number of Irradiations of Laser Beam and Number of Gradations> In the aforesaid embodiment, the number of irradiations of the laser beam for coloring the thermo sensitive layer 205 has been set to 0 to 7 to form an image with eight gradations in the high contrast mode. The number of irradiations of the laser beam may be increased as the density is increased. For example, if the gradation data is (000), (001), (010), (011), . . . , (111), the number of irradiations of the write level laser beam per line may be set to 0, 2, 4, 6, . . . , 14. Increasing the number of irradiations of the laser beam makes it possible to form images with a further higher contrast ratio. The increments of the number of irradiations need not be fixedly set. Furthermore, the descriptions have been given by taking, as an example, the case where the image of eight gradations per dot, the gradation data being 3-bit; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For instance, an image may be formed by 8-bit gradation data and 256 gradations. Also in the embodiment, one line of the image has been formed by one travel (feed) of the optical pickup 100 . Alternatively, however, one line of the image may be formed by repeating the feed a plurality of times. Thus, to form one line of an image by feeding the optical pickup 100 a plurality of times, e.g., 64 times, the image can be formed in 256 gradations (=4×64) by representing a density of 4 gradations per feed and changing the density for each of the 64 times of feed. <Forming an Image With a Reduced Number of Colors in the Quick Mode> Meanwhile, in the aforesaid embodiment, the image has been formed in the quick mode by the binary method wherein it is simply controlled to irradiate or not irradiate the write level laser beam. Alternatively, however, the number of the basic gradations indicated by gradation data may be reduced to form an image. For instance, the number of irradiations of the write level laser beam per line may be set to 0 if the gradation data is (000), (001), or one if the gradation data is (010), (011), or two if the gradation data is (100), (101), or three if the gradation data is (110), (111), carrying out three rounds per line and reducing the number of gradations to four to form the image. The irradiation trajectory of the laser beam is of course set so that it strides over the groove 202 a in all three rounds and differs in each round. Thus, by reducing the original number of gradations indicated by the gradation data in forming an image, the time required for forming the image itself can be also shortened although the effect for shortening the time may be smaller than that in the high contrast mode. When forming an image in the quick mode, the same gradation data as that in the high contrast mode has been stored in the frame memory 158 . Alternatively, however, the gradation data may be processed by a host computer to store, in the frame memory 158 , binary gradation data or the gradation data of a reduced number of gradations to decrease the number of colors, and an image may be formed on the basis of the gradation data in the same manner as that in the high contrast mode. This modification achieves the same advantage in that the time required for forming one line of image is shortened because the number of colors of gradation data is binary or reduced from the original number. <CLV Method> The aforesaid embodiment has adopted the CAV method wherein a laser beam is radiated while rotating the optical disc 200 at a predetermined angular velocity to form an image. Alternatively, a CLV method using a constant linear velocity may be adopted. Unlike the CAV method, the CLV method does not require the control for increasing the write level of a laser beam as the irradiation position of the laser beam shifts toward an outer circumference. This section that the quality of an image to be formed is not deteriorated due to the changes of the target value of laser power. <Arrangement of Dots> In the aforesaid embodiment, the number of columns has been set to the same m from the first line to the last m-th line. Alternatively, however, the number of columns may be increased toward an outer circumference. In other words, the number of the columns may be different in each line. In the aforesaid embodiment, if the multiplying rate of the frequency in the PLL circuit 144 is set to a value of a quotient obtained by dividing a column number n per line by 8, then one cycle of the clock signal Dck coincides with the period of time during which the optical disc 200 rotates by the angle equivalent to one column of dot arrays. Hence, the multiplying rate of the PLL circuit 144 may be set on the basis of the number of columns for each line so as to permit an arrangement wherein the number of columns is different in each line. As explained above, according to the present invention, even when an optical disc is set with its label face opposing an optical pickup when forming an image, focusing control can be properly carried out, making it possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of an image to be formed.

An optical disc recording apparatus can draw an image by radially vibrating a laser beam under stable focus control. A pickup radiates the laser beam onto the optical disc rotated by a spindle motor. A focus servo controller maintains a constant spot diameter of the laser beam on the optical disc by detecting a return light of the laser beam reflected back from the optical disc. An irradiation position controller operates when the pickup opposes a label face of the optical disc for controlling an irradiation trajectory of the laser beam to vibrate in a radial direction of the optical disc while the laser beam runs along circumferential zones defined on a coloring layer of the label face. A modulating section modulates an intensity of the laser beam for forming dots along the circumferential zones so as to draw the image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to filters and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to collapsible filter apparatus for removing particulates from an airstream adapted for use in a paint booth. Filters, including air filters, are used for a variety of applications. Generally, an air filter fits in a housing and has a filter media which removes undesired particles from a fluid, typically an airstream. Depending on its specific application, the filter media is adapted to remove dust, dirt, paint, fumes and/or other particles. In paint booths, i.e., paint overspray control or paint arrester applications, a filter is placed in the exhaust airstream of the paint booth or similar structure. Paint spray residual that does not adhere to the article being painted is entrained in the airstream of the exhaust porting from the paint booth. The airstream passes through the filter positioned at an air intake before it is exhausted into the environment. A few types of filters are commonly used in paint booths and similar applications. One is a rigid, non-collapsible, framed filter. The framed filter is designed to fit snugly in the modular frame of the exhaust airstream of the paint booth. A framed filter typically requires no clips or other additional parts to secure the filter to the modular frame of the paint booth, but does require the use of a rear supporting grid either built into the filter or placed behind the filter in the modular frame to prevent the filter from being drawn through the modular frame into the exhaust duct. Shipping, storing and disposing non-collapsible framed filters is expensive and burdensome due to the volume of the filters. However, such volume is necessary in an expanded state in order to effectively and efficiently remove and entrain paint from an airstream. Another type of filter which attempts to overcome these disadvantages is a frameless accordion-type filter media typically manufactured in long sections, i.e., twenty to thirty feet long, and cut to length to fit a particular modular frame of the paint booth. The expandable/collapsible filter medium is formed of paperboard, cardboard and/or honeycomb to create an inexpensive and effective filter means. The collapsible design of these filters greatly reduces the shipping, storage and disposal costs of the filter. However, the filter must be cut and a rear supporting grid typically must be used to secure the filter. Also, clips or wire fasteners must be used to secure the edges of the filter to the modular frame of the air intake. Another attempt to overcome these disadvantages is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,111 to Spencer, deceased et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent describes a multi-ply expandable filter media formed of honeycomb and a corresponding expandable frame. However, the frame lacks strength because it is not continuous and appears to require the use of a rear supporting grid. Thus, there is a need for improved filter apparatus which are collapsible, expandable, strong and which do not require the use of clips or a rear supporting grid. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides improved filter apparatus which meet the needs described above. The invention includes filter apparatus for removing air entrained particulates comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a periphery. A continuous frame extends around and attaches to the periphery of the filter whereby the filter media and attached frame together can be lengthwise collapsed. The invention also includes a filter apparatus comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a first end substantially parallel to a second end and a top substantially parallel to a bottom. The first and second ends each have an upper portion and a lower portion. The filter apparatus also has a frame for supporting the filter media. The frame has an upper frame member connecting the upper portion of the first end and the upper portion of the second end and spanning the top of the filter media. The frame has a lower frame member connecting the lower portion of the first end to the lower portion of the second end and spanning the bottom of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points located on the upper frame member and on the lower frame member such that the upper frame member and the lower frame member can be folded to collapse the filter media lengthwise between the first end and the second end. The invention further includes a filter apparatus configurable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The filter apparatus is a corrugated filter media for removing particulates from an airstream. The filter media has a periphery comprising a first end and a second end, the filter media being collapsible between the first and second ends. The filter apparatus includes a continuous frame for supporting the filter media extending around the periphery of the filter media and connecting to the first end and the second end of the filter media. The frame has a plurality of fold points at which the frame can be folded such that the frame together with the filter media are lengthwise collapsible, whereby an overall height of the filter apparatus in the collapsed state is not significantly greater than the overall height of the filter apparatus in an expanded state. It is therefore an general object of the present invention to provide improved filter apparatus. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in an expanded state. FIG. 2 is a sectional view along lines 2 — 2 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of the present invention shown in a collapsed state. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in a collapsed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, presently preferred embodiments of the invention and their operation are illustrated. Like reference numerals generally refer to like parts throughout the drawings and this description. Directional terms—specifically including but not limited to upper, lower, top, bottom, upstream, downstream, left and right—have been used throughout the specification and claims. These directional terms have been used solely for clarity in describing the application and do not limit the invention to any specific orientation. In other words, filter apparatus 10 of the present invention can be rotated about any of its axes and still function as intended. Referring to FIG. 1, the filter apparatus of the present invention is shown and designated generally by the numeral 10 . Apparatus 10 has a filter media 12 for removing particulates from a fluid flow such as an airstream. Filter media 12 is preferably a rectangular shaped, multi-ply media such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,337 to Erhard C. Andreae, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Alternately, filter media 12 is formed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,118 to Robert Andreae, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Referring to FIG. 1, filter media 12 has a periphery 14 . Periphery 14 includes a first end 16 which has an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 20 . Periphery 14 of filter media 12 also includes a second end 22 which is substantially parallel to first end 16 . Second end 22 has an upper portion 24 and a lower portion 26 . Periphery 14 of filter media 12 also has a top 28 substantially parallel to a bottom 30 . Opposite ends of top 28 connect with upper portion 18 of first end 16 and to upper portion 24 of second end 22 , respectively. Similarly, opposite ends of bottom 30 connect to lower portion 20 of first end 16 and to lower portion 26 of second end 22 , respectively. The junctions of ends 16 , 22 , top 28 and bottom 30 form four corners 32 at approximate right angles such that filter media 12 is substantially rectangular in shape. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, filter media 12 is preferably an accordion-type, multi-ply corrugated filter which separates particles from an airstream by inertia. More specifically, filter media 12 has a first media member or upstream wall 34 . First media member 34 has upstream folds 36 which are substantially parallel and extend from top 28 to bottom 30 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . First media member 34 also has downstream folds 38 which are substantially parallel and extend from top 28 to bottom 30 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . First media member 34 has walls 40 extending from top 28 to bottom 30 which are the portions of first media member 34 which separates upstream folds 36 and downstream folds 38 . First media member 34 has a plurality of apertures 42 disposed in first media member. Preferably, apertures 42 are circular, are located upon downstream folds 38 and are vertically and horizontally aligned as shown in FIG. 1 . Most preferably, apertures 42 are slightly offset on downstream folds 38 such that approximately 60% of an aperture 42 is positioned on one side of a downstream fold 38 and 40% of the aperture 42 is positioned on the other side of the downstream fold 38 . The offset nature of apertures 42 helps to create a swirling effect which increases the efficiency of removing particles from the airstream. Filter media 12 has a second media member or downstream wall 44 attached in complementary relationship with first media member 34 . Similar to the structure of first media member 34 , second media member 44 has upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 extending from top 28 to bottom 30 . Upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 are separated by walls 50 . Second media member 44 has holes 52 positioned on walls 50 of second media member 44 , i.e., located between upstream creases 46 and downstream creases 48 . As with apertures 42 of first media member 34 , holes 52 of second media member 44 are aligned vertically and horizontally. First media member 34 and second media member 44 are positioned in a complementary relationship with each other. Upstream folds 36 of first media member 34 are aligned with upstream creases 46 of second media member 44 . Similarly, downstream folds 38 of first media member 34 are aligned with downstream creases 48 of second media member 44 . First media member 34 of second media member 44 are attached by any suitable means including glue, staples and other bonding means. In a preferred embodiment, the front of upstream creases 46 of second media member 44 is glued to the back of upstream folds 36 of first media member 34 . In a preferred embodiment, walls 50 of second media member 44 are wider than walls 40 of first media member 34 such that V-shaped chambers 54 are created between first media member 34 and second media member 44 , i.e., between walls 40 of first media member 34 and walls 50 of second media member 44 . When first media member 34 and second media member 44 are attached, apertures 42 of first media member 34 are offset from holes 52 in second media member 44 . Most preferably, apertures 42 and holes 52 are offset in both vertical and horizontal directions. The offset orientation of apertures 42 and holes 52 creates a swirling effect on the particle ladened airstream such that the particles are deposited on the first and second media members 34 , 44 such that substantially clean free air exits through the rear of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, first media member 34 and second media member 44 are each formed of a single piece of two ply, 47 pound per msf (1000 square feet) paper board. In high moisture environments, 53 pound paper board forms first media member 34 and 47 pound paper board forms second media member 44 . However, many materials are suitable as the filter media of the present invention, specifically including but not limited to cardboard, fiber weave, mesh, polyester, fiberglass, aluminum and combinations thereof. In addition to first and second media members 34 , 44 , additional media members can be added, i.e., such as third and fourth media members to improve the efficiency of removing particles in the airstream. Any additional media members can also be formed of a variety of filter materials. In another alternate embodiment, first media member 34 is formed of paperboard as previously described and second media member 44 is formed of thin polyester material as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,118. Referring to FIG. 1, filter apparatus 10 has a frame 56 attached to periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Frame 56 has an upper frame member 58 connecting upper portion 18 of first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 to upper portion 24 of second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Similarly, frame 56 has a lower frame member 60 connecting the lower portion 20 of first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 to lower portion 26 of second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 span top 28 and bottom 30 , respectively, of periphery 14 of filter media 12 , but do not attach to top 28 or bottom 30 . Frame 56 also includes left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 . Ends of left frame member 62 connect to an end of upper frame member 58 and to an end of lower frame member 60 , respectively. Similarly, ends of right frame member 64 connect to an end of upper frame member 58 and to an end of lower frame member 60 , respectively. In an expanded or unfolded state as shown in FIG. 1, upper frame 58 is substantially parallel to lower frame member 60 . Similarly, left frame member 62 is substantially parallel to right frame member 64 such that frame 56 forms a rectangle. Left frame member 62 is attached to first end 16 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Similarly, right frame member 64 is attached to second end 22 of periphery 14 of filter media 12 . Attachment may be accomplished by any suitable means such as gluing, tacking, bonding, stapling, etc., but preferably is attached by glue. Preferably, frame members 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 are formed of a single piece of 200 pound per inch, B-fluted, corrugated double-face cardboard. Most preferably, frame members 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 form a continuous frame 56 . “Continuous” as used herein means an unbroken member; however, a broken member having a gap or splice 66 interposed between or connecting adjacent ends 68 of frame 56 is included within the definition of continuous as used herein. Most preferably, ends 68 of frame 56 overlap and are glued to form the “continuous” frame 56 . Overlapping ends 68 of frame 56 are preferably located either on upper frame member 58 or lower frame member 60 to create a stronger frame, as opposed to left or right frame member 62 , 64 . Moreover, the orientation of adjacent ends 68 proximately located and attached to filter media 12 is included within the definition of “continuous.” Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, frame 56 has a plurality of fold points 70 which enable frame 56 and attached filter media 12 together to be lengthwise collapsed, i.e., collapsed between left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 . A “fold point” is a predetermined location at which the frame can be folded to facilitate configuring or transitioning apparatus 10 between an expanded state and a collapsed state. Preferably, fold points 70 are weakened areas in the material of frame 56 . When frame 56 is formed of cardboard, fold points 70 may be created by scoring with a scoring head. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, fold points are positioned such that in the collapsed state each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame member 60 forms an L-shape. In this preferred embodiment, each upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 has four fold points. Upper frame member 58 has a first fold point 72 located at the junction between upper frame member 58 and right frame member 64 and a second fold point 74 located at the junction of left frame member 62 and upper frame member 58 . A third fold point 76 is spaced from first fold point a distance approximately equal to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 such that third fold point 76 is located adjacent the second fold point 74 in a collapsed state. A fourth fold point 78 is located approximately equidistant between second fold point 74 and third fold point 76 . First portion 80 of upper frame member 58 extends between first fold point 72 and third fold point 76 ; second portion 82 of upper frame member 58 extends between third fold point 76 and fourth fold point 78 ; third portion 84 of upper frame member 58 extends between second fold point 74 and fourth fold point 78 . Fold points 70 on lower frame member 60 are similarly located. Lower frame member 60 has a first fold point 72 ′ located at the junction between lower frame member 60 and left frame member 62 and a second fold point 74 ′ located at the junction of right frame member 64 and lower frame member 60 . A third fold point 76 ′ is spaced from first fold point a distance approximately equal to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 such that third fold point 76 ′ is located adjacent the second fold point 74 ′ in a collapsed state. A fourth fold point 78 ′ is located approximately equidistant between second fold point 74 ′ and third fold point 76 ′. First portion 80 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between first fold point 72 ′ and third fold point 76 ′; second portion 82 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between third fold point 76 ′ and fourth fold point 78 ′; third portion 84 ′ of lower frame member 60 extends between second fold point 74 ′ and fourth fold point 78 ′. In the collapsed state illustrated in FIG. 3, the overall height of filter apparatus 10 is not significantly greater than the overall height of the filter in the expanded state. In a preferred embodiment, the overall height of filter apparatus 10 is the same in both the collapsed and expanded states. First portion 80 , 80 ′ has a length approximately equivalent to the collapsed length of filter apparatus 10 . Second portion 82 , 82 ′ and third portion 84 , 84 ′ are approximately equidistant. Second portion 82 abuts third portion 84 which abuts left frame member 62 . Similarly, second portion 82 ′ abuts third portion 84 ′ which abuts right frame member 64 . Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate orientation of fold points 70 is illustrated. Each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame member 60 has six fold points such that in the collapsed state each the upper frame member 58 and the lower frame 60 forms a U-shape as illustrated in FIG. 4 . In operation, filter apparatus 10 is shipped and stored in a collapsed state as shown in FIG. 3 (or in the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 4 ). When ready for use, filter apparatus 10 is configured to an expanded state by pulling left frame member 62 and right frame member 64 in opposite directions, resulting in fold points 70 flexing, until upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 are approximately straight and parallel. The filter apparatus 10 is then placed in a modular frame fitted for the particular size of filter apparatus 10 . It is unnecessary to secure filter apparatus 10 to the modular frame of the paint booth with clips. It is also unnecessary to use a rear supporting grid since the accordion design of the filter media 12 prevents collapse between upper frame member 58 and lower frame member 60 . An airstream containing undesired particles such as paint particles is pulled toward filter apparatus 10 . The airstream passes through apertures 42 of first media member 34 and then through holes 52 of second media member 44 , with the particles being deposited in various locations of first media member 34 and second media member 44 . The filtered air may pass through one or more second stage filter systems—typically dense polyester weave filters—before the airstream, now substantially free of particles, passes through the exhaust of the filter unit into the environment. When filter apparatus 10 is full or loaded with particles, filter apparatus 10 is removed from the modular frame and may be collapsed by pushing left frame member 62 toward right frame member 58 . Filter apparatus 10 can then be suitably disposed of. Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for the purpose of the present disclosure, changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and the performance of steps can be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention provides a filter apparatus for removing air entrained particles comprising a collapsible filter media. The filter media has a periphery. A continuous frame extends around and attaches to the periphery of the filter media whereby the filter media and attached frame together can be lengthwise collapsed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/878,303, filed Aug. 20, 2013 (now allowed), which is a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Phase Application of PCT/US2011/055229, filed Oct. 7, 2011, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Ser. No. 201010506554.0, filed Oct. 9, 2010, and Chinese Patent Application Ser. No. 201010556506.2, filed Nov. 16, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This application relates to methods for the preparation of a synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredient, FV-100, (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahedrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride, a bicyclic nucleoside compound, useful in the treatment of herpes zoster (i.e., varicella zoster virus, VZV, shingles) and for the prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) resulting from this viral infection. The invention also relates to the methods for purification of FV-100 and the methods for transformation of polymorphic forms of FV-100. In addition the invention relates to novel compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of the active drug material. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, results from the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster virus). The virus may spread from one or more ganglia along nerves of an affected segment and infect the corresponding dermatome (an area of skin supplied by one spinal nerve) causing a painful rash. Although the rash usually heals within two to four weeks, some sufferers experience residual nerve pain for months or years, a condition called postherpetic neuralgia. [0004] Throughout the world the incidence rate of herpes zoster every year ranges from 1.2 to 3.4 cases per 1,000 healthy individuals, increasing to 3.9-11.8 per year per 1,000 individuals among those older than 65 years. In early clinical studies, the bicyclic nucleoside analogue FV-100 has proven to be the most potent antiviral available against this family of viruses. [0005] WO 2001/083501A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes certain nucleoside analogues with potent activity against Varicella Zoster virus (VZV), said nucleoside analogues having general Formula (I): [0000] wherein: Ar is an optionally substituted, aromatic ring system, the aromatic ring system comprising one six-membered aromatic ring or two fused six-membered aromatic rings; R 8 and R 9 are each independently selected form the group comprising hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogens, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro, cyano, alkyloxy, aryloxy, thiol, alkylthiol, arylthiol, aryl; Q is selected from the group comprising O, S, and CY 2 , where Y may be the same or different and is selected from H, alkyl and halogens; X is selected from the group comprising O, NH, S, N-alkyl, (CH 2 ) m , where m is 1 to 10, and CY 2 where Y may be the same or different and is selected from hydrogen, alkyl and halogens; Z is selected from the group comprising O, S, NH, and N-alkyl; U″ is H and U′ is selected from H and CH 2 T, or U′ and U″ are joined so as to form a ring moiety including Q wherein U′-U″ together is respectively selected from the group comprising CTH-CT′T″ and CT′=CT′, so as to provide ring moieties selected from the group comprising [0000] wherein T is selected from the group comprising OH, H, halogens, O-alkyl, O-acyl, O-aryl, CN, NR, and N 3 ; T′ is selected from the group comprising H and halogens and, where more than one T′ is present, they may be the same or different; T″ is selected from the group comprising H and halogens; and W is selected from the group comprising H, a phosphate group, and a phosphonate group and a pharmacologically acceptable salt, derivative, or pro-drug thereof; with the proviso that when T is OAc, and T′ and T″ are present and are H, Ar is not 4-(2-benzoxazolyl)phenyl. [0020] Compounds 1 and 2 below are particularly preferred compounds according to WO 2001/083501A1: [0000] [0021] WO 2007/129083 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses derivatives of Formula (II): [0000] wherein X is O, S, NH or CH 2 ; Y is O, S or NH; Z is O, S or CH 2 ; R′ is C 1-6 alkyl, preferably n-alkyl, e.g., n-pentyl or n-hexyl; one of R 2 and R 3 is H, and the other of R 3 and R 2 is a neutral, non-polar amino acid moiety; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof. [0028] Compounds 3 and 4 below are particularly preferred compounds according to WO 2007/129083 A1: [0000] [0029] WO 2007/129083 A1 also discloses a method of synthesizing a compound of Formula (II) comprising esterifying a compound of Formula (II): [0000] with a protected neutral, non-polar amino acid, wherein R 1 , X, Y and Z are as defined above for Formula (II). [0031] In the disclosed example for the preparation of Compound 3, the hydroxymethyl nucleoside precursor, Compound 1 is converted to the L-valine final product under conditions employing resin-bound triphenylphosphine and Fmoc-protected valine. Using resin bound reagent facilitates removal of the side product, triphenyl phosphine oxide by filtration, however, the high cost and large volumes required for resin-bound triphenylphosphine makes this method of preparation impractical for scale up purposes. Moreover, due to the poor selectivity between the primary and secondary hydroxyl groups, the bis-valine substituted byproduct can be significant, in which case isolation of sufficiently pure compound FV-100 would require purification by column chromatography. [0032] Methods of preparation that allow production of compounds of Formula (II) in practical yields, are adaptable to large scale preparation, and avoid costly reagents are therefore of value and useful. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0033] The present invention describes a novel process for the synthesis of a nucleoside amino acid ester of Formula (IV) [Formula (II) where X, Y and Z are O, R 2 is (R 4 R 5 CHCH(NH—OC(═O)—, and R 3 is H] from a compound of Formula (IIIa): [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1 -C 2 alkyl; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof. [0038] The present invention also describes novel processes for the synthesis of compounds of Formulae (V)-(VIII): [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1 -C 2 alkyl; and R 6 is Boc, Fmoc, or Cbz; R 10 is trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, and tert-butyldiphenylsilyl; R 11 is selected from C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkanoyl such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl; trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, and trifluoroacetyl optionally substituted aroyl such as halobenzoyl and nitrobenzoyl; optionally substituted benzyl; Cbz; and diphenylmethyl. [0052] The compound of Formula (IV) is useful in the treatment of patients infected with varicella zoster (shingles). The compounds of Formulae (V)-(VIII) are intermediates, useful for the preparation of the Formula (IV) compound. [0053] The present invention also describes a process for the purification of the hydrochloride salt of the compound of Formula (IV), where R 1 is n-pentyl and R 4 and R 5 are methyl, i.e., Compound 4 HCl salt, FV-100. [0054] In addition, the present invention also describes polymorphic forms (I and II) of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4, and a process for the transformation of polymorphic form (I) or a mixture of polymorphic forms (I and II) of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4 into its polymorphic form (II) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES [0055] FIG. 1 is the X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) pattern for a mixture of the two Polymorphic Forms [(I) and (II)] of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4. [0056] FIG. 2 is the X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) pattern for Polymorphic Form (1 of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4. [0057] FIG. 3 shows a comparison of peaks between the Mixture and Polymorph Form II DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0058] The invention is directed to process to synthesize 2-deoxynucleoside amino acid esters of Formula (IV) from the compound of Formula (IIIa): [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1-2 alkyl; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof; comprising the steps of (1) protection of the primary hydroxyl group in the compound of Formula (IIIa) to form a first intermediate compound of Formula (V); (2) protection of the secondary hydroxyl group in the intermediate compound of Formula (V) to form a second intermediate compound of Formula (VI); (3) deprotection of primary hydroxyl group in the said second intermediate of Formula (VI) to form a third intermediate of Formula (VII); (4) esterification of primary hydroxyl group in the said third intermediate of Formula (VII) with a protected amino acid to form a fourth intermediate of Formula (VIII); (5) deprotection of secondary hydroxyl group and amino acid group in the said fourth intermediate of Formula (VIII) to form the compound Formula (IV), and (6) optionally conversion the said compound of Formula (IV) to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof. [0070] The process is illustrated in the flow diagram of Scheme 1 below. As shown in Scheme 1, the process includes the multiple steps in converting the starting material, nucleoside of Formula (IIIa), to the finished product of Formula (IV). [0000] [0071] Scheme 1 illustrates the process of this invention as employed to synthesize compounds of Formula (IV) As shown, the starting material is the nucleoside of Formula (IIIa), prepared as described in the WO 2001/083/501 A1 (see Example 3, page 15). [0072] Step one of the process is the reaction of the Formula (IIIa) compound with a reagent of Formula R 10 X, i.e., protection of the primary hydroxyl group with a first protecting group R 10 , in the presence of a base, to produce the intermediate of Formula (V), wherein R 10 represents a suitable protecting group of the primary hydroxyl moiety, X is a leaving group such as a halo or tosyl, an optionally substituted arylsulfonyl or an C 1 -C 6 alkylsulfonyl group, and R 1 is as defined above. The term “leaving group” is contemplated in general to include any group capable of forming a leaving group, and any molecular group in which X will leave with a pair of electrons following a heterolytic bond cleavage, and will include both anions and neutral molecules. In addition to halo and the corresponding anionic (halide) groups such as Cl − , Br − , I − , etc.; and sulfonate groups such as methanesulfonate or “mesylate”, para-toluenesulfonate or “tosylate” (TsO − ), benzenesulfonate, para-bromobenzenesulfonate or “brosylate” (BsO − ), or 4-nitrobenzenesulfonate or “nosylate” (NsO − ) groups; other suitable leaving groups may include water (H 2 O), ammonia (NH 3 ), and alcohols (ROH). [0073] Suitable R 10 protecting groups are those which can be introduced selectively to the primary hydroxyl group with minimal or no concurrent reaction with secondary hydroxyl group present in the Formula (IIIa) compound, and which can be cleaved under non-basic condition or catalytic hydrogenation, For example, suitable R 10 groups include trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, bulky silyl groups such as tert-butyldimethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl and tert-butyldiphenylsilyl and others well known in the art of organic synthesis. [0074] Suitable bases include pyridine, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, DMAP, imidazole and the like. [0075] The reaction may optionally be carried out in a suitable inert solvent or the base itself, e.g., pyridine, which can serve as the solvent. Suitable inert solvents include dichloromethane and the like. [0076] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient temperature (room temperature). [0077] Step two of the process is the reaction of the Formula (V) intermediate with a reagent of Formula R 11 X, i.e., protection of the secondary hydroxyl group by a group R 11 , in the optional presence of a suitable base, to produce the intermediate of Formula (VI), wherein R 11 represents a suitable protecting group of the secondary hydroxyl moiety, X is a leaving group such as halo or tosyl, and R 1 is as defined above, to produce the intermediate of Formula (VI). [0078] Suitable protecting groups are those that can easily be cleaved under neutral to mildly basic conditions, mercaptans, or by catalytic hydrogenation. R 11 groups suitable for the secondary hydroxyl protection that are cleaved under neutral to mildly basic conditions include alkyl esters such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkyl esters such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl; trifluoroacetyl; substituted or non substituted aromatic esters such as halogen or nitro-substituted benzoyl. R 11 groups suitable for the secondary hydroxyl protection that are cleaved by catalytic hydrogenation (hydrogenolysis) include benzyl, Cbz, diphenylmethyl and the like, well known in the art of organic synthesis. [0079] Suitable bases include pyridine, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, DMAP and the like. [0080] The reaction may optionally be carried out in a suitable inert solvent or the base itself, e.g., pyridine, which can serve as the solvent. Suitable inert solvents include dichloromethane and the like. [0081] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient temperature (room temperature). [0082] The intermediate compound of Formula (VI) may be isolated, or may be used directly in following steps without isolation or purification. [0083] Step three of the process is the reaction (selective deprotection) of the intermediate of Formula (VI) under either acidic conditions or in the presence of a fluoride-containing reagent to produce to the intermediate of Formula (VII) where R 1 and R 11 are as defined above. [0084] Depending on the nature of the protecting group, deprotection can be accomplished under various conditions. When the R 10 group is trityl or 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl and the like, deprotection can be carried out under acid conditions. Suitable acids useful to produce the acidic conditions are, for example, an organic acid such as acetic acid, trichloroacetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), or a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid and the like. When the R 10 group is a bulky silyl group such as tert-butyldimethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl and the like, deprotection can be carried out with a fluoride-containing reagent such as sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, or tetra-butylammonium fluoride. [0085] The process can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or water, DMF, THF. and the like or the organic acid itself can act as the solvent. [0086] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 60° C., preferably from about 30 to about 35° C. [0087] The intermediate compound of Formula (VII) may be isolated, or may be used directly in following steps without isolation or purification. [0088] Step four of the process is the esterification of primary hydroxyl group in intermediate of Formula (VII) with a protected amino acid of Formula (X), optionally in the presence of a coupling (dehydrating) agent and a base, to form the intermediate compound of Formula (VIII), where R 4 and R 5 are independently H or C 1-2 alkyl; R 6 represents an amino acid protecting group selected from Boc, Fmoc, or Cbz; and R 1 and R 11 are as described above. [0000] [0089] Suitable coupling (dehydrating) agents include dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) EDC, CDI, HOBT, PPh 3 /Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD), PPh 3 /Diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD) and the like. Suitable bases include DMAP and the like. Suitable solvents are non-protic polar solvents such as THF and the like. [0090] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient (room) temperature. [0091] Step five of the process is the deprotection of secondary hydroxyl protecting group R 11 and amino acid protecting group (R 6 ) in the intermediate of Formula (VIII), to provide the compound Formula (IV). Deprotection of the R 11 and R 6 groups can be accomplished using a suitable mild base and/or thio reagents, or combinations of bases and thio reagents thereof. Suitable mild bases useful in this step are bases such as pyrrole, piperidine, morpholine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and sodium carbonate; suitable thio reagents are thiourea and mercaptans such as ethyl mercaptan, [0092] Alternatively, deprotection of the R 11 protecting group may be accomplished by mild bases or by catalytic hydrogenation (hydrogenolysis) for the deprotection of optionally substituted benzyl protecting groups. [0093] The deprotection of the R 11 can be conducted first, and the intermediate of Formula (IX) may optionally be isolated. Alternatively, the deprotection of both the R 11 and R 6 groups can be conducted without isolation of intermediates, to provide the compound of Formula (IV) directly. [0094] The basic deprotection reaction is carried out in a suitable inert solvent or the base itself, e.g., pyridine, which can serve as the solvent. Suitable inert solvents include dichloromethane and the like. [0095] Suitable catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation include platinum, nickel, rhodium or palladium catalysts such as Raney Ni, Pd on C, Pt on C, Rh—C, Rh/Al 2 O 3 , and Pt 2 O. [0096] The hydrogenolysis deprotection reaction may be carried out in a suitable solvent such as protic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, formic acid and acetic acid, or inert solvents such as DMF(N,N-dimethylformamide), NMP(N-methylpyrrolidine), DMAC(N,N-dimethylacetamide), DMSO THF, 2-Me-THF, ethyl acetate, etc, or combination of the above. [0097] The optional conversion of the compound of Formula (IV) to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is accomplished by introducing an acid under anhydrous conditions, e.g., gaseous HCl into a solution of the compound of Formula (IV), or by addition of a solution of HCl in an organic solvent such as isopropanol (IPA), ethanol, or ethyl acetate (EA). [0098] Recrystallization of the product of Formula (IV) obtained by the above processes can be carried under a variety of conditions described in the experimental section, using suitable solvents such as methanol, dichloromethane, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or mixtures thereof, in order to obtain purified product. [0099] The above process is not necessarily carried out step by step. For example, the conversion of compound of Formula (IIIa) to the compound of Formula (VII), and likewise, the conversion of the compound of Formula (VII) to the compound of Formula (IV), each can be optionally and independently combined into one-pot procedures, thus reducing the number of separation operations. [0100] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the synthesis of a compound of Formula (V) from the compound of Formula (IIIa): [0000] comprising the reaction of the primary hydroxyl group in said Formula (IIIa) compound with a reagent R 10 X in the optional presence of a suitable base, wherein R 10 is trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl; X is a leaving group such as halo, tosyl and the like; and R 1 is as defined above. [0106] Suitable bases include pyridine, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, DMAP, imidazole and the like. [0107] The reaction may optionally be carried out in a suitable inert solvent or the base itself, e.g., pyridine, which can serve as the solvent. Suitable inert solvents include dichloromethane and the like. [0108] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient temperature (room temperature). [0109] The intermediate compound of Formula (V) may be isolated, or may be used directly in following steps with out isolation or purification. [0110] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the synthesis of the compound of Formula (VI) from the compound of Formula (V): [0000] comprising reaction of the Formula (X) compound with a reagent R 11 X in the optional presence of a base, wherein R 11 is selected from C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkanoyl such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, and trifluoroacetyl; optionally substituted aroyl such as halobenzoyl and nitrobenzoyl; optionally substituted benzyl; Cbz and diphenylmethyl; X is a leaving group, such as halo, tosyl and the like; and R 1 and R 10 are as defined above. [0121] Suitable bases include pyridine, tertiary amines such as triethylamine, DMAP, and the like. [0122] The reaction may optionally be carried out in a suitable inert solvent such as dichloromethane and the like. [0123] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient temperature (room temperature) [0124] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the synthesis of the compound of Formula (VII) from the compound of Formula (VI): [0000] comprising reaction of the Formula (VI) compound under deprotection conditions wherein R 1 , R 10 , and R 11 are as defined above. [0128] Deprotection of the R 10 group may be accomplished under acidic conditions, when R 10 is trityl or 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl. Acids useful to produce the acidic conditions are, for example, an organic acid such as acetic acid, trichloroacetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), or a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid and the like. When R 10 is a bulky silyl group, deprotection may be accomplished using a fluoride-containing reagent in a suitable solvent. Suitable fluoride-containing reagents include sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride. [0129] The process can be carried out in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or water, DMF, THF. and the like or the organic acid itself can act as the solvent. [0130] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 60 (V, preferably from about 30 to about 35° C. [0131] Deprotection of the R 10 group, when R 10 is a bulky silyl group, may be also accomplished under acidic conditions. Acids is useful to produce the acidic conditions are, for example, an organic acid such as trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), trifluorosulfonic acid or a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid and the like. Or, the deprotection may be accomplished using a fluoride-containing reagent in a suitable solvent. Suitable fluoride-containing reagents include sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride. Suitable solvents include ethanol, DMF, THF. and the like. [0132] The intermediate compound of Formula (VII) may be isolated, or may be used directly in following steps without isolation or purification. [0133] In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the synthesis of the compound of Formula (VIII) from the compound of Formula (VII): [0000] comprising the esterification of primary hydroxyl group in intermediate of Formula (VII) with a protected amino acid of Formula (X), optionally in the presence of a coupling (dehydrating) agent and a base, to form the intermediate compound of Formula (VIII), wherein R 4 and R 5 are independently H or C 1 -C 2 alkyl; R 6 represents an amino acid protecting group selected from Boc, Fmoc, and Cbz; and R 1 and R 11 are as described above. [0139] Suitable protecting groups include Boc (butyloxycarbonyl, also referred to as t-Boc, or tert-butyloxycarbonyl), Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) and Cbz (carboxybenzyl) or other conventional protecting groups well known in the art. Suitable coupling (dehydrating) agents include dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), EDC, CDI, HOBT, PPh 3 /DEAD, PPh 3 /DIAD and the like. Suitable bases include DMAP and the like. Suitable solvents are non-protic polar solvents such as THF and the like. [0140] The process is carried out at a temperature sufficient to promote reaction, generally from about 0° C. to about 50° C., preferably at ambient (room) temperature. [0141] In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the synthesis of the compound of Formula (IX) from the compound of Formula (VIII): [0000] comprising the deprotection of the secondary hydroxyl group R 11 and amino acid protecting group (R 6 ) present in the intermediate of Formula (VIII), to provide the compound Formula (IV), wherein R 1 , R 4 , R 5 and R 11 are as described above. [0145] Deprotection of the R 6 moiety and the R 11 group, when is R 11 is C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl, halogen substituted alkanoyl, or optionally substituted aroyl, is facilitated by a suitable mild base, and/or thin reagent. [0146] When R 11 is optionally substituted benzyl, Cbz or diphenylmethyl, deprotection is accomplished by catalytic hydrogenation. [0147] Suitable mild bases useful in this step are bases such as pyrrole, piperidine, morpholine, DBU, sodium carbonate; thio reagents, such as thiourea, mercaptans, or combinations thereof. [0148] Suitable catalysts for catalytic hydrogenation include platinum, nickel, Rhodium or palladium catalysts such as Raney Ni, Pd on C, Pt on C, Rh—C, Rh/Al 2 O 3 , and Pt 2 O. [0149] The hydrogenolysis deprotection reaction may be carried out in a suitable solvent such as protic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, formic acid and acetic acid, or inert solvents such as DMF(N,N-dimethylformamide), NMP(N-methylpyrrolidine), DMAC(N,N-dimethylacetamide), DMSO THF, 2-Me-THF, ethyl acetate, etc, or combination of the above. The reaction may be carried out under hydrogen pressures of 15 to 500 psi using standard apparatus (e.g., a Parr Shaker). [0150] The deprotection of the R 11 can be carried out first, and the intermediate of Formula (IX) may optionally be isolated. Alternatively, the deprotection of both the R 11 and R 6 groups can be conducted simultaneously or in sequence without isolation of any intermediates, to provide the compound of Formula (IV) directly. [0151] Detailed process steps and reagents, as well as preferred reaction conditions may be found in the specific examples, infra. [0152] An embodiment of the invention is the process as described above for the synthesis of the Formula (IV), where R 1 is n-pentyl and R 4 and R 5 are methyl, i.e., Compound 4 and its hydrochloride salt, FV-100. [0000] [0153] Further embodiments of the invention are the processes for the synthesis of novel intermediate compounds (Compounds 5-10) from which FV-100 is thereby produced. [0154] Further aspects of the invention are directed to novel intermediates of Formulae (V)-(VIII). These are described as follows: [0155] One embodiment of this aspect is the compound of Formula (V) [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; and R 10 is trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, diphenylmethylsilyl or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl. [0159] Another embodiment of this aspect is the compound of Formula (VI) [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 10 is trityl, 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl; and R 11 is selected from C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkanoyl such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, and trifluoroacetyl; optionally substituted aroyl such as halobenzoyl and nitrobenzoyl; optionally substituted benzyl; Cbz; and diphenylmethyl. [0170] In yet another embodiment of this aspect is the compound of Formula (VII) [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; and R 11 is selected from C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkanoyl such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, and trifluoroacetyl; optionally substituted aroyl such as halobenzoyl and nitrobenzoyl; optionally substituted benzyl; Cbz; and diphenylmethyl. [0180] In yet another embodiment of this aspect is the compound of Formula (VIII) [0000] wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1-2 alkyl; R 11 is selected from C 1 -C 6 alkanoyl such as acetyl; halogen substituted alkanoyl such as chloroacetyl, dichloroacetyl, trichloroacetyl, bromoacetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, and trifluoroacetyl; optionally substituted aroyl such as halobenzoyl and nitrobenzoyl; optionally substituted benzyl; Cbz; and diphenylmethyl; and R 6 is an amino acid protecting group selected from Boc, Fmoc, and Cbz. [0192] A further embodiments of this aspect of the invention is a novel intermediate compound selected from Compounds 5-10: [0000] [0193] In Compounds 5-10, Tr represents trityl(triphenylmethyl); [0000] DMTr represents 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl[bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methyl]; and Fmoc represents 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl. [0194] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for the purification of the hydrochloride salt of the compound of Formula (IV), where R 1 is n-pentyl and R 4 and R 5 are methyl, i.e., Compound 4 HCl salt, FV-100, comprising the steps of 1) dissolving the crude Compound 4 hydrochloride salt in a suitable solvent to form a solution; 2) adding sufficient anti-solvent to the solution to effect formation of a solid precipitate; and 3) isolating the solid precipitate. [0198] The precipitated solid isolated in step 3 is a purified form of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4. [0199] Suitable solvents for dissolving the crude compound of Formula (IV) is selected from, but not limited to aprotic polar solvents, protic solvents or mixture thereof, such as DMSO, DMF, NMP, methanol/DCM, DMF/DCM, DMSO/DCM, THF/H 2 O, methanol/DCM/MTBE mixed solvents and the like. [0200] An anti-solvent is a solvent in which the Compound 4 does not readily dissolve. For this purification, the anti-solvent is selected from, but not limited to less polar solvents such as alkanes, haloalkanes, ethers, esters, alcohols, and the like. [0201] The present invention also describes polymorphic forms (I and II) of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4, and a process for the transformation of polymorphic form (I) or a mixture of polymorphic forms (I and II) of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4 into its polymorphic form (II), comprising the steps of [0202] 1. allowing the solid polymorphic form (I) or the mixture of polymorphic forms (I and II) of the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4 to age in a suitable solvent or solvent mixture for a sufficient period of time; and [0203] 2. isolating the resulting solids from the solvent. [0204] The resulting solids isolated in step 2 is the hydrochloride salt of Compound 4, polymorphic form (II). [0205] The process can be carried out with or without agitation, in the optional presence of a base. [0206] The suitable solvent or solvent mixtures for this process include water or mixture of water and organic solvent, such as water/acetonitrile and the like. [0207] The base can be an organic or inorganic base selected from, but not limited to sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or other in-organic bases; triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, piperidine or other organic bases. The amount of base used can vary from none to an amount sufficient to neutralize any excess acid (e.g., HCl) present in the starting material to be transformed by the process. Preferable amounts of base are from about 0.0 to about 0.1 equivalents per equivalent of starting material. [0208] Preferably, but not exclusively, the aging can be carried out at temperatures at about or below about 100° C. [0209] The time for the aging in step 1 is determined to be sufficient when a sample is removed from the mixture and analyzed for completeness of the transformation. Among the preferred times that are sufficient are from about 2 hours to about 4 days. DEFINITIONS [0210] The term “alkyl”, by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a straight or branched chain radical, which may be fully saturated, mono-or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multivalent radicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (e.g., C1-C10 means one to ten carbons). Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicals include, but are not limited to, groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, t-butyl, sec-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, and n-octyl. [0211] The terms “halo” or “halogen”, by themselves or as part of another substituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine atom. [0212] The term “aryl” mean, unless otherwise stated, a substituted or unsubstituted polyunsaturated, aromatic, hydrocarbon substituent, which can be a single ring, or multiple rings (preferably from 1 to 3 rings), which are fused together or linked covalently. [0213] The term “alkanoyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated an alkyl-C(═O)— group where the point of attachment of the group to the rest of the molecule as on the carbon atom bearing the carbonyl (═O) moiety. The alkyl group may be optionally substituted. Such group include acetyl [CH 3 C(C═O)—], chloroacetyl ClCH 2 C(C═O)—] propanoyl [CH 3 CH 2 (C═O)—], isobutanoyl [(CH 3 ) 2 CH(C═O)—], hexanoyl [CH 3 (CH 2 ) 3 CH 2 (C═O)—], and the like. [0214] The term “aroyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated an aryl-C(═O)— group where the point of attachment of the group to the rest of the molecule as on the carbon atom bearing the carbonyl (═O) moiety. The aryl group may be optionally substituted. Such groups include benzoyl, 4-chlorobenzoyl, naphthoyl and the like. [0215] The term “acyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, means ether aroyl or alkanoyl as defined above. [0216] The term “bulky silyl group” means a silyl group in which is substituted one or more times the remaining three positions with alkyl groups, particularly branched alkyl groups. Such groups include tert-butyldimethylsilyl [(Me) 2 (t-Bu)Si—], diphenylmethylsilyl [(Ph) 2 (Me)Si—], and tert-butyldiphenylsilyl [(Ph) 2 (t-Bu)Si—]. [0217] The term “non-polar amino acid” means a neutral amino acid of Formula (XI): [0000] in which R 4 and R 5 are each independently H or C 1-2 alkyl. [0219] Each compound of the present invention may be a pure stereoisomer coupled at each of its chiral centers or may be inverted at one or more of its chiral centers I may be a single stereoisomer or a mixture of two or more stereoisomers. If it is a mixture the ratio may or may not be equimolar. Preferably the compound is a single stereoisomer. The compound may be in either enantiomeric form, i.e., it may be either the D or L (alternately designated R or S) enantiomer either as a single stereoisomer or as a mixture of the two enantiomers. More preferably the compounds have a stereochemistry resembling natural deoxy nucleosides derived from β-D-2-deoxyribose. However other enantiomers, particularly the L enantiomers may be employed. [0220] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound, which salts are derived from a variety of organic and inorganic counter ions well known in the art and include, by way of example only, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, tetraalkylammonium, and the like; and when the molecule contains a basic functionality, salts of organic or inorganic acids, such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, tartrate, mesylate, acetate, maleate, oxalate and the like. [0221] The term “polymorphs” refers to any polymorphic forms that can exist in compounds described herein, as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As known in the art, polymorphism is an ability of a compound to crystallize as more than one distinct crystalline or “polymorphic” species. The importance of polymorphs in the pharmaceutical industry and general methods and techniques for obtaining polymorphs, such as slurrying, re-slurrying and aging (ripening), are described in the review article, “Crystal Polymorphism in Chemical Process Development”, Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Vol. 2: 259-280 (July 2011), incorporated by reference herein. A “polymorph” is a solid crystalline phase of a compound with at least two different arrangements or polymorphic forms of that compound molecule in the solid state. Polymorphic forms of any given compound are defined by the same chemical formula or composition and are as distinct in chemical structure as crystalline structures of two different chemical compounds. Polymorphs can be characterized by distinct physical properties, such as X-Ray Powder Diffraction (or XRPD) patterns. ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS [0222] [0000] Ac acetyl atm atmosphere Boc butyloxycarbonyl Cbz carboxybenzyl CbzCl benzyl chloroformate CDCl 3 deuterochloroform CDI 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole d doublet (NMR) DCC dicyclohexylcarbodiimide DCM dichloromethane DBU 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene dd doublet of doublets(NMR) DEAD diethyl azodicarboxylate DIAD diisopropyl azodicarboxylate DMAP 4-methylaminopyridine DMSO dimethylsulfoxide DMSO-d 6 hexadeuterodimethylsulfoxide DMT-Cl 4.4′-dimethoxytrityl chloride DMTr 4.4′-dimethoxytrilyl EA ethyl acetate EDC 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyllaminopropyl) carbodiimide ESI-MS Electrospray ionization Mass Spectrometry Et ethyl Fmoc 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl g gram(s) 1 H NMR proton nuclear resonance spectroscopy h hour(s) HOAc acetic acid HOBT 1-hydroxybenzotriazole Hz hertz IPA isopropanol J coupling constant (NMR) kg kilogram L liter(s) m multiplet (NMR) Me methyl MHz megahertz mL milliliter mmol millimole mol mol mp melting point MTBE methyl tert-butyl ether NMP N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone PHN post herpetic neuralgia Pr propyl R f retention factor (TLC) rt room temperature s singlet t triplet TBAF tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride TFA trifluoroacetic acid THF tetrahydrofuran TLC thin layer chromatography tosyl p-toluenesulfonyl Tr trityl (triphenylmethyl) VZV varicella zoster virus XRPD X-ray powder diffraction EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES [0223] The specific examples herein described are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise reagents, reaction steps or conditions disclosed. They have been chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention, and its application and practical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to understand its teachings. [0224] General Methods [0225] Proton NMR ( 1 H NMR) spectra were recorded on a Varian Mercury spectrometer at 400 MHz, using tetramethylsilane as an internal standard. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in parts per million (ppm) and the coupling constants (J) are given in hertz. Signal splitting patterns are described as singlet (s), doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), broad signal (br), doublet of doublet (dd), doublet of triplet (dt), or multiplet (m). [0226] Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was carried out on silica gel GF254. [0227] Melting points (mp) were determined using an XT4A digital melting point apparatus. [0228] Optical rotations were determined by SOW-1 automatic polarimeter and expressed as [α] D 20 . [0229] Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectra (ESI-MS) were obtained on an Agilent 1100 LC/MSD instrument. [0230] The following non-limiting specific examples illustrate embodiments of the invention. Example 1 Preparation of 3-((2R,4S,5R)-5-(Triphenylmethoxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one [0231] [0232] A 5 L 3-neck flask was charged with 500 g (1.25 mol) of 3-((2R,4S,5R)-(4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, and 2500 mL of pyridine. The mixture was stirred and to it at rt was added dropwise 508 g (1.5 mmol) trityl chloride dissolved in 120 mL of dichloromethane solution. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 3-5 h at rt. The mixture was then quenched with 50 mL of water. The mixture was concentrated to dryness. The residue was redissolved with 5000 mL of dichloromethane. The organic solution was washed with brine, concentrated and used directly in the next step. Example 2 Preparation of 3-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((bis(4-Methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one [0233] [0234] A 50 L reactor was charged with 2.8 kg (7.03 mol) of 3-((2R,4S,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 2.8 kg (35.4 mol) of pyridine and 22.4 kg of dichloromethane. The mixture was stirred and to it was added 2.86 kg (8.44 mol) 4,4′-dimethoxyltritylchloride (DMT-Cl) in 14.9 kg dichloromethane at room temperature (rt). After addition, the mixture was stirred for 0.5 h at rt. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was washed with brine. The filtrate contained the desired product which was used directly in the next step. [0235] Analysis was carried out on an isolated sample: [0236] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H) 7.60 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.23 (m, 9H), 6.92-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 6.14 (dd, J=6.6 Hz, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (m, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.42-3.29 (m, 2H), 2.82 (dd, J=14.2 Hz, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.48-2.25 (m, 2H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.33-1.06 (m, 4H), 1.07 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H) Example 3 Preparation of 3-((2R,4S,5R)-(5-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one [0237] [0238] To a 25 mL flask was added 398 mg (1.0 mmol) of 3-((2R,4S,5R)(4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 450 mg (3.0 mmol) of tert-butyldimethylsilylchloride, 204 mg (3.0 mmol) of imidazole and 5 mL of DMF. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h and monitored by TLC [0239] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=1:1; 3-((2R,4S,5R)-(4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one R f =0; 3-((2R,4S,5R)-(5-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one R f =0.25 [0240] The mixture was poured into water. The solution was extracted by EtOAc. The organic layer was washed by water twice, dried by Na 2 SO 4 and concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatograph (eluant: from petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=1:1 to ethyl acetate) to afford product 394 mg as white solid, 77% yield. [0241] A sample was analyzed by 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.72 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 6.46 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.52-4.49 (m, 1H), 4.23 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (dd, J=12 Hz, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (dd, J=12 Hz, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.62 (bs, 1H), 2.87-2.82 (m, 1H), 2.61 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.24-2.17 (m, 1H), 1.64-1.58 (m, 2H), 1.35-1.28 (m, 4H), 0.90 (s, 12H), 0.14 (s, 3H), 0.10 (s, 3H). Example 4 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate [0242] [0243] To the above filtrate from Example 2 was added 1.99 kg (16.29 mol) of N,N′-dimethylpyridine (DMAP), and 1.83 kg (16.29 mol) chloroacetyl chloride at rt. The reaction mixture was stirred until completion of reaction as monitored by TLC: [0244] TLC eluant:DCM/methanol=15:1 3-((2R,4S,5R)-5-((bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one R f =0.32; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.75. [0245] The mixture was concentrated to about ¼ of the original volume. The residue containing the desired product was used directly in the next step. [0246] A sample was analyzed by 1 H NMR: (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.23 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.83 (m, 4H), 6.46 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H), 5.83 (s, 1H), 5.59-5.56 (m, 1H), 4.31 (dd, J=6.2 Hz, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.58-3.49 (m, 2H), 2.94-2.88 (m, 1H), 2.64 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.51-2.46 (m, 1H), 1.67-1.59 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.25 (m, 4H), 0.89 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H) Example 5 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl 2-chloroacetate [0247] [0248] To a 25 mL flask was added 102 mg (0.2 mmol) of 3-(5-((tert-butyldimethyl silyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 48 mg (0.4 mmol) of DMAP, and 5 mL of DCM. 30 μl (0.4 mmol) of chloroacetyl chloride was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at rt for 1 h. [0249] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=1:1; 3-((2R,4S,5R5-((tet-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one R f =0.10; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl 2-chloroacetate R f =0.40. [0250] The solution was concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatograph (eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate from 3:1 to 2:1) to afford product 70 mg as white solid, 60% yield. [0251] A sample was analyzed by 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.58 (s, 1H), 6.46 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 5.36 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (s, 2H), 4.03 (dd, J=11.6 Hz, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (dd, J=12 Hz, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 2.96-2.91 (m, 1H), 2.63 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.21-2.14 (m, 1H), 1.67-1.59 (m, 3H), 1.35-1.31 (m, 3H), 1.24 (s, 3H), 0.89 (s, 9H), 0.14 (s, 3H), 0.12 (s, 3H). Example 6 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl Benzyl Carbonate [0252] [0253] To a 25 ml, flask was added 256 mg (0.5 mmol) of 3-(5-((tert-butyldimethyl silyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentyl phen yl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one, 488 mg (4.0 mmol) of DMAP, and 10 mL of DCM. 0.57 mL (4.0 mmol) of CbzCl was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at rt for 6 h. [0254] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=2:1; 3-((2R,4S,5R)-(5-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-4-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one R f =0.10; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylbenzyl carbonate R f =0.50. [0255] The solution was concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=3:1) to afford 258 mg product as white solid, 80% yield. [0256] A sample was analyzed by 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.25 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.57 (s, 1H), 6.43 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 4.35 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 2.96-2.91 (m, 1H), 2.63 (t, 0.1=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.21-2.17 (m, 1H), 1.66-1.61 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.30 (m, 4H), 0.89 (s, 12 II), 0.13 (s, 3H), 0.10 (s, 3H). Example 7 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate [0257] [0258] To the residue from Example 4 was added 17.3 kg (288.5 mol) of acetic acid. Under stirring, 4.3 kg of water was added and the mixture was stirred at 30-35° C. for 4-6 h. [0259] The reaction mixture was stirred until completion of reaction as monitored by TLC. [0260] TLC: eluant:DCM/ethyl acetate=2:1; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methoxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.76; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.38). [0261] The mixture was filtered and the filter cake was washed with 40 mL of dichloromethane 3 times to give the desired product. [0262] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H); 7.24 (s, 1H), 6.24 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H), 5.35 (d, J=6 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (d, J=2 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 3.73-3.68 (m, 2H), 2.67-2.60 (m, 3H), 2.51-2.31 (m, 1H), 1.590 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.26 (m, 4H), 0.87 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H) Example 8 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)2-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate [0263] [0264] The residue from Example 4 (13 g, 16.7 mmol) was dissolved in 45 mL of 5% of trifluoroacetic acid/dichloromethane solution. The mixture was stirred for 2 h at rt. Triethylamine (4.5 mL) was added to neutralize to pH=7. The mixture was filtered to give the desired compound. Example 9 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)2-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate [0265] [0266] To a 10 mL flask was added 40 mg (0.2 mmol) of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylbenzyl carbonate, 2 mL of EtOAc, 2 mL of EtOH and 0.5 mL of 37% aqueous HCl. [0267] The mixture was stirred at rt for about 0.5 h until completion of reaction as monitored by TLC: [0268] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/THF=2:1; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylbenzyl carbonate R f =0.80; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)2-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.30. [0269] The precipitate was filtered and washed with 2 mL of DCM to afford 20 mg of product as white solid. Example 10 Preparation of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-Oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl Benzyl Carbonate [0270] [0271] To a 10 mL flask was added 20 mg (0.2 mmol) of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl benzyl carbonate, 2 mL of EtOAc, 2 mL of EtOH and 0.5 mL of 37% aqueous HCl. The mixture was stirred at rt for 0.5 h. [0272] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/THF=2:1; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl benzyl carbonate R f =0.80 (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl benzyl carbonate R f =0.30. [0273] The precipitate was filtered and washed by water to afford product 14 mg as white solid, 80% yield. [0274] The structure of an isolated sample was confirmed by proton NMR: [0275] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, d 4 -MeOH): δ 8.88 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.41-7.34 (m, 5H), 7.30 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.34 (t, =6.0 Hz, 1H), 5.26 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 4.34 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 2.85-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.66 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.38-2.31 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.61 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.30 (m, 4H). Example 11 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-Chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate [0276] [0277] To a 250 mL 3-necked flask was added 14 g (29.5 mmol) of 2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate, 13.8 g (40.7 mmol) of Fmoc-L-valine, 9.09 g (44 mmol) of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodimide (DCC), 0.108 g (0.88 mmol) of DMAP and 70 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred at rt until completion of reaction, as monitored by TLC (approximately 2 h), and was then filtered. [0278] TLC: eluant:DCM/ethyl acetate=2:1; 2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.38; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-4(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.75. [0279] The filter cake was washed with 30 ml, of dichloromethane. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue contained the desired product which was used directly in the next step (Example 14). [0280] The structure of an isolated sample was confirmed by proton NMR: [0281] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ 8.25 (s, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.56-7.52 (m, 4H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 3H), 7.12 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 6.42-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.37 (d, J=6.8, 1H), 5.29-5.27 (m, 1H), 4.68 (d, J=10.4 Hz, 1H), 4.45=4.37 (m, 4H), 4.23-4.16 (m, 2H), 4.13 (s, 1H), 3.00-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.60 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.21-2.12 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.59 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.33 (m, 4H), 1.00-0.97 (m, 6H), 0.90 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H) Example 12 (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-Chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-1((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate [0282] [0283] To 50 L reactor was added 2.6 kg (5.47 mol) of 2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate, 2.56 kg (7.54 mol) of Fmoc-L-valine, 1.69 kg (8.19 mol) of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodimide (DCC), 20 g (0.16 mol) of DMAP and 9.9 kg of THF. The mixture was stirred at rt until completion of reaction as monitored by TLC, (approximately 2 h), and was then filtered. [0284] TLC: eluant:DCM/ethyl acetate=2:1; 2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-2-chloroacetate R f =0.38; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.75. [0285] The filter cake was washed with 7.4 kg of dichloromethane. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue contains the desired product which was used directly in the next step (Example 15). Example 13 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(Benzyloxycarbonyloxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate [0286] [0287] To a 25 mL flask was added 53 mg (0.1 mmol) of (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(28)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl benzyl carbonate, 12 mg (0.1 mmol) of DMAP, 31 mg (0.15 mmol) of DCC, 30 mg (0.12 mmol) of Cbz-Val-OH, and 5 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. [0288] TLC: eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=1:1; (2R,3S,5R)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-2-((tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)methyl)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl benzyl carbonate R f =0.10; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(benzyloxycarbonyloxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.70. [0289] The solution was concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was purified by column chromatograph (eluant:petroleum ether/ethyl acetate=2:3) to afford product 70 mg as white solid, 88% yield. [0290] The structure of an isolated sample was confirmed by proton NMR: [0291] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.31 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 11H), 7.22 (d, J=8.41 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 6.36 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 5.27 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.18 (s, 4H), 5.15 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 1H), 5.03 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 4.18 (m, 1H), 3.48 (m, 1H), 2.62 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.22-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.59 (m, 3H), 1.35-1.31 (m, 3H), 0.97 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.97 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.89 (t, 3=7.6 Hz, 3H) Example 14 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl))methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate [0292] [0293] To the residue from Example 11 were added 35 mL of ethanol and 35 mL of dichloromethane. Under stirring, the mixture was added 4.49 g (59 mmol) of thiourea and 6.24 g (58.9 mmol) of sodium carbonate. The reaction mixture was heated to 50-60° C. for 2 h and monitored by TLC. [0294] TLC: eluant:DCM/methanol=15:1; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.62; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.16. [0295] Dichloromethane (70 mL) was added and stirred for 5 min. The mixture was filtered. The filtrate was washed with 70 mL of 5% brine. The organic layer was separated and charged with 15.0 g (176.1 mmol) of piperidine. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h and monitored by TLC for the completion of the reaction. [0296] TLC: eluant:DCM/methanol=6:1; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.55; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl))methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.24). [0297] The reaction mixture contained the desired product which was used directly in the next step (Example 16). Example 15 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl))methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate [0298] [0299] To the residue from Example 12 were added 5.2 kg of ethanol and 8.6 kg of dichloromethane. Under stirring, the mixture was added 0.83 g (10.9 mol) of thiourea and 1.16 kg (10.9 mol) of sodium carbonate. The reaction mixture was heated to 40-50° C. for 2 h and monitored by TLC. [0300] TLC: eluant:DCM/methanol=15:1; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(2-chloroacetoxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.62; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl-2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.16 [0301] The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was washed with 7.4 kg of 5% brine. The aqueous layer was extracted with 8.6 kg of dichloromethane. The organic layers were combined and charged with 2.79 kg (32.7 mol) of piperidine. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h and monitored by TLC. [0302] TLC: eluant:DCM/methanol=6:1; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methyl butanoate R f =0.55; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl))methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.24. [0303] The reaction mixture contained the desired product which was used directly in the next step (Example 17), or was optionally evaporated to dryness. Example 16 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0304] [0305] The above reaction mixture from Example 14 was cooled to 5-10° C. and was added with 20% of HCl IPA solution until pH 2-3. The mixture was stirred for additional 1 h and was filtered. The filter cake was washed with 140 mL of dichloromethane. 12.2 g of desired crude product were obtained. The overall yield from Example 11 was 71.1% and the purity was 97%. The crude product was recrystallized with methanol/dichloromethane/MTBE to give the desired pure product: [0306] 1 H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6 ): δ 8.58 (br s, 3H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.22 (t, J=6 Hz, 1H), 5.57 (d, J=8.8, 1H), 4.45 (m, 2H), 4.28-4.26 (m, 1H), 4.13-4.11 (m, 1H), 3.91 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.45-2.38 (m, 1H), 2.27-2.13 (m, 2H), 1.57 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.30-1.25 (m, 4H), 0.97 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.93 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H) (m, 6H), 0.84 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). [0307] mp: 214-218° C. [0308] ESI-MS(M + +1):499. [0309] |α| D 20 =114˜119 (C=0.5 (20° C.) in MeOH/DCM=1/1). Example 17 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0310] [0311] The above reaction mixture from Example 15 was cooled below 5° C. and was added with 20% of HCl IPA solution until pH 1˜4. The mixture was stirred for additional 1 h and was filtered. The filter cake was washed with 34.6 kg of dichloromethane. Desired crude product was obtained. The overall yield from Example 12 was 67% and the purity was 97%. The crude product was recrystallized with methanol/dichloromethane/MTBE to give the desired pure product. Example 18 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2M-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate [0312] [0313] To a 25 mL flask was added 77 mg (0.1 mmol) of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(benzyloxycarbonyloxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate, 12 mg of 10% Pd/C and 3 mL of EtOAc. The flask was transferred into a pressure reaction vessel. Then the vessel was pressurized to 260 psi with hydrogen gas. The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. [0314] TLC: eluant:ethyl acetate; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-(benzyloxycarbonyloxy)-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.70; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.10 [0315] The solution was filtered and the crude product was concentrated under vacuum and purified by column chromatograph (eluant:ethyl acetate/MeOH=50:1) to afford product 45 mg as white solid, 90% yield. Example 19 Preparation of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate [0316] [0317] To a 500 mL flask was added DCM 200 mL, (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy)5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methylbutanoate 19.7 g (27.4 mmol), The reaction mixture was cooled, and 8.3 g DBU (54.8 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction was stirred at rt for 2 h until TLC showed the end of the reaction. [0318] TLC: eluant:DCM/methanol=6:1; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl24 ((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)-3-methyl butanoate R f =0.55; (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl))methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate R f =0.24. [0319] The above reaction mixture was cooled below 5° C. and was added with 20% of HCl IPA solution until pH 1˜4. The mixture was stirred for additional 1 h and was filtered. The filter cake was washed with dichloromethane. Desired crude product was obtained. The yield was 90% and the purity was 97%. The crude product was recrystallized with methanol/dichloromethane/MTBE to give the desired pure product. Example 20 Recrystallization of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0320] [0321] To a 500 mL three-necked flask was added 1 g (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride, 30 mL methanol, and 15 mL dichloromethane. The mixture was heated at reflux until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to ⅓-¼ vol, 15 mL DCM was added to the residue and the mixture was then evaporated to ½˜⅓ vol. 15 mL MTBE was added to the residue at 40˜45° C. to give 0.85 g pure product. Example 21 Recrystallization of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0322] [0323] To a 100 ml, three-necked flask was added 1.0 g of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)methyl-2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride, 30 mL of methanol, 15 mL of dichloromethane, the mixture was heated at reflux until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered and the filtrate was stirred for overnight and then evaporated to ⅓˜¼ of the original volume, and MTBE was added to the residue at 30˜45° C. The mixture was cooled to 0˜10° C. and filtered to give 0.91 g pure product. Example 22 Recrystallization of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0324] [0325] Method A. [0326] To a 50 L three-necked flask was added 1.2 kg of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride, 36 L methanol, 18 L dichloromethane, the mixture was heated at reflux until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered and the filtrated was evaporated to ⅓˜¼ of the original volume, and MTBE was added to the residue at 30˜45° C. to give 1.1 kg pure product. [0327] Method B. [0328] To a 500 mL three-necked flask was added 5.0 g of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)methyl-2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride, 70 mL of THF and 30 mL of H 2 O, the mixture was heated at 35˜45° C. until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to ½˜⅓ of the original volume at 30˜45° C. The mixture was cooled to 0˜10° C. and filtered to give 4.2 g pure product. [0329] Method C. [0330] To a 500 mL three-necked flask was added 5.0 g of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)methyl-2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride and 75 mL of DMF, the mixture was heated at 65˜75° C. until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered and the filtrate was cooled to 20˜30° C. 75 mL DCM was added to the mixture, and then stirred at 0˜10° C. for 4 h. The mixture was filtered to give 4.0 g pure product. [0331] Method D. [0332] To a 10 L reactor was added 1200 g of DMSO, and this was heated to 50˜55° C. To this was added 158 g crude (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride. The mixture was stirred until the solution became clear. The solution was filtered. The cake was washed with 90 g of DMSO. The filtrate was cooled to 30˜35° C., and 4000 g of DCM was added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred at 20˜30° C. for 30 min, then cooled to 0˜10° C. with stirring for 4 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The wet cake was washed twice with DCM (420 g×2). The solid residue was slurried with 2130 g of EA at 20˜30° C. for 2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with 425 g of EA. The solid was dried at 30˜35° C. under reduced pressure for 24 h. After drying, a white powder (117 g, 73.8% yield) was obtained which assayed at 99.7% purity. Example 23 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0333] [0334] In a 1 L reactor, 0.126 g of NaHCO 3 (0.02 equiv) was dissolved in 400 mL of H 2 O (10 vol). A mixture of 40 g of polymorph I and polymorph II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into the reactor at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered. The cake was washed with H 2 O (40 mL×2). The wet cake was re-slurried with 400 mL of IPA below 10° C. for 1-2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with IPA (40 mL×3). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. 37.5 g of white powder in 93.8% yield and 99.48% purity were achieved. Example 24 Polymorph Form II Preparation of (R)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0335] [0336] In a 500 mL reactor, 0.031 g of NaHCO 3 (0.01 equiv) was dissolved in 200 mL of H 2 O (10 vol). A mixture of 20 g of polymorph I and polymorph II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into the reactor at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered. The cake was washed with H 2 O (20 mL×2). The wet cake was re-slurried with 200 mL of IPA, and maintained below 10° C. for 1-2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with IPA (20 mL×3). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (19.0 g, 95.0% yield) was obtained in 99.30% purity. Example 25 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0337] [0338] In a 100 mL reactor, 0.023 g of NaHCO 3 (0.05 equiv) was dissolved in 30 mL of H 2 O (10 vol). A mixture of 3 g of polymorph I and polymorph II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into the reactor at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered. The cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The wet cake was re-slurried with 30 mL of IPA at 0-10° C. for 1-2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with IPA (3 mL×3). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.4 g) was obtained in 80.0% yield and 99.40% purity. Example 26 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0339] [0340] In a 100 mL reactor, 0.047 g of NaHCO 3 (0.1 equiv) was dissolved in 30 mL of H 2 O (10 vol). A mixture of 3 g of polymorph I and polymorph II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into the reactor at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered. The cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The wet cake was re-slurried with 30 mL of IPA at 0-10° C. for 1-2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with IPA (3 mL×3). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.4 g) was obtained in 80.0% yield and 99.40% purity. Example 27 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0341] [0342] In a 100 mL reactor, 3 g of polymorph I and polymorph II mixture of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into 30 mL of H 2 O (10 vol) at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The wet cake was re-slurried with 30 mL of IPA at 0-10° C. for 1-2 h. The mixture was centrifuged. The cake was washed with IPA (3 mL×3). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.5 g) was obtained in 83.3% yield and 99.42% purity. Example 28 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0343] [0344] In a 100 mL reactor, 3 g of polymorph I and polymorph II mixture of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into 30 mL of H 2 O (10 vol) at 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.8 g) was obtained in 93% yield and 99.2% purity. Example 29 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0345] [0346] In a 100 mL reactor, 3 g of polymorph I and polymorph II mixture of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into 27 mL of H 2 O (9 vol) and 3 mL of acetonitrile (1 vol) between 25-35° C. and stirred for 3-4 h. The mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.85 g) was obtained in 95% yield and 99.2% purity. Example 30 Preparation of Form II of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-Hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate Hydrochloride [0347] [0348] In a 100 mL reactor, 3.0 g of polymorph I and polymorph II mixture of (S)-((2R,3S,5R)-(3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxo-6-(4-pentylphenyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(2H)-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)methyl2-amino-3-methylbutanoate hydrochloride was charged into 12 mL of 1420 (4 vol) at room temperature. The mixture was allowed to stand for 3 days without agitation. The mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H 2 O (3 mL×2). The solid was dried under vacuum at 45° C.-55° C. for 24 h. A white powder (2.9 g) was obtained in 96.7% yield and 99.4% purity. Example 31 [0349] To distinguish the Mixture of the two Polymorphic Forms [(I) and (II)] and the Polymorphic Form II, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) patterns were obtained. These would show the main characteristic peaks as Peak-1 (2-Theta=10.2) and Peak-2 (2-Theta=22.2). Both of them exist in the Mixture of the two Polymorphic Forms [(I) and (II)] (as shown in FIG. 1 ), but they have disappeared and are thus not present in the Polymorphic Form II (as shown in FIG. 2 ). A comparison showing the peaks is provided in FIG. 3 . Peak data is included in the Table below. [0000] 2-Theta Polymorph I and Characteristic Polymorph II Mixture Polymorph II Peaks (Picture-1) (Picture-2 3.6 3.42 7.28 6.879 Peak-1 10.22 N/D 10.62 0.599 2.239 12.121 13.638 13.56 14.56 14.399 16.86 16.9 17.702 17.559 18.301 18.859 20.18 20.14 21.321 21.32 Peak-2 22.2 N/D 23.04 23.14

The invention is directed to processes for synthesizing bicyclic nucleoside antiviral compounds and for synthesizing the intermediates used in the process. The invention is also directed to novel intermediate compounds useful in the process. The antiviral compounds are useful in the treatment of herpes zoster (i.e., varicella zoster virus, VZV, shingles) and for the prevention of post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) resulting from this viral infection.

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/331,869, filed on Sep. 10, 1999. [0002] This invention is an optical array converting UV radiation, especially contained in sunlight. The spectral characteristic of the transmission of the filter is similar to the sensitivity of human skin to sun burning. That sensitivity is described by the widely recognized Diffey Standard, also called also the Erythema Action Spectrum. [0003] The Roberston Berger UV meter has been widely used over the past two decades to measure UV in good approximation of the Diffey/Erythemal Spectral Response. This stationary device is based on a phosphore convertor screen as the principle means to reach a spectral response close to the Erythemal/Diffey Curve. [0004] By now there are a few UV hand-held measuring devices known on the market that are targeting monitoring of UV radiation for avoiding sunburning. CASIO Computer Ltd. manufactures a device called “CASIO UC-120 UV”, which has an optical array containing absorptive filter made of material similar to Schott UG-11 and a photodiode. The spectral characteristic of the device doesn't match the Diffey Standard. The device illuminated by sunlight is too sensitive to UV-A, that has low burning power. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,705 describes a device measuring the intensity and dose of UV. The device has an optical array containing: an absorptive filter made of material similar to Schott UG-11, a photo-luminescentive material and a photodiode. The spectral characteristic of the device doesn't match the Diffey Standard. The device is too sensitive to UV-A comparing to its sensitivity to UV-B. Several others solutions for biologically oriented monitors of UV radiation were also proposed, among them: U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,311 describes a UV-monitoring system in which a light sensing element is placed under a curved optical element with interference filters imposed on its surface. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,970 describes a UV-monitoring device which incorporates a UV-B sensor and a VIS sensor. The UV-B detector involved is described to be based on a phosphor convertor screen. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0007] The invention solves the problem of constructing a device equipped with an optical array converting UV, visible and IR radiation that has the spectral characteristic of the transmission similar to the Diffey Standard. [0008] Definition of the relative internal transmission of a set of filters: T rel int (λ)= T int (λ)/ T int (310)   (1) [0009] where: [0010] λ wavelength in nano-meters [0011] T rel int (λ) relative internal transmission for λ wavelength [0012] T int (λ) internal transmission for λ wavelength [0013] T int (310) internal transmission for 310 nm wavelength [0014] Note that the total internal transmission of the set of absorptive filters is equal to the product of internal transmissions of each consecutive filter. [0015] Definition of the relative transmission of a set of filters: T rel (λ)= T (λ)/ T (310)   (2) [0016] where: [0017] λ wavelength in nano-meters [0018] T rel (λ) relative transmission for λ wavelength [0019] T(λ) transmission for λ wavelength [0020] T(310) transmission for 310 nm wavelength The Diffey spectral characteristics will be denoted as D(λ)   (3) [0021] where: λ wavelength in nano-meters [0022] In the first solution the array contains a system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation, a system of interference filters modifying transmission of UV and/or blocking visible and IR radiation, scattering elements, elements forming the light beam. Interference filter/filters is/are made of layers of materials having high and low UV refractive indexes. According to the invention one of the system of interference filters has layers made of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide. A collimator placed in the optical path forms the light beam. The collimator can have surfaces highly absorbing light. At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE. [0023] In the second solution the array contains the first system of absorptive filters to partly block UV-A, the second system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation and may contain scattering elements and/or system/systems of interference filter/filters. The first system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.2 for λ=290 nm, between 0.34 and 0.7 for λ=300 nm, between 0.5 and 0.8 for λ=320 nm, between 0.04 and 0.36 for λ=330 nm, between 10E-3 and 0.1 for λ=340 nm, between 7*10E-6 and 0.02 for λ=350 nm, between 2*10E-7 and 7*10E-3 for λ=360 nm, between 2*10E-7 and 7*10E-3 for λ=370 nm, between2*10E-5 and 0.03 for λ=380 nm, between2*10E-3 and 0.14 for λ=390 nm. The total optical thickness of the first system of absorptive filters is between 0.5 and 2 mm. [0024] The second system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.3 for λ=290 nm, between 0.7 and 0.8 for λ=300 nm, between 1 and 1.3 for λ=320 nm, between 1 and 1.4 for λ=330 nm, between 1 and 1.3 for λ=340 nm, between 1 and 1.12 for λ=350 nm, between 0.6 and 0.8 for λ=360 nm, between 0.14 and 0.3 for λ=370 nm, between 10E-3 and 0.015 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-10 and 10E-6 for λ=390 nm. The total optical thickness of the first system of absorptive filters is between 0.5 and 10 mm. [0025] At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE. In the optical path additional system/systems of interference filters can be placed to block visible and IR radiation and/or to modify transmission in UV range. [0026] In another embodiment the internal transmissions are arranged slightly differently. In the third solution, the array contains the first system of absorptive filters to partly block UV-A, the second system of absorptive filters to block visible and IR radiation and may contain scattering elements and/or system/systems of interference filter/filters. The first system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.6 for λ=290 nm, between 0.1 and 1.5 for λ=300 nm, between 0.2 and 2.0 for λ=320 nm, between 10E-4 and 10E-1 for λ=330 nm, between 10E-2 and 1.0 for λ=340 nm, between 10E-8 and 0.1 for λ=350 nm, between 10E-9 and 10E-2 for λ=360 nm, between 10E-9 and 10E-2 for λ370 nm, between 10E-6 and 0.1 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-4 and 0.1 for λ=390 nm. [0027] The second system of absorptive filters has internal relative transmission T rel int (λ): between 0 and 0.7 for λ=290 nm, between 0.3 and 1.5 for λ=300 nm, between 0.5 and 2 for λ=320 nm, between 0.5 and 3 for λ=330 nm, between 0.5 and 2 for λ=340 nm, between 0.5 and 1.7 for λ=350 nm, between 0.1 and 1.5 for λ=360 nm, between 0.01 and 1 for λ=370 nm, between 10E-5 and 10E-1 for λ=380 nm, between 10E-12 and 10E-2 for λ=390 nm. [0028] At the beginning of the optical path a scatterer is placed to achieve non-directional characteristic of the array. The scatterer can be made of PTFE. In the optical path additional system/systems of interference filters can be placed to block visible and-IR radiation and/or to modify transmission in UV range. [0029] This invention allows producing a cheap and simple optical array with a spectral characteristics in the UV-A and UV-B range following the human skin sensitivity described by Diffey Standard. The scatterer ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. Other standards of skin sensitivity to UV-A and UV-B burning can also be easily followed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] The invention is presented on the block diagrams where FIG. 1 presents the construction of the version 1 of the optical array, FIG. 2 presents the construction of another variant of the invention presented on FIG. 1, FIG. 3 presents the construction of the version 2 of the optical array, FIG. 4 presents the construction of the of the version 3 of the optical array. FIG. 5 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 2 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 6 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 3 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 7 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) for optical array from FIG. 4 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ). DESCRIPTION OF THE VERSION 1 [0031] The array contains: the layer 1 that scatters light, a collimator 2 an absorptive filter 3 that makes a system of absorptive filters, a set of interference filters 4 that makes a system of interference filters. The absorptive filter 3 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property has M1 material, with a characteristics presented in the table below. [0032] In that example a scatterer 1 is made of PTFE, and the absorptive filter 3 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material Schott UG-11 like. The set of interference filters 4 that is placed on the absorptive filter's 3 surface consists of 38 layers of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide and Silica oxide. [0033] The scatterer 1 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. The collimator 2 forms the light beam. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the absorptive filter 3 and the interference filter 4 . [0034] In the other variant of the version 1 , that is shown on the FIG. 2, the array contains: the layer 5 that scatters light, a collimator 6 , absorptive filter 7 that makes a system of absorptive filters and a first set of interference filters 8 and a second set of interference filters 9 that both make a system of interference filters. The absorptive filter 7 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property has M1 material, with a characteristics presented in the table below. [0035] In that example a scatterer 5 is made of PTFE, and absorptive filter 7 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material, Schott UG-11 like. The first set of interference filters 8 and the second set of interference filters 9 are placed on the absorptive filter's 7 surfaces and together consists of 62 layers of Hafnium oxide and/or Zirconium oxide and Silica oxide. [0036] The scatterer 5 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. The collimator 6 forms the light beam. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first interference filter 8 , the absorptive filter 7 and the second interference filter 9 . [0037] On the FIG. 5 chart the T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line. On the chart these two curves are close to each other in the 310-325 nm range. [0038] Description of the version 2 . [0039] The array contains: the layer 10 that scatters light, a first absorptive filter 11 that makes a first system of absorptive filters, a second absorptive filter 12 that makes a second system of absorptive filters. The first absorptive filter 11 is made of material transparent to UV with decreasing transmission when the wavelength is changed from 320 to 350 nm, the second absorptive filter 12 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property have materials M2 and M1 respectively, with characteristics presented in the table below. [0040] In that example a scatterer 10 is made of PTFE, the first absorptive filter 11 is a plano-parallel plate, 1.5 mm thick, made of M2 material, Schott GG-19 like, the second absorptive filter 12 is a plano-parallel plate, 8 mm thick, made of M1 material, Schott UG-11 like. [0041] The scatterer 10 ensures non-directional characteristics of the array. To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first absorptive filter 11 and the second absorptive filter 12 . [0042] On the FIG. 6 chart T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line. [0043] Description of the version 3 . [0044] The array contains: a first absorptive filter 13 that makes a first system of absorptive filters, a second absorptive filter 14 that makes a second system of absorptive filters and a first set of interference filters 15 and a second set of interference filters 16 that both make a system of interference filters. The first absorptive filter 13 is made of material transparent to UV with decreasing transmission when wavelength is changed from 320 to 350 nm, the second absorptive filter 14 is made of material transparent to UV and blocking visible and IR radiation. That property have materials M2 and M1 respectively, with characteristics presented in the table below. Interference filters are constructed to block visible and IR radiation and/or to modify transmission characteristics in UV. [0045] [0045] [0046] In that example the first absorptive filter 13 is a plano-parallel plate, 1.5 mm thick, made of M2 material, Schott GG-19 like. The second absorptive filter 14 with interference filters 15 , 16 placed on the filter 14 surfaces are made together by Schott as Schott DUG-11 filter. [0047] To achieve desired spectral characteristics the light beam passes through the first absorptive filter 13 , the first interference filter 15 , the second absorptive filter 14 and the second interference filter 16 . [0048] On the FIG. 7 chart T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) characteristics of the array is plotted as a broken line, the Diffey Standard is plotted as a solid line. [0049] TABLE of relative internal transmission T rel int (λ) λ[nm] 290 300 310 320 330 340 M1 glass, Minimal value 0 0.7 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 8 mm thick Maximal value 0.3 0.8 1 1.3 1.4 1.3 M2 glass, Minimal value 0 0.34 1 0.5 0.04 10E-3 1.5 mm thick Maximal value 0.2 0.7 1 0.8 0.36 0.1 λ[nm] 350 360 370 380 390 M1 glass, Minimal value 1.0 0.6 0.14 10E-3 10E-10 8 mm thick Maximal value 1.12 0.8 0.3 0.015 10E-6 M2 glass, Minimal value 7 * 10E-6 2 * 10E-7 2 * 10E-7 2 * 10E-5 2 * 10E-3 1.5 mm thick Maximal value 0.02 7 * 10E-3 7 * 10E-3 0.03 0.14 [0050] Data in tables above are T rel int (λ) characteristics of plano-paralel plates made of M1, M2 with given thickness. [0051] The exact values of T rel int (λ) are described in the example constructions. These data are example values and it is obvious that the invention is not restricted to them. The optical array in the example constructions has the spectral characteristics similar to human skin sensitivity to UV contained in sunlight. FIG. 5 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 2 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 6 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 3 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ), FIG. 7 presents T rel (λ)*D(310)/T rel (310) chart for optical array from FIG. 4 in comparison with the Diffey Standard D(λ). The biggest discrepancies between the characteristics and the Diffey Standard are for UV-C that is absent in sunlight and UV-A that has a minimal burning power comparing with total burning power of sun UV.

An optical array containing a system of absorptive filters and a system of interference filters. For the sun light the spectral characteristics of transmission of the optical array is close to the world-wide accepted Diffey Standard. That standard models human skin sensitivity to UV burning. The invention allows making inexpensive, miniature UV sensors that can be applied in miniature devices measuring burning power of UV contained in the sun light.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This patent application is a continuation of copending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,055, filed May 7, 2003, which is the US national phase of International Patent Application PCT/US01/47144, filed Nov. 8, 2001, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/247,362, filed Nov. 10, 2000, each of which being hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hemophilia B is an inherited disorder of blood coagulation characterized by a permanent tendency to hemorrhage due to a defect in the blood coagulation mechanism. Hemophilia B is caused by a deficiency in factor IX. Factor IX is a single-chain, 55,000 Da proenzyme that is converted to an active protease (factor IXa) by factor XIa or by the tissue factor VIIa complex. Factor IXa then activates factor X in conjunction with activated factor VIII. Hemophilia B occurs in 1 in 30,000 male births. Since the disease displays X-linked recessive inheritance, females are very rarely affected. Hemophilic bleeding occurs hours or days after injury, can involve any organ, and, if untreated may continue for days or weeks. This can result in large collections of partially clotted blood putting pressure on adjacent normal tissues and can cause necrosis of muscle, venous congestion, or ischemic damage to nerves. Hemophilia B is treated by administering to the patient either recombinant or plasma-derived factor IX. However, there are times when treating such patients with factor IX produces less than satisfactory results, and hemorrhaging continues. Thus, there is a need to develop additional therapies for treating hemophilia B. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention fills this need by administering to patients with hemophilia B factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX, and by administering to patients afflicted with hemophilia B factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX. The teachings of all of the references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference. Hemophilia B is heterogeneous in both its clinical severity and molecular pathogenesis. Clinical severity roughly correlates with the level of factor IX activity. In severe hemophilia B, the patient will have less than 1% normal factor IX in his plasma (about 0.1 U/ml of plasma). Once a bleeding disorder has been determined to be present, the physician must determine what is the cause of the disorder. For diagnostic purposes, the hemostatic system is divided into two parts: the plasma coagulation factors, and platelets. With the exception of factor XIII deficiency, each of the known defects in coagulation proteins prolongs either the prothrombin time (PT), or partial thromboplastin time (PTT), or both of these laboratory-screening assays. A PT is performed by addition of a crude preparation of tissue factor (commonly an extract of brain) to citrate-anticoagulated plasma, recalcification of the plasma, and measurement of the clotting time. A PTT assay is performed by the addition of a surface-activating agent, such as kaolin, silica, or ellagic acid, and phospholipid to citrate-anticoagulated plasma. After incubation for a period sufficient to provide for the optimal activation of the contact factors, the plasma is recalcified and the clotting time measured. The name of the PTT assay emanates from the phospholipid reagents being originally derived from a lipid-enriched extract of complete thromboplastin, hence the term partial thromboplastin. The PTT assay is dependent on factors of both the intrinsic and common pathways. The PTT may be prolonged due to a deficiency of one or more of these factors or to the presence of inhibitors that affect their function. Although its commonly stated that decreases in factor levels to approximately 30% of normal are required to prolong the PTT, in practice the variability is considerable in sensitivity of different commercially available PTT reagents to the various factors. In fact, the levels may vary from 25% to 40%. See, Miale J B: Laboratoiy Medicine-Hematology. 6.sup.th Ed., (CV Mosby, St. Louis, Mo., 1982). If the PT and PTT are abnormal, quantitative assays of specific coagulation proteins are then carried out using the PT or PTT tests and plasma from congenitally deficient individuals as substrate. The corrective effect of varying concentration of patient plasma is measured and expressed as a percentage of normal pooled plasma standard. The interval range for most coagulation factors is from 50 to 150 percent of this average value, and the minimal level of most individual factors needed for adequate hemostasis is 25 percent. Dosage in Factor IX Replacement Therapy One unit of factor IX is defined as the amount of factor IX activity present in 1 ml of pooled normal human plasma and is equivalent to 100% activity. The dose of factor IX needed to achieve a desired level of activity can be calculated based on estimation of the patient's plasma volume and knowledge of factor IX kinetics. Plasma volume may be estimated as 5% of body weight or 50 ml/kg body weight. Thus the plasma volume of a 70 kg patient is approximately 3,500 ml. By definition, for such a patient to have 100% factor IX activity, 1 U/ml of plasma or a total of 3,500 U of factor IX must be present in this plasma volume. If severe hemophilia B is present, it may be assumed that the initial factor IX activity is zero. Thus, to obtain 100% activity, at least 3,500 U of factor IX must be administered. Because of rapid redistribution into the extravascular space and adsorption onto endothelial cells of vessel walls, however, only about 50% of the infused factor IX remains in circulation after a short period. Therefore, to obtain 100% activity, the initial dose should be about 7,000 U of factor IX. To generalize to any size patient with any initial factor IX level and any desired target level, infusion of 1 U/kg of body weight of factor IX will raise the factor IX level approximately 1%. For example, a dose of 1,750 U would raise a 50-kg patient from a starting factor IX level of 15% to a target of 50% activity. After its initial rapid redistribution, factor IX has a second phase half-life of approximately 18-24 hours. Because the variability in this measurement is significant, it is best determined in each individual patient to allow proper dosing. Based on these data, the factor IX level of a patient raised to 100% activity would be expected to decay to 50% by approximately 24 hours after infusion of the initial dose. A second bolus one-half the amount of the first should then raise the level from 50% to 100%. Factor IX is commonly administered in boluses every 12-24 hours. For the recombinant factor IX, BENEFFIX™, Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass., the number of factor IX International Units (IU) to be administered should be the percentage of factor IX increase desired multiplied by 1.2 IU/kg of body weight. Factor IX is produced by a number of companies in both a recombinant and plasma-derived formulations. Among these are the following: BENEFIX.RTM. (recombinant product produced by Genetics Institute, Cambridge, Mass.), MONOINE™ Concentrate (Centeon, King of Prussia, Pa.), ALPHANINE™ SD (Alpha Therapeutic Corp. Los Angeles, Calif.), BEBULNE VH IMMUNO™ (Immuno, Rochester, Minn.), KONYNE 80™ (Bayer Corporation, Biological, West Haven, Conn.), PROPLEX T™ (Baxter Healthcare, Glendale, Calif.) and PROFILNINE SD™ (Alpha Corporation). Treatment of Hemophilia B with Factor IX and Factor XIII The method of the present invention improves upon the above-described treatment of hemophilia B by administering factor XIII in conjunction with factor IX. The factor XIII can be administered at any time alone or at the same time as factor IX either to stop a hemorrhage or for prophylaxis. Factor XIII, also known as fibrin-stabilizing factor, circulates in the plasma at a concentration of 10-20 mg/ml. The protein exists in plasma as a tetramer comprised of two A subunits and two B subunits. Each subunit has a molecular weight of 85,000 Da, and the complete protein has a molecular weight of approximately 330,000 Da. Factor XIII catalyzes the cross-linkage between the γ-glutamyl and ε-lysyl groups of different fibrin strands. The catalytic activity of factor XIII resides in the A subunits. The B subunits act as carriers for the A subunits in plasma factor XIII. Recombinant factor XIII can be produced according to the process described in European Patent No. 0 268 772 B1. See also U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,074. The level of factor XIII in the plasma can also be increased by administering a factor XIII concentrate derived from human placenta called FIBROGAMMIN™ (Aventis Corp.) or by administration of recombinant factor XIII. A pharmaceutical composition comprising factor XIII can be formulated according to known methods to prepare pharmaceutically useful compositions, whereby the therapeutic proteins are combined in a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A composition is said to be a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” if its administration can be tolerated by a recipient patient. A suitable pharmaceutical composition of factor XIII will contain 1 mM EDTA, 10 mM Glycine, 2% sucrose in water. An alternative formulation will be a factor XIII composition containing 20 mM histidine, 3% wt/volume sucrose, 2 mM glycine and 0.01% wt/vol. polysorbate, pH 8. The concentration of factor XIII should preferably be 1-10 mg/mL, more preferably about 5 mg/mL. Other suitable carriers are well known to those in the art. See, for example, Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th Edition (Mack Publishing Company 1995). Administration of Factor XIII Factor XIII can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously to treat hemophilia B. When administering therapeutic proteins by injection, the administration may be by continuous infusion or by single or multiple boluses. The levels of factor XIII in an individual can be determined by assays well known in the art such as the BERICHROM™0 F XIII assay (Dade Behring Marburgh GmbH, Marburg, Germany). The normal adult has an average of about 45 ml of plasma per kg of body weight. Each liter of blood has 1000 units (U) of factor XIII. The amount of factor XIII administered should be enough to bring an individual's level of factor XIII in the plasma to 100% of normal plasma or slightly above to 1-5% above normal, A dose of 0.45 U/kg would raise the level of factor XIII by about 1% compared to normal. One unit of factor XIII is about 10 μg of recombinant factor XIII, which contains only the dimerized A subunit. Thus, to raise the level of factor XIII by 1%, one would administer about 4.5 μg of the A2 subunit per kilogram weight of the individual. So to raise the level 30% of normal, one would administer 13.5 U/kg. For a 75 kg individual this would be about 1,012.5 U. Some patients may have consumptive coagulopathies that involve factor XIII losses. In such cases, a higher dosing (e.g., 1-2 U/kg-%) or multiple dosing of factor XIII (e.g., 1-2 U/kg-%-day) may be required.

Use of factor XIII for treating hemophilia B. A patient having hemophilia B is treated by administering factor XIII, generally in conjunction with factor IX.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is in the field of developing and deploying applications and services for a full range of devices, scaling from mobile phones to computer desktops, within a flexible markup based distributed architecture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] As wireless computing devices become more ubiquitous, the demand for value-added mobile applications and solutions to deliver these applications increases. Enterprises expect new mobile applications to seamlessly integrate with the existing corporate information system, thus granting access to existing resources and services to highly mobile workers. Examples include accessing legacy applications and connecting to enterprise databases through wireless devices. [0003] Mobile applications may have challenges such as: Accessing a mobile application from different kinds of devices, for example from a PDA or a desktop computer, depending on the location of the user. PDAs and desktops differ in several ways, including form factors, operating systems and connectivity. Running a mobile application on a mobile device continuing to work offline, in the case of a broken connection. An offline behavior utilizes access to local resources. A mobile application accessing services published by some Web Services provider implementing Web Services standards, including SOAP, WSDL and UDDI. [0007] Deploying mobile applications in such heterogeneous environments greatly increases the complexity of the solutions, and presents many unresolved challenges. These challenges in turn affect the development of applications, as well as ongoing maintenance. Some issues to address are: Open standards compatibility. Proprietary solutions are unlikely to be practical in such heterogeneous environments. The solution should fit the emerging Web Services standards, including SOAP, WSDL and UDDI. Multi-platform deployment. The same service may be accessed from different kinds of devices and different communication protocols may be used. Ease of modification. Since the markets change quickly, especially emerging markets like the wireless applications market, it is desirable that smart applications are easy and quick to modify. Adaptable deployment. No single deployment model fits all contexts. The suitable deployment model depends on several factors, such as device resources, security requirements and application characteristics. Deployment models typically range from a thin client connected to a server, to a stand-alone running application. Access to local resources. Mobile devices cannot rely exclusively upon server side resources, since the connection with a server cannot always be guaranteed. Furthermore, it can be costly to continually maintain a connection to a server when it is only occasionally required. Enhanced user interface. Required to improve the user experience. [0014] Solutions like HyperText Markup Language (HTML) combined with HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), pure Java programming, Application Servers, and proprietary Software Development Kits (SDKs), each address a subset of these challenges, but more comprehensive solutions are desired. [0015] HTML and WAP are open standards and may be deployed on multiple platforms. Services developed with these standards may be easily modified, since they become immediately available to the client devices when deployed on the server. Unfortunately, the deployment model of HTML and WAP is a rather rigid thin client model and a connection to a server must remain typically available during the execution of the application. This may be costly and even impractical, should the connection to the server be interrupted unexpectedly. Another drawback is that these solutions allow little access, if any, to local resources. Finally, the user interface is rather modest, at best. [0016] Another solution mentioned above is pure Java programming. Although Java is quite portable, and is considered to some extent as an “open standard”, there are in fact multiple Java standards, including J2ME MIDP, Personal Java, and Java 2 Standard Edition. Thus, deploying a Java application on different platforms may require rewriting it several times, which implies involving highly-skilled developers. The same problem arises when modifying an application. Java provides good means of implementing a deployment model targeted to a specific architecture, accessing local resources and providing effective User Interfaces. Unfortunately, each deployment model generally requires a specific Java program, thus making it unfeasible to dynamically adapt a given application to new architectural requirements. [0017] Proprietary SDK's provided by mobile device manufacturers are quite comparable in capabilities and drawbacks to the Java programming approach, but have the additional drawback of not being open standards. The use of such proprietary solutions entails a commitment to one particular (inflexible) solution, which in turn restricts the ability to later port an application to other mobile devices. Should the chosen solution at some point no longer meet the requirements of the user, it could be extremely costly to implement a completely new solution. [0018] Application servers, and especially Java application servers based on the Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) standard, promote several architecturally significant separations of concerns. One architectural feature is a variation on the HTML approach, namely Java Server Pages (JSP). JSPs are targeted to improve the separation between interaction logic and business logic on the server side, but have the same limitations as traditional HTML architectures on the client side. Another architectural feature is the distinction between the development phase and the deployment phase for an application, thus allowing some flexibility for adapting to the underlying technical architecture. However, the deployment process is typically only concerned about server-side deployment characteristics, including transactions, security and database access. The distribution of processing and resources between the client and the server are not addressed by this solution. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0019] A computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium is configurable to accomplish execution of an application that is specified and encoded in a markup-based descriptor language. The product includes client runtime computer code configured to cause a client computer device to process the markup-based descriptor language to deploy an application to accomplish execution of the application. The client runtime computer code is further configured to process the markup-based descriptor language to selectively configure the client computer device to deploy the application so as to accomplish execution of the application by the client computer device stand-alone or by the client computer device in cooperation with a server to which the device is connectable via a network connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an outline of the runtime architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an outline of the development and deployment process, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the processing runtime client and server stacks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a description of three major deployment profiles supported by preferred embodiments of the present invention. [0024] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the thin connected profile. [0025] FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the thick connected profile. [0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of information within the client stack of an embodiment of the present invention, for the stand-alone profile. [0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks of an embodiment of the present invention, for the applet profile. [0028] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a visual design module of the present invention [0029] FIG. 10 illustrates embodiments of the markup based descriptors and corresponding screens displayed by embodiments of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] A comprehensive flexible solution, based on a markup language like XML, for developing smart mobile applications and services, and for deploying them in heterogeneous environments. Smart mobile applications can be used in a connected or disconnected mode and they can access and process resources locally or on a server. According to one aspect, a flexible client-server architecture is targeted to run smart mobile applications. The applications and the deployment architecture are specified within markup-based descriptors. The supported architecture specifications range from a standalone client running an entire unconnected application, to a thin client managing the User Interface with the business logic of the application running on the server. In between, many combinations of client and server side processing may be specified. The characteristics of the architecture may be dynamically modified, thus leading to increased flexibility in the deployment. Mostly, the markup-based descriptors are forms specifying the User Interface of the application, the behavior of the application in response to the interactive events, the business logic of the application, and the location where the resources are to be found and processed. The behavior of the application is defined in a scripting language, which is given access to the resources of the device, including access to methods written in a language like Java, either on the client or on the server. [0031] For example, a client runtime system displays interactive screens, or forms, interacting with specific server components running within an application server. The client runtime retrieves a form specification, either locally or from the server. When the form is accessed from the server, it may be preprocessed therein. Otherwise, it is preprocessed on the client. The preprocessing of a form specification is a construction process, where the actual form to be displayed is constructed as specified in the form specification, possibly using available resources like databases to populate the actual form. The client runtime parses and processes the actual form to generate the User Interface on the device, and then handles the interactive events. The client runtime is typically installed on the computing client device, which may be a smart phone, a PDA, or a desktop computer, but it can also be downloaded on demand as an applet into a browser. The server software is typically installed on a server running a Java application server. The entry point in the server software is a servlet using an XML configuration file generated by the Designer. When a client device sends a request, the servlet analyzes the request, prepares the XML formatted response, and sends it back to the client. The preparation process may include preprocessing of a form specification, and retrieval of deployed forms and/or data from backend systems. [0032] According to another aspect, a development and a deployment process is provided for smart applications and services. For example, the development and deployment process may be performed in three steps. The first step is the user interface and interaction design step, and produces the interactive specification of the forms. Within this step, databases and other resources are managed and accessed as abstract references, without any indication about their physical location or other implementation-dependent characteristics. The second step is the deployment definition step, that is, defining where and how the form specifications, resources and data are to be deployed on the client and the servers. The third step corresponds to the actual deployment on the target platforms. This separation provides means for deploying the same application across multiple kinds of distributed environments. The environments may differ by the operating system of the client device, by the resources available on the client or on the server, and by the characteristics of the connection. The result of the development and the deployment process is a set of markup documents describing the architecture and the behavior of the resulting application. [0033] As an example of this development and deployment process, an easy-to-use Rapid Application Development (RAD) designer tool may be provided for application developers. The designer tool running on the developer's computing device provides the developer with tools for each step of the development and deployment process, from the visual definition of screens to the testing of full-fledged client-server applications. With the designer tool, the developer can define and edit the screen visually. The designer tool creates the XML files required by the client and by the server. [0034] The same application may thus be deployed on different deployment models and platforms, providing increased flexibility (useful, for example, for wireless implementations). For example, if the application is designed to support the sale force of a large corporation equipped with both wireless PDAs and desktop computers, different types of deployments may be required. In the office, the user may expect to access the application through a thick connected model, using the full processing power of a desktop computer and the high bandwidth of the local network. While outside the office, the user may access the application, for instance to check the status of an order, from either a PDA using a thin connected model or from a browser through the Internet by using an applet deployment mode. When a connection is not available, the application may operate in a stand-alone mode, thus allowing the user to enter an uncommitted order or estimate a total price. [0035] FIG. 1 illustrates, at a broad level, the runtime architecture of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The runtime architecture is implemented on a computing client device 102 and a server 100 , connected through a connection link 117 . The illustrated embodiment corresponds to a “thin client” runtime configuration. [0036] The computing client device 102 may include two or more layers. The operating system 110 interfaces to the hardware and handles the low level management of the resources on the device, such as memory, storage, and user input. A Java Virtual Machine is considered an extension of the operating system, abstracting the device's resources into the Java standard, and providing a standard programming platform across devices. A third layer is the client runtime 112 , providing part of the client side functionality. The server 100 may comprise a Java J2EE compatible application server 108 , which manages the services available on the server. The server runtime 106 based on a Java servlet provides part of the server side functionality in accordance to the present invention. The communication link 117 may be an Internet connection based on the HTTP protocol. [0037] When, through an interaction 101 with the computing client device 102 , a user requests access to a form from a service located on the server 100 , the client runtime 112 sends a request 107 to the server 100 using the available communication link and protocol 117 . On the server 100 , the application server 108 analyzes the request and forwards it to the server runtime 106 . The server runtime processes the request, recognizes it as a form request, retrieves the requested form specification stored in an XML file 116 and additional data from external resources 118 as appropriate, and combines them to construct the preprocessed XML form 120 , which is passed back to the client device 102 . The client runtime 112 then processes the XML form and generates 103 the corresponding User Interface on the device's display. [0038] This general architecture described with reference to FIG. 1 illustrates a deployment with a thin client profile where the construction of the form occurs on the server and no local storage is used on the client. However, other deployment profiles may be employed. The following deployment profiles will be later discussed in more detail: Stand-alone: the form specifications are stored, and the displayable interactive forms constructed and processed on the client, and no connection to a server is utilized. Thick connected client: the form specifications are retrieved from a server, but the displayable interactive forms are constructed and processed on the client. Local resources, such as local databases may be involved. Thin Client: the form specifications are stored on the server. The displayable interactive forms are constructed on the server and the preprocessed forms are then passed to the client. The client handles the processing of the events once the form is on the device, and no access to client resources is utilized. Applet deployment: the runtime is not installed on the client; it is downloaded on request from the server and runs inside a browser. [0043] The named deployment profiles are not fixed during the execution of a given application. For example, the frequently used forms of an application may run in a stand-alone mode, and the less frequently used ones may be deployed in a thin or thick client mode. Furthermore, the present invention provides means for dynamically changing the deployment profile during the execution of an application, thus leading to highly flexible architectures. [0044] FIG. 2 illustrates, at a broad level, an embodiment of the development and deployment process in accordance with the present invention. A Rapid Application Development (RAD) designer tool 200 running on the developer's computing device is provided. The designer tool 200 comprises three modules: the visual design module 226 , the deployment module 228 , and the test module 244 . The process is carried out in four major steps: the visual design step 202 , the deployment definition step 206 , the export deployment step 210 , and the test platform step 240 . [0045] The visual design step 202 includes defining the abstract form specifications 204 of the application. An abstract form specification is stored as an XML document. The developer designs the visual aspect of the application's forms, by interacting with the visual design module 226 , typically by positioning visual components on the screen. The developer may specify the interactive behavior of each visual component through script code, as required. Capability is provided for script code to access external resources as abstract references, delaying the binding to the actual resources until the deployment definition step 206 . As a result, the visual layout and behavior of the applications are specified independently of the target platforms. External resources the script code can manipulate include Java methods, images and databases. While presenting the visual aspect of a form, the designer tool 200 generates an XML representation 204 containing the full specification of the abstract form, including the interactive behavior of the form. The developer may choose to perform part or all of the tasks of the visual design step 202 by directly editing this file, using the text-editing feature of the visual design module 226 . [0046] During the deployment definition step 206 , the developer defines one or more deployment targets 230 for the current application using the deployment module 228 . The characteristics of the deployments for an application are stored in an XML document, namely the project file 208 . Each deployment target 230 corresponds to a specific platform 242 , and comprises the description of the client profile and the accessed servers. For each abstract resource referenced during the visual design step 202 , the developer specifies its actual location and settings. [0047] During the export deployment step 210 , the developer actually deploys the required files on the client device 238 and the server 236 , using the deployment module 228 of the designer tool 200 . When the developer requests the deployment module 228 to export the deployment, the designer tool 200 creates all the files required by the deployment and copies the files and the resources either to the client or to the server according to the deployment definition. [0048] During the test platform step 240 , the developer tests the application in the context of each of the platforms 242 defined during the previous development steps, using the test module 244 . [0049] FIG. 3 illustrates the client and server processing runtime stacks of various architecture embodiments. The processing stack comprises three principal layers: the resource manager 320 , the processor 306 , and the User Interface (UI) Manager 300 . Two types of stacks are defined: the client stack 308 , which includes the three layers named above, and the server stack 318 which excludes the UI Manager 300 . By providing similar processing stacks on the client device 326 and on the server 328 , improved flexibility in the deployment of applications, is provided since most of the applications' logic may be run uniformly on either the client or on the server. [0050] Within the processor 306 , the form builder 314 handles the transformation of form specifications into displayable interactive forms. The form builder 314 analyzes the form specification to check if additional resources are required, including data, image or methods. The requests for the resources are passed to the resources manager 320 , as needed. For example, the form specification may specify that a visual grid be filled with data extracted from a database table. The form builder 314 is in charge of performing this task. The developer may use script code within the form specification to define how the form may be constructed, making the construction process more flexible. If the form contains script code, the script engine 316 compiles it. [0051] The UI Manager 300 interacts with the input and output capabilities of the client device 326 , such as screen, keyboard, touch screen, sound card or mouse. These elements are specific to the device and are managed by the operating system of the device. The display manager 302 handles the creation of the visual layout of the forms, using the visual controls available on the client device, such as buttons, text fields or grids, as expressed in the displayable interactive form created by the form builder 314 . When interest for an event has been registered within a form, the event manager 304 is in charge of notifying the corresponding component of the form whenever the event occurs, and if script code has been associated with the event on the component, the script engine 316 is in charge of running the corresponding code. [0052] The resource manager 320 receives the requests for external resources, either from the processor 306 or from the event manager 304 . The resource manager 320 includes connectors 324 to access the different types of resources. Available resources include, for example: Databases Table: a table from a database, such as JDBC and XML databases Query: an SQL query on a JDBC database or an XML query to an XML file Multimedia Image file: a file containing an image Multimedia stream: a link to a video or sound streaming server or to a file containing video or sound data Graphics Network Files XML file: an XML document stored as a file, which is parsed into a Document Object Model (DOM) tree Methods A Java class: a user defined class implementing some complex business logic EJB: Entreprise Java Beans File System: access to the local storage Other Device Resources Device specific resource (IrDA, bar code) Functional Resources Payment: secure payment Identification: secure identification Location service: a service providing the geographical location of the device [0072] When the returned resource is an XML document, the resource manager 320 parses the XML file and returns the DOM representation of the XML document. [0073] The requester 310 handles the communications between the client and the server. The exchange of data is structured essentially in the form of XML messages, either in a text format or a compiled format. The compiled format is managed by the compiled XML module 312 , and is more efficient, as the size of the transferred data is reduced. Additionally, it saves the trouble of translating objects into XML on the server and the reverse on the client. [0074] FIG. 4 shows a broad description of the three primary deployment profiles. Each of these profiles will be later described in a more detailed fashion, in FIGS. 5, 6 , 7 . An additional specific profile, namely the applet profile, represents an example of a mix of the three primary profiles, and is illustrated in FIG. 8 : Thin Connected Client 404 : On the server 408 , the resource manager retrieves the deployed form from the server storage. The processor on the server 408 retrieves additional resources, if necessary, and processes the form. The processor then sends the processed form to the UI manager on the client device 406 , which generates the interface on the device's display. Thick connected client 402 : On the server 408 , the resource manager retrieves the form specification from the server storage and sends the form specification to the processor on the client device 406 . On the client device 406 , the processor retrieves additional resources if necessary, processes the form specification and passes the processed form to the UI manager, which generates the interface on the device's display. Stand-alone 400 : On the client device 406 , the resource manager retrieves the form specification from the local storage resource and passes the form specification to the processor. The processor retrieves additional resources if necessary, processes the form specification and passes the processed form to the UI manager, which generates the interface on the device's display. [0078] In each of these modes, including the stand-alone mode, external data can be incorporated through a connector to an external resource. For example, the client device 406 may query a network database or an XML data server on the web. [0079] An additional mode, the applet deployment mode, can be thought of as a combination of the thin and the thick connected client profiles. However, in this case, the client runtime is not an application but an applet running inside a web browser supporting Java. With this model, the user can access the same application without installing specific runtime software on the client. The use of an applet constrains the deployment, because standard restrictions for applets apply, such as restricted access to local resources and to servers. [0080] The process of presenting a form on the client device is now described within an embodiment of an architecture. The process will be illustrated for each of the main deployment profiles described above in FIG. 4 . In the following figures, thick arrows represent the flow of information between stack layers. Notice that, in some embodiments, the grayed layers in the figures represent layers that are actually available on the computing system, although they are not used in the represented deployment profile. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the grayed layers may be absent. [0081] FIG. 5 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the thin connected profile. [0082] 501 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action provoking the presentation of a new form. [0083] 502 The event manager 14 intercepts the event and sends the request to the requester 21 . [0084] 503 The requester 21 transmits the request as an XML message to the listener 35 on the server 36 . [0085] 504 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 520 containing the form specification. The resource manager 34 then parses the XML document into a DOM tree. [0086] 505 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification 520 is passed to the processor 30 . The screen builder 32 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 33 may be invoked in order to execute the construction of script code if any. [0087] 506 As part of the construction process, the processor 30 may invoke the resource manager 34 , requesting some data from a database 521 to populate the displayable interactive form. [0088] 507 The processor integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 520 . [0089] 508 The listener 35 gets the DOM tree representing the visual form constructed by the processor 30 , generates the XML representation of the visual form and sends it back to the requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. [0090] 509 Alternatively, the listener 35 may return a compiled version of the visual form to the compiled XML module 20 of the client device 22 , which in turn constructs a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. [0091] 510 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls. [0092] 511 The form is displayed on the device's interface. [0093] FIG. 6 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the thick connected profile. [0094] 601 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action provoking the presentation of a new form. [0095] 602 The event manager 14 intercepts the event and sends the request to the requester 21 . [0096] 603 The requester 21 transmits the request to the listener 35 on the server 36 [0097] 604 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 620 containing the form specification. [0098] 605 The listener 35 gets the XML document representing the form specification 620 and sends it back to requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the form specification. [0099] 606 Alternatively, the listener 35 may return a compiled version of the form specification to the compiled XML module 20 of the client device 22 , which in turn constructs a DOM tree representing the form specification. [0100] 607 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 15 . The screen builder 17 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 18 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code if any. [0101] 608 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 19 , requesting some data from a database 621 to populate the displayable interactive form. [0102] 609 The processor then integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 620 . [0103] 610 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls. [0104] 611 The form is displayed on the device's interface. [0105] FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of information within the client stack, for the stand-alone profile. [0106] 701 The process starts when the user raises an event on the device interface 10 , associated with an action starting the execution of script code. [0107] 702 The event manager 14 intercepts the event, gets the script code associated with the event, and passes it to the processor 15 . The script engine 18 executes the script code. [0108] 703 Within the execution of the script code, a new form is utilized. A command is sent to the local resource manager 19 requesting to retrieve the local XML file 720 containing the form specification, which is parsed into a DOM tree. [0109] 704 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 15 . The screen builder 17 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 18 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code, if any. [0110] 705 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 19 , requesting some data from a database 721 to populate the displayable interactive form. [0111] 706 The processor integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 720 . [0112] 707 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager, which generates the corresponding User Interface controls. [0113] 708 The form is displayed on the device's interface. [0114] FIG. 8 illustrates the flow of information within the client and server stacks, for the applet profile. The client runtime runs within a Java compatible HTML browser 800 and the server 801 is a web server. [0115] 802 The browser loads the applet client runtime code from the web server 801 . The client runtime then runs within the browser's JVM. [0116] 803 The user raises an event on the HTML browser 800 , associated with an action starting the execution of script code. [0117] 804 The event manager 14 intercepts the event, gets the script code associated with the event, and passes it to the processor 15 . The engine 18 executes the script code. [0118] 805 Within the execution of the script code, a new form is required. A command is sent to the requester 21 requesting to retrieve a form from the server. [0119] 806 The request is transmitted to the listener 35 within an HTTP request to the web server 801 . [0120] 807 The listener 35 analyzes the request and sends a command to the resource manager 34 to retrieve the XML file 820 containing the form specification. The resource manager 34 then parses the XML document into a DOM tree. [0121] 808 The parsed DOM tree of the form specification is passed to the processor 30 . The screen builder 32 uses this DOM tree to construct a new DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. During this processes, the script engine 33 may be invoked in order to execute the construction script code if any. [0122] 809 As part of the construction process, the processor 15 may invoke the resource manager 34 , requesting some data from a database 821 to populate the displayable interactive form. [0123] 810 The processor then integrates the data in the form as specified in the form specification 820 . [0124] 811 The listener 35 gets the DOM tree representing the visual form constructed by the processor 30 , generates the XML representation of the visual form and sends it back to the requester 21 . The requester then uses an XML parser to construct a DOM tree representing the displayable interactive form. [0125] 812 The script that started the loading process of the form may perform some additional initializations, further manipulating the DOM tree. [0126] 813 The DOM tree is passed to the UI Manager 11 , which generates the corresponding User Interface controls. [0127] 814 The form is displayed on the device's interface. [0128] It should be noted that the applet profile is just one example of mixing the main profiles illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 . Capability is provided for mixing these profiles in many other ways. That is, a given application running on a given client device may combine the behavior of the three profiles. For example, an application on a PDA device may be developed to run in a thin client mode when connected to the corporate server within an intranet, thus taking advantage of real-time data, as illustrated in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, when the same application recognizes the unavailability of a valid network connection, it may automatically revert to a stand-alone mode, using a local database that has been automatically synchronized during the connected mode. The same application may then run anywhere, such as at a customer's site. [0129] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the present invention comprises a visual design module 226 , used by the developer during the visual design step 202 . FIG. 9 illustrates with more details of one example of a visual design module, in which the visual design module may comprise a project browser panel 901 , a properties browser panel 902 , and a preview and XML source panel 903 . [0130] The developer uses the building elements available from the visual design module to create the forms. For example, the following building elements may be provided: Box 904 : A container for other objects. Bulletinboard: A container for other objects, which may be placed at arbitrary locations. Button 905 : An action initiator. Checkbox: A Boolean indicator. Grid: A container for tabular data. Sub-objects include columns and rows. Image: A container for a picture. Menulist: A drop-down selection list of menu items Spring: A flexible spacing element to be used between other objects. Text 906 : characters and labels. Textfield 907 : An entry field. For: A loop element to integrate data from a data source [0142] A building element may be given specific attributes, such as background color and font size through the properties browser 902 . Such built-in attributes are available for each building element and are presented within the built-in attributes tab 908 . Custom attributes may also be added to an element within the custom tab 909 . [0143] To define the behavior of the form, scripts may be added to the events presented within the event tab 910 of the properties browser. A building element has an associated list of built-in events that may be linked to script code. The script code may define the interaction code, the business logic and the computations required to process the event. [0144] External data may be used to customize the screen during the construction phase of a form; a for building element may be used for this purpose. Examples include populating a list of values in a menulist element or a grid element, with data extracted from a database table. Alternatively, the external data may be accessed by some script code executed during the processing of an event. One example includes checking a username and password against a credentials database table when a user validates a login form. [0145] When writing script code, the developer accesses the data sources and other resources like images as abstract resources, without specifying the physical location and connectivity properties of the resources. The mapping to actual resources is done in a later step. There is no means, during this phase, to state whether the resource will be located on the client device or on the server. This is a feature that allows a given application to be deployed on several different deployment targets. [0146] The visual design module translates the form specification 911 into an XML document that may be viewed and edited within the XML Source tab 912 . The hierarchical structure of XML is very well suited to represent visual components of a user interface. The developer may use the visual features of the visual design module; alternatively, the developer may directly edit the XML document representing the current form. [0147] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment comprises a deployment module 228 . When the form specifications have been created during the visual design step 202 , the developer proceeds to the define deployment step 206 , interacting with the deployment module 228 . The developer starts defining the platforms on which the application will run. Each platform may be characterized by: The client device environment (e.g., the Java version, the device's profile). A list of the form specifications deployed on the platform. Especially, some forms may not be deployed in all the platforms. The involved servers. The accessed databases and resources. [0152] Platforms can also be added or modified at any time. When a new platform is added, the designer tool 200 updates the relevant data. [0153] When the platforms have been defined, the developer requests the deployment module 228 to prepare the deployment of the platforms. The deployment module 228 analyzes the form specifications listed in the platforms, especially the scripts contained by the forms, and determines the involved abstract resources. A resource is either: A form resource: a resource used during the construction process of the form. Since the construction process may be uniformly performed on the server or on the client device, the developer can consider performance issues when deciding where to locate the form resources. Event resource: a resource used during the processing of an event of the form. Event processing is performed on the client device. [0156] For each abstract resource determined during the preparation process, the developer defines a mapping to an actual resource. Therefore, the developer sets the type of the resource, its location and its properties. For example, if the resource is a database table, the settings may include a reference to a database resource and the name of the table. Some resource definitions may be shared by different elements in one form or across different forms. External resources may be defined only once and used anywhere in the application. [0157] Once the deployment has been defined in the define deployment step 206 , the developer proceeds to the export deployment step 210 , using the deployment module 228 of the designer tool 200 . When the developer requests the deployment module 228 to export the deployment, the designer tool 200 creates all the files required by the deployment and copies the files and the resources either to the client or to the server according to the deployment definition. Alternatively, the developer may export the required files to an intermediary storage, such as a local disk, and later copy them to the final target. On the client 238 , the files to deploy include ready-to-deploy form specifications 216 and resources 218 . On the server 236 , the files to deploy include ready-to-deploy form specifications 220 , resources 222 and the server configuration file 224 . Several files and resources may be deployed, including images, queries or other resource files used by the application. [0158] By reference to FIG. 2 , an embodiment comprises a test module 244 . After the deployment has been exported, the developer proceeds to test 240 the application. In accordance with one aspect, a process is provided to test applications on different platforms. Testing applications on small devices is a good way for the developer to get the real feeling of the user interface and to check the actual behavior of the application. The defined process promotes an iterative approach for testing. As discussed previously, the design step 202 can be performed only once for all the targeted platforms. To simplify the first testing iterations, the developer can define a test platform 242 on which to deploy the application, with the developer's desktop used as a client 238 . The deployment may include a server 236 accessible from the desktop in order to simulate the real-world environment. The developer then tests the application on this platform 242 . Once the functionalities are tested on the desktop test platform, the developer may proceed to test the application for each real targeted platform 242 . In one embodiment, the designer tool 200 interacts with device emulators to proceed to test the application against specific devices. If the actual client device is connected to the developer's desktop, the designer tool 200 may deploy the required files directly on the device when the deployment function is run. [0159] Embodiments of XML descriptors are now described by reference to FIG. 10 . The XML syntax used in the different steps of the development process is described. The example illustrating the syntax is a simple window with a menulist containing a list of train stations extracted from a database. [0160] During the visual design phase 1041 , the developer visually defines the form 1011 and the designer tool generates the corresponding XML representation of the visual form specification 1001 . Conversely, the developer may edit the XML representation 1001 , and the designer tool will generate the corresponding form on the screen. In the example presented in FIG. 10 , the visual components visible on the screen have corresponding elements in the shown descriptor example1.xml, for instance the menulist 1030 . The XML tag <for> 1023 is used to fill the menulist 1030 with items extracted from a database. The tag represents a loop on each item retrieved from the data source, and the value of the attribute datasource=“stations” 1021 names the source of the data to be used by this loop. This name is the name of the abstract resource representing the data source, and does not necessarily correspond to a physical database name. A mapping with an actual resource will be defined later. In the <for> declaration, the attribute cursor-name=“s” 1024 defines the cursor object used within the loop to access the items retrieved from the database. Within the loop definition, the access to the item's content is performed through the syntax s.field(‘STATION_NAME’) 1022 , giving access to the STATION_NAME field of the current item. [0161] To deploy the form, the developer first defines a deployment platform 1031 , named jdk1.3 in the example, and adds the form 1034 example1 to this platform. The developer: then launches the prepare deployment process on the designer tool. The designer analyzes the forms and finds in the form 1011 , as a consequence of the value of the attribute 1021 , an unknown abstract resource named stations 1035 . This resource is listed as a Form Resource because it is used within a <for> declaration. At runtime, <for> declarations are used during the construction of the form, and not during the processing of an event. The properties of the deployment represented on the properties browser 1012 correspond to a deployment definition contained in the XML project file 1002 . This file contains the list of the form specifications included in the project and the deployment definitions 1040 for the client and the server, and indicates all the resources used in the project. [0162] The developer defines a database by adding an element 1033 under the databases 1032 element in the project browser. The developer defines properties of the added database by providing suitable values for the database component properties on the properties browser 1012 , including the database's type and the settings for accessing the physical database. The corresponding syntax 1036 in the project file 1002 indicates that a database named localXML is located in a directory xmldb and corresponds to an XML file. [0163] In order to bind the stations data-source to the localML database, the developer sets the properties 1012 attached to the stations resource 1035 to the following values: Type: Table. The resource is a database table [0165] Database Name: localXML. Corresponds to the logical name of the database containing the table [0166] Table Name: train.stations. Corresponds to the physical name of the table in the database. [0167] These settings are represented in the XML project file 1002 as: <prebind name=“stations” databasename=“localXML” tablename=“train.stations” type=“table”/>. [0168] The next step is the export deployment step. During this step, the designer tool generates the ready-to-deploy form specification 1003 . The designer tool combines the visual form specification 1001 with the contents of the project file 1002 , thus binding the abstract resources contained in the form specification with the physical resources as specified during the deployment definition 1040 . The binding syntax 1043 for the table is: [0000] <prebind name=“stations” action=“table” protocol=“local” resource-name=“train.stations”db=“localXML”/> [0169] The prebind tag is used to define a binding for a resource used during the construction of the form and corresponds to a form resource. Conversely, a bind tag is used to define a binding for a resource used during the processing of an event and corresponds to an event resource. The associated properties are: Name: the logical name of the resource Action: designs the type of action to be performed by the runtime when processing the bind or prebind elements. In the example, the table value indicates that data must be retrieved from a database table. The possible values for this attribute and the corresponding actions are: query: retrieve data by querying a database table: retrieve data from a database table method: access a java method file: retrieve a text file or an XML file form: open a new form openDatabase: connect to a database resource-name: the name of the resource, database table in the example db: the logical name of the database [0180] One major issue affecting the user experience with mobile devices is the latency when moving from form to form within an application. This is due to the connection and transfer time for the forms, and the poor performance of the devices' processor. Embodiments provide additional capabilities, which may dramatically improve the perceptible performance of a mobile application. Caching: If a form has been downloaded and processed by the device, the form remains in the device's memory as a processed form, and may be quickly and frequently accessed as required. The client runtime manages the list of loaded forms it can keep in memory, releasing cached forms as needed. Pre-fetching: designated forms may be downloaded, processed by the device, and stored into the cache, during the idle time of the device's processor, even before the form has been explicitly requested by the user interaction within the application. Idle time typically occurs during user interaction. The client runtime may later access the form from the cache as required, without apparently incurring any download or processing time.

A computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium is configurable to accomplish execution of an application that is specified and encoded in a markup-based descriptor language. The product includes client runtime computer code configured to cause a client computer device to process the markup-based descriptor language to deploy an application to accomplish execution of the application. The client runtime computer code is further configured to process the markup-based descriptor language to selectively configure the client computer device to deploy the application so as to accomplish execution of the application by the client computer device stand-alone or by the client computer device in cooperation with a server to which the device is connectable via a network connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus for ejecting liquid droplets from nozzle orifices, and particularly relates to a liquid ejection apparatus for ejecting liquid droplets from a plurality of nozzle orifices during each of reciprocating motions thereof. In an ink jet recording apparatus (kind of the liquid ejection apparatus) such as an ink jet printer or an ink jet plotter, a recording head (head member) is moved in a primary scanning direction while recording paper (kind of liquid-ejected medium) is moved in a secondary scanning direction. In connection with such motions, ink droplets are ejected from nozzle orifices of the recording head so as to record an image (including characters and so on) on the recording paper. The ejection of ink droplets is performed, for example, by expansion and contraction of pressure generating chambers communicating with the nozzle orifices. The expansion and contraction of the pressure generating chambers are performed, for example, by use of deformation of piezoelectric vibrators. In such a recording head, each piezoelectric vibrator is deformed in response to a driving pulse supplied thereto so that the volume of its corresponding pressure chamber is varied. In response to the volume change, there occurs a change of pressure in ink in the pressure chamber. Thus, an ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle orifice communicating with the pressure chamber. In such a recording apparatus, a drive signal having a plurality of pulse waveforms connected in series is generated. On the other hand, print data SI including gradation information is transmitted to the recording head. Then, in accordance with the transmitted print data SI, only required pulse waveforms are selected from the drive signal and supplied to the piezoelectric vibrator. Thus, the quantity of an ink droplet to be ejected from the nozzle orifice is changed in accordance with the gradation information. More specifically, for example, in a printer in which four gradations of non-recording print data (gradation information 00), small-dot print data (gradation information 01), middle-dot print data (gradation information 10) and large-dot print data (gradation information 11) are set, ink droplets different in ink volume are ejected in accordance with the gradation levels respectively. In order to attain four-gradation recording as described above, for example, a drive signal PA as shown in FIG. 21 can be used. This drive signal PA is a pulse train waveform signal in which a first pulse signal PAPS 1 disposed in a period PAT 1 and a second pulse signal PAPS 2 disposed in a period PAT 2 are connected in series and which is generated repetitively with a recording period PATA. In the drive signal PA, the first pulse signal PAPS 1 is a small-dot driving pulse for ejecting a small ink droplet from a nozzle orifice, and the second pulse signal PAPS 2 is a middle-dot driving pulse for ejecting a middle ink droplet from a nozzle orifice. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22 , recording corresponding to the large dot can be performed by supplying a combination of the first pulse signal PAPS 1 and the second pulse signal PAPS 2 . In order to perform recording on recording paper at a higher speed, it is preferable that ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle orifices of the recording head to thereby record an image (including characters and so on) on the recording paper in each of forward travel and backward travel of reciprocating motion of the recording head in the primary scanning direction. That is, it is preferable that after recording one line during forward motion, the recording head moves by line width (including interline width) in the secondary scanning direction relatively to the recording paper, and records the next line during backward motion (in an opposite direction). The ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording in each of forward and backward motions is called a bi-directional (Bi-D) type. In order to improve the recording accuracy in the bi-directional type ink jet recording apparatus, it is known that the waveform of a forward drive signal is preferably made different from the waveform of a backward drive signal. Generation of such waveforms of drive signals is described in detail in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-1001A. An example will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B . A forward drive signal PA is a periodic signal of a first pulse train P 1 having a first pulse waveform w 1 and a second pulse waveform w 2 in that order. Here, the first pulse waveform w 1 and the second pulse waveform w 2 correspond to the first pulse signal PAPS 1 and the second pulse signal PAPS 2 in FIG. 21 respectively. That is, the first pulse waveform w 1 (first pulse signal PAPS 1 ) is a pulse waveform for ejecting a small-dot liquid droplet, and the second pulse waveform w 2 (second pulse signal PAPS 1 ) is a pulse waveform for ejecting a middle-dot liquid droplet. Then, two-bit pulse selection data is generated in accordance with gradation data per recording pixel during forward motion. In this case, pulse selection data (10) for selecting only the first pulse waveform w 1 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a small dot; pulse selection data (01) for selecting only the second pulse waveform w 2 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a middle dot; and pulse selection data (11) for selecting both the first pulse waveform w 1 and the second pulse waveform w 2 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a large dot. On the other hand, a backward drive signal PB is a periodic signal of a second pulse train P 2 having a second pulse waveform w 2 and a first pulse waveform w 1 in that order. Here, the second pulse waveform w 2 and the first pulse waveform w 1 are similar to those of the forward drive signal PA. Then, two-bit pulse selection data is generated in accordance with gradation data per recording pixel during backward motion. In this case, pulse selection data (01) for selecting only the first pulse waveform w 1 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a small dot; pulse selection data (10) for selecting only the second pulse waveform w 2 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a middle dot; and pulse selection data (11) for selecting both the first pulse waveform w 1 and the second pulse waveform w 2 is generated in accordance with gradation data corresponding to a large dot. In such a manner, the order of the pulse waveforms belonging to the forward drive signal is made reverse to the order of the pulse waveforms belonging to the backward drive signal. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24 , the positions (in the primary scanning direction) where ejected ink droplets are landed can be aligned in the secondary scanning direction. In addition, each ink droplet ejected during the forward motion has an initial velocity in which a forward velocity component of the recording head is added to the ink droplet's own initial velocity from the recording head toward the recording paper. Therefore, the point where the ejected ink droplet is landed actually on the recording paper is shifted in the forward direction. On the contrary, each ink droplet ejected during the backward motion has an initial velocity in which a backward velocity component of the recording head is added to the ink droplet's own initial velocity from the recording head toward the recording paper. Therefore, the point where the ejected ink droplet is landed actually on the recording paper is shifted in the backward direction. Thus, in order to secure continuity between a subject (for example, an image) to be recorded during the forward motion and a subject to be recorded during the backward motion, adjustment is made such that the timing with which the backward drive signal is supplied is evenly shifted from the timing with which the forward drive signal is supplied. This shift quantity is called a Bi-D adjustment value. Determination of the Bi-D adjustment value (timing adjustment value) is made by printing a vertical ruled line during forward motion and backward motion following the forward motion to thereby verify continuity, or printing a patch pattern during forward motion and backward motion following the forward motion to thereby examine the presence/absence of a sense of surface roughness. On the other hand, in a recording head for color printing, a plurality of arrays of nozzle orifices for ejecting a plurality of color inks respectively are provided in parallel. Desired color recording can be obtained by ejecting the respective colors of ink suitably on top of one another. The plurality of color inks are, for example, black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. Generally, in bi-directional type color ink jet recording apparatus, a Bi-D adjustment value for the black ink and a Bi-D adjustment value for the other color inks are adjusted independently. However, in order to attain higher-quality color printing, the bi-directional type color ink jet recording apparatus as described above has the following problems. For example, assume that in a recording head for color printing, an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting cyan ink (C), an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting magenta ink (M) and an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting yellow ink (Y) are provided in parallel in that order, and recording is carried out with the cyan ink (C), the magenta ink (M) and the yellow ink (Y) in that order during the forward motion of the recording head. In this case, during the backward motion of the recording head, recording is made with the yellow ink (Y), the magenta ink (M) and the cyan ink (C) in that order. Here, consideration is given to gray color formed in a three-color composite of the cyan ink (C), the magenta ink (M) and the yellow ink (Y). In the forward motion of the recording head, the cyan ink (C), the gray color is formed by superimposition of the magenta ink (M) and the yellow ink (Y) on one another in that order. On the contrary, in the backward motion of the recording head, the gray color is formed by superimposition of the yellow ink (Y), the magenta ink (M) and the cyan ink (C) on one another in that order. It is known that one and the same combination of inks may produce different tones due to a difference in the order in which the ink droplets are landed, as described the above. A variation (shift) of a tone caused by the order in which inks are landed is the most conspicuous in gray color, particularly a halftone gray color. In the case of pigment inks, it is considered that the color of the ink landed last is dominant because the inks are generally high in light blocking effect (apt to hide the background color). For example, it can be considered that when the ink landed last is a yellow ink, the tone is tinged with the yellow. In the case of dye ink, the problem caused by the light blocking effect of the ink is indeed not significant, but a subsequent ink landing on a precedent ink may “spread”. Thus, the color of the ink landed first is rather dominant. For this reason, there is a problem of a color difference formed like horizontal stripes (kind of so-called banding) within a sheet of recording subject due to a difference in recording direction during printing. In addition, there is another problem that the tone of a print obtained by bi-directional printing differs from the tone of a print obtained by unidirectional printing in spite of one and the same image data. Generally in the ink jet recording apparatus, a plurality of kinds of recording paper can be used. The thickness may be not even among those kinds of recording paper. In addition, some recording apparatus can change the distance between the recording head and the recording paper. Further, the distance between the recording head and the recording paper fluctuates due to an error in assembling the recording apparatus. For example, in a recording head for color printing, assume that an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting cyan ink (C), an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting magenta ink (M) and an array of nozzle orifices for ejecting yellow ink (Y) are provided in parallel in that order, and recording is carried out with the cyan ink (C), the magenta ink (M) and the yellow ink (Y) in that order during the motion of the recording head. In this case, recording is carried out with the yellow ink (Y), the magenta ink (M) and the cyan ink (C) in that order during the motion of the recording head. Here, each color ink is ejected from each nozzle orifice onto the recording paper. When the distance between each nozzle orifice and the recording paper is not enough large, a so-called main droplet and a so-called satellite droplet are landed in a state in which the main and satellite droplets are not separated thoroughly but overlap each other. The tone may change due to overlapping of the ink droplets of one and the same color, which droplets should be separated. When ink droplets of the cyan ink (C) or the magenta ink (M) are superimposed on each other, the value of optical density linearly increases. In other words, in those colors of ink, a linear relation is established between the number of superimposed ink droplets and the increased value of optical density. However, in the yellow ink (Y), a linear relation is not established between the number of superimposed ink droplets and the increased value of optical density, but the growth of the value of optical density rapidly saturated. As a result, the increase (growth) of the value of optical density of the yellow ink (Y) due to superimposed ink droplets is smaller than that of any other color ink. This phenomenon can be regarded as caused by the yellow color material ratio in the ink which ratio is higher than any other color material ratio because the coloring of the yellow color material is the weakest. In such a manner, there is a difference in properties among the ink colors when ink droplets are superimposed on each other. This difference appears as a change of tone when the distance between each nozzle orifice and recording paper is not enough large. FIG. 25 shows a specific example. In this case, when the distance (PG: Paper Gap) between each nozzle orifice and recording paper is not larger than 1.06 mm, a main droplet overlaps a satellite droplet so that a hue difference ΔE increases. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide liquid ejection apparatus, particularly bi-directional type ink jet recording apparatus, in which the tone of a recording subject recorded during forward motion can be matched with the tone of the recording subject recorded during backward motion. It is also an object of the invention to provide liquid ejection apparatus, particularly bi-directional type ink jet recording apparatus, in which the relative quantity ratio of each liquid ejected from each nozzle orifice is adjusted in accordance with the distance between the nozzle orifice and a recording medium so that, for example, the tone can be adjusted. In order to attain the foregoing objects, according to the invention, there is provided a liquid ejection apparatus, comprising: a head member, provided with nozzles including a plurality of nozzle groups each associated with one of a plurality of colors of liquid; a plurality of pressure fluctuation generator, each of which is operable to generate pressure fluctuation in liquid in each of the nozzles to eject a liquid droplet therefrom; a carriage, operable to carry the head member so as to reciprocately transverse a first region in which a medium, on which the liquid droplet is landed, is placed; a signal generator, operable to generate a first signal and a second signal; a controller, operable to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to the first signal and ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region in a first direction, and to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to the second signal and the ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a pattern data adjuster, operable to adjust the ejection pattern data so as to vary an ejected number of the liquid droplet per a unit area, for each of the nozzle groups. Preferably, the pattern data adjuster adjusts the ejection pattern data so as to vary relative percentages among liquid droplets of the respective colors in all liquid droplets ejected in the unit area. In such a configuration, the tone of an image formed during forward motion can be matched with the tone of an image formed during backward motion with high accuracy. In general, the first signal and the second signal are different from each other. However, the first signal and the second signal may be identical with each other. Preferably, the liquid ejection apparatus further comprises a tone confirmation controller, operable to control the pattern data adjuster, the controller and the carriage such that: at least one first liquid mixing portion, at which liquid droplets of the plural colors are superposed, is formed on the medium when the head member transverses the first region in the first direction; and a plurality of second liquid mixing portions, at which liquid droplets of the plural colors are superposed while varying the ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area, are formed on the medium when the head member transverse the first region in the second direction. The at least one first liquid mixing portion and the second liquid mixing portions are arranged on the medium in a comparative manner. In this case, when the first liquid mixing portion is contrasted with the plurality of second liquid mixing portions, one of the second liquid mixing portions the most conformable to the tone of the first liquid mixing portion can be selected. Then, when the number of times of ejecting each color liquid per unit area corresponding to the selected second liquid mixing portion is set as the number of times of ejecting each color liquid per unit area to be adjusted, the tone of an image formed during forward motion can be matched with the tone of an image formed during backward motion with high accuracy. Here it is preferable that a plurality of first liquid mixing portions are formed. In this case, the plurality of first liquid mixing portions can be contrasted with the plurality of second liquid mixing portions. Accordingly, one of the second liquid mixing portions the most conformable to the first liquid mixing portion can be selected more easily. The first liquid mixing portions may be formed by superposing liquid droplets of the plural colors while varying the ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area, when the head member transverses the first region in the first direction. It is further preferable that: the medium is placed in the first region movably in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the second liquid mixing portions are arranged in the second direction; and the first liquid mixing portion and the second liquid mixing portions are adjacent in the third direction. In this case, the easiness of selection is enhanced. Here, there may be configured that: the medium is placed in the first region movably in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the second liquid mixing portions are arranged in the third direction; and the first liquid mixing portion and the second liquid mixing portions are adjacent in the second direction. Preferably, the nozzle groups are at least three groups respectively associated with cyan liquid, magenta liquid and yellow liquid. In this case, each of the first liquid mixing portion and the second liquid mixing portions is a gray color pattern formed out of liquid of cyan color, liquid of magenta color and liquid of yellow color. The gray color pattern is suitable as a subject of tone confirmation because a tone (hue) shift appears conspicuously therein. Particularly it is preferable that each of the first liquid mixing portion and the second liquid mixing portions is a halftone gray color solid pattern. Preferably, the unit area includes a matrix pattern constituted by a plurality of pixels each of which is associated with one liquid droplet. For example, a matrix measuring 16 by 16 may be set as a unit area. This is a matrix pattern called “dither”. Alternatively, a size of the unit area is variable according to the ejection pattern data. Particularly, a fixed pattern such as “dither” may be inappropriate for some printing jobs of natural images or the like. In such a case, it is preferable that a variable pattern is used as a unit area for each portion of each image in consideration of “error diffusion”. According to the invention, there is also provided a method of adjusting the ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area, performed in the above liquid ejection apparatus, comprising steps of: forming at least one first liquid mixing portion, at which liquid droplets of the plural colors are superposed, on the medium when the head member transverses the first region in the first direction; forming a plurality of second liquid mixing portions, at which liquid droplets of the plural colors are superposed while varying the ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area, on the medium when the head member transverse the first region in the second direction; comparing the second liquid mixing portions with the first liquid mixing portion to select one of the second liquid mixing portions having a tone closest to a tone of the first liquid mixing portion; and adjusting the ejection pattern data so as to correspond to an ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area which is associated with the selected one of the second liquid mixing portions. Here, the comparing step is performed with operator's eyes or a colorimetry device. Preferably, the adjusting method further comprises steps of: forming a plurality of third liquid mixing portions, at which liquid droplets of the plural colors are superposed while varying the ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area, on the medium when the head member transverses the first region in the first direction; comparing the third liquid mixing portions with the first liquid mixing portion to select one of the second liquid mixing portions having a tone closest to a tone of the first liquid mixing portion; and adjusting the ejection pattern data so as to correspond to an ejected number of the liquid droplet per the unit area which is associated with the selected one of the third liquid mixing portions. According to the invention, there is also provided a liquid ejection apparatus, comprising: a head member, comprising a nozzle face formed with nozzles; a plurality of pressure fluctuation generator, each of which is operable to generate pressure fluctuation in liquid in each of the nozzles to eject a liquid droplet therefrom; a carriage, operable to carry the head member so as to transverse a first region in which a medium, on which the liquid droplet is landed, is placed; a controller, operable to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region; a distance detector, operable to detect a distance between the nozzle face and the medium and a pattern data adjuster, operable to adjust the ejection pattern data so as to vary an ejected number of the liquid droplet per a unit area, in accordance with the distance. In such a configuration, the number of times of ejecting the liquid from each nozzle orifice per unit area can be adjusted on the basis of the distance detected by the distance detector. Thus, the change in landing properties caused by overlapping of a main droplet and a satellite droplet of each liquid when the main and satellite droplets are landed can be compensated suitably. Preferably, the nozzles includes a plurality of nozzle groups each associated with one of a plurality of colors of liquid; and the pattern data adjuster adjust the ejection pattern data for each of the nozzle groups. In this case, a change in tone caused by overlapping of a main droplet and a satellite droplet of each liquid when the main and satellite droplets are landed can be compensated suitably. Here, it is preferable that the nozzle groups are at least three groups respectively associated with cyan liquid, magenta liquid and yellow liquid. Preferably, the distance is detected based on a thickness of the medium and a distance between the nozzle face and a surface in the first region on which the medium is placed. Preferably, the liquid ejection apparatus further comprises a gap adjuster, operable to vary the distance, and to acquire information regarding the distance. Preferably, the liquid ejection apparatus further comprises a storage, operable to store a variation rate of the ejected number in association with the distance. Here, it is preferable that the variation rate is at least two-bit data representing whether the distance is enough to separate the liquid droplet into a main droplet and a satellite droplet. It is also preferable that the variation rate and the distance are associated with a table. Preferably, the unit area includes a matrix pattern constituted by a plurality of pixels each of which is associated with one liquid droplet. For example, a matrix measuring 16 by 16 may be set as a unit area. This is a matrix pattern called “dither”. Alternatively, a size of the unit area is variable according to the ejection pattern data. Particularly, a fixed pattern such as “dither” may be inappropriate for some printing jobs of natural images or the like. In such a case, it is preferable that a variable pattern is used as a unit area for each portion of each image in consideration of “error diffusion”. According to the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for controlling a liquid ejection apparatus, which comprises: a head member, provided with nozzles including a plurality of nozzle groups each associated with one of a plurality of colors of liquid; a plurality of pressure fluctuation generator, each of which is operable to generate pressure fluctuation in liquid in each of the nozzles to eject a liquid droplet therefrom; and a carriage, operable to carry the head member so as to reciprocately transverse a first region in which a medium, on which the liquid droplet is landed, is placed, the controlling apparatus comprising: a signal generator, operable to generate a first signal and a second signal; a controller, operable to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to the first signal and ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region in a first direction, and to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to the second signal and the ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a pattern data adjuster, operable to adjust the ejection pattern data so as to vary an ejected number of the liquid droplet per a unit area, for each of the nozzle groups. According to the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for controlling a liquid ejection apparatus which comprises: a head member, comprising a nozzle face formed with nozzles; a plurality of pressure fluctuation generator, each of which is operable to generate pressure fluctuation in liquid in each of the nozzles to eject a liquid droplet therefrom; and a carriage, operable to carry the head member so as to transverse a first region in which a medium, on which the liquid droplet is landed, is placed, the controlling apparatus comprising: a controller, operable to drive the pressure fluctuation generator according to ejection pattern data in a case where the head member transverse the first region; a distance detector, operable to detect a distance between the nozzle face and the medium and a pattern data adjuster, operable to adjust the ejection pattern data so as to vary an ejected number of the liquid droplet per a unit area, in accordance with the distance. The control apparatus or the respective elements therein may be implemented by a computer system. In addition, the invention also includes a program for making the computer system to implement the respective elements of the apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program. Here, the recording medium includes a network propagating various signals, as well as a medium that can be recognized as a unit such as a floppy disk. Incidentally, the number of nozzles belonging to one nozzle group is optional, and it may be one. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings include: FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2A is a schematic view for explaining a scanning range of a recording head in ink jet recording apparatus performing unidirectional recording; FIG. 2B is a schematic view for explaining a scanning range of a recording head in ink jet recording apparatus performing bi-directional recording; FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing a recording head located in a waiting position; FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the state where the recording head is moving from the waiting position to the recording area side; FIG. 3C is a schematic view showing the state where the recording head is moving from the recording area side to the waiting position; FIG. 3D is a schematic view showing the state where the recording head is located in a home position; FIG. 4 is a sectional view for explaining the configuration of the recording head; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing nozzle arrays corresponding to respective colors; FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the electric configuration of the recording head according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing a drive signal generator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a forward drive signal; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a backward drive signal; FIG. 10 is an example of an assignment table of color adjust IDs to ink weight ratios; FIG. 11 is a table showing a specific example of a color adjust ID set on the basis of the weight of an ink droplet ejected from each nozzle array; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a formation pattern of a forward-scanning liquid mixing portion and backward-scanning mixture patches; FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of correction coefficient sets for color adjust values; FIG. 14 is a graph showing a data example of tones of several backward-scanning mixture patches estimated by use of a colorimetry device, drive timings of the backward-scanning mixture patches being shifted from one another; FIG. 15 is a table showing raw data of FIG. 14 ; FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram showing the electric configuration of a recording head according to the second embodiment; FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram showing a drive signal generator according to the second embodiment; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a first data example of liquid mixing portions estimated by use of a colorimetry device, the liquid mixing portions being formed on sheets of recording paper different in PG using one and the same color adjust value; FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a second data example of liquid mixing portions estimated by use of a colorimetry device, the liquid mixing portions being formed on sheets of recording paper different in PG using one and the same color adjust value; FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a drive signal in the related art; FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a driving pulse generated on the basis of the drive signal in FIG. 21 ; FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams for explaining an example in which a forward drive signal and a backward drive signal are made different from each other; FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the positions where ink droplets are landed in FIGS. 23A and 23B ; and FIG. 25 is a graph for explaining the influence of the distance between each nozzle orifice and recording paper on the difference in hue. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. An ink jet printer 1 (liquid ejection apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 has a carriage 5 including a cartridge holder 3 and a recording head 4 . The cartridge holder 3 can hold a black ink cartridge 2 a and a color ink cartridge 2 b . The carriage 5 is reciprocated in a primary scanning direction by a head scanning mechanism. The head scanning mechanism is constituted by a guide member 6 extending in the lateral direction of a housing, a pulse motor 7 provided on one side of the housing, a driving pulley 8 connected to a rotating shaft of the pulse motor 7 to be thereby driven and rotated, an idling pulley 9 attached to the other side of the housing, a timing belt 10 laid between the driving pulley 8 and the idling pulley 9 and coupled with the carriage 5 , and a controller 11 (see FIG. 6 ) for controlling the rotation of the pulse motor 7 . Thus, by actuating the pulse motor 7 , the carriage 5 , that is, the recording head 4 can be reciprocated in the primary scanning direction corresponding to the width direction of recording paper 12 . In addition, the printer 1 has a paper feed mechanism (liquid-ejected medium holder) for feeding a recording medium (liquid-ejected medium) such as recording paper 12 in a paper feed direction (secondary scanning direction). The paper feed mechanism is constituted by a paper feeding motor 13 , a paper feed roller 14 , and so on. Recording media such as the recording paper 12 are fed out in turn interlocking with the recording operation. The head scanning mechanism and the paper feed mechanism according to this embodiment are designed to be able to support the recording paper 12 of a large size such as B 0 . In addition, the printer 1 in this embodiment carries out the recording operation only during the forward motion of the recording head 4 or during both the forward motion and the backward motion of the recording head 4 (capable of bi-directional recording). In addition, the recording operation includes a mode (“fast mode”; one-pass printing) in which recording of each area is completed by one-time forward or backward scanning of the recording head, and a mode (“fine mode”; multi-pass printing) in which recording of each area is completed by multiple-time scanning. Both dots recorded during forward motion and during backward motion are mixed in each area at the time of the bi-directional recording of multi-pass printing. A home position HP and a waiting position WP of the recording head 4 (carriage 5 ) are established within a moving range C of the carriage 5 and in an end portion area outside a recording area R. As shown in FIG. 2A , the home position HP is set in a one-side end portion (right side in the figure) of the head moving range where the recording head 4 can move. On the other hand, the waiting position WP is set to be adjacent to the home position HP on the recording area R side. When the printer can carry out bi-directional recording, a second waiting position WP 2 can be provided in the end portion opposite to the home position HP in addition to a first waiting position WP 1 adjacent to the home position HP as shown in FIG. 2B . The home position HP is a site where the recording head 4 moves and stays when the power is off or when recording has not been carried out for a long time. When the recording head 4 is located in the home position HP, a cap member 15 of a capping mechanism abuts against a nozzle plate 16 (see FIG. 4 ) so as to seal off nozzle orifices 17 (see FIG. 4 ), as shown in FIG. 3D . The cap member 15 is a member molded out of an elastic member such as rubber so as to be formed into a substantially quadrangular tray-like shape whose top is open. A moisture retaining material such as felt is attached to the inside of the cap member 15 . When the recording head 4 is sealed off by the cap member 15 , high moisture is retained inside the cap so that evaporation of an ink solvent from the nozzle orifices 17 is tempered. The waiting position WP is a position to be used as a start point when the recording head 4 carries out scanning. That is, the recording head 4 usually stands ready in the waiting position WP, and is moved from the waiting position WP to the recording area R side at the time of recording operation as shown in FIG. 3B . When the recording operation is terminated, the recording head 4 returns to the waiting position WP as shown in FIG. 3C . When the printer performs bi-directional recording, the recording head 4 waiting in the first waiting position WP 1 is moved toward the second waiting position WP 2 so as to perform a forward recording operation, as shown in FIG. 2 B. When the forward recording operation is terminated, the recording head 4 waits in the second waiting position WP 2 . Next, the recording head 4 waiting in the second waiting position WP 2 is moved toward the first waiting position WP 1 so as to perform a backward recording operation. When the backward recording operation is terminated, the recording head 4 waits in the first waiting position. After that, the forward recording operation and the backward recording operation are executed alternately and repetitively. An ink receiver for recovering ink discharged by the recording head 4 in a flushing operation (kind of maintenance operation) is provided in the waiting position WP. In this embodiment, the cap member 15 also has a function as the ink receiver. That is, the cap member 15 is usually disposed in a position under the waiting position WP of the recording head 4 (in a position under the nozzle plate 16 and at a small distance therefrom). Then, with the motion of the recording head 4 to the home position HP, the cap member 15 moves up obliquely (toward the home position and toward the nozzle plate 16 ) so as to seal off the nozzle orifices 17 , as shown in FIG. 3D . In the case of the printer carrying out bi-directional recording, an ink receiver 18 is also disposed in the second waiting position WP 2 , as shown in FIG. 2B . The ink receiver 18 can be, for example, formed out of a flushing box having a box-like shape open in the surface opposed to the recording head 4 . Further, in this embodiment, an acceleration area AC is set between the waiting position and the recording area. The acceleration area AC is an area where the scanning speed of the recording head 4 is accelerated to a predetermined speed. Next, description will be made on the recording head 4 . As shown in FIG. 4 , in the recording head 4 , pectinated piezoelectric vibrators 21 (pressure actuator) are inserted into a reception chamber 72 of a box-shaped casing 71 made of plastic etc., from one opening of the reception chamber 72 , so that pectinated tip portions 21 a face the other opening of the reception chamber 72 . A flow passage unit 74 is connected to the surface (lower surface) of the casing 71 on the other opening side so that the pectinated tip portions 21 a are fixed in contact with predetermined portions of the flow passage unit 74 respectively. The piezoelectric vibrators 21 are formed by cutting a sheet-shaped diaphragm into a pectinated shape corresponding to the dot formation density. In the vibrator plate, common internal electrodes 21 c and individual internal electrodes 21 d are laminated alternately through piezoelectric pieces 21 b . Then, when a potential difference is applied between the common internal electrodes 21 c and the individual internal electrodes 21 d , the piezoelectric vibrators 21 expand and contract in the vibrator longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lamination direction respectively. The flow passage unit 74 is constituted by the nozzle plate 16 and an elastic plate 77 laminated on the opposite sides with a flow passage formation plate 75 sandwiched between the nozzle plate 16 and the elastic plate 77 . The flow passage formation plate 75 is a plate member in which a plurality of pressure generating chambers 22 , a plurality of ink supply ports 82 and an elongated common ink chamber 83 are formed. The pressure generating chambers 22 are arrayed and separated by partition walls so as to communicate with a plurality of nozzle orifices 17 provided in the nozzle plate 16 , respectively. The ink supply ports 82 communicate with at least one-side ends of the pressure generating chambers 22 respectively. All the ink supply ports 82 communicate with the common ink chamber 83 . For example, etching may be performed on a silicon wafer to form the long common ink chamber 83 , form the pressure generating chambers 22 in the longitudinal direction of the common ink chamber 83 in accordance with the pitch of the nozzle orifices 17 , and form the groove-like ink supply ports 82 between the pressure generating chambers 22 and the common ink chamber 83 respectively. Incidentally, arrangement is made so that the ink supply ports 82 are connected to one-side ends of the pressure generating chambers 22 while the nozzle orifices 17 are located near the other end portions opposite to the ink supply ports 82 . In addition, the common ink chamber 83 is a chamber from which ink reserved in an ink cartridge is supplied to the pressure generating chambers 22 . An ink supply tube 84 communicates with the common ink chamber 83 substantially at the longitudinal center of the common ink chamber 83 . The elastic plate 77 is laminated to the surface of the flow passage formation plate 75 opposite to the nozzle plate 16 . The elastic plate 77 has a double-layer structure in which a polymer film of PPS or the like is laminated as an elastic film 88 to the lower surface of a stainless steel plate 87 . Then, the stainless steel plate 87 is etched correspondingly to the pressure generating chambers 22 , so as to form an island portion 89 for fixing the piezoelectric vibrators 21 in contact therewith. In the recording head 4 configured thus, when the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is expanded in the longitudinal direction thereof, the island portion 89 is pressed toward the nozzle plate 16 so that the elastic film 88 in the vicinity of the island portion 89 is deformed to contract the pressure generating chamber 22 . On the contrary, when the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is contracted in the longitudinal direction thereof in the state where the pressure generating chamber 22 is contracted, the pressure generating chamber 22 is expanded by the elasticity of the elastic film 88 . When the pressure generating chamber 22 expanded once is contracted, the ink pressure in the pressure generating chamber 22 is increased so that an ink droplet is ejected from the nozzle orifice 17 . That is, in the recording head 4 , as the piezoelectric vibrator 21 is charged/discharged, the volume of the corresponding pressure chamber 22 changes. Using such a pressure change of the pressure chamber 22 , an ink droplet can be ejected from the nozzle orifice 17 , or a meniscus (free surface of ink exposed in the nozzle orifice 17 ) can be finely vibrated. Incidentally, instead of the longitudinal vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator 21 , a so-called flexural vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator may be used. The flexural vibration mode piezoelectric vibrator is a piezoelectric vibrator for contracting a pressure chamber due to deformation of the piezoelectric vibrator caused by charging and for expanding the pressure chamber due to deformation of the piezoelectric vibrator caused by discharging. In this case, the recording head 4 is a multicolor recording head capable of recording in a plurality of different colors. The multicolor recording head has a plurality of head units, and the kind of ink to be used is set for each head unit. The recording head 4 in this embodiment has a black head unit capable of ejecting black ink, a cyan head unit capable of ejecting cyan ink, a magenta head unit capable of ejecting magenta ink and a yellow head unit capable of ejecting yellow ink. Each head unit communicates with an ink chamber of an associated ink cartridge 2 a , 2 b . Each head unit has a configuration described with reference to FIG. 4 , and a nozzle array constituted by a plurality of nozzle orifices 17 is formed for each ink color (BK, C, M, Y) as shown in FIG. 5 . Here, mainly for the sake of manufacturing, the properties about ink droplet ejection of nozzle orifices 17 tend to be coincident with each other on the basis of each nozzle array. Next, description will be made on the electric configuration of the printer 1 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the ink jet printer 1 has a printer controller 30 and a print engine 31 . The printer controller 30 has an external interface (external I/F) 32 , a RAM 33 for storing various data temporarily, a ROM 34 for storing control programs and so on, a controller 11 designed to include a CPU and so on, an oscillator 35 for generating a clock signal CLK, a drive signal generator 36 for generating a drive signal and so on to be supplied to the recording head 4 , and an internal interface (internal I/F) 37 for transmitting the drive signal, dot pattern data (bitmap data) converted from print data, and so on, to the print engine 31 . For example, the external I/F 32 receives print data formed out of character codes, graphic functions, image data, and the like, from a not-shown host computer. In addition, a busy signal (BUSY) or an acknowledge signal (ACK) is outputted to the host computer or the like via the external I/F 32 . The RAM 33 has a reception buffer, an intermediate buffer, an output buffer and a work memory (not shown). The reception buffer temporarily stores print data received via the external I/F 32 . The intermediate buffer stores intermediate code data converted by the controller 11 . The output buffer stores dot pattern data. Here, the dot pattern data is print data SI obtained by decoding (translating) the intermediate code data (for example, gradation data). The ROM 34 stores font data, graphic functions, a look-up table (LUT), etc. as well as the control programs (control routines) for effectuating various data processes. Further, the ROM 34 also stores setting data for maintenance operation, as a maintenance information holding unit. In addition, the ROM 34 (or a not-shown EEPROM) serves as a data storage for a tone confirmation mode to store correction coefficient sets for color adjust values which will be described later. The controller 11 carries out various controls in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 34 . For example, the controller 11 reads print data in the reception buffer, converts the print data into intermediate code data, and stores the intermediate code data into the intermediate buffer. In addition, the controller 11 analyzes the intermediate code data read from the intermediate buffer, and converts (decodes) the intermediate code data into dot pattern data with reference to the font data, graphic functions, the look-up table (LUT), and so on stored in the ROM 34 , the look-up table being allowed to be corrected by the color adjust values. Then, the controller 11 gives necessary decoration processing to the dot pattern data, and then stores the dot pattern data into the output buffer. The look-up table (LUT) is a table for converting RGB data (RGB color space) into dot pattern data of CMYK (CMYK color space) in this case. The color adjust values are, for example, data for compensating a difference in properties as to ink droplet ejection among the nozzle arrays. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-278350A describes in detail a technique for correcting a look-up table (LUT) using the color adjust values. When one-line dot pattern data that can be recorded by one-time primary scanning of the recording head 4 is obtained, the one-line dot pattern data is supplied from the output buffer to an electric drive system 39 of the recording head 4 through the internal I/F 37 sequentially. Then, the carriage is moved for scanning, and the line is printed. When the one-line dot pattern data has been outputted from the output buffer, the decoded intermediate code data is deleted from the intermediate buffer, and decoding processing is performed upon the next intermediate code data. Further, the controller 11 controls the maintenance operation (recovery operation) prior to the recording operation to be performed by the recording head 4 . The print engine 31 is constituted by the paper feeding motor 13 as a paper feed mechanism, the pulse motor 7 as a head scanning mechanism, and the electric drive system 39 of the recording head 4 . Next, description will be made on the electric drive system 39 of the recording head 4 . The electric drive system 39 has a decoder 50 , a shift register 40 , a latch 41 , a level shifter 42 , a switcher 43 and piezoelectric vibrators 21 connected electrically in series as shown in FIG. 6 . These decoder 50 , shift register 40 , latch 41 , level shifter 42 , switcher 43 and piezoelectric vibrators 21 are provided for each nozzle orifice 17 of the recording head 4 . In the electric drive system 39 , when pulse selection data (SP data) applied to the switcher 43 is “1”, the switcher 43 is activated. Thus, the pulse waveform of the drive signal is applied directly to the piezoelectric vibrators 21 so that the piezoelectric vibrators 21 are deformed in accordance with the pulse waveform of the drive signal. On the other hand, when the pulse selection data applied to the switcher 43 is “0”, the switcher 43 is deactivated. Thus, the supply of the drive signal to the piezoelectric vibrators 21 is blocked. In such a manner, a drive signal can be supplied selectively to each piezoelectric vibrator 21 in accordance with the pulse selection data. Thus, in accordance with the given pulse selection data, an ink droplet can be ejected from the nozzle orifice 17 , or a meniscus can be finely vibrated. Here, the details of the drive signal generator 36 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the drive signal generator 36 has a latch signal generator 101 for outputting a plurality of latch signals LAT in association with the timing at which the recording head 4 passes through each reference position (set for each recording pixel). To the end, the latch signal generator 101 is connected with an encoder 102 through a timing corrector 104 . The encoder 102 detects the position or moving distance of the recording head 4 and generates a timing signal TIM. In addition, the drive signal generator 36 has a channel signal generator 103 for outputting a channel signal CH on the basis of a set time difference with respect to the latch signals LAT. The channel signal CH is outputted after the set time difference has elapsed since each latch signal LAT. A main body 105 (forward drive signal generator and backward drive signal generator) is connected to the latch signal generator 101 and the channel signal generator 103 . During the forward motion of the recording head 4 , the main body 105 generates a drive signal A (see FIG. 8 ) including a latch pulse waveform (first pulse signal PS 1 in this case) and a channel pulse waveform (second pulse signal PS 2 in this case) in that order. The latch pulse waveform is allowed to appear at output timing at which each latch signal LAT is outputted. The channel pulse waveform is allowed to appear at output timing at which each channel signal CH is outputted by the channel signal generator 103 . On the other hand, during the backward motion of the recording head 4 , the main body 105 generates a drive signal B (see FIG. 9 ) including a latch pulse waveform (second pulse signal PS 2 in this case) and a channel pulse waveform (first pulse signal PS 1 in this case) in that order. The latch pulse waveform is allowed to appear at output timing at which each latch signal LAT is outputted. The channel pulse waveform is allowed to appear at output timing at which each channel signal CH is outputted by the channel signal generator 103 . During the forward motion and during the backward motion, the timing corrector 104 shifts the output timing of each of the latch signal LAT and the channel signal CH to be sent to the main body 105 , uniformly by a time ΔT (time ΔT A or time ΔT B ) with respect to the timing signal TIM. In this embodiment, the “shift quantity” by the timing corrector 104 is determined by verifying the continuity a vertical ruled line printed during the forward motion and during the backward motion, or verifying the presence/absence of a sense of surface roughness in a patch pattern printed during the forward motion and during the backward motion. As described previously, mainly for the sake of manufacturing, properties about ink droplet ejection from each nozzle orifice 17 in the head member 4 may differ from one nozzle array to another. In such a case, in order to give a designed value to the quantity of an ink droplet ejected from each nozzle orifice, a “color adjust value” is used in this embodiment. Specifically, the “color adjust value” is given to each nozzle array, that is, to each ink color on the basis of the properties of ink droplet ejection measured in each nozzle array in advance. For example, when the weight of an ink droplet ejected in the cyan array is 10% larger than its designed value, the color adjust value of the cyan array is set at a value expressing 10%. On the contrary, when the weight of an ink droplet ejected in the yellow array is 10% smaller than its designed value, the color adjust value of the yellow array is set at a value expressing −10%. Such “color adjust values” may be stored in a not-shown storage mounted on the recording head 4 . Then, the controller 11 as a pattern data adjuster reads the “color adjust value” for each color from the not-shown storage of the recording head 4 , and corrects the look-up table (LUT) to adjust the relative ratio of the number of times of ejecting ink droplets per reference area in each nozzle array (for each color) so as to offset the difference in properties of ink droplet ejection among the nozzle arrays (for respective colors). Dot pattern data in the CMYK color space is generated from the look-up table (LUT) corrected thus, so as to consequently increase/decrease the relative ratio of the number of times of ejecting ink droplets per reference area in each nozzle array (for each color). Here, the color adjust value will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 10 , a color adjust value (ID) is assigned to each ink weight ratio to the designed value of ink weight of an ink droplet to be ejected. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 , a color adjust value is set based on the actual ink weight ejected from each nozzle array (BK array, C array, M array and Y array) and the assignment table shown in FIG. 10 . For example, when the ink weight of one droplet is 20 ng, a standard value “50” is set as its ID because it is a value just as designed. When the ink weight of one droplet is 21 ng, a value “55” (5 points higher than the standard value) is set as its ID because it is 5% distant from the designed value. On the contrary, when the ink weight of one droplet is 18 ng, a value “40” (10 points lower than the standard value) is set as its ID because it is −10% distant from the designed value. The set color adjust ID may be, for example, stored in an ID information storage (not shown) in the recording head 4 , or displayed by an ID information indicator (not shown) provided on the recording head 4 . For example, assume that setting is done to eject ink droplets of 20 ng 100 times per reference area to thereby land the ink droplets of 2,000 ng. In this case, by use of such color adjust values, ink droplets are ejected 95 times per reference area in the C array or the Y array whose ink droplet weight is 21 ng. As a result, the ink quantity per reference area reaches 1995 ng therein. Thus, the ink quantity in each array can be substantially trued up with 2000 ng. Likewise as for the M array whose ink droplet weight is 18 ng, ink droplets are ejected 110 times per reference area. Thus, the ink quantity per reference area reaches 1,980 ng, substantially trued up with 2,000 ng. That is, in this case, in the BK array whose color adjust ID is “50”, the weight of an ink droplet takes a value (20 ng) just as designed. Accordingly, the number of times of ejection per reference area is set at a specified number “100”. On the other hand, in the C array and the Y array whose color adjust ID is “55”, the weight of an ink droplet is 5% larger than the specified weight. Accordingly, the number of times of ejection per reference area is reduced by 5% so as to be set at “95”. Likewise, in the M array whose color adjust ID is “40”, the weight of an ink droplet is 10% smaller than the specified weight. Accordingly, the number of times of ejection per reference area is increased by 10% so as to be set at “110”. In such a manner, the ejected ink quantity per reference area can be trued up by use of the color adjust values even if there is a difference in the weight of an ejected ink droplet among the nozzle arrays. As a result, an image with fixed quality can be recorded. That is, an image with fixed quality can be recorded in spite of an individual difference in the recording head. Here, the reference area is an area, for example, corresponding to a fixed 16×16 matrix pattern. Such a pattern is called “dither”. Alternatively, the reference area is a variable area determined depending on image data or the like for each portion of each image in consideration of “error diffusion”. Tone adjustment in bi-directional printing can be performed on the printer 1 according to this embodiment by a manufacturer immediately before being shipped as a product or by a user during the use of the printer 1 purchased as a product. To this end, the printer according to this embodiment has a tone confirmation input section 205 to which a tone confirmation command is inputted. In addition, the printer 1 according to this embodiment has a tone confirmation controller 210 for controlling the drive signal generator 36 , the controller 11 , the head scanning mechanism and the paper feed mechanism in accordance with the tone confirmation command. The tone confirmation controller 210 forms a plurality of identical solid forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 on the recording paper 12 . In this embodiment, each of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 is a gray-color halftone solid pattern formed out of cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink. On the other hand, the tone confirmation controller 210 gradually changes the relative ratio of the number of times of ejecting liquid of each color (each nozzle array) per reference area so as to form a plurality of solid backward-scanning liquid mixing portions 230 ( 230 a to 230 h : see FIG. 12 ), which are differing slightly in tone from one to another, on the recording paper 12 . Each of the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 is also a gray-color halftone solid pattern formed out of cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink. Here, instead of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions, a plurality of solid forward-scanning liquid mixing portions differing slightly in tone from one to another may be recorded and formed while the relative ratio of the number of times of ejecting liquid per reference area is changed gradually also during backward motion. The tone confirmation controller 210 in this embodiment corrects the “color adjust value” in each color read by the controller 11 . Specifically, for example, the “color adjust value” in each color is multiplied by a correction coefficient set for the color adjust value stored in the ROM 34 or the like in advance. FIG. 13 shows correction coefficient sets for color adjust values by way of example. Then, the tone confirmation controller 210 according to this embodiment forms a plurality of identical forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 as a continuous line in accordance with a tone confirmation command. Likewise the tone confirmation controller 210 forms a plurality of backward-scanning mixture patches 230 ( 230 a to 230 h ) as a continuous line. Further, the line of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 and the line of the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 ( 230 a to 230 h ) are made adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 12 . When the line of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 and the line of the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 are formed as shown in FIG. 12 , one of the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 the most conformable to the tone of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 can be selected extremely easily. Incidentally, the work to select one of the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 the most conformable to the tone of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions 220 may be performed by visual observation of a manufacturer or a user, or by use of a colorimetry device. The optimum correction coefficients for the color adjust values selected thus are set in an EEPROM, and used in a lump during subsequent backward printing. In this embodiment, the tone confirmation controller 210 controls the timing corrector 104 , the controller 11 and the head scanning mechanism in accordance with a second tone confirmation command so as to form at least one solid forward-scanning liquid mixing portion on the recording paper 12 by driving each piezoelectric vibrator 21 with a fixed forward drive signal, and to form a plurality of solid backward-scanning mixture patches on the recording paper 12 by driving each piezoelectric vibrator 21 with backward drive signals which are different from each other (such a configuration is proposed in the unpublished Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-193337). In this case, it is preferable to perform the control of the tone confirmation controller 210 in accordance with the second tone confirmation command prior to the adjustment of the color adjust values. Here, when the forward-scanning liquid mixing portion and the backward-scanning mixture patches formed on the recording paper 12 are contrasted with each other, one of the backward-scanning mixture patches the most conformable to the tone of the forward-scanning liquid mixing portion can be selected. Thus, the drive timing (Bi-D adjustment value) corresponding to the selected backward-scanning mixture patch can be set as the drive timing of the pressure fluctuation generator using the backward drive signal. When tone matching cannot be achieved by such adjustment of the drive timing, it is preferable to perform the control of the tone confirmation controller 210 in accordance with a tone confirmation command. For example, FIG. 14 shows an example of data of tone evaluation on a plurality of backward-scanning mixture patches (shifted in drive timing) with respect to the forward-scanning liquid mixing portions, the evaluation being performed using a colorimetry device. Each forward/backward-scanning mixture patch is specified by the magnitude of shifted drive timing (Bi-D adjustment value). In the case of FIG. 14 , the value −79.2 μm is the most suitable as the Bi-D adjustment value. However, even in that case, the hue difference ΔE is about 1, and the difference in tone cannot be canceled perfectly. Here, FIG. 15 is a table showing the data for obtaining the graph of FIG. 14 . When the value −79.2 μm is adopted as the Bi-D adjustment value, the value of the color axis b* substantially coincides with its reference value, but the value of the color axis a* is +1 larger than its reference value. Accordingly, in the case shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , it is effective in achieving high-quality color printing to adjust the color adjustment values according to the method of this embodiment as follows. That is, the ejection quantity of magenta ink is suppressed while the ejection quantity of cyan ink is increased. Thus, the value a* is corrected to the minus side. Incidentally, the positions where the forward-scanning liquid mixing portion 220 and the backward-scanning mixture patches 230 are formed are not limited especially if the forward-scanning liquid mixing portion 220 and the plurality of different backward-scanning mixture patches 230 can be contrasted, preferably contrasted easily. In an ink jet printer 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16 , a PG adjustment lever 19 capable of switching the position of the guide member 6 vertically in a plurality of stages is attached. The term “PG” means a distance between each nozzle orifice and the recording paper. A user can select a suitable PG in accordance with the thickness of the recording paper to be used, or the degree of deformation of the recording paper. Members the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals correspondingly, and their detailed description will not be omitted. In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, tone adjustment as to the distance (PG) between each nozzle orifice and recording paper is performed by an adjustment worker immediately before the printer 1 is shipped as a product. As shown in FIG. 17 , the printer 1 has a tone confirmation input section 205 ′ to which a tone confirmation command is inputted, and a tone confirmation controller 210 ′ for controlling the drive signal generator 36 , the controller 11 , the head scanning mechanism and the paper feed mechanism in accordance with the tone confirmation command. Using a drive signal (e.g. drive signal A: see FIG. 8 ), the tone confirmation controller 210 ′ forms a solid liquid mixing portion on the recording paper 12 having a thickness used as reference, with the PG adjustment lever 19 as a reference position. In this embodiment, the liquid mixing portion is a gray-color halftone solid pattern formed out of cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink. Then, the tone confirmation controller 210 ′ changes the position of the PG adjustment level 19 relatively to the recording paper 12 so as to change the adjustment ratio of the number of times of ejecting liquid of each color (each nozzle array) per reference area gradually. In this case, the adjustment ratio of the number of times of ejecting liquid of each color (each nozzle array) per reference area is increased or reduced gradually relatively. Thus, a plurality of solid liquid mixing portions differing slightly in tone from one to another are formed. Each of the liquid mixing portions is a gray-color halftone solid pattern formed out of cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink. Here, the tone confirmation controller 210 ′ in this embodiment corrects the “color adjust value” in each color read by the controller 11 . Specifically, for example, the “color adjust value” in each color is multiplied by a correction coefficient set for the color adjust value stored in the ROM 34 or the like in advance. Such correction coefficient sets for color adjust values are just as shown in FIG. 13 by way of example. For each position of the PG adjustment lever 19 , the adjustment worker selects, from the liquid mixing portions formed on the recording paper 12 , one liquid mixing portion the most conformable to the tone of a liquid mixing portion formed on the recording paper 12 by a standard printer. Then, a correction coefficient set for a color adjust value corresponding to the selected liquid mixing portion is set in a liquid ratio storage 212 (see FIG. 17 ) in association with the thickness of the recording paper 12 . Here, the liquid ratio storage 212 in this embodiment stores the correction coefficient set for the color adjust value in association with the distance (PG) between each nozzle orifice 17 and the recording paper 12 . The distance (PG) between each nozzle orifice 17 and the recording paper 12 can be obtained easily by subtracting the thickness of the recording paper 12 from the distance between the moving track (nozzle orifice surface) of the nozzle orifice 17 and the support surface where the recording paper 12 is supported by the paper feed mechanism. Incidentally, the work to select one liquid mixing portion the most conformable to the tone of the liquid mixing portion formed on the recording paper 12 by the standard printer for each PG adjustment lever position may be performed by visual observation of the adjustment worker or may be performed by means of a colorimetry device. For example, FIG. 19 shows a first data example in which liquid mixing portions formed on recording paper with different PGs using one and the same color adjust value (or a correction coefficient set thereof) are evaluated by use of a colorimetry device. In this example, when PG is increased, the hue changes from the right lower to the left upper in the a*b* color space. This means that the hue changes from one close to magenta to one close to green. Accordingly, in order to bring the hue (tone) upon an increased PG into line with the hue (tone) upon a small PG, it is effective to adjust the color adjust value so as to increase the ejection quantity of magenta ink while suppressing the ejection quantities of yellow ink and cyan ink. Thus, a correction coefficient set for the color adjust value by which such color adjust value adjustment can be achieved is set in the liquid ratio storage 212 . FIG. 20 shows a second data example, to which the aforementioned description is also applied. The liquid ratio storage 212 in this embodiment stores a correction coefficient set for a color adjust value corresponding to each PG in the form of table data. In a simpler mode, the liquid ratio storage 212 can store such a correction coefficient set for a color adjust value in the form of data binarized with whether the PG is enough to separate a main droplet and a satellite droplet of ink from each other or not. Data of the recording paper (recording medium) 12 to be used is inputted into the printer 1 in this embodiment by the user during the use of the printer 1 is purchased as a product. To this end, the printer according to this embodiment has a medium information input section 206 to which medium information is inputted (see FIG. 17 ). In addition, the printer 1 in this embodiment has a PG detector 211 which derives the thickness of the recording paper 12 from the medium information inputted through the medium information input section 206 , and obtains the PG during the use of the recording paper 12 based on the derived thickness of the recording paper 12 and the distance between the moving track of the nozzle orifices 17 and the support surface where the recording paper 12 is supported by the paper feed mechanism (see FIG. 17 ). The medium information can be information of the model number of the recording paper 12 or the like as well as information of the thickness of the recording paper 12 . In the case of the former, the PG detector 211 stores table data for associating the model number of the recording paper with the thickness of the recording paper or the PG corresponding thereto. Then, the controller 11 in this embodiment works as a pattern data adjuster to read from the liquid ratio storage 212 a correction coefficient set for a color adjust value corresponding to the PG obtained by the PG detector 211 , and to adjust the color adjust value using the correction coefficient set for the color adjust value (see FIG. 17 ). Incidentally, a distance sensor for measuring the distance to the surface of the recording paper 12 may be provided in a position of the carriage 5 as high as the nozzle orifices 17 , so as to measure the PG directly. Alternatively, a sensor may be attached to the PG adjustment lever 19 so as to acquire PG information. According to this embodiment, the adjustment ratio of the quantity of each liquid to be jetted from each nozzle orifice, particularly the adjustment ratio of the number of times of ejection of each liquid to be jetted per reference area from each nozzle orifice 17 can be adjusted to a desired increased/reduced ratio using a correction coefficient set for a color adjust value corresponding to the PG identified by the PG detector 211 . As a result, the change of landing properties caused by the overlapping between a main droplet and a satellite droplet in each liquid when the main and satellite droplets are landed, and hence the change in tone in this case can be compensated properly. This embodiment is also applicable to a printer carrying out unidirectional recording. Therefore, the drive signal generator 36 in FIG. 17 can be arranged as a drive signal generator 36 ′ in which the timing corrector 104 has been omitted from the drive signal generator 36 in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18 . In the above description, a pressure generating element (pressure fluctuation generator) for changing the volume of the pressure chamber 22 is not limited to the piezoelectric vibrator 21 . For example, a magnetostrictive element may be used as a pressure generating element so that a change of pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 22 expanded/contracted by the magnetostrictive element. Alternatively, a heating element may be used as a pressure generating element so that the pressure fluctuation is generated in the pressure chamber 22 due to bubbles expanded/contracted by heat from the heating element. Incidentally, as described previously, the printer controller 30 can be constituted by a computer system. A program for allowing the computer system to implement each of the aforementioned elements, and a computer-readable recording medium 201 in which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of protection of the invention. Further, when each of the aforementioned elements is implemented by a program such as an OS and the like operating on the computer system, a program including various commands for controlling the program such as the OS and the like, and a recording medium 202 recording the program are also included in the scope of protection of the invention. Here, each of the recording media 201 and 202 includes a network propagating various signals as well as a medium that can be recognized as a unit such as a floppy disk. Incidentally, although the above description was made on the ink jet recording apparatus, the invention is aimed widely at the general liquid ejection apparatus. Examples of liquids may include glue and manicure as well as ink.

An apparatus for ejecting liquid that uses bi-directional motion and tone matching to form an image onto a printing material, consisting of a head member for providing nozzles which are individually associated with one of a plurality of colors of liquid; pressure fluctuation generators which generates pressure in the liquid in each nozzle, so as to eject a liquid droplet; a carriage which causes the head member to traverse, bi-directionally, the printing material; a signal generator to generate signals which a controller uses, along with the ejection pattern data, to drive the pressure fluctuation generators as the head member travels across the printing material in each direction; and a pattern data adjuster to adjust the ejection pattern as necessary to vary an ejected number of the liquid droplets per unit area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present invention that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. [0002] In the computer industry, components are often mounted in a rack via fasteners, which couple to apertures along the legs of the rack. The two standard aperture shapes are round and square openings. As a result, the fasteners are different depending on the type of opening, i.e., round or square, disposed in the rack. This variation in mounting fasteners and apertures increases costs and complicates mounting of components, because multiple fasteners are provided to ensure mountability of the component with the different types of racks. SUMMARY [0003] A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0004] Advantages of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: [0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener assembly and a rack-mountable device exploded from a rack in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0006] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0008] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 5 is a side view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and [0011] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a leg of the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] One or more specific embodiments of the present technique will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. [0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rack assembly 2 having a threaded clip fastener assembly 4 and a rack-mountable device 6 , exploded from the rack assembly 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The illustrated fastener assembly 4 comprises a threaded clip fastener 8 and a mounting aperture adapter 10 . As discussed in detail below, the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 facilitate attachment of the fastener assembly 4 to different types of rack assemblies 2 . For example, the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is mountable to a round opening, while inclusion of the mounting aperture adapter 10 with the threaded clip fastener 8 facilitates mounting to a square opening. Therefore, the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as device 6 , to the rack assembly 2 with either a round or a square-shaped configuration of apertures 12 disposed on a leg or rack structure 14 of the rack assembly 2 . [0014] The illustrated rack assembly 2 has a four-legged frame, which forms the rack structure 14 . Other embodiments of the rack assembly 2 may have different configurations and components, such as a two-legged frame, shelves, outer housing panels, electrical wiring, and so forth. Thus, the rack assembly 2 generally provides support and storage for a number of different types of components, as represented by device 6 . For example, device 6 may comprise a server, power supply, stereo component, control system, programmable logic controller, input device, display device, or other electronic or computer components. Moreover, the apertures 12 of the rack structure 14 may have different geometries or mounting configurations, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, key-hole, oblong, or other shaped-opening. [0015] The fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as the device 6 , with multiple different rack assemblies 2 by adapting the threaded clip fastener 8 to those different shaped apertures 12 . Such cooperation may be facilitated by insertion or removal of the mounting aperture adapter 10 from a position within the threaded clip fastener 8 . In other words, the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling to one shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a round opening) using the threaded clip fastener 8 alone, and facilitates coupling to a different shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a square opening) with the mounting aperture adapter 10 coupled to the threaded clip fastener 8 . [0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates coupling of the device 6 to the rack structure 14 by ensuring cooperation between a bolt 16 , the aperture 12 , and the threaded clip fastener 8 (e.g., a threaded hole in the fastener). Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the device 6 having a mounting ear 18 , which aligns with the aperture 12 . During mounting, the bolt 16 passes through a hole in the mounting ear 18 and engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the aperture 12 of the rack structure 14 . In one embodiment, threads on the bolt 16 engage or interlock with threads on the threaded clip fastener 8 to secure the device 6 to the rack structure 14 . Again, depending on the particular configuration of the aperture 12 (e.g., round or square), the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 cooperates with the threaded clip fastener 8 to facilitate coupling of the threaded clip fastener 8 and device 6 to the rack structure 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 12 has a round shape and the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is configured for this round shape. Thus, the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 is not disposed within the threaded clip fastener 8 . However, other embodiments may have different shapes of the aperture 12 , which can conformingly receive the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 . [0017] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the aperture 12 has a round or circular configuration 20 , which receives a central boss or cylindrical member (i.e., boss portion 44 of FIG. 5 ). of the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 . However, as mentioned above, alternative embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have a central member of another shape, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, or oval shape, which conforms to a particular configuration of the aperture 12 . For illustrative purposes, the threaded clip fastener 8 is shown in both clipped 22 and unclipped 24 positions relative to the rack structure 14 . During assembly, this central boss or cylindrical member extends through and substantially conforms to the circular configuration 20 as the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around opposite sides of the rack structure 14 over the aperture 12 . [0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the threaded clip fastener 8 comprising a threaded hole 30 extending through a U-shaped clip body 32 . The threaded hole 30 also extends through an interior L-shaped support structure 33 , which supports a boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ) having the threaded hole 30 . Surrounding the L-shaped support structure 33 and the boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ), the U-shaped clip body 32 has a lip 34 , a spine 36 , and a base 38 forming a resilient U-shaped structure. The lip 34 further comprises a plurality of angled sections 40 , which progressively close onto the base 38 . Thus, the U-shaped clip body 32 of this embodiment facilitates sliding engagement of the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 until the tongue 33 contacts the edge of the rack structure 14 (See FIGS. 2 and 3 ). In certain embodiments, the engagement between the tongue 33 and the edge of the rack structure 14 facilitates anti-rotation control of the threaded clip fastener 8 , thereby facilitating threaded engagement of the threaded hole 30 with the bolt 16 . Additionally, the plurality of angled sections 40 resiliently compress the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 to secure the threaded hole 30 in alignment with the aperture 12 . For example, the U-shaped clip body 32 may comprise a material, such as stainless steel, spring steel, or even plastic. Other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may comprise different geometric configurations and materials. [0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates eyelets 42 , which attach the threaded hole 30 to the U-shaped clip body 32 . However, other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have an integral nut, latching mechanism, or other tool-based or tool-free mechanisms. For example, the threaded hole 30 may be tapped directly into the base 38 of the threaded clip fastener 8 . [0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a boss portion 44 and a footing 46 of the U-shaped clip body 32 . During mounting, the threaded clip fastener 8 slidably and springably extends about the rack structure 14 in alignment with the aperture 12 , such that the boss portion 44 fits into the aperture 12 (see positions 24 and 22 in FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment, a round-shaped boss portion 44 facilitates secure attachment within the correspondingly round-shaped aperture 12 . However, other embodiments of the boss portion 44 may comprise a different shape, which is adapted to fit a particular configuration of the aperture 12 . For example, the boss portion 44 may have a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, boss-shaped, hook shaped, oblong, or other shaped-structure. [0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting aperture adapter 10 having a base portion 60 , a raised square portion or boss 62 , a clip portion 64 , and a round opening 66 . Inserted within the threaded clip fastener 8 (not shown), the mounting aperture adapter 10 wraps the round opening 66 about the boss portion 44 (see FIG. 5 ), such that the mounting aperture adapter 10 changes the round-shaped exterior of the boss portion 44 to the square-shaped exterior of the raised square portion 62 . As discussed below with reference to FIG. 7 , this raised square portion 62 extends through and conforms to a square-shaped aperture 12 , while the U-shaped clip body 32 of the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around the rack structure 14 . Other embodiments of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 may have other shapes for the raised portion 62 , thereby facilitating adaptation to other shapes of the aperture 12 . [0022] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the fastener assembly 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the rack structure 14 comprising a square contour 70 of the aperture 12 . As illustrated in FIG. 7 , embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 are shown in both an unattached position 71 and an attached 72 position relative to the rack structure 14 . [0023] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7 , the mounting aperture adapter 10 slidably engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the clip portion 64 extends springably around the boss portion 44 . Thus, the square portion 62 surrounds the boss portion 44 for insertion into the square contour 70 of the aperture 12 . In certain embodiments, the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise material that facilitates attachment by being tacky, flexible, malleable, or elastic. For example, the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise plastic, stainless steel, or spring steel. Further, the opening 66 provides some flexibility in the clip portion 64 , thereby facilitating elastic expansion and contraction about the boss portion 44 . [0024] During mounting of the threaded clip fastener 8 , the raised square portion 62 fits geometrically within the square contour 70 of aperture 12 on the rack assembly 2 , thereby facilitating mounting with the rack structure 14 as demonstrated by the attached position 72 . In other words, this square fit between the raised square portion 62 and the square contour 70 functions both to retain the threaded clip fastener 8 at the aperture 12 and, also, to prevent rotation of the threaded clip fastener 8 as the bolt 16 threads into the threaded hole 30 . As discussed above, the attached position 72 of the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates secure coupling of the rack-mountable device 6 to the rack assembly 2 . Again, other embodiments of the raised portion 62 may comprise a shape different from the contour 70 , such as discussed above. [0025] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. 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.

A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 76,920 filed Sept. 30, 1970. REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES Application Ser. No. 37,552, filed May 15, 1970 by Amos Picker on Junction Target Monoscope and application Ser. No. 19,190, filed Mar. 13, 1970 by Joseph E. Bryden on Visual Display System, both of which are assigned to the same assignee as this application, are hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In display systems deriving signals from cathode ray tube signal generators of either the monoscope or the photosensitive camera tube type, targets have been used in which solid state junctions have been formed in materials such as semiconductors by diffusing a junction into the semiconductor. However, this process is often subject to imperfections in the target since in general junctions are formed in slices of semiconductor material grown from a melt and local areas of the slice will have crystal lattice imperfections. Hence during the diffusion process areas of the target where the imperfections occur will have junction regions which operate to produce a lower signal or no signal while regions having little or no such imperfections will produce a higher signal and as a result visually discernable differences can occur when signals generated by such devices are displayed on a display surface such as a cathode ray tube. While it is possible to obtain targets where the size and number of imperfections is small enough to produce usable devices, the resultant increase in production costs makes signal generators using such targets economically unfeasable for many applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a signal display system in which overall system complexity is reduced by the use of a cathode ray tube signal generator having a target which produces uniform high level substantially noise free signals across its face. In a light image pickup version of the invention, the target has a semiconductor layer which, on the side thereof exposed to the light, is rendered relatively highly conductive, for example, by overdoping the surface of the semiconductor with the same conductivity type impurity as the remainder of the body. The opposite side of the semiconductor layer has a junction formed therewith by a layer of dielectric material which has a substantially higher bulk resistance than the bulk resistance of said semiconductor layer. As a result, an electron beam scanning the target will charge portions of the layer and these charges will not leak to any substantial degree along the surface of the layer, but will rather pass through the junction in the regions where light impinges on the semiconductor layer. These photogenerated charge carriers migrate to the junction, and will enter the insulator thus discharging the charge on the surface of the dielectric layer. The area discharged by the impinging light will accept charging electrons from the electron beam during the next scan, whereas those which have not been discharged will reflect the electron beam. The reflected electrons may be picked up and the output signal, represented by the changing amount of reflected electrons, further amplified by a second solid state junction target. Such a camera device can make use of the substantial increase in conversion of light photons to charge carriers which is possible in a semiconductor body. Since adjacent portions of the target dielectric surface are effectively insulated from each other a high image definition output signal is obtained. The dielectric layer may be selected from a wide range of materials and can be applied to the semiconductor layer by any of a number of well known processes such as thermal deposition in which the layer is evaporated from a hot source in a vacuum and deposited on a cooler target, by sputtering in a reduced pressure atmosphere, by chemical vapor deposition in which the target is maintained at an elevated temperature and gaseous compounds are directed across the surface of the target to produce a deposition of the desired material by chemical decomposition at the surface of the target, or by oxidization of the semiconductor material. Such processes can be made to produce very uniform layers as well as to substantially reduce junction leakage in those regions of the target where the crystal lattice of the semiconductor has been disturbed during the crystal formation processes or during subsequent processes such as slicing, etching, or other intermediate steps. In accordance with the invention, a semiconductor layer of material such as silicon may have a relatively low resistance such as 500 ohms per cubic centimeter or less and form a junction with a dielectric material having a resistance many orders of magnitude higher than the semiconductor, for example, 10 8 to 10 11 ohms per cubic centimeter. In addition, materials may be selected which will enhance the junctions forward to back bias resistance ratio. For example, N doped silicon can be used as the semiconductor substrate with a more heavily doped N type layer on one surface to act as a conductor and to improve photon to carrier conversion efficiency. The opposite side of the semiconductor substrate can have a junction formed thereon by depositing a dielectric layer of, for example, antimony trisulphide which forms a junction with N doped silicon having a high ratio of back bias resistance to forward bias resistance in the absence of photon generated carriers. The target structures, disclosed herein by way of example, have no individual diode junctions with isolation between them as is the case, for example, in camera tubes having silicon targets whenever hundreds of thousands of individual diodes are separately diffused into the target through apertures in a silicon dioxide layer. Hence, the theoretical limit to the definition which may be achieved by this invention is not limited by the physical separation of discrete diodes, and accordingly definition approaching the limitation imposed by the spot size of the electron scanning beam is possible. When the target is used in a monoscope, a back bias voltage is applied across the junction through an additional layer having a deposit low resistance compared with said dielectric layer over the dielectric layer. The low resistance layer is selected from materials which will also form a junction with the semiconductor in those regions where imperfections in the dielectric layer might otherwise cause punch through or breakdown of the junction. Since each layer has, for example, an imperfection probability of a few parts per million at any given point, the total junction imperfection is the multiplication of such probabilities in each layer and hence an infinitesimal of higher order such as a few parts in 10 12 . An apertured high resistivity layer of, for example, silicon dioxide may be applied to the target so that electrons which are directed toward regions of the target covered by the silicon dioxide produce no substantial signal output, but rather are collected by the low resistivity layer which acts as a conduction and prevents charge build up on the silicon dioxide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a camera pickup tube embodying the invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of the target structure used in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the target structure illustrated in FIG. 2 taken along line 33 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 illustrates a monoscope signal generation system embodying the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a target electrode structure used in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the target shown in FIG. 5 taken along line 66 of FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 illustrates a signal display system utilizing the monoscope structure illustrates in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown an embodiment of the invention in which a light camera tube 10 is used as a signal generator to supply output signals to a display cathode ray tube in response to a light image impressed on tube 10 by means of a lens 11. Tube 10 has a target structure, generally shown at 12 and illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprising a disc or semiconductor material 13 held in a metal support ring 14 supported by a glass envelope 15 of tube 10. Semiconductor disc 13 which may have a thickness of, for example, 0.5 mil, has a thin conductive layer 16 on one surface thereof which is substantially transparent to the impinging light picture. Conductive layer 16 extends out to and contacts ring 14 from which an output lead extends through the envelope 15 for connection to external circuitry. Conductive layer 16 may be, for example, a thin layer of tin oxide. Alternatively, semiconductor body 13, which may be of moderate conductivity doped, for example, with phosporous and having, for example, 10 19 carriers per cubic centimeter, may have layer 16 formed thereon as a more heavily doped layer of the same impurity type semiconductor, having, for example, 10 21 carrier per cubic centimeter. The semiconductor is preferably chosen as N type wherein the photons of light impinging on the body 13 will produce holes with a high efficiency. Positioned on the other side of layer 13 from the layer 16 is a layer 18 of dielectric material which has a bulk resistivity several orders of magnitude larger than the bulk resistivity of the semiconductor layer 13. For example, if the semiconductor layer 13 is of N type semiconductor material having a bulk resistivity of 1 to 20 ohm centimeters, and the high conductents layer 16 of N type material has a bulk resistivity at least one order of magnitude less than that of layer 13, then a layer 18 should have a bulk resistivity in excess of 1000 ohm centimeters. More specifically, layer 18 is preferably made of antimony trisulfide and is preferably between 1000 and 5000 angstroms thick the bulk resistivity is on the order of 10 9 ohm centimeters and the resistance along the surface, for a layer thickness of 1000 angstroms, is on the order of 10 14 ohms per square centimeter. The particular materials disclosed are by way of example only, and any dielectric material can be used. In general the resistivity of layer 18 will vary as a nonlinearly as an inverse function of its thickness, and a usable range of thickness, which may be applied by vapor disposition or sputtering, is between the 100 to 10,000 angstrom. While the dielectric material is preferably amorphous and may be polycrystalline, it is preferably not formed of single crystal material in order to achieve the relatively high resistivity. In addition, the material layer 18 is preferably a relatively good carrier of holes and a relatively poor carrier of electrons. As illustrated herein, the tube 10 has an electron gun structure 19 comprising a cathode 20, a control grid 21, a focusing electrode 22 and an accelerating electrode 23. A decelerating electrode 24 is positioned between the gun 19 and the target 12 and may be, as shown, in the form of a screen or it may be a conductive ring on the envelope 15. A focus coil 25 and deflection coil 26 focus the electron beam on the target 12 and deflect it in accordance with any desired pattern of scan across the target 12 by means of circuits (not shown). Target 12 is maintained slightly positive with respect to the cathode 20 of gun 19 by means of a battery 27 and the accelerating electrode is maintained 1000 volts or more positive with respect to the cathode of battery 28. Focusing electrode 22 is supplied with a suitable positive voltage with respect to the cathode 20 by means of a tap 29 on the battery 28. In operation, the light pattern impinges on the target 12 and, due to the semiconductor layer 13, generates a substantially greater percentage of carriers for a given amount of light energy than in non-semiconductor targets. The electron beam from the gun 19, having scanned the surface of the layer 18, has produced a voltage charge thereon so that in those regions of the target where the light impinges and carriers are generated, carriers will migrate under the influence of the voltage gradient in the layer 13 across the junction between the layers 18 and 13 to discharge the surface charge in that region of the layer 18 substantially opposite the regions where they were generated so that when the beam again scans that element of the target electrons will be accepted by the surface of the target. Those elements of the target which are already charged from the previous scan because no carriers were generated by light impingement cause electrons to be reflected from the layer 18 and to impinge substantially on the end of the gun 19 where a semiconductor signal multiplier 30 is positioned. Multiplier 30 consists of a layer of semiconductor material 31 of, for example, N-type material supported by the metal end plate of gun 19. A highly conductive P-layer 32 forms a junction with layer 31 and a back bias is applied across the junction by means of a battery 33 in series with an output load resistor 34. Returning electrons striking the multiplier 30 cause generation of carriers within the semiconductor layer 31 which produces a current flow through the output load resistor 34. The output voltage signal developed across resistor 34 is coupled to a load circuit by means of a coupling capacitor 35. Because the dielectric layer 18 has a high resistance to current flow in directions parallel to its surface, the charge pattern imposed on the surface of layer 13 by the electron gun is selectively discharged largely by the impinging light pattern and leakage of charges along the surface of layer 18 is maintained at a low value. From the foregoing, it may be seen that by the use of a single junction having a very substantially greater resistance parallel to the junction than perpendicular to it for one of the layers of the junction a high definition junction type light sensitive target may be produced which has the high photo-electric conversion efficiency of semiconductor materials while still preserving the high definition. When the layer 18 is made of a material which is photosensitive such as antimony trisulphide, any photons not passing through the semiconductor layer 13 will strike the layer 18 rendering it more conductive and hence aiding discharge of the charge stored by the electron beam on the surface of layer 18. The layer 18 may be also made of an insulation whose resistance has been lowered by doping such as a layer of silicon dioxide having on the order of 1% boron and having a thickness of 100 to 10,000 angstroms, and it may be amorphous or pollycrystaline silicon suitably doped with any desired p type impurity such as boron. Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 6 there is shown a monoscope tube 40 having a target electrode structure 41, and deflection plates 42 which will produce a scan of the target 41 by an electron beam in accordance with well known practice. The electrons emitted from a cathode 43, are controlled by a grid 44, accellerated by an accellerating electrode structure 45 and a focusing electrode structure 46; all according to well known practice. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 there is produced on the target electrode structure 41 a plurality of characters, indicated at 47 in FIG. 5. Target electrode structure 41 consists of a silicon wafer 48 approximately 0.007 to 0.010 inch thick held by a supporting plate 49 attached to the envelope 50 of the monoscope, for example, by a lead in rod 51 extending. On one surface of silicon wafer 48 is a layer of silicon dioxide 52 which may be, for example, .04 mills thick, and may be produced by any desired means such as subjecting the wafer of silicon to an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature in accordance with well known practice. The oxide layer has apertures 53, produced by well known photoetching techniques, to expose the unoxidized body of silicon beneath the oxide layer. The shape of such apertures is in the form of the characters 47 whose signal is to be generated by the monoscope. Deposited over oxide layer 52 is a layer of material 54 from the class of insulators which have a conduction band close to the conduction band of the semiconductor. The layer of insulating material may be, for example, 0.4 microns thick. An aluminum contact layer 550.0002 mils thick is deposited in a layer over an insulating layer 54. The aluminum layer 55 is in contact with an output lead 28. As shown in FIG. 4, a suitable potential is applied between layers 55 and 49 by means of a battery 59 in series with an output load resistor 60. Battery 59, which may be, for example, 15 volts, produces a reverse bias across the junction formed by the layers 48, 54, and 55 such that when carriers are injected into the junction region by high speed bombardment from the electron beam, holes will flow from the semiconductor junction to the aluminum conductor 55 through the insulating layer 54. In the absence of such bombardment, no charge carriers are generated and since the insulating material 54 has a conduction and valance bands substantially different from the conduction and valance bands of the semiconductor material carrier flow, or normal conduction, is negligible. When the electron beam scans across the target 11 it strikes the conductor layer 55 and the insulating material 54. If it is positioned so that it impinges upon a layer of the oxide 52 all the electrons are captured in this layer and there is no conduction through the target. On the other hand if the electron beam impinges in a region where there is no oxide layer, then the electrons penetrate through the layers 55 and 54 into the junction region in layer 48. The degree of penetration varies, depending on a statistical relationship of the number of collisions encountered by any given electron. Since the number of holes generated in this process is a function of the ionization potential and the initial electron velocity of the impinging beam, a large multiplication of current occurs. For example, if the ionization potential of silicon is 3.6 electron volts, and the beam velocity is equivalent to 1200 volts a theoretical current multiplication in excess of 350 is possible. As a practical matter, a current multiplication of 2000 or more has been achieved. If the back bias voltage applied across load 30 and the junction is made, for example, 15 volts, a power amplification can be achieved from the device, since the beam input power is about 1.2 milliwatts, while the output power consists of a current approximately 200 times the input current or 200 microamps, and for maximum power transfer the voltage drop across the output load resistor 30 is chosen to be approximately 71/2 volts so that the output power of 1.5 milliwatts is a power gain slightly in excess of unity. By increasing the back bias voltage, which necessitates increasing the thickness of the various layers, a higher power gain can be obtained. However, this is at the sacrifice of some frequency response and for monoscope applications this is normally not necessary since the only requirement is that the output signal be sufficiently above background noise such that an output amplifier may build the signal up to a useful level. In addition to blocking the electron bombardment of the semiconductor layer 18, oxide layer 23 reduces the total capacitance between the metallic conductors 25 and 26 such that the interelectrode capacitance across the output circuit, which limits the frequency response and hence the maximum rate of scanning of the device, is substantially reduced. While a device in which the metallic layer directly contacts the semiconductor layer 18 will produce a junction barrier, as a practical matter production defects in this barrier will not render a large surface area junction device uniform throughout its entire area. For example, a device having the equivalent of 10,000 individual spots may have as many as 10 percent imperfections such that a detectable degradiation of signal response in some of the characters will be observed. The insulating layer 24 may also have pin holes through it to the extent of possibly 10% of the usable surface. However, since both the insulating material 24 and metallic layer 25 act as barriers when in contact with the semiconductor material and since the probability of overlap of defects is equal to the multiplication of the percentage of defects of both layers the overall barrier defect will be less than 1%. Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown a digital display system embodying the invention wherein the device of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 or the device of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 may be used. A cathode ray tube display device 70 has a cathode 71 driven by a video amplifier 72 whose input is driven by the output of a monoscope 10 having a target electrode 20 and a cathode 12. Horizontal deflection plates 18 are driven by an X deflection amplifier 73 and the Y deflection plates 17 are driven by a Y deflection amplifier 74. The Y deflection amplifier is driven by a Y expansion amplifier 75 driven by a 1.18 megahertz squarewave to vertically scan across each individual character and by a Y-D to A converter 76 which vertically positions the monoscope beam in accordance with digital input signals. The X deflection amplifier is driven by a character ramp generator 77 which generates a deflection across the individual character in response to an input synchronizing signal and is also driven by an X-D to A converter 78 which positions the electron beam in the proper position to scan a character in response to input digital signals. D to A converter 76 and 78 are driven by a character entry shift register 79 which supplies character position information to the monoscope 10 from a dynamic storage memory 80 such that the cathode ray tube 70 will continuously display a raster of information based on digital information stored in the memory 80. Expansion amplifier 75 generates a signal which drives a small excursion deflection coil 81 on the display tube 70 in synchronism with similar excursions of the beam of the monoscope. The position of the beam on the cathode ray tube 70 is determined by vertical deflection coils 82 and horizontal deflection coils 83 which are driven by a Y deflection amplifier 84 and an X deflection amplifier 85 respectively in accordance with synchronizing input signals to produce a normal television type raster scan of the face of the tube 70. A synchronizing pulse supplied to the video amplifier 72 blanks the amplifier during intercharacter deflection periods such that when the beam is scanned from one character to another noise will not be amplified and appear as bright flashes on the face of the screen. The character ramp generator produces a deflection across the face of the cathode ray tube in synchronization with the monoscope horizontal deflection across the character being scanned. As illustrated herein successive rasters of information may be displayed on the cathode ray tube 70 by being fed from a central computer memory through an input register 86 to character entry shift register 79 and stored in the dynamic memory 80. The information which represent a raster of character positions is then continuously read by register 79 and fed to monoscope 10 to produce characters which are displayed repetitively on the face of the cathode ray tube 73. The particular details of such a data display system are described in greater detail in the previously mentioned Bryden patent application. In such a system incorporating this invention the output from the target electrode 70 may drive the cathode 71 directly without any amplification by a video amplifier 72 if a sufficiently high voltage is supplied between the cathode 12 and the target 20. For example, good results may be achieved with a monoscope of this invention voltage of 3500 volts and output character signals fed directly to a cathode ray tube will have a clarity and brillance equivalent to those produced by conventional monoscopes with amplifiers including preamplifiers may be achieved. This completes the description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, however, many modifications thereof will be apparent to persons skilled in the arts without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, any desired semiconductor material can be used and a wide range of insulating material can be used for the layer 24. Any type of characters or in fact the presence or absence of any characters at all may be modified depending upon the application of the tube. In addition, the device may be used with a simple flood gun rather than a scanning pattern as illustrated herein any any desired mode of scanning may be used. Furthermore, the output load resistor may be placed in other portions of the circuit and other types of support for the target electrode may be used. Accordingly, it is contemplated that this invention embody a wide range of alternatives as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

A display system having a cathode ray tube signal generator in which a solid state junction target utilizes a layer of semiconductor material and a layer of dielectric material to form a junction. The signal generator may be of the monoscope type in which portions of the target are masked or it may be of the photosensitive type in which an image is projected onto the target. A signal derived from the signal generator is displayed on a second cathode ray tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to pillows. More particularly, the invention relates to a pillow for supporting the head and cervical region of a person when the person is in a reclining or prone position, and especially to such a pillow which is inflatable and is capable of providing yieldable support with controllable firmness, shape and thickness, and which occupies very little space when deflated. 2. Prior Art Proper head and cervical support is an important contributing factor to restful sleep. Inappropriate support of the head and cervical region can interfere with sleep, and cause stiffness and soreness. Different individuals require or desire pillows of different shape and firmness. Accordingly, there are a large number of pillows of different shape and firmness, intended to meet the different needs of many different individuals. This requires the manufacture and inventory of a large number of different pillows. Moreover, an individual may try many different pillows before finding one that is appropriate, or may never find a pillow that meets the particular requirements of that person. For instance, some persons like a firm pillow, while others like a soft pillow. Additionally, some persons like a pillow of substantial thickness, while others prefer a relatively thin pillow. If a thick and soft pillow is used, then the user's face may become partially obstructed when the user is lying on his or her side, whereby breathing may be impaired. Efforts have been made in the prior art to solve some of the above problems, including the manufacture of inflatable and/or shaped pillows designed to enable the user to control the firmness, shape, and/or thickness of the pillow. Other pillows have been provided with cut-outs or recessed areas to provide clearance for the face of a person when the person is lying on his or her side, whereby breathing is not impeded by the pillow. Examples of prior art inflatable and/or shaped pillows are shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 351,526, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,295,906, 3,298,044, 3,568,227, 4,118,813, 4,501,034, 4,724,560, 4,805,603 and 5,642,544. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,295,906 and 4,118,813, in particular, have cut-out portions in their opposite ends to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow, whereby the pillow does not impede breathing when the person is lying on his or her side. The remaining listed patents disclose pillows having inflatable chambers for varying the shape and/or firmness of support of the pillow. Most of these do not make any particular effort to provide specific support for the cervical region, and none of them provide an inflatable pillow with shaped recesses intended to provide clearance for the face of a person sleeping on his or her side, whereby breathing is not impeded. Further, none of the prior art patents noted above discloses an inflatable pillow having an inner inflatable bladder constructed to provide a particular shape and/or areas of different firmness and thickness to a pillow, with an outer covering of soft fibrous material that may be removed for cleaning, etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The pillow according to the invention described herein is inflatable to varying shapes and degrees of thickness and firmness, and includes an inner inflatable bladder and an outer cover of soft fibrous material that may be removed for cleaning, etc. In one form of the invention, the pillow has shaped recesses to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow so that breathing is not impeded when the person is lying on his or her side. The pillow of the invention also includes multiple inflatable chambers that may be inflated to different degrees of firmness an/or thickness, to provide a particular support as desired by an individual. This enables fewer different pillow constructions to be manufactured and inventoried, and enables an individual to virtually custom fit a pillow to his or her particular desires or needs. Moreover, if a user selects a particular configuration, i.e., thickness and/or firmness, and that configuration does not prove to be acceptable, the user may simply reconfigure the pillow until a desired shape, thickness, and/or firmness is achieved. It is even possible for the user to adjust the configuration of the pillow while lying on it. It is not necessary for the user to purchase a new pillow each time a different configuration is desired. Further, when the pillow is to be placed in storage, or while traveling, it may be deflated and folded or rolled to occupy a minimal amount of space. The pillow of the invention comprises an inner air impervious bladder that may be divided into a plurality of separate cells which can be inflated to different shapes and/or degrees of firmness. Further, an outer removable covering of soft, fibrous material may be placed over the bladder for improved comfort. This cover may comprise spaced sheets of material such as cotton, or rayon, or the like, between which is a layer of soft foamed material or other synthetic material, or feathers, or the like. A zipper or other suitable fastening means at one end of the cover enables it to be applied to and removed from the inflatable bladder when desired. A valve is associated with each separate chamber of the pillow to enable air to be introduced through the valve into the chamber to inflate it, or released through the valve to deflate the chamber. The valves may comprise valves of conventional construction such as found on inflatable air mattresses, toys, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred form of pillow according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2--2 in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3--3 in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing an alternative embodiment in which that portion of the pillow adapted to lie under the cervical region of the user is of approximately the same thickness as the remainder of the pillow; FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second form of the invention, wherein the ends of the pillow ar e not recessed as in the FIG. 1 embodiment; FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a third form of the invention, wherein the ends are not recessed and there is no enlarged area for cervical support; FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 7--7 in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 6, showing a portion of the covering removed; FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pillow of FIGS. 6-8, showing one type of suitable fastening means that may be used to secure the covering in place on the inflatable bladder; FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 11--11 in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 13--13 in FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 14--14 in FIG. 12; FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention; FIG. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken along 16--16 in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along 17--17 in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a eighth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 19--19 in FIG. 18; FIG. 20 is a somewhat schematic top perspective view showing how the pillow may be rolled for storage in a compact condition when it is deflated; and FIG. 21 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing the pillow deflated and rolled up for storage. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring more specifically to the drawings, a first form of pillow according to the invention is indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-3. In this form of the invention, the pillow comprises an inflatable bladder 11 of air impervious material, having recessed areas 12 and 13 in its opposite ends to provide clearance for the face of a user lying on his or her side, and a cervical support portion 14 of increased thickness along a proximal or front side of the pillow to provide support for the cervical region of the user. The cervical support portion 14, in addition to being thicker than the body 15 of the pillow, may also be more firm than the remaining portion of the pillow, and to this end comprises a chamber separate from the chamber forming the remainder of the pillow. Separate inflation and deflation valves 16a and 16b are provided to the respective chambers. To prevent ballooning of the pillow when it is inflated, a plurality of uniformly spaced apart tie means or restraining webs 17 extend across the interior of the body portion 15, tying the top and bottom walls of the body 15 together, as known in the art. The areas or spaces on opposite sides of the webs 17 are in communication with one another through openings 19 extended through the webs. Similarly, the shape of the cervical support portion 14 is retained by a plurality of internal webs 20 tying the top and bottom walls of this portion together, as conventionally known. The spaces between the webs 20 are in communication with one another through openings 21 extended through the webs. The chambers forming the cervical support portion 14 and body 15 are maintained separate from one another by an imperforate web 22 extending across the length of the pillow. In use, the cervical support region 14 and the body of the pillow 15 may be inflated to the same firmness, or the cervical support region may be inflated to be more firm than the body 15, or the cervical support region may be only partially inflated so that it is softer and even less thick than the body 15. When it is desired to store the pillow, the valves 16a and 16b are opened to permit the air to escape, whereby the pillow may be flattened and rolled or folded into a very compact size, thereby making it convenient to store or to carry along when traveling. The valves 16a and 16b may be pushed into a stored position flush with the surface of the bladder when the valves are not in use, and may be pulled out to enable air to be blown through the valves or exhausted therefrom, as known in the art. An alternate form of the pillow of FIG. 1 is indicated generally at 10' in FIG. 4. In this form, the cervical support region 14' is of the same thickness as the body 15. Correspondingly, the webs 20' extending across the interior of the cervical support region 14' are of less height than the webs 20 in the first form of the invention described above. In all other respects, this form of the invention is identical to that shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1-3. It is to understood that the forms of the pillow thus far described are preferably provided with a covering of soft fibrous material, as described more fully hereinafter. For sake of clarity, the covering has not been shown in FIGS. 1-4. A third embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 30 in FIG. 5 and comprises an air impervious bladder 31 having a rounded cervical support region 32 along its proximal or front edge, and a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion 33. This form of the invention differs from that shown in FIG. 1 primarily in that the opposite ends of the pillow are not recessed as at 12 and 13 in FIG. 1. In addition, the cervical support region 32 is slightly more rounded, and a longitudinally extending web 34 extends longitudinally across the body 33 at approximately its center, in addition to the transverse webs 17, to provide additional support to prevent ballooning of the body 33 in those areas unsecured by the webs. The spaces between the webs are in communication with one another through openings 19 in the transverse and longitudinal webs. The chamber forming cervical support portion 32 is separated from the chamber forming the body 33 by an imperforate web 22, as in the previous form of the invention, and a plurality of support webs 35 are spaced equidistantly along the length of the cervical support portion 32 to assist in retaining the shape of the cervical support portion. Openings 36 extend through the webs 35 to provide communication between the spaces on opposite sides of the webs. As in the previously described form of the invention, this form also has a removable covering, which has been omitted from this figure for sake of clarity. Additionally, the pillow 30 may be deflated and rolled or folded into a compact configuration for storage or travel. A fourth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 40 in FIGS. 6-9, and in this form the pillow very closely resembles a conventional pillow in its shape. In this form of the invention, an air impervious inflatable bladder 41 of generally rectangular configuration is encased within an outer removable covering 42 of soft, fibrous material such as down or foamed material, etc. The covering 42 is shaped into a tubular configuration similar to a pillow case, and has suitable fastening means at one end, such as a zipper 43, for securing the covering 42 over the bladder 41. A valve 44 in one end of the bladder 41 may be used to inflate and deflate the bladder. As depicted in FIGS. 6-9, the bladder 41 is completely open on its interior, and does not have any shape retaining webs therein, although such could be provided, if desired. A fifth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 50 in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this form of the invention, the bladder 51 has a plurality of longitudinally extending shape retaining webs 52 therein, tying the top wall 53 to the bottom wall 54. A plurality of openings 55 extend through the webs 52 to place the spaces between the webs in communication with one another. A valve 56 may be provided in a suitable location on the pillow for inflating and deflating it, as previously described. As represented in FIG. 11, one longitudinal edge of the pillow may be slightly thicker than the remainder of the pillow to define a cervical support region 57 extending along one edge of the pillow. In the particular embodiment shown, the spaces between the webs 52 are in communication with one another, and the cervical support region 57 will be of the same firmness as the remainder of the pillow. However, the space under the cervical support region may be separated from the remainder of the pillow so that it may be inflated to a different firmness than the remainder of the pillow. As in the previously described forms of the invention, this form also has a removable covering, which has been omitted from this figure for sake of clarity. Additionally, the pillow 50 may be deflated and rolled or folded into a compact configuration for storage or travel. A sixth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 60 in FIGS. 12-14. In this embodiment, the inflatable pillow 61 has recessed opposite ends 62 and 63 as in the first embodiment described in FIG. 1, with a plurality of transverse webs 64 and longitudinal webs 65, both having openings 66 therethrough so that the spaces between the webs 64 and 65 are in communication with one another. An imperforate, longitudinally extending web 67 separates the body of the pillow from a single, large, elongate chamber 68 at the proximal or forward edge of the pillow, defining a slightly enlarged cervical support region 69 along the front edge of the pillow. A seventh embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 70 in FIGS. 15-17. In this form of the invention, the pillow 71 comprises a rectangular body 72 with an upwardly protruding, rounded support 73 for the cervical region disposed on top of the body 72 along one edge thereof. The cervical support 73 is defined by an air chamber 74 separate from and on top of the air chamber 75 forming the pillow body. The top and bottom walls of the body 72 are held in appropriately spaced relationship by a plurality of ties 76 spaced uniformly across the body 72 and secured at their upper and lower ends to the top and bottom walls, respectively, of the body. The chambers 74 and 75 may be independently inflated or deflated by use of the valves 15 and 16, whereby various degrees of firmness and different shapes can be obtained. As in the previously described forms of the invention, a cover 42 may be provided on the pillow 71, although it has not been shown in these figures for sake of clarity. An eighth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 80 in FIGS. 18 and 19. In this form of the invention, the pillow body 81 is divided longitudinally by an imperforate web or partition 82, and divided transversely by a pair of spaced apart webs or partitions 83 and 84, which together separate the interior of the pillow 81 into a first chamber 85 at a front central portion of the pillow, a second chamber 86 extending rearwardly across the center of the pillow from the partition 82 to the rear edge of the pillow, and side chambers 87 and 88 at opposite ends of the pillow. Openings 89 through the partition 82 in the chambers 87 and 88 afford communication between the spaces on opposite sides of the partition 82. However, the spaces 85 and 86 are not in communication with one another, or with the chambers 87 and 88. Additionally, the chambers 87 and 88 communicate with one another through a passage 89 extended between the partitions 83 and 84. Air is introduced into the chambers 85 and 86 through respective valves 90 and 91, and associated tubular passages 92 and 93. Air is introduced into the chambers 87 and 88 through a valve 94. It will be noted that the partitions 83 and 84 are spaced closer together toward the rear of the pillow than they are toward the front thereof. This results in a relatively longer chamber 85 at a front central portion of the pillow than across a rear width thereof. The front central portion 85 defines a cervical support 95 that may have its firmness adjusted independently of the firmness of the remaining sections of the pillow. Similarly, the central rear portion of the pillow defined by the chamber 86 may have its firmness adjusted independently of the firmness of the remaining sections of the pillow. With this arrangement, the cervical support region 95 may be made of a desired firmness, with the central rear portion of the pillow defined by chamber 86 having a different firmness, and the opposite end portions of the pillow defined by chamber 87 and 88 having yet a further degree of firmness. Of course, all of the areas of the pillow could be given the same degree of firmness, if desired. This form of pillow enables a wide range of firmness and shape configurations to be accomplished. For instance, the cervical support region 95 defined by chamber 85 could have the greatest firmness, with the opposite end or side portions of the pillow defined by chambers 87 and 88 having a least firmness, and the central rear portion of the pillow defined by chamber 86 having an intermediate firmness, for example. FIGS. 20 and 21 simply depict the pillow 80 deflated and rolled up into a compact condition for storage and/or transportation. Although the deflated and rolled up pillow in these figures is indicated here as pillow 80, it should be understood that the same applies to any of the pillows described and illustrated herein. While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

An inflatable pillow has an air-impervious flexible bladder with one or more chambers therein which are inflatable to different shapes, thicknesses and firmness to conform the pillow to the requirements of different individuals. A soft cover is removably placed on the bladder to enhance the comfort and appearance of the pillow, and the cover is removable for cleaning. In one form of the invention, opposite ends of the pillow are recessed to provide clearance for the face of a person using the pillow, when the person is lying on his or her side. A cervical support portion of increased thickness and/or firmness extends along a front edge of the pillow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention This invention relates to chairs, and more particularly to devices to permit adjustment and control of the tilt characteristics of chairs (2) Prior Art Office furniture has only in the last decade or so, become adaptable to the varying needs of their users. Frank Lloyd Wright's three-wheeled chairs for the Johnson Wax headquarters were an example of chair design that was indifferent, if not hostile toward the notion of sitting comfortably. Office furniture in our service based economy, of necessity, has had to have improvements in chair comfort and simplicity. An advance in chair design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,259,431 which utilizes a compressible member for releasibly locking a chair structure to a chair base. This concept fails to permit ready manual adjustability to regulate the tilting of the chair structure. U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,137 discloses a seat with a tilting mechanism. However, no means are disclosed for simple adjustment of the tiltability. U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,069 shows a chair supported on a resilient pad, the pad having a number of holes drilled into it, so that rotation of the pad may vary the compressibility of the pad. The rocking/tilting is limited only to forward and backward movement, and no means are shown which permits simple manual adjustment thereof. Another U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,982 discloses a compressible pad, but does not indicate any simple adjustable control thereover. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, easily regulatable, manually adjustable tilt control mechanism, which permits side to side as well as forward to backward tilting, as well a tilting motion in all areas between those quadrants, to permit a full 360 degrees of precessional articulation of the seat surface. It is a further object of this invention wherein a chair control mechanism permits an infinite amount of adjustability in the tilting capacity of that chair. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a chair assembly having back and seat portions which are mounted on a lower frame support by an adjustable control mechanism, fully tiltable through 360 degrees. The tilt control mechanism is disposed on the end of a support arm which extends from the lower frame support. The tilt control mechanism comprises a resilient pad being supported between a pair of plates, the lower plate being attached to the distal end of the support arm. The resilient pad may be comprised of varying layers of compressibility and the plates connected by a longitudinally adjustable bolt disposed through a hole in the resilient pad. The hole in the pad may be centrally located, or it may be arranged in a non-central, non-symmetrical location to allow varying articulation of the seat through the resilient pad or block, permitting an infinite tilt adjustment capability of the seat, at any point on either side or at any point on the front or back or combination thereof. The upper plate has an opening which receives the head of a longitudinally adjustable bolt. A manually rotatable knob or lever, engages the lower end of the bolt, beneath the bottom of the lower plate. The bolt head has tapered side portions which act symbiotically with tapered walls of the hole in the top plate to permit a swiveling therebetween, with a minimum of frictional resistance. By simple manual rotation of the rotatable knob, the resilient pad may be compressed or decompressed, effectuating an infinite adjustability in the resilience and hence tiltability, from side to side and front to back in a full 360 degree azimuth, of the chair assembly secured thereabove. By simple rotation of the resilient block about the shaft of the adjustable bolt, the tiltability may be further regulated, depending of course upon the non-symmetry of the shape of the pad, or the non-homogeneity of the compounds comprising the pad. That is, the pad may be comprised of non-parallel layers of material, each layer being of a different material or of compressibility/resiliency factor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when viewed in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tiltable chair having a tilt control mechanism of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the tilt control mechanism on the support arm of a chair; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the resilient block utilized with this invention; FIG. 4 is a split plan view from the top and the bottom of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2; and FIG. 5 is a graphical representation, in perspective view, of the limits of tilt, of the upper surface of the seat, or the upper surface of the resilient block. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a chair assembly 10 comprising a body supporting contoured seat member 12 having a back rest 14 and an arm rest 16, arranged with a seat portion 18. An arrangement of bosses 19 are disposed on the bottomside of the seat portion 18. A chair tilt control mechanism 20 is shown in FIG. 1, fixedly disposed on the distal end of a seat member support arm 22. The support arm 22 extends radially outwardly from a housing 24 which mates with a vertically arranged support shaft 26. The support shaft 26 typically telescopically mates with a lower frame 28 having a plurality of wheels 30, to permit the chair assembly 10 to be moved on a floor. The tilt chair mechanism 20, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises a lower support plate 40 fixedly attached to the distal end of the support arm 22. The lower support plate 40 has a centrally disposed hub 42 having a smooth bore 44 extending therethrough. An adjustment means such as a resiliently compressible adjustment pad or block 46 is seated on the lower support plate 40. The adjustment block 46 may be made from a compressible rubber material, or the like. In this preferred embodiment, the compressible block 46 is of torroidal configuration, having a central opening 50 which is arranged to be in axial alignment with the bore 44 in the hub 42. A top plate 52 is seated above the resiliently compressible adjustment block 46, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The top plate 52 has a central aperture 54 which also is in axial alignment with the bore 44 in the hub 42. The top plate 52 has corner openings 56 which permit securement of the tilt chair mechanism 20 to the bosses 19 on the bottomside of the seat portion 18, by known means such as threaded fasteners, not shown, or the like. The block 46 is preferrably bonded by known means such as adhesive or the like, to its respective upper and lower plates 52 and 40, to facilitate tension on one side of the block 46 when the diametrical side of the block 46 is in compression. A longitudinally adjustable compression adjustment bolt 60 is arranged through the aperture 54 in the top plate 52, the central opening 50 in the resiliently compressible block 46 and the bore 44 in the hub 42. The adjustment bolt 60 has an enlarged upwardly directed head 62 having inwardly tapering side walls 64, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The aperture 54 in the top plate 52 has a correspondingly tapering edge 66, so as to permit an annular rim of contact between the head of the adjustment bolt 60 and the top plate 52. The upper end of the adjustment bolt 60 may have a reduced friction covering 70 on it, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the bolt 60 and the top plate 52 may have a slidable, articulable relationship with one another. The covering 70 may be comprised of a layer of Teflon type material (polytetrafluroethylene) or other slippery plastic or metallic material. The lower end of the adjustment bolt 60 has threads 72 thereon, which threadably receive an adjustment knob 74, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In operation of the tilt control mechanism 20, rotation of the adjustment knob 74 with respect to the adjustment bolt 60 and the bottom of the hub 42, effectuates longitudinal displacement of the adjustment bolt 60, either compressing or decompressing (permitting expansion) of the resilient block 46. When the adjustment knob 74 is rotated so as to pull downwardly upon the bolt 60, the resilient block 46 is compressed and thereby made more dense, and concommittantly, harder, thus minimizing its further compressibility or resiliency when forces are directed upon it by the plates 52 and 40, created when someone sits upon the seat member 12. The tiltability of that seat member 12 is thereby restricted and controlled. When the adjustment knob 74 is rotated so as to release tension upon the bolt 60, the resilient block 46 is permitted to decompress and is thereby made less dense, and concommittantly, softer, thus maximizing its further compressibility or resiliency when forces are directed upon it by the plates 52 and 40, created when someone sits upon the seat member 12. The tiltability of that seat member 12 thereby, is therefore enhanced, by the allowance of at least one side of the resilient block 46, to be compressed and the other side to be somewhat stretched, and thereby placed in tension between the plates 52 and 40. The resilient block 46 is shown as being circular in plan view (cross-section) with the opening 50 being centrally disposed in its middle. The opening 50' may be in a noncentral location, as shown in FIG. 3A, with the larger mass of the resilient block 46' arranged toward the back of the seat member 12. This would function to further effect the tiltability of the seat member 12 by permitting more compressability towards the rear of the chair assembly 10, and minimizing the stretch or "lifting" decompression of the forward portion of the resilient block 46. Of course the upper and lower plates 52 and 40 would have corresponding receiving "depressions" which would engage any configuration resilient block 46' seated therebetween. The resilient block 46' may also be comprised of one or more different generally horizontal layers 48 and 48' of material, which layers suggested by the dashed lines across the middle of the block 46' in FIG. 3A, have different degrees of resilience, compressibility and the like. This would permit a greater amount of adjustability. FIG. 5 shows in perspective view, a graphical representation of the limits of upward and downward tilt, of the general plane of the seat 18. More specifically, the shaded disk 80 could represent the upper surface of the resilient block 46, (or the plane of the seat portion 18), which when pressed rearwardly as at "B", is permitted a tilt of about 20 degrees, the front "F" being permitted concommittantly about a 20 degree lift. That is to say, a person sitting on the seat member 12, and leaning backwardly, would compress the block 46 and also permit about a 20 degree lift to the front edge of the seat member 12. Someone leaning forward on the seat member 12 would compress the block 46 at its forwardmost edge "F" about 5 degrees, and lift the back of the seat member 12 about 5 degrees. A similar condition is permitted in a full azimuth around the sides of the block 46, as represented in the graph of FIG. 5. Thus what has been shown is a simple, effective manual tilt control mechanism which permits adjustment of the forward, sideward and rearward "tiltability" of a seat secured to the control mechanism. The tilt control mechanism is adjusted by effecting the compressibility of a centrally disposed block which is controllably secured between a pair of parallel plates, the upper plate of which is allowed to rub against the smooth tapered side surfaces of a head of an adjustable bolt. The block may have a central opening or a non-central opening, either in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical configuration, and having uniform homogenous resiliency throughout, or having different layers of various resilient characteristics, as a hard rubber/soft rubber, to permit further variation in the adjustability characteristics when the knob is rotated with respect to the chair.

A manually adjustable tilt control mechanism for a seat assembly arranged upon a frame support. The tilt control mechanism comprises a resilient block of material adjustably disposed between a pair of plates which are connected by a longitudinally adjustable bolt. Manual rotation of an adjustment knob effectuates compression or decompression of the resilient block between the upper and lower plates. The chain assembly being attached to the upper plate is infinitely tiltable in a full range from front to back and side to side, or any combination thereof, depending upon how much the resiliency of the block is permitted by its compression between the upper and lower plates.

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/729,160 entitled “OPTICAL SENSING BASED ON SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCES IN NANOSTRUCTURES” and filed on Oct. 21, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as part of the specification of this application. GOVERNMENT FUNDING [0002] The research and development for inventions described in this application received funding from the U.S. Government under DAF/Air Force Grant No. FA9550-04-1-0417 and NSF Grant No. ECS-0403589. The U.S. Government have rights to various technical features described in this application. BACKGROUND [0003] This application relates to optical sensing including optical sensing of chemical and biological substances. [0004] Plasmons are eigenmodes of collective density oscillations of quasi-free electrons or an electronic gas in metals and other materials under optical excitation. Plasmons are generated by coupling photons and electrons at or near a surface of an electrically conductive material and thus are sometimes referred to as surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The coupling of the photon and electron gas can lead to effective binding energy or a momentum mismatch which precludes coupling of a free space photon to the SPP in normal circumstances. Typically, an incident photon needs some additional momentum to excite a SPP under a phase-matched surface plasmon resonance (SPR) condition. [0005] Surface plasmon polaritons have been extensively studied and some recent work has explored their potential for building various integrated optical devices. The intrinsic mode confinement in SPPs, due to their surface nature, may have potential advantages for building sub-diffraction limited waveguides and in facilitating full three-dimensional optical confinement. Further interest has been sparked by the observation that SPP waves can enhance optical transmittance through optically thick metallic films with sub-wavelength features. The radiated diffraction pattern by excited SPPs can be controlled to operate an SPP device as nano-antennae and transmitters. [0006] Surface plasmon resonance sensors can be constructed for biological and chemical sensing. Many SPR sensors use a metal-dielectric interface and a prism to excite SPP waves via the Kretschmann configuration based on optical evanescent coupling through the prism. In such a SPR sensor, a metallic film is the interrogation medium and is placed or deposited on the prism. The effective numerical aperture of this prism-based system is limited and this further limits the spatial resolution and resolvable spots. In order to meet the SP resonance for a planar metallic film, typical illumination conditions are set at a relatively large angle and this configuration can impose server constraints on the depth of focus in imaging of the system. The limited depth of focus in imaging can be unsuitable for large arrays of assays. In addition, the lateral resolution of the prism-based SP system can be limited by the finite SPP propagation length and are unsuitable for massive parallelization of such SPR sensors. [0007] In 1998, T. E. Ebbessen et al. designed sub-wavelength nanohole arrays in metallic films to produce “extraordinary optical transmission” through such sub-wavelength nanoholes based on excitation of SPPs. See, e.g., Ebbesen et al., Extraordinary Optical Transmission through Sub-Wavelength Hole Arrays, Nature, vol. 39, 667, 669 (1998) and Ghaemi et al., Surface Plasmon Enhance Optical Transmission through Subwavelength Holes, Physical Review, Vol. 58, No. 11, 6779, 6782 (1998). Such nanohole arrays exhibit interesting SPP properties and can be potentially used in various applications. SUMMARY [0008] This application describes, among others, devices and techniques for using nanostructures such as nanohole metal films to construct SPP sensors for sensing various substances. [0009] In one implementation, an optical sensing device includes a nanohole array comprising a substrate and a metal layer formed on the substrate to include an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern and to be in contact with a sample under measurement. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at an interface of the metal layer and the sample under a surface plasmon resonance condition. This device includes an input optical module to direct a collimated input optical probe beam at the wavelength of the probe light to the nanohole array. The input optical module includes an optical polarization control unit operable to control an input optical polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam incident to the nanohole array. An output optical module is also included in this device to receive an optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample. The output optical module includes an output optical polarizer to select light in the optical output at a selected output polarization for optical detection. [0010] In one implementation, an optical sensing method is described to provide a nanohole array comprising a metal layer and an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern to be in contact with a sample under measurement. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at an interface of the metal layer and the sample under a surface plasmon resonance condition. A collimated input optical probe beam at the wavelength of the probe light is directed to the nanohole array under the surface plasmon resonance condition to excite surface plasmons at the interface of the metal layer and the sample. The light in an optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample in a selected output polarization is into a camera. The image captured by the camera is processed to extract information of the sample. The input polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam and the selected output polarization for the light captured by the camera may be controlled to be orthogonal to each other to produce a Lorentzian spectral profile in the light captured by the camera. [0011] In another implementation, an optical sensing device includes a nanohole array comprising a metal layer with a two-dimensional array of holes configured to interface with a sample under measurement and to support surface plasmon under excitation of probe light, an input polarization control unit to control input polarization of an input optical probe beam of the probe light incident to the nanohole array, and an output optical polarizer to receive signal light which is transmission of the input optical probe beam through the nanohole array and the sample to select a polarization of the signal light for optical detection. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of the probe light and the input polarization control unit and the output optical polarizer are configured to be orthogonal to each other in polarization. [0012] In yet another implementation, an optical sensing device includes a substrate, a metal layer formed on the substrate and patterned to comprise a two-dimensional array of holes configured to interface with a sample under measurement and to support surface plasmons under excitation of probe light, and microfluidic channels formed in contact with the metal film. Each microfluidic channel supports a respective fluid sample under measurement and each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of the probe light. [0013] Implementations of SPP sensors described can use polarization control in the optical input and optical output of a nanohole metal film to produce a spectrally narrow transmission profile to allow for high resolution detection. As an example, a SPP sensor can include a nanohole array with a metal layer configured to support surface plasmon under excitation of an input optical probe beam; an input polarization control unit to control input polarization of the input optical probe beam incident to the nanohole array; and an output optical polarizer to receive optical transmission from the nanohole array and to select a polarization of the transmission beam for optical detection. The input polarization control unit and an output optical polarizer are controlled to produce a Lorentzian spectral profile of the transmission beam through the output optical polarizer. [0014] These and other implementations are described in detail in the attached drawings, the detailed description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 shows one exemplar implementation of an optical sensing device using a collimated optical probe beam and a nanohole array. [0016] FIGS. 2 , 3 , 4 A, 4 B, 5 A and 5 B show examples of nanohole arrays suitable for use in FIG. 1 . [0017] FIG. 6 shows an example of the device in FIG. 1 . [0018] FIG. 7 shows measured salt concentration using an optical sensing device based on the design in FIG. 1 . [0019] FIG. 8 shows an example of a nanohole array in an isotropic 2-dimensional array and the phase matching condition for the surface plasmon resonance. [0020] FIG. 9 Normalized transmission as a function of (A) energy (wavelength) and (B) parallel wave vector (angle). In each case the dotted lines correspond to the PP and the solid lines the OP polarization states (as illustrated in FIG. 1 and described in the text). The transmission in each case has been normalized to the maximum to clearly illustrate the respective lineshape functions. Also inset in FIG. 2 b is the same data plotted in logarithmic scale to show the ˜15-20 dB background level reduction for the Lorentzian vs Fano-type resonances. [0021] FIG. 10 shows measurements for resonance peak position shift versus refractive index change (i.e. salt concentration in water) in the fluidic overlayer. The black line is a linear fit to the datum. Shaded regions correspond to approximate peak position (absolute refractive index) errors in the fitting procedure for the OP and PP conditions for both air and water broadened linewidths as well as estimated theoretical resolution limits. [0022] FIGS. 11A and 11B show unpolarzied spectral measurements of unpolarized zero-order for cubic arrays of holes in an thin aluminum film on a GaAs substrate, and calculated SPP phase matching conditions for the same parameter space, respectively. Data from several arrays with different periods a have been combined for these composite intensity images, where the stitching frequencies appear as horizontal white lines. The transmittance has been normalized by the hole area per unit cell. Also shown is a small box indicating the frequency/wavevector region studied with high resolution. [0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B shows measured transmittance as a function of frequency (radial direction) and analyzer angle (azimuthal angle). DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] FIG. 1 shows one example of an optical sensing device that uses a nanohole array. This optical sensing device includes a nanohole array 100 , an input optical module 110 and an output optical module 120 that are optically aligned to from an optical train. The nanohole array 100 includes a substrate and a metal layer formed on the substrate to include an array of holes arranged in a periodic two-dimensional pattern. The metal layer is in contact with a sample under measurement to form a metal-sample interface that supports surface plasmaons. Each hole has a dimension less than one wavelength of probe light to which the nanohole array is responsive to produce surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface under a surface plasmon resonance condition. More details on the nanohole array 100 are provided below. The input optical module 110 is designed to direct a collimated input optical probe beam 101 at the wavelength of the probe light to the nanohole array 100 and includes at least an optical polarization control unit 111 to control an input optical polarization of the collimated input optical probe beam 101 incident to the nanohole array 100 . The optical polarization control unit 111 can be implemented in various configurations, such as a fixed or adjustable optical polarizer or a multi-element optical polarization controller. The input optical module 110 can also include a light source that generates the light for the collimated input optical probe beam 101 and an optical collimator to collimate the light from the light source, thus producing the collimated input optical probe beam 101 . This use of a collimated probe beam limits the optical wavevector of the probe light at a single, known value and allows the signal generated by excited surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface to be processed to extract information of the sample under measurement. The output optical module 120 is used to receive the optical output produced by the excited surface plasmons at the metal-sample interface and includes an output optical polarizer 121 to select light in the optical output at a selected output polarization for optical detection. An optical sensing device, such as an optical detector array, can be used to capture the optical output and an optical imaging unit such as an imaging lens assembly can be used to image the metal-sample surface to the optical sensing device. [0025] The surface plasmon resonance condition at the metal-sample interface of the nanohole array 100 can be controlled by a number of parameters, such as the input optical polarization, the optical wavelength of the collimated optical probe beam 101 , the amplitude of the electric field or the optical power level of the collimated optical probe beam 101 , and the incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 . A tunable light source can be used as part of the input optical module 110 to tune the optical wavelength of the probe light. This can be implemented in various configurations. A tunable laser, for example, may be used. As another example, a broad spectral light source and an optical filter can be combined to produce the probe light at a desired probe wavelength. The incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 an be controlled by controlling the relative orientation between the input optical module 110 and the nanohole array 100 . A positioning stage can be used to hold the nanohole array 100 and to adjust the orientation of the nanohole array 100 relative to the collimated optical probe beam to achieve a desired surface plasmon resonance condition for a given sample under measurement. An actuator can also be provided in the input optical module 110 to control the angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 relative to the fixed nanohole array 100 . [0026] The incident angle of the collimated optical probe beam 101 can be controlled at the normal or near normal incidence to achieve a desired surface plasmon resonance condition. The optical readout of the nanohole array 100 is selected to be the 0-order diffraction mode produced by the periodic structure of the nanoholes. This configuration can be used to provide optical sensing over a large sample area on the nanohole array 100 , high resolution imaging, and a large number of simultaneous measurements. The nanoholes in a 2-dimensional periodic pattern as optical scattering elements can be used to reduce the SP propagation length to allow for a dense packing of sensing elements and thus reduces the amount of analyte material needed for a given measurement. This property in turns permits multiple parallel microfluidic channels with different fluidic samples and different sample areas functionalized with different biomolecular recognition elements are implemented on a nanohole array. The control of the input polarization in exciting the SPR and the output polarization for readout of the SPR signal can be used to reduce the spectral linewidth and hence enhance the sensitivity of the instrument. [0027] In FIG. 1 , a microfludic channel 130 is shown and placed in contact with the metal film of the nanohole array to guide a fluid sample. Two or more such microfluidic channels can be used to supple different fluid samples to the nanohole array 100 for measurement. Microfluidic channels can be parallel channels that are fabricated over the metal film. A microfluidic channel can be formed either directly on the metal film or on a thin overlayer (e.g., SiO2) which is directly formed on the metal film. A polymer material, such as Polystyrene-b-polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), can be used to form a microfluidic channel. A microfluidic channel may be a PDMS microfluidic molded structure and can be bonded to the metal film. Alternative to the polymer molding, photolithography can be used to fabricate a microfluidic channel on a substrate. A microfluidic channel can be used to minimize the amount of the analyte needed for a measurement. [0028] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an exemplary nanohole array 100 formed on a substrate 210 and a patterned metal film 220 . The patterned metal film 220 is deposited on the substrate 210 and is patterned to have 2-dimensional nanoholes in row and columns. The exposed surface of the metal film 220 can be functionalized to include a layer of a biomolecular recognition element 230 for binding with certain target particles in a fluid sample 240 that is in contact with the metal film 220 . In addition, the fluid sample 240 may be fluorescently tagged using one or more molecular tags. Various fluorescent molecule labeling techniques can be applied to the nanohole array devices described in this application. Such fluorescent labeling can provide a higher degree of confidence in certain sensing applications. In some applications, a single fluorescent tag is sufficient to provide the desired specificity. In some other applications, two different fluorescent tags may be used at the same time. [0029] The nanohole array 100 in FIG. 1 can be designed to include two or more different sample areas with different biomolecular recognition elements for simultaneous measurements. FIG. 3 shows an example of such a nanohole array that has different sample areas each having an array of 4×4 nanoholes. The collimated optical probe beam 101 can be used to illuminate an area covering two or more adjacent sample areas for simultaneous measurements. In addition, the input optical module 110 in FIG. 1 can be designed to produce different collimated optical probe beams to simultaneously illuminate different areas of the nanohole array 100 . [0030] The nanoholes in the nanohole array 100 can be made in various configurations. FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example where the nanoholes are symmetric circular holes with a diameter of 400 nm. FIGS. 5A and 5B show another example where the nanoholes are spatially anistropic in shape, e.g., elliptical. In addition, nanoholes can be through nanoholes that penetrate through the metal film or non-through nanoholes that penetrate a part of the metal film without completely penetrating through the metal film. A metal film with non-through nanholes physically separates the sample from the substrate on which the metal film is formed and such separation can be beneficial in various devices. [0031] The optical sensing device in FIG. 1 can the an optical transmission through the metal film and the sample that is produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample. In this design, the input and output optical modules 110 and 120 are located relative to the nanohole array 100 to direct the collimated input optical probe beam 101 to the nanohole array 100 and to receive the optical output from the nanohole array 100 , respectively, on opposite sides of the nanohole array. Alternatively, the optical output produced by the surface plasmons at the interface between the metal layer and the sample is an optical reflection by the metal film so that the input and output optical modules 110 and 120 are located relative to the nanohole array 100 to direct the collimated input optical probe beam 101 to the metal film of the nanohole array 100 and to receive the optical output reflected from metal film of the nanohole array 100 on a common side of the nanohole array 100 . [0032] FIG. 6 shows an example implementation of the optical sensing device in FIG. 1 in the optical transmission mode. A laser or lamp 114 is provided as part of the input optical module 110 to produce the probe light. A fiber 113 is used to guide the probe light from the light source 114 to a collimator lens 112 which collimates the output light from the fiber 113 to produce the collimated probe beam 101 . The input polarization control unit 111 in this example includes two polarizers and a quarter wave plate located between the two polarizers. A nanohole array stage 103 is used to hold the nanohole array and to provide angular adjustments along two orthogonal axes to control the incident direction of the collimated optical probe beam 101 . The output optical module 120 includes tow imaging lenses 123 and 124 in a 4 f configuration to image the nanohole array 100 onto a camera 122 . The imaging lens 123 close to the nanohole array 100 may be a microscope lens with a focal length f shorter than the focal lens F of the second imaging lens 124 . As an option, a quarter wave plate or a liquid crystal modulator 125 may be placed between the nanohole array 100 and the output optical analyzer 121 to control the polarization received at the output optical analyzer 121 . [0033] Implementations of SPP sensors described here use polarization control in the optical input and optical output of a nanohole metal film to produce a spectrally narrow transmission profile to allow for high resolution detection. The techniques described here may also be used to ease the fabrication tolerances on the device structure and allow for low-cost, feasible device fabrication. The optical sensing can be achieved by optically detecting miniscule changes in the local effective index of refraction at the interface with the metal film through monitoring surface plasmon mediated transmission through, or reflection from, nanohole arrays in thin metallic film. Therefore, the devices described here can be used as a generic sensor platform for a wide range of optical sensing applications, including chemical and biological sensing applications. Notably, the input polarization of the probe light and the polarization of the output optical polarizer can be specifically controlled to control the spectral profile of the transmission as a well-defined narrow line shape such as a Lorentzian line shape when the input polarization and output polarization are orthogonal to each other. The polarization of such an SSP sensor is not properly controlled, the spectral lineshape may be a Fano type profile which has a poor spectral resolution in comparison with a Lorentzian profile. [0034] FIG. 7 shows an example measurement of NaCrO4 concentration in a salt fluid sample using the sensing device in FIG. 1 in a cross polarization configuration to achieve the Lorentzian spectral profile in the output. An initial measurement can be obtained in the nanohole array without the salt fluid sample and then another measurement can be obtained in presence of the salt fluid sample. The shift in the SPR condition can be used to extract the information on the concentration of NaCrO4 and some experiment data shows that a change in the refractive index of about 10 −5 an be directly measured. [0035] The polarization-selective sensors described in this application can be designed to use the SPP mediated transmission through the nanohole arrays. High resolution imaging can be easily accomplished with interrogation occurring at normal or near normal incidence, and the resonance shift may be read out with wavelength, amplitude, angular or, with careful design, by phase sensitive interrogation methods. The nanohole array radiatively damps the SPP wave, and hence enables more compact integration. The transmittance resonance through the nanoholes is monitored for a particular polarization state of the incident field, and is analyzed with a second polarizer in such a way as to minimize evanescent tunneling through the subwavelength apertures. This configuration, in effect, minimizes coherent interference effects in structures that have reasonable feature sizes (˜100 s nm) and aspect ratios—and are therefore amenable to high-throughput, large area fabrication techniques. [0036] In addition, the large field enhancement is useful in SERS, SECARS, and other sensitive nonlinear spectroscopy methods. Design of a nanoscale metallic nanostructure that enables both linear sensing—for high throughput—and nonlinear—for specificity and interrogation of specific reactions—will prove to be a significant advance over other technologies. The far-field transmission is significantly enhanced due to the enhanced surface fields under the SPR condition and such far-field spectroscopic measurements can be used to map the effective SPP dispersion. We have shown the distinctive polarization dependence of the arrays and used this property to separate SPP mediated transmission mechanisms from the evanescent tunneling through a waveguide below cutoff. With knowledge of the SPP dispersion, we further have demonstrated methods for exciting and imaging SPP modes both in and between these nanohole arrays, again using the polarization properties of the excitation, in this case space variant, to enable this novel, simple imaging technique. Sensing can also be achieved by SPP wavepackets using femtosecond laser pulses. Femtosecond spatial heterodyne imaging has also been utilized to investigate the ultrafast SPP dynamics in both amplitude and phase. These studies have led to new understanding of the nature of the phase matching and leading to our ability to control and detect the phase and the amplitude of the SPP field distributions. Consequently, we are able to perform focusing of such SPP fields in the transverse direction. [0037] FIG. 8 shows an example of a nanohole metal film structure that can be used as the sensing part of the SPP sensor to interface with a material to be measured. A Cartesian coordinate system is shown to illustrate the SPR condition. The lattice diagram in the reciprocal space for the special structure of the periodic nanoholes is shown in the insert. Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are resonantly excited on these grating arrays. The excitation is dependent upon the frequency, wavevector, and polarization state of the incident excitation. Phase matching for the SPP waves is described by [0000] {right arrow over (k)} SP ={right arrow over (k)} // ±i{right arrow over (K)} G x ±j{right arrow over (K)} G y , [0000] where {right arrow over (k)} // ={right arrow over (k)} x +{right arrow over (k)} y =k 0 [{circumflex over (x)} sin θ cos φ+ŷsin θ sin φ] is the in-place component of the common wavevector of the collimated probe beam. It is assumed that the dimension of each nanohole (d) is much less than the spatial period (a) of the nanohole array: d<<a and that there is no coupling between adjacent sides. The resonance condition is: [0000]  k → 1 - 2 , 2 - 3 sp  ≈ k 0  ɛ 1 , 3  ɛ 2 ɛ 1 , 3 + ɛ 2 . [0038] A small perturbation in the sample in contact with the metal layer and, in particular, any change at the interface between the metal layer and the adjacent sample causes a shift in this resonance position. [0039] The SPR resonance linewidth depends on both radiative damping and material damping and thus can lead to a broad spectral linewidth. As described above, the input and output polarizations of an SPR sensor can be controlled to reduce the transmission linewidth and hence enhance the spectral resolution while operating in a regime that facilitates high SBP imaging. A specific example is provided below. [0040] Samples for our experiments are fabricated by depositing gold films of ˜200 nm on glass substrate followed by spin coating and patterning by holographic lithography to achieve large usable areas (˜1 cm 2 ). Multiple exposures of a chemically amplified negative resist (SU-8) yields a 2-D array of nanoholes, and the exposure time and post-exposure baking step allow fine control of the hole diameter (˜200 nm). To facilitate large SBP imaging, the period a of the array to be close to the wavelength λ of the excitation field (a/λ˜1) with the fabricated value of a=1.4 μm. The developed SU-8 is used as a mask for etching nanoholes into the gold film using ICP/RIE dry etching, and a PDMS mold with microfluidic delivery channel 1 cm×2 mm×100 μm is then bonded to the substrate by oxygen plasma. [0041] An apparatus based on the device design in FIG. 1 is used to conductor the measurements. The input and output polarization states of a tunable laser are controlled to provide the variable spectral or angular Fano-type profiles. A microfludic channel is used to transport the analyte fluid to the surface of the sensing area of the nanohole array and can be used to control the refractive index on the metal-dielectric interface to tune the SPP resonance frequency. Measurements are carried out using a collimated, tunable laser source (1520-1570 nm) of about ˜1 cm in diameter is used to excite an SPP field in the 2-D nanohole array. The sample is inserted between a polarizer-analyzer pair and the transmitted light is used to simultaneously image an area of ˜200×200 μm of the sample onto a CCD camera for alignment as well as onto InGaAs photodiode for transmission measurements. Angular interrogation is achieved using a mechanical rotation stage rotating the sample in the y-z plane. [0042] For comparison, two polarization states are used in measurements: 1) parallel polarizer-analyzer (PP): polarizer and analyzer axes are parallel and oriented at +π/4 with respect to the [0,1] direction of the nanohole array (see FIG. 1 ) yielding equal electric field amplitudes in the x- and y-directions, and 2) orthogonal polarizer-analyzer (OP): polarizer (analyzer) axis is oriented at +π/4 (−π/4) with respect to the [0,1] direction. Resonant transmittance through the 2D nanohole array depends on the interrogation angle and the wavelength of radiation and typically has a Fano-type lineshape for PP and a Lorentzian shape for OP. There have been a number of studies that have investigated and explained the effects of the various geometric parameters on the shape of the resonant transmission (e.g., hole size, metal film thickness, and optical properties of the metal), and we note that the critical feature (assume a relatively “thick” film) is the hole diameter, which increases the scattering rate and hence broadens the resonance linewidth. This resonant transmission mechanism involves coupling to an SPP mode, evanescent transmission through the below-cutoff waveguide hole, and scattering of radiation again from the hole array to produce propagating free space modes. The surface wave is excited by a projection of the incident electric field polarization in the propagation direction, and the reradiated field is again projected onto the analyzer. [0043] FIG. 9 shows normalized transmittance spectra for both wavelength and angular interrogation in the vicinity of [0, −1] type SPP modes with an air overlayer. A characteristic Fano shape for PP (dotted lines) and a pure Lorentzian shape for OP (solid) are observed. In the OP configuration, the background contribution is suppressed leaving only the resonance component of the transmission. The absolute transmittance is low, −23 dB (0.50%) for PP, due to the small size of the diameter of the holes (thus yielding relatively narrow lines), and drops to about −29 dB (0.13%) for OP due to additional polarization projection onto the analyzer. Ideally the extinction ratio would be limited by that of the polarizers (typically −60 dB), but in practice we measure ˜15-20 dB which we attribute to depolarization due to surface roughness in the etched holes. Under wavelength interrogation the background level does not drop to the same deep minimum levels within the tuning range of our laser. The measured full-width-half-maxima (FWHM) for wavelength interrogation ( FIG. 9A ) are 1.28 meV (2.47 nm) and −2.86 meV (5.53 nm) for OP and PP, respectively, and the PP transmission peak is red-shifted from that in OP by 0.40 meV (0.77 nm). Similarly, the measured FWHM for angular interrogation ( FIG. 9B ) are 0.0012 ak // /2π(0.092°) and 0.011 (0.87°) for OP and PP, respectively, and the corresponding peak shift is 0.0005 (0.04°). [0044] Next we explore the resonant transmission through 2D nanohole array for sensor applications by introducing an index-calibrated solution through the microfluidic channel to create a controlled gold-fluid interface. We repeat our experiments on angular and wavelength interrogation exciting the [0, +1] type SPP modes and vary the refractive index of the overlayer fluid (varying concentrations of Na 2 CrO 4 in H 2 O). Since the resolving power and interrogation range are both higher, we focus our following study on angular interrogation. [0045] FIG. 11 shows experimental results on position of the resonant transmission peak through angular interrogation as a function of the change in the index of refraction of the fluid on the interface. Due to the strong absorption of water in this wavelength range, the linewidths for wavelength and angular interrogation broaden to values of 4.32 meV (8.31 nm) and 0.0064 ak // /2π(0.52°), respectively, with OP. At shorter wavelengths the damping due to water is reduced—however the metal losses are larger. Also, at shorter wavelengths there is a greater mode overlap of the resonant field with the reaction of interest as the extent of the mode into the dielectric is reduced. We note that one may well monitor another position on this curve, for example the point of highest slope in the PP (at approximately the SPP resonance position), but by usual convention we monitor the resonance maxima. Error bars in the horizontal direction are from uncertainty in the solution index of refraction as well as possible variations in temperature. Peak positions are determined by both the method of moments (centroid position) and by fitting Lorentzian functions, and the error bounds for these methods in the presence of noise are shown as the various shaded regions. This procedure corresponds to estimated sensing limits of 5×10 −6 RIU and 1×10 −5 RIU for OP and PP, respectively. The darkest region corresponds to the observed error 1.7×10 −3 (standard deviation) due to lack of full optimization in the feedback controls, and therefore limited our direct measurement limit to −1.5×10 −5 . We estimate the limits for a nonabsorbing overlayer (with a gaseous species analyte, for example) with OP and an optimized rotation stage (mechanical limits of ˜10 −4 in angle) to be on the order 1×10 −6 which is shown with the lightest shading. [0046] While peak position is typically determined more precisely, it is useful to introduce the following metric [0000] X λ,θ ≡S λ,θ /Γ λ,θ , [0000] as a measure of the resolving power that facilitates comparisons of different sensors and interrogation methods. In the above equation, S is the sensitivity (i.e. derivative of resonance position with respect to index of refraction) and Γ is the FWHM and the subscripts λ(θ) refers to wavelength (angular) interrogation, respectively. We experimentally determine S λ ˜1022±8 nm-RIU −1 and S θ ˜78.4±0.6 deg-RIU −1 that yield values of X θ ˜850 RIU −1 and X λ ˜410 RIU −1 with an air overlayer while these values are reduced to X θ ˜150 RIU −1 and X λ ˜120 RIU −1 with water broadened transmission. [0047] We have demonstrated a high resolution SPR sensor based on transmission through nanohole arrays. In these structures (and gratings in general), the propagation length may be reduced to specification and can therefore increase the relative system resolution (limit the crosstalk between channels). This leads to a design tradeoff: the sensitivity may be sacrificed for smaller interrogation volumes depending on the particular application. Some variations can be made based on the designs described in this application, including design of the periodic structure to enhance the absorption response by tuning the SPR to a molecular resonance of interest. In addition, one can break the in plane symmetry and use, for example, elliptical or chiral shaped holes to have polarization dependence even at the normal incidence. These results will help in designing future grating coupled surface plasmon resonance sensors, both in the transmission (a nanohole) and the traditional (reflection surface grating relief) geometries. [0048] The following sections further describe polarization properties of nanohole arrays used in the optical sensing devices of this application. The surface plasmon polariton mediated resonant transmittance through square arrays of cylindrical holes in an optically thick metallic film can be isolated by means of polarization rotation. Transmittance data for co-polarized and cross-polarized cases are described accurately with Fano-type and pure Lorentzian lineshapes, respectively. This polarization control allows for changing the relative weights of resonant and non-resonant transmission mechanisms, thus controlling the shape and symmetry of the observed Fano-type lineshapes. [0049] Excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in nanohole arrays produces resonant and “enhanced” transmission through subwavelength apertures, the nanoholes. Typically, scattering (reflection and transmission) coefficients of any periodic grating supporting a slow wave are characterized by resonant features, e.g. strong resonant peaks in the magnitude of the transmission coefficient through a perforated metal plate, which occur approximately when the wavevector of one of the diffraction orders matches that of a slow wave. These features are manifestations of so-called resonant Wood anomalies. Mathematically, these anomalies are evident through the presence of complex frequency/angular poles in the scattering coefficient for incident radiation with a given real frequency/angle. When the incident field frequency/angle is scanned through these poles, the scattering coefficient exhibits resonant behavior. In addition to these resonances, a non-resonant field component is always present as well. The superposition of the resonant and non-resonant components results in asymmetry in the shape of the scattering coefficients, resulting is so called Fano profiles, which depend on the relation between the magnitude and phase of the resonant and non-resonant components. [0050] The relation between the resonant and non-resonant components depends not only on the structure parameters but also on the measured parameter provided by a specific experimental setup. Indeed, a linearly polarized field upon scattering from a doubly periodic nanohole array generates co- and cross-polarized components. Using an additional polarizer in the scattered field, referred to in the following analysis as an analyzer, allows control of the each of these components of the scattered field and thereby changes the shape of the measured transmitted field. Most of the utilized experimental setups implement measurements of co-polarized incident and scattered field components, thus limiting the observed lineshapes. The objective here is to demonstrate experimentally and analytically the dependence of measured intensity through a periodic array of sub-wavelength holes after analyzing the polarization state of the transmitted optical field for various input polarization states. The presented ideas and results have a wide applicability to the general theory resonant gratings. For example, typically the frequency dependence of the resonant scattering coefficients is associated with red shifted tails. The shape of the scattering coefficient magnitude depends on the relation between both the amplitude and the phase of the resonant and non-resonant components. Within this framework, we show that the entire polarization dependence drops out quite naturally. and the polarization properties of resonant scattering from a two-dimensional nanohole array in a metallic film. The shape of the resonant transmission depends on the polarization state of the incident field, the excited SPP mode, and the polarization state of the measuring apparatus. This property of a nanohole array allows for observation of both Fano-type and pure Lorentzian lineshapes. [0051] As described above, the SPR condition in a nanohole array leads to enhanced transmittance mediated by its excitation on a single side of the metal film. When the phase matching condition is met, the incident field interacts strongly with the SPP and this interaction results in strongly enhanced transmission. The phenomena of enhanced transmission can be explained more rigorously as particular manifestations of so called resonant Wood anomalies that are also associated with Fano profiles. In the framework of the theory of resonant Wood anomalies, the transmission (scattering) coefficients are represented as a sum of resonant and non-resonant components. We consider the spectral transmittance through the 2-D nanohole array for excitation of SPP on one side of the film only. This assumption means that the frequencies of the lowest order SPP modes excited on the upper and lower interfaces of the metal-dielectric boundaries are well separated in frequency, and therefore there is no coupling between the SPP modes on the opposite sides of the metal film (i.e., under assumption that the coupling to higher order modes is weak). [0052] The experimental samples are a 100 nm-thick aluminum film on a GaAs substrate perforated by a 2-D array of holes with diameters d ˜350 nm and with periods a of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 μm. The total perforated area of 200×200 μm was used for measurements. The sample was first aligned normal to the beam axis and the azimuthal angle φ was set to a value of either 0 or π/4 corresponding to the Γ-X or Γ-M directions in the receprical lattice space. At each azimuthal angle, the polar angle θ (i.e., angle of incidence) was varied from 0 to 7π/36 rad (corresponding to about 35°). Measured dispersion for the three samples with various periods, a, is shown in FIG. 11A , displaying the unpolarized (i.e., polarizer/analyzer pair removed), zero-order transmittance for normalized frequency versus normalized in-plane wavevector in both the Γ-X and Γ-M directions. Data has been normalized by the hole area per unit cell and combined to give a full perspective on the SPP excitation conditions for a large characterization space. The maximum transmission of (˜9% for a=1.4 μm, ˜13% for a=1.2 μm) occurs at normal incidence for a slightly red shifted wavelength from that corresponding to a/λ=1.0. [0053] The data is dominated by the asymmetric, Fano-type lineshape features, which correlate with resonant transmission by excitation of various SPP wave modes at the various orders (m,n). The essential feature to notice is that the SPP fields are excited at neither the maxima nor the minima of this curve; rather, the interference between the resonant and nonresonant components leads to the dispersive lineshape. For these samples, SPP modes on the air-metal (AM) interface are efficiently excited; the first order modes for the semiconductor-air interface occur at much lower frequencies, and the higher order modes that occur at these frequencies are clearly not discernable in these measurements. Dispersion curves shown in FIG. 11B are calculated for SPP excitation at the AM interface for a single period (a=1.4 μm) according to Eqs. (1-3) and including the frequency dependence of the dielectric constant of aluminum. These curves predict well the frequency of the SPP features for all of the data on the normalized frequency scale. More rigorous methods are required to theoretically determine the relative strength of the coupling as well as the absolute spectral shape of the various bound and propagating modes (i.e., diffraction orders). Qualitatively, however, there have been a number of studies that have succeeded in explaining the effects of the various geometric parameters on the spectral transmittance. The resonant transmission mechanism is based on coupling to an SPP mode, evanescent transmission through the below-cutoff waveguide hole, and scattering of radiation again from the hole array to produce propagating modes. The hole size, in the long wavelength limit, determines the scattering rate and hence the lifetime of the mode, and increasing size will tend to increase the linewidth of the transmitted radiation. We investigate the polarization dependence of the spectral transmittance of this resonant transmission mechanism more carefully in the next section. [0054] A different nanohole array sample is used for more careful study of the resonant transmission mechanism. The sample is an array of holes in gold film on a silica glass substrate with the geometric parameters h ˜200 nm, d ˜200 nm, and a ˜1.63 μm. The Ti adhesion layer of ˜10 nm is also used to effectively suppress SPP fields on the gold-substrate interface. We consider the polarization dependence of a single resonant mode, [+1, 0]. A tunable laser with a spectral linewidth much narrower than the SPP resonant transmission linewidth is used to provide a probe laser beam in the spectral range of =1520-1570 nm. The parameter space of the measurements is indicated by the small, shaded regions in FIGS. 11A and 11B . For this sample, the film thickness is larger, the hole diameters are smaller, and the divergence of the beam is smaller, all of which leads to much narrower measured linewidths than shown in illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B . [0055] FIGS. 12A and 12B show the polarization dependent spectral transmission for a fixed value of θ=π/90. Data in FIG. 13B is the same as in FIG. 12A and is normalized along each ψ A to the maximum of each scan in the radial direction (normalized frequency, a/λ) for viewing the salient properties of the transmittance. The incident field polarizer angle is set to an angle ψ P =π/4, and the output field polarization analyzer angle, ψ A is varied from 0 to 2π in increments of π/36. In FIG. 12A , the measured transmittance exhibits a Malus' law-type cos 2 ψ A dependence across the entire spectral range. This data has been smoothed to remove the effects of reflections from the substrate (which had no anti-reflection coating). To see the underlying structure, FIG. 12B shows the normalized data along the radial (i.e., normalized frequency a/λ) direction for each value of ψ A to the maximum of each scan in the radial direction. [0056] The transmission maximum is clearly observed to vary with ψ A —most notably, the white, maximum value, is not circular (see FIG. 3 b ). This is most clearly evident at π/2 (3π/2), where there is a discontinuity in the transmission maximum. Qualitatively, this is a result of a shift due the interaction of the discrete state resonance with the continuum. Moreover, the transmission is never extinguished because of effective polarization rotation by the resonant transmission mechanism. The surface wave is excited by a projection of the incident polarized field, and the propagating surface field interacting with the nanohole array creates a reradiated field which is again projected onto the analyzer. The nonresonant background contribution can be effectively suppressed and in this case the resonant term can be isolated and investigated independently. The above techniques for the specific case of a single [+1,0] type order can be applied to other various resonant orders of the same nanohole array or more generally to periodic structures of different symmetries. [0057] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what being claims or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. [0058] Only a few implementations are disclosed. However, other variations and enhancements may be made.

Devices and techniques for using nanostructures such as nanohole metal films to construct SPP sensors for sensing various substances.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 410,349, filed Aug. 23, 1982 entitled MASKING MACHINE now U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,789 which in turn is a division of Ser. No. 185,188 filed Sept. 8, 1980 entitled MASKING MACHINE which issued on Apr. 5, 1983 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,019. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention related to masking machines. More particularly, the instant invention relates to masking machines such as the type used for applying tape and paper to a surface preparatory to applying a finish to the surface. In a further aspect, the present invention concerns improvements to enhance the utility of masking machines. 2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art is replete with various devices for applying tape and paper to a surface in preparation for painting, trimming and other finishing techniques. In general, such devices, which have achieved broad acceptance by both industrial and non-commercial users alike, are employed for protecting a designated portion of a surface from a finish or treatment applied to an adjacent portion of the surface. Exemplary is the general painting and decorative trimming of vehicle bodies, walls of buildings and other large and small items in connection with vocational and avocational pursuits. Generally referred to as making machines, the devices are available in a variety of sizes and configurations especially adapted for various uses. While having similar function, specifically the dispensing of tape and paper, and having commonly analogous components including a holder for a roll of tape, a holder for a roll of paper and a cutting edge for severing the tape and the paper, the various masking machines present exceedingly dissimilar appearances. The apron machine, for example, is usually a large, bulky, floor-supported apparatus. The hand held machine, on the other hand, is a relatively lightweight compact unit. Exemplary of masking machines, and herein chosen for purposes of orientation in connection with the instant invention, is the hand held device set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,214. The referenced device includes a handled frame having a rotatably affixed paper roll holder and a rotatably affixed tape roll holder for supporting a roll of coiled paper sheet and a roll of coiled, pressure sensitive tape, respectively. The holders, which have parallel axes of rotation, are oriented such that the tape is dispensed along and overlapping an edge of the paper sheet. As the machine is moved along, the paper and the tape are drawn therefrom and the free portion of the tape is adhesively secured to the surface by the wiping action of the curved portion of a guide bar. When the end of the area to be masked has been reached, the tape and paper are severed by an elongate cutting edge extending from the frame parallel to the axis of rotation of the holders. The masking machine, as described above, has proven to satisfactorily achieve the objects for which it was devised. This is attested, in part, by commercial success. Observation, however, has indicated areas of interest and concern not before considered in connection with the instant machine or analogous devices. Tape and paper, for example, are available in various widths. Users, therefore, frequently exchange the rolls of tape and paper in accordance with the requirements of the immediate task. As a result, the cardboard tube forming the core of the roll becomes enlarged, impairing proper fit of the roll upon the holder. An analogous problem of improper fit, either too loose or too tight, occurs in new rolls as a result of the inherent variance in the size of cores. Observations of operators utilizing the machine has revealed other phenomena. For example, users frequently carry an additional roll of tape for periodic or continuous taping along the free edge of the paper sheet. Also, it is noted that the paper tension spring which insures even movement of the roll of paper and prevents inadvertent unrolling requires independent manual manipulation as the paper roll is installed upon the paper roll holder. In view of the foregoing and other observations, experimentation has been conducted for the purpose of improving the referenced masking machine and other similar devices. Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to provide improvements for masking machines. Another object of the invention is the provision of improvements which will enhance the function of the machine and facilitate the convenience of the operator. Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for detachably securing the roll of tape and the roll of paper to the respective roll holders. And another object of this invention is the provision of an improved roll holder which will properly accept rolls of varying size. Yet another object of the invention is to provide means which will reduce manual manipulation while affixing a roll of paper. And still another object of the invention is the provision of presenting a conveniently available roll of tape for selective use by the operator. Yet still another object of the invention is to provide selectively usable means for optional continuous taping along the free edge of the paper sheet. And a further object of the present invention is the provision of improved paper tensioning means. Still a further object of the invention is to provide means which facilitate the rapid and convenient exchange of rolls upon the roll holders. Yet still a further object of the invention is the provision of improvements, as above, which are usable upon hand held and other masking machines. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, first provided are retention means usable in connection with the respective roll holders for holding the roll of tape and the roll of paper sheet. The retention means includes an element extendably and retractably movable relative the holder and normally extendably biased so as to engage the bore of the respective roll. More specifically, the retention means includes a flexible contact element having an outwardly projecting contact portion which engages the bore of the roll. Next provided are means for checking the uncoiling of the paper sheet including an arm having a fixed end pivotally connected to the frame of the machine and a bearing element carried at the free end. Biasing means, preferably a torsion spring carried at the fixed end of the arm, urges the bearing element toward the holder for bearing against the outer surface of the roll of paper. More specifically, the bearing element is in the form of a pivotally connected roller. Also carried at the free end of the arm and guide means for lifting the arm and positioning the bearing element over the outer surface of the roll in response to the movement of the roll during assembly with the roll holder. The guide means may include a camming surface. Further improvements for the masking machine include tape dispensing means carried by the frame of the machine for supporting an auxiliary roll of tape at a position remote from the primary roll of tape. In a further aspect, the tape dispensing means includes an auxiliary tape roll holder and an auxiliary cutting edge for severing the tape. The auxiliary cutting edge is carried by an arm extending from the frame of the machine. Yet another improvement includes an auxiliary tape applying unit detachably securable to the machine for supporting a second roll of tape which is dispensed along the free edge of the paper sheet. More specifically, the tape applying unit includes an auxiliary tape roll holder and means for detachably securing the auxiliary tape roll holder to the machine. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the attachment means includes a subframe having the auxiliary tape roll holder pivotally secured thereto and a support member extending therefrom and detachably securable to the frame of the machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing, and further and more specific objects of the instant invention will become readily apparent to those silled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art hand held masking machine incorporating improvements constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention; FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the right-hand end of the device of FIG. 1, the roll of tape being removed for purposes of illustration; FIG. 3 is a side elevation view taken from the left-hand end of the illustration of FIG. 1, the roll of tape and the roll of paper being removed for purposes of illustration; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the masking machine of FIG. 1 and illustrating further improvements thereof; FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of the forward portion of the device of FIG. 1 especially illustrating a particular improvement thereof; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the improvement shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation view of the improved tape roll holder shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the improved tape roll holder of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the improved tape roll holder illustrated in FIG. 7; and FIG. 10 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the improved paper roll holder seen in FIG. 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings in which like references characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1 which shows a hand held masking machine including a frame 20 having substantially flat section 22, offset section 23 and offset bracket 24. Offset section 23 and bracket 24 extend in opposite directions from flat section 22. For purposes of orientation, it is considered that frame 20 includes a forward portion 25 and a rearward portion 27, as further seen in FIG. 2. At the forward portion 25, frame 20 is provided with a transverse elongate mounting bracket 28 having outer arcuate surface 29. Frame 20, including each of the foregoing named elements, is integrally formed of plastic in accordance with conventional injection molding techniques. An elongate guide bar 30, stamped from relatively thin sheet metal, is detachably carried by mounting bracket 28. Guide bar 30 includes an arcuate portion 32 and serrated cutting edge 33. Orientated perpendicularly to flat section 22, guide bar 30 further includes a fixed end 34 detachably secured to mounting bracket 28 and a free end 35. Arcuate surface 29 of bracket 28 is matingly received within arcuate portion 32. Tape roll holder 36 is rotatably mounted upon a spindle, not immediately illustrated, integral with rearward portion 27 of frame 20. Holder 36 is retained upon the spindle by means of a washer 37 and a screw 38 which is threaded into the spindle. Holder 36 rotates about axis A which is generally parallel to guide bar 30, especially cutting edge 33. A roll 39 of coiled, pressure-sensitive tape 40 having core 42 with bore 43 is detachably carried by tape roll holder 36. A roll 44 of coiled paper sheet 45 having first end 47, second end 48 and outer surface 49 is held by a paper roll holder rotably carried by offset section 23. The paper roll holder, which will be described in further detail as the description ensues, is rotatable about axis B which is parallel to axis A. Elongate handle 50, having an axis generally parallel to flat section 22 and generally perpendicular to axes A and B, extends from offset bracket 24. During operation, a human hand, such as designated by the reference character 52, holds handle 50 and moves the masking machine in the direction of arrowed line C. Accordingly, as sheet 45 is dispensed and remains stationary, tape roll 39 and paper roll 44 rotate in the direction of arrowed lines D and E, respectively. Paper roll 44 is offset relative tape roll 39 such that tape 40 overlaps end 47. Therefore, tape 40 includes a first continuous component 53 which is secured to the edge of paper sheet 45 and a second component 54 which is available for continuous adhesion to the surface to be masked. Arcuate portion 32 of guide bar 30 functions as a shoe wiping along tape 40 to ensure adhesion to the surface. For purposes of orientation, sheet 45 is considered to have a fixed edge 55 and a free edge 57. The foregoing description of the prior art hand held masking machine is set forth for purposes of environment and orientation concerning the improvements which are the subject of the instant application. It is understood that the above described masking machine is intended to be typical of such devices and not limiting upon the improvements hereinafter set forth. For a further description of such machines, attention is invited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,021, issued June 20, 1978 and entitled HAND HELD MASKING MACHINE. Further detailed description of the machine will be made as necessary in connection with the improvements of the instant invention as will now be described in detail. IMPROVED PAPER TENSIONING MEANS Attention is now directed to FIG. 4 which generally shows the improvements of the instant invention including the improved paper tensioning means, generally designated by the reference character 60, for applying tension to the outer surface of the paper roll and checking uncoiling of the paper sheet. As the description ensues, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the paper tensioning means 60 has further utility in connection with other apparatus for dispensing sheet material from a coiled roll thereof. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is seen that the improved paper tensioning means 60 includes an arm 62 having fixed end 63 and free end 64. Aperture 65 extends through fixed end 63. Screw 67, passing through washer 68 and aperture 65, pivotally connects fixed end 63 to frame 20 in accordance with conventional practice. The pivotal axis of arm 62 about screw 67 is generally parallel to previously described axes A and B of the exemplary hand held masking machine. Recess 69, concentric with aperture 65 and notch 70, are formed in the fixed end 63 of arm 62. In addition to an aperture for receiving screw 67, connection of the instant improvement requires further modification in the form of opening 72 formed in frame 20. Conventional torsion spring 73 having ends 74 and 75, resides within recess 69. End 74 resides within notch 70. End 75 resides within opening 72. Accordingly, torsion spring 73 functions as biasing means for urging free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward paper roll holder 77 as indicated by arrowed line D in FIG. 3. A projection 78 extends from the free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward the fixed end 34 of guide bar 30. Roller 79 is secured to projection 78 by washer 80 and screw 82 in accordance with conventional practice. The axis of rotation of roller 79 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation B of paper roll holder 77. An ear 83 projects from free end 64 of arm 62 in a direction toward free end 35 of guide bar 30. Ear 83 terminates on the underside with a camming surface 84, which for purposes of orientation, is considered to diverge upwardly in a direction toward the free end 35 of guide bar 30. During operation, roller 79 functions as a bearing element, and in response to spring 73, maintains tension upon the outer surface 49 of roll 44 ensuring the even movement of roll 44 during the dispensing of paper sheet 45 and, as is apparent from FIG. 1, urges component 53 of tape 40 onto the edge of paper sheet 45 so as to ensure adhesion of the tape thereto. The tension of roller 79 against roll 44 further ensures that it does not become inadvertently unrolled during storage or transportation between uses. Camming surface 84 functions as guide means for lifting arm 62 and positioning roller 79 over the outer surface 49 of roll 44 in response to movement of roll 44 during assembly with roll holder 77. During assembly, roll 44 is moved along axis B in a direction toward frame 20. During this movement, first end 47 of paper roll 44 contacts surface 84 causing arm 62to move in a direction away from roller 77, counter to the direction of arrowed line D and compressing spring 73. Accordingly, the outer surface 49 of roll 44 will pass under the free end 64 of arm 62 and roller 79. Ear 83 also functions as a handle for manual rotation of arm 62, if desired. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate paper tensioning means 60 during operation. IMPROVED PAPER ROLL HOLDING MEANS Referring again to FIG. 4, there is seen improved paper roll holding means, generally designated by the reference character 90, which is a modification of conventional prior art roll holding means. In accordance with the masking machine described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, which typifies the prior art, a spindle 92 extends from offset section 23 of frame 20 in a direction toward the free end 35 of guide bar 30. Paper roll holder 77, having inner end 93, outer end 94 and fluted outer surface 95, further includes blind bore 97 which is rotatably journaled upon spindle 92. Screw 96, passing through washer 99 and outer end 94, threadedly engages the free end of spindle 92 for attachment of holder 77 to frame 20. Conventional prior art practice teaches that fluted outer surface 95 is slightly larger than the bore of the cardboard core of the paper roll whereby the flutes partially embed within the core for retention of the paper roll. Roll holder 77 is modified, by the teachings of the instant invention, as seen in FIG. 10, by a counterbore 100 and four equally spaced slots 102 extending inwardly from inner end 93. A further modification includes a pair of diametrically opposed recesses 103, only one specifically herein illustrated, in outer surface 95 extending inwardly from outer end 94 in alignment with two of the slots 102. Retention member 104, fabricated of a flexible material such as music wire, includes elongate contact elements 105, each having a forward end 107 and a rearward end 108. Intermediate ends 107 and 108, each contact element 105 is bent to form outwardly projecting contact portion 109. Rearward ends 108 terminate with inwardly directed portions integrally joined as arcuate member 110. Retention member 104 is assembled with holder 77 such that rearward ends 108 of contact elements 105 extend through respective slots 102 and forward ends 107 reside within respective recesses 103. Arcuate member 110 resides within counterbore 100 partially encircling spindle 92. Spring guide 112 includes ring element 113 slidably received within counterbore 100 and abutting arcuate member 110 and ends 108 of retention member 104. Four equally spaced fingers 114 project from ring element 113 in a direction toward frame section 23. Fingers 114 are slidably received within respective slots 102 and encase compression spring 115 such that spring 115 bears against ring element 113 to ensure pressure against retention member 104. The other end of spring 115 bears against frame 20. Spring 115 functions as biasing means normally urging retention element 104 in a direction toward the outer end 94 of roll holder 77. The normal distance across contact portions 109 is greater than the diameter of the bore of a paper roll. The paper roll is assembled with holder 77 in a direction from outer end 94 toward inner end 93. In response to movement of the paper roll, contact elements 105 flex such that contact element 109 moves toward outer surface 95 and ends 107 and 108 extend. That is, ends 107 move toward end 94 within recesses 103 and ends 108 move within slots 102 toward end 93. It is noted that the distance across ends 107, residing within recesses 103, is less than the diameter of the bore of the core of the paper roll. The employment of retention member 104 suggests that the outer surface 95 of holder 77 may be reduced in size to not larger than the diameter of the core of the paper roll. IMPROVED TAPE ROLL HOLDING MEANS The improved tape roll holding means of the instant invention, generally designated by the reference character 120 in FIG. 4, in general similarity to the improved paper roll holding means 90, is a modification of convention tape roll holding means. The conventional tape roll holding means, as exemplified by the previously described hand held masking machine, includes a tape roll holder 122 having inner end 123, outer end 124 and cylindrical outer surface 125. Spaced apart outwardly projecting longitudinally extending ribs 127 normally engage the bore of the core of the tape roll as previously described. Bore 131, having a counterbore not shown but extending inwardly from inner end 123, extends axially through holder 122. The counterbore is rotatably received upon spindle 128 projecting from frame 20 in a direction opposite spindle 92. Screw 129 passing through bore 131 and carrying washer 130 is threaded into spindle 128 for attachment of holder 122 to frame 20 in accordance with conventional practice. The counterbore 132, concentric with bore 131 and sized to rotatably receive spindle 128, is illustrated in FIG. 9, which, along with FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrate the modifications of the instant invention. Tape roll holder 122 is modified by the formation of four radial slots 133 extending inwardly from inner end 123 and four openings 134 extending longitudinally inward from outer end 124. Each opening 134, which is preferably near outer surface 125, is aligned with a respective slot 133. Two identical retention members 135 are carried by roll holder 122. Each retention member 135 cooperates with two slot 135 and two openings 134. Each retention member 135, in general similarity to previously described retention member 104, is generally U-shaped including contact elements 137 having forward ends 138 and rearward ends 139. Intermediate ends 137 and 139, each contact element 137 is bent to form outwardly projecting contact portion 140. Rearward ends 139 are directed inwardly extending through slots 133 and integrally joined by member 142. Each forward end 138 is generally hook-shaped having a terminal portion thereof slidably extending into a respective opening 134. Being commonly fabricated of a flexible material, such as music wire, the function and operation of retention element 135 is generally analogous to that of retention element 104. Contact elements 137, by virtue of the material of construction, are normally biased outwardly from the outer surface 125 of holder 122 so as to engage the bore of the roll. During assembly of the roll with the holder, contact portions 140 deflect inwardly imparting longitudinal movement to ends 138 and 139 within the openings 134 and slots 133, respectively. AUXILIARY TAPE DISPENSING MEANS The auxiliary tape dispensing means of the instant invention, generally designated by the reference character 150 in FIG. 4, includes a tape roll holder 122 having retention members 135 as previously described in connection with FIGS. 7-8 and combination bracket 152. Combination bracket 152 includes arm 153 having fixed end 154 and free end 155. Boss 157 carried at free end 155 is shaped to be received against frame 20. Specifically, boss 157 terminates with a surface 158 which bears upon an offset bracket 24 and a depending flange 159 which extends over the edge thereof. Spindle 160, sized to be rotatably received within bore 132, project from fixed end 154 in a direction opposite the direction of boss 157. Screw 162 extending through washer 163, bore 127 and bore 164 coaxial with spindle 160 and boss 157, threadedly engages opening 165 in offset bracket 24 to secure the assembly to frame 20. While holder 122 is free to rotate, combination bracket 152 is stabilized against rotation by the abutment of flange 159 against the edge of offset bracket 24. Bar 167, extending upwardly from free end 155, supports serrated cutting edge 168. Bar 167 is spaced sufficiently from holder 122 to accommodate a roll of tape therebetween. It is also noted that cutting edge 168 is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of holder 112. The positioning of auxiliary tape dispensing means 150 on offset bracket 24 in close proximity to handle 50, reduces the leverage and imparts maximum stability between the hands of the user as tape is drawn from the roll upon auxiliary tape roll holder 122 and severed upon auxiliary cutting edge 168. AUXILIARY TAPE APPLYING MEANS Auxiliary tape applying means, generally designated by the reference character 170 in FIG. 4, is another improvement contemplated by the present invention. The immediate improvement is detachably securable to a masking machine for the purpose of applying tape along the free edge 57 of paper sheet 45 in an arrangement similar to the application of tape along the fixed edge 55 of paper sheet 45. The auxiliary tape applying means includes subframe 172 having first offset section 173 and second offset section 174 terminating with respective first and second free ends 175 and 177. An auxiliary tape roll holder another tape roll holder 122 which may or may not be modified by retention members 135, is secured to first offset section 173 proximate end 175 in accordance with means herein previously described. An auxiliary paper roll holder, another holder 77 which may or may not include retention member 104 is secured to second offset section 174 proximate end 177 by means previously described. Attachment means for detachably securing subframe 172 to frame 20 includes elongate support member 178 having inner end 179 and outer end 180. A socket 182 is formed in inner end 179. Several equally spaced grooves 183 are carried by support member 178, extending inwardly from inner end 179 and communicating with socket 182. Correspondingly, another socket 182 and grooves 183 are formed in outer end 180. A projection 184 having tabs 185 extends from subframe 172 in a direction toward frame 20. A similar projection 187 having tabs 188 extends from frame 20 in a direction toward subframe 172. Auxiliary tape applying means 170 is optionally attached to a masking machine when it is desired to adhesively affix both edges of the paper sheet to the surface to be masked. Paper, such as roll 44, is available in various widths. Accordingly, several support members 178 are available corresponding in length to the available widths of paper. The initial step of assembly includes selection of the proper length of support member 178 and attachment thereof to subframe 172. During assembly projection 188 is entered into socket 182 with tab 185 entering respective grooves 183. The assembly is then moved in a direction toward frame 20 with auxiliary roll holder 77 being guided into the bore of roll 44 and the other socket 182 and associated groove 183 being engaged with projection 187 and tabs 188, respectively. The engagement of the respective tabs and grooves prohibits rotation of subframe 172 relative frame 20. It is noted that the axis of rotation of the auxiliary paper roll holder is coincident with previously described axis B. Due to the offset of subframe 172, a roll of tape held by auxiliary tape roll holder 122 is dispensed to overlap free edge 57 of paper sheet 45 as previously described in connection with the dispensing of tape 40. For this purpose, the axis of rotation of the auxiliary tape roll holder carried by subframe 172 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the auxiliary paper roll holder carried by subframe 172. It is also within the scope of the instant invention, that for purposes of convenience in hand held masking machines, subframe 172 is oriented such that the auxiliary paper roll holder rotates about an axis of rotation coincident with the axis of rotation of the primary tape roll holder carried by frame 20. IMPROVED TAPE GUIDING MEANS With reference to FIG. 1, it is seen that the tape roll 39 is mounted upon freely rotating holder 36. Tape 40 extends as a ribbon between roll 39 and paper roll 44. Inadvertent advancement of roll 39 in the direction of arrowed line D, without corresponding movement of paper roll 44, uncoils and dispenses surplus tape 40 which then adheres to offset section 23. Correction must be made, normally by rerolling of the surplus tape upon the roll, prior to further use of the machine. The instant invention remedies the foregoing malady by virtue of improved tape guiding means illustrated in FIG. 4 and generally designated by the reference character 190. Improved tape guiding means 190 includes roller 192 secured to frame 20 in accordance with conventional techniques by washer 193 and screw 194. A semicircular recess 195 for receiving roller 192 is formed at the location previously occupied by the apex of sides 197 and 198 of offset section 23. Inadvertently unrolled surplus tape will sag between the roll of tape and the roll of paper becoming adhered to roller 192. The roller 192, being pivotal about an axis parallel to axes A and B, functions as a guide to feed the surplus tape onto the roll of paper. This is in contrast to the previous arrangement in which the tape became adhesively secured to an immovable object. Various modifications and changes to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

A roll of tape or paper is releaseably retained upon a roll holder by a flexible retention member, carried by the holder and normally outwardly biased to engage the core of the roll. A pivotally connected arm is biased to urge a bearing element at the free end thereof against the outer surface of the paper roll to check uncoiling of the paper sheet. The bearing element is automatically lifted and positioned in reponse to movement of the roll against a camming surface during attachment of the roll to the roll holder. A detachably securable auxiliary roll holder applies tape along the normally free edge of the paper sheet. Also disclosed is an auxiliary tape dispenser carried by the frame of a portable masking machine.

CROSS-RERERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-pat of co-pending PCT/BE99/00018, filed on Feb. 10, 1999, which claims the priority of Belgian Application 9800111, filed on Feb. 13, 1998. The subject matter of both applications is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION. 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method for working through ground layers for dredging under water ground layers by means of a dredging device, the dredging device comprising a mechanical dredging component with a part operative to contact the ground layers to exert a dredging action to the ground layers in the course of a dredging action, in which method the part is brought into contact with the ground layers and water jets are injected in the area where the mechanical dredging component is operative. 2. Description of the Related Art In dredging operations with dredgers or excavators of various types, it has become use to inject high pressure water jets into an area in front of the cutting or dredging component. Thereby, the high pressure water jets may be mixed with air or not. The injection of high pressure water jets has particularly been used in combination with suction hopper dredgers when dredging sandy grounds to cause the sandy grounds to fluidize. The main purpose thereof is to enhance the cutting, suction and pumping process in sandy grounds and to cause a stirring-up of the sludge particles in the water in sludge-like grounds, so that the particles can be moved by the ambient natural water currents and the use of transport vehicles can be avoided. The pressures used in this technique lie in the order of magnitude of 10 bar with a tendency to increase the pressure to about 15-20 bar. From DE-A-3521560, a method is known for digging dry ground layers with a firm hardness such as for example rocks. In the method of DE-A-3521560, the rock like ground layers are digged by means of an excavator equipped with teeth for dredging the ground layers. High pressure water jets impact the grounds to be excavated with a high energy density and impart a cutting action thereto, thus involving the formation of fissures and cracks which can then be split by the sharp side of the teeth of the excavator. Simultaneously, the size of the parts resulting from the digged grounds is reduced, so that the reduced rocks need not be transported and can be left at the digged location. The pressure of the water jets is mostly between 40 and 400 Mpa. The method disclosed in DE-A-3521560 however concerns the excavation of dry grounds, which cannot be applied to under water dredging just like that. Namely, the impact of high pressure water jets after displacement through water, will be significantly lower than the impact of a high pressure water jet on a dry ground after displacement through the environmental air. In addition to this, the impact of a high pressure water jet on a dry ground being known, its impact on an under water ground layer cannot be predicted just like that, as it will a.o. strongly vary with the pressure of the water jet and the propagation distance through the water. It is the aim of the present invention to provide a method for dredging under water ground layers in which the mechanical cutting forces applied by the dredging device can be reduced, which allows harder ground types to be dredged with a machine power which would otherwise be used for dredging grounds with a softer constitution, and with which a higher cutting, suction and pressing production can be attained in identical ground types. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above outlined purposes of the invention can be achieved with the technical features that the dredging action of the dredging component and the injection of the water jets are carried out simultaneously and the water jets are injected at a pressure of at least 20 bar at the position of, through and/or behind the mechanical dredging component. In the method of this invention, water jets are injected in the area where the mechanical dredging component is operative, the dredging action of the dredging component and the injection of the water jets being carried out simultaneously. Thereby, the water jets are preferably injected at a pressure of at least 20 bar at the position of, through and/or behind the mechanical dredging component. The simultaneous dredging action of the dredging component and injection of high pressure water jets allows an optimised co-action of both to be obtained. The result of the optimised co-action depends on the type of ground to be dredged and can be summarised as follows. Because of the optimised co-action it becomes possible to enhance in the immediate vicinity of an area of a rock-like material that has been cut by the dredging device hydraulic fracturing in the non-crushed part thereof, to cut open ground layers such as clay layers and/or fluidize ground layers such as sand layers in the vicinity of the cutting or dredging component. The optimised co-action also results herein that broken-off and crushed material can be immediately removed by the high pressure water jets from the location where the mechanical cutting or dredging component is active, in particular in case the ground layers contain rock-like materials or consist virtually or exclusively of rock-like materials such as rock layers. It has been found that simultaneously with the improved dredging operation of the dredging device, the wear of the dredging components can be reduced, including wear of the teeth thereof. Also, in case of dredging sandy materials, the dredging efficiency can be improved. It has namely been found that when dredging sand grounds, the sand is fluidized by the action of the water jets. The fluidized sand presents the advantage that it can be pumped as a fluid, and not as a water/sand mixture, so that the pump efficiency can be improved. In the method of this invention, ground layers are understood to include gravel, sand and clay layers or ground layers containing rock-like materials or consisting virtually exclusively of rock masses such as rock layers. Examples of dredging devices suitable for use in the method of this invention include suction hopper dredgers, cutter suction dredgers, bucket dredgers, grab dredgers, pull shovel pontoons or the like. Each of these devices comprises a mechanical cutting or dredging component, part of which comes into contact with the ground and/or rock layers for dredging. In case the dredging device is a hopper dredger, preferably water jets are also injected to the ground layers to be dredged at a pressure of at least 50 in front of the mechanical dredging component. In that way an optimum fluidization of the soil or an optimum cutting of the clay can be achieved before it enters the draghead. In specific conditions, in particular when the ground layers contain rock-like materials or consist virtually exclusively of rock-like materials and use is made of a cutter dredger, water jets are injected at pressures of preferably at least 100, preferably from at least 600 to 2000 bar, for example 620 bar. Such a water jet is capable of blowing away the crushed zone that has been created by the mechanical cutting tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is further illustrated in the attached figures and the description of the figures. FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the principle of the method of the invention, when using a tooth as mechanical cutting or dredging component on rock-like ground layers. In FIGS. 2 and 3 a schematic illustration of the method of this invention is given, when using a suction hopper dredger (side view). FIG. 4 is a side view of a tooth with adapter in a preferred embodiment of to the invention, with at least one high pressure water being injected through the tooth. FIG. 4A is a side view of a possible embodiment of an adapter for receiving a tooth. FIG. 5 is a cross-section along the line v—v of FIG. 4 . FIG. 5A is a longitudinal section along the same line of the adapter of FIG. 4 A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an adapter with teeth mounted thereon. FIG. 7 shows in perspective view a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 6 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As has been explained above, the method of this invention is based on an optimal co-action of the mechanical cutting or dredging component of the dredging device and the water jets injected under pressure in the ground layers to be dredged. The pressure of the water jets is selected such that it is capable of exerting a hydraulic cutting or dredging action to the ground layers at the time the ground layer is being cut by a mechanical cutting, dredging tool. In FIG. 1, the mechanical cutting action of a tooth 2 of a dredging device on a stone like ground mass 1 is illustrated. As can be seen from FIG. 1, a ground layer to be dredged is impacted by a tooth 2 of a dredging device at an impact position 3 . The impact of the tooth 2 creates a first fracture zone 5 in the ground mass. Simultaneously with the impact of the tooth 2 , a high pressure water jet 4 is injected into the ground layer as close as possible to the impact position 3 of the tooth 2 , so as to allow the crushed stone-like materials to be virtually completely removed from fracture zone 5 . The water jet has a pressure of at least 20 bar and may be injected either at the position of, through and/or behind the dredging component. As a result of the positioning and the selected pressure of the water jet 4 , the fracture zone 5 created upon impact of tooth 2 is increased by hydraulic fracturing of the ground mass and results in a hydraulic fracture zone 5 ′. The above described co-action of the tooth 2 of the dredging component and the high pressure water jet 4 thus allow the grounds to be dredged with an improved efficiency, while simultaneously the extent of wearing of the tooth 2 can be decreased. Namely, due to the action of the high pressure water jet 4 , the fracturing 5 is enhanced by the hydraulic fracturing 5 ′, so that an improved break-away pattern of material can be achieved. To achieve an optimum fracturing, the tooth should be disposed such that during cutting of the ground the impact point 3 of the tooth and the water jet 4 coincide as much as possible. When the pressure of the water jet 4 is sufficiently high and preferably amounts to at least 100, this fracture zone will then initiate further cracking and further hydraulic fracturing of the ground layers. Simultaneously, breakage remnants are removed from the fracture zone 5 ′ by the high pressure water jets. The enforced fracturing of the ground layer by the high pressure water jets allows to decrease the cutting power, while maintaining the extent of fracturing thus allowing the wear of the teeth to be decreased. As a large part of the broken-off materials associated with the fracture zone 5 ′ are removed by the water jet 4 , the wear of the teeth can be further reduced. It is important that the water jet impacts the ground layer to be dredged as close as possible to the impact point of the cutting tooth to allow the crushed material to be blown away or removed from the dredging zone. This can be achieved by positioning the nozzle through which water jet 4 is injected right behind the tooth 2 as is illustrated in FIG. 2 . In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the tooth 2 ′ is designed such that water jet 4 ′ is injected through the tooth 2 ′. In the afore described embodiments, To reduce the wearing of the teeth as a function of time and achieve that they wear less rapidly, in particular when used in rock-like ground masses, the tooth 2 is preferably constructed as shown in FIGS. 4, 4 A, 5 , 5 A and 6 . To facilitate replacement, each tooth 2 ′ is mounted on an adapter 6 which for instance forms part of the dredging device, for example a rotating cutter, or is fixed on a transverse beam of the draghead of the dredger. As can be seen from FIGS. 4, 4 A, 5 , 5 A, 6 and 7 , adapter 6 preferably comprises at least one high-pressure conduit 7 . In tooth 2 or 2 ′ a bore 9 is provided which is provided to fit to conduit 7 . Conduit 7 preferably gives access to a short nozzle 8 or an extended nozzle 8 ′ which, when tooth 2 ′ is mounted on adapter 6 , comes to lie in the line of the bore 9 running through tooth 2 ′. In this way a high pressure water jet is injected through the tooth 4 of the dredging component of the dredging device. The above described construction of the tooth results in a maximum co-action between tooth and high-pressure water jet, which results in a considerable reduction in the wear of the tooth. When dredging is carried out in rock-like ground masses or rocks, the broken-off materials will be removed by the high-pressure water jets so that the teeth will operate in the most favourable conditions. A variant of the embodiment described by FIG. 6 consists of providing two bores 9 ′ through tooth 2 ′ and providing the adapter with two nozzles 8 or 8 ′. Both bores 9 ′ must be directed such that, as the outer end of tooth 2 ′ wears, an injection by both water jets under high pressure toward the impact point of the tooth continues to take place which becomes wider as the tooth wears. The use of two or more water jets may be advisable in case the equipment used is large and heavy as compared to the dimensions of the water jets, so as to allow the water jets to approximately cover the whole impact area of the tooth. Both bores 9 ′ are preferably oriented such that as the outer end of tooth 2 ′ wears, an injection by both water jets towards the impact point of the tooth continues to take place, and that the impact point of the water jets increases with the wearing of the tooth. FIG. 8 shows very clearly the method according to the invention for a suction cutter dredger. The same FIG. shows schematically the operation of teeth 2 or 2 ′ in the ground or rock mass 10 for the same rotation direction and two opposed swinging movements of the suction cutter dredger. The rotation direction is indicated with arrows 11 , the swinging movements with arrows 12 and 13 . It is noticeable that the water jets under high pressure are injected at least for a duration which corresponds with the time for which the teeth 2 or 2 ′ are active, i.e. remain in contact with the ground mass for dredging or dredging. Due to the action of the high-pressure water jets the broken materials are removed so that they do not obstruct the optimal operation of the teeth and ensure the increased lifespan of the teeth. The action of the high-pressure water jets also initiates and enhances the hydraulic fracturing. It is therefore necessary in this option to ensure by means of valves the water flow rate under high pressure to at least the “active” or operational teeth. When the invention is applied on suction hopper dredgers, a plurality of dispositions of the high-pressure water jets can be devised. Reference is made once again to FIGS. 2 and 3 as an example of suction hopper dredgers. The nozzles for high-pressure water jets 4 of at least 50 are mounted on the heel plate 14 of draghead 15 and provide a first hydraulic working of the ground. A second row of nozzles is arranged behind teeth 2 , this such that water jets 4 ′ of at least 20 bar are directed toward the outer end of teeth 2 , with a second row of nozzles for injecting water jets 4 ″ of at least 20 bar toward the interior of the draghead 15 to cause the already cut material to undergo an additional cutting operation. In such a suction hopper dredger use can also be made of the above described tooth structure which enables injection of the water jets through tooth 21 with its adapter 6 . If water jets 4 are caused to act from the heel plate 14 of draghead 15 in one line between respective teeth 2 or 2 ′, these water jets then provide an initially vertical cutting or fracture plane in one line between teeth 2 or 2 ′, while water jets 4 ′ and 4 ″ with the teeth 2 or 2 ′ co-acting therewith cause further fracture of the intermediate ground material of these vertical planes. In firm clay layers and harder sand layers the above described arrangement offers very great advantages, since with the currently applied techniques it is only possible to dredge with suction hoppers with a great propulsion power or with a stationary suction cutter dredger. In dredging with an apparatus according to the invention in said harder sand layers or firm clay layers the efficiency increases because the ground layers are already partly broken, simultaneously or not, by the action of the high-pressure water jets.

An apparatus and method for dredging under water ground layers includes the steps of providing a dredging device composed of a mechanical dredging component having a part operative to contact the under water ground layers and exert a dredging action; and at least one water jet effective to inject water under pressure in an area where the mechanical dredging component is operative; mechanically impacting the underwater ground layers with the part to fracture the underwater ground layers and form fractured material; and injecting water under pressure from the at least one water jet simultaneously with the mechanical impacting to remove the fractured material so that an improved break-away pattern of material is obtained and reduced wearing of said part.

FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates to adaptive computer programs and the management thereof. In particular, the present disclosure teaches processes for the management of adaptive programs in a parallel environment such as a multi-core processing system. BACKGROUND [0002] In the most general terms, an adaptive program is a program in which changes in input are automatically propagated to the output. That is to say, the output reflects changes in input values without having to rerun the whole program, and only those parts affected by the changes are re-evaluated. The advent of multi-core processing technologies enables parallel processing of different kinds of applications, many of which often require a “divide and conquer” approach. [0003] For applications such as video, vision, graphics, audio, physical simulation, gaming, and mining, such parallelism allows the program to meet application speed requirements and take advantage of faster multi-core technologies. Adaptive programming is especially useful in such multi-core processor systems and has been shown to significantly improve the running time of such “divide and conquer” style methods. Current approaches to adaptive programs have mainly been explored in the context of functional languages and the approaches have been tailored to uni-processor based sequential execution methods. Efforts to date to manage adaptive programming processes have been exclusively serial in nature and have lacked advances in concurrent or parallel adaptive programming. [0004] This disclosure presents primitives that enable a parallelizable approach to adaptive programming in imperative (non-declarative) languages. This disclosure also presents methods and mechanisms that allow one to efficiently perform change propagation in a parallel process, as in multi-core processors, enabling effective optimization of data parallelism for multi-core architecture, which will further enable and promote parallel software development. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0005] Features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments consistent therewith, which description should be considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0006] FIG. 1 is a concurrent change propagation method according to the disclosure; and [0007] FIG. 2 : is a schematic diagram of a recovering partial order maintenance scheme according to the disclosure, using a combination of two orders. [0008] Although the following detailed description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0009] A key aspect of an adaptive program is the automatic tracking and efficient propagation of changes in the system state. To implement this functionality, each “step” in the program is tracked, essentially recording how all pieces of data are produced and consumed, and inter-leaving (control-flow or data-flow) constraints are tracked. One way of obtaining this information is by exhaustively recording the state in a program's execution trace. The steps in the trace essentially describe the different operations that can be performed and how changes need to be propagated through the system. [0010] Each independent unit of data is typically abstracted opaquely by a modifiable reference (modref). Modrefs are immutable, in the sense that they may be written to only once. In order to change the value associated with a modref, the original is invalidated and a new modref is created to replace the original. The modref's application programming interface (API) essentially provides three primitive operations: read, write and create. Create creates a new modref cell whereas write updates the value associated with a modref. Read allows the program to use the value of a modref, that has been previous written into, and records within the structure of the given modref where and when the value has been used. Moreover, if the data is not available, the program must perform some evaluation to produce the data and populate the modref before execution continues. Read operations have traditionally been performed with eager evaluation methods and this imposes a sequential evaluation order. [0011] Traditionally, modrefs have been processed with eager evaluation methods in a serial execution setting; each modref always holds data before it is read, and is empty before it is written. Eager evaluation generally refers to a mode of operation in which tasks are executed (evaluated) as soon as they are created. On the other end of the spectrum, lazy evaluation refers to a mode of operation in which tasks are executed only when their results are required. A first feature of the disclosed system is a new primitive, called a “lazy modref”. Lazy or lenient evaluation refers to a mode of operation in which tasks need not be executed as soon as they are created, however, idle resources (processors, hardware threads, etc.) are free to process created tasks as they desire. [0012] In general, if the number of resources is large, then there is a high probability that the tasks would have been processed before their results are required. [0013] Lazy modrefs improve on traditional modrefs by allowing such lenient or lazy evaluation methods. These methods are the basis for parallelizing adaptive programs. In the disclosed setting, a lenient execution model is used where each lazy-modref can be empty, typically after creation. Alternatively, the lazy-modref may contain a ready-to-read value or a continuation that will work to populate the value once executed. This continuation may also populate the lazy-modref with yet another continuation. This continues in loop fashion until the lazy-modref is populated with a data value. This is guaranteed to eventually occur under correct usage of the API and framework. When the lazy-modref holds such a continuation, the programmer has setup a process to eventually write to the lazy-modref when executed. Since each process can be executed leniently, the programmer may not have written to the lazy-modref yet. The lazy modref's API provides the same three primitive operations as traditional modrefs—create, write and read—with similar methods. However, a fundamental difference is that lazy-modrefs' signatures are based on destination-passing-style methods and that the caller manage the memory used to store the result. Decoupling the store in this way is essential for enabling lenient evaluation methods and forms the basis for parallelizing adaptive programs. [0014] A set of interconnected modrefs tracks changes to the system state. The execution trace is abstracted out as a binary tree of modrefs that describes nodes where data is created and consumed, and where the different control and data-flow dependencies leading to these nodes are created and consumed. The dependency constraints are exposed through the seq-split primitives. This information may be used to identify nodes where the computation can be parallelized. [0015] A second feature of the disclosed system is a mechanism for parallelizing change propagation in an adaptive program. Change propagation describes the process of updating system state in response to some change in the input set. The parallel change propagation method is similar to the serial change propagation method except that in order to preserve correctness in the presence of parallelism we need to rely on recording extra information about uses of modrefs. This information, stored in the modrefs themselves, is used at runtime to identify nodes that need to be recomputed to make appropriate adjustments to the output values. Any given modref may have multiple read locations that may be dependent on each other. A separate mechanism maintains and facilitates querying for these relationships which is called the “dependence structure”. [0016] The method 100 works as shown in FIG. 1 . A set of changed modrefs 102 is first identified, which correspond to the parts of the program's input that have changed. Next is computed a list of uses (“reads”) 104 of these modrefs using the records made in their structures each time they're used. This list is called the “invalidated uses”. Next is computed each invalidated use 106 and inserted into an elimination queue, which is similar to a conventional queue except that its methods for “insert” differ: when an element is to be inserted, it is compared 108 against every element in the queue for dependence. If any element in the queue is dependent (the new element precedes this element in question according to our dependence structure) the dependent element is dropped from the queue. Likewise, if the element being inserted is found to be dependent on any element already in the queue, the insertion process stops and the new element is dropped. [0017] Once each invalidated use has been processed with the elimination queue, the elements left in the queue are independent of one another as well as independent of all elements originally in the set of invalidated uses. Modrefs are next examined 110 for changes in value, upon the occurrence of which re-execution proceeds for each use (which is itself a continuation) in parallel. Upon re-execution some other modrefs may change value, upon which the change propagation method for each of these (or each subset of these) is re-instated. [0018] Unlike prior art approaches, there are several opportunities for parallelization in the disclosed process. First, each execution of the program itself has independent components which may be executed in parallel. Next, since these components' independence is stored precisely by the dependence structure, false dependencies causing needless re-execution are circumvented and the ability to re-execute these components in parallel is gained, should they require re-execution. [0019] This is the first and only system that is capable of parallel change propagation. This is the only work that supports imperative language features. This is the first approach to parallelize adaptive programs. [0020] Next, order maintenance in adaptive programs is addressed. Order maintenance involves three operations, insert, remove and compare, which modify and query a total ordering. Insert is the operation that adds a new element to the ordering immediately after an existing element. Remove removes a given element. Given two elements in the ordering, compare computes whether they have a less-than, an equal-to, or a greater-than relationship. In the order maintenance routine of the disclosure, the problems traditionally associated with order maintenance are solved for the three operations with amortized constant-time on a machine where arithmetic can be done in constant time. This disclosure solves traditional order maintenance problems for concurrent adaptive or incremental computation for fine-grained dependent task graphs in constant time. Additionally, this disclosure enables the use of a truly lock-free data structure for concurrent updates. [0021] In existing adaptive programs, a total ordering is used to efficiently represent and later query the execution trace. This total order is used when querying dependency information and forms the basis for doing insert, read and compare operations in constant time. However, this representation fails to support parallel execution methods. Since each step of the method has a distinct position in the trace of the method, only serial updates may be realized. To elaborate, once they are included in the total-ordering, steps that are conceptually independent may appear to be dependent. The presently disclosed representation solves this problem by efficiently encoding the dependency information while eliminating such false dependencies. This provides a means for identifying and scheduling parallel tasks while retaining the constant time bounds. [0022] One can check for dependency by comparing the rank in the two total orders (TO), # 1 and # 2 . In general, approximation of a partial order is made through a combination of total orders. Specifically, a combination of two total orders may be used for a large class of programs to recover the original partial order, which conveys dependency information, exactly. FIG. 2 illustrates the gist of this approach. Intuitively, the approach corresponds to choosing two complementary topological sorts of the partial order. This method may select the two total orders correctly. In one embodiment, no more than constant overhead is added for each operation when compared to the original scheme. [0023] All of the dependency information contained within the trace of the adaptive program may be represented as a binary tree. A language may be developed that can be used to verify this property. While there may be arbitrary dependencies in the task graph, the reduction to a binary tree is performed by annotating the graph using three special nodes: read nodes, split nodes and sequence nodes. Read nodes represent a data dependency on some cell of memory and may have a single child which conceptually encloses the “use” of this data value. Split and sequence nodes represent control flow and each has two children. Sequence node children are ordered and are referred to as “first” and “second” children. Split nodes introduce independence and their children are referred to as “left” and “right” children. After annotating with these nodes the original task-graph reduces into a binary tree. The two total orderings can be thought of as two topological sorts of this binary tree, though they are created on-line, as the tree is created. The first total ordering is a depth-first walk of the tree, where “first” is visited before its sibling “second” in sequence nodes and “left” is visited before its sibling “right” in split nodes. This is generally called “English” ordering. The second ordering is the same, except that children of split nodes are visited in reverse order (“right” and then “left”), which is generally called “Hebrew” ordering. [0024] Referring to FIG. 2 , the herein disclosed order maintenance scheme 200 is depicted in schematic form. In the diagram, ranking of the orders is in accordance with the following guide; [0000] A(202) B(204) C(206) D(208) E(210) Rank in total order #1 1 2 3 4 5 (English): Rank in total order #2 1 5 2 3 4 (Hebrew): B depends on A iff: Rank(B) > Rank(A) in both total orders. [0025] The disclosed scheme maintains these two total orderings in a manner that is similar to the way a single total order is traditionally maintained except that any two dependent read nodes, A 202 and B 204 , will appear in both orderings with A before B, whereas two independent read nodes, C 206 and D 208 , will appear in differing orders in the two total orderings. One will report that D precedes C and the other will report that C precedes D. The particular order that reports D first versus C first is of no consequence, so long as both dependence and independence with constant overhead may be detected using these differing outcomes. [0026] Two instances of the original total ordering data structure are used. Each total ordering is a doubly-linked list of labeled elements, where the label is a 32-bit or 64-bit word that represents its relative position in the ordering. Each read node introduces two elements into each total order to mark its beginning and ending points. Each split node and sequence node introduces a single element into each total order to mark its “middle”, which is an element that separates the node's two children and each of its children's successors. The methods of mapping threads uses this “middle” element abstraction to distribute work to a worker thread. New threads look for work using the middle elements that correspond to split nodes. Note that this ensures that all worker threads work on logically independent regions of the data structure. Thus another feature of the scheme is the lack of reliance on locks for accessing and updating the total ordering data structure concurrently. This is the first work aimed at developing a concurrent order-maintenance data structure, yet these methods have the same complexity bounds as the state of the art for sequential versions. [0027] Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and numerous embodiments described herein are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

A method for concurrent management of adaptive programs is disclosed wherein changes in a set of modifiable references are initially identified. A list of uses of the changed references is next computed using records made in structures of the references. The list is next inserted into an elimination queue. Comparison is next made of each of the uses to the other uses to determine independence or dependence thereon. Determined dependent uses are eliminated and the preceding steps are repeated for all determined independent uses until all dependencies have been eliminated.

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of Indian patent application number 3723/CHE/2011, entitled “MULTI-SPECTRAL IP CAMERA”, filed Oct. 31, 2011, and Indian patent application number 3724/CHE/2011, entitled “MULTI-SENSOR IP CAMERA WITH EDGE ANALYTICS”, filed Oct. 31, 2011, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated herein for all purposes. BACKGROUND [0002] The number of sensors used for security applications is increasing rapidly, leading to a requirement for intelligent ways to present information to the operator without information overload, while reducing the power consumption, weight and size of systems. Security systems for military and paramilitary applications can include sensors sensitive to multiple wavebands including color visible, intensified visible, near infrared, thermal infrared and tera hertz imagers. [0003] Typically, these systems have a single display that is only capable of showing data from one camera at a time, so the operator must choose which image to concentrate on, or must cycle through the different sensor outputs. Sensor fusion techniques allow for merging data from multiple sensors. Traditional systems employing sensor fusion operate at the server end, assimilating data from multiple sensors into one processing system and performing data or decision fusion. [0004] Present day camera systems that support multi-sensor options may typically provide two ways of visualizing data from the sensors. One method is to toggle between the sensors based on user input. The other method is to provide a “Picture in Picture” view of the sensor imagery. Toggling can provide a view of only one sensor at any given time. “Picture in Picture” forces the operator to look at two images within a frame and interpret them. [0005] It may be desirable to have means of providing a unified method of visualizing data from multiple sensors in real time. It may be desirable to have such a means within a compact, light-weight package. SUMMARY [0006] Various embodiments allow for real-time fusion of multi-band imagery sources in one tiny, light-weight package, thus offering a real-time multi-sensor camera. Various embodiments maximize scene detail and contrast in the fused output, and may thereby provide superior image quality with maximum information content. [0007] Various embodiments include a camera system that can improve the quality of long-wave infrared (LWIR) and electro-optical (EO) image sensors. Various embodiments include a camera system that can fuse the signals from the LWIR and EO sensors. Various embodiments include a camera system that can fuse such signals intelligently to image simultaneously in zero light and bright daylight conditions. Various embodiments include a camera system that can package the fused information in a form that is suitable for a security camera application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a device according to some embodiments. [0009] FIG. 2 depicts exemplary hardware components for a device according to some embodiments. [0010] FIG. 3 depicts a process flow according to some embodiments. [0011] FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of an image fusion process, according to some embodiments. [0012] FIG. 5 depicts a process flow according to some embodiments. [0013] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary illustration of part of an algorithm for image fusion, according to some embodiments. [0014] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary hardware sensor, according to some embodiments. [0015] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary hardware sensor, according to some embodiments. [0016] FIG. 9 depicts exemplary hardware circuitry for performing video alignment, fusion, and encoding, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: [0018] U.S. Pat. No. 7,535,002, entitled “Camera with visible light and infrared image blending”, to Johson, et al., filed Jan. 19, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,538,326, entitled “Visible light and IR combined image camera with a laser pointer”, to Johson, et al., filed Dec. 5, 2005; United States Patent Application No. 20100045809, entitled “INFRARED AND VISIBLE-LIGHT IMAGE REGISTRATION”, to Corey D. Packard, filed Aug. 22, 2008; United States Patent Application No. 20110001809, entitled “THERMOGRAPHY METHODS”, to Thomas J. McManus et al, filed Jul. 1, 2010. [0019] The following is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: Kirk Johnson, Tom McManus and Roger Schmidt, “Commercial fusion camera”, Proc. SPIE 6205, 62050H (2006); doi:10.1117/12.668933 [0020] Various embodiments include a multi-resolution image fusion system in the form of a standalone camera system. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates features available from all available sensors into one camera package. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package. In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates the best features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package. [0021] Various embodiments enhance the video feed from each of the input sensors. Various embodiments fuse the complementary features. Various embodiments encode the resultant video feed. Various embodiments encode the resultant video feed into an H.264 video stream. Various embodiments transmit the video feed over a network. Various embodiments transmit the video feed over an IP network. [0022] In various embodiments, the multi-resolution fusion technology integrates the best features available from all available sensors into one light-weight camera package, enhances the video feed from each of the input sensors, fuses the complementary features, encodes the resultant video feed into a H.264 video stream and transmits it over an IP network. [0023] In various embodiments, sensor image feeds are enhanced in real-time to get maximum quality before fusion. In various embodiments, sensor fusion is done at a pixel level to avoid loss of contrast and introduction of artifacts. [0024] In various embodiments, the resultant fused feed is available as a regular IP stream that can be integrated with existing security cameras. [0025] A multi-sensor camera according to some embodiments overcomes the limitations of a single sensor vision system by combining the images from imagery in two spectrums to form a composite image. [0026] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from an extended range of operation. Multiple sensors that operate under different operating conditions can be deployed to extend the effective range of operation. [0027] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from extended spatial and temporal coverage. In various embodiments, joint information from sensors that differ in spatial resolution can increase the spatial coverage. [0028] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from reduced uncertainty. In various embodiments, joint information from multiple sensors can reduce the uncertainty associated with the sensing or decision process. [0029] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from increased reliability. In various embodiments, the fusion of multiple measurements can reduce noise and therefore improve the reliability of the measured quantity. [0030] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from robust system performance. In various embodiments, redundancy in multiple measurements can help in systems robustness. In the event that one or more sensors fail or the performance of a particular sensor deteriorates, the system can depend on the other sensors. [0031] A camera according to various embodiments may benefit from compact representation of information. In various embodiments, fusion leads to compact representations. Instead of storing imagery from several spectral bands, it is comparatively more efficient to store the fused information. [0032] Various embodiments include a camera system capable of real-time pixel level fusion of long wave IR and visible light imagery. [0033] Various embodiments include a single camera unit that performs sensor data acquisition, fusion and video encoding. [0034] Various embodiments include a single camera capable of multi-sensor, depth of focus and dynamic range fusion. [0035] Referring to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a device 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The device includes long wave infrared (LWIR) sensor 104 , image enhancement circuitry 108 , electro-optical (EO) sensor 112 , image enhancement circuitry 116 , and circuitry for video alignment, video fusion, and H.264 encoding 120 . In operation, the device 100 may be operable to receive one or more input signals, and transform the input signals in stages. [0036] A first input signal may be received at the LWIR sensor 104 , and may include an incident LWIR signal. The first input signal may represent an image captured in the LWIR spectrum. The sensor 104 may register and/or record the signal in digital format, such as an array of bits or an array of bytes. As will be appreciated, there are many ways by which the input signal may be recorded. In some embodiments, the input signal may be registered and/or recorded in analog forms. The signal may then be passed to image enhancement circuitry 108 , which may perform one or more operations or transformations to enhance the incident signal. [0037] On a parallel track, a second input signal may be received at the EO sensor 112 . The second input signal may include an incident signal in the visible light spectrum. The second input signal may represent an image captured in the visible light spectrum. The sensor 112 may register and/or record the signal in digital format, such as an array of bits or an array of bytes. As will be appreciated, there are many ways by which the input signal may be recorded. In some embodiments, the input signal may be registered and/or recorded in analog forms. The signal may then be passed to image enhancement circuitry 116 , which may perform one or more operations or transformations to enhance the incident signal. [0038] It will be appreciated that, whereas a given stage (e.g., LWIR sensor, EO sensor 112 , Image Enhancement Circuitry 108 , Image Enhancement 116 ) may operate on a single image at a given instant of time, such sensors may perform their operations repeatedly in rapid succession, thereby processing a rapid sequence of images, and thereby effectively operating on a video. [0039] Image enhancement circuitry 108 , and image enhancement circuitry 116 may, in turn, pass their respective output signals to circuitry 120 , for the process of video alignment, video fusion, and H.264 encoding. [0040] LWIR sensor 104 may take various forms, as will be appreciated. An exemplary LWIR sensor may include an uncooled microbolometer based on an ASi substrate manufactured by ULIS. [0041] EO sensor 112 may take various forms, as will be appreciated. EO sensor may include a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor, or any other image sensor. EO sensor may include a lens, shutter, illumination source (e.g., a flash), a sun shade or light shade, mechanisms and/or circuitry for focusing on a target, mechanisms and/or circuitry for automatically focusing on a target, mechanisms and/or circuitry for zooming, mechanisms and/or circuitry for panning, and/or any other suitable component. An exemplary EO sensor may include a CMOS sensor manufactured by Omnivision. [0042] Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include one or more special purpose processor, such as digital signal processors (DSPs) or graphics processing units. Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include general purpose processors. Image enhancement circuitry 108 may include custom integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or any other suitable circuitry. In various embodiments, image enhancement circuitry 108 is specifically programmed and/or designed for performing image enhancement algorithms quickly and efficiently. Image enhancement circuitry 116 may, in various embodiments, include circuitry similar to that of circuitry 108 . [0043] Circuitry 120 may receive input signals from the outputs of image enhancement circuitry 108 and image enhancement circuitry 116 . The signals may comprise image signals and/or video signals. The signals may be transmitted to circuitry 120 via any suitable connector or conductor, as will be appreciated. Circuitry 120 may then perform one or more algorithms, processes, operations and/or transformations on the input signals. [0044] Processes performed may include video alignment, which may ensure that features present in the respective input signals are properly aligned for combination. As will be appreciated, signals originating from LWIR sensor 104 and from EO sensor 112 may both represent captured images and/or videos of the same scene. It may thus be desirable that these two images and/or videos are aligned, so that information about a given feature in the scene can be reinforced from the combination of the two signals. [0045] In some embodiments, as the LWIR sensor 104 and EO sensor 112 may be at differing physical positions, the scene captured by each will be from slightly differing vantage points, and may thus introduce parallax error. The process of video alignment may seek to minimize and/or correct this parallax error, in some embodiments. [0046] Circuitry 120 may also be responsible for video fusion, which may include combining the two signals originating from the respective sensors into a single, combined signal. In various embodiments, the combined signals may contain more information about the captured scene than do one or either of the original signals. [0047] Circuitry 120 may also be responsible for video encoding, which may include converting the combined video signal into a common or recognized video format, such as the H.264 video format. [0048] Circuitry 120 may output one or more video signals, which may include a video signal in common format, such as an H.264 video signal. In some embodiments, circuitry 120 may include a port or interface for linking to an internet protocol (IP) network. The circuitry 120 may be operable to output a video signal over an IP network. [0049] In various embodiments, camera 100 may include one or more additional components, such as a view finder, viewing panel (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel for showing an image or a fused image of the camera), power source, power connector, memory card, solid state drive card, hard drive, electrical interface, universal serial bus connector, sun shade, illumination source, flash, and any other suitable component. Components of camera 100 may be enclosed within, and/or attached to a suitable housing, in various embodiments. Whereas various components have been described as separate or discrete components, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, such components may be physically combined, attached to the same circuit board, part of the same integrated circuit, utilize common components (e.g., common processors; e.g., common signal busses), or otherwise coincide. For example, in various embodiments, image enhancement circuitry 108 and image enhancement circuitry 116 may be one and the same, and may be capable of simultaneously or alternately operating on input signals from both the LWIR sensor 104 and from the EO sensor 112 . [0050] It will be appreciated that certain components that have been described as singular may, in various embodiments, be broken into multiple components. For example, in some embodiments, circuitry 120 may be instantiated over two or more separate circuit boards, utilize two or more integrated circuits or processors, and so on. Where there are multiple components, such components may be near or far apart in various embodiments. [0051] Whereas various embodiments have described LWIR and EO sensors, it will be appreciated that other types of sensors may be used, and that sensors for other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum may be used, in various embodiments. [0052] Referring to FIG. 2 , an exemplary hardware implementation is shown for components/modules 104 , 112 , 108 , 116 , and 120 , in various embodiments. [0053] Various embodiments utilize hardware on an FPGA system with DSP coprocessors. In some embodiments, the multi-sensor camera performs algorithms on a Texas Instruments DaVinci chip. [0054] In various embodiments, a hardware implementation allows for an advantageously light camera. In various embodiments, a camera weighs in the vicinity of 1.2 kg. The camera may minimize weight by utilizing a light-weight LWIR sensor, and/or by utilizing a light-weight DSP board that performs both video capture and processing on a single board. [0055] Referring to FIG. 3 , a process flow is depicted according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input image signals into output image signals. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input video signals into output video signals. In various embodiments, the process flow indicates successive transformations of input video signals into an output video signal. [0056] Initially, input signals may come from sensor 304 , and from sensor 308 . These may correspond respectively to LWIR sensor 104 , and to EO sensor 116 . However, as will be appreciated, other types of sensors may be used, in various embodiments (e.g., sensors for different portions of the spectrum). In various embodiments, input signals may be derived from other sources. For example, input signals may be derived over a network or from an electronic storage medium. For example, the input signals may represent raw, pre-recorded video signals. [0057] In various embodiments, there may be more than two input signals. For example, there may be three or more input signals, each stemming from a different sensor. In some embodiments, input sensors may include a short wave infrared (SWIR) sensor, a LWIR sensor, and a visible light sensor. [0058] At step 312 , a process of image enhancement may be performed. Image enhancement may include altering or increasing sharpness, brightness, contrast, color balance, or any other aspect of the image. Image enhancement may be performed via digital manipulation, e.g., via manipulation of pixel data. In some embodiments, image enhancement may occur via manipulation of analog image data. In some embodiments, image enhancement may include the application of one or more filters to an image. In various embodiments, image enhancement may include the application of any algorithm or transformation to the input image signal. As will be appreciated, image enhancement, when applied to frames of a video signal, may include video enhancement. [0059] At step 316 , a process of image alignment may occur. Image alignment may operate on image signals originating, respectively, from image enhancement circuitry 108 , and from image enhancement circuitry 116 . In the process of image alignment, two separate images may be compared. Common signals, features, colors, textures, regions, patterns, or other characteristics may be sought between the two images. A transformation may then be determined which would be necessary to bring such common signals, features, etc., into alignment. For example, it may be determined that shifting a first image a certain number of pixels along a notional x-axis and y-axis may be sufficient to align the first image with a second image that is also presumed to fall within the same coordinate system. As will be appreciated, in various embodiments, other transformations may be utilized in the process of image alignment. For example, transformations may include shifting, rotating, or scaling. [0060] At step 320 , video fusion may be performed. Video fusion may include combining images from each of two input video streams. Such input video streams may consist of images that have been aligned at step 316 . Video fusion may be performed in various ways, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, data from two input images may be combined into a single image. The single image may contain a better representation of a given scene than do one or both of the input images. For example, the single image may contain less noise, finer detail, better contrast, etc. The process of video fusion may include determining the relative importance of the input images, and determining an appropriate weighting for the contribution of the respective input images. For example, if a first input image contains more detail than does a second input image, then more information may be used from the first image than from the second image in creating the fused image. [0061] In various embodiments, a weighting determination may be made on more localized basis than on an entire image. For example, a certain region of a first image may be deemed more important than an analogous region of a second image. However, another region of the first image may be deemed less important than its analogous region in the second image. Thus, different regions of a given image may be given different weightings with respect to their contribution to a fused image. In some embodiments, weightings may go down to the pixel level. In some embodiments, weightings may be applied to images in some transform domain (e.g., in a frequency domain). In such cases, relative contributions of the two images may differ by frequency (or other metric) in the transform domain. [0062] In various embodiments, other methods may be used for combining or fusing images and/or videos. [0063] In various embodiments a fusion algorithm may be used for different wavelengths, different depths of field and/or different fields of view. [0064] In various embodiments, a determination may be made as to whether or not a sensor is functional, and/or whether or not the sensor is functioning properly. If the sensor is not functioning properly, or not functioning at all, then video input from that sensor may be disregarded. For example, video input from the sensor may be omitted in the fusion process, and the fusion process may only utilize input from remaining sensors. [0065] In various embodiments, an image quality metric is derived in order to determine if input from a given sensor is of good visual quality. In various embodiments, the image quality metric is a derivative of the singular value decomposition of local image gradient matrix, and provides a quantitative measure of true image content (i.e., sharpness and contrast as manifested in visually salient geometric features such as edges,) in the presence of noise and other disturbances. This measure may have various advantages in various embodiments. Advantages may include that the image quality metric 1) is easy to compute, 2) reacts reasonably to both blur and random noise, and 3) works well even when the noise is not Gaussian. [0066] In various embodiments, the image quality metric may be used to determine whether or not input from a given sensor should be used in a fused video signal. [0067] At step 324 , video encoding may be performed. Video encoding may be used to compress a video signal, prepare the video signal for efficient transmission, and/or to convert the signal into a common, standard, or recognized format that can be replayed by another device. The process of video encoding may convert the fused video signal into any one or more known video formats, such as MPEG-4 or H.264. Following the encoding process, an output signal may be generated that is available for transmission, such as for transmission over an IP network. [0068] In various embodiments, some portion or segment of fused video data may be stored prior to transmission, such as transmission over an IP network. In some embodiments, fused video data is transmitted immediately, and little or no data may be stored. In various embodiments, some portion or segment of encoded video data may be stored prior to transmission, such as transmission over an IP network. In some embodiments, encoded video data is transmitted immediately, and little or no data may be stored. [0069] Whereas FIG. 3 depicts a certain order of steps in a process flow, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, an alternative ordering of steps may be possible. For example, in various embodiments, image enhancement may occur after image alignment, or image enhancement may occur after video fusion. [0070] In various embodiments, more or fewer steps may be performed than are shown in FIG. 3 . For example, in some embodiments, the step of image enhancement may be omitted. [0071] FIG. 4 depicts an illustration of fusion process 320 , illustrating processes and intermediate results, according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, image fusion and video fusion may be related processes, as the latter may consist of repeated application of the former, in various embodiments. [0072] While fusing data from different sources, it may be desirable to preserve the more significant detail from each of the video streams on a pixel by pixel basis. An easy combination of the video streams is to perform an averaging function of the two video streams. However, contrast is reduced significantly and sometimes detail from one stream cancels detail from the other stream. The Laplacian pyramid fusion on the other hand may provide excellent automatic selection of the important image detail for every pixel from both images at multiple image resolutions. By performing this selection in the multiresolution representation, the reconstructed—fused—image may provide a natural-looking scene. [0073] In addition, the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm allows for additional enhancement of the video. It can provide multi-frequency sharpening, contrast enhancement, and selective de-emphasis of image detail in either video source. [0074] Laplacian pyramid fusion is a pattern selective fusion method that is based on selecting detail from each image on a pixel by pixel basis over a range of spatial frequencies. This is accomplished in three basic steps (assuming the source images have already been aligned). First, each image is transformed into a multiresolution, bandpass representation, such as the Laplacian pyramid. Second, the transformed images are combined in the transform domain—i.e. combine the Laplacian pyramids on a pixel by pixel basis. Finally, the fused image is recovered from the transform domain through an inverse transform—i.e. Laplacian pyramid reconstruction. [0075] The Laplacian pyramid is derived from a Gaussian pyramid. The Gaussian pyramid is obtained by sequence of filter and subsample steps. First a low pass filter is applied to the original image G0. The filtered image is then subsampled by a factor of two providing level 1 of the Gaussian pyramid, G1. The subsampling can be applied since the spatial frequencies have been limited to half the sample frequency. This process is repeated for N levels computing G2 . . . GN. [0076] The Laplacian pyramid is obtained by taking the difference between each of the Gaussian pyramid levels. These are often referred to as DoG (difference of Gaussians). So Laplacian level 0 is the difference between G0 and G1. Laplacian level 1 is the difference between G1 and G2. The result is a set of bandpass images where L0 represents the upper half of the spatial frequencies (all the fine texture detail), L1 represents the frequencies between ¼ and ½ the full bandwidth, L2 represents the frequencies between ⅛ and ¼ the full bandwidth, etc. [0077] This recursive computation of the Laplacian pyramid is a very efficient method for computing effectively very large filters with one small filter kernel. [0078] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a Gaussian and Laplacian pyramid 600 . [0079] Further, the Laplacian pyramid plus the lowest level of the Gaussian pyramid, represent all the information of the original image. So an inverse transform that combines the lowest level of the Gaussian pyramid with the Laplacian pyramid images, can reconstruct the original image exactly. [0080] When using the Laplacian pyramid representation as described above, certain dynamic artifacts in video scenes will be noticeable. This often manifests itself as “flicker” around areas with reverse contrast between the image. This effect is magnified by aliasing that has occurred during the subsampling of the images. [0081] Double density Laplacian pyramids are computed using double the sampling density of the standard Laplacian pyramid. This requires larger filter kernels, but can still be efficiently implemented using the proposed hardware implementation in the camera. This representation is essential in reducing the image flicker in the fused video. [0082] Most video sources are represented as an interlaced sequence of fields. RS170/NTSC video has a 30 Hz frame rate, where each frame consists of 2 fields that are captured and displayed 1/60 sec. apart. So the field rate is 60 Hz. The fusion function can operate either on each field independently, or operate on full frames. By operating on fields there is vertical aliasing present in the images, which will reduce vertical resolution and increase image flicker in the fused video output. By operating the fusion on full frames, the flicker is much reduced, but there may be some temporal artifacts visible in areas with significant image motion. [0083] FIG. 5 depicts a process flow for image fusion, according to some embodiments. The recursive process takes two images 502 and 504 as inputs. At step 506 , the image sizes are compared. If the images are not the same size, the process flow ends with an error 510 . [0084] If the images are the same size, the images are reduced at step 512 . The images may be reduced by sub-sampling of the images. In some embodiments, a filtering step is performed on the images before sub-sampling (e.g., a low pass filter is applied to the image before sub-sampling). The reduced images are then expanded at step 514 . The resultant images will represent the earlier images but with less detail, as the sub-sampling will have removed some information. [0085] At step 516 , pyramid coefficients of the actual level for both images are calculated. Pyramid coefficients may represent possible weightings for each of the respective images in the fusion process. Pyramid coefficients may be calculated in various ways, as will be appreciated. For example, in some embodiments, coefficients may be calculated based on a measure of spatial frequency detail and/or based on a level of noise. [0086] At step 518 , maximum coefficients are chosen, which then results in fused level L. [0087] At step 520 , it is determined whether or not consistency is on. Consistency may be a user selectable or otherwise configurable setting, in some. In some embodiments, applying consistency may include ensuring that there is consistency among chosen coefficients at different iterations of process flow 500 . Thus, for example, in various embodiments, applying consistency may include altering the coefficients determined at step 518 . If consistency is on, then flow proceeds to step 522 , where consistency is applied. Otherwise, step 522 is skipped. [0088] At step 524 , a counter is decreased. The counter may represent the level of recursion that will be carried out in the fusion process. For example, the counter may represent the number of levels of a Laplacian or Gaussian pyramid that will be employed. If, at 526 , the counter has not yet reached zero, then the algorithm may run anew on reduced image 1 528 , and reduced image 2 530 , which may become image 1 502 , and image 2 504 , for the next iteration. At the same time, the fused level L may be added to the overall fused image 536 at step 534 . If, on the other hand, the counter has reached zero at step 526 , then flow proceeds to step 532 , where the fused level becomes the average of the reduced images. This average is in turn combined with the overall fused image 530 . [0089] Ultimately, upon completion of all levels of recursion of the algorithm, the fused image 530 will represent the separately weighted contributions of multiple different pyramid levels stemming from original image 1 and original image 2 . [0090] Whereas FIG. 5 depicts a certain order of steps in a process flow, it will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, an alternative ordering of steps may be possible. Also, in various embodiments, more or fewer steps may be performed than are shown in FIG. 5 . [0091] It will be appreciated that, whereas certain algorithms are described herein, other algorithms are also possible and are contemplated. For example, in various embodiments other algorithms may be used for one or more of image enhancement and fusion. [0092] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 700 of LWIR sensor 104 , according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments. [0093] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 800 of EO sensor 112 , according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments. [0094] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary hardware implementation 900 for circuitry 120 for performing video alignment, fusion, and encoding, according to some embodiments. As will be appreciated, other hardware implementations are possible and contemplated, according to various embodiments. The circuitry 900 may include various components, including video input terminals, video output terminals, RS232 connector (e.g., a serial port), a JTAG port, an Ethernet port, a USB drive, an external connector (e.g., for plugging in integrated circuit chips), a connector for a power supply, an audio input terminal, an audio output terminal, a headphones output terminal, and a PIC ISP (e.g., a connection or interface to a microcontroller). The circuitry may include various chips or integrated circuits, such as a 64 NAND flash chip, DDR2 256 MB chip. These may support common computer functions, such as providing storage and dynamic memory. [0095] As will be appreciated, in various embodiments, alternative hardware implementations and components are possible. In various embodiments, certain components may be combined, or partially combined. In various embodiments, certain components may be separated into multiple components, which may divide up the pertinent functionalities. Image Enhancement [0096] Because the fusion function operates in the Laplacian pyramid transform domain, several significant image enhancement techniques may be readily performed, in various embodiments. Peaking and Contrast Enhancement [0097] Various embodiments may employ a technique to make video look sharper by boosting the high spatial frequencies. This may be accomplished by adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 0. This “sharpens” the edges and fine texture detail in the image. [0098] Since the Laplacian pyramid consists of several frequency bands, various embodiments contemplate boosting the lower spatial frequencies, which effectively boosts the image contrast. Note that peaking often results in boosting noise also. So the Laplacian pyramid provides the opportunity to boost level 1 instead of level 0, which often boosts the important detail in the image, without boosting the noise as much. [0099] In various embodiments, the video from each of the sensors (e.g., sensors 104 and 112 ) is enhanced before it is presented to the fusion module. The fusion system accepts the enhanced feeds and then fuses the video. [0100] In various embodiments, the input feeds may be fused first and then the resultant video may be enhanced. Selective Contribution [0101] In various embodiments, the fusion process combines the video data on each of the Laplacian pyramid levels independently. This provides the opportunity to control the contribution of each of the video sources for each of the Laplacian levels. [0102] For example, if the IR image does not have much high spatial frequency detail, but has a lot of noise, then it is effective to reduce the contribution at L0 from the IR image. It is also possible that very dark regions of one video source reduce the visibility of details from the other video source. This can be compensated for by changing the contribution of the lowest Gaussian level. Image Enhancement [0103] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: [0104] U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,993, entitled “Signal encoding and reconstruction using pixons”, to Puetter, et al., filed Jun. 8, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,204, entitled “High speed signal enhancement using pixons”, to Yahil, et al., filed Jan. 4, 2002; United States Patent Application No. 20090110321, entitled “Determining a Pixon Map for Image Reconstruction”, to Vija, et al., filed Oct. 31, 2007 Image Registration and Alignment [0105] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: Hierarchical Model-Based Motion Estimation, James R. Bergen, P. Anandan, Keith J. Hanna, Rajesh Hingorani, European Conference on Computer Vision—ECCV, pp. 237-252, 1992 J. R. Bergen, P. J. Burt and S. Peleg. A three-frame algorithm for estimation two-component image motion. IEEE Transaction on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 99(7):1-100, January 1992. Pixel Selective Fusion [0108] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: P. Burt. Pattern selective fusion of it and visible images using pyramid transforms. In National Symposium on Sensor Fusion, 1992 P. Burt and R. Kolczynski. Enhanced image capture through fusion. In International Conference on Computer Vision, 1993 P. Burt. The pyramid as structure for efficient computation, Multiresolution Image Processing and Analysis. Springer Verlag, 1984. Video Encoding [0112] The following are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: Wiegand, “Overview of the H.264/AVC video coding standard”, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, Issue Date: July 2003 vol. 13 Issue:7 on pp. 560-576. Richardson, “H.264 and MPEG-4 Video Compression: Video Coding for Next-generation Multimedia” 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-84837-5 pp. 187-194. EMBODIMENTS [0115] The following are embodiments, not claims: [0000] A. A camera comprising: a first sensor for capturing first video data; a second sensor for capturing second video data; circuitry operable to: generate first enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the first video data; generate first aligned data by performing image alignment on the first enhanced data; generate second enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the second video data; generate second aligned data by performing image alignment on the second enhanced data; generate fused data by performing video fusion of the first aligned data and the second aligned data; and generate encoded data by performing video encoding on the fused data. A.10 The camera of embodiment A in which the first sensor is operable to capture the first video data in a first spectrum, and in which the second sensor is operable to capture the second video data in a second spectrum, in which the first spectrum is different from the second spectrum. A.10.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the first spectrum is long wave infrared, and the second spectrum is visible light. A.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry is further operable to transmit the encoded data over an Internet Protocol network. A.x The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the fused data, the circuitry is operable to fuse the first aligned data and the second aligned data in a pixel by pixel fashion. A.4 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the fused data, the circuitry is operable to generate the fused data using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm. A.4.1 The camera of embodiment A in which, in using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm, the circuitry is operable to perform a recursive computation of the Laplacian pyramid. A.4.2 The camera of embodiment A in which, in using the Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm, the circuitry is operable to compute double density Laplacian pyramids. [0125] In various embodiments, data is interlaced, so there may be two ways the fusion could happen. One is to separately fuse each field, and the other is to fuse based on the full frame, in various embodiments [0000] A.y The camera of embodiment A in which the first aligned data comprises a first field and a second field that are interlaced, and in which the second aligned data comprises a third field and a fourth field that are interlaced. A.y.1 The camera of embodiment A.y in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to fuse the first field and the third field, and to separately fuse the second field and the fourth field. A.y.2 The camera of embodiment A.y in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to fuse the full frames of the first aligned data and the second aligned data. [0126] In various embodiments, the image may be sharpened. [0000] A.11 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to apply a sharpening algorithm to result in increased sharpness in the fused data. A.11.1 The camera of embodiment A, in which the sharpening algorithm includes boosting high spatial frequencies in the first enhanced data and in the second enhanced data. A.11.2 The camera of embodiment A, in which the sharpening algorithm includes performing a Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm and adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 0. [0127] In various embodiments, contrast may be enhanced. [0000] A.12 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to apply a contrast enhancing algorithm to result in increased contrast in the fused data. A.12.1 The camera of embodiment A, in which the contrast enhancing algorithm includes performing a Laplacian pyramid fusion algorithm and adding a gain factor to Laplacian level 1. [0128] In various embodiments, there may be selective contribution of the first enhanced data and the second enhanced data. [0000] A.13 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is operable to weight the contributions of the first enhanced data and the second enhanced data to the fused data. [0129] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on some detail. [0000] A.13.1 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of detail in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of detail. [0130] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on spatial frequency detail. [0000] A.13.2 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of spatial frequency detail in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of spatial frequency detail. [0131] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on noise. [0000] A.13.3 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine a level of noise in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the level of noise. [0132] In various embodiments, it is determined how to weight the contribution of the first enhanced data based on the presence of dark regions. [0000] A.13.4 The camera of embodiment A in which, in performing video fusion, the circuitry is further operable to determine an existence of dark regions in the first enhanced data, in which the contribution of the first enhanced data is weighted based on the existence of the dark regions. A.5 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the encoded data, the circuitry is operable to generate the encoded data using the discrete cosine transform algorithm. A.5 The camera of embodiment A in which, in generating the encoded data, the circuitry is operable to generate an H.264 encoded internet protocol stream. [0133] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data in real time. [0000] A.6 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused data, and the encoded data, each in real time. [0134] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data at a rate of 30 frames per second. [0000] A.7 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused data, and the encoded data, each at a rate of at least 30 frames per second. [0135] In various embodiments, the camera can enhance data at a rate of 60 frames per second. [0000] A.8 The camera of embodiment A, in which the circuitry is operable to generate the first enhanced data, the second enhanced data, the first aligned data, the second aligned data, the fused date, and the encoded data, each at a rate of at least 60 frames per second. A.z The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry comprises a field programmable gate array system with digital signal processing coprocessors. A.q The camera of embodiment in which the circuitry comprises a Texas Instruments DaVinci chip. [0136] In various embodiments, there may be multiple stages of circuitry, each with separate functions. [0000] A.w The camera of embodiment A in which the circuitry comprises: first circuitry for performing image enhancement; second circuitry for performing image alignment; and third circuitry for performing image enhancement. A.w.1 The camera of embodiment A in which the output of the first circuitry is the input to the second circuitry, and the output of the second circuitry is the input to the third circuitry. [0140] In various embodiments, where one sensor fails, another may be used. [0000] B. A camera comprising: a first sensor for capturing first video data; a second sensor for capturing second video data; circuity operable to: generate first enhanced data by performing image enhancement on the first video data; determine that the second sensor is not functioning properly; and generate, based on the determination that the second sensor is not functioning properly, encoded data by performing video encoding only on the first video data.

A device according to various embodiments receives two input images, enhances them, aligns them, fuses them, and encodes them as part of a video stream. In various embodiments, the use of certain algorithms enables efficient utilization and minimization of hardware, and results in a light-weight device.

[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit of previously filed and co-pending provisional application 60/663,055, filed on Mar. 18, 2005. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a scalable, modular construction assembled from a plurality of standardized structural units which are limited in variation but which can produce a variety of constructions having gridlike patterns. The standardized units have interlocking slots of a common length that are spaced apart based on a standardized spacing model. The assembly may be expanded in three dimensions, is structurally stable, and may find use in the field of partition systems or furniture systems. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention comprises a plurality of related structural units, each of which is slotted and interlocked to form an assembly requiring no use of tools or fasteners. The units are sized and slotted based on a standardized spacing model. Three types of units are provided, although the invention may be practiced using only one or more of these unit types: a basic unit, a multiples unit, and a capping unit. [0004] The basic unit contains one pair of in-line slots on each of two opposite sides of the unit. The length of each slot is identical and in a preferred embodiment measures one quarter of the length of the dimension in which the slot is provided. The multiples unit contains one or more additional pairs of in-line slots. The distance between every slot pair and any neighboring slot pairs is the same. Finally, the capping unit is a half-unit of the basic unit or a multiples unit. Each unit, whether a basic unit, a multiples unit, or a capping unit, is connected in a perpendicular orientation to at least two other units in the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, connections between units are perpendicular. Connection is by means of the interlocking slots. Use of only the basic units limits the shape of the assembly to that of a tower. Use of the multiples units in conjunction with basic units allows for the assembly of partitions or walls of expandable length, width, and height, as well as other modular structures. The capping units function as terminating pieces at the periphery of the assembly and effectively hide unused slots. [0005] The units are planar and have a thickness sufficient to be self-supporting, given the material of construction employed. The slots have a width, i.e. opening, that matches the thickness of the units. Based on the slot length and width, when the units are fully interlocked, they fit snugly without obstructing each other in their assembly and meet end-to-end as they stack one on top of the other. The joints of the assembly, formed by the interlocked slots, are completely hidden from view and regularized in a grid-like pattern that is part of the assembly's appearance. [0006] The assembly of this invention may be expanded in all three dimensions and constructed without the use of tools or fastening devices. The repeated structural units are combined in a vertical direction consistent with the direction of slots and slot joints thereby created. All units in the assembly are oriented in a planar direction that is consistent with the plane of the structural units or to a plane that is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to that surface along the axis of the slot joints. In contrast to work in the prior art, whereby it is often the case that structural members are placed in horizontal relationship to vertical structural members and vice versa, in this invention all planar material is utilized in a consistent vertical direction allowing the construction and formation of a space defined by planar surfaces to distinguish a boundary of volume such as a partition wall of variable length, width and height. It is also a distinct advantage of the invention that the assembly of the structural units forms a geometry of elements based on a grid and which encloses space and thus demarcates space and can function as a divider or wall partition. [0007] Without compromise to the structural integrity and stability of the assembly, the assembly may accommodate void openings of various geometries by means of cut-aways in each of the structural units. [0008] Further disclosure related to the invention is provided in the drawings and in the detailed description that follows. The invention is not limited however to any particular embodiments described, and various modifications and alternative embodiments such as would occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates are also contemplated and included within the scope of the invention described and claimed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1A is exemplary of the basic structural unit of the invention with two pairs of in-line slots a fixed distance apart and having a slot length equal to one fourth of the unit's dimensional height. FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 1A . [0010] FIG. 2A is exemplary of a multiples structural unit with an additional pair of in-line slots an equal fixed distance apart and of equal slot length. FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the multiples structural unit shown in FIG. 2A . [0011] FIG. 3A is exemplary of a capping unit with unit dimensional height half the basic unit height, having two slots located a fixed distance apart and located along only one edge or side. [0012] FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 3A . [0013] FIG. 4A is exemplary of a capping unit with unit dimensional height half the basic unit height, having three equally-spaced slots located along only one edge or side. FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 4A . [0014] FIG. 5 depicts the interlocking of interconnecting slots of one basic structural unit having two pairs of in-line slots to one multiples structural unit having three pairs of in-line slots. Both structural unit pieces have the same unit dimensional height [0015] FIG. 6 depicts the interlocking of interconnecting slots of one basic structural unit having two pairs of in-line slots and one capping unit having two slots. [0016] FIG. 7A depicts the relationship of interlocking units in a sample configuration comprised of basic structural units interconnected with capping units at both top and bottom ends of the assembly. [0017] FIG. 7B depicts the assembled configuration of the sample units shown in FIG. 7A . [0018] FIG. 8 depicts a sample configuration of assembled units of the invention. [0019] FIG. 9 depicts a sample configuration of assembled units of the invention. [0020] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10 C depict progressive stages in the assembly of a configuration of sample units wherein the units are interconnected to form a partition with a comer. FIG. 10D shows the assembled units at a representative height. [0021] FIG. 11 is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein the units are interconnected with an overall assembly width equal to the width of a multiples unit having six slots. [0022] FIG. 12A is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein a shorter height of units is interconnected to a taller height of units thereby creating a shelf assembly which can support a flat board or other material such as shown in FIG. 12B . [0023] FIG. 13A is exemplary of an assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein areas of varying heights are interconnected to create shelf assemblies of varying dimensions which can support a flat board or other material such as shown in FIG. 13B . [0024] FIG. 14A depicts a multiples structural unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 2A , but lacking cutaways between the pairs of in-line slots. [0025] FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 14A . [0026] FIG. 14C depicts a basic structural unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 1A , but lacking cutaways between the pairs of in-line slots. [0027] FIG. 14D depicts a perspective view of the basic structural unit shown in FIG. 14C . [0028] FIG. 14E depicts a capping unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 4A , but lacking a cutaway between the slots. [0029] FIG. 14F depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 14E . [0030] FIG. 14G depicts a capping unit having the same interlocking characteristics as the unit of FIG. 3A , but lacking a cutaway between the slots. [0031] FIG. 14H depicts a perspective view of the capping unit piece shown in FIG. 14G . [0032] FIG. 15 is exemplary of an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 7B , based on assembly of basic units illustrated in FIG. 14C and capping units illustrated in FIG. 14G . [0033] FIG. 16 depicts an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 8 . [0034] FIG. 17 depicts an alternate embodiment of the sample configuration as shown in FIG. 9 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0035] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A through 17 illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. The basic unit of construction for the system is a structural member capable of being detachably connected slot-to-slot to one or more other structural members. The system comprises several distinct but geometrically related units: a basic unit, a multiples unit, and a capping unit. The invention may be practiced using one or more of these different unit types. [0036] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 13 , a portion of the planar surface of the units is cut away in such a manner as to allow for the development of void openings in the assembly which permeate the wall or partition. Such openings function to allow light to pass through the wall or partition. Such cutaways may be open (as shown in FIG. 1A ) or closed and may have any of a variety of shapes. The illustrated units are therefore representations of only a few of the many geometries possible in keeping with the scope and spirit of the present invention. [0037] The structural units of the invention have a defined spacing between slots and a defined relationship between slot length and overall unit height. Slots exist only on two opposite sides of the basic and multiples units and only on one side of the capping units. It is also understood that the length and height of the unit may vary without restriction so long as the inter-slot spacing and slot length-to-overall-unit-height ratio is maintained. More specifically, all units have a dimensional height which is either one unit high or half of this unit high. The basic unit's height is a fixed unit height; in a preferred embodiment, the slot length is ¼ the length of the fixed unit height. The capping unit is half of the unit height and has slots which, in a preferred embodiment, are also ¼ the length of the fixed unit height. Regardless of the width of the unit, each slot is always the same distance from its neighbors as any other slot is from its immediate neighbors. The slots on one edge of the basic and multiples units have matching slots on the opposite edge, also located a fixed distance apart along the width of the unit. These slots on opposite sides of the units are thus in-line with one another. [0038] It is also understood and appreciated that the illustrated sample configurations shown in the figures represented herein are only sample configurations, and that infinitely expandable variations of assemblies are possible by alternating use of the structural unit pieces with each slot interconnecting with the slot of another structural unit piece. Thus, the height, width and length of the volumetric partition wall or other modular structure can be expanded in height, width and length. [0000] The Basic Unit [0039] A preferred basic structural unit that is slotted and interlocked with other units in an assembly of the invention is depicted in Fig. 1A . Basic unit 1 has two parallel sides 6 , 7 which are equal in length and two parallel sides between comers 2 and 3 and between comers 4 and 5 which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 1 is preferably rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometrical requirements of the invention. The height of basic unit 1 is equal to the length of sides 6 and 7 . [0040] Basic unit 1 has two slots 8 and 9 with openings along one side between comers 2 and 3 and two slots 10 and 11 along a corresponding parallel side with openings between comers 4 and 5 . Each slot has a slot opening and a slot end and a fixed slot length equal to one fourth the length of sides 6 and 7 . The relationship between the length of parallel sides 6 and 7 and the lengths of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 is a fixed relationship; in other words, the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 are all equal and equivalent to one-quarter the length of sides 6 and 7 . Slot 8 has a slot opening 12 which has an equal width as slot end 16 . Slot 9 has a slot opening 13 which has an equal width as slot end 17 . Slot 10 has a slot opening 14 which has an equal width as slot end 18 . Slot 11 has a slot opening 15 which has an equal width as slot end 19 . The width of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 is slightly more than the thickness of basic unit 1 , reflected in the perspective drawing of FIG. 1B . The close relationship between slot width and basic unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots so as to remain in position yet be removable. [0041] Slots 8 and 10 both run along slot axis 20 . Slots 9 and 11 both run along slot axis 21 . Slot axis 20 and slot axis 21 are both parallel to basic unit sides 6 and 7 . The distance between slot axis 20 and 21 is a fixed distance. The distance across the basic unit between slots 8 and 9 is equal to the distance between slots 10 and 11 . In the example of basic unit 1 the distance between the pairs of in-line slots is shown as less than the height of the unit; however, this relationship is merely representative of one possible configuration of basic unit 1 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of basic unit 1 . For instance, the distance between the pairs of in-line slots could also be greater than the height of the units in alternative configurations. [0042] In an alternative embodiment, the length of the slots is less than one quarter the height of the basic unit. In such case, an assembly of such basic units (as well as of multiples and corresponding capping units), provides for interlocking of the units, but adjacent units do not meet end-to-end. [0043] Fig. 1A is shown with an optional cut-away 22 and an optional cut-away 23 . Such a cut-away is a removed portion of the material of basic unit 1 which allows for the creation of voids in the assembly. Such voids are optional and allow light to pass through the assembly and may also enhance its visual appeal. The assembly can include any of these openings or voids or can have no openings or voids. [0044] Basic unit 1 may be lasercut, handcut or stamped out of a planar flat material or formed into shape from any moldable material than can be fashioned into a flat planar surface with a desired thickness. The preferred embodiment is lasercut out of stock sheets of flat planar material. This method of construction could vary according to the type of material utilized. The slots of the basic unit are lasercut out of the sheet material. They could alternately be formed by routing out the slot material using a machine router or they could be cut out by hand using a conventional band saw. [0045] Although the preferred embodiment is made of luan plywood, the basic, multiples, and capping units could be made of any suitable material of construction including plastics, wood, metals, fiberboard, masonite, corkboard, cardboard, resin, rubber, foam, textiles, etc. [0046] Reflecting one embodiment of the invention, the assembly was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, equal to approximately 3/32″ actual thickness (0.09375″). Basic unit 1 measured 6 ⅝″ from corner 2 to corner 3 and sides 6 and 7 are 7 ⅞″ high. Slots 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 were cut with a slot length equal to one quarter the length of the sides, or 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in this embodiment was 0.0989″. The distance between the pairs of in-line slots was equal to 5.1405″. The dimensions utilized in this particular instance were only representative and may be altered so long as the aforementioned relationships are preserved. [0000] The Multiples Unit [0047] A representative example of the multiples unit that can be slotted and interlocked with other units in an assembly of the invention is depicted in FIG. 2A . Multiples unit 25 has two parallel sides 30 , 31 which are equal in length and two parallel sides between corners 26 , 27 and between corners 28 , 29 which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 25 is rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometrical requirements of the invention. The height of multiples unit 25 is equal to the length of sides 30 , 31 . [0048] Multiples unit 25 has three slots 32 , 33 , and 34 with openings along one side between comers 26 , 27 and three slots 35 , 36 , and 37 along a corresponding parallel side with openings between comers 28 , 29 . Each slot has a slot opening and a slot end and a fixed slot length equal to one fourth the length of sides 30 and 31 . The relationship between the length of parallel sides 30 and 31 and the lengths of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 is a fixed relationship; in other words, the length of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 are all equal and equivalent to one-quarter the length of sides 30 and 31 . The height of this multiples unit is also equal to the height of the basic unit shown in Fig. 1A . The length of slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 and 37 is also equal to the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 of unit 1 shown in Fig. 1A . Slot 32 has a slot opening 38 which is an equal width with slot end 44 . Slot 33 has a slot opening 38 which is an equal width with slot end 45 . Slot 34 has a slot opening 40 which is an equal width with slot end 46 . Slot 35 has a slot opening 41 which has an equal width as slot end 47 . Slot 36 has a slot opening 42 which has an equal width as slot end 48 . Slot 37 has a slot opening 43 which has an equal width as slot end 49 . The width of the slots is slightly more than the thickness of multiples unit 25 , reflected in the perspective drawing of FIG. 2B . The close relationship between slot width and multiples unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots of both representative basic unit 1 and representative multiples unit 25 so as to remain in position yet be removable. [0049] Slots 32 and 35 both run along slot axis 50 . Slots 33 and 36 both run along slot axis 51 . Slots 34 and 37 both run along slot axis 52 . Slot axis 50 , slot axis 51 , and slot axis 52 are all parallel to each other and parallel to sides 30 and 31 . The distance between slot axis 50 and 51 is a fixed distance. The distance between slot axis 51 and 52 is also a fixed distance and is equal to the distance between slot axis 50 and 51 . This distance between neighboring slot axes in multiples unit 25 may or may not be the same as the distance between neighboring slot axes in basic unit 1 . Therefore, the distance between slots 32 and 33 is equal to the distance between slots 35 and 36 and the distance between slots 33 and 34 is equal to the distance between slots 36 and 37 . These distances may or may not be equal to the distance between slots 8 and 9 and between slots 10 and 11 of basic unit 1 . As in the case of the basic unit, the distance between adjacent slots is shown as less than the height of the unit; however, this relationship is merely representative of a possible configuration for multiples unit 25 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of multiples unit 25 . Specifically, the distance between adjacent slots could be greater than the height of the unit in alternative configurations. However, the equivalence of (1) the inter-slot distances and (2) the heights of both basic units and multiples units enables the basic unit and multiples unit to fit together in an expandable and variable manner. [0050] FIG. 2A is shown with optional cutaways 53 , 54 , 55 , and 56 . Such cutaways are removed portions of the material of multiples unit 25 which allow for the creation of voids in the assembly. Such voids are optional and allow light to pass through the assembled construction. The assembly can include any of these openings or voids or can have no openings or voids. [0051] Reflecting one embodiment of the invention, multiples unit 25 was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″ equal to approximately 3/32″ actual thickness. Multiples unit 25 was 11 ¾″ from corner 26 to corner 27 and sides 30 and 31 were 7 ⅞″ high. Slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , and 37 were 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in this embodiment was 0.0989″. The inter-slot distance was equal to 5.1405″. As in the case of basic unit 1 , the dimensions utilized in this particular instance are only representative and may be altered so long as the aforementioned relationships are preserved. [0000] The Capping Unit [0052] The invention may also incorporate capping units which function as terminating pieces at the ends of the assembly to effectively hide unused slots. These capping units are placed at the termination points of the assembly in order to fit into any slots that are not used to connect to adjacent units. These units may be used in a preferred embodiment of the invention but are not structurally required for an assembly to be created. FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary capping unit. This capping unit 58 is exactly half the dimensional height of the basic unit as exhibited by the length of sides 62 and 63 , which are equal to half the length of sides 6 and 7 of FIG. 1A . As shown in FIG. 3A , the capping unit 58 has two parallel sides 62 , 63 which are equal in length and two parallel sides (the side between comers 59 and 60 and the side 61 ) which are equal in length. The overall shape of unit 58 is rectangular or square but could take on other forms consistent with the geometric requirements of the invention. [0053] Capping unit 58 has two slots 64 and 65 along only one side between comers 59 and 60 . Each slot is characterized by a slot opening and a slot end. In such an embodiment, the relationship between parallel sides 62 , 63 and slot length of slots 64 , 65 is a fixed relationship which is related to the height of the basic unit as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 as shown in FIG. 1A and the height of the multiples unit as delineated by the length of sides 30 and 31 as shown in FIG. 2A ; in other words, the length of slots 64 and 65 are all equal and equivalent to half the length of sides 62 , 63 and the height of capping unit 58 or the length of sides 62 , 63 is half the basic unit height of sides 6 and 7 in Fig. 1A and half the multiples unit height as delineated by sides 30 and 31 in FIG. 2A . The length of slots 64 and 65 are also equal to the length of slots 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11 of unit 1 as shown in Fig. 1A and slots 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , and 37 of unit 25 as shown in FIG. 2A . Slot 64 has a slot opening 66 which is an equal width with slot end 68 . Slot 65 has a slot opening 67 which is an equal width with slot end 69 . The slot width is slightly more than the thickness of capping unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3B . The relationship between slot width and capping unit thickness enables the units to fit snugly into the slots of both representative basic unit 1 and representative multiples unit 25 so as to remain in position yet be removable. [0054] Slot 64 runs along slot axis 70 . Slot 65 runs along slot axis 71 . Slot axis 70 and slot axis 71 are both parallel to capping unit sides 62 and 63 . The distance between slot axis 70 and 71 is a fixed distance. This distance is equal to the distance between slot axis 20 and 21 in basic unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1A or equal to the distance between slot axis 50 and 51 and the distance between slot axis 51 and 52 in multiples unit 25 as shown in FIG. 2A . In one example of capping unit 58 , the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 is shown as less than the length of the basic unit height as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 in FIG. 1A ; however, this relationship is merely representative of the possible configurations of capping unit 58 and need not be the case in all possible configurations of capping unit 58 . For instance, the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 as shown in FIG. 3A could also be greater than the basic unit height as delineated by the length of sides 6 and 7 in FIG. 1A in a possible configuration. [0055] FIG. 3A shows capping unit 58 with an optional cutaway 72 . Such a cut-away is a removed portion from the material of capping unit 3 A which allows for the creation of voids. Such voids are not a necessary part of the invention but allow light to pass through the assembled construction. The invention could include any of these openings or voids or could have no openings or voids such as shown by cut-away 72 . In a preferred embodiment the distance between cutaway 72 and the line connecting corners 59 and 60 is equal to the slot length. This is a representative cutaway and neither the dimensions, shape or existence of a cutaway of any of the units is fixed. [0056] One embodiment of the representative capping unit was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, or equal to approximately 3/32″ thickness. In the instance of capping unit 58 the distance between comer 59 and comer 60 was 6 ⅝″ and was equal to side 61 . Sides 62 and 63 were 3 15/16″ high which was equal to half the basic unit height or half of the length of sides 6 and 7 as shown in FIG. 1 A . Slots 64 and 65 were cut at a slot length equal to one fourth the length of the basic unit height or 1 31/32″ long. The slot width utilized in the preferred embodiment was 0.0989″. In the case of the preferred embodiment, the distance between slot axis 70 and 71 was equal to 5.1405″. The sizes of construction utilized in this particular instance are only representative sizes and may be altered so long as the relationship between slot length and unit height is preserved. The distance between slot axis such as here between slot axis 70 and 71 and the basic unit height do not have a specific relationship to each other. [0057] The structural units of the invention may be assembled to form a wide variety of modular structures, including walls, cylinders, table-type structures, etc. [0058] FIG. 4A is exemplary of a capping unit having a relationship between sides and overall shape similar to that described in multiples unit 25 shown in FIG. 2A . In particular, this exemplary capping unit 74 bears the same unit width as the unit width of multiples unit 25 which is equal to the distance between comers 75 and 76 or the length of side 77 . The thickness of capping unit 74 as shown in FIG. 4B is equal to the thickness of unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3B and also equal to the thickness of both basic and multiples units shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B . [0059] The slots 80 , 81 , and 82 have common dimensions (openings, ends, widths, and lengths) as slots 32 , 33 and 34 in multiples unit 25 of FIG. 2A as well as slots 35 , 36 , and 37 in multiples unit 25 . FIG. 4A shows capping unit 74 with optional cutaways 92 and 93 . These cutaways are similar in size and location in relationship to the overall capping unit as is cutaway 72 to capping unit 58 as shown in FIG. 3A . [0060] A representative capping unit 74 was constructed of luan plywood of nominal thickness of ⅛″, or equal to approximately 3/32″ thickness. The unit width equal to side 77 was equal to 11 ¾″ and the unit height was 3 15/16″ high. Slot lengths and widths were equal to those as described in Fig. 1A, 2A and 3 A. [0000] Assembly of the Invention [0061] FIG. 5 depicts the interlocking of two exemplary units, in this case basic unit 95 and multiples unit 96 . The two units interlock at the slot intersection shown along the edge of slot 100 shown in FIG. 5 . At this point of interlocking, a slot of unit 95 is substantially filled by the thickness of the material of multiples unit 96 and a slot from unit 96 is substantially filled by the thickness of the material of basic unit 95 . As a result of the interlock, edge 101 of basic unit 95 reaches the midpoint of the height of its intersecting unit, in this case along the axis 107 which is halfway up the height of multiples unit 96 . As a result of such slot interlocking, the addition of yet another unit with a slot interlock at slot 105 of unit 95 would result in edges of the two units meeting along the axis 107 of unit 96 . In the example of basic unit 95 , slots 97 , 98 , and 99 are each able to interlock with a slot of another unit. Likewise, in the case of multiples unit 96 , slots 102 , 103 , 104 , and 105 are each able to interlock with a slot of another unit. Thus, each unit can be connected and secured to additional units enabling the assembly in three dimensions and the construction of the assembly through the interlocking slot method. The units to be added may be basic units, any type of multiples unit, as well as capping units. The orientation of interlock is always aligned with the slot axes shown in previous figures describing the various units of the invention. [0062] FIG. 6 depicts the interlocking of two members, in this case basic unit 108 and capping unit 109 . The two units interlock at the slot intersection shown along the edge of slot 110 , as shown in FIG. 6 . As a result of the interlock, the edge 111 of basic unit 108 extends to meet the edge 112 of capping unit 109 . As shown in FIG. 5 , each unit can be connected and secured to additional units by means of receiving additional interlocking units wherever an open slot is located. [0063] In FIG. 7A , capping units 113 , 114 , 127 , and 128 and basic units 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , and 126 are shown in perspective view and in approximate relationship to each other so as to allow interlocking together via the interlocking slot method of the present invention. The units shown in FIG. 7A can be interlocked along their corresponding slot axes and upon interlocking would form the assembly of parts shown in FIG. 7B in accordance with the present invention. Such assembly is merely representative of a configuration of basic units with auxiliary capping units at the top and bottom of the assembly. [0064] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 depict two exemplary assemblies which illustrate the expandable nature of the present invention in one direction, in particular the means by which the height of the assembly depends on the number of units employed. FIG. 8 depicts two basic or multiples units in the vertical dimension, with the addition of one capping unit. In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the assembly again depicts two basic or multiples units in the vertical dimension, but adds two capping units instead of one. The overall height of the assembly of FIG. 9 is equal to two full unit height levels plus two capping unit heights, for an effective total of three unit height levels. The sample configurations in FIGS. 8 and 9 can both be expanded in height, width, and length by the replacement of a basic unit in the assembly with a multiples unit. Likewise, the replacement of a capping unit having two slots with a capping unit having three slots would also result in the expansion of the assembly by providing an interconnected and open slot to which additional units can be interlocked. [0065] The structural units of the invention may be assembled to form a wide variety of modular structures, including walls, cylinders, and table-type structures. Walls of varying height, width and length can be assembled through the use of multiples units combined with basic units. Cylinders of varying height, width and length can also be assembled by utilizing only basic units on the interior surface of the cylindrical wall. Both basic and multiples units of varying lengths can be used on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall, and the width of the cylindrical wall itself can be determined by the use of only basic units, only multiples units, or combinations of basic and multiples units in order to allow for expansion. Table-type structures can be assembled by expanding the assembly in three directions while maintaining multiple levels in limited and consistent areas. [0066] FIGS. 10A, 10B , 10 C and 10 D depict stages in the assembly of a sample configuration of units wherein the units are interconnected to form a partition with a corner. FIG. 10C depicts perspective views of capping units prior to their interlocking attachment to the assembly. FIG. 10D shows the completed assembly at a representative height of three unit height levels plus one capping unit height level, or three-and-a-half unit height levels. [0067] FIG. 11 is exemplary of an alternate embodiment which reveals the ability to expand an assembly of the present invention in two directions, enabling an assembly which is equal to the width of a multiples unit in comparison to the representative assemblies shown in FIGS. 8, 9 , 10 A, 10 B, 10 C and 10 D which all have an overall assembly width or partition wall width of one basic unit. The assembly represented in FIG. 11 could be expanded yet further in height, width and length. In particular the width of the overall assembly could be expanded by the replacement of any multiples unit with one basic unit plus one multiples unit in the corresponding slots vacated by the original multiples unit. Thereby, additional open slots would remain which would provide open slots to which additional units can be interlocked. [0068] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B depict the capability of an assembly of the present invention to provide weight-bearing support so as to allow for the placement of some type of planar top surface along the horizontal boundary suggested by the assembled configuration. The planar surface depicted in FIG. 12B is not a particular aspect of the present invention but rather suggestive of the possibilities of utilizing planar materials in conjunction with the present invention. [0069] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are exemplary of an alternate embodiment that depicts the capability of the present invention to provide structural support so as to allow for the placement of planar surfaces along and on top of the horizontal boundary suggested by the assembled configuration. In the case of the sample configuration shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B , three separate planar areas are defined by the assembly configuration which are all separated by an elevated region of assembled units which in this embodiment form a divider wall segment which is a thickness equal to one basic unit. [0070] FIGS. 14A, 14B , 14 C, 14 D, 14 E, 14 F, 14 G, and 14 H depict a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention which is generally similar to the representative embodiment depicted previously, except that the optional cutaways are not implemented and no additional material is removed from either the basic units, the multiples units, or the capping units. The interlocking slot method operates in the same manner as previously described, with the same corresponding relationships between slot openings, slot ends, slot widths, slot lengths, slot axes and unit width, height, and thickness. The representative sample embodiment of the invention is herein depicted to suggest the many and varied configurations of alternate embodiments which are in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0071] FIG. 15 , FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict sample assemblies of an embodiment and suggest some of the possible configurations in accordance with the present invention. As suggested by the alternate embodiment shown here, the optional cutaway provided in other configurations of the present invention could take on the form of a variety of cutaways including differently sized cutaways, differently shaped cutaways, cutaways in various numbers, and in the case of FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 , no cutaway at all. The present invention can be produced in various embodiments so long as the preferred and corresponding relationship between slots and slot dimensions is consistent with the requirements of the embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein above.

A system for modular construction which is comprised of a plurality of related structural units, each of which is slotted and interlocked to form an assembly requiring no tools or fasteners. The system provides infinite scalability employing a systematized gridlike formation. The units may be assembled, disassembled, and reassembled in a variety of configurations. Each structural unit comprises a planar piece having a plurality of parallel interlocking slots of specific length. Each unit is connected to additional unit pieces through interlocking slot connections wherein each unit is placed in perpendicular arrangement to other units and the slots interconnect to fit the units together. The assembled units exist in a grid-like pattern and establish planar boundaries in space. The boundaries defined by the assembly are expandable in all three dimensions based on the number and type of the different related units used.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 505,585, filed on Apr. 6, 1990 now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the life of a connection, and more particularly to a method for evaluating the life of a connection which greatly depends on thermal fatigue, such as a solder connection of an electronic circuit device. With respect to general fatigue life of metal, several methods for evaluating it and life rules therefor, as shown in Table 1, have been proposed on the basis of research and experience of fatigue breakdown accidents. Some of the methods have been put into practice. Particularly, it is known that the Manson-Coffin rule shown as No. 1 in the table can be used to evaluate the low cycle fatigue life of many metals. The actual life can be evaluated by the Repetition Amendment Speed Equation No. 9 in the table which is obtained by modifying this rule regarding the repetitive frequency f of fatigue and the length a of a crack. Further, a method for evaluating the life of the solder connection of an electronic circuit device is disclosed in Solid State Technology July (1970) pp. 48-54. TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________ LIFE EQUATION OR CRACKNo. DEVELOPER ADVANCING SPEED EQUATION__________________________________________________________________________1 S. S. Manson, Δε.sub.p · N.sup.n = C L. F. Coffin (Manson-Coffin RULE)2 S. S. Manson, ΣΦ.sub.f = 1 G. R. Halford Φ.sub.f = 1/N.sub.pp + 1/N.sub.cc + 1/N.sub.cp + 1/N.sub.pc (STRAIN REGION Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.75 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.6 DIVISION TECHNIQUE) Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.75 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.8 Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 1.25 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.8 Δε.sub.pp /D.sub.p = 0.25 N .sub.pp .sup.-0.83 H. W. Liu d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(Δσ).sup.2 a Δσ = σmax-σmin4 P. C. Paris d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔK).sup.n (Paris RULE) ΔK = Kman-Kmin5 G. Welter, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = (Cε.sub.TR √a) J. A. Choquet ε.sub.TR = ε.sub.p + ε.sub.e6 T. Yokobori d.sub.a /d.sub.N = Cf.sup.m ΔK.sup.n exp(-Q/kT) (KINETICS MODEL OF DISLOCATION)7 W. Elber d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔKeff).sup.n (RULE OF COEFFICIENT ΔKeff = Kmax-Kop ENLARGING EFFECTIVE STRESS)8 J. R. Rice, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔJ).sup.n P. C. Paris9 H. D. Solomon, d.sub.a /d.sub.N = Ca(Δε.sub.p).sup.nfm L. F. Coffin (REPETITION AMEND- MENT SPEED RULE)10 K. Tanaka, S. Taira d.sub.a /d.sub.N = C(ΔΦ).sup.n__________________________________________________________________________ (N; LIFE), Δεp; PLASTIC STRAIN AMPLITUDE), (C, n, m; CONSTANT), (N pp , p p WAVEFORM LIFE), (N cc ; c c WAVEFORM LIFE), (N cp ; c p WAVEFORM LIFE), (N pc ; p c WAVEFORM LIFE), (D p ; PULLING FRACTURE DUCTILITY AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE FOR SHORT TIME), (Dc; CREEP FRACTURE DUCTILITY), Δσ; STRESS RANGE), (ΔK; RANGE OF COEFFICIENT ENLARGING STRESS), (a; CRACK LENGTH), (Δε TR ; ENTIRE STRAIN RANGE), (Δε p ; PLASTIC AND ELASTIC STRAIN RANGE), (f; REPETITION FREQUENCY), (Q; ACTIVATION ENERGY), (k; BOLTAMANN's CONSTANT), (T; TEMPERATURE), (ΔKeff; RANGE OF COEFFICIENT ENLARGING EFFECTIVE STRESS), (Kop; K AT CRACK OPENING), (ΔJ; INTEGRATION RANGE), (ΔΦ; RANGE OF DISPLACEMENT OF CRACK OPENING) To account for the influence of distortion amplitude on fatigue life, generally, the plastic distortion amplitude Δε p in the life equations of Nos. 1 and 9 in Table 1 is adopted. Δε p is defined as the range of distortion in the hysterisis stress-strain curve when mechanical stress is repeatedly applied to a material. However, this Δε p at a solder connection cannot be measured by the conventional techniques shown listed in Table 1. The reason therefor is as follows. If a temperature as high as the melting point of solder changes at e.g. a solder connection of a flip chip for an electronic circuit device, because of a difference between the flip chip and a substrate in their thermal expansion coefficient, the stress-strain occurring in the solder becomes a three-dimensional stress-strain state, and further changes because of the great dependency of the solder itself on temperature. In this way, the above conventional methods do not pay attention to the influences from a temperature cycle in estimating the range of distortion. For example, the junction between the flip chip for an electronic circuit and a substrate is subjected to great temperature change; its temperature will increase up to immediately below the melting point of solder (183-320° C. in Pb-Sn series) because of heat generation in electronic components and environmental temperature. Nevertheless, the conventional techniques do not take such a temperature change in to account so that they cannot correctly evaluate the life of the junction subjected to the thermal fatigue. More specifically, the advancing speed of a crack at the connection depends on the shape of the connection. The above conventional techniques do not take this consideration; therefore, they cannot know the remaining sectional area so that they cannot design the weight resistance and current capacity of the connection. Particularly, the technique disclosed in the above reference Solid State Technology takes only shearing strain γ max into consideration but does not take temperature dependency of the stress-strain of the solder for this shearing strain. Therefore, this technique also cannot evaluate the life of the junction or connection subjected to thermal fatigue. Thus, the conventional life evaluation methods cannot correctly evaluate the life of the connection causing many poor quality products to be made. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a method for evaluating the life of a connection with high accuracy for a short time through a relatively simplified process. This object can be attained by adopting Δε eqmax with higher precision as a strain amplitude which is an index of the thermal fatigue and taking into consideration the temperature dependency and a crack advancing speed in connection with an estimation of Δε eqmax . The Δε eqmax , which is a maximum equivalent strain of the connection, can be an optimum index of the thermal fatigue which is disclosed in the extended abstracts of The 103rd Autumn Convention of Nippon Kinzoku Gakkai, pp. 144-145, Nov. 1989. Prior to explaining the concept of the maximum equivalent strain, an equivalent stress-equivalent strain will be defined. The equivalent strain is generally defined from the field condition in a three-axis-strain field in material mechanics, i.e. Mises condition. The corresponding stress is the equivalent stress. Since a true single-axis pulling stress-true strain curve concerning polycrystalline soldering material can be regarded as taking uniform deformation of the soldering material, which is an ordinally solder connecting portion itself, the curve itself is considered as equivalent pulling stress-equivalent strain curve. The equivalent strain amplitude can be defined as follows. When the connection is subjected to the temperature cycle as shown in FIG. 3, the stress-strain curve occurring in the solder at the connection changes in accordance with the temperature change 1 to 7 in this temperature cycle. This change in the stress-strain curve is shown as 1 to 7 in FIG. 2 which can be acquired by the finite-element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis taking into consideration the temperature dependency of the real stress-real strain of the solder. Specifically, when in FIG. 3, temperature rises from the initial state 1 to 50° C. (2), the maximum stress-strain of the solder (e.g. 2) stays anywhere in the real stress-real strain curve from 1 to 50° C. in FIG. 2. Likewise, one cycle of temperature change of 150° C.→50° C.→20`results in the change in the stress-strain of 3 - 4 - 5 -6 -7 . Then, assuming that this change corresponds to the stress-strain hysterisis curve shown in FIG. 1, its maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax is defined as the strain range between a high temperature 150° C. to a low temperature -50° C. as shown in FIG. 2. The maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax thus defined and the life N f can be correlated with high accuracy irrespectively of the shape of the connection and the temperature range, as disclosed in the above mentioned extended abstracts. Another object of the present invention is to provide a criterion equation for evaluating the life and a criterion equation for evaluating the degree of a crack using the maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax and an equation representative of the speed of crack advancement. This crack advancement speed can be experimentally acquired in temperature cycle test by observing the breaking face of the solder with the crack advanced by an electron microscope. In order to attain another object of the present invention, an approximation equation for acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax is simply obtained using the size of electronic components, the characteristic of the solder, and the condition of the temperature cycle. This approximation equation is programmed for a computer. The crack advancement speed equation permits the life of the connection to its final breakdown to be estimated before the final breakdown. The life evaluation criterion equation and the crack advancement criterion equation can give the number of temperature cycles for the degree of crack advancement permitted for assuring a remaining sectional area, and so gives the life of the connection. Contrary to this, these equations can also give the degree of crack advancement for the number of necessary cycles to know the remaining sectional area. This a product can be designed so that it will not program to a date of poor quality within its life. The approximation equation for acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude can give the maximum equivalent strain amplitude by a simple operation for a short time so that the life evaluation criterion equation and the crack advancement criterion equation acquired using the value of the maximum equivalent strain amplitude permits the life and the degree of crack advancement to be calculated, thereby designing an electronic device with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view of the conventional stress-strain hysterisis curve due to fatigue; FIG. 2 is a graph of the equivalent stress-strain curve of thermal fatigue which is adopted in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a graph showing the temperature profile used in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4A is a conceptual view of the crack occurring in the solder between a semiconductor integrated circuit and a substrate in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4B is a graph showing the relation between the length a of a crack and the number N of cycles giving rise to the life on the basis of the model of FIG. 4A; FIG. 5 is a side view of the solder connection between the semiconductor integrated circuit and the substrate which is a basis of the partially enlarged model of FIG. 4A; FIG. 6A is a graph showing a crack advancement speed equation d a /d N =Aa+B which is defined by the relationship between the length a of a crack and a crack advancement speed; FIGS. 6B and 6C are SEM images at a 1 and a 2 on the crack, respectively; FIG. 6D is a side view of the solder section where the semiconductor integrated circuit is mechanically removed from when the crack advances to point a2; FIG. 7 is a graph of an equivalent stress-strain curve at a point in a solder connection which is acquired by the method of FIG. 2 through the finite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis; FIG. 8 is a graph showing the criterion for evaluating the life which is defined by the relationship between the crack length a and the cycle number N taking the equivalent strain into consideration; FIG. 9 is a side view showing the main size of each of the substrate, the solder and the electronic circuit component; FIG. 10 is a graph showing the strain evaluation criterion for acquiring the equivalent strain amplitude from a pure shearing strain; FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the program for performing an evaluation processing using the method according to the present invention; and FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing examples of display on a display device which are outputted as a result of the program processing of FIG. 11. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows the state where a semiconductor integrated circuit 1 is connected with a circuit substrate 2 through solders. If the temperature cycle of temperature changes due to repeated power on/off of the circuit then, because of a difference between the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 and the circuit substrate 2 in their thermal expansion coefficient, strains occur repeatedly in the solder connections 3 eventually causing the solder to crack as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 4A. For each of the temperature cycles, this crack will advance by an interval d a /d N and also a notch remains on the breaking face on which the crack occurs. The interval d a /d N is referred to as a crack advancement speed (D B : diameter of connection). After the electronic device shown in FIG. 5 has been subjected to 1000 (one thousand) cycles of temperature change, the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 is mechanically removed therefrom. The faces of the crack 4 thus formed, as shown in FIG. 6D, are observed using a scanning type electronic microscope (SEM). FIGS. 6B and 6C show the observed images. The crack advancement speeds d a /d N at the ends of the lengths of a 1 and a 2 , which are obtained from the observed images of FIGS. 6B and 6C, are a 1 and a 2 . As a result of these observation results and other observations, as seen from FIG. 6A, the relationship between the crack advancement speed and the crack length a can be approximated as a linear relationship d.sub.a /d.sub.N =A.sub.a +B (1) By integrating this equation (1), as shown in FIG. 4B, an equation for evaluating the life of a connection, i.e. ##EQU1## (A, B: constant, a: length of crack, a o : initial length of crack, N: number of cycle) and a graph for evaluating the life can be obtained. Thus, the number of temperature cycles indicative Of the life can be acquired from the crack length a f which is a criterion for the life (Generally it is assumed that when the crack advances to the center of the connection solder, the life ends, i.e. D B /2=a f (D B : diameter of the connection solder)). The life to breakdown estimated for the number of testing temperature cycles of 1000 is set for 3000 cycles. As a result of continued testing under the same condition, the breakdown was electrically confirmed at 3300 cycles approximate to the estimated 3000 cycles. Further, the solder connection structure shown in FIG. 5 is subjected to the temperature change corresponding to the testing temperature cycle of room temperature →+150° C.→-50° C.→room temperature through the finite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis as shown in FIG. 2. Then, the crack 4 as shown in FIG. 4A occurs in the solder connection structure. The hysterisis curve of the equivalent stress-equivalent strain at the crack 4 is shown in FIG. 7. As seen from FIG. 7, the strain amplitude is defined as the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax . The relationship between the maximum equivalent amplitude Δε eqmax , and the crack advancing speed d a /d N and the crack length a acquired in the previous breakdown test can be expressed by d.sub.a /d.sub.N =C(A.sub.a +B)·(Δε.sub.eqmax) (3) Equation (3) physically represents that the crack advancing speed d a /d N increases with the increase of the strain amplitude Δε eqmax , and the life increases with the increase of the length of the connection for the same strain amplitude Δε eqmax . By integrating Equation (3), the life N f can be acquired by the life evaluating criterion equation expressed by the following. By using N f for expressing life number of cycles which causes fracture, a o for an initial defect, a f for a crack length when fractured, the above mentioned life evaluating criterion equation is expressed by, ##EQU2## where, n is a material constant and c is a constant. (a f : life length of crack) Further, by calculating backwards from Equation (4)-2, the crack length a after N cycles can be acquired by the crack advancement evaluating equation expressed by equation (5). These relations are exemplified in FIG. 8. ##EQU3## With respect to poor quality products, the actual life thereof is 3500 cycles which is very approximate to the life of 3200 cycles acquired from calculation, where values of Δε eqmax =0.01 (=1%), A: 8.18×10 -3 , B: 0.18, C: 0.23, Af: 100 μm and a o : 0 are employed. Meanwhile, the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax , which is decisive for the life of the solder connection due to thermal fatigue, greatly depends on the size of the semiconductor integrated circuit and the environmental condition for the same connection structure; to acquire it through the infinite element method three-dimensional elastic/plastic analysis is very troublesome. Then, with reference to FIG. 10, a technique for simply acquiring the maximum equivalent strain amplitude Δε eqmax will be explained. Generally, the shearing strain γ at the connection as shown in FIG. 9 can be expressed by ##EQU4## where d is the size of the semiconductor integrated circuit, HJ is the height of the connection, Δα is the difference between the semiconductor integrated circuit 1 and the circuit substrate 2 in their thermal expansion coefficient ΔT is the temperature difference therebetween in their temperature cycles, and E is a correction parameter depending on the shape of the connection. The maximum equivalent strain amplitudes Δε eqmax 1, Δε eqmax 2 and Δε eqmax 3 corresponding to concrete values γ 1 , γ 2 , and γ 3 can be simply acquired. The values γ 1 , γ 2 , and γ 3 are obtained by a manual calculation of a structure model as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in which certain dimensions are assigned, and Δε eqmax 1,2,3, are obtained by finite element three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis. By connecting these points, an approximation curve as shown in FIG. 10 can be made so that an approximation equation for acquiring Δε eqmax from γ can be provided. It is discovered that the equation can be expressed using γ by Δεeqmax=A'γ.sup.2 +B'γ (7) This equation permits the maximum equivalent strain amplitude to be simply calculated. Further, the life N f and the crack advancing degree a can also be simply acquired from Equations (4) and (5), respectively. Additionally, if there is a temperature difference between the electronic component, i.e. the semiconductor integrated circuit, and the circuit substrate, the shearing strain γ can be more generally expressed by ##EQU5## where α 1 and T 1 are the thermal expansion coefficient and temperature of the semiconductor integrated circuit α 2 and T 2 are those of the circuit substrate. In accordance with this embodiment, the life of the solder connection can be evaluated or estimated simply and correctly. Now an explaination will be given for another embodiment of the present invention which realizes the life evaluation method according to the present invention through a program. The flowchart of the entire program is shown in FIG. 11. The screen image displayed when the shape of the solder connection of the electronic component (flip chip or CCB chip) is input, and that displayed when the result of life evaluation and the degree of crack advancement are output are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The evaluation through the program is carried out in the following process. In Step 1, an object electronic component is designated by a key operation; for example, CCB is selected from a group consisting of CCB (Controlled Collapse Bonding), QFP (Quad Flat Package), PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier), MSP (Mini Square Package), and flip chip etc. The selection operation in Step 1 displays the model of the CCB chip described by trigonometry as shown in FIG. 12. With respect to the substrate 2, the CCB package chip 1 and the solder 3 connecting them, the items indicated as the shape data to be input for the CCB model are the distance d from the package center to the solder; the width direction distance D and longitudinal direction distance L 1 from the package center to the solder; the connecting width DB of the solder 3 on the side of the package 1; that DP thereof on the side of the substrate 2; and the height HJ of the package from the substrate 2. In Step 2, the items or parameters required are input in such a manner that the respective columns of the list displayed for the CCB are filled with the corresponding data by a key operation. By filling the list with the required items in accordance with the items of the package model displayed by trigonometry, they can be surely input. In Step 3, thermal expansion coefficients of the substrate 2 and the package (CCB) are input. By this step, parameters, except for ΔT, required for calculation in equation (6) are input. In Step 4, Equation (4), which is a criterion equation for evaluating the life of the solder connection, and Equation (5), which is an equation for evaluating the crack advancement, are input, and further constants and an index n are input. These equations can be read out from the sub-routine including model equations prepared for each of the substrates and packages, and thereafter the constants and the index are substituted for the equations. In Step 5, analysis conditions such as the upper and lower limit temperatures in the temperature cycle, the repetition frequency thereof, and the temperature difference between the substrate and package are input. Then, in Step 6, if the program is operated, γ in equation (6) and Δε eqmax in equation (7) are sequentially calculated according to input parameters and analysis conditions. The obtained values in equations (6) and (7) are used to calculate life time in calculation of life time equation (4)-1 and crack advancement equation (5). Finally, in Step 7, the crack advancement on a section of the CCB model and on the solder pad surface as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The crack advancement display as shown in FIG. 13 also includes the display of the maximum temperature, the temperature difference between the substrate and package, the repetition frequency, the present number of temperature cycles and the present length of crack advancement. From these displays, the degree of crack advancement in the solder connection and the remaining life thereof can be easily evaluated. Additionally, the above life evaluation process can be repeated from any step thereof, and can also be applied to a flat package IC and the other chip components. In accordance with the present invention, several calculations in the above program can be easily carried out using a large scale computer or a personal computer thereby permitting the design of the life of the electronic devices. The life number of temperature cycles and the life degree of crack advancement estimated for a sample prepared for life test in accordance with the present invention agree with those actually measured within an error range of ±10%. Also, the time required for estimation is as short as 5-10 minutes. this time is much shorter than 2-5 hours (measured in the CPU time) required to calculate the maximum equivalent strain amplitude through the infinite element method using a super computer S810 in the previous embodiment. In short, in accordance with the present invention, the process for evaluating the life of the solder connection of an electronic component, which has been difficult, can be carried out in a short time and at low cost using a personal computer or a large scale computer. Further, the life of the connection can be evaluated through the infinite element method three-dimensional thermal elastic/plastic analysis for any temperature distribution and environmental condition; it can be evaluated with high accuracy. Thus, the life evaluation method according to the present invention can contribute to enhance the reliability of electronic devices which will be strictly demanded in the future.

A method for evaluating the life of a connection between members including the steps of extracting parameters defining the shearing strain of a predetermined model representing the connection thereby to calculate the values of plural shearing strains of the connection, calculating the equivalent strain amplitude corresponding to thermal fatigue stress for each of the values of the plural shearing strains defining the relationship between the shearing strain and the equivalent strain amplitude, formulating a life evaluation criterion equation expressed using the equivalent strain amplitude, calculating, for the connection, the equivalent strain amplitude corresponding to each of the shearing strains actually measured using the equation, and substituting the equivalent strain amplitude for the life evaluation criterion equation to acquire the life of the connection. Further, in this method, an equation for evaluating the advancement of a crack is made using the equivalent strain amplitude, and the equivalent is substituted for the crack advancement evaluation equation to calculate the length of the crack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/782,055 filed Feb. 19, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/661,304 filed Mar. 9, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An obvious intent of any automatic recovery system for almost any aircraft is to prevent ground impact during controlled flight of the aircraft. Many aircraft have standard proximity alarms for alerting pilots to the nearness of ground. These alarms can be based on inadmissible rates of descent of the aircraft or nearness of the ground. While proximity alarms are an improvement over prior systems, they are not a permanent solution to some of the problems that have been shown to cause aircraft ground impacts. [0003] The need for ground collision avoidance extends to a wide variety of aircraft and scenarios ranging from terminal area navigation for commercial airliners to low level navigation, pilot spatial disorientation and g-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) for high performance aircraft. While some aircraft have been equipped with ground proximity warning systems, most of the existing ground proximity warning systems contain no provisions for variations in aerodynamics, but rather rely on the pilot to compensate for these variations by giving him a finite amount of time to recover level flight. At the same time, these systems are passive, relying on pilot awareness and competence to recover from the situation. [0004] An innovative approach to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,710 to Altman. Altman discloses a process for preventing unwanted contact by an aircraft with land or water. When applied over land Altman assumes flat terrain or low hills. Altman's process utilizes the aircraft's rate of descent and altitude to compute a limiting altitude, which is further modified by the aircraft's ability for transverse acceleration. This limiting altitude is used to determine when to activate an automatic feedback controller, which provides the aircraft with the maximum feasible transverse acceleration. Thus, Altman attempts to continuously calculate a limiting altitude for the aircraft below which automatic controls will be applied for aircraft recovery. Various theoretical schemes are proposed by Altman for determining this limiting altitude. All of these schemes are difficult to incorporate into an aircraft control design or to simplify in a manner that will not cause spurious effects including nuisance flyups during controlled flight. [0005] The current Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) is designed to provide pilots with timely alerts in the event that the airplane is flown towards terrain or an obstacle. The EGPWS alerting algorithms are predicated on the expectation that the response of the pilot to a warning will be a “pull-up”, i.e. a maneuver in the vertical plane only. If an aircraft is about to enter restricted airspace, it may not be possible to avoid the airspace by using a “pull-up” maneuver alone. Also, some airspace volumes expand laterally with altitude, and again a “pull-up” may not avoid penetrating the airspace volume. [0006] A need therefore exists for a ground, obstacle, and protected airspace auto-recovery system that is sufficiently sophisticated to initiate a recovery maneuver when required while avoiding a multitude of nuisance recoveries that interfere with controlled flight and providing smooth recovery maneuvers for crew and passenger safety and comfort. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Systems and methods for generating navigation signals for a vehicle in an auto-avoidance situation are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes analyzing two or more paths with respect to information about obstructions stored in a database. The information stored is made up of terrain, obstacles and protected airspace data. The method disclosed then selects a path and generates navigation signals if an auto-avoidance condition exists. [0008] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, analysis is further based on a combination of the following: performance capabilities of the vehicle and speed of the vehicle. [0009] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, after navigation signals are transmitted, the path information is stored in the database and vehicle control signals are sent to a vehicle control system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0010] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings. [0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of components of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example process performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 ; and, [0013] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , an aircraft 20 includes a warning system 22 coupled to an auto-recovery system 24 . The warning system 22 , such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) produced by Honeywell, Inc., is coupled to various aircraft data sensors 26 , and a Flight Management System (FMS) 30 or similar flight information systems. An example of the warning system 22 is a ground proximity warning system as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,080 titled Terrain Awareness System, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The warning system 22 is also coupled to a database 32 that may include one or more of a terrain database, an airport database, an obstacle database, and a protected airspace database. The auto-recovery system 24 is also coupled to an autopilot 36 or in an alternate embodiment to a fly-by-wire system 40 . [0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the auto-recovery system 24 sends flight control commands, such as pitch or roll commands, to the autopilot 36 after some predefined period of time has elapsed since a caution or warning has been identified by the warning system 22 . In another embodiment, an integrity flag is received at the auto-recovery system 24 from the warning system 22 . The integrity flag indicates either high integrity or low integrity. If low integrity is indicated, the auto-recovery system 24 will not perform any auto-recovery maneuvers. However, if the integrity flag is set high, the auto-recovery system 24 will execute auto-recovery if an auto-recovery condition exists (warning or caution). [0016] In another embodiment, after a caution or warning has been identified and outputted by the warning system 22 , the auto-recovery system 24 analyzes a plurality of escape routes, selects the best escape route, and sends corresponding pitch and roll commands to the autopilot 36 . This is described in more detail below with respect to the flow diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 . [0017] The auto-recovery system 24 may be a separate general-purpose computer system that includes internal memory and a processing device that executes an auto-recovery application program stored within the memory or may be implemented as software within the warning system 22 . [0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an example process 50 performed by the systems shown in FIG. 1 . First at a block 52 , auto-avoidance is initiated. Auto-avoidance is initiated when an alert condition has been identified and no pilot input has been received within a certain period since the identification of the alert condition. One example of auto-avoidance initiation is after a warning alert produced by the warning system 22 has occurred for a threshold number of seconds and no pilot action has been taken. [0019] Next, at a block 54 , the auto-recovery system 24 instructs the autopilot 36 or other flight control system to perform a straight ahead climb. At a decision block 56 , the system 24 determines if there are any obstructions into the present flight path (i.e., the straight ahead climb). If no obstructions are found to be present within the present flight path, then at a block 58 , the process continues the climb. If, however, at the decision block 56 , an obstruction was observed to protrude into the present flight path, then the process 50 continues to a decision block 62 which determines if there are any obstructions into one or more flight paths that are at varying angular horizontal directions from the present flight path. If it is observed that an obstruction does not protrude into one of the other flight paths, then at a block 64 , the autopilot 36 is commanded to turn to the heading associated with this unobstructed flight path while maintaining the climbing profile. If at the decision block 62 , an obstruction is observed to protrude into the observed flight path, then at a block 66 , a search continues for a climbing path that does not have any obstructions. Once a climbing flight path has been observed, then at block 68 , the aircraft is instructed to navigate according to the results of the search. After the actions performed at the blocks 58 , 64 , and 68 , the process 50 determines if the aircraft is some safe distance above the nearest highest obstruction or above the obstruction that is along the present flight path. If it is determined at the decision block 72 that the aircraft is not yet above the observed obstruction then, the most recent command is maintained until the aircraft is safely above the observed obstruction and the process 50 returns to the decision block 56 for further analysis and any necessary maneuvering. If at the decision block 72 the aircraft is safely above the observed obstruction, then at the block 74 , the aircraft is instructed to level out at the present or a predefined altitude. [0020] FIG. 3 illustrates another example process 100 that may be performed by the system shown in FIG. 1 . First at a block 106 , the auto-recovery system 24 observes several flight paths at a first pre-defined look ahead distance. At a block 108 , a flight path of the observed several flight paths that has no obstructions and is closest to the present flight path is selected. At a block 110 , the autopilot 36 is instructed to navigate according to the selected flight path, if an auto avoidance condition exists. Next at a decision block 114 , the system 24 determines if there were any obstructions that were observed on any of the observed several flight paths. If there were obstructions observed on any one of the observed flight paths, then at a block 116 , the information regarding that flight path and the observed obstruction are stored for further use. The stored information can be used later To reduce the search time if another search is required—known ‘obstructed’ paths are immediately eliminated. [0021] If at the decision block 114 , there were no obstructions observed along the flight path and after the information regarding flight paths having obstructions has been stored, the process 100 determines if the aircraft is at a safe altitude above any observed obstructions. If the aircraft is determined to be safely above any observed obstructions, then at block 122 , the aircraft is instructed to level off. If, however, the aircraft is still not briefly above the obstructions, the process returns to the block 106 to perform further observations along multiple flight paths. [0022] In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , a climb out is normally performed, although it is possible of a military application where climbing would not be desirable (e.g. to stay below radar), and would not necessarily be performed. [0023] In another embodiment, the system 24 is always searching the database 32 (even when an alert condition does not exist) for terrain, obstacles and protected airspace and determines if the search discovers an obstruction within the predefined horizontal distance (e.g., 5 mm) that are above the aircraft and that penetrate a conical or other shaped surface having a predetermined upward slope (e.g., 6 degrees). The upward slope represents an expected climb gradient capability of the aircraft. A first (horizontal only) flight path is calculated to avoid all obstructions discovered in the search. A second flight path is calculated based on various climb gradients (e.g., 3 degree, 10 degree). The first and second flight paths are weighted based on any or all of a number of factors, such as closeness to the present flight path, minimal changes to pitch or roll. The system 24 selects the best flight path based on the weighting. The system 24 sends control signals relating to the selected flight path to the autopilot 36 after either the system 24 or the warning system 22 has determined that an auto-recovery condition exists. In one embodiment, for the second flight path, there may be more than one climbing flight paths analyzed. Ideally, the system should choose a horizontal path that requires the least climb gradient (in case an engine fails during the maneuver). [0024] Many alternations of the previous methods may be performed. For example, one example algorithm determines if any of a number of paths from the aircraft's present location provides a thousand feet of clearance above all terrain, obstacles, or protected airspaces within one nautical mile of the aircraft's present position. If a level flight path (no climb) provides this clearance, then it is chosen. Otherwise, if a 3° climb path provides clearance, then it is chosen. Otherwise, a 6° path is chosen. If several lateral paths provide the desired clearance, then the path with the least deviation from the current track of the aircraft is chosen. [0025] In yet another embodiment the aircraft disclosed may also be a surface based vehicle or a sub surface based vehicle. [0026] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Systems and methods for generating navigation signals for a vehicle in an auto-avoidance situation. In one embodiment the method includes analyzing two or more paths with respect to information about obstructions stored in a database. The method disclosed then selects a path and generates navigation signals, if an auto avoidance situation exists.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for preventing and removing obstructions in the outlet opening of a metering slot of a coating apparatus. 2. Description of the Related Art Coating apparatuses serve the function of applying a liquid or viscid coating medium onto a moving material web such as paper or carton. Coating apparatuses are well-known, and the following references serve to provide additional documentation: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,436,030 and 5,858,096, EP patent document nos. 0,466,420 and 0,701,022, and German patent document nos. 9,417,321 and 9,417,324. These publications describe free jet coating apparatuses, also known as fountain applicators or JetFlow F, having a metering slot between two protruding surfaces, hereinafter referred to as lips. The coating medium is supplied to the metering slot by a distribution pipe residing within a girder which extends across the width of the coating apparatus. The coating medium travels from the distribution pipe through passages to the metering slot from which the coating medium exits in the form of a free jet. In the case of direct application, the material web runs by the metering slot and the coating medium is directly applied onto the web. In these cases, the material web is typically guided by the outer surface of a support roll. In the case of indirect application, the coating medium is first applied onto the surface of an applicator roll and is subsequently transferred onto the material web in the nip area through which the web traverses. The lip which resides on the side of the metering slot facing the oncoming web is referred to as "inboard" lip. Accordingly, the lip which resides on the outboard side of the metering slot is referred to as the "outboard" lip. Inside the exit opening of the metering slot, or the jet exit opening, there is a tendency for dirt particles, lumps or other undesirable solid matter particles to collect, causing the coating medium that is exiting the metering slot to "break up", resulting in an insufficient coating on the material web or, worse yet, allowing the contamination onto the web itself. This condition results in defects in the coating that has been applied to the material web. Trained machine operators are relied upon to recognize and detect these defects. The cause of these defects (i.e., undesirable particles within or expelled from the metering slot) must be subsequently removed from the metering slot by means of a scraper, such as a piece of plastic strip. This process, however, is very time-consuming and can only be performed when the coating apparatus is not operating. Furthermore, this task requires skill and experience on the part of the machine operator. These defects, however, can also be detected by means of a specially-designed sensing device which then generates the appropriate alert signals. In order to respond to the signals with appropriate counter measures, upon recognition of a defect on the coating at least one operating parameter of the coating apparatus must be adjusted or modified in an attempt to dislodge the obstructions from the metering slot while the material web continues to run. Specifically, this process and the corresponding devices require the manipulation, either temporarily or repeatedly, of operating parameters, such as the coating medium pressure or the width of the metering slot, which affect the characteristic features of the jet of coating medium exiting the metering slot or the shape of the jet pattern. A disadvantage of this approach is that the coating apparatus must always be re-adjusted (at least approximately) to the initial parameter settings, which requires additional resources. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention removes obstructions accumulated within the metering slot of a coating apparatus. The removal of the obstructions (i.e., undesirable particles in the metering slot) is accomplished, in one embodiment, by scraping actions which push the undesirable particles to the side of the machine where they no longer cause any harm. The scraping of the particles from within the metering slot occurs temporarily or repeatedly, if appropriate, along substantially the entire length of the metering slot in the transverse direction of the coating apparatus. A second embodiment removes the undesired particles through crushing or squelching of the particles. The surface of the crushing device is made to a rough surface finish specification or is shaped in such a way (e.g., convex) as to promote the crushing action. The crushing device is configured to oscillate back and forth in order to improve the crushing efficiency. The crushed or squelched particles are now of a size which no longer causes any disturbances in the discharge of coating medium or defects on the coating. The smaller, crushed particles exit the metering slot trouble-free, aided by the pressure of the exiting coating medium. The scraping or crushing device is activated in the transverse direction by use of an attached or integrated activation device. This activation device can include a cable winch, a V-guide (prismatic guide), or other similar mechanism. When one or more defects are recognized on the material web by a trained machine operator or an optical sensing device, the activation device is operated or a drive mechanism, attached to the activation device, is turned on, thus initiating the cleaning process by moving the scraping or crushing device in a substantially straight translatory motion along the metering slot, thereby removing through scraping or crushing any undesirable particles accumulated within the metering slot or the exit opening therein. Once the presence of defects are recognized by the optical sensing device, it is possible to announce the need for cleaning in a visual or audible manner, thereby alerting the machine operators to respond by operating the activation device or turning on the drive mechanism and thus initiating the movement of the scraping or crushing device. The optical sensing device can be linked to a control unit which, in turn, is connected to the drive mechanism in a manner that allows an automatic activation of the scraping or crushing device upon recognition of a defect. As a result of this mechanized or automated method--which has proven to yield substantial improvements in terms of operational efficiency--a temporary activation of this scraping or crushing device is feasible, even during normal operation of the unit. The fountain applicators typically operate on the basis of excess application which means that more of the medium is applied on the material web than is theoretically required. Due to the mobility of the scraper, the defects appear only briefly, and are usually smoothed sufficiently by a blade coater or doctor unit typically positioned downstream of the coating apparatus (i.e. after the coating apparatus relative to the direction of movement of the material web). Devices to scrape or push obstructions or dried-on pigment particles from the relevant surfaces generally include tools which substantially correspond to the cross-sectional area and shape of the discharge element of the metering slot. However, this scraping device can be, for example, a bent wire or a strip of plastic which is pulled by a cable pull through the metering slot in the transverse direction relative to the movement of the material web. The undesirable particles, which have been collected by the scraper during the cleaning process, are deposited at the format sliders which keep the edges of the material web from being coated. Once there, the particles do not disrupt the coating process. It is to be understood that the cleaning process can also be performed either before, during or after a coating operation. In using this method, the resulting defects of the coating are substantially improved when compared to defects that are the direct result of local (permanent) clogging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the metering slot exit opening of a fountain applicator of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of the fountain applicator of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 depicts a fountain applicator with a control mechanism designed for a process of the present invention. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows the upper area of fountain applicator 1 including exit opening 8 of metering slot 2, which extends across the entire width of fountain applicator 1. Metering slot 2 is formed by lip 3 and lip 4, each of which extend across the entire width of fountain applicator 1. Adjacent to fountain applicator 1 is a running substrate, shown as material web W, or alternatively a tape or an applicator roll, moving in direction S. Scraper 5 is positioned at inboard lip 3 and protrudes over activation mechanism 12 which, in the embodiment shown, is configured as cables 6 of a cable pull (not shown). Activation mechanism 12 is connected to drive mechanism 14 (see FIG. 2), such as an electric drive (not shown). Scraper 5 is a formed part whose cross-sectional area is substantially equivalent to that of exit opening 8 of metering slot 2 in order to efficiently and reliably remove undesirable particles from either side of exit opening 8 of metering slot 2. Scraper 5 moves in translatory direction Q across substantially the entire width of exit opening 8 of metering slot 2 of fountain applicator 1. Scraper 5 can be alternatively configured as a bent, solid metal wire. Also suitable is a flexible strip of plastic since it won't damage the side walls or guiding surfaces of the metering nozzle while traversing metering slot 2. FIG. 2 shows scraper 5; for clarity reasons, FIG. 2 depicts only one side of the coating apparatus including format slider 10. The other side of the coating apparatus is designed identically. FIG. 2 schematically shows activation device 14 which, acted upon by drive mechanism 12, moves scraper 5 through metering slot 2 thereby pushing the obstructions V from metering slot 2 and discharge opening 8 off to format slider 10. Activation device 14 is, in this embodiment, configured as a cable pull. If there is no cleaning process ongoing, then activation device 14 is at idle, with scraper 5 positioned at format slider 10. This idle position of scraper 5 prevents any adverse effects during normal coating operation. FIG. 3 illustrates fountain applicator 1 for direct application of a coating medium onto material web W. Fountain apparatus 1 includes girder 15 containing a coating medium distribution pipe 16 connected to metering slot 2, which includes lip 3, lip 4, and exit opening 8. Coating apparatus 1 further includes overflow duct 17. A blade coater 18 for final metering of the previously applied coating is located a predetermined distance from coating apparatus 1 in direction S. Blade coater 18 is thus positioned downstream from coating apparatus 1 (i.e. blade coater 18 is positioned after coating apparatus 1 relative to the direction of movement of substrate W). Scraper 5 and associated activation device 14, which is attached to drive mechanism 12, are shown in thick lines. Dirt particles or other solid particles such as pigment particles typically conglomerate and either attach themselves to the exit opening 8 of metering slot 2, or exit metering slot 2 in full size and are subsequently deposited on material web W together with the coating medium, inevitably leading to defects in the applied coating. As long as the problem persists, the defect is reflected in the form of a streak or a dotted line. Occasionally, when the problem reaches a certain magnitude, the defects become visible to the unaided eye. In order to capture defects reliably, sensing assembly 20 is configured to examine material web W for defects or blemishes. In the present embodiment, sensing assembly 20 is configured to detect defects or blemishes through an opacity measurement. The sensing signals of sensing assembly 20 are transmitted via connections 22 to control unit 25 which is equipped with an integrated interpretation logic. If the presence of a defect in the coating medium is detected on material web W, control unit 25 transmits a control signal via connections 28 (shown in dashed lines) to command receiver 30. Command receiver 30 initiates drive mechanism 12 of activation device 14 and, thereby, activates the movement of scraper 5. Control unit 25 can be alternatively configured to, upon detecting the presence of defects, emit an audible or optical signal through an indicator unit such as display unit 32. The machine operators can then quickly respond to the signal by operating activation device 14 or through activating drive mechanism 12. In the embodiment shown, scraper 5 is positioned at inboard lip 3 and protrudes over cables 6 of a cable pull (not shown), which is connected to drive mechanism 12. It is to be understood that alternative sites can be used to provide room for the cable pull. Scraper 5 is, in the embodiment shown, a formed part whose cross-sectional area is substantially equivalent to the exit opening 8 of metering slot 2 in order to efficiently and reliably remove undesirably particles from either side of metering slot 2. It is to be understood, however, that scraper 5 could be alternatively configured to achieve the same purpose. For example, scraper 5 could be configured as two scraping elements, each being configured to scrape a respective one of lip 3 and lip 4 of metering slot 2. In the embodiment shown, command receiver 30 and drive mechanism 12 are shown as two separate entities. However, it is to be understood that the functions of command receiver 30 and drive mechanism 12 can be integrated into one unit that is configured to both receive the control signal from control unit 25 and drive activation device 14. While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

An apparatus and process prevents and removes obstructions in the discharge opening of a metering slot of a coating apparatus, or fountain applicator, applying a coating medium onto a moving material web. The process repeatedly removes obstructions from the discharge opening of the metering slot, thereby preventing defects in the applied coating. The apparatus includes a scraper disposed and translatory movable within the discharge opening in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the material web.

RELATED CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/816,161, filed Mar. 23, 2001, entitled “Method for Dynamically Adjusting Buffer Utilization Ratios in a Hard Disk Drive System”. The present invention and the copending application have the same inventor, and share a common assignee. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to data transfer in a hard disk drive system, and more specifically to the dynamic adjustment of buffer utilization ratios within the hard disk drive and monitoring thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART [0003] Conventional hard disk drives generally include two individual data transfer engines configured to cooperatively move data into and out of a hard disk drive storage medium, as shown in FIG. 1. The first of the two engines, typically referred to as the drive side engine 101 , is generally responsible for transferring data between a memory buffer 102 , which may be a bank of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and the magnetic media 100 of the hard disk drive. The second of the two engines, typically referred to as the host side engine 103 , is responsible for transferring data between the memory buffer 102 and a host interface 104 . The host interface 104 may be, for example, an advanced technology attachment interface (ATA), a small computer systems interface (SCSI and/or scuzzy), fiber channel arbitrated loop (FC-AL), and/or another known interface configurations. The first and second engines generally operate independently of each other, but often operate to transfer data into and out of the memory buffer 102 simultaneously. Additionally, the first and second engines often operate at different data transfer speeds, as host-type interfaces often operate in the 1 to 2 gigabit per second (Gbps) range, while the interface between a hard disk drive and a memory are traditionally much slower, generally in the range of 20 to 60 megabytes per second (Mb/s). [0004] In an operation to read data from the hard disk drive, for example, when a device requests information residing on the hard disk drive, the drive side engine 101 generally operates to transfer the requested data from the storage medium 100 of the hard disk drive to the memory buffer 102 . After a predetermined period of time has passed, the host engine 103 will generally begin moving data transferred to the memory buffer 102 by the drive side engine 101 to the host interface 104 for distribution to the device requesting the data from the hard disk drive. It is important that the host side wait before initiating data transfer, as the host side is generally capable of transferring data at a substantially faster rate. Therefore, the host is capable of rapidly catching up to the drive side, which results in loop performance delays due to re-arbitration, as the host side engine must then be temporarily disabled in order to allow the drive side transfer more data for the host side to process/transfer. After the drive side initiates data transfer, it will eventually complete the transfer of the requested information from the medium of the hard disk drive to the memory buffer. At some time after drive side engine initiates data transfer, host side engine starts transfer and eventually completes transfer of the requested data from the memory buffer to the host interface. Once the host side engine completes the transfer of data from the memory buffer to the host interface, the data transfer process for that particular read operation is generally complete. However, in a typical hard disk drive configuration, there are generally multiple individual chunks of data transferred in order to complete a single transfer command, and therefore, the host side may regularly catch up to the drive side at the end of each data segment transfer. These end of segment-type catch-up conditions may generally be referred to as desired catch-up conditions, and are expected to continue until the segments are collectively transferred, thus completing the individual transfer command. [0005] A similar operation is conducted for writing data to the hard disk drive, however, the data flow and respective engine handling is essentially reversed. Therefore, when a device is to write data to the hard disk drive, the host side engine generally begins to transfer the portion of data to the memory buffer from the host interface, for example, a segment of data. The memory buffer will begin to fill up with the data to be written, and therefore, at some predetermined time thereafter, which is generally as quickly as possible, the drive side engine begins to transfer data into the drive storage medium for storage thereon. Both engines may simultaneously transfer data to and from the memory buffer until the data is completely transferred to the hard disk drive. This simultaneous transfer operation generally occurs in segments or blocks, in similar fashion to the above noted read operation. However, drive side catch-up conditions are generally much less frequent than host side catch-up conditions, as the performance penalty associated with a drive side catch-up is substantially greater than a host side, and is therefore to be avoided. In this configuration the host side engine generally completes data transfer operations prior to the data side engine. [0006] However, since the drive and host side engines generally operate at different data transfer rates, one engine may “catch-up” to the other engine during a data transfer operation, irrespective of the direction of the data transfer. In this situation, the transfer operations of engine that has caught up must be halted, and the engine must wait until the other engine has transferred additional data, i.e., caught up, before the halted engine can reinitiate and continue its own data transfer operations. If the host side engine catches up to the drive side engine, then the catch-up condition is generally referred to as a host catch-up. Alternatively, if the drive side engine catches up to the host side engine, then the catch up condition is generally referred to as a drive catch-up. Both of these conditions are detrimental to the efficiency and performance of the hard disk drive and the surrounding components/devices, as each time a catch-up event occurs, an efficiency/performance penalty is incurred, as the respective engine is halted while the software intervenes to calculate when the engine may be subsequently restarted. [0007] On hard disk drives in particular, drive catch-up conditions have a substantial performance penalty, as it requires one complete revolution of the hard disk storage medium before access to the storage medium may be reinitiated at the same location at which the previous data read/write was stopped. For example, on a 10,000 revolution per minute disk drive, the timing penalty for waiting for the drive medium to complete a single revolution to return to the point on the drive at which the drive medium was halted would be at least 6 milliseconds. Although host catch-up penalties are typically smaller than drive catch-up penalties and depend primarily upon the specific type of interface used, host catch-up penalties nevertheless also contribute to decreased system performance. In a fiber channel arbitrated loop configuration (FC-AL), for example, the halt/wait time penalty generally amounts to the time required to re-arbitrate for the loop. However, on large loops or public loops, the wait time penalty can be significantly increased and become a substantial factor in decreased system performance. Both types of catch-up conditions generally require software intervention to halt and/or reinitiate the respective transfer engine. As a result thereof, both catch-up conditions require allocation of valuable processor cycles, which reduces the number of processor cycles available for other devices and tasks, such as, for example, command reordering. [0008] In view of the performance degradation resulting from catch-up conditions, it is desirable to have a logical structure and/or controlling-type software for hard disk drives that is configured to avoid catch-up conditions and to optimize the host side engine usage so as to reduce the number of times it must be re-started. Some conventional scuzzy-type (SCSI) devices attempt to accomplish this task via allowing users selective control over when the host side engine initiates data transfer. This selective control is generally based upon timing of the host engine's initialization of data transfer with respect to the drive side engine. This timing is generally based upon the size of the intermediately positioned memory buffer and the transfer speeds of the respective engines. In particular, conventional devices may allow users to set the Read Full Ratio in Mode Page 2 for read commands. This ratio generally represents a fraction that indicates how full the drive buffer should be before host data starts getting transferred out of the buffer, Le., 40% or 80%, for example. There is also a corresponding Write Empty Ratio parameter, which represents how empty the buffer should be before the drive engine should request more data to be written thereto, that can be specified for write commands. These are fixed ratios that a sophisticated customer may be able to use in order to maximize loop performance for case specific tasks under very specific conditions. However, the manipulation of these parameters requires that the user have substantial understanding of the respective system and that the respective system has a predictable and relatively constant loop response. However, if system conditions change, as they often do, then the fixed ratios are no longer appropriate and must be recalculated by the user, which may be a substantial task. As an alternative to manually manipulating these parameters, the user may allow the hard disk drive to determine when to start the host side engine in reference to the drive side engine by setting one or both of the Read Full Ratio and Write Empty Ratio to zero. This is generally referred to in the art as using an “adaptive ratio,” which indicates that a consistent value is used to adjust the engine start times. This value remains constant during operation and is not adjusted for system changes. [0009] For example, an SCSI interface utilizes an inter-locked bus design that allows for a relatively high degree of predictability on data transfers. In particular, once a device on an SCSI interface arbitrates and gains control of the bus, data may be instantaneously transferred from one device to the other device. Therefore, generally the only variable that needs to be considered when calculating the optimal time to start the host engine on a transfer, e.g., the adaptive ratios, aside from the respective engine speeds, is the amount of time it takes to gain control of the bus. Therefore, using a worst case bus workload scenario, the amount of time required to gain control of the bus can be calculated and used to represent all other workload cases. This amount of time is relatively constant and with minimal padding can be set so as to generally avoid a drive catch-up condition, while also minimizing the number of host catch-ups conditions. Since the calculated worst-case time to gain control of the bus generally remains constant for writes or reads and generally does not vary from system to system, this approach is generally effective for SCSI based devices. [0010] Alternatively, FC-AL interfaces have a number of variables that contribute to the calculation of the adaptive ratio. As such, FC-AL interfaces are substantially less predictable than SCSI interfaces. For example, on an FC-AL loop, the ability to arbitrate for control of the loop generally depends upon factors such as the loop traffic and the number of ports present on the loop. Therefore, on a busy loop with a large number of ports, the delay required to arbitrate for control of the bus could easily be several milliseconds. Additionally, in an FC-AL configuration data is not instantaneously transferred between devices on a loop, as there is some finite delay between the time when one device sends data and another device actually receives the data. This delay generally increases as the loop size grows, and therefore, increases substantially if there is an interstitially positioned fabric. Furthermore, FC-AL includes unique handling procedures for write data, as the drive sends a Transfer Ready frame when it is ready to begin receiving write data frames. The drive, however, has no control over when the receiver of the Transfer Ready frame will turn around and begin sending these data frames. This turn around time varies from adaptor to adaptor and from system to system, and therefore, further contributes to making it increasingly difficult to calculate the adaptive ratios for an FC-AL type system. [0011] Another major problem in calculating the adaptive ratios is the fact that the data transferred by both the drive engine and the host engine is not a perfectly linear function. If the drive and host transfers were linear functions, the system would be quite predictable and calculating an optimal buffer ration would be simplified. However, both transfers consist of a combination of linear and step functions which complicates the problem. [0012] The drive engine transfers data into (or out of) the buffer in a nearly linear fashion until it reaches the end of a track. At that point, a track switch occurs which injects a step function delay into the drive data transfer. During the track switch, no data is actively being transferred into (or out of) the buffer from the drive engine. This delay is quite significant and can require up to one-third of a revolution to complete. However, the track switch delay is known and fixed. Assuming no servo or drive errors, the drive data transfer function consistently behaves according to a function similar to the one shown in FIG. 2. [0013] Similarly, the host transfer consists of a combination of a step function and a linear function. The host engine encounters a step function as it is attempting to arbitrate the loop. Ones it has control of the loop, the data transfer typically behaves nearly linearly. However, for the host transfer, the problem exists in that the step function delay varies depending on a number of factors outlined below. [0014] The first factor is the loop traffic. As loop traffic increases, the delay to win arbitration also increases. A second factor is physical loop size and topology. FC-AL allows up to 128 ports on a loop. Each port inherently injects some propagation delay into the loop. As the number of ports increases, so does the total loop propagation delay and hence the amount of time to win arbitration. A third factor is the workload type. In SCSI-FCP, reads and writes behave quite differently. A drive only needs to win arbitration once on reads to begin a host data transfer. On writes, a drive must first win arbitration and send a XFER_RDY frame to the initiator indicating how much data the drive is ready to receive. Typically the drive closes the connection at this point. Then, the initiator must win arbitration before the host data transfer can begin. As a result of this extra step, writes incur an additional delay over read commands before the data transfer actually begins. A fourth factor is the type of host system. Some host systems are faster and have larger buffers than others, which results in a variation in system behavior. The amount of time required to process an XFER_RDY frame and begin sending write data varies from system to system. Some systems can keep up with sequential read data streaming from the drive. Others will CLS the connection or temporarily withhold credit when they have exhausted their resources. Other system variations that can affect delays include command turnaround time, queue depth, and transfer length. These system variations translate to delays that the drive firmware must account for to efficiently complete host transfers. The fifth and final factor is host transfer speed. For example, arbitration delays on a 1 Gbps loop will inherently be twice as long as on a 2 Gbps loop. FIG. 3 illustrates how these variations in the arbitration delay can affect the host transfer. [0015] This variation in host delays does affect the frequency of host catch-ups and drive catch-ups. How well this variation is accounted for in calculating buffer ratios is directly attributable to loop efficiency and overall drive performance. Previous designs used a simple table of constants (indexed by zone) to determine how much pad was needed to account for the arbitration delays. Such a static design has no ability to account for any variations in arbitration delays. It can be manually tuned to be efficient for one system and one workload. Moving the same drive to a different system or changing the workload can result in poor performance. [0016] Co-pending application Ser. No. 09/818,161, filed Mar. 23, 2001 entitled “Method for Dynamically Adjusting Buffer Utilization Ratios in a Hard Disk Drive System”, hereinafter incorporated by reference, provides on-the-fly tuning to account for these variations. This uses a pad to account for the delays encountered in the host transfer. The pad is adjusted to attempt to account for changes in host transfer delays and to maximize loop utilization efficiency. The larger the pad, the sooner the host side is started in reference to the drive side transfer, resulting in a smaller probability that a drive catch-up will occur. However, the larger the pad, the greater the number of host catch-ups that are needed to complete a given transfer. More host catch-ups result in more loop tenancies, which leads to more loop overhead and reduced system performance. The smaller the pad becomes, the fewer the number of host transfers that are required to complete a given transfer. However as the pad size is decreased, the risk of incurring a drive catch-up increases. [0017] One of the pad adjustment mechanisms outlined in application Ser. No. 09/818,161 compares the actual amount of host data transferred since the previous host catch-up to a fixed threshold (i.e., goal) based on the drive's segment size. If the actual amount of data transferred exceeds the goal, no pad adjustments are made. If the amount of actual data transferred does not exceed the goal, the pad size is decreased by a predetermined, fixed amount to improve the probability that the host side exceeds the goal during the next transfer. [0018] It would be desirable to provide a dynamic, more realistic goal to provide increased accuracy and adaptability in reaching an optimal pad setting. Rather than relying solely on a single fixed parameter (i.e., a drive's segment size), the goal would dynamically adjust, based on a number of factors including: drive transfer speed, host transfer speed, and track switch locations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0019] The present invention provides a method for dynamically adjusting buffer utilization ratios for a hard disk drive system. The method establishes and dynamically adjusts a host transfer goal, which targets the amount of data transferred between host catch-up conditions for a current command. The actual amount of data transferred between host catch-up conditions is compared against the host transfer goal, and the buffer utilization ratios are adjusted when the actual amount of transferred data does not exceed the transfer goal. [0020] The host transfer goal is determined by a number of operational characteristics, including drive transfer speed, host transfer speed, and track switch locations. As these characteristics change during operation, the host transfer goal is adjusted accordingly, and the data transfer rate is optimized. [0021] In one embodiment, the data transfer goal is established by first initializing a base block count for the current transfer operation, by analyzing both the host and drive transfer speeds. Next, the method iteratively calculates how many additional drive blocks are transferred while the host side is transferring. A data transfer goal is then established from the base block count and the additional drive blocks that are transferred while the host side is transferring. Finally, if a track switch occurs during the host side transfer, the data transfer goal is adjusted accordingly. [0022] If the host side transfer cannot be completed in a single operation, the base block count is initialized to the size of the buffer minus the size of the pad. The pad is defined as an optimal point in time where the host engine should start/restart transferring read data so that the drive side engine does not stall and/or enter into a catch-up condition during the transfer of data into and out of the buffer. Otherwise, if the host side transfer can be completed in a single operation, the base block count is initialized to the remaining blocks in the transfer operation minus the number of drive blocks that will be transferred in the amount of time it takes the host side to complete the transfer for the current command. [0023] The number of blocks the drive side transfers while the base block count is being transferred by the host is computed by multiplying the base block count by the drive data rate inverse, then dividing the product by the host data rate inverse. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] So that the manner in which the above recited features and embodiments are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. [0025] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. [0026] [0026]FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional hard disk drive engine configuration. [0027] [0027]FIG. 2 illustrates a graph of a drive data transfer over time. [0028] [0028]FIG. 3 illustrates a graph of a host data transfer over time. [0029] [0029]FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary buffers of the present invention. [0030] [0030]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a control/adjustment process for adjusting buffer utilization ratios. [0031] [0031]FIG. 6 illustrates a generalized method for establishing a transfer goal used in a dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm in accordance with the present invention. [0032] [0032]FIG. 7A is a detailed flow diagram describing the initialization for goal calculation portion of the method for establishing a transfer goal used in the dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm. [0033] [0033]FIG. 7B is a detailed flow diagram describing the goal calculation portion of the method for establishing the transfer goal used in the dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm. [0034] [0034]FIG. 7C is a detailed flow diagram describing the initialization for track adjustment section of the method for establishing the transfer goal used in the dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm. [0035] [0035]FIGS. 7D and 7E collectively illustrate a detailed flow diagram describing the track adjustment section of the method for establishing the transfer goal used in the dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0036] A general solution to the difficulties associated with dynamically calculating adaptive ratios for a hard disk drive resident in an FC-AL type interface is to dynamically maintain at least one variable that may be used to control memory buffer usage. A first dynamically adjusted variable may represent a number of memory blocks read into a memory buffer by a drive side engine compared to the number of memory blocks currently residing in the memory buffer designated for transfer by a host side. This variable, which may be termed a Read Buffer Pad, may therefore be used to determine an optimal point in time where the host engine should start/restart transferring read data so that the drive side engine does not stall and/or enter into a catch-up condition during the transfer of data into and out of the buffer. A second dynamically adjusted variable, which may be termed the Write Buffer Pad, may represent the difference between the number of memory blocks written into the memory buffer by the host side engine compared to the number of memory blocks remaining in the memory buffer designated for transfer by the drive side engine. This variable may be used to determine the optimal point at which the host side engine should request more data to be written in to the memory buffer so that the drive side engine does not enter into a catch-up condition. These two variables are generally needed since the time to restart the host side transfer for reads can be significantly less than the amount of time to request and receive data for writes. [0037] The dynamic maintenance of the two variables may be configured so that the drive side engine does not stop transferring data until it has reached the end of the command, which will minimize drive side catch-ups. FIG. 4 is presented as an exemplary illustration of hard disk drive data buffers prior to a host side engine being re-started for both a Read command case and a Write command case. The exemplary illustration of FIG. 4 assumes that respective buffers wrap from top to bottom. Therefore, for a read command, FIG. 4 illustrates how the read buffer 400 will fill up with data from the media. At the point where the drive side reaches the read buffer pad delta 402 from the host side location, the host side should begin transferring data to the host system. For a write command case, FIG. 4 illustrates the drive side engine emptying the read buffer 400 as it writes data to the media. Therefore, at the point where the drive side reaches the write buffer pad delta 403 from the host side location, the host side should begin requesting more data to write from the host system. [0038] The respective pads 402 , 403 may be dynamically adjusted during read/write operations, wherein the adjustments may be based upon current drive state as well as the success or failure of the previous pad settings. In order to accomplish this type of dynamic adjustment taking into account previous statistical information, separate statistical counters, as are known in the art, may be used to track and/or record statistical information relative to the configuration. For example, the statistical counters may be used to track and/or record parameters such as the number of host-catch-ups and the number of drive catch-ups for both read and write operations, the number of times the host side engine begins a data transfer, along with various other FC-AL related parameters. Separate variables may also track/record the host side and drive side locations in the buffer during the previous catch-up condition. [0039] The dynamic adjustment of the Read Buffer Pad 402 and the Write Buffer Pad 403 will generally be conducted upon occurrence of catch-up condition. FIG. 5 illustrates a general flow diagram of how a control/adjustment process may utilize feedback from the previous history of catch-up events to adjust the current read/write buffer pads for optimal operation. The flow begins at step 501 when a catch-up event occurs in a hard disk drive. When the catch-up condition occurs, the control process updates the respective read and write buffer pads for operation that is calculated to avoid encountering a future catch-up condition under the circumstances that caused the present catch-up condition at step 502 . The process is further configured to record the parameters and conditions of the hard disk drive system that caused the present catch-up condition at step 503 . This information may be then be used in the updating process of step 502 upon encountering the next catch-up condition. Once the respective pads are updated, the process sets up the host side restart location using the updated pad at step 504 . [0040] Various algorithms may be implemented within step 502 of the process flow shown in FIG. 5 in order to update the respective buffer pads. For example, co-pending application Ser. No. 09/816,161 describes a simple algorithm for adjusting either the Read Buffer Pad or the Write Buffer Pad calculated to increase the appropriate pad by predetermined constant, i.e., 10 blocks, when a catch-up condition occurs. In this type of a configuration and implementation the adjustment constants may be weighted heavier for drive catch-up conditions than for host catch-up conditions due to the severity of the performance penalty for a write catch-up. [0041] The present invention builds upon the simple algorithm described above (i.e., the algorithm of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/816,161) by outlining a mechanism for establishing the threshold/goal to be used in “grading” the outcome of a specific pad setting. In the simple algorithm described above, the threshold/goal was a fixed value based solely on the drive's segment size. In contrast, the present invention calculates a more realistic, dynamic threshold/goal based on the drive and host transfer speeds, and the track switch locations. As described, the present algorithm is only applicable to disk drive designs where the host transfer rate is always faster than the drive data rate. However, the present algorithm can be easily modified if the drive data rate exceeds the host transfer rate. [0042] [0042]FIG. 6 illustrates a generalized method for establishing a transfer goal used in a dynamic buffer ratio adjustment algorithm. At block 600 , the base block count is initialized for a given transfer operation. If the host side transfer cannot be completed in a single operation, the base block count is initialized to the size of the buffer minus the size of the pad. Otherwise, if the host side transfer can be completed in a single operation, the base block count is initialized to the remaining blocks in the transfer operation minus the number of drive blocks that will be transferred in the amount of time it takes the host side to complete the transfer for the current command. [0043] At block 602 , the method iteratively calculates how many additional drive blocks will be transferred while the host side is transferring. The number of blocks the drive side transfers while the base block count is being transferred by the host is computed by multiplying the base block count by the drive data rate inverse, then dividing the product by the host data rate inverse. [0044] Next, at block 604 , the method adds the additional drive blocks that were calculated in the previous step (i.e., block 602 ) to the base block count from step 600 to initially determine a host transfer goal. The initialization and calculation of the host transfer goal is described in much greater detail subsequently in FIGS. 7 A- 7 B. [0045] After the host transfer goal has been initially determined, the method next determines if one or more track switches has occurred during the host side transfer, as shown at block 606 . Finally, at block 608 , the host transfer goal is adjusted for every track switch encountered during the host transfer operation. The track adjustment operation is described in much greater detail subsequently in FIGS. 7 C- 7 E. [0046] An exemplary method of the present invention is described in the primary logic flow illustrated in FIGS. 7 A- 7 E. FIG. 7A generally illustrates the initialization for goal calculation steps of the method. FIG. 7B generally illustrates the goal calculation steps of the method. FIG. 7C generally illustrates the initialization for track adjustment steps of the method. Finally, FIGS. 7D and 7E collectively illustrate the track adjustment steps of the method. [0047] Referring now to FIG. 7A, the method begins at block 700 . At block 702 , it is determined if the MaxLen flag is set. The MaxLen flag is set in an earlier code routine if the calculated theoretical IRLBA (Interrupt Logical Block Address) is greater than the current segment size (i.e., the block transfer cannot be completed in one operation). The theoretical IRLBA is the point where the host side is started in reference to the drive side to ensure that the remaining host transfer completes in one operation with a minimal delay. This is a calculation based on the current host transfer rate and the drive data rate for the current zone of the disk drive. Thus, if the MaxLen flag is set, the block transfer cannot be completed in one operation, and the actual IRLBA (i.e., the point where the host start will be automatically started when the drive side reaches this logical block address) is set at the current segment size (memory buffer size) less the pad setting to account for the amount of time needed to gain loop access. At this point, execution proceeds to block 704 . If the MaxLen flag is not set (i.e., the block transfer can be completed in a single operation), the actual IRLBA is set to the theoretical IRLBA, plus any track switch adjustments, and execution then proceeds to block 706 . [0048] At block 706 , the base block count (i.e., the total number of blocks that can be transferred at the current IRLBA setting) is initialized to the remaining blocks in the transfer minus the theoretical drive block count. The theoretical drive block count is how many drive blocks will be transferred in the amount of time it takes the host side to complete the transfer for the current command. The difference between the number of blocks remaining for the current command and the theoretical drive block count is typically the point where the actual IRLBA will be set (unless there is an adjustment made for a track switch) to allow the host side to finish its transfer in one operation. [0049] Execution now proceeds to block 708 , where it is determined if the actual IRLBA is greater than the theoretical IRLBA. In some cases, the actual IRLBA is adjusted after the theoretical IRLBA calculation to account for drive side delays due to a pending track switch. If the actual IRLBA is less than or equal to the theoretical IRLBA, control passes to block 712 . If the actual IRLBA is greater than the theoretical IRLBA, control passes go to block 710 , where the base block count is adjusted to the actual IRLBA to reflect the actual number of drive blocks that will be transferred when the host side is eventually started. Control then passes to block 712 [0050] Referring now to block 704 , since the MaxLen flag is set, the actual IRLBA being used has been set to the segment size minus the current arbitration delay pad. If the pad has adjusted correctly, at least one segment of host data will be transferred before the next host catch-up condition. The base block count is initialized to the segment size. Control then passes to block 712 . [0051] At block 712 , the host transfer count is set to the base block count (i.e., the number of blocks from the base address to the actual IRLBA). Regardless of what happens on the drive side, when the host side starts transferring data, there will always be memory available in the segment for this many blocks of data. [0052] Referring now to FIG. 7B, at block 714 , it is determined if the current segment size is greater than the remaining block count. In other words, this step is basically a boundary condition test that provides a shortcut to bypass the goal calculation algorithm if the remaining block count to transfer for this command is less than or equal to the current segment size. If this is the case, the host transfer goal is set to the remaining block count at block 716 . Alternatively, if the current segment size is greater than the remaining block count, control passes to block 718 . [0053] Block 718 is the first step in a loop that determines how many blocks that the host side transfers in the next operation for the actual IRLBA setting (assuming no track switches). Once again, the actual IRLBA is the point where the host side will be automatically started when the drive side reaches this LBA. As the host side transfers this amount of data, the drive side continues transferring data to memory. As a result, it becomes necessary to determine how many blocks the drive side transfers as the host side proceeds with its own transfer. To determine this, the base block count (which has already been initialized for the current IRLBA setting) is multiplied by the drive data rate inverse (ns/byte) divided by the host data rate inverse (ns/byte). This formula is derived from the following equations: [0054] (1) Host transfer time=host blocks*blocks-to-bytes conv. factor/host rate [0055] (2) Drive transfer time=drive blocks*blocks-to-bytes conv. factor/drive rate [0056] (3) host transfer time=drive transfer time [0057] (4) host blocks*blocks-to-bytes conv. factor/host rate=drive blocks*blocks-to-bytes conv. factor drive rate [0058] (5) host blocks/host rate=drive blocks/drive rate [0059] (6) host blocks*host rate inverse (ns/byte)=drive blocks*drive rate inverse (ns/byte) [0060] (7) host blocks*host rate inverse (ns/byte)/drive rate inverse (ns/byte)=drive blocks [0061] Assuming the drive side moves this many blocks while the host side completes the previous base block transfer, this amount of blocks will be available/free in the segment for additional host transfer. As a result, the base block count is updated to reflect this new amount of data for the host side to transfer. [0062] At this point, execution proceeds to block 720 , where the host transfer count is updated to include the updated base block count from block 718 . The host transfer count serves as a cumulative count of the number of blocks the host side should be able to transfer in the next operation (where operation is considered to be a single host engine start to pause to complete cycle). [0063] Next, execution proceeds to block 722 , where it is determined if the base block count is greater than 0. If so, execution loops back to block 718 to calculate the new base block count. Since the host side is always faster than the drive side, eventually the quotient from the division in block 718 (the host data rate inverse) will become zero (i.e., the algorithm uses integer math where the remainder is not checked). As a result, the calculated host transfer count will be slightly smaller than the best case host transfer count that would be determined if floating point math were used. When the base block count eventually reaches 0, control passes to block 724 . [0064] At block 724 , It is determined if the host transfer count is less than the track switch sector count. This step is a shortcut to bypass track switch adjustments to the goal if they are not needed. Thus, if the amount of host data expected to be transferred in the next operation is less than the number of sectors from the current drive location until the next track switch, the calculated host transfer count should be transferred in the next operation since there should be no drive side delays caused by a track switch (assuming no drive or server errors). As a result, if the host transfer count is less than the track switch sector count, execution passes to block 737 , where the host transfer goal is set to the host transfer count, and the routine is exited. If the host transfer count is greater than the track switch sector count, execution passes to block 726 . [0065] Block 726 is reached if there are upcoming track switches that need to be accounted for. At a minimum, the host side should be able to transfer data up to the point where the track switch occurs. Thus, the host transfer goal is initially set to the track switch sector count. Execution then passes to block 728 . At block 728 , the number of sectors until the next track switch are subtracted from the host transfer count, and execution proceeds to block 730 . [0066] Proceeding now to FIG. 7C, block 730 marks the beginning of the initialization for track adjustment section of the method. The track switch adjustment section is responsible for adjusting the host transfer goal by factoring in drive transfer delays caused by track switches. At block 730 , the actual IRLBA is compared with the track switch sector count. If the track switch occurs before the actual IRLBA setting, the delay caused by the track switch does not need to be taken into account, since the host side will not yet be running. In this instance, execution proceeds at block 734 . If the track switch occurs after the actual IRLBA setting, the host blocks after track switch variable is set to zero at block 732 , and execution continues at block 736 . [0067] At block 734 , the host blocks after track switch variable is initialized to the difference between the actual IRLBA and the track switch location. The first track switch will not have to be factored into the host transfer goal adjustment, since the host side will not be running when the drive side pauses for the track switch. Execution now continues at block 736 . [0068] At block 736 , a new variable, host blocks during track switch, is initialized. For each zone, the track switch delay is given in a count of drive sector times. This delay is converted from drive sector counts to host block counts. The host blocks during track switch variable is then initialized to the drive blocks for track switch multiplied by the drive data rate inverse (ns/byte) divided by the host transfer rate inverse (ns/byte). Execution then continues at block 738 . [0069] Proceeding now to FIG. 7D, block 738 marks the beginning of the track adjustment section of the method. At block 738 , it is determined if the host blocks after switch variable (which was previously set at blocks 732 and 734 ) is set to zero. If the variable is set to zero, control passes to block 758 . If the variable is not set to zero, control passes to block 740 . [0070] At block 740 , since the host blocks after track switch variable is non-zero, the actual IRLBA occurs after the first track switch. The host transfer goal does not need to be adjusted for this first track switch. Test whether the remaining host transfer count is less than the number of sectors per track for this zone. If the count is less control passes to block 746 , otherwise if the count is greater than or equal to the number of sectors per track, control passes to block 742 . [0071] At block 742 , since the remaining host transfer count is greater than or equal to the number of sectors per track for this zone, the adjustment algorithm will need to adjust for another track switch. However, since there should be no drive side delays during normal on-track operations, the host transfer goal is incremented by the number of sectors per track. Next, at block 744 , the remaining host transfer count is decremented by the number of sectors per track for this zone. Control then passes to block 750 . [0072] At block 750 , the host blocks after track switch variable is tested to determine if it is less than the number of sectors per track for the current zone. If so, control passes to block 754 . If the host blocks after track switch variable is greater than or equal to the number of sectors per track for the current zone, control passes to block 752 . [0073] At block 752 , since the host blocks after track switch is greater than or equal to the number of sectors per track, the actual IRLBA is set sometime after the next track switch. The host blocks after track switch variable is decremented by the number of sectors per track for the current zone. Control then passes to block 756 . [0074] At block 754 , since the host blocks after track switch variable is less than the number of sectors per track, the actual IRLBA will occur sometime on this track. As a result the track switch at the end of this track will have to be accounted for in adjusting the host transfer goal. The host blocks after track switch variable is set to zero. Control then passes to block 756 . [0075] At block 746 , since the remaining host transfer count is less than the number of sectors per track for this zone, the actual IRLBA was set after the first track switch and the remaining transfer will complete before the second track switch is reached. If the actual IRLBA has been properly set, this remaining data transfer should complete in the next operation and no track switch adjustments to the goal should be needed. As a result, the host transfer goal is incremented by the remaining host transfer count, and control passes to block 748 . At block 748 , since the end of the operation has been reached, the remaining host transfer count is set to zero, and control passes to block 756 . [0076] Moving now to FIG. 7E, since the value of the host blocks after track switch variable is zero, the actual IRLBA occurs before the first track switch (as shown at block 758 ). In this case, the host transfer goal must be adjusted for all remaining track switches. The host transfer count is tested to determine if its value is less than the host blocks during track switch variable. If it is, the host catch-up will occur while the drive side is in the middle of the track switch and the goal should only include blocks before the track switch. Control then passes to block 772 , where the host transfer count is set to zero in order to exit the track adjustment loop. Control then passes to 756 . [0077] At block 760 , since the host transfer count is greater than the host blocks during track switch variable, the next host catch-up condition will occur sometime after the current track switch. As a result, the host transfer count is decremented by the delay caused by the track switch. Adjusting the host transfer count without incrementing the host transfer goal effectively factors in the track switch delay into the goal setting. Control next passes to block 762 . [0078] At block 762 , it is determined whether the host transfer count will finish on the next track (i.e., is the host transfer count less that the number of sectors per track for the current zone). If not, control passes to block 764 . Under this condition, the entire track should be transferred before the next host catch-up condition. The host transfer goal is incremented by the number of sectors per track for this zone, and control passes to block 766 . [0079] At block 766 , the host transfer count is decremented by the number of sectors per track for this zone. Thus, the next track switch needs to be accounted for prior to incrementing the host transfer goal again. Control next passes to block 756 . [0080] At block 768 , since the host transfer count is less than the number of sectors per track for this zone, the next host catch-up condition is expected to occur sometime on this track. As a result, the host transfer goal is incremented by the host transfer count. Control then passes to block 770 . [0081] At block 770 , the host transfer goal has been adjusted to account for track switches for the entire expected host transfer (i.e., the end of the expected host transfer has been reached). As a result, the host transfer count is set to zero in order to exit the track adjustment loop. [0082] At block 772 , since the host transfer count is less than the host blocks during track switch variable, the next host catch-up is expected to occur sometime during this track switch. Thus, the host transfer goal is not incremented beyond this track switch location. The host transfer count is then set to zero in order to exit the track adjustment loop. [0083] At block 756 , the host transfer count is examined to see if it is greater than zero. If it is, ; 20 there are still blocks that are expected to be transferred in the next operation, so control passes back to block 738 to continue processing these blocks for track switch adjustments. Alternatively, if the host transfer count is zero, the host transfer goal has been adjusted for track switches for all blocks in the next expected transfer. Since the adjustments are complete, the final host transfer goal has been set, and the method is exited at block 774 . [0084] While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

A method, which may be embodied upon a computer readable medium and executed by a processor, for dynamically adjusting buffer utilization ratios for a hard disk drive system. The method establishes and dynamically adjusts a host transfer goal, which targets the amount of data transferred between host catch-up conditions for a current command. The actual amount of data transferred between host catch-up conditions is compared against the host transfer goal, and the buffer utilization ratios are adjusted when the actual amount of transferred data does not exceed the transfer goal. The host transfer goal is established by a number of operational characteristics, including drive transfer speed, host transfer speed, and track switch locations.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION elongated direction This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 07/663,3451, filed on even date herewith in the names of Bryan Beaman et al and entitled "Z-Axis Dimensional Control in Manufacturing an LED Printhead." BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates, in general, to non-impact printheads and more specifically, to optical printheads such as LED printheads for use in copiers, duplicators and printers. 2. Description of the Prior Art Optical printheads are used in copiers, duplicators and printers to expose a photoconductive surface or film in the apparatus in such a manner that a latent image is formed on the film. The image is later developed and transferred to paper for producing a hard copy output from the apparatus. Normally, optical printheads use light-emitting diodes (LED's) to generate or produce the radiation necessary to expose the photoconductive film. Such printheads may also be used to expose photographic film or other photosensitive materials. In conventional printheads, the LED's are arranged in a linear array of LED's having a designed density to provide a resolution of a predetermined number of dots per inch. In other words, the greater the number of dots per inch desired to be printed, the greater will be the number of LED's grouped together in a linear length. In high resolution printheads, the requirements for the spacing between the LED's becomes critical. In most cases, the LED's are provided on separate chip assemblies with each chip having several LED's such as 128 per chip. Printheads having several thousands LED's in a linear array, therefore, require many chips to construct such an array. Since any spacing between the chips which is greater than the spacing between the individual LED segments on each chip will produce undesirable prints or copies, it has been disirable, according to the prior art, to mount the chips as closely to the specified pitch between adjacent LED's as possible. With lower resolution systems, this has not become a major problem. However, with the desire to go to higher resolution printing, and thus more closely spaced LED's, the spacing in the printhead between the LED chips is of critical significance. Not only is it a mechanical problem in spacing the LED chips, it becomes a problem of thermal expansion since printheads can develop a considerable amount of heat. Thus, regardless of the ability to position the LED chips close together because of the structure of the chips, unless some means for compensating for the expansion of the printhead due to changes in temperature are present, a satisfactory printhead cannot be obtained for high resolution printing. Thermal expansion of the printhead elements also can cause mechanical failure between the bonds of various members and surfaces within the printhead. In order to prevent this type of failure, it is necessary to allow for the difference in the thermal coefficient of expansion of the various members and materials used to construct the printhead. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an optical printhead which can have the LED's arranged for high density printing and which can compensate for or tolerate materials in the construction of the printhead having significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion. There is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,051 an optical LED printhead. The printhead includes a main printed circuit board having a rectangular opening therein. Modular daughter boards, or tiles, are arranged within the rectangular opening of the printed circuit board. Each of these tiles includes chips and circuitry containing a string of light-emitting diodes. The tiles are constructed of a stainless steel material with a gold coating having a thermal coefficient of expansion substantially the same as that of the elements and chips bonded thereto to form the circuit on the tile. Interconnection between the circuits is accomplished by small jumper wires. Each of the separate modular tiles used to construct the optical printhead is bonded to a backing plate, or mother board, which is also constructed of stainless steel to match the thermal coefficient of expansion of the individual tiles. The backing plate is mounted underneath the printed circuit board and between the printed circuit board and a rigid aluminum heatsink or heat-dissipating structure with a precise flat mounting surface which is used to remove heat from the printhead elements. In order to provide a workable system even though the thermal coefficients of expansion of the heatsink and the backing plate are different, a system of guides and pins is used. This permits relative movement between the backing plate and the heatsink but limits the direction of this movement so that it will be consistent with the alignment of the LED's. In an improvement described in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/455,125, filed Dec. 22, 1989 the main printed circuit is eliminated and signal distribution is accomplished by daisy-chaining signals from one tile to the next tile through interconnection of corresponding spreader boards located on each tile. While the above constructions work well, it is an object of the invention to further simplify construction of such LED printheads. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects which will become apparent from reading of the description provided below are realized by a non-impact printhead assembly, comprising: a plurality of modular circuit assemblies each including a plurality of recording elements and associated integrated circuit drivers; a plurality of circuit assembly mounting tiles; a rail mounted to said tiles; a heatsink for supporting the tiles; and means engaging the rail for resiliently urging the tiles into intimate thermal coupling with the heatsink. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view shown in schematic of a printhead assembled in accordance with the invention; FIG 2 is a section of the printhead taken along the line A--A of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged section of a portion of the printhead illustrated in FIg. 2; and FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Because apparatus of the type described herein are well known, the present description will be directed in particular to elements forming part of or cooperating more directly with the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1-3, an LED printhead 10 is formed using a series of tile modules 20a, b, . . . l, m. Tile module 20a is typical and has a series of gallium arsenide or gallium aluminum arsenide LED dice 30a, 30b, 30c mounted end to end to form a row of such dice on a central axis of the front face of the tile. To each side of the row of dice, there will be provided a corresponding number of integrated circuit silicon driver chips 40a,b,c and 42a,b,c so that two driver chips are associated with each LED die. Typically, an LED die 30 may have say 128 LED's arranged in say a row so that each driver chip 40, 42 drives 64 of the LED's formed within a corresponding die. Also, typically, the silicon driver chips each have 64 channels, i.e. current-generating circuits that may provide regulated driving currents to respective LED'S that are selected to be activated. Printed circuit or spreader boards 36a, 36b are mounted to the front face of the tile to provide a means for distribution of electrical signals such as data, power and clock signals to the driver chips. A specific spreader board that is preferred is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/455,125, filed Dec. 22, 1989. The spreader boards will be located on the tile to the outboard side of each row of driver chips. The spreader boards each include a series of bond pads 38a, 38b along opposite edges thereof for connection of signals to adjacent spreader boards or to termination boards 50, 52 that are present at the ends of printhead 10. As noted with more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/455,125, bus bar assemblies 60a, 60b are provided for carrying power and ground signals along the length of the printhead to the various spreader boards for distribution of such signals to the various driver chips. Only tile module 20a is illustrated to show the various components mounted on the tile. In addition to the illustrated components, there will be bonding wires for connecting such components together. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the tiles 20 are mounted upon stainless steel rails 70a, 70b which rails extend for the length of the printhead; i.e., the length of the tile assemblies, so as to support the tiles thereon. The tiles are assembled one by one onto the rails 70a, 70b using adhesive. Each tile is prepared in accordance with the method described in the cross-referenced application so that the assembly of driver chips and LED dice are accurately formed on the tile. With the spreader boards and wiring also attached to the tile, the tile module may be tested and suitably burned in. Satisfactory tile modules are then carefully assembled to the metal rails 70a, 70b to ensure that all the LED's are accurately aligned in a row. Prior to placement of the tile on the rails, the rails are each covered with two different adhesives. Each rail is a two-legged rail with the inner leg receiving a two-part structural epoxy adhesive 14 that can be cured at room temperature. The outer leg of each rail receives a UV curable epoxy 12 that is promptly cured by application of UV light after each tile has been placed in position on the rails. After all the tiles have been mounted on the rails, the assembly is placed upon a heatsink 19. The heatsink surface that is to be thermally coupled to the undersides of the tiles is coated with a thermal grease 16 or in lieu thereof, a thin sheet (0.001" thick) of aluminum foil ooated with thermally eleotrioally conductive rubber that serves as a grease replacement material may be used between the heatsink and the tiles. This construction allows for thermal expansion of the tiles relative to the heatsink by allowing sliding movement between them. In order to ensure intimate thermal coupling between the tiles and the heatsink, the tiles are spring-urged towards the heatsink using cantilevered spring steel leaf springs 85a, 85b. The leaf springs shown in FIG. 3 extend the length of the rails and are positioned each within a slot formed within each rail. As shown in FIG. 3, a bottom cover 18 for the printhead includes a central upstanding wall on either side of the sides of the heatsink. Side extensions 64 of the heatsink extend above these side walls 66. Screw holes are provided in these upstanding walls 66 and the side extensions 64 to the heatsink to allow screws, S, to connect the side extensions 64 to the bottom cover. The leaf springs 85a, 85b are also positioned between the upstanding walls 66 and the side extensions 64 of the heatsink and include apertures through which screws, S, can pass so that when clamped together by the screws, the leaf springs 85a, 85b cantileveredly extend into the slots 75a, 75b, respectively, in the rails. An offset "d" is provided between the bottom walls of the slots 75a, 75b and the top surfaces of the upstanding walls 66 prior to clamping by the screws. Upon clamping of the heatsink to the upstanding wall 66 by tightening of the screws, S, the leaf springs are flattened between the upstanding wall 66 and the side extensions 64 of the heatsink. The cantilevered portions of the leaf springs in slots 75a, 75b distort to urge the rails downwardly in FIG. 3 thereby resiliently urging the tiles into thermal coupling with the heatsink. While only two screws are illustrated in the Figures, it will be understood that there are a series of the screws provided and spaced along the length of the printhead beneath every other tile. As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rails each include two depending pins, P1, P2, P3, P4, at their respective ends that engage within recesses formed in the bottom cover member. Two diagonally opposite recesses R1, R4, formed in the bottom cover are slots, one (R1) elongated in the direction of the printhead, the other (R4) elonqated in a direotion transverse to this dimension. These recesses allow the tile and rail assemblage to shift relative to the bottom cover and heatsink during operation of the printhead wherein the thermal expansion occurs. If desired, the heatsink may be adhesively attached to the tiles using a thermally conductive adhesive. In addition, a lens such as a Selfoc lens, trademark of Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Ltd., is used to focus light from the LED's and a glass cover plate placed over the bottom of member to seal the assembly from dust. While a preferred embodiment has been described with reference to stainless steel rails and spring steel leaf springs, other materials may be used; for example, the rails may be aluminum and the leaf springs may be formed of a beryllium copper. The materials used depend on the anticipated temperature ranges of operation. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein reference numerals indicated with a prime refer to similar parts to that described for FIG. 3. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a leaf spring 85a' is rigidly attached to a rail 70a' by screws, S'. The side extensions 64' of the heatsink engage the cantilevered end of the leaf spring to urge the rail downwardly and, thus, the tiles such as tile 20b, are urged or biased towards the heatsink. A similar arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the heatsink. In this embodiment the rail and spring could be assembled and the heatsink slid in from the end. It will be appreciated that an improved printhead has been provided that is of relatively simple structure and provides for thermal considerations of the various parts of the assemblage. While the invention has been described with reference to recording elements such as LED's, other recording elements such as laser diodes, ink jet, thermal, light valve, etc. may also make use of the teachings contained herein. The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A non-impact printhead such as an LED printhead includes a plurality of modular circuit assemblies, each including a plurality of recording elements and associated integrated circuit drivers. Each modular circuit assembly is mounted upon a tile. Rails are attached to the underside of the tiles to join the tiles together. A heatsink supports the tiles. The tiles are urged into engagement with the heatsink by cantilevered leaf springs.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENTAL INTEREST The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. N00039-89-C-5301 awarded by the Department of the Navy. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to signal processing and, more specifically, to a processor and processing methods designed to suppress interference in an input signal and, hence, to decrease degradation of a signal of interest caused by the presence of such interference. The invention is especially applicable to spread spectrum communications signal processors or to other situations where the signal of interest is to be detected by a correlation process and the interference (a) is much stronger than the signal of interest, and (b) can be characterized by greater predictability than simple white Gaussian (random) noise. In a single-input communications signal processor, the input signal typically is sampled and the output signal is synthesized at discrete times. At any time, the output signal is then some function of the input signal at such discrete times with the function or transformation defining the signal processing. (Herein function, transformation and mapping are used interchangeably to mean a mathematical relationship/correspondence between two sets, e.g., signal input and output. A function/transformation/mapping that is nonlinear may be termed a nonlinearity for short.) The most common single-input signal processors for interference suppression are linear, i.e., the function determining the output can be expressed as a sum of the inputs at each sample time, multiplied by constants. Such a processor is simply a filter, and is effective at suppressing interference only if the normalized power spectrum (the power distribution by frequency of the interference is not equal to that of the signal of interest. An additional limitation of some linear signal processors is that those that are designed to adapt to the interference environment usually do so by means of an iterative approach in which the results of the processing currently being performed are inspected and used to compute modifications to the signal processing parameters. Such iterative approaches can be slow to adapt and may adapt inappropriately under certain conditions. Linear signal processors have been studied extensively and their properties are well known. A sampling of such processors can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,261 to Kobayashi et al; 4,243,935 to McCool et al; 4,207,624 to Dentino et al; 3,889,108 to Cantrell; and 3,867,712 to Harthill et al. In some signal processors the function used to generate an output signal cannot be put into linear form. In general, such nonlinear processes are much less familiar than linear ones to those with ordinary skill in the art, and their effects are more difficult to predict. One of the best known types of nonlinearity is that having zero memory, that is, the output at time t depends only on the input at that same time. A brief description of two simple zero-memory nonlinearities will help clarify how such processing works. The first type of nonlinearity is used in cases when the interference to be suppressed is impulsive, that is, it consists largely of isolated pulses. Examples are pulse jammers, motor vehicle ignition noise, and atmospherics. FIG. 1a shows an input signal tainted with a pulse from such an interference source. As a specific example, the signal processor might be trying to decode a phase-keyed signal, to determine whether a data bit (FIG. 1b) or data bit 0 (FIG. 1c) was sent. The processor computes the correlation of the input signal with each of the test waveforms (data 0 and 1) and chooses the one whose correlation is the greatest. In the example shown, one can see that although the true signal of interest was the data 1 waveform, the interference, during its pulse, happens to correlate strongly with the data 0 waveform. As a result, if the interference pulse is strong enough, it will outweigh the signal of interest in the correlation sum and cause a received error. If the interference environment is known in advance, the assumption can be made that the weak part of the waveform in FIG. 1a is the signal of interest and the strong part is the interference. To improve detection of the signal of interest, the processor could then disregard the high-level input signal samples since they are dominated by interference. This suggests using a zero-memory nonlinearity in which a cutoff threshold, A t , is set just above the maximum level of the desired signal of interest (dotted line in FIG. 1a). A x is the "envelope" amplitude of x (dashed line in FIG. 1a). When A x ≧A t the nonlinearity reduces the output to zero. When this nonlinearity is applied to the input waveform of FIG. 1, it produces the output, FIG. 1d, which is then correlated against the data 0 and 1 waveforms, i.e., the output waveform is multiplied sample by sample by the test waveform and the resulting products are summed. Although some of the signal of interest is lost during the interference pulse, all of the interference is suppressed and the correct data decision will be made. This nonlinearity is called a "hole puncher," and is just one of many possible limiters used to reduce the impact of impulsive interference by de-emphasizing large-amplitude parts of an input waveform. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,076 to Dwyer. A frequency-domain analog is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,978 to Kurth et al. A second zero-memory nonlinearity is that used against constant-amplitude interference. This interference has amplitude behavior that is just the opposite of impulsive interference, and suppressing it requires a very different nonlinearity. An input waveform is shown in FIG. 2a. It is dominated by an interference waveform with peak amplitude, A. A weak signal of interest, the same as in FIG. 1, is also present. The input signal of interest-plus-interference sum fluctuates, its peak amplitude, A x , surpassing A when signal of interest and interference are in phase and add constructively, and filling short of A when the signal of interest and interference are out of phase and tend to cancel. The correlation sum formed by the processor will indicate the wrong data if the interference is strong enough and out of phase with the signal of interest for a large enough fraction of the correlation period. In the case of strong constant-amplitude interference, it is clear that when the input signal envelope is greater than A, the signal of interest is in phase with the interference and the input waveform can be used as an estimate of the signal of interest. Conversely, when the input signal envelope is less than A, the signal of interest must be out of phase with the interference and can be estimated as the negative of the input waveform. Moreover, the more the peak amplitude deviates from A, the more exactly the signal of interest must be in (or out of) phase with the interference and the better it is estimated as the input waveform (or its negative). A reasonable nonlinearity to use against constant-amplitude interference might therefore produce an output with the same phase as that of the input, but with an amplitude proportional to the difference between A x and A. This process is sometimes called a "limiter/canceller". See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,710,723 to Pelchat et al; 4,270,223 to Marston; and 3,605,018 and 3,478,268 both to Coviello. Note that unlike the linear processes, such as filters, and other techniques such as sine-wave cancellation (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,349,916 to Roeder; 3,949,309 to Pecar; and 4,287,475 to Eaton et al), these nonlinear processes do not depend on any particular frequency characteristics on the part of the interference. For example, a limiter/canceller can greatly improve detection of a weak phase-keyed signal of interest in the presence of a much stronger constant-amplitude phase-keyed interference source, even though the interference power is distributed in frequency exactly the same as the signal of interest and therefore cannot be suppressed by single-input filtering. However, "hole punchers"; limiter/cancellers; and other nonlinear techniques intended for use against specific interference types do not usually implement adaptive estimates of the interference of the moment as does the invention described and claimed herein. Previous adaptive nonlinear techniques (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,792,915 to Adams et al; 4,774,682 to White; 4,530,076 to Dwyer; and 3,833,797 to Grobman et al) do not implement optimum signal detection transforms based on the full probability distribution of interference variables, and therefore do not suppress as broad a range of interference types as effectively as does the invention described and claimed herein. Further, the invention also does not need the multiple inputs found in, e.g., directional antenna combining (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,355,368 to Zeidler et al and 4,017,859 to Medwin) or reference interference subtraction (No. 4,594,695 to Garconnat et al). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a processor and processing methods which provide adaptive locally-optimum detection. Local means that the interference is much stronger than the signal of interest, i.e., the sum of the interference plus signal of interest is near or local to the interference alone. Optimum refers to the best nonlinearity of a given class, e.g., zero-memory amplitude transformations, to suppress the interference. (See, e.g., D. Middleton, "Statistical Theory of Signal Detection," Symposium on Statistical Methods in Communications Engineering, IRE Trans. Info. Theor., PGIT-3, no. 26 (1954); A. D. Spaulding and D. Middleton, "Optimum Reception in an Impulsive Interference Environment, "IEEE Trans. Commun. COM-25, no. 9, pp. 910-934 (Sept. 1977); and A. D. Spaulding, "Locally Optimum and Suboptimum Detector Performance in a Non-Gaussian Interference Environment, "IEEE Trans. Commun., COM-33, no. 6 (June 1985).) The ability to adapt is crucial, since the interference statistics/characteristics determine what processing is appropriate (as the examples above illustrated), and those characteristics cannot always be anticipated. If a signal processor fails to adapt, it may easily aggravate, rather than suppress, the impact of the interference. Hitherto, nonlinear processing has been implemented with only very limited adaptation, such as varying the clipping or hole-punching threshold, A t . The invention described and claimed herein permits applying a much broader class of nonlinear processes than just hole punchers and limiter/cancellers by implementing a general zero-memory amplitude nonlinearity, ##EQU1## Additionally, the invention implements nonlinearities which have memory and which act on phase components of the input signal As noted above, linear signal processing methods usually use an iterative approach which can be slow to adapt and may adapt inappropriately. The invention, on the other hand, adapts without iteration by analyzing the interference environment and computing the optimum nonlinearity at each sample time. This method is free of the convergence and stability problems of iterative adaptation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, consisting of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d is a set of waveform plots illustrating the application of a "hole puncher" nonlinearity to suppress impulsive interference. FIG. 2, consisting of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, is a set of waveform plots illustrating the application of a "limiter/canceller" nonlinearity to suppress constant-amplitude interference. FIG. 3 illustrates a plot of interference amplitude probability distribution. FIG. 4, consisting of FIGS. 4a and 4b, illustrates for purposes of comparison plots of amplitude probability distributions and locally-optimum nonlinearities, respectively, for Gaussian and atmospheric noise. FIG. 5, consisting of FIGS. 5a and 5b, illustrates amplitude probability distribution and locally-optimum nonlinearity, respectively, for constant-amplitude interference plus Gaussian noise. FIG. 6, consisting of FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, illustrates a quantile representation of an amplitude probability distribution. FIG. 7 illustrates a plot of a two-dimensional interference probability distribution. FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a signal processor. FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a statistical signal analyzer. FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of a signal processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to adapt the nonlinearity o the interference environment of the moment, the interference environment must be characterized by estimating its statistics at each sample time. This is done by utilizing at least one dynamic variable of the input signal. Variables are chosen based on the type(s) of interference which the signal processor is required to suppress. Possible variables are: (a) envelope amplitude, (b) phase velocity, (c) in-phase and quadrature amplitudes, (d) higher-order time derivatives of any of the above, (e) Fourier transform (real) amplitude of (c), (f) Fourier transform phase slope (vs. frequency) of (c). Joint multivariate distributions based on two or more variables are also possible. A preferred embodiment of the invention is to use amplitude and phase velocity as discussed below. Use of amplitude as a variable is particularly effective against peak-power limited interference sources since locally-optimum detection provides significant suppression of interference which stays at or near a fixed amplitude much of the time. Use of phase velocity as a variable suppresses interference with non-uniformly distributed phase velocity. For example, it can suppress narrowband interference, as a filter does, but also wideband modulations with some phase predictability, such as frequency-shift and phase-shift keying waveforms. A second preferred embodiment of the invention is to use Fourier transforms (variables (e) and (f) above). In this case the amplitude and phase information from all frequencies is used to arrive at a set of amplitude and phase probability distributions which are then used to generate a transformation to be applied to all frequency components equally. Prior art signal processing which works in the Fourier transform, i.e., frequency, domain normally operates on each frequency component essentially independently (as in Nos. 4,017,859 to Medwin; 4,355,368 to Zeidler; 4,594,695 to Garconnat; and 4,613,978 to Kurth et al), or at most using information from adjacent frequencies (as in No. 4,330,076 to Dwyer). The Fourier transform processing used by this embodiment of the invention is novel in its use of all frequency components to totally determine the processing at each frequency. The mathematical derivation of the locally-optimum nonlinearity when envelope amplitude is the dynamic variable being characterized is now presented (Equations (2)-(4) below). When using envelope amplitude, the statistics of the interference which must be estimated are given by the amplitude probability distribution (APD). Under the special condition that the signal of interest is much weaker than the interference, the APD can be estimated easily, since the input signal of interest-plus-interference, whose amplitudes can be measured directly, is a good approximation to the interference alone. Also, the optimum nonlinearity for weak signals is especially simple to calculate from the interference APD. As noted previously, it is this weak signal assumption that underlies the method of the invention. The assumption that the signal of interest is much weaker than the interference is reasonable, since the method of the invention is designed to work on spread-spectrum communication links that do not begin to encounter problems until the interference level is already substantially higher than that of the signal. The method's net effect is to bring the interference level down toward that of the signal of interest. A communication processor with processing gain (a de-bandspreader and/or decoder) is then required to extract the signal of interest. The signal processor of the invention estimates the interference APD by assuming that the input amplitudes measured during a period of time are statistically representative. Once an interference APD is estimated, for example that shown in FIG. 3, the optimum nonlinearity for detecting a weak signal is computed as follows: For any measured input signal of interest-plus-interference amplitude, A x , the likely correlation of the signal of interest, S, with the measured input, x, (and therefore also with the interference, I) is determined by comparing the relative probabilities of S and I being exactly in phase or 180° out of phase (In fact, the phase angle between S and I can be anything, but the derivation can be grasped intuitively by ignoring the two-dimensional nature of the problem and looking at the simplified one-dimensional situation plotted in FIG. 3.) Roughly speaking, if the APD has a slope at the measured point, the probabilities of S and I being in or out of phase are not equally likely and the optimum output amplitude should be positive (in phase with the input) or negative (out of phase with the input) depending on whether that slope is negative or positive. In FIG. 3, the lower interference amplitude is more likely so the chances are that the signal was in phase with the interference and therefore with the input, and the output amplitude is positive. The steeper the slope of the APD, the more likely it is that the estimate of signal phase is correct and the more strongly the sample should be weighted in the overall correlation sum. In other words, the magnitude of the output amplitude should vary with the APD slope It is straightforward to develop the optimum nonlinearity as the expectation value of the signal, <S>: ##EQU2## Equation (Eq.) (2) provides the desired nonlinearity, f(A x ), to be used. It is known as the locally (i.e., small signal) optimum detector. With regard to Eq. (2) a. The approximation that the input is roughly equal to the interference has been used freely. b. It is not necessary to know the amplitude of the desired signal, A x , so long as it is constant, since multiplying the output by a positive constant will not affect the receiver's data decoding decisions. c. The variable p A (A x ) is the probability density function for the interference amplitude, estimated by making many measurements of the input amplitude. It is divided by A x to correct for the nonuniformity of polar coordinates (Because A, φ are polar coordinates, dAd,φ is not a constant area but is proportional to A. As a result, the probability of occupying a unit area at A=A x in the A, φ plane is p A (A x )/A x .) What does the nonlinearity, Eq. (2), look like under various interference environments? In Gaussian noise, the APD is: ##EQU3## where A I is the interference amplitude and A is the root-mean-square (rms) amplitude. Plugging this interference APD into Eq. (2) gives: which is equivalent to A y =A x , since A s /A is constant. In other words, against Gaussian interference, the optimum zero-memory amplitude process is linear and trivial: Output equals input. Whenever the interference environment is assumed to be Gaussian, the optimum process doesn't include any zero-memory amplitude nonlinearity. Conversely, it is easy to show that if the interference amplitude characteristics are not Gaussian, Eq. (2) always leads to a nonlinear process. Atmospheric noise, as a second example, is markedly non-Gaussian. It is characterized by frequent clusters of noise pulses that rise far above the mean level. As a result, there is a much greater likelihood of high amplitudes for atmospherics than for Gaussian noise of the same rms amplitude. Quiet periods between noise clusters are also more likely. FIG. 4a compares the APD of Gaussian noise with an APD typical of atmospheric noise (ratio of arms to average noise envelope =10 dB). The important difference is the behavior of the high-amplitude end of the distribution. In FIG. 4b optimum nonlinearities computed from Eq. (2) are compared. It can be seen that in the case of atmospheric noise, the optimum nonlinearity suppresses high amplitude input samples, similar to the hole-puncher nonlinearity that is also shown in FIG. 4b. This is expected since the hole-puncher was chosen to improve performance against impulsive interference such as atmospheric noise. As a third example, if the interference has a constant envelope amplitude, the input amplitude, A x , will be nearly constant. However, the signal of interest and other low-level interference sources such as atmospheric or thermal noise will spread out the input amplitude somewhat. As a result the APD will be a strongly peaked function such as that shown in FIG. 5a. The corresponding nonlinearity computed from Eq. (2) will depend on the shape of the APD peak. In general, it will go negative at the left edge of the main APD peak and positive at the right edge. FIG. 5b shows the particular nonlinearity resulting from the APD of FIG. 5a, which represents constant-amplitude interference added to Gaussian noise with 10 dB less power. For comparison the limiter/canceller nonlinearity is also shown in FIG. 5b. Implementing the method of the invention requires a practical algorithm for determining the APD and from it the appropriate nonlinearity. The APD needs to be calculated using many input samples so that sampling errors due to statistical fluctuations are minimized. But the time required for the APD calculation grows rapidly with the number of samples so an efficient algorithm is required. Also, the large sample requirement conflicts with the need to keep the time interval over which the APD is measured short enough to permit adapting rapidly to changing interference statistics. At any time, the preferred embodiment of the signal processor has n samples over which to estimate the current APD, covering the time interval, T=nτ, where τ is the sample period. At the next sample time, one new sample will be added, the oldest one will be deleted, and the APD estimate will change slightly. To avoid having to repeat the entire APD calculation, an algorithm is required that computes the change in the APD when one sample is added and one deleted. The usual way to estimate a probability distribution from a number of data samples is to "histogram" the data, that is, to divide the possible data range into a set of "bins" and then calculate how many samples have data values in each bin. The fraction of counts in each histogram bin divided by the width of the bin provides an estimate of the probability density, p(A), averaged over the bin. In histogramming data, the number of bins is very important: If there are too few, the detailed structure of the distribution will be lost; if there are too many, the number of samples in each bin will become so small as to be meaningless. A standard way to choose bins is to divide the range from the highest data value to the lowest into equal-width bins. Histogramming data runs into difficulties when the data are changing dynamically. For example, if a new sample is added and an old one deleted, the highest or lowest data values can change so that new bins have to be defined. In such a case, the entire set of samples may have to be histogrammed anew. A second problem with histogramming is that it doesn't guarantee an efficient description of the APD. If most of the data are concentrated in a few bins, important information may be lost. For this application, a more convenient way to represent the APD is through its cumulative probability distribution, ##EQU4## the probability that amplitude will be A or less. FIG. 6a shows the cumulative probability distribution for a set of data in the form of amplitude "quantiles", A.sub.(i), the amplitude at or below which a given fraction of the measured data occurs. For example, FIG. 6b divides the data of FIG. 6a into eight parts and shows the corresponding quantiles: None of the measured data are less than the lowest measured amplitude, A.sub.(0), one-eight of the measured data falls at or below A.sub.(1), two-eights fall at or below A.sub.(2), and so on up to the maximum measured amplitude, A.sub.(8). Representing an APD by quantiles has two advantages: First, when new measurements are added and old ones deleted, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the quantiles do not change as radically as histogram counts can when bins change. Only those quantiles lying between the new amplitude and the one to be deleted will change, and they can be computed in a relatively straightforward fashion. Second, since the measured data are evenly divided among quantiles, summarizing an APD via its quantiles is less likely to cause important information to be lost than using the same number of equal-bin-width histogram counts. This approach differs from the more usual statistical analysis by moment (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,833,797 to Grobman et al; 4,530,076 to Dwyer; and 4,031,364 to Wilmot) by estimating the detailed behavior of the tails of the distribution more accurately compared to the central portion. Under many conditions, it is these tails which must be estimated accurately in order to provide significant signal processing performance. Dwyer does measure distribution quantiles for the purpose of constructing a nonlinear mapping, but it is a fixed-shape mapping (a limiter) whose "knees" or limit points are simply adjusted to be equal to the measured amplitude quantile values. By contrast, this invention derives an optimum nonlinearity from the quantile values, so that the whole shape of the mapping can change when the quantile values change. Also, Dwyer must additionally measure a distribution moment (Kurtosis) to decide whether or not to activate his fixed-shape nonlinear mapping, whereas this invention adjusts the shape of the mapping so that in the case where Dwyer would not use his, but rather send the input straight through, this invention's mapping would automatically reduce to the identity mapping, i.e., the output would be essentially the same as the input To calculate the optimum nonlinearity from quantiles of the input amplitude, Eq. (2) must be rewritten with the cumulative probability distribution, P A , replacing A x as the independent variable. Using the identity ##EQU5## Next, it is necessary to express this equation in terms of the m+1 quantiles, A x (0), A x (1), . . . , A x (m), which summarize the measured estimate of the APD. This can be done using an approximation to the value of any variable, f, or of its derivative (df/dP), in terms of values evaluated "half a quantile" away: ##EQU6## Only whole quantile values show up in the final equation for the nonlinearity: ##EQU7## Eq. (3) provides the desired processor output in terms of measured input data. Each input, A x (t), is sorted according to which quantile, A x (i), its amplitude is nearest to, and the corresponding A y (i) is chosen as the output amplitude. (The constant signal amplitude, A s , has been replaced with 1, as the size of the output is irrelevant as long as it is within the range required by subsequent numerical processing. This requirement is met by normalizing the final output to a fixed average value.) It can be seen that the calculation of the nonlinearity from Eq. (3) involves only simple arithmetic. The time-consuming part is determining the input amplitude quantiles, A x (i), which requires an incremental sorting procedure. An efficient algorithm for determining quantiles makes use of a rank-ordered, linked list of the n most recent samples as well as a list of the current quantile values, each with a pointer into the linked list. The quantile list permits rapid determination of the proper location for each new value in the linked list: The new value is compared to the quantiles with a binary search, the nearest lower quantile is found in the linked list using the quantile list pointer, and a sequential search through the segment of the linked list up to the next higher quantile is executed. It will be noted that computation of the output corresponding to i=0 and i=m (lowest and highest input quantiles) is not defined since Eq. (3) requires values for the input quantiles for i-1 and i+1. This problem is resolved by defining: ##EQU8## In an actual processor, of course, ∞ will be represented by a large number. The effect of Eq. (4) is to set to zero the first term in the right-hand side of Eq. (3) for i=0, and the second term for i=m. The choice of how best to process signals in order to suppress interference depends on what is known about the interference. If the interference APD is known, the zero-memory amplitude nonlinearity of Eq. (1) can be determined. If one uses analogous probability distributions of interference statistics formed from samples at different times or including phase information, nonlinearities with memory or involving phase as well as amplitude would result. The best interference statistics to use are those that are most predictable: Loosely speaking, the more highly concentrated the probability distribution around a small number of values, the greater the processing gain. It is often useful to design signal processing that works against narrowband (nearly constant-frequency) interference. Since the frequency of a waveform is represented by the change in phase of its vector, it is useful to consider "phase-domain processing", that is, nonlinearities based on the phase statistics of the interference. In FIG. 3, the optimum weak-signal amplitude nonlinearity was developed by looking at constructive and destructive addition of signal and interference vectors in one dimension (amplitude) FIG. 7 shows the corresponding measured signal of interest-plus-interference input, x, with a small fixed amplitude for the desired signal, in the full two-dimensional case. The possible interference vectors are now an infinite set, arranged in a circle around the measured input vector, rather than just the two possibilities of FIG. 3. The choice of the most probable interference vector is again closely related to the slope of the probability distribution at the measured point. Now, however, the probability distribution, p A φ (A I ,φI), may vary not only as a function of amplitude, but also as a function of phase angle. In this case, the direction of steepest slope of the probability distribution does not have to be in the same or opposite direction as x and the expected value for the weak signal, <S>, can have components in quadrature to x. The corresponding generalization to the optimum nonlinearity of Eq. (2) is: ##EQU9## Assuming that the amplitude and phase fluctuations of the interference are independent, then their joint distribution may be written as a product of separate amplitude and phase probability distributions: P.sub.A,φ (A.sub.x,φ.sub.x)=p.sub.A (A.sub.x)p.sub.100 (φ.sub.x). In this case the part of the output in phase with the input, A y I ,, is just the amplitude-domain nonlinearity of Eq. (2). The part of the output in quadrature with the input, A y Q , is the phase-domain nonlinearity: ##EQU10## As it stands, Eq. (6) is not very useful because interference sources of interest will not have predictable phase angles. Even a constant-frequency waveform, unless it happens to be phase-locked to the processor frequency, will have a vector that rotates at a constant rate and is therefore equally likely at any angle. The corresponding phase distribution, p 100 , doesn't change with φ x so that A y Q =0. It is the phase velocity (the instantaneous frequency) that will be predictable (constant) and that should therefore be the chosen interference statistic to use as the basis for the phase-domain nonlinearity. The phase velocity is measured by the difference in successive phase samples so the analogous approach to the nonlinear amplitude-domain process is to form a phase velocity probability distribution (PVPD) from a large number of phase differences calculated from consecutive sample pairs. The PVPD can then be used in Eq. (6) in place of the phase distribution. Since each phase difference value, Δφ x , is the result of phase measurements at two different times, ##EQU11## the slope of the PVPD with changes in phase can be related to its slope with changes in the phase difference by the relation: ##EQU12## The phase-domain nonlinearity resulting from the PVPD is therefore: ##EQU13## It provides performance improvement under a different set of conditions than the amplitude nonlinearity of Eq. (2) and therefore increases the range of interference types against which the processor is effective. The nonlinearity of Eq. (7) differs from the amplitude nonlinearity also in the fact that it has "memory", i.e., the output at a given time depends not only on the input at that time but also on the previous and next input samples. This is a much shorter memory than a filter would typically have, even though both devices are useful against narrowband interference. Although this phase-domain nonlinear processing is similar in effect to filtering, there are some important differences. Filtering is generally more effective than a phase-velocity nonlinearity when the interference consists of multiple narrowband components at several different frequencies, such as electromagnetic interference due to power-line harmonics. On the other hand, phase-velocity nonlinearities are effective against interference whose instantaneous frequencies are concentrated at several different values, such as frequency-shift keying waveforms used in communications. In particular, if a receiver listening to such a waveform is interfered with by another signal of the same modulation type, the interference can be suppressed by the phase-domain nonlinearity whereas filtering will not help. In the same way that the APD was summarized by the measured amplitude quantiles in order to permit numerical implementation, Eq. (7) can be rewritten in terms of the measured phase difference quantiles, Δφ x (i) : ##EQU14## The quantile, Δφ x (i),is chosen as that nearest to the measured value of Δφ x (t-τ/2), wherea chosen as the nearest quantile to Δφ x (t+r/2). As the constant As has been replaced with 1. Amplitude and phase-domain nonlinearities can operate simultaneously and independently, their outputs summed as indicated by Eq. (5). The normalization of the output amplitude, which is discussed below, is performed after summing. This is important since the output amplitude of each process is a measure of its effectiveness, and if one of the processes is not doing any good, its output will decrease and allow the other to dominate the output sum. The two nonlinearities relating to amplitude and phase velocity discussed so far do not take advantage of the possible medium time-scale predictability of the interference, i.e., of non-vanishing autocorrelation at time intervals between roughly 2 to 1000 samples. Such predictability is quite common. One example occurs when the interference energy is contained in a narrow band of the spectrum. (This occurs for bandwidths in the range of 1 Hz to a few hundred Hz, for a sample rate of 1 kHz). To take advantage of longer time-scale interference predictability without large increases in computational complexity, one can use the same nonlinearities relating to amplitude and phase-velocity, but compute and apply them in the frequency domain rather than the time domain. This is accomplished by performing a discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) on the input signal prior to applying the nonlinearities and then performing an inverse DFT on the output. As a result, the distributions which are used to compute the adaptive nonlinear transforms (output) are distributions of amplitudes and phase derivatives derivatives for Fourier components of the input signal of interest-plus-interference rather than for the input signal of interest-plus-interference itself. Since the medium time-scale predictability of the interference shows up in the frequency domain, the nonlinearities are able to take advantage of it. In the same way that the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities ignore time-domain behavior, the nonlinearities, as modified, ignore frequency-domain behavior, since all frequency components contribute on an equal footing to the distributions, and are transformed by the same nonlinearity. This frequency-domain nonlinearity can be combined with the original time-domain nonlinearity by simply letting both processes operate simultaneously and summing their outputs prior to normalization. This will ensure that whichever process is providing the most gain will dominate the output. The process outlined above can be modified to account for the non-uniform distribution of the desired signal in the frequency domain, i.e., each frequency component should be weighted inversely according to the amount of signal energy expected (for example, the skirt frequencies at which the desired signal's power spectrum is falling off should be pre-emphasized) right after the DFT is performed. This pre-enphasis will ensure that each frequency sample will have a constant-amplitude signal contribution (on average) when it is input to the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities. (A constant amplitude signal of interest is assumed in the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearity derivation.) After nonlinear processing the inverse of this weighting (de-emphasis) should be applied to regain the correct spectral balance just prior to inverse DFT. The frequency-domain nonlinearity introduces a new parameter, M, the number of points in the complex DFT. Note that after a block of M complex time-domain samples are input and the DFT is performed on them to produce M complex frequency-domain samples, these M new samples are simply concatenated to the previous M samples (as if they were an extension to higher frequencies) and fed to the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities. The amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities normally recompute their nonlinear (output) for each sample, based on a "sliding window" neighborhood of N data points surrounding that sample. The data output by the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities is then regrouped in blocks of M points for inverse DFT and final time-domain output. This is called herein the "Type I" process. It is possible to modify the amplitude/phase velocity nonlinearities to make them recompute their nonlinear transformation only once per M-sample block of data. This (designated herein) "Type II" approach prevents using, at a given time, only some frequency components from the oldest block of data and using only others from the newest block of data, and can reduce computational load. The choice of M is to be made based on processing-time considerations (the time required per sample for DFT and inverse DFT grows as log M) and on the characteristics of the interference environment of interest. Two possible choices are: 1. Type I or II with M=√N. Statistics are computed on M different spectra, each containing M different frequencies, so that statistical fluctuations in time and frequency domains are balanced. 2. Type II with M=N. The finest frequency resolution (sample rate divided by N) is obtained, and only one spectrum is used at a time to estimate an optimum non-linearity. This approach can be expected to decrease computational load since the nonlinearity estimation is performed only once every N samples. The invention is implemented in hardware, as shown in FIG. 8, in a processor 10 which consists of four elements. The input signal is characterized by estimating its statistics using a statistical signal analyzer 12. Based on this characterization a map or mapping, in general a nonlinear one, is determined by a calculator 14 using the appropriate equation, e.g., eq. (3) or eq. (8a) and (8b), under the assumption that the input signal is dominated by the interference to be removed and therefore: a. the input signal statistics from the analyzer 12 are a good estimate of the interference statistics, and b. the appropriate map or mapping is the one calculated when S/I is much less than one, i.e., the "locally-optimum" detection mapping. The input signal is also routed through an optional first delay device 16 to a mapper 18 which transforms it according to the locally-optimum detection mapping provided by the calculator 14. The first delay device 16 enables the mapper 18 to operate on each signal sample with a mapping computed from statistics of signal samples taken both before and after the sample being worked on, instead of only previous data samples. This increases the accuracy of the mapping when fluctuating statistics are causing it to change rapidly. Signal samples are routed to the output through the first delay device 16 and the mapper 18 at the required output rate. If the analyzer 12 or calculator 14 are not able to perform their required functions at the output sample rate, signal samples may be routed to the statistical signal analyzer 12, or a full new set of statistics may be sent from the analyzer 12 to the calculator 14, or a full new mapping may be determined by the calculator 14, at a slower rate. A signal processing system may contain several processors 10 which differ in the particular dynamic variable(s) each processor 10 uses to characterize the input signal by its corresponding statistical signal analyzer 12. The associated calculator 14 and mapper 18 must also be designed for the particular variable used. The application of a locally-optimum mapping calculated adaptively from the statistics of the input signal is a novel approach which differs from other signal processing techniques as discussed previously. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as described above, the statistical signal analyzer 12 characterizes the input signal solely by estimating a set of quantiles (for example, the smallest value, the largest value, and the nine intermediate deciles) of the probability distribution of one or more dynamic variables of the input signal, such as the amplitude or phase velocity. The statistical signal analyzer 12 of the preferred embodiment estimates quantiles for a given variable of the input signal as shown in FIG. 9. The input signal is applied to an optional Fourier transformer 17 (in the case of the Fourier transformed dynamic variables (e) or (f) listed above) and the values of the variable(s) of interest are determined by a variable value calculator 19. (For example if the input signal is given by its inphase and quadrature components, I and Q, and the variable of interest is amplitude, A, then the variable value calculator 19 performs the A=√I 2 +Q 2 computation.) Variable values are stored in a tapped delay buffer 20 covering the period over which statistics are to be calculated. This length will normally correspond to about twice the delay introduced by the first delay device 16 so that at any time, an equal amount of data before and after the sample being mapped is used by the statistical signal analyzer 12 and calculator 14 to determine that mapping. Variable values for all delay times from zero through the full buffer length are made available to the quantile calculator 22 by the tapped delay buffer 20. The quantile calculator 22 determines the value of some fixed number of quantiles of the variables in the tapped delay buffer 20. The quantiles correspond to equal probability spacing and range from the minimum to the maximum value. The number of quantiles is chosen to be large enough to provide adequate resolution of the anticipated distributions of the variable without being so large as to require excessive processing time in the subsequent stages of the statistical signal analyzer 12 or in the calculator 14 or mapper 18. The quantiles from the quantile calculator 22 are then time-averaged by a quantile low-pass filter 24 in order to reduce the impact of statistical ("sampling") fluctuations. The filter time constant is adaptively determined by a time constant calculator 26 which compares the measured quantile values from the quantile calculator 22 with the time-averaged quantile values from the quantile low-pass filter 24. Whenever a given measured quantile lies outside the bounds formed by the time-averaged values of the adjacent quantiles, the time constant calculator 26 generates a negative contribution to the time constant. It also generates a positive contribution at a steady rate. As a result, the time constant moves to lower values when out-of-bound quantiles are encountered at a high rate (indicative of rapidly changing statistics which should not be filtered with a large time constant if the statistical signal analyzer 12 is to follow these changes with agility). Conversely, the time constant moves to higher values when out-of-bound quantiles occur only rarely (so that statistical fluctuations may be more strongly suppressed and mapping accuracy be improved). Such a means of adaptively controlling the time constant of a filtered distribution estimate does not appear in the prior art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,682 to White which deals with time-varying statistics but not with variable speed of adaptation. The calculator 14 determines the mapping to be applied to the input signal by the mapper 18. It uses the estimated interference distribution determined by the statistical signal analyzer 12 and represented by a set of time-averaged quantiles for the particular variable analyzed. The calculator 14 first computes a locally optimum mapping directly from the quantiles, or from the time-averaged quantiles, using an equation appropriate to the variable chosen as developed above. For example, if the variable is amplitude, the known locally-optimum zero-memory amplitude nonlinearity (Eq. (2)) (cast in terms of amplitude quantiles Eq. (3)) is used. For other choices of variable the appropriate locally-optimum mapPing may be less familiar but can nonetheless be determined mathematically in a straightforward way from the assumption that S/I is much less than 1. In the preferred embodiment, this mapping is then smoothed to reduce differences between mapping values at adjacent quantiles. This is done to further reduce the impact of statistical fluctuations in the sampled variable. The mapper 18 applies the mapping to the (optionally delayed) input signal, for example by determining which quantile is closest to the value of the selected dynamic variable of the input sample being mapped and selecting the mapping value for that quantile as a output dynamic variable. (In the preferred embodiment, the mapper 18 doesn't recalculate the value of the dynamic variable of the input but uses the value previously determined by the variable value calculator 19. The tapped delay buffer 20 then does double duty as the first delay device 16 which feeds the mapper 18.) The mapper 18 must then use the output dynamic variable to computer the signal output. This operation depends on wheat the output dynamic variable is and may include an inverse Fourier transform if the optical Fourier Transformer 17 is present. For example, if the dynamic variable is amplitude so that the output dynamic variable is A y , and if the output signal is specified in terms of its in phase and quadrature components, I y and Q y , then the mapper must computer: ##EQU15## where I x , are input signal in phase and quadrature components. If the dynamic variable is phase velocity, the output dynamic variable is a y Q as given in eq. (8b) and the mapper must compute A y Q as given in eq. (8a), using A x =√I 2 x +Q 2 x , and then the output signal components: ##EQU16## The overall signal processing system utilizing the Adaptive Locally-Optimum Detection Signal Processor 10 is shown if FIG. 10. The input signal is assumed to contain the signal of interest plus unwanted interference. The input signal is processed by a set of one or more processor 10 whose outputs are summed by a first adder 28. The processors 10 are designed to reduce interference when such interference dominates the input signal. Optionally, additional elements as shown in FIG. 10 may also be included in the overall signal processing system. These additional elements include: a first normalizer 30 whose function is to bring the processed input signal to a first average, e.g., absolute value or root-mean-square (rms), level, a second delay device 32 whose function is to delay the input signal by an amount equal to that engendered by the processors 10, a second normalizer 34 which brings the delayed input signal to a second average level and whose averaging time constant may be different from that of first normalizer 30 in order to improve performance against interference whose level fluctuates, and a second Adder 36 which sums the various signals to create the output signal. The additional elements are designed to maintain a usable ratio of signal of interest to interference (S/I) in the output signal as long as the S/I at the input is above some minimum value. Specifically, when the S/I at the input is high enough, the processor 10 does not provide a usable output and the alternate path through the second delay device 32 and the second normalizer 34 is required to keep the output S/I in the usable range. This approach depends on the assumption that the correlation process which acts on the system's output signal requires only a small S/I (substantially less than 1). This means of maintaining performance when S/I is too large for locally-optimum detection is believed to be novel. It is an alternative to providing two independent correlators, one for the unprocessed input signal and one for the signal output by the processors 10, and has the advantage of requiring only a single correlator. Another way to deal with the problem of a too large S/I is to provide some sort of decision mechanism, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,478,268 to Coviello, but such mechanisms are either unreliable in some interference environments (such as an interference waveform with the same modulation type as, but uncorrelated with, the signal of interest) or require finite time to determine when the appropriate output must be switched, during which the signal of interest may be lost.

A signal processing technique is described which suppresses interference in spread-spectrum communications receive systems by optimizing the detection process dynamically against the current interference. This is accomplished by estimating the statistics of the interference and then using this information to derive the locally-optimum mapping to apply to the signal of interest plus interference. As the statistics of the interference change, the measured distributions and the resulting transformations also change. The adaptation is open loop so convergence problems do not arise.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/511,930, filed Jul. 29, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/502,230, filed Jul. 13, 2009, which claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/080,232, filed Jul. 12, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the use of a High Dimensional Touchpad (HDTP) providing enhanced parameter capabilities to the control computer window systems, computer applications, web applications, and mobile devices, by using finger positions and motions comprising left-right, forward-backward, roll, pitch, yaw, and downward pressure of one or more fingers and/or other parts of a hand in contact with the HDTP touchpad surface. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The incorporation of the system and method of the invention allows for enhanced control of at least computer window systems, computer applications, web applications, and mobile devices. The inclusion of at least one of roll, pitch, yaw, and downward pressure of the finger in contact with the touchpad allows more than two user interface parameters to be simultaneously adjusted in an interactive manner. Contact with more than one finger at a time, with other parts of the hand, and the use of gestures, grammar, and syntax further enhance these capabilities. The invention employs an HDTP such as that taught in issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,078, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/761,978 and 12/418,605 to provide easier control of application and window system parameters. An HDTP allows for smoother continuous and simultaneous control of many more interactive when compared to a mouse scroll wheel mouse. Tilting, rolling, or rotating a finger is easier than repeatedly clicking a mouse button through layers of menus and dialog boxes or dragging and clicking a button or a key on the keyboard. Natural metaphors simplify controls that are used to require a complicated sequence of actions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling an electronic game, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter of the electronic game. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling a polyhedral menu, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter of the polyhedral menu. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling a computer operating system, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter for controlling the computer operating system. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling the observation viewpoint of a three-dimensional (3D) map, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter for controlling the observation viewpoint of the 3D map. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling the observation viewpoint of a surrounding photographic emersion, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter for controlling the observation viewpoint of the surrounding photographic emersion. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling the orientation of a simulated vehicle, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter for controlling the orientation of a simulated vehicle. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for controlling the rotational angle of a graphical object, the method comprising touching a touchpad with at least one finger, measuring at least one change in one angle of the position of the finger with respect to the surface of the touchpad and producing a measured-angle value, and using the measured-angle value to control the value of at least one user interface parameter for controlling the rotational angle of a graphical object. The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIGS. 1 a - 1 j illustrate exemplary arrangements and physical formats employing an HDTP touchpad. The exemplary component tactile image sensor, interface electronics, and a processor may be included collectively as components of laptop computers, mobile phones, mobile devices, remote control devices, etc. FIG. 2 a depicts an exemplary realization wherein a tactile sensor array is provided with real-time or near-real-time data acquisition capabilities. FIGS. 2 b and 2 c illustrate exemplary data flows in an embodiment of an HDTP system. FIGS. 3 a - 3 f illustrate exemplary six parameters that can be independently controlled by the user and subsequently recorded by algorithmic processing as provided by the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates how a finger can simultaneously adjust several or all of the parameters with viable degrees of independent control. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein parameters, rates, and symbols may be generated in response to the user's contact with a tactile sensor array, which in turn may be interpreted as parameterized postures, gestures, parameterized gestures, etc. FIGS. 6 a - 6 d depict exemplary operations acting on various parameters, rates, and symbols to produce other parameters, rates, and symbols, including operations such as sample/hold, interpretation, context, etc., which in turn may be used to implement parameterized further details of postures, gestures, parameterized gestures, etc. and their use by systems and applications. FIG. 6 e shows an exemplary embodiment wherein some parameters and events are tapped and used for focus control and selection. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary polyhedron desktop featured by some contemporary operating systems. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary feature of some operating systems that shows a preview of each open window. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary set of file folders visited by file browser and the direction of flow in the browse history. FIGS. 10 a - 10 d depict exemplary file browser windows whose dimension is controlled by interpreted gestures of a user. FIGS. 11 a - 11 c illustrate exemplary file browser windows, comprising various sizes of icons, which can be controlled by interpreted gestures made by a user. FIGS. 12 a - 12 d illustrate exemplary internet browser windows. FIG. 13 a illustrates an exemplary internet browser window with a word highlighted function invoked by a user. FIG. 13 b illustrates an exemplary internet browser window displaying the definition of the highlighted word in FIG. 13 a. FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary set of previously visited webpages and the direction of flow in the browsing history. FIG. 15 a illustrates an exemplary initial screen view of a geographic information program. FIG. 15 b illustrates an exemplary screen view with adjusted observation point. FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate exemplary screen views of geographic information system with varied vertical observation points. FIGS. 17 a - 17 c illustrate exemplary screen views of geographic information system with varied horizontal observation points. FIG. 18 a illustrates an exemplary screen view of a web mapping service application. FIG. 18 b illustrates an exemplary screen view of a web mapping service application with a feature that displays panoramic views from a position on the map. FIGS. 18 c - 18 e illustrate exemplary screen views of a web mapping service application with a feature that displays panoramic views along the street. FIGS. 19 a - 19 c illustrate exemplary screen views of a flight simulator game where the view from an aircraft is pitched upward or downward. FIGS. 20 a - 20 c illustrate exemplary screen views of a flight simulator game where the vertical orientation of an aircraft is rolled counter-clockwise or clockwise. FIG. 21 a illustrates an exemplary screen view of a first-person shooter game. FIG. 21 b illustrates an exemplary screen view of a weapon selection window of a first-person shooter game. FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary application of an object being rotated by interpreted gestures of a user in a computer aided design/drafting application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for the control of computer window systems, computer applications, and web applications using an HDTP in user interfaces that capture not only left-right and forward-back positions of a finger in contact with the touchpad surface but also finger motions and positions comprising roll, pitch, yaw, and downward pressure of the finger in contact with the touchpad. FIGS. 1 a - 1 j illustrate exemplary setup physical formats employing such an HDTP system. In some embodiments, such an HDTP system comprises of a tactile sensor array, interface electronics, and at least one processor. An exemplary tactile sensor array embodiment may comprise regular arrays of pressure-measurement, proximity-measurement, optical-measurement, or other measurement elements or cells. However, other types of sensors adapted to sense at least a tactile image, a pressure image, a proximity image, or an optical image resulting from a finger, multiple fingers, and/or other hand contact with the touchpad are also provided for by the invention. As shown in FIG. 1 a , exemplary interface hardware may provide associated controls and/or visual indicators or displays. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 1 b , associated controls may be part of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating on the associated computer or on other articles of equipment. A tactile image sensor system and associated interface hardware also may be configured to share the same housing with the system or portions of it as shown in FIG. 1 c . The tactile image sensor system, interface electronics, and a processor may also be configured to share a common housing environment as shown in FIG. 1 d . A tactile image sensor system can be a part of mobile device as shown in FIG. 1 e , and such device can be configured to work as a remote control system as shown in FIG. 1 f . In an embodiment, sensor array and interface hardware may be implemented as a touchpad module within a laptop or a personal computer as shown in FIG. 1 e . The tactile sensor array may be configured to be used as a touchpad element incorporated into a handheld device, such as a field measurement instrument, bench test instrument, Personal Digital Appliance (PDA), cellular phone, signature device, etc. An exemplary depiction of another exemplary handheld device, as may be used in commerce, services, or industry, is shown in FIG. 1 f . A tactile image sensor system can be added to the back of a mouse, for example as in depicted in FIGS. 1 g - 1 j. In an exemplary embodiment, a tactile image sensor system comprises a tactile sensor which in turn comprises an array of tactile measurement cells. Each tactile measurement cell detects a measurable tactile quantity as a numerical value, and interface hardware sends such numerical data to the processor where the data are processed and transformed into information describing the position and movement of a finger, multiple fingers, or other part of the hand, etc. A key feature of the touchpad HDTP is its capability to process and extract values of parameters from tactile images in real-time or near real-time. FIG. 2 a illustrates an exemplary dataflow embodiment. In this example, the tactile image sensor system may be periodically scanned or otherwise produce an ongoing sequence or snapshot of tactile images. In analogy with visual images, each such tactile image in the sequence may be called a “frame.” In this example, each frame is directed to image analysis software where algorithms and/or hardware are used to calculate or extracts a number of parameters associated with hand contact attributes of the tactile image frame. FIG. 2 b illustrates a first exemplary data flow in an embodiment of an HDTP system. Here, a Tactile Image Sensing element provides real-time tactile image data. In some embodiments, this real-time tactile image data may be advantageously organized in a pre-defined manner, for example as an ongoing sequence of “frames” similar to those comprised by motion video). The real-time tactile image data is presented to an Image Process and Analysis element such as those in the previously cited patents and/or those to be described later. The Image Process and Analysis element may be configured to responsively produce values or streams of values of raw parameters and symbols. In some embodiments, these raw parameters and symbols do not necessarily have any intrinsic interpretation relative to specific applications, systems, or a computer operating system. In other embodiments, the raw parameters and symbols may in-part or in-full have intrinsic interpretation. In embodiments where raw parameters and symbols do not have an intrinsic interpretation relative to applications, a system, or a computer operating system, the raw parameters may be presented to an Application Specific Mapping element. Such an Application Specific Mapping element may responsively produce Application-Specific parameters and symbols that are directed to a Target System or Application. In some multi-application situations or embodiments, some raw parameters and symbols may be assigned or interpreted in a universal or globally applicable way while other raw parameters and symbols may be assigned or interpreted in an application-specific manner. FIG. 2 c illustrates a second exemplary data flow in an embodiment of an HDTP system which incorporates this consideration. Here, the raw parameters and symbols may be directed to a both a Global or Universal Mapping element and an Application Specific Mapping element. The output of each of these elements is directed to a Target System or Application as directed by a focus selection element (for example, as found in a computer windowing system). The same focus selection element may also be used to simultaneously direct the raw parameters and symbols to a particular Application Specific Mapping element that is associated with the Target System or Application. Many variations, combinations, and reorganizations of these operations and concepts are possible as is clear to one skilled in the art. Such variations, combinations, and reorganizations of these operations and concepts are provided for by the invention. FIGS. 3 a - 3 f illustrate six exemplary parameters that can be independently controlled by the user and subsequently recorded by algorithmic processing as provided for by invention. These six exemplary parameters are: left-right translation ( FIG. 3 a ), sometimes referred as “sway;” forward-back translation ( FIG. 3 b ), sometimes referred as “surge;” more-less downward pressure ( FIG. 3 c ), sometimes referred to as “heave;” rotation ( FIG. 3 d ), sometimes referred to as “yaw;” left-right tilt ( FIG. 3 e ), sometimes referred to as “roll;” forward-backward tilt ( FIG. 3 f ), sometimes referred to as “pitch.” These parameters may be adjusted individually, in sequence, or simultaneously. Combining these parameters allow numerous degrees of freedom. As demonstrated in FIG. 4 , the finger 400 can readily, interactively, and simultaneously adjust several or all of the parameters simultaneously and with viable degrees of independent control. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment which can transform simple contact with (or other operative stimulus of) the sensor array into a rich information flux of parameter, rate, and symbol values. Together with the rich metaphors available with the touch interface, a tremendous range of synergistic user interface opportunities can be provided by the HDTP. The rich information flux of parameter, rate, and symbol values in turn may be interpreted as parameterized postures, gestures, parameterized gestures, etc. as may be advantageous for a system and/or applications. The HDTP provides for additional capabilities. For example, a sequence of symbols may be directed to a state machine, as shown in FIG. 6 a , to produce other symbols that serve as interpretations of one or more possible symbol sequences. In an embodiment, one or more symbols may be designated to carry the meaning of an “Enter” key, permitting for sampling one or more varying parameter, rate, and/or symbol values and holding the value(s) until, for example, another “Enter” event, thus producing sustained values as illustrated in FIG. 6 b . In an embodiment, one or more symbols may be designated as setting a context for interpretation or operation and thus control mapping and/or assignment operations on parameter, rate, and/or symbol values as shown in FIG. 6 c . The operations associated with FIGS. 6 a - 6 c may be combined to provide still further capabilities. For example, the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 6 d shows mapping and/or assignment operations that feed an interpretation state machine which in turn controls mapping and/or assignment operations. In implementations where context is involved, such as in arrangements such as those depicted in FIGS. 6 b - 6 d , the invention provides for both context-oriented and context-free production of parameter, rate, and symbol values. The parallel production of context-oriented and context-free values may be useful to drive multiple applications simultaneously, for data recording, diagnostics, user feedback, and a variety of other uses. All of these be used to implement parameterized further details of postures, gestures, parameterized gestures, etc. and their use by systems and applications. In an embodiment, the measured parameters, derived by the tactile image data, can be either used directly or transformed into other types of control signals. The tactile image data can also be presented to shape and image recognition processing. This could be done in post-scan computation although aspects could be performed during scanning in some embodiments. In some implementations, shape and/or image recognition may be applied to interpreting the tactile image measurements. In other embodiments, shape and/or image recognition may be used to assist with or even implement tactile image measurements. In each of the exemplary applications described below, the invention provides for any of the cited example postures and gestures to be interchanged with others as may be advantageous in an implementation. Focus Control In many systems, especially ones comprising multiple applications or diverse data-entry mechanisms, the information stream produced by am HDTP may need to be selectively directed to a specific application or window. In such systems, it may be useful to use some of the information produced by the HDTP for controlling which destination other information produced by the HDTP is to be directed to. As mentioned earlier in conjunction with FIG. 2 c , these functions are referred to as focus control and focus selection. As an example, FIG. 6 e shows an HDTP system directing an information stream comprising for example of parameters, rates, and symbols to a Focus Selection element under the control of Focus Control element. The Focus Control element uses a selected subset of the information stream provided by the HDTP to interpret the user's intention for the direction of focus among several windows, applications, etc. The figure shows only applications, but some of these can be replaced with application child windows, operating system, background window, etc. In this example, focus may be controlled by an {x,y} location threshold test and a “select” symbol event, although other information may be used in its place. Gestures A gesture refers to motion of a finger, fingers, other part of the hand, or combinations of these used to direct the system with commands. Gesture recognition facilities provided by the HDTP or subsequent or associated system may be used recognize specific changes within or between postures and resultantly invoke commands associated with a corresponding recognized gesture. In some embodiments, gestures may be recognized only on rates of change of underlying measured parameters provided by the HDTP. In some embodiments, gesture recognition may also comprise state machines driven by threshold events in measured parameters and/or rates of change of underlying measured parameters provided by the HDTP. Temporal Delimiting of Gestures The invention provides for the system to discern and recognize an individual gesture or a series of gestures. In such embodiments, it may be advantageous to incorporate a time delay after user makes a gesture to enhance controllability. For example, if the system recognizes a gesture and execute right away, a tap followed by rotating finger would be executed as two separate events: rotate, then a single-click. To distinguish whether a gesture is separate or part of a combined gesture, an exemplary system may detect moments in time where there is no contact on the tactile sensor array. An exemplary system may also detect moments in time where there is no appreciable changes in the tactile image captured by the tactile sensor array. In an embodiment, the system may be configured to have default or user-accustomed period of delay. In an embodiment, the system may be configured so that if another gesture continuously follows, then the gesture is determined to be part of combination of gestures. In an embodiment, the system may be configured so that a combination and/or sequence of gestures may be viewed as another gesture. In an embodiment, the system may be configured so that a combination and/or sequence of gestures may be viewed as a sentence of gestures. In an embodiment, the system may be configured so that a combination and/or sequence of gestures is subject to syntax and/or grammar constraints. In an embodiment, the system may be configured so that if the gesture is followed by non-contact, the gesture is determined to be independent and corresponding action is to be taken. Global (Universal) and Context-Specific Gestures Some of the gestures may be used as global commands; commands that are common across applications or the system. These commands include but are not limited to opening, closing, and switching between applications, opening a windows task manager, save, print, undo, redo, copy, cut, or paste (similar to commands by control key, Windows™ key, function keys, or Apple™ command key). Usually these controls are also provided by application specific menus within a specific application. Applications may assign unique gestures that are recognized only within the specific application. While the system is being used to control specific tasks within applications, it can be interrupted to control the whole system when global gestures are recognized. When a global gesture is recognized, it is executed regardless of which specific application is focused. When an application specific gesture is recognized, it will be interpreted within the application that has current focus. In some embodiments, more complex or rarely used gestures (as opposed to simpler or more primitive gestures) may be advantageously assigned to act as global gestures. A rationale for this is that there is far less likelihood that a simple gesture would be misinterpreted as a complex gesture than a complex gesture being misinterpreted as a simpler gesture. Similarly, although sometimes three-finger posture or complex three-finger movement may be interpreted as three separate one-finger postures or gestures, an HDTP system will not confuse one-finger gesture for a three finger gesture. Some context commands or application specific commands can be more easily be undone than some global commands. In many embodiments, misinterpreting some global commands as context command may be less troublesome than context commands being misinterpreted as global command. Additionally, it is in many cases more complicated to undo previously executed global commands. For example, documents that are overwritten by accidental saving are hard to retrieve; it is time consuming to re-open an application that was accidentally closed; accidental print jobs sent are troublesome to stop. Moreover, assigning more complex gestures as global, more degrees of freedom can be available for context gestures. Exemplary Global Command Gestures In an exemplary embodiment, a task manager can be opened by a unique gesture. For example, the user may press downward with three fingers at once, or bringing three spread fingers together. Other exemplary embodiments may include the following “Global” or “Universal” commands that can be rendered while the focus is directed to a particular application: To open a new document, the user can drag two fingers to the right; To close an open document, the user can drag two fingers to the left; To save an open document, the user can roll the finger to the right, bring it to the center, and roll the finger to the left. An undo command can be implemented by rotating a finger counter-clockwise and tapping with two other fingers; A redo command can be implemented by rotating a finger clockwise and tapping with two other fingers. A copy command can be implemented by pitching a finger up and tapping with another finger; A cut command can be implemented by pitching a finger up and tapping with two other finger; A paste command can be implemented by pitching a finger down and tapping with another finger. A print command can be implemented by applying pressure on the HDTP with two fingers and tap with another finger. Alternate assignments of various postures and gestures to such “Global” or “Universal” commands may be used as is clear to one skilled in the art. Magnification Control As another exemplary embodiment, a magnifying tool in text or design documents, a user can select an area to be magnified by setting horizontal and vertical area by dragging two finger diagonally across, pitch both fingers forward to view the magnified view of the selected area, and release the fingers to return to normal view. Other metaphors, such as finger spread, may also be used. 3D-Polyhedral Menus and Pallets The natural 3D and 6D metaphors afforded by the HDTP system provide a very natural match for the “3D-Cube” style menus, file browsers, and desktops that are appearing in contemporary and progressive operating systems. For example, one or more of roll, pitch, and yaw angles may be used to rotate 3-D objects such as cubes and other polyhedron (tetrahedrons, cubes, octahedrons, dodecahedrons, etc.). The invention provides for polyhedra surfaces to be used for menus, browsers, desktops, pallets, and other spatial-metaphor object display and selection utilities, and for these polyhedra to be manipulated by 3D and/or 6D actions invoked from the HDTP. The invention further provides for these polyhedra to be manipulated by 3D and/or 6D metaphors natural to the HDTP such as roll, pitch, yaw and also including selection through Euclidian spatial coordinates, i.e. one or more of x, y, or downward pressure (p). The invention also provides for edges and/or surfaces of the polyhedron to be distinctively visually indexed. Operating System Interactions Many contemporary operating systems feature 3D desktop such as that as illustrated in FIG. 7 to enable users to switch between desktops easily. A 3D object, usually a cube, whose surfaces visually represent multiple desktops, is displayed. A 3D desktop allows a user to spin a (adjustably transparent) cube and choose any one of the displayed desktops as the currently active one. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can roll and pitch a finger to spin the cube and choose a surface among the 3D desktop surfaces. To make a selection of desktop in this example, the user can bring up 3D desktop by tapping the touchpad with two fingers and drag to the left, roll or pitch a finger to spin the 3D desktop cube in the corresponding direction, and release the finger when the desired surface is in the front. The view is then switched to normal view with the full screen of the selected desktop. Similar to the 3D desktop feature, some operating systems displays stacked cascading windows of all open applications to enable users to switch between applications easily, such as Microsoft Windows Flip, as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Such a desktop feature allows users to flip through the stack of the open windows and choose a particular application window. In an exemplary application, a user can pitch a finger to scroll through the open windows and release to choose the window that is in the front at the moment of releasing the finger. Pitching up a finger can move the cascading stack of windows in one direction, and pitching down a finger can move the cascading stack of the windows in the other direction. As an example, while a user is working on one of the open applications, the user can bring up the Windows Flip by tapping the touchpad with two fingers and drag to the right to open the Flip window and see all the open windows of applications, pitch a finger up or down to scroll through the cascading windows of open applications, and release the finger to select the desired application window. In another exemplary embodiment, a browser window displaying thumbnail, tiles, or icons view, a user can navigate and choose a thumbnail, tile, or icon by tilting the finger left, right, up, or down to move the selection in a corresponding direction. For example, a user can open a browser window of default location or home directory (usually My Computer in Microsoft Window operating system) by tapping the touchpad with two fingers and dragging upward. As mentioned in an earlier section, rarely used gestures or gestures with more complexity are good choices for global gestures as misinterpretation of global commands can be more troublesome than that misinterpretation of context or application command. Thus, two fingers instead of one are used here, and dragging fingers upward is used as a natural metaphor for moving up in the hierarchy. Tilting two fingers up can open a folder one step up in the hierarchy of current open folder and tilting two fingers downward can open a folder one step down in the hierarchy of current open folder. Another example is to roll two fingers to the left to go back to a folder previously visited or to roll two fingers to the right to move to the “forward” folder. FIG. 9 illustrates how the file browser browses through the history of visited folders. Elements 901 - 904 represent the folders visited including the current open folder 904 , 911 represents the direction the browser will navigate the history when the user rolls two fingers to the left to move back to the folder previously visited, and 912 represents the direction the browser will navigate the history when the user rolls two fingers to the right to move forward in the history. For example, if the user rolls two fingers to the left to go back to a folder previously visited while the file browser is displaying contents of the folder 904 , the browser will display the folder 903 . Afterwards, if the user rolls two fingers to the right to go forward in the history while the browser is displaying the contents of folder 903 , the file browser will display the contents of folder 904 . In another exemplary embodiment, placing the cursor anywhere on the title bar of any floating file browser window and rotating a finger clockwise can increase the size of the window. FIG. 10 b illustrates an exemplary window with increased size as compared to the window illustrated by FIG. 10 a . Placing the cursor anywhere on the title bar 1000 of any floating file browser window and rotating a finger counter-clockwise can decrease the size of the window. FIG. 10 d illustrates an exemplary window with decreased dimensions relative to the window illustrated by FIG. 10 c. In another exemplary embodiment, placing the cursor on empty region of any window and rotating a finger clockwise can be used to increase the size of the thumbnails, tiles, or icons. Similarly, placing the cursor on empty space of any window and rotating a finger counter-clockwise can decrease the size of the thumbnails, tiles, or icons. FIG. 11 a illustrates a file browser window with icons that are smaller in size relative to the icons in FIG. 11 b , and FIG. 11 c illustrates a file browser window with icons that are larger in size relative to the icons in FIG. 11 b . Placing the cursor on any task bar items and rotating two fingers clockwise can maximize the application window, while placing the cursor on anywhere on the title bar of any application window and rotating two fingers counter-clockwise can minimize the application window. Rotating a finger clockwise and using another finger to tap can be implemented to do the same task as the right click on a mouse. For example, a user can rotate a finger clockwise to open the “right-click” menu, move a finger up or down to scroll through the items in the menu appeared once the menu appears, and tap the finger to select an item from the menu. Tilting a finger while the cursor is placed on a start menu can be used to open the start menu. When the start menu is open, the user can use a finger to scroll up or down through items on the menu and tap to execute the selected item. As another exemplary application, when a multiple tab feature becomes available in file browser windows (similar to internet browsers' multiple tab feature) opening a new tab in the file browser can be implemented by a clockwise rotation of two fingers. Similarly, closing the current tab can be implemented by a counter-clockwise rotation of two fingers. Internet Browser Enhanced parameter capabilities allow faster internet browsing by enabling users for fast switching between webpages, shortcuts to open and close webpages, fast navigation of history of visited webpages, etc. Similar to multiple tab file browser window, a user can rotate a finger clockwise and use another finger to tap to open a new tab 1222 for browsing. FIG. 12 b illustrates an exemplary internet browser window with an additional tap 1222 with initial tab 1221 open. While multiple tabs 1241 - 1245 are open, a user can rotate the finger counter-clockwise and use another finger to tap to close the tab 1245 that currently has focus in. FIG. 12 d illustrates tabs 1241 - 1244 remaining after the tab 1245 is closed. In FIG. 13 a and FIG. 13 b , a user can also drag a finger across a word 1301 to select the word, and roll the finger to the right and use another finger to tap to have the browser look up the definition of the word in an online dictionary website. FIG. 13 b illustrates a new tab 1311 with the page that is displaying the definition of the word 1301 user selected. Another example is to roll the finger to the left while dragging the same finger to the left to go back to a webpage previously visited or to roll a finger to the right while dragging the same finger to the right to move to the “forward” page. FIG. 14 illustrates how the navigator browses through the history of visited webpages. 1401 - 1404 represent the webpages visited including the current page 1404 , 1411 represents the direction the browser will navigate history when the user rolls the finger to the left while dragging the same finger to the left to go back to a webpage previously visited, and 1412 represents the direction the browser will navigate history when the user rolls the finger to the right while dragging the same finger to the right to go forward in the history. For example, if the user rolls the finger to the left while dragging the same finger to the left to go back to a webpage previously visited while the browser is displaying the webpage 1404 , the browser will display the webpage 1403 . Afterwards, if the user rolls the finger to the right while dragging the same finger to the right to go forward in the history while the browser is displaying the webpage 1403 , the browser will display the webpage 1404 . As another exemplary embodiment, user can shift the focus among open tabs in a browser by rotating a finger. When there are multiple open tabs in a browser, the user can rotate a finger while the cursor is placed on one of the open tabs to scroll through the tabs and select a tab to be displayed in the browser. Navigation Applications In geographic information systems, such as maps land by superimposition of images, there are separate controls for switching observation point such as zooming, panning, horizontal direction, or vertical direction. These controls can be combined into simple and easy motions, and having natural metaphors as control avoids conflicts among integrated applications. In an exemplary application, a user can pan or drag the map to the left or right, up, or down by dragging a finger on the touchpad in the corresponding direction. For example, when a user places a finger on the map and drag the finger to the left, the area of the map showing will be shifted to the right, so more of the right side of the map will be displayed. Also, a user may pitch a finger up or down to shift the viewpoint up or down. For example, as the user pitches the finger up, what the user sees will be as if the user was looking at the geographical image from higher up. A user can also pitch two fingers up or down to zoom in on a map or zoom out. For example, when the user pitch two fingers up to zoom in on a map, the application will show a closer view of the horizon or objects, and when the user pitch two fingers down to zoom out, the application will show a broader view. Rotating a finger clockwise or counter-clockwise can rotate the viewpoint or change the direction of the view left or right. FIGS. 17 a - 17 c illustrate exemplary views varying the horizontal direction of the viewpoint. Rotating a finger clockwise to rotate the view point to the left will generate view as if the user turned to the right, and rotating a finger counter-clockwise to rotate the viewpoint to the right will generate view as if the user turned to the left. These controls can be combined to control more than one thing at a time. There are several possibilities; for example, when a user is pitching a finger up as the user is rotating the finger counter-clockwise, the direction of the view will be rotated to the left as the viewpoint is raised. When the user is pitching a finger downward as the user rotates a finger clockwise, the view point is rotated to the right as the view point is being lowered. This opens vast new possibilities for controls in gaming, which will be discussed in a later section. Web Mapping Service Applications In web mapping service applications, similar controls can be implemented. Since most web mapping service applications are based on ground level, vertical shifting of the observation point may not be available, but all other controls can be implemented in the same manner. A user can pan or drag the map by dragging on the touchpad in the desired directions, zoom in or out of the area of the map by pitching two fingers upward or downward, or switch the direction of the view by rotating a finger clockwise or counter-clockwise. In geographic information systems or web mapping service applications with a feature that displays panoramic surrounding photographic emersion views from a street perspective (i.e., Google Street View), similar controls can be implemented. The user can move the observation point along the streets on the map or the image of the area by dragging a finger in the direction of desired movement, and the user can switch the direction of the view by rotating a finger clockwise or counter-clockwise. For a more detailed example, when a user moves a finger upward, the application will generate views as if the user is walking forward, and when the user rotates the finger counterclockwise, the application will generate views as if the user turned to the left or to the west. FIG. 18 b illustrates an exemplary screen view of a web mapping service application with a feature that displays panoramic views along the street in a window 1811 . FIG. 18 d illustrates the screen view of initial position. FIG. 18 c illustrates an exemplary screen view of when the user rotates a finger to switch the view towards to the west, and FIG. 18 e illustrates an exemplary screen view of when the user rotates a finger clockwise to switch the view towards to the east. Also, in implementations where views along the street are only displayed at user discretion, the user can enter the Street View mode by pressing one finger down and exit from the Street View mode by pressing two fingers down. Computer and Video Games As games heavily rely on 3D features more and more, these additional parameters provided by the HDTP can be more useful as they can produce controls using natural metaphor. Controls that previously require complicated sequence of arrow keys and buttons can easily be implemented by combination of parameters. Flight Simulator Game For example, in a flight simulator game, controls that are similar to those in 3D navigation applications can be used. The user can control the direction of the movement by rolling, pitching, or rotating the finger. The user can control horizontal orientation of the aircraft by rolling the finger; roll the finger to the left to have the aircraft roll counter-clockwise and roll the finger to the right to have the aircraft roll clockwise. FIG. 20 a illustrates an exemplary view from the simulated aircraft when the aircraft is rolling to the left. The horizon 2011 appears tilted counter-clockwise relative to the horizontal orientation of the aircraft. FIG. 20 b illustrates an exemplary view from the simulated aircraft when the aircraft is not rolling. The horizon 2021 appears leveled with the horizontal orientation of the aircraft. FIG. 20 c illustrates an exemplary view from the simulated aircraft when the aircraft is rolling to the right. The horizon 2031 appears tilted clockwise relative to the horizontal orientation of the aircraft. The user can control vertical orientation (or pitch) of the aircraft by pitching the finger; pitch the finger up to pitch the aircraft upward and pitch the finger down to have the aircraft downward. In a more detailed example, the simulated aircraft can take off as the user pitches a finger downward to have the aircraft pitch upward. FIG. 19 b illustrates an exemplary screen view of the initial position of an aircraft, and FIG. 19 a illustrates an exemplary view from the simulated aircraft while headed upwards and taking off. The player can land the aircraft by pitching a finger upward to have the simulated aircraft is headed down to the ground. FIG. 19 c illustrates an exemplary screen view as the simulated aircraft approaches the ground. As the simulated aircraft is headed up, the player can view more of objects that are farther away from the aircraft, and as the aircraft is headed down, the player can view more of objects that are closer to the aircraft. The user can control two-dimensional orientation of the simulated aircraft at a fixed elevation by rotating the finger; rotate the finger left to have the aircraft head to the west (or to the left) and rotate the finger right to have the aircraft head to the east (or to the right). Exemplary views from the aircraft with varied horizontal rotation will be similar to the views illustrated in FIG. 17 a - c . The player can also combine gestures for simultaneous multiple controls. For example the user can pitch a finger upward while rolling the finger to the left or right to control the aircraft roll to the left as the aircraft is headed down. As another example, the user can rotate a finger counter-clockwise as the aircraft is headed up to make the aircraft change its direction to the west while the elevation of the aircraft is rising. Other Moving Vehicle Games As another example, similar controls can be implemented in any racing games of car, motorcycle, spacecraft, or other moving objects. Pitching the finger downward can be implemented to accelerate the car; pitching the finger upward can be implemented to brake with adjusted amount of pressure; rotating the finger counterclockwise can be implemented to turn the steering wheel to the left; rotating the finger clockwise can be implemented to turn the steering wheel to the right. As the user rotates the finger counter-clockwise to turn the vehicle to the left and tilt the finger to the left, the car can drift. Winter Sport Games In skiing, snowboarding, or any first-person snow sports games, the user can rotate the finger clockwise or counter-clockwise to switch the direction; the user can roll the finger left or right to switch the center of weight of the body left or right; the user can pitch the finger forward or backward to switch the center of weight of the body to accelerate or slow down; When the skier or snowboarder hits a slight uphill or mogul, the player can jump while controlling the intensity of the jump by combination of speed and the degree of pitching the finger backward. Summer Sport Games In sports games where the players hit balls, such as baseball, tennis, golf, or soccer, not only the player can control the direction of hitting, the player can also control the intensity of the hits at the same time by combining rotation and pitching of the finger. Shooter Games In first-person shooter video games, the direction of player's motion can be controlled by rotating a finger, the speed of running can be controlled by applying more or less pressure to the finger. FIG. 21 a illustrates an exemplary screen view of a first-person shooter game. In addition, weapon selection window can be opened by pitching two fingers forward, and once the window is open, the player can roll the finger to scroll through the selection of weapons and release the finger to select the highlighted weapon and close the weapon selection window. FIG. 21 b illustrates an exemplary screen view of a weapon selection window of a first-person shooter game. Both FIG. 21 a and FIG. 21 b have been obtained from video games that are available on the web for free downloading. Music Performance Experience Games In video games where players play instruments, heave and pitch of fingers can control how hard a string of an instrument is strummed or plucked or intensity of sound generated. Media Players In a media player, such as Winamp, Real, or Windows Media Player, increasing or reducing the volume can be implemented by pitching a finger upward or downward on the “frame.” Pitching the finger on the playlist window, a user can scroll through the tracks and select the desired track to be played. In an embodiment, a media player that features polyhedron menu of multiple play lists can be controlled similar to 3D desktop. A user can tap on the play list cube and rotate the finger left, right, up, or down to select a surface among the surfaces that represents different play lists. Rewinding or fast-forwarding can be implemented by rolling a finger left or right on the timeline, and the current track may be skipped by clockwise finger rotation and the current track may be returned to the beginning by counter-clockwise finger rotation. Spreadsheets Similar to selecting a thumbnail, tile, or icon in an explorer window in an embodiment, a user can scroll through cells on a spreadsheet by tilting the finger left, right, up, or down. A user also can tap on a cell in an initial position, drag the finger down to set vertical range of cells and drag the finger to the right to set horizontal range of selected cells. Then the user can tilt both fingers left, right, up, or down to move the group of selected cells. Selection of cells can be done via different motions. For example, rolling the fingers left or right can select a group of multiple columns incrementally, and pitching the fingers up or down can select multiple rows incrementally. Graphic Design Applications As computer aided design/drafting tools features numerous features, they provide several menu items and options at different levels. Even in simply rotating an object or figures, there are many operations or steps involved. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of moving the cursor to the menu bar, clicking the drop-down menu to be opened, and moving the mouse and clicking to select the desired function, a user can use combined motion of rolling, pitching, rotating a finger that are easy to remember. For example, in some design applications such as Adobe FrameMaker™, in order for a user to draw a line, a user would have to select the line tool and click on the initial and the final point with a mouse every time. As an exemplary application of this invention, the user can drag a finger on the touchpad while applying pressure on the finger to draw a line. This way of drawing lines can be very useful when drawing curved lines as drawing lines with a finger will draw smoother lines than lines drawn by using a mouse because drawing a curved line with a finger will allow finer adjustments than drawing a curved line with a hand holding a mouse. As another example, to rotate an object, the user can click on the object to select it and rotate the finger to rotate the object in the corresponding direction. FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary use of this process in an exemplary application. This feature can be useful to correct pictures that are vertically misaligned; a user can select all of a picture and rotate the finger by desired amount of degrees. Once the picture is vertically aligned, the user can select the best fitting rectangular area of the picture to save. While an object is being rotated, the user can drag the finger around to slide the object around. Recording of such motions can be useful to generate an animation of the moving object. To group objects, the user can pitch two fingers up after the user highlights the objects by tapping on the objects while having a finger of the other hand down on the touchpad. To increase the size of a 2D or 3D object, the user can select an object and rotate two fingers counter-clockwise to decrease the size of the object or rotate two fingers clockwise to increase the size of the object. To increase the thickness of the outline of an object, the user can tap on the outline of the object and rotate two fingers clockwise. To decrease the thickness of the outline of an object, the user can tap on the outline of the object and rotate two fingers clockwise. Similar implementation can be done in word processing applications to increase or decrease the font size. As another exemplary application, to flip an object left or right, the user can click on the object to have it highlighted, tilt a finger left or right, and tap with another finger to have the object flipped left or right. Similarly, to flip an object towards a reflection point, the user can click on the object to have it highlighted, touch the point of reflection with a finger of the other hand, and tilt the finger on the object towards the reflection point. Mobile Devices As more functionality is added as features of mobile devices, menus and controls for these devices become complicated. Combined motion control becomes extremely useful in mobile devices whose screen size is limited. Numbers of possible shortcuts increase dramatically by using combination of motions as shortcuts. As an example of application in a mobile phone, a shortcut to “phone” or “calls” mode can be implemented by counter-clockwise rotation of a finger, and a shortcut to applications mode can be implemented by clockwise rotation of a finger on the screen. For mobile devices without detection of vertical or horizontal orientation, detection method can be replaced by having the user rotate a finger on the screen. When the user wants to view pictures sideways on the phone, the user can switch between portrait and landscape mode by rotating a finger on the screen. As another example, while the phone is being used as music or video player, the user can pitch a finger on the screen forward or backward to control the volume, roll the finger left or right to rewind or fast-forward, or roll the finger left or right while dragging the finger in the same direction to seek to the beginning of the current track or to the next track. When the mobile device is in virtual network computing mode or being used as a remote control, all of the functions described so far can be implemented on the mobile devices. Combinations of motions can also be used as identification on mobile devices. For example, instead of methods such as entering a security code, a device can be programmed to recognize a series of motions as identification. The identification process can allow users different level of access, for example, calls only mode, child-proof mode, or application only mode. When the mobile phone receives a phone call while it is in application mode, a user can make a global gesture to exit the application mode or the touchpad of the phone can be partitioned into sections so one section can control the ongoing application and the other section can control phone functionality. In general, a touchpad user interface can be divided to have each partition control different applications. Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in memory and executed by a controller or processor. In all of the exemplary applications described, the invention provides for any of the cited example postures and gestures to be interchanged with others as may be advantageous in an implementation.

High Dimensional Touchpad (HDTP) or other user interface technology, implemented in touch screens used on computers, smartphones, or other mobile devices provides advanced touch control a variety of interactive immersive imaging applications using one or more of a user's finger position or movement in one or more of the roll angle, pitch angle, yaw angle, and downward pressure directions. Implementations also can be responsive to a user's finger position or movement in the left-right and forward-backward directions. Implementations can also use HDTP or other user interface technology implemented on the back of a mouse. Also, an interactive immersive imaging application can employ a connection over the internet or other network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS This patent application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/350,537, filed Jan. 23, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,177, which is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 09/478,002, filed Jan. 5, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,624, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/145,852 entitles Method and Apparatus for Accomplishing Multiple Description Coding for Video, files Jul. 27, 1999. This patent application is related to the following commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Application Multiple Description Coding Communication System, Ser. No. 60/145,937, filed Jul. 28, 1999. This patent application is also related to the following commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications: Multiple Description Coding Communications System, Ser. No. 08/179,416, filed Jan. 30, 1997; and Multiple Description Coding of Pairs, Ser. No. 09/511,367, filed Feb. 23, 2000. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to video coding. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for utilizing temporal prediction and motion compensated prediction to accomplish multiple description video coding. BACKGROUND Most of today's video coder standards use block-based motion compensated prediction because of its success in achieving a good balance between coding efficiency and implementation complexity. Multiple Description Coding (“MDC”) is a source coding method that increases the reliability of a communication system by decomposing a source into multiple bitstreams and then transmitting the bitstreams over separate, independent channels. An MDC system is designed so that, if all channels are received, a very good reconstruction can be made. However, if some channels are not received, a reasonably good reconstruction can still be obtained. In commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. 08/179,416, a generic method for MDC using a pairwise correlating transform referred to as (“MDTC”) is described. This generic method is designed by assuming the inputs are a set of Gaussian random variables. A method for applying this method for image coding is also described. A subsequent and similarly commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/145,937, describes a generalized MDTC method. Papers describing MDC-related work include: Y. Wang et al., “Multiple Description Image Coding for Noisy Channels by Pairing Transform Coefficients,” in Proc. IEEE 1997 First Workshop on Multimedia Signal Processing , (Princeton, N.J.), June, 1997; M. T. Orchard et al., “Redundancy Rate Distortion Analysis of Multiple Description Image Coding Using Pairwise Correlating Transforms,” in Proc. ICIP 97, (Santa Barbara, Calif.), October, 1997; Y. Wang et al., “Optimal Pairwise Correlating Transforms for Multiple Description Coding,” in Proc. ICIP 98, (Chicago, Ill.), October 1998; and V. A. Vaishampayan, “Design of Multiple Description Scalar Quantizer,” in IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory , vol. 39, pp. 821-834, May 1993. Unfortunately, in existing video coding systems when not all of the bitstream data sent over the separate channels is received, the quality of the reconstructed video sequence suffers. Likewise, as the amount of the bitstream data that is not received increases the quality of the reconstructed video sequence that can be obtained from the received bitstream decreases rapidly. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new approach for coding a video sequence into two descriptions using temporal prediction and motion compensated prediction to improve the quality of the reconstructions that can be achieved when only one of the two descriptions is received. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention provide a block-based motion-compensated predictive coding framework for realizing MDC, which includes two working modes: Intraframe Mode (I-mode) and Prediction Mode (P-mode). Coding in the P-mode involves the coding of the prediction errors and estimation/coding of motion. In addition, for both the I-mode and P-mode, the MDTC scheme has been adapted to code a block of Discrete Cosine Transform (“DCT”) coefficients. Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for encoding a sequence of video frames. The system and method receive the sequence of video frames and then divide each video frame into a plurality of macroblocks. Each macroblock is then encoded using at least one of the I-mode technique and the P-mode technique, where, for n channels the prediction mode technique generates at least n+1 prediction error signals for each block. The system and method then provide the I-mode technique encoded data and the at least n+1 P-mode technique prediction error signals divided between each of the n channels being used to transmit the encoded video frame data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of the overall framework for Multiple Description Coding (“MDC”) of video using motion compensated prediction. FIG. 2 provides a block diagram of the framework for MDC in P-mode. FIG. 3A provides a block diagram of the general framework for the MDC Prediction Error (“MDCPE”) encoder of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3B provides a block diagram of the general framework for the MDCPE decoder of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of an embodiment of the MDCPE encoder of FIG. 3A . FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of another embodiment of the MDCPE encoder of FIG. 3A . FIG. 6 provides a block diagram of another embodiment of the MDCPE encoder of FIG. 3A . FIG. 7 provides a block diagram of an embodiment of multiple description motion estimation and coding (“MDMEC”) using spatial interleaving of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an odd-even block encoding of a macroblock in the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representation of an embodiment of the encoder operations of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram representation of an embodiment of the decoder operations of the present invention when the decoder receives two coded descriptions of a video frame. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram representation of another embodiment of the decoder operations of the present invention when the decoder only receives one coded description of a video frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The Overall Coding Framework In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a multiple description (“MD”) video coder is developed using the conventional block-based motion compensated prediction. In this embodiment, each video frame is divided into non-overlapping macroblocks which are then coded in either the I-mode or the P-mode. In the I-mode, the color values of each of the macroblocks are directly transformed using a Discrete Cosine Transform (“DCT”) and the resultant quantized DCT coefficients are then entropy coded. In the P-mode, a motion vector which describes the displacement between the spatial position of the current macroblock and the best matching macroblock, is first found and coded. Then the prediction error is coded using the DCT. Additional side information describing the coding mode and relevant coding parameters is also coded. An embodiment of an overall MDC framework of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is similar to the conventional video coding scheme using block-based motion compensated predictive coding. In FIG. 1 , an input analog video signal is received in an analog-to-digital (“A/D”) converter (not shown) and each frame from the input analog video signal is digitized and divided into non-overlapping blocks of approximately uniform size as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Although shown as such in FIG. 8 , the use of non-overlapping macroblocks of approximately uniform size is not required by the present invention and alternative embodiments of the present invention are contemplated in which non-overlapping macroblocks of approximately uniform size are not used. For example, in one contemplated alternative embodiment, each digitized video frame is divided into overlapping macroblocks having non-uniform sizes. Returning to FIG. 1 , each input macroblock X 100 is input to a mode selector 110 and then the mode selector selectively routes the input macroblock X 100 for coding in one of the two modes using switch 112 by selecting either channel 113 or channel 114 . Connecting switch 112 to channel 113 enables I-mode coding in an I-mode MDC 120 , and connecting switch 112 with channel 114 enables P-mode coding in a P-mode MDC 130 . In the I-mode MDC 120 , the color values of the macroblock are coded directly into two descriptions, description 1 122 and description 2 124 , using either the MDTC method; the generalized MDTC method described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/179,416; Vaisharnpayan's Multiple Description Scalar Quantizer (“MDSQ”); or any other multiple description coding technique. In the P-mode MDC 130 , the macroblock is first predicted from previously coded frames and two (2) descriptions are produced, description 1 132 and description 2 134 . Although shown as being output on separate channels, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated in which the I-mode description 1 122 and the P-mode description 1 132 are output to a single channel. Similarly, embodiments are contemplated in which the I-mode description 2 124 and the P-mode description 2 134 are output to a single channel. In FIG. 1 , the mode selector 110 is connected to a redundancy allocation unit 140 and the redundancy allocation unit 140 communicates signals to the mode selector 110 to control the switching of switch 112 between channel 113 for the I-mode MDC 120 and channel 114 for the P-mode MDC 130 . The redundancy allocation unit 140 is also connected to the I-mode MDC 120 and the P-mode MDC 130 to provide inputs to control the redundancy allocation between motion and prediction error. A rate control unit 150 is connected to the redundancy allocation unit 140 , the mode selector 110 , the I-mode MDC 120 and the P-mode MDC 130 . A set of frame buffers 160 is also connected to the mode selector 110 for storing previously reconstructed frames from the P-mode MDC 130 and for providing macroblocks from the previously reconstructed frames back to the P-mode MDC 130 for use in encoding and decoding the subsequent macroblocks. In an embodiment of the present invention, a block-based uni-directional motion estimation method is used, in which, the prediction macroblock is determined from a previously decoded frame. Two types of information are coded: i) the error between the prediction macroblock and the actual macroblock, and ii) the motion vector, which describes the displacement between the spatial position of the current macroblock and the best matching macroblock. Both are coded into two descriptions. Because the decoder may have either both descriptions or one of the two descriptions, the encoder has to take this fact into account in coding the prediction error. The proposed framework for realizing MDC in the P-mode is described in more detail below. Note that the use of I-mode coding enables the system to recover from an accumulated error due to the mismatch between the reference frames used in the encoder for prediction and that available at the decoder. The extra number of bits used for coding in the I-mode, compared to using the P-mode, is a form of redundancy that is intentionally introduced by the coder to improve the reconstruction quality when only a single description is available at the decoder. In conventional block-based video coders, such as an H.263 coder, described in ITU-T, “Recommendation H.263 Video Coding for Low Bitrate Communication,” July 1995, the choice between I-mode and P-mode is dependent on which mode uses fewer bits to produce the same image reconstruction quality. For error-resilience purposes, I-mode macroblocks are also inserted periodically, but very sparsely, for example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, one I-mode macroblock is inserted after approximately ten to fifteen P-mode macroblocks. The rate at which the I-mode macroblocks are inserted is highly dependent on the video being encoded and, therefore, the rate at which the I-mode macroblocks are inserted is variably controlled by the redundancy allocation unit 140 for each video input stream. In applications requiring a constant output rate, the rate control component 150 regulates the total number of bits that can be used on a frame-by-frame basis. As a result, the rate control component 150 influences the choice between the I-mode and the P-mode. In an embodiment of the present invention, the proposed switching between I-mode and P-mode depends not only on the target bit rate and coding efficiency but also on the desired redundancy. As a result of this redundancy dependence, the redundancy allocation unit 140 , which, together with the rate control unit 150 , determines, i) on the global level, redundancy allocation between I-mode and P-mode; and ii) for every macroblock, which mode to use. P-mode Coding. In general, the MDC coder in the P-mode will generate two descriptions of the motion information and two descriptions of the prediction error. A general framework for implementing MDC in the P-mode is shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2 , the encoder has three separate frame buffers (“FB”), FB 0 270 , FB 1 280 and FB 2 290 , for storing previously reconstructed frames from both descriptions (ψ o,k-m ), description one (ψ 1,k-m ) and description two (ψ 2,k-m ), respectively. Here, k represents the current frame time, k−m, m=1, 2, . . . , k, the previous frames up to frame 0. In this embodiment, prediction from more than one of the previously coded frames is permitted. In FIG. 2 , a Multiple Description Motion Estimation and Coding (“MDMEC”) unit 210 receives as an initial input macroblock X 100 to be coded at frame k. The MDMEC 210 is connected to the three frame buffers FB 0 270 , FB 1 280 and FB 2 290 and the MDMEC 210 receives macroblocks from the previously reconstructed frames stored in each frame buffer. In addition, the MDMEC 210 is connected to a redundancy allocation unit 260 which provides an input motion and prediction error redundancy allocation to the MDMEC 210 to use to generate and output two coded descriptions of the motion information, {tilde over (m)} 1 and {tilde over (m)} 2 . The MDMEC 210 is also connected to a first Motion Compensated Predictor 0 (“MCP 0 ”) 240 , a second Motion Compensated Predictor 1 (“MCP 1 ”) 220 and a third Motion Compensated Predictor 2 (“MCP 2 ”) 230 . The two coded descriptions of the motion information, {tilde over (m)} 1 and {tilde over (m)} 2 are transmitted to the MCP 0 240 , which generates and outputs a predicted macroblock P 0 based on {tilde over (m)} 1 , {tilde over (m)} 2 and macroblocks from the previously reconstructed frames from the descriptions ψ 1,k-m , where i=0, 1, 2, which are provided by frame buffers FB 0 270 , FB 1 280 and FB 2 290 . Similarly, MCP 1 220 generates and outputs a predicted macroblock P 1 based on {tilde over (m)} 1 from the MDMEC 210 and a macroblock from the previously reconstructed frame from description one (ψ 1,k-m ) from FB 1 280 . Likewise, MCP 2 230 generates and outputs a predicted macroblock P 2 based on {tilde over (m)} 2 from the MDMEC 210 and a macroblock from the previously reconstructed frame from description two (ψ 2,k-m ) from FB 2 290 . In this general framework, MCP 0 240 can make use of ψ 1,1,k-m and ψ 2,k-m in addition to ψ o,k-m . MCP 0 240 , MCP 1 220 and MCP 2 230 are each connected to a multiple description coding of prediction error (“MDCPE”)” unit 250 and provide predicted macroblocks P 0 , P 1 and P 2 , respectively, to the MDCPE 250 . The MDCPE 250 is also connected to the redundancy allocation unit 260 and receives as input the motion and prediction error redundancy allocation. In addition, the MDCPE 250 also receives the original input macroblock X 100 . The MDCPE 250 generates two coded descriptions of prediction error, {tilde over (E)} 1 and {tilde over (E)} 2 , based on input macroblock X 100 , P 0 P 1 , P 2 and the motion and prediction error redundancy allocation. Description one 132 , in FIG. 1 , of the coded video consists of {tilde over (m)} 1 and {tilde over (E)} 1 for all the macroblocks. Likewise, description two 134 , in FIG. 1 , consists of {tilde over (m)} 2 and {tilde over (E)} 2 for all the macroblocks. Exemplary embodiments of the MDMEC 210 and MDCPE 250 are described in the following sections. Multiple Description Coding of Prediction Error (MDCPE) The general framework of a MDCPE encoder implementation is shown in FIG. 3A . First, the prediction error in the case when both descriptions are available, F=X−P 0 , is coded into two descriptions {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 . In FIG. 3A , predicted macroblock P 0 is subtracted from input macroblock X 100 in an adder 306 and a both description side prediction error F 0 is input to an Error Multiple Description Coding (“EMDC”) Encoder 330 . The encoding is accomplished in the EMDC Encoder 330 using, for example, MDTC or MDC. To deal with the case when only the i-th description is received (that is where i=1 or 2) either an encoderunit one (“ENC 1 ”) 320 or an encoder unit two (“ENC 2 ”) 310 takes either pre-run length coded coefficients, Δ{tilde over (C)} n ,Δ{tilde over (D)} n , respectively, and a description i side prediction error E i , where E i =X−P i , and produces a description i enhancement stream {tilde over (G)} i . {tilde over (G)} i together with {tilde over (F)} 1 form a description i. Embodiments of the encoders ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 are described in reference to FIGS. 3A , 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 . As shown in FIG. 3A , P 2 is subtracted from input macroblock X 100 by an adder 302 and a description two side prediction error E 2 is output. E 2 and Δ{tilde over (D)} n are then input to ENC 2 310 and a description two enhancement stream {tilde over (G)} 2 is output. Similarly, P 1 is subtracted from input macroblock X 100 in an adder 304 and a description one side prediction error E 1 is output. E 1 and Δ{tilde over (C)} n are then input to ENC 1 320 and a description one enhancement stream {tilde over (G)} 1 322 is output. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n are determined from {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 by branching both of the {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 output channels to connect with ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 , respectively. Before the branches connect to ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 , they each pass through separate run length decoder units to produce Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n , respectively. As will be seen in the description referring to FIG. 4 , this alternate embodiment requires two additional run length decoders to decode {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 to obtain Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n , which had just been encoded into j and {tilde over (F)} 2 in EMDC encoder 320 . In the decoder, shown in FIG. 3B , if both descriptions, that is, {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 , are available, an EMDC decoder unit 360 generates {circumflex over (F)} 0 from inputs {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 , where {circumflex over (F)} 0 represents the reconstructed F from both {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 . {circumflex over (F)} 0 is then added to P 0 in an adder 363 to generate a both description recovered macroblock {circumflex over (X)} 0 . {circumflex over (X)} 0 is defined as {circumflex over (X)} 0 =P 0 +{circumflex over (F)} 0 . When both descriptions are available, enhancement streams {tilde over (G)} 1 and {tilde over (G)} 2 are not used. When only description one is received, a first side decoder (“DEC 1 ”) 370 , produces Ê 1 from inputs Δ{tilde over (C)} n and {tilde over (G)} 1 and then Ê 1 is added to P 1 in an adder 373 to generate a description one recovered macroblock {circumflex over (X)} 1 . The description one recovered macroblock is defined as {circumflex over (X)} 1 =P 1 +Ê 1 . When only description two is received, a second side decoder (“DEC 2 ”) 380 , produces Ê 2 from inputs Δ{tilde over (D)} n and Ĝ 2 and then Ê 2 is added to P 2 in an adder 383 to generate a description two recovered macroblock {circumflex over (X)} 2 . The description two recovered macroblock, {circumflex over (X)} 2 , is defined as {circumflex over (X)} 2 =P 2 +Ê 2 . Embodiments of the decoders DEC 1 370 and DEC 2 380 are described in reference to FIGS. 3B , 4 , 5 , 6 and 7 . As with the encoder in FIG. 3A , in an alternate embodiment of the decoder (not shown), Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n are determined from {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 by branching both of the {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 output channels to connect with ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 , respectively. Before the branches connect to ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 , they each pass through separate run length decoder units (not shown) to produce Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n , respectively. As with the alternate embodiment for the encoder described above, this decoder alternative embodiment requires additional run length decoder hardware to extract Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n from {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 just before Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n are extracted from {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 in EMDC decoder 360 . Note that in this framework, the bits used for G i , i=1,2 are purely redundancy bits, because they do not contribute to the reconstruction quality when both descriptions are received. This portion of the total redundancy, denoted by ρ e,2 can be controlled directly by varying the quantization accuracy when generating G i . The other portion of the total redundancy, denoted by ρ e,1 , is introduced when coding Fusing the MDTC coder. Using the MDTC coder enables this redundancy to be controlled easily by varying the transform parameters. The redundancy allocation unit 260 manages the redundancy allocation between ρ e,2 and ρ e,1 , for a given total redundancy in coding the prediction errors. Based on this framework, alternate embodiments have been developed, which differ in the operations of ENC 1 320 /DEC 1 370 and ENC 2 310 /DEC 2 380 . While the same type of EMDC encoder 330 and EMDC decoder 380 described in FIGS. 3A and 3B are used, the way in which {tilde over (G)} i is generated by ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 is different in each of the alternate embodiments. These alternate embodiments are described below in reference to FIGS. 4 , 5 and 6 . Implementation of the EMDC ENC 1 and ENC 2 Encoders FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of an embodiment of multiple description coding of prediction error in the present invention. In FIG. 4 , an MDTC coder is used to implement the EMDC encoder 330 in FIG. 3A . In FIG. 4 , for each 8×8 block of central prediction error P 0 is subtracted from the corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in an adder 306 to produce E 0 and then E 0 is input to the DCT unit 425 which performs DCT and outputs N≦64 DCT coefficients. A pairing unit 430 receives the N≦64 DCT coefficients from the DCT unit 425 and organizes the DCT coefficients into N/2 pairs (Ã n , {tilde over (B)} n ) using a fixed pairing scheme for all frames. The N/2 pairs are then input with an input, which controls the rate, from a rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to a first quantizer one (“Q 1 ”) unit 435 and a second Q 1 unit 440 . The Q 1 units 435 and 440 , in combination, produce quantized pairs (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ). It should be noted that both N and the pairing strategy are determined based on the statistics of the DCT coefficients and the k-th largest coefficient is paired with the (N−k)-th largest coefficient. Each quantized pair (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ) is then input with a transform parameter β n , which controls a first part of the redundancy, from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to a Pairwise Correlating Transform (“PCT”) unit 445 to produce the coefficients (Δ{tilde over (C)} n , Δ{tilde over (D)} n ), which are then split into two sets. The unpaired coefficients are split even/odd and appended to the PCT coefficients. The coefficients in each set, Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n , are then run length and Huffman coded in run length coding units 450 and 455 , respectively, to produce {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (F)} 2 . Thus, {tilde over (F)} 1 contains Δ{tilde over (C)} n in coded run length representation, and {tilde over (F)} 2 contains Δ{tilde over (D)} n in coded run length representation. In the following, three different embodiments for obtaining Δ{tilde over (D)} n from FIG. 3A are described. For ease of description, in the descriptions related to the detailed operation of the ENC 1 320 and ENC 2 310 in FIGS. 4 , 5 and 6 , components in ENC 2 310 which are analogous to components in ENC 1 320 are denoted as primes. For example, in FIG. 4 , ENC 1 320 has a DCT component 405 for calculating {tilde over (G)} 1 and ENC 2 310 has an analogous DCT component 405 ′ for calculating {tilde over (G)} 2 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 4 , the central prediction error {tilde over (F)} 1 is reconstructed from Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (C)} n is also used to generate {tilde over (G)} 1 . To generate {tilde over (G)} 1 , Δ{tilde over (C)} n from PCT unit 445 is input to an inverse quantizer (“Q 1 Γ ”) 460 and dequantized C coefficients, ΔĈ n are output. A linear estimator 465 receives the ΔĈ n and outputs estimated DCT coefficients ΔÂ n 1 and Δ{circumflex over (B)} n 1 . ΔÂ n 1 and Δ{circumflex over (B)} m 1 which are then input to inverse pairing unit 470 which converts the N/2 pairs into DCT coefficients and outputs the DCT coefficients to an inverse DCT unit 475 which outputs {circumflex over (F)} 1 to an adder 403 . P 1 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 302 and the adder 302 outputs E 1 to the adder 403 . {circumflex over (F)} 1 is subtracted from E 1 in the adder 403 and G 1 is output. In the absence of any additional information, the reconstruction from description one alone will be P 1 +{circumflex over (F)} 1 . To allow for a more accurate reconstruction, G 1 is defined as G 1 =X−P 1 −{circumflex over (F)} 1 , and G 1 is coded into {tilde over (G)} 1 using conventional DCT coding. That is, G 1 is DCT transformed in a DCT coder 405 to produce DCT coefficients for G 1 . The DCT coefficients are then input to a quantizer two (“Q 2 ”) 410 , quantized with an input, which controls a second part of redundancy, from the rate and redundancy unit 420 in Q 2 410 and the quantized coefficients are output from Q 2 410 to a run length coding unit 415 . The quantized coefficients are then run length coded in run length coding unit 415 to produce the description one enhancement stream {tilde over (G)} 1 . Also shown in FIG. 4 , the central prediction error {tilde over (F)} 2 is reconstructed from Δ{tilde over (D)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n is also used to generate {tilde over (G)} 2 . To generate {tilde over (G)} 2 , Δ{tilde over (D)} n from PCT unit 445 ′ is input to Q 1 Γ 460 ′ and dequantized D coefficients, Δ{circumflex over (D)} n are output. A linear estimator 465 ′ receives the Δ{tilde over (D)} n and outputs estimated DCT coefficients ΔÂ n 2 and Δ{circumflex over (B)} n 2 . ΔÂ n 2 and Δ{circumflex over (B)} n 2 are then input to inverse pairing unit 470 ′ which converts the N/2 pairs into DCT coefficients and outputs the DCT coefficients to an inverse DCT unit 475 ′ which outputs {circumflex over (F)} 2 to an adder 403 ′. P 2 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 304 and the adder 304 outputs E 2 to the adder 403 ′. {circumflex over (F)} 2 is subtracted from E 2 in the adder 403 ′ and G 2 is output. In the absence of any additional information, the reconstruction from description two alone will be P 2 +{circumflex over (F)} 2 . To allow for a more accurate reconstruction, G 2 is defined as G 2 =X−P 2 −{circumflex over (F)} 2 , and G 2 is coded into {tilde over (G)} 2 using conventional DCT coding. That is, G 2 is DCT transformed in a DCT coder 405 ′ to produce DCT coefficients for G 2 . The DCT coefficients are then input to Q 2 410 ′, quantized with an input from the rate and redundancy unit 420 in Q 2 410 ′ and the quantized coefficients are output from Q 2 410 ′ to a run length coding unit 415 ′. The quantized coefficients are then run length coded in run length coding unit 415 ′ to produce the description two enhancement stream {tilde over (G)} 2 . In accordance with the current embodiment of the present invention, the EMDC decoder 360 in FIG. 3B is implemented as an inverse circuit of the EMDC encoder 330 described in FIG. 4 . With the exception of the rate and redundancy unit 420 , all of the other components described have analogous inverse components implemented in the decoder. For example, in the EMDC decoder, if only description one is received, the same operation as described above for the encoder is used to generate {circumflex over (F)} 1 from Δ{tilde over (C)} n . In addition, by inverse quantization and inverse DCT, the quantized version of G 1 , denoted by Ĝ 1 , is recovered from {tilde over (G)} 1 . The finally recovered block in this side decoder is X 1 , which is defined as X 1 =P 1 +{circumflex over (F)} 1 +Ĝ 1 . In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , more than 64 coefficients are needed to be coded in the EMDC 330 and ENC 1 320 together. While the use of the 64 coefficients completely codes the mismatch error, {tilde over (G)} 1 , subject to quantization errors, it requires too many bits. Therefore, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, only 32 coefficients are coded when generating {tilde over (G)} 1 , by only including the error for the D coefficients. Likewise, only 32 coefficients are coded when generating {tilde over (G)} 2 , by only including C coefficients. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , DCT is applied to side prediction error E 1 in the DCT coder 405 , where E 1 =X−P 1 , and the same pairing scheme as in the central coder is applied to generate N pairs of DCT coefficients in pairing unit 510 . As in FIG. 4 , in FIG. 5 , to implement the EMDC encoder 330 , a MDTC coder is used. For each 8×8 block of central prediction error, P 0 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 306 to produce E 0 and then E 0 is input to the DCT unit 425 which performs DCT on E 0 and outputs N≦64 DCT coefficients. In pairing unit 430 , the coder takes the N≦64 DCT coefficients from the DCT unit 425 and organizes them into N/2 pairs (Ã n , {tilde over (B)} n ) using a fixed pairing scheme for all frames. The N/2 pairs are then input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to the Q 1 quantizer units 435 and 440 , respectively, and Q 1 quantizer units 435 and 440 produce quantized pairs (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ), respectively. It should be noted that both N and the pairing strategy are determined based on the statistics of the DCT coefficients and the k-th largest coefficient is paired with the (N−k)-th largest coefficient. Each quantized pair (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ) is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to a PCT unit 445 with the transform parameter β n to produce the coefficients (Δ{tilde over (C)} n , Δ{tilde over (D)} n ), which are then split into two sets. The unpaired coefficients are split even/odd and appended to the PCT coefficients. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 5 , an estimate of the central prediction error {tilde over (F)} 1 is reconstructed from Δ{tilde over (C)} n and Δ{tilde over (C)} n is also used to generate {tilde over (G)} 1 . To generate {tilde over (G)} 1 , {tilde over (C)} n from PCT unit 445 is input to Q 1 Γ 460 and dequantized C coefficients, ΔĈ n are output to a linear estimator 530 . The linear estimator 530 receives the ΔĈ n and outputs an estimated DCT coefficient {circumflex over (D)} n 1 , which is input to an adder 520 . P 1 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 302 to produce side prediction error E 1 which is then input to conventional DCT coder 405 where DCT is applied to E 1 . The output of the DCT coder 405 is input to pairing unit 510 and the same pairing scheme as described above for pairing unit 430 is applied to generate N pairs of DCT coefficients. The N pairs of DCT coefficients are then input to a PCT unit 515 with transform parameter β n which generates only the D component, D n 1 . Then, D n 1 is input to an adder 520 and {circumflex over (D)} n 1 is subtracted from D n 1 and an error C n ⊥ is output. The error C n ⊥ , which is defined as C n ⊥ = D n 1 - D ^ n 1 , is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to Q 2 525 and quantized to produce a quantized error, C ^ n ⊥ . The {tilde over (C)} n coefficients from the PCT unit 515 and the quantized error C ^ n ⊥ are then together subjected to run-length coding in run length coding unit 450 to produce a resulting bitstream {tilde over (F)} 1 , {tilde over (G)} 1 , which constitutes {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (G)} 1 from FIG. 3A . Likewise, an estimate of the central prediction error {tilde over (F)} 2 is reconstructed from Δ{tilde over (D)} n and Δ{tilde over (D)} n is also used to generate {tilde over (G)} 2 . To generate {tilde over (G)} 2 , {tilde over (D)} n from PCT unit 445 ′ is input to Q 1 Γ 460 ′ and dequantized D coefficients, Δ{tilde over (D)} n are output to a linear estimator 530 ′. The linear estimator 530 ′ receives the Δ{tilde over (D)} n and outputs an estimated DCT coefficient {circumflex over (D)} n 1 , which is input to an adder 520 ′. P 2 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 304 to produce side prediction error E 2 which is then input to conventional DCT coder 405 ′ where DCT is applied to E 2 . The output of the DCT coder 405 ′ is input to pairing unit 510 ′ and the same pairing scheme as described above for pairing unit 430 is applied to generate N pairs of DCT coefficients. The N pairs of DCT coefficients are then input to a PCT unit 515 ′ with transform parameter β n which generates only the C component, C n 1 . Then, C n 1 is input to an adder 520 ′ and Ĉ n 1 is subtracted from C n 1 and an error D n ⊥ is output. The error D n ⊥ , which is defined as D n ⊥ = C n 1 - C ^ n 1 , is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to Q 2 525 ′ and quantized to produce a quantized error, D ^ n ⊥ . The {tilde over (D)} n coefficients from the PCT unit 515 ′ and the quantized error D ^ n ⊥ are then together subjected to run-length coding in run length coding unit 450 ′ to produce a resulting bitstream {tilde over (F)} 2 , {tilde over (G)} 2 , which constitutes {tilde over (F)} 2 and {tilde over (G)} 2 from FIG. 3A . In accordance with the current embodiment of the present invention, the DEC 1370 from FIG. 3B is implemented as an inverse circuit of the ENC 1 320 described in FIG. 4 . With the exception of the rate and redundancy unit 420 , all of the other components described have analogous inverse components implemented in the decoder. For example, in the DEC 1 370 , if only description one is received, which includes, after run length decoding and dequantization, C n and C ^ n ⊥ , the PCT coefficients corresponding to the side prediction error can be estimated by C ^ n 1 - C ^ n , D ^ n 1 = D ^ n 1 ⁡ ( C ^ n ) + C ^ n ⊥ . Then inverse PCT can be performed on Ĉ n 1 and {circumflex over (D)} n 1 , followed by inverse DCT to arrive at quantized prediction error Ê 1 . The finally recovered macroblock, X 1 , is reconstructed by adding P 1 and Ê 1 together, such that, X 1 =P 1 +Ê 1 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the strategy is to ignore the error in the side predictor and use some additional redundancy to improve the reconstruction accuracy for the D n in the central predictor. This is accomplished by quantizing and coding the estimation error for C n ⊥ = Δ ⁢ ⁢ D ^ n - D ^ n ⁡ ( C ^ n ) , as shown in FIG. 6 . This scheme is the same as the generalized PCT, where four variables are used to represent the initial pair of two coefficients. As in the previously described embodiments, in FIG. 6 , to implement the EMDC encoder 330 , a MDTC coder is used. For each 8×8 block of central prediction error, P 0 is subtracted from each corresponding 8×8 block from input macroblock X 100 in the adder 306 to produce E 0 and then E 0 is input to the DCT unit 425 which performs DCT on E 0 and outputs N≦64 DCT coefficients. A pairing unit 430 receives the N≦64 DCT coefficients from the DCT unit 425 and organizes them into N/2 pairs (Ã n ,{tilde over (B)} n ) using a fixed pairing scheme for all frames. The N/2 pairs are then input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to Q 1 quantizer units 435 and 440 , respectively, and Q 1 quantizer units 435 and 440 produce quantized pairs (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ), respectively. It should be noted that both N and the pairing strategy are determined based on the statistics of the DCT coefficients and the k-th largest coefficient is paired with the (N−k)-th largest coefficient. Each quantized pair (ΔÃ n , Δ{tilde over (B)} n ) is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to the PCT unit 445 with the transform parameter β n to produce the PCT coefficients (ΔĈ n , Δ{tilde over (D)} n ), which are then split into two sets. The unpaired coefficients are split even/odd and appended to the PCT coefficients. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 6 , {tilde over (C)} n is input to inverse quantizer Q 1 Γ 460 and dequantized C coefficients, ΔĈ n are output to a linear estimator 610 . The linear estimator 610 is applied to ΔĈ n to produce an estimated DCT coefficient {circumflex over (D)} n which is output to an adder 630 . Similarly, {circumflex over (D)} n is input to a second inverse quantizer Q 1 Γ 620 and dequantized D coefficients, Δ{circumflex over (D)} n are also output to the adder 630 . Then, {circumflex over (D)} n is subtracted from Δ{circumflex over (D)} n in the adder 630 and the error C n ⊥ is output. The error C n ⊥ = Δ ⁢ ⁢ D ^ n - D ^ n ⁡ ( C ^ n ) is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to quantizer Q 2 640 and quantized to produce C ^ n ⊥ . The {tilde over (C)} n coefficients and the quantized error C ^ n ⊥ are then together subjected to run-length coding in run length coding unit 650 to produce the resulting bitstream {tilde over (F)} 1 , {tilde over (G)} 1 , which constitutes {tilde over (F)} 1 and {tilde over (G)} 1 from FIG. 3A . Similarly, in FIG. 6 , {tilde over (D)} n is input to inverse quantizer Q 1 Γ 460 ′ and dequantized D coefficients, Δ{circumflex over (D)} n are output to a linear estimator 610 ′. The linear estimator 610 ′ is applied to Δ{circumflex over (D)} n to produce an estimated DCT coefficient Ĉ n which is output to an adder 630 ′. Similarly, {tilde over (C)} n is input to a second inverse quantizer Q 1 Γ 620 ′ and dequantized C coefficients, ΔĈ n are also output to the adder 630 ′. Then, Ĉ n is subtracted from ΔĈ n in the adder 630 ′ and the error D n ⊥ is output. The error D n ⊥ is input with an input from the rate and redundancy allocation unit 420 to quantizer Q 2 640 ′ and quantized to produce D ^ n ⊥ . The D n coefficients and the quantized error D ^ ⁢ 1 n are then together subjected to run-length coding in run length coding unit 650 ′ to produce the resulting bitstream {tilde over (F)} 2 , {tilde over (G)} 2 , which constitutes {tilde over (F)} 2 and {tilde over (G)} 2 from FIG. 3A . In accordance with the current embodiment of the present invention, the DEC 2 decoder 380 decoder from FIG. 3B is implemented as an inverse circuit of the ENC 2 encoder 310 described in FIG. 4 . With the exception of the rate and redundancy unit 420 , all of the other components described have analogous inverse components implemented in the decoder. For example, the DEC 2 decoder 380 operation is the same as in the DEC 1 decoder 370 embodiment, the recovered prediction error is actually a quantized version of F, so that X 1 =P 1 +{circumflex over (F)}. Therefore, in this implementation, the mismatch between P 0 and P 1 are left as is, and allowed to accumulate over time in successive P-frames. However, the effect of this mismatch is eliminated upon each new I-frame. In all of the above embodiments, the quantization parameter in Q 1 controls the rate, the transform parameters β n controls the first part of redundancy ρ e,1 , and the quantization parameter in Q 2 controls the second part of redundancy ρ e,2 . In each embodiment, these parameters are controlled by the rate and redundancy allocation component 420 . This allocation is performed based on a theoretical analysis of the trade-off between rate, redundancy, and distortion, associated with each implementation. In addition to redundancy allocation between ρ e,1 and ρ e,2 for a given P-frame, the total redundancy, ρ, among successive frames must be allocated. This is accomplished by treating coefficients from different frames as different coefficient pairs. Multiple Description Motion Estimation and Coding (MDMEC) In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 7 , in a motion estimation component 710 , conventional motion estimation is performed to find the best motion vector for each input macroblock X 100 . In an alternate embodiment (not shown) a simplified method for performing motion estimation is used in which the motion vectors from the input macroblock X 100 are duplicated on both channels. FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of odd and even macroblocks within each digitized frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Returning to FIG. 7 , the motion estimation component 710 is connected to a video input unit (not shown) for receiving the input macroblocks and to FB 0 270 (not shown) for receiving reconstructed macroblocks from previously reconstructed frames from both descriptions, ψ o,k-1 . The motion estimation component 710 is also connected to a motion-encoder- 1 730 , an adder 715 and an adder 718 . Motion-encoder- 1 730 is connected to a motion-interpolator- 1 725 and the motion-interpolator- 1 725 is connected to the adder 715 . The adder 715 is connected to a motion-encoder- 3 720 . Similarly, motion-encoder- 2 735 is connected to a motion-interpolator- 2 740 and the motion-interpolator- 2 740 is connected to the adder 718 . The adder 718 is connected to a motion-encoder- 4 745 . In FIG. 7 , the motion vectors for the even macroblocks output from the motion estimation unit 710 , denoted by m 1 , are input to Motion-Encoder- 1 730 , and coded to yield {tilde over (m)} 1,1 and reconstructed motions {circumflex over (m)} 1,1 . The reconstructed motions, {circumflex over (m)} 1,1 , are input to motion interpolator- 1 725 which interpolates motions in odd macroblocks from the coded ones in even macroblocks, and outputs m 2,p to adder 715 . In adder 715 m 2,p is subtracted from m 2 and m 1,2 is output, where m 2 was received from motion estimation unit 710 . m 1,2 is then input to motion encoder- 3 720 and {tilde over (m)} 1,2 is output. Similarly, motion vectors for the odd macroblocks, m 2 , are input to and coded by Motion-Encoder- 2 735 , and the coded bits and reconstructed motions denoted by {tilde over (m)} 2,1 and {circumflex over (m)} 2,1 , respectively, are output. The reconstructed motions, {circumflex over (m)} 2,1 , are input to motion interpolator- 2 740 which interpolates motions in even macroblocks from the coded ones in odd macroblocks, and outputs m 1,p to adder 718 . In adder 718 m 1,p is subtracted from m 1 and m 2,2 is output, where m 1 was received from motion estimation unit 710 . m 2,2 is then input to motion encoder- 4 745 and {tilde over (m)} 2,2 is output. For a lossless description of motion, all of the four encoders involved should be lossless. An encoder is “lossless” when the decoder can create an exact reconstruction of the encoded signal, and an encoder is “lossy” when the decoder can not create an exact reconstruction of the encoded signal. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, lossless coding is used for m 1 and m 2 and lossy coding is used for m 1,2 and m 2,2 . The bits used for coding m 1,2 and m 2,2 are ignored when both descriptions are received and, therefore, are purely redundancy bits. This part of the redundancy for motion coding is denoted by ρ m,2 . The extra bits in independent coding of m 1 and m 2 , compared to joint coding, contribute to the other portion of the redundancy. This is denoted by ρ m,1 . In another embodiment of the present invention, conventional motion estimation is first performed to find the best motion vector for each macroblock. Then, the horizontal and vertical components of each motion vector are treated as two independent variables a (pre-whitening transform can be applied to reduce the correlation between the two components) and generalized MDTC method is applied to each motion vector. Let m h , m v represent the horizontal and vertical component of a motion vector. Using a pairing transform, T, the transformed coefficients are obtained from Equation (1): [ m c m d ] = T ⁢ [ m h m v ] ( 1 ) Where {tilde over (m)} i,1 =1,2, represents the bits used to code m c and m d , respectively, and m i,2, i=1,2 represents the bits used to code m ⁢ 1 c ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ m ⁢ ⁢ 1 d , the estimation error for m d from m c and the estimation error for m c from m d , respectively. The transform parameters in T are controlled based on the desired redundancy. In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), each horizontal or vertical motion component is quantized using MDSQ to produce two bit streams for all the motion vectors. Application of MDTC to Block DCT Coding The MDTC approach was originally developed and analyzed for an ordered set of N Gaussian variables with zero means and decreasing variances. When applying this approach to DCT coefficients of a macroblock (either an original or a prediction error macroblock), which are not statistically stationary and are inherently two-dimensional, there are many possibilities in terms of how to select and order coefficients to pair. In the conventional run length coding approach for macroblock DCT coefficients, used in all of the current video coding standards, each element of the two-dimensional DCT coefficient array is first quantized using a predefined quantization matrix and a scaling parameter. The quantized coefficient indices are then converted into a one-dimensional array, using a predefined ordering, for example, the zigzag order. For image macroblocks, consecutive high frequency DCT coefficients tend to be zero and, as a result, the run length coding method, which counts how many zeros occur before a non-zero coefficient, has been devised. A pair of symbols, which consist of a run length value and the non-zero value, are then entropy coded. In an embodiment of the present invention, to overcome the non-stationarity of the DCT coefficients as described above, each image is divided into macroblocks in a few classes so that the DCT coefficients in each class are approximately stationary. For each class, the variances of the DCT coefficients are collected, and based on the variances, the number of coefficients to pair, N, the pairing mechanism and the redundancy allocation are determined. These are determined based on a theoretical analysis of the redundancy-rate-distortion performance of MDTC. Specifically, the k-th largest coefficient in variance is always paired with the (N−k)-th largest, with a fixed transform parameter prescribed by the optimal redundancy allocation. The operation for macroblocks in each class is the same as that described above for the implementation of EMDC. For a given macroblock, it is first transformed into DCT coefficients, quantized, and classified into one of the predefined classes. Then depending on the determined class, the first N DCT coefficients are paired and transformed using PCT, while the rest are split even/odd, and appended to the PCT coefficients. The coefficients in each description (C coefficients and remaining even coefficients, or D coefficients and remaining odd coefficients) usually have many zeros. Therefore, the run length coding scheme is separately applied to the two coefficient streams. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (not shown), instead of using a fixed pairing scheme for each macroblock in the same class, which could be pairing zero coefficients, a second option is to first determine any non-zero coefficients (after quantization), and then apply MDTC only to the non-zero coefficients. In this embodiment, both the location and the value of the non-zero coefficients need to be specified in both descriptions. One implementation strategy is to duplicate the information characterizing the locations of the two coefficients in both descriptions, but split the two coefficient values using MDTC. A suitable pairing scheme is needed for the non-zero coefficients. An alternative implementation strategy is to duplicate some of the non-zero coefficients, while splitting the remaining one in an even/odd manner. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representation of an embodiment of an encoder operation in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 9 , in block 905 a sequence of video frames is received and in block 910 the frame index value k is initialized to zero. In block 915 the next frame in the sequence of video frames is divided into a macroblock representation of the video frame. In an embodiment of the present invention, the macroblock is a 16×16 macroblock. Then, in block 920 , for a first macroblock a decision is made on which mode will be used to code the macroblock. If the I-mode is selected in block 920 , then, in block 925 the 16×16 macroblock representation is divided into 8×8 blocks and in block 930 DCT is applied to each of the 8×8 blocks and the resulting DCT coefficients are passed to block 935 . In an embodiment of the present invention, four 8×8 blocks are created to represent the luminance characteristics and two 8×8 blocks are created to represent the chromanance characteristics of the macroblock. In block 935 , a four-variable transform is applied to the DCT coefficients to produce 128 coefficients, which, in block 940 , are decomposed into two sets of 64 coefficients. The two sets of 64 coefficients are each run length coded to form two separate descriptions in block 945 . Then, in block 950 , each description is output to one of two channels. In block 952 , a check is made to determine if there are any more macroblocks in the current video frame to be coded. If there are more macroblocks to be coded, then, the encoder returns to block 920 and continues with the next macroblock. If there are not any more macro blocks to be coded in block 952 , then, in block 954 a check is made to determine if there are any more frames to be coded, and if there are not any more frames to be coded in block 954 , then the encoder operation ends. If, in block 954 , it is determined that there are more frames to be coded, then, in block 955 the frame index k is incremented by I and operation returns to block 915 to begin coding the next video frame. If, in block 920 , the P-mode is selected, then, in block 960 , the three best prediction macroblocks are determined with their corresponding motion vectors and prediction errors using a reconstructed previous frame from both descriptions and zero, one or two of the reconstructed previous frames from description one and description two. Then, in block 965 for the three best macroblocks a decision is made on which mode will be used to code the macroblocks. If the I-mode is selected in block 965 , then, the macroblocks are coded using the method described above for blocks 925 through block 955 . If the P-mode is selected in block 965 , then, in block 970 each of the three prediction error macroblocks is divided into a set of 8×8 blocks. In block 975 , DCT is applied to each of the three sets of 8×8 blocks to produce three sets of DCT coefficients for each block and, then, in block 980 , a four-variable pairing transform is applied to each of the three sets of DCT coefficients for each block to produce three sets of 128 coefficients. Each of the three sets of 128 coefficients from block 980 are decomposed into two sets of 64 coefficients in block 985 and the results are provided to block 990 . In block 990 , up to two motion vectors and each of the two sets of 64 coefficient are encoded using run-length coding to form two descriptions. Then, in block 950 , each description is output to one of two channels. In block 952 , a check is made to determine if there are any more macroblocks in the current video frame to be coded. If there are more macroblocks to be coded, then, the encoder returns to block 920 and continues with the next macroblock. If there are not any more macro blocks to be coded in block 952 , then, in block 954 a check is made to determine if there are any more frames to be coded, and if there are not any more frames to be coded in block 954 , then the encoder operation ends. If, in block 954 , it is determined that there are more frames to be coded, then, in block 955 the frame index k is incremented by 1 and operation returns to block 915 to begin coding the next video frame. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram representation of the operations performed by a decoder when the decoder is receiving both descriptions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10 , in block 1005 the frame index k is initialized to zero. Then, in block 1010 , the decoder receives bitstreams from both channels and in block 1015 the bitstreams are decoded to the macroblock level for each frame in the bitstreams. In block 1020 , the mode to be used for a decoded macroblock is determined. If, in block 1020 , the mode to be used for the macroblock is determined to be the I-mode, then, in block 1025 the macroblock is decoded to the block level. In block 1030 , each block from the macroblock is decoded into two sets of 64 coefficients, and in block 1035 an inverse four-variable pairing transform is applied to each of the two sets of 64 coefficients to produce the DCT coefficients for each block. In block 1040 , an inverse 8×8 DCT is applied to the DCT coefficients for each block to produce four 8×8 blocks. Then, in block 1045 , the four 8×8 blocks are assembled into one 16×16 macroblock. If, in block 1020 , the mode to be used for the macroblock is determined to be the P-mode, then, in block 1065 , the motion vectors are decoded and a prediction macroblock is formed from a reconstructed previous frame from both descriptions. In block 1070 the prediction macroblock from block 1065 is decoded to the block level. Then, in block 1075 , each block from the prediction macroblock is decoded into two sets of 64 coefficients, and in block 1080 an inverse four-variable pairing transform is applied to each of the two sets of coefficients to produce the DCT coefficients for each block. In block 1085 , an inverse 8×8 DCT is applied to the DCT coefficients for each block to produce four 8×8 blocks. Then, in block 1090 , the four 8×8 blocks are assembled into one 16×16 macroblock, and in block 1095 the 16×16 macroblock from block 1090 is added to the prediction macroblock which was formed in block 1065 . Regardless of whether I-mode or P-mode decoding is used, after either block 1045 or block 1095 , in block 1050 the macroblocks from block 1045 and block 1095 are assembled into a frame. Then, in block 1052 , a check is made to determine if there are any more macroblocks in the current video frame to be decoded. If there are more macroblocks to be decoded, then, the decoder returns to block 1020 and continues with the next macroblock. If there are not any more macro blocks to be decoded in block 1052 , then, in block 1055 , the frame is sent to the buffer for reconstructed frames from both descriptions. In block 1057 a check is made to determine if there are any more frames to decode, and if there are not any more frames to decode in block 1057 , then the decoder operation ends. If, in block 1057 , itis determined that there are more frames to decode, then, in block 1060 the frame index, k, is incremented by one and the operation returns to block 1010 to continue decoding the bitstreams as described above. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram representation of the operations performed by a decoder when the decoder is receiving only description one, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11 , in block 1105 the frame index k is initialized to zero. Then, in block 1110 , the decoder receives a single bitstream from channel one and in block 111 5 the bitstream is decoded to the macroblock level for each frame in the video bitstream. In block 1120 , the mode used for a decoded macroblock is determined. If, in block 1120 , the mode of the macroblock is determined to be the I-mode, then, in block 1125 the macroblock is decoded to the block level. In block 1 130 , each block from the macroblock is decoded into two sets of 64 coefficients, and in block 1132 an estimate for the two sets of 64 coefficients for the description on channel two, which was not received, is produced for each block. In block 1135 an inverse four-variable pairing transform is applied to each of the two sets of 64 coefficients to produce the DCT coefficients for each block. In block 1140 , an inverse 8×8 DCT is applied to the DCT coefficients for each block to produce four 8×8 blocks. Then, in block 1145 , the four 8×8 blocks are assembled into a 16×16 macroblock. If, in block 1120 , the mode of the macroblock is determined to be the P-mode, then, in block 1165 , up to two motion vectors are decoded and a prediction macroblock is formed from a reconstructed previous frame from description one. In block 1170 the prediction macroblock from block 1165 is decoded to the block level. Then, in block 1175 , each block from the prediction macroblock is decoded into two sets of 64 coefficients, and in block 1177 an estimate for the two sets of 64 coefficients for the description on channel two, which was not received, is produced for each block. In block 1180 an inverse four-variable pairing transform is applied to each of the two sets of 64 coefficients to produce the DCT coefficients for each block. In block 1185 , an inverse 8×8 DCT is applied to the DCT coefficients for each block to produce four 8×8 blocks. Then, in block 1190 , the four 8×8 blocks are assembled into a 16×16 macroblock, and in block 1195 the macroblock from block 1190 is added to the prediction macroblock formed in block 1165 . Regardless of whether I-mode or P-mode decoding is used, after either block 1145 or block 1195 , in block 1150 the macroblocks from block 1145 and block 1195 are assembled into a frame. In block 1152 , a check is made to determine if there are any more macroblocks in the current video frame to be decoded. If there are more macroblocks to be decoded, then, the decoder returns to block 1120 and continues with the next macroblock. If there are not any more macro blocks to be decoded in block 1152 , then, in block 1155 , the frame is sent to the buffer for reconstructed frames from description one. In block 1157 a check is made to determine if there are any more frames to decode, and if there are not any more frames to decode in block 1157 , then the decoder operation ends. If, in block 1157 , it is determined that there are more frames to decode, then, in block 1160 the frame index, k, is incremented by one and the operation returns to block 1110 to continue decoding the bitstream as described above. While the decoder method of operations shown in FIG. 11 , and described above, are directed to an embodiment in which the decoder is only receiving description one, the method is equally applicable when only description two is being received. The modifications that are required merely involve changing block 1110 to receive the bitstream from channel two; changing block 1 165 to form the prediction macroblock from reconstructed previous frame from description two; and changing blocks 1132 and 1177 to estimate the coefficients sent on channel one. In the foregoing detailed description and figures, several embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated and described. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

A method and apparatus for utilizing temporal prediction and motion compensated prediction to accomplish multiple description video coding is disclosed. An encoder receives a sequence of video frames and divides each frame into non-overlapping macroblocks. Each macroblock is then encoded using either an intraframe mode (I-mode) or a prediction mode (P-mode) technique. Both the I-mode and the P-mode encoding techniques produce an output for each of n channels used to transmit the encoded video data to a decoder. The P-mode technique generates at least n+1 prediction error signals for each macroblock. One of the at least n+1 P-mode prediction error signals is encoded such that it may be utilized to reconstruct the original sequence of video frames regardless of the number of channels received by the decoder. A component of the one of the at least n+1 P-mode prediction error signals is sent on each of the n channels. Each of the remaining at least n+1 P-mode prediction error signals is sent on a separate one of the n channels (along with the above mentioned component). These remaining at least n+1 P-mode prediction error signals are encoded such that, when combined with the component of the one P-mode prediction error signal which was sent on the same channel, a reasonably good reconstruction of the original sequence of video frames may be obtained if the number of received channels is between 1 and n−1.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 998,246, filed Jan. 25, 1993, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 840,496, filed Feb. 24, 1992, now abandoned. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to endothelin antagonists useful, inter alia, for treatment of hypertension. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Compounds of the formula ##STR2## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are endothelin receptor antagonists useful, inter alia, as antihypertensive agents. Throughout this specification, the above symbols are defined as follows: one of X and Y is N and the other is O; R is naphthyl or naphthyl substituted with R 1 , R 2 and R 3 ; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently (a) hydrogen; (b) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; (c) halo; (d) hydroxyl; (e) cyano; (f) nitro; (g) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 ; (h) --CO 2 H or --CO 2 R 6 ; (i) --SH, --S(O) n R 6 , --S(O) m --OH, --S(O) m --OR 6 , --O--S(O) m --R 6 , --O--S(O) m OH, or --O--S(O) m --OR 6 ; (j) --Z 4 --NR 7 R 8 ; or (k) --Z 4 --N(R 11 )--Z 5 --NR 9 R 10 ; R 4 and R 5 are each independently (a) hydrogen; (b) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycioalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; (c) halo; (d) hydroxyl; (e) cyano; (f) nitro; (g) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 ; (h) --CO 2 H or --CO 2 R 6 ; (i) --SH, --S(O) n R 6 , --S(O) m --OH, --S(O) m --OR 6 , --O--S(O) m --R 6 , --O--S(O) m OH, or --O--S(O) m --OR 6 ; (j) --Z 4 --NR 7 R 8 ; (k) --Z 4 --N(R 11 )--Z 5 --NR 9 R 10 ; or (l) R 4 and R 5 together are alkylene or alkenylene (either of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ), completing a 4- to 8-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached; R 6 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; R 7 is (a) hydrogen; (b) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; (c) cyano; (d) hydroxyl; (e) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 ; (f) --CO 2 H or --CO 2 R 6 ; (g) --SH, --S(O) n R 6 , --S(O) m --OH, --S(O) m --OR 6 , --O--S(O) m --R 6 , --O--S(O) m OH, or --O--S(O) m --OR 6 , except when Z 4 is --S(O) n --; R 8 is (a) hydrogen; (b) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 , except when Z 4 is --C(O)-- and R 7 is --C(O)H, --C(O)R 6 , --CO 2 H, or --CO 2 R 6 ; (c) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; or R 7 and R 8 together are alkylene or alkenylene (either of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ), completing a 3- to 8-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached; R 9 is (a) hydrogen; (b) hydroxyl; (c) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 ; (d) --CO 2 H or --CO 2 R 6 ; (e) --SH, --S(O) n R 6 , --S(O) m --OH, --S(O) m --OR 6 , --O--S(O) m --R 6 , --O--S(O) m OH, or --O--S(O) m --OR 6 ; (f) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; R 10 is (a) hydrogen; (b) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 , except when Z 5 is --C(O)-- and R 9 is --C(O)H, --C(O)R 6 , --CO 2 H, or --CO 2 R 6 ; (c) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; R 11 is (a) hydrogen; (b) hydroxyl, CO 2 R 6 or CO 2 H, except when one of R 9 and R 10 is hydroxyl, CO 2 R 6 or CO 2 H; (c) --C(O)H or --C(O)R 6 ; or (d) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; or any two of R 9 , R 10 and R 11 together are alkylene or alkenylene (either of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ), completing a 3- to 8-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring together with the atoms to which they are attached; Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 are each independently (a) hydrogen; (b) halo; (c) hydroxy; (d) alkoxy; (e) --SH, --S(O) n Z 6 , --S(O) m --OH, --S(O) m --OZ 6 , --O--S(O) m --Z 6 , --O--S(O) m OH, or --O--S(O) m --OZ 6 ; (f) oxo; (g) nitro; (h) cyano; (i) --C(O)H or --C(O)Z 6 ; (j) --CO 2 H or --CO 2 Z 6 ; or (k) --NZ 7 Z 8 , --C(O)NZ 7 Z 8 , or --S(O) n Z 7 Z 8 ; Z 4 and Z 5 are each independently (a) a single bond; (b) --S(O) n --; (c) --C(O)--; (d) --C(S)--; or (e) alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; Z 6 , Z 7 and Z 8 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, or Z 7 and Z 8 together are alkylene or alkenylene, completing a 3- to 8-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached; m is 1 or 2; and n is 0, 1, or 2. For compound I, it is preferred that: R is ##STR3## with the sulfonamide attached at position 1 or 2 and one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 attached at position 5 or 6; one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 is --NR 7 R 8 ; R 4 and R 5 are alkyl; R 7 and R 8 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, or --C(O)R 6 wherein R 6 is alkyl. Most preferred are compounds wherein one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 is --NR 7 R 8 and the other two are hydrogen, --NR 7 R 8 is attached at position 5 and the sulfonamide is attached at position 1, R 4 and R 5 are methyl, and R 7 and R 8 are hydrogen, methyl, methylethyl, or acetyl. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Listed below are definitions of terms used in this specification. These definitions apply to the terms as used throughout this specification, individually or as part of another group, unless otherwise limited in specific instances. The terms "alkyl" and "alkoxy" refer to straight or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The terms "lower alkyl" and "lower alkoxy" refer to groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which are preferred. The term "aryl" or "ar-" refers to phenyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl. The term "alkenyl" refers to straight or branched chain hydrocarbon groups of 2 to 10 carbon atoms having at least one double bond. Groups of two to four carbon atoms are preferred. The term "alkynyl" refers to straight or branched chain groups of 2 to 10 carbon atoms having at least one triple bond. Groups of two to four carbon atoms are preferred. The term "alkylene" refers to a straight chain bridge of 1 to 5 carbon atoms connected by single bonds (e.g., --(CH 2 ) m -- wherein m is 1 to 5), which may be substituted with 1 to 3 lower alkyl groups. The term "alkenylene" refers to a straight chain bridge of 1 to 5 carbon atoms having one or two double bonds that is connected by single bonds (e.g., --CH═CH 2 --CH═CH--, --CH 2 --CH═CH--, --CH 2 --CH═CH--CH 2 --) which may be substituted with 1 to 3 lower alkyl groups. The terms "cycloalkyl" and "cycloalkenyl" refer to cyclic hydrocarbon groups of 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The term "aralkyl" refers to an alkyl group substituted by one or more aryl groups. The terms "halogen" and "halo" refer to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The compounds of formula I form salts which are also within the scope of this invention. Pharmaceutically acceptable (i.e., non-toxic, physiologically acceptable) salts are preferred, although other salts are also useful, e.g., in isolating or purifying the compounds of this invention. The compounds of formula I may form salts with alkali metals such as sodium, potassium and lithium, with alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine, benzathine, N-methyl-D-glucamide and hydrabamine and with amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like. Such salts may be obtained by reacting compound I with the desired ion in a medium in which the salt precipitates or in an aqueous medium followed by lyophilization. When the R 1 to R 5 substituents comprise a basic moiety, such as amino or substituted amino, compound I may form salts with a variety of organic and inorganic acids. Such salts include those formed with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen bromide, methanesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, benzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, and various other sulfonates, nitrates, phosphates, borates, acetates, tartrates, maleates, citrates, succinates, benzoates, ascorbates, salicylates, and the like. Such salts may be formed by reacting compound I in an equivalent amount of the acid in a medium in which the salt precipitates or in an aqueous medium followed by lyophilization. In addition, when the R 1 to R 5 substituents comprise a basic moiety such as amino, zwitterions ("inner salts") may be formed. Certain of the R 1 to R 5 substituents of compound I may contain asymmetric carbon atoms. Such compounds of formula I may exist, therefore, in enantiomeric and diasteromeric forms and in racemic mixtures thereof. All are within the scope of this invention. The compounds of formula I are antagonists of ET-1, ET-2, and/or ET-3 and are useful in treatment of all endothelin-dependent disorders. They are thus useful as antihypertensive agents. By the administration of a composition having one (or a combination) of the compounds of this invention, the blood pressure of a hypertensive mammalian (e.g., human) host is reduced. The compounds of the present invention are also useful in the treatment of disorders related to renal, glomerular, and mesangial cell function, including chronic renal failure, glomerular injury, renal damage secondary to old age, nephrosclerosis (especially hypertensive nephrosclerosis), nephrotoxicity (including nephrotoxicity related to imaging and contrast agents), and the like. The compounds of this invention may also be useful in the treatment of disorders related to paracrine and endocrine function. The compounds of the present invention are also useful in the treatment of endotoxemia or endotoxin shock. The compounds of the present invention are also useful as anti-ischemic agents for the treatment of, for example, heart, renal and cerebral ischemia and the like. In addition, the compounds of this invention may also be useful as anti-arrhythmic agents; anti-anginal agents; anti-fibrillatory agents; anti-asthmatic agents; therapy for myocardial infarction; therapy for peripheral vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's disease); anti-atherosclerotic agents; treatment of cardiac hypertrophy (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy); treatment of pulmonary hypertension; additives to cardioplegic solutions for cardiopulmonary bypasses; adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy; treatment of central nervous system vascular disorders: for example, as anti-stroke agents, anti-migraine agents, and therapy for subarachnoid hemorrhage; treatment of central nervous system behavioral disorders; anti-diarrheal agents; regulation of cell growth; and treatment of hepatoxicity and sudden death. The compounds of this invention can also be formulated in combination with endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitors, such as phosphoramidon; platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists; angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists; renin inhibitors; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril, zofenopril, fosinopril, ceranapril, alacepril, enalapril, delapril, pentopril, quinapril, ramipril, lisinopril, and salts of such compounds; neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors; calcium channel blockers; potassium channel activators; beta-adrenergic agents; antiarrhythmic agents; diuretics, such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, flumethiazide, hydroflumethiazide, bendroflumethiazide, methylchlorothiazide, trichloromethiazide, polythiazide or benzothiazide as well as ethacrynic acid, tricrynafen, chlorthalidone, furosemide, musolimine, bumetanide, triamterene, amiloride and spironolactone and salts of such compounds; thrombolytic agents such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), recombinant tPA, streptokinase, urokinase, prourokinase, and anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC, Eminase, Beecham Laboratories). If formulated as a fixed dose, such combination products employ the compounds of this invention within the dosage range described below and the other pharmaceutically active agent within its approved dosage range. The compounds of this invention may also be formulated with or useful in conjunction with antifungal and immunosuppressive agents such as amphotericin B, cyclosporins and the like to counteract the glomerular contraction and nephrotoxicity secondary to such compounds. The compounds of this invention may also be used in conjunction with hemodialysis. The compounds of the invention can be administered orally or parenterally to various mammalian species known to be subject to such maladies, e.g., humans, in an effective amount within the dosage range of about 0.1 to about 100 mg/kg, preferably about 0.2 to about 50 mg/kg and more preferably about 0.5 to about 25 mg/kg (or from about 1 to about 2500 mg, preferably from about 5 to about 2000 mg) in single or 2 to 4 divided daily doses. The active substance can be utilized in a composition such as tablet, capsule, solution or suspension containing about 5 to about 500 mg per unit of dosage of a compound or mixture of compounds of formula I or in topical form for wound healing (0.01 to 5% by weight compound of formula I, 1 to 5 treatments per day). They may be compounded in conventional matter with a physiologically acceptable vehicle or carrier, excipient, binder, preservative, stabilizer, flavor, etc., or with a topical carrier such as Plastibase (mineral oil gelled with polyethylene) as called for by accepted pharmaceutical practice. The compounds of the invention may also be administered topically to treat peripheral vascular diseases and as such may be formulated as a cream or ointment. The compounds of formula I can also be formulated in compositions such as sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral administration. About 0.1 to 500 milligrams of a compound of formula I is compounded with a physiologically acceptable vehicle, carrier, excipient, binder, preservative, stabilizer, etc., in a unit dosage form as called for by accepted pharmaceutical practice. The amount of active substance in these compositions or preparations is such that a suitable dosage in the range indicated is obtained. The compounds of the present invention may be prepared as follows. A sulfonyl halide R--SO.sub.2 halo II is coupled with an isoxazolamine ##STR4## in an anhydrous organic solvent (e.g., pyridine) to form compound I. Alternatively, a sulfonamide R--SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2 IIa is coupled with ##STR5## in an anhydrous organic solvent in the presence of a base (e.g., Cs 2 CO 3 ) to form compound 1. For compounds wherein any of R 1 to R 5 comprise reactive functionalities, the reactants may be treated with protecting agents prior to coupling. Suitable protecting agents and procedures for use thereof are generally known in the art. Exemplary protecting groups are benzyl, halocarbobenzyloxy, tosyl and the like for hydroxyl; carbobenzyloxy, halocarbobenzyloxy, acetyl, benzoyl and the like for amino. Such groups may then be removed from the resulting protected analogue of compound I by treatment with one or more deprotecting agents. Suitable deprotecting agents and procedures for use thereof are generally known in the art. To form compound I wherein one or more of R 1 to R 3 is --NR 7 R 8 and/or R 8 is acyl, the associated nonacyl sulfonic acid R--SO.sub.3 H IV is treated with water and an alkali metal hydroxide (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to form a sulfonic acid salt R--SO.sub.3.sup.- M.sup.+ V wherein M + is a lithium, sodium or potassium ion. Salt V is treated with an acylating agent (e.g., acetic anhydride) at about 90° to 110° C. in either the acylating agent as solvent or in an anhydrous organic solvent (e.g., pyridine) to form a sulfonic acid salt of formula V wherein one or more R 1 , R 2 and R 3 is --NR 7 R 8 and at least one of R 7 and R 8 is acyl. Sulfonic acid salt V is then treated with a halosulfonic acid solution (e.g., chlorosulfonic acid) or with another chlorinating agent (e.g., phosphorus pentachloride, thionyl chloride) at about 0° C. to 80° C. to form an acyl-sulfonic halide of formula II, which is coupled with isoxazolamine III as described above to form compound I wherein at least one of R 1 , R 2 and R 3 is --NR 7 R 8 and at least one of R 7 and R 8 is acyl. Substituted amines of formula I (e.g., compounds having --NR 7 R 8 wherein at least one of R 7 and R 8 is other than hydrogen) can be prepared from the associated free amine (wherein R 7 and R 8 are hydrogen). The free amine is treated with (1) a ketone or aldehyde (e.g., acetone), (2) a reducing agent (e.g., sodium cyanoborohydride) or hydrogen gas (H 2 ) and a catalyst (e.g., palladium on carbon), and (3) an acid (e.g., acetic acid, hydrochloric acid) in an organic solvent (e.g., methanol) to form the associated monoamine compound I (e.g., Examples 18, 25 hereinafter). The nitrogen atom of the sulfonamide core may need to be protected during this process (see, e.g., Example 38). Suitable protecting groups are generally known in the art. The protecting group may be added by treating the free amine with the halide of the protecting group at about 0° C. in the presence of a base (e.g., triethylamine). After addition of the R 7 or R 8 group as described above, the protecting group may be removed by treatment with an acid (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid) in an organic solvent (e. g., methylene chloride) at about 0° C. Alternatively, the substituted amine may be prepared from the associated acyl compound (prepared as described above) by treatment with a reducing agent such as borane. Compounds of formula I having cyclized amine substituents (e.g., compounds wherein R 7 and R 8 together are alkylene or alkenylene) may be formed as follows. The associated free amine undergoes reductive amination by treatment with an aldehyde or ketone halide (e.g., 4-chlorobutanal) in an organic solvent (e.g., methylene chloride) at about 20° to 30° C. to form a compound of the formula ##STR6## wherein "alk" is alkylene or alkenylene and "halo" is a halogen atom. When the alk group is substituted with an oxo group at the carbon adjacent to the amino group, an acid halide (e.g., 4-bromobutyryl chloride) is used instead of the aldehyde in the presence of a base (e.g., pyridine). Compound VI is then cyclized by treatment with a base (e.g., cesium carbonate) in an organic solvent (e.g., dimethylformamide) at about 55° to 65° C. to form compound I wherein R 7 and R8 together are alkylene or alkenylene. Compounds of formula I having cyclized amine substituents may also be prepared by the following alternative process. The associated free amine undergoes reductive amination by treatment with a diketone or dialdehyde (e.g., glutaric dialdehyde)in the presence of an organic acid (e.g., acetic acid) in an organic solvent (e.g., dioxane), followed by a reducing agent (e.g., sodium cyanoborohydride) to form the cyclized amine wherein R 7 and R 8 together are alkylene or alkenylene. The associated free amine (having --NR 7 R 8 wherein R 7 and R 8 are both hydrogen) may also be condensed with a compound of the formula R.sup.9 N═C═O VIIa or a compound of the formula R.sup.9 N═C═S VIIb wherein R 9 in compounds VIIa and VIIb is selected from subparagraph (f) in its foregoing definition (e.g., wherein compound VIIb is phenylisothiocyanate). This reaction can take place in the presence of a base (e.g., triethylamine) and a catalyst (e.g., dimethylaminopyridine) in an organic solvent (e.g., acetone) at about 60° to 70° C. to form compound I wherein one of R 1 to R 5 is --Z 4 --N(R 11 )--Z 5 --NR 9 R 10 . To form compound I wherein one or more of R 1 to R 3 is alkoxy, the associated hydroxy sulfonic acid IV may be treated with an alkylating agent (e.g., dimethylsulfate) and an alkali metal hydroxide (e.g., sodium hydroxide) in an aqueous/organic solvent mixture (e.g., water/ethanol), followed by an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid). The resulting alkoxy sulfonic acid salt V may be used as described above to form compound I. For compounds wherein one of R 1 to R 5 comprises an acid moiety, the associated ester (e.g., wherein R 1 is --CO 2 R 6 or alkyl substituted with --CO 2 Z 6 ) is formed by coupling compounds II and III as described above, followed by deesterifying with, for example, sodium hydroxide in an alcohol such as methanol at about 20° to 30° C. Compounds wherein one of R 1 to R 5 comprises a hydroxyl moiety (e.g., wherein R 1 is hydroxyl or alkyl substituted with hydroxyl) may be prepared by reducing the associated carboxylic acid; for example, by treatment with borane in an organic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) at about 0° to 30° C. Alternatively, the associated ester may be treated with an organometallic reagent (e.g., methyl magnesium bromide) in an organic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) with heating to reflux to form the hydroxyl compound. In a further alternative, the protected hydroxyl formed by coupling of compounds II and III may be conventionally deprotected as described above. Compounds wherein one of R 1 to R 5 comprises an alkenyl moiety may be prepared by eliminating water from the associated hydroxyl compound; for example, by treatment with an acid (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid) in an organic solvent (e.g., methylene chloride) with heating to reflux. Compounds wherein one of R 1 to R 3 comprises a keto or aldehyde moiety may be prepared from the associated alcohol by treatment with an oxidizing agent (e.g., pyridinium chlorochromate) in an organic solvent (e.g., methylene chloride) at about 20° to 30° C. Such aldehydes may be reductively aminated to form disubstituted amines of compound I. For example, the aldehyde is treated with an acid (e.g., acetic acid), a disubstituted amine (e.g., dimethylamine) and a reducing agent (e.g., triacetoxyborohydride) in an organic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran) to form a disubstituted amine of formula I. The invention will now be further described by the following working examples, which are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the following structures, "Ac" stands for acetyl, "Me" for methyl. These examples are meant to be illustrative rather than limiting. EXAMPLE 1 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR7## A solution of dansyl chloride (2.07 g, 7.67 mmol) in pyridine (10 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (1.65 g, 14.7 mmol) in pyridine (5 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was added dropwise to water (100 mL) and the suspension was stirred overnight, forming a yellowish-brown gum. The water was decanted, and the gum was dissolved in ether (50 mL) and extracted with water (50 mL). The ether layer was evaporated to leave a fluffy yellow solid that was dried under vacuum to yield 1.41 g (55%). The product was passed through a column of silica using 15% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride as the solvent. Fractions containing product were combined and evaporated to provide 0.84 g of Example 1 as an amorphous yellow solid. Melting point: 126.2° to 129.8° C. EXAMPLE b 2 N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR8## A. 5-Amino-1-naphthalenesuifonic acid, sodium salt To a suspension of 5-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (12 g, 54 mmol) in water (130 mL) was added 5N sodium hydroxide (11 mL). After 5 minutes, the water was removed in vacuo and the residue washed with toluene (20 mL) to yield 13.0 g (98%) of compound A. B. 5-(Acetylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, sodium salt Acetic anhydride (50 mL) was added to compound A (13.0 g, 53.0 mmol), and the suspension was heated at 100° C. for 1.5 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the product was vacuum-filtered, washed with ethanol (100 mL), and dried under vacuum to yield 14.8 g (97%) of compound B, which was then further dried in a vacuum oven (40° C.). C. N-[5-(Chlorosulfonyl)-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide A solution of compound B (2.67 g, 9.29 mmol) in chlorosulfonic acid (12 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was dropped very slowly into crushed ice (150 mL) and the suspension was stirred until the ice melted, leaving a fine precipitate which was vacuum-filtered and dried to yield 2.63 g (100%) of compound C. D. N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (1.21 g, 10.8 mmol) in pyridine (7 mL) was added a solution of compound C (1.51 g, 5.32 mmol) in pyridine (13 mL), dropwise over a 10 minute period. The reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, most of the pyridine was removed in vacuo and the residue was diluted to 50 mL with water. Upon acidification to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid, a precipitate formed which was vacuum-filtered and dried to yield 0.36 g (19%) of Example 2. Recrystallization of 0.19 g from ethanol/water afforded 0.12 g of brown crystals. Melting point: 216.3° to 222.0° C. EXAMPLE 3 5-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR9## A solution of Example 2 (0.188 g, 0.523 mmol) in 5N sodium hydroxide (2 mL) and methanol (1 mL) was heated at 70° C. overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was acidified to pH 3 with 1N hydrochloric acid, forming a precipitate which was filtered and dried in vacuo to yield 0.14 g (84%). Recrystallization from ethanol/water afforded dark orange crystals (0.084 g, 51%). Melting point: 121.5° to 127.0° C. EXAMPLE 4 N-[6-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR10## A. Sodium 5-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonate To a suspension of 5-amino-2-naphthalene sulfonic acid (25 g, 0.11 mol) in water (300 mL) was added 5N sodium hydroxide (23 mL). After the solution stirred 5 minutes, the water was removed in vacuo, and the residue was washed with toluene (50 mL) and dried under vacuum to yield 27.9 g (100%) of compound A. B. Sodium 5-acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonate A suspension of compound A (14.6 g, 59.6 mmol) in acetic anhydride (80 mL) was heated at 100° C. for 3 hours. After cooling to room temperature the mixture was vacuum-filtered and the solid was washed with ethanol. The solid was stirred in ethanol (100 mL) for 5 minutes, re-filtered and dried to yield 15.7 g (92%) of compound B. C. 5-Acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride In a large mortar were ground compound B (7.00 g, 24.4 mmol) and phosphorus pentachloride (10.1 g, 48.7 mmol) to form a thick, brown bubbling liquid. This mixture was allowed to sit for 15 minutes and then ground with crushed ice (400 g). After the ice melted, the resulting fine powdery precipitate was vacuum-filtered and extracted in a Soxhlet extractor with ethyl acetate for 3 hours. Concentration of the ethyl acetate solution yielded 6.39 g (92%) of compound C. D. N-[6-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (1.74 g, 15.5 mmol) in pyridine (8 mL) was added compound C (4.02 g, 14.2 mmol) all at once with stirring. The reaction mixture turned brown and was allowed to stir overnight at room temperature and then at 75° C. for 1 hour. The product was precipitated by adjusting the reaction mixture to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and collected by vacuum filtration to yield 2.36 g (47%) of the title compound in crude form. This material was recrystallized from ethanol/chloroform to yield 0.263 g (5%) of Example 4 as a pink powder. Melting point: 210.5°-212.0° C. Analysis for C 17 H 17 N 3 O 4 S.O0.31 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 55.95; H, 4.87; N, 11.51; S, 8.78. Found: C, 55.95; H, 4.68; N, 11.41; S, 8.71. EXAMPLE 5 5-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR11## A stirred solution of Example 4 (1.36 g, 3.78 mmol), sodium hydroxide (5N, 4.5 mL), water (1.5 mL), and methanol (1 mL) was heated at 60° C. overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted up to 40 mL with water and acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid to afford a brown precipitate. Upon stirring, the solid became a powder which was then vacuum filtered and dried. Recrystallization from toluene afforded 0.113 g (9%) of pure Example 5 as a yellow powder. Melting point: 152.5°-153.8° C. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 56.77; H, 4.76; N, 13.24; S, 10.10. Found: C, 56.93; H, 4.75; N, 13.12; S, 10.18. EXAMPLE 6 N-[4-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR12## A. 4-Acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride In a large mortar, sodium 4-acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (3.00 g, 10.4 mmol) was ground with phosphorus pentachloride (3.80 g, 18.2 mmol) to form a bubbling paste which soon became dry. After standing for 1 hour at room temperature, the mixture was added to crushed ice (150 mL). After the ice mixture was ground in the mortar, it was stirred until the ice melted, leaving a pink, powdery precipitate which was vacuum-filtered and dried to yield 1.07 g (36%) of compound A. B. N-[4-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (0.217 g, 1.94 mmol) in pyridine (2 mL) was added compound A (0.503 g, 1.77 mmol). The reaction mixture turned brown and warmed slightly. After stirring 4.5 hours, the mixture was added dropwise to water (30 mL) to form a white precipitate, which was removed by vacuum filtration. The filtrate was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and the precipitate was collected and dried (0.216 g, 33%). Recrystallization of the solid from ethanol/water yielded 0.12 g (18%) of Example 6 as dark red crystals. Melting point: 199.3°-205.5° C. Analysis for C 17 H 17 N 3 O 4 S.0.2 H 2 0 Calc'd: C, 56.24; H, 4.83; N, 11.57; S, 8.83. Found: C, 56.42; H, 4.60; N, 11.39; S, 8.96. EXAMPLE 7 N-[6-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR13## A. Sodium 6-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonate To a stirred suspension of 6-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (3.01 g, 13.5 mmol) in methanol (100 mL) was added 5N sodium hydroxide (2.7 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, the methanol was removed in vacuo and the residue dried to yield 2.44 g (74%) of compound A. B. Sodium 6-acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonate A suspension of compound A (2.44 g, 9.95 mmol) in acetic anhydride (15 mL) was heated at 100° C. for 1 hour. The product was vacuum-filtered, washed with ethanol (100 mL) and dried to yield compound B (2.52 g, 88%). C. 6-Acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride Chlorosulfonic acid (7 mL) was added to compound B (2.41 g, 8.39 mmol), and the dark brown solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 2.5 hours. The reaction mixture was then added dropwise to crushed ice (100 mL) and stirred until the ice melted. The precipitate was vacuum-filtered, washed with water, and dried to afford 2.38 g (100%) of compound C. D. N-[6-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide A solution of compound C (2.36 g, 8.32 mmol) in pyridine (20 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (1.91 g, 17.0 mmol) in pyridine (5 mL), and the reaction mixture was heated at 70° C. for 4 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was added dropwise to water (100 mL) and the aqueous solution was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid, forming a sandy brown precipitate which was vacuum-filtered and dried. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded pure Example 7 as fine, tan crystals (0.342 g, 11%). Melting point: 206.2°-207.0° C. Analysis for C 17 H 17 N 3 O 4 S.0.15 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.39; H, 4.82; N, 11.60; S, 8.85 Found: C, 56.57; H, 4.60; N, 11.42; S, 9.04. EXAMPLE 8 6-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR14## A stirred solution of Example 7 (0.216 g, 0.601 mmol) in 5N sodium hydroxide (1.4 mL) and methanol (1 mL) was heated at 70° C. overnight. After the reaction mixture cooled to room temperature, the pH was brought to about 2 to 3 with hydrochloric acid (1N). The pale pink precipitate that formed was filtered and dried in vacuo to yield 0.174 g (91%). Recrystallization from ethanol/water afforded 0.145 g (71%) of Example 8 as small beige crystals. Melting point: 174.5°-176.0° C. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S.0.17 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.22; H, 4.83; N, 13.11; S, 10.01. Found: C, 56.32; H, 4.65; N, 13.02; S, 9.88. EXAMPLE 9 4-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-napthalenesulfonamide ##STR15## A mixture of Example 6 (200 mg, 0.557 mmol) and 5N sodium hydroxide (1 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 2 hours. After cooling, the reaction was acidified with 6N hydrochloric acid to pH 2. The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (2×2 mL) and dried. The crude material was suspended in toluene (about 10 mL) and brought to a boil. Ethanol was added to the boiling mixture to effect solubilization. Continued boiling resulted in the formation of a small amount of a purple precipitate. The precipitate was removed by hot filtration and the flitrate was immediately cooled in ice. The solid product which formed was collected by filtration, washed with toluene and dried. This material was triturated with ether (5 mL) and washed with ether (2×2 mL) and dried to yield pure Example 9 (52 mg, 29%) as a tan powder. Melting point: 152.0°-154.0° C.; Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S.0.20 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.13; H, 4.84; N, 13.09. Found: C, 56.15; H, 4.53; N, 12.85. EXAMPLE 10 5-Dimethylamino-N-(4,5-dimethyl-3-isoxazolyl)-1-napthalenesulfonamide ##STR16## To a solution of 4,5-dimethyl-3-isoxazolamine (135 mg, 1.20 mmol) in pyridine (2 mL) was added 5-dimethylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (270 mg, 1.00 mmol) in one portion. After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction was added to water (20 mL) dropwise. The mixture was brought to pH 8.5 with 2N sodium hydroxide. The mixture was filtered through Celite® and the filtrate was then brought to pH 4. The resultant gum was stirred for 1 hour and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×10 mL) and dried in vacuo. The yellowish powder (252.9 mg) was recrystallized from 95% ethanol (about 2 mL) after a hot filtration step. The crystalline material was collected, rinsed with cold ethanol (1 mL) and dried to yield 250 mg (72%) of Example 10 as light green crystals. Melting point: 190.5°-192.0° C. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 59.11; H, 5.54; N, 12.17; S, 9.28. Found: C, 59.15; H, 5.50; N, 12.08; S, 9.38. EXAMPLE 11 N-[5-[[(4,5-dimethyl-3-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1 -naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR17## To a solution of 4,5-dimethyl-3-isoxazolamine (123 mg, 1.10 mmol) in pyridine (1 mL) was added 5-acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (284 mg, 1.00 mmol) in one portion. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour and was then added dropwise to water (20 mL). The pH of the solution was adjusted to 7.5 with 2N sodium hydroxide. A small amount of a precipitate was removed by filtration. The flitrate was brought to pH 2.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The brown precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (2×10 mL) and dried. This material (239 mg) was recrystallized from ethanol/water to yield Example 11 (139 mg, 39%) as a brown crystals. Melting point: 225.0°-226.0° C. Analysis for C 17 H 17 N 3 O 4 S Calc'd: C, 56.81; H, 4.77; N, 11.69; S, 8.92. Found: C, 56.63; H, 4.61; N, 11.50; S, 9.14. EXAMPLE 12 N-[5-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR18## A. 6-Amino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid, sodium salt To a suspension of 6-amino-1-napthalene-sulfonic acid (10.0 g, 44.8 mmol) in water (10 mL) was added 5N sodium hydroxide (9 mL, 45 mmol). The mixture was warmed to effect complete solution, and then the solvent was removed in vacuo to provide compound A as a white solid (11.3 g). B. 6-Acetylamino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid, sodium salt Compound A (10.0 g, 40.8 mmol) was suspended in acetic anhydride (100 mL). The mixture was heated at 95° C. for 4 hours, cooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo to provide 11.2 g of compound B as a white powder. C. 6-Acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride A solution of compound B (1.00 g, 3.48 mmol) in chlorosulfonic acid (5.0 mL, 75.2 mmol) was stirred at room temperature under argon for 2.5 hours. The reaction was then added dropwise to about 400 mL of crushed ice, and the mixture was allowed to stir until all of the ice melted. A fine precipitate formed which was vacuum-filtered, washed with copious amounts of water (400 mL), and dried to yield compound C (0.850 g, 86%). D. N-[5-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide A solution of compound C (0.700 g, 2.47 mmol) in pyridine (3 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (0.358 g, 3.19 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (0.057 g, 0.467 mmol) in pyridine (3 mL). The reaction was heated at 70° C. for 6 hours, then cooled to room temperature. The solution was added dropwise to water (100 mL) and upon acidification to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid a white solid precipitated which was collected by filtration and dried to a solid (0.713 g, 80%). Recrystallization of 0.200 g of the solid from methanol/water afforded Example 12 as light brown crystals (0.140 g, 56%). Melting point: 232.2°-235.5° C. (decomp.). Analysis for C 17 H 17 N 3 O 4 S.0.01 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.79; H, 4.77; N, 11.69; S, 8.92. Found: C, 56.77; H, 4.65; N, 11.71; S, 9.05. EXAMPLE 13 N-[8-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR19## A. Sodium 7-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonate To a suspension of 7-amino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid (10.0 g, 44.8 mmol) in water (10 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (5N, 9 mL, 45 mmol). The resultant solution was concentrated in vacuo to yield compound A as a solid (11.0 g). B. Sodium 7-acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonate A portion of compound A (10.0 g, 40.8 mmol) was suspended in acetic anhydride (125 mL). This mixture was heated at 95° C. for 6 hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to provide compound B as a tan powder (11.8 g, 100%). C. 7-Acetylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride Compound B (1.00 g, 3.48 mmol) was added in portions to chlorosulfonic acid (3 mL) held at 0° C. The mixture was brought to room temperature and stirred for 1 hour. The reaction was carefully added to crushed ice (30 g). The mixture was stirred until the ice had melted and then the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (4×15 mL) and dried in vacuo to yield 893 mg (90%) of compound C. D. N-[8-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (206 mg, 1.83 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (35 mg) in pyridine (2 mL) was added compound C (400 mg, 1.41 mmol). The mixture was heated to 75° C. for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into water (30 mL) and brought to pH 1.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The sticky mixture was stirred for 2 days. The resultant precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×10 mL) and dried in vacuo. Recrystallization of this material from ethanol/water yielded Example 13 (319 mg, 63% yield) as tan crystals. Melting point: 140.0°-143.0° C. EXAMPLE 14 N-[7-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR20## A. Sodium 7-acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonate Sodium 7-amino-2-naphthalenesulfonate (13.2 g, containing 24% sodium chloride and 10% water, 40.8 mmol) was suspended in acetic anhydride (100 mL). This mixture was heated at 95° C. for 4 hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to provide compound A as a tan powder (13.4 g, 90%). B. 7-Acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride Compound A (1.33 g, contains 25% sodium chloride, 3.48 mmol) was added in portions to chlorosulfonic acid (3 mL) held at 0° C. The mixture was brought to room temperature and stirred for 4 hours. The reaction was carefully added to crushed ice (30 g). The mixture was stirred until the ice had melted and then the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (4×15 mL) and dried in vacuo to yield 651 mg (66%) of compound B. C. N-[7-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-2-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (206 mg, 1.83 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (35 mg)in pyridine (2 mL) was added compound B (400 mg, 1.41 mmol). The mixture was heated to 75° C. for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into water (30 mL) and brought to pH 1.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The sticky mixture was stirred for 17 h. The resultant precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×10 mL) and dried in vacuo. Recrystallization of this material from ethanol/water yielded Example 14 (324 mg, 64% yield) as tan crystals. Melting point: 191.5°-193.5° C. (decomp). EXAMPLE 15 N-[7-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide ##STR21## A. Sodium 8-acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonate To a suspension of 8-amino-2-napthalene-sulfonic acid (10.0g, 44.8 mmol) in water (250 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (5N, 9 mL, 45 mmol). The resultant solution was concentrated in vacuo. A portion of this material (10 g, 40.8 mmol) was then suspended in acetic anhydride (100 mL) and was then heated at 95° C. for 6 hours, cooled and concentrated in vacuo to provide a solid. This solid was taken up in water (100 mL) and heated at 55° C. for 2 days and then at 85° C. for 2 hours. The solution was then concentrated in vacuo to yield compound A as a solid (12.0 g). B. 8-Acetylamino-2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride Compound A (4.00 g, 13.9 mmol) was added in portions to chlorosulfonic acid (12 mL) held at 0° C. The mixture was brought to room temperature and stirred for 5 hours. The reaction was carefully added to crushed ice (150 g). The mixture was stirred until the ice had melted and then the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×20 mL) and dried in vacuo to yield 2.91 g (74%) of compound B. C. N-[7-[[(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]acetamide To a solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (408 mg, 1.83 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (68 mg) in pyridine (5 mL) was added compound B (800 mg, 2.80 mmol). The mixture was heated to 75° C. for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into water (30 mL) and brought to pH 1.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The sticky mixture was stirred for 17 hours. The resultant precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×10 mL) and dried in vacuo. Recrystallization of this material from ethanol/water yielded Example 15 (847 mg, 84% yield). Melting point: 133.0°-134.0° C. EXAMPLE 16 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-methoxy-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR22## A. 5-Methoxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, sodium salt A solution of the sodium salt of 5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (10 g, 40.6 mmol), dimethylsulfate (3.7 mL, 40.6 mmol) and 4N sodium hydroxide (10.1 mL, 40.6 mmol) in 20 mL of 1:1 water:ethanol was refluxed overnight, cooled, acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and evaporated. The grey metallic solid was washed with ether to afford 12.4 g (greater than 100%) of impure compound A as a grey solid. B. 5-Methoxy-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride A mixture of the crude compound A (4.2 g, 16.1 mmol) and phosphorus pentachloride (6.73 g, 32.3 mmol) was heated at 70° C. with stirring for 2 hours, during which time the solids liquefied to a grey-green gum. Ice water was added to the mixture and the grey-green solid was filtered, washed with water, and taken up in dichloromethane, and the solution was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford compound B as a grey-green gum that crystallized on standing. C. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-methoxy-1-naphthalenesulfonamide A solution of compound B (1.4 g, 5.5 mmol), 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (0.74 g, 6.59 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (0.17 g, 1.37 mmol) in 5 mL of pyridine was heated at 75° C. for 2 hours and poured onto ice. The solution was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and the resulting brown solid was filtered, rinsed with water and dissolved in saturated sodium bicarbonate (150 mL). Celite® was added, the suspension was filtered and the flitrate was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The resulting tan solid was filtered, rinsed with water and dried under vacuum to afford 1.10 g of tan solid. Chromatography on silica with 3% methanol/methylene chloride afforded 0.29 g of Example 16 (16%) as a tan solid. Melting point: 72°-75° C. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 ) 6.38, 10.73, 55.75, 105.10, 107.62, 116.02, 123.37, 126.57, 129.10, 129.30, 129.42, 130.51, 133.82, 154.40, 155.94, 161.79 ppm. EXAMPLE 17 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1 -napthalenesulfonamide ##STR23## To a 0° C. solution of 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (1.19 g, 10.6 mmol) in pyridine (5 mL) was added 1-napthalenesulfonyl chloride (2.00 g, 8.82 mmol)in one portion. The reaction was allowed to come to room temperature. A precipitate soon formed. The reaction was stirred for 2 hours and was then added dropwise to water (50 mL). The pH was adjusted to 8 with 2N sodium hydroxide and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. A thick gum was present. The solution was decanted from the gum. The gum was rinsed with water and the combined decantates were brought to pH 2 with 6N hydrochloric acid and were stirred overnight, affording a clear, glassy solid. After decanting the solvent, the glassy solid was dried in vacuo. The gum from above was stirred with methanol (about 4 mL), causing a solid to form. The mixture was diluted with water (75 mL), brought to pH 2 with 6N hydrochloric acid and stirred overnight, depositing a solid that was collected, washed with water (2×20 mL) and similarly dried. This solid and the dried glassy solid were combined with 1N sodium hydroxide (20 mL). After stirring the mixture for 40 minutes, the precipitate was removed by filtration and the filtrate was brought to pH 2. The pale red precipitate was collected by filtration, rinsed with water (2×5 mL), and dried to yield a solid. Chromatography (flash, silica, 25 mm dia, 30% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) yielded Example 17 as a white foam (700 mg, 26%). Melting point: 54.0°-57.5° C. Analysis for C 15 H 14 N 2 O 3 S.0.02 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 59.52; H, 4.67; N, 9.25; S, 10.59. Found: C, 59.64; H, 4.91; N, 9.13; S, 10.27. EXAMPLE 18 5-[(1-Methylethyl)amino]-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR24## To a solution of Example 3 (0.150 g, 0.473 mmol) in 10 mL of methanol, was added acetone (0.035 g, 0.473 mmol). The resulting clear yellow solution was stirred for 45 minutes. Sodium cyanoborohydride (0.058 g, 0.95 mmol) and acetic acid (0.172 g, 2.85 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, taken up in 20 mL of water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (1×35 mL), dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo to give 0.21 g of a yellow solid. This material was chromatographed (50 g Merck silica gel) using ethyl acetate:hexanes (1:1) as the eluant to give 0.101 g (60%) of Example 18 as a yellow solid. Melting point: 156°-159° C. EXAMPLE 19 N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]-2-methylpropanamide ##STR25## Isobutyryl chloride (0.144 mL, 1.38 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of Example 3 (0.350 g, 1.10 mmol) in pyridine (1 mL) and acetone (7 mL). The mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours and the acetone was removed under vacuum to leave a thick brown residue, which was added dropwise to half-saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (30 mL). The pH of the resulting mixture was adjusted to 8-8.5 with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate. The crude product was precipitated by acidifying the solution to pH 1.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid, filtered and dried. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded 51% of a solid. Melting point: 177.1°-180.2° C. Analysis for C 19 H 21 N 3 O 4 S. Calc'd: C, 58.90; H, 5.46; N, 10.85; S, 8.27. Found: C, 58.97; H, 5.24; N, 10.83; S, 8.10. EXAMPLE 20 5-Chloro-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR26## To a suspension of 5-chloronaphthalene sulfonylchloride (0.5 g, 1.9 mmol) in 10 mL of dry pyridine under argon, was added 5-amino-3,4-dimethylisoxazole (0.256 g, 2.28 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (50 mg, 10% w/w). The solution was stirred overnight and was heated at 60° C. for 6 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into 30 mL of water, acidified with 6N hydrochloric acid to pH 2-3 and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentrated under vacuum to give 0.61 g of brown gum. Flash chromatography (silica gel,) with 2:1 ethyl acetate:hexanes gave 0.27 g (81%) of Example 20 as a white solid. Melting point 155°-158° C. Analysis for C 15 H 13 ClN 2 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 53.49; H, 3.89; N, 8.32; S, 9.52; Cl, 10.53 Found: C, 53.92; H, 3.76; N, 8.18; S, 9.11; Cl, 10.37 EXAMPLE 21 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(phenylmethyl)amino]-1-naphthlenesulfonamide ##STR27## To a solution of Example 3 (0.26 g, 0.84 mmol) in 10 mL of methanol was added benzaldehyde (0.13 g, 1.25 mmol) and sodium cyanoborohydride (0.10 g, 1.67 mmol). The solution was stirred 15 minutes, acetic acid (0.29 mL, 5.00 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred overnight. Additional portions of benzaldehyde (0.026 g), sodium cyanoborohydride (0.021 g) and acetic acid (0.06 mL) were added and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours. The mixture was concentrated, suspended in 30 mL of water and extracted with 3×40 mL of ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with 50 mL of brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and concentrated to a brown solid. Flash chromatography (silica gel) with ethyl acetate: hexanes (1:1) and a second chromatography with methylene chloride:methanol (96:4) gave 180 mg of yellow solid which upon trituration with ether:hexanes (30:70) afforded 150 mg (44%) of Example 21 as a yellow solid. Melting point 140°-142° C. Analysis for C 22 H 21 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 64.85; H, 5.19; N, 10.31; S, 7.87 Found: C, 64.82; H, 5.13; N, 10.12; S, 7.86 EXAMPLE 22 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR28## A. 5-(((4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl)oxy)-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, sodium salt A solution of the sodium salt of 5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (21.3 g, 86.5 mmol) and toluenesulfonyl chloride (16.5 g, 86.5 mmol) in a mixture of 20 mL water, 20 mL ethanol and 20 mL of 5N sodium hydroxide was heated at 100° C. for 3 hours and cooled. The tan solid was filtered, washed 3 times with water and dried overnight under vacuum at 50° C. to afford 16.0 g of Compound A. The combined filtrate and water washes deposited additional tan solid which was filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum to afford an additional 5.9 g of Compound A (63% total). B. 5-(((4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl)oxy)-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride Compound B was prepared from compound A following the procedures of part B of Example 16 (100% yield of a grey-green gum which crystallized on standing). C. N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(((4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl)oxy)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Compound C was prepared from compound B following the procedures of part C of Example 16. After the reaction was poured onto iced dilute hydrochloric acid, the resulting tan solid was filtered, rinsed with water and dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford a tan foamy solid which was flash chromatographed on silica (75% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to provide Compound C as a light yellow foamy solid. D. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonamide A solution of Compound C (0.36 g, 0.78 mmol) and 4N sodium hydroxide (0.98 mL, 3.92 mmol) in 5 mL of methanol was heated at 65° C. for 21.5 hours, cooled and acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid. The methanol was evaporated and the residue was extracted twice with 10% isopropanol/methylene chloride. The combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 0.39 g of red-brown gum with some crystalline material. Recrystallization from aqueous ethanol afforded 0.149 g of pink solid. This material was subjected to preparative TLC on silica with ethyl acetate and the product band was extracted with 10% isopropanol/methylene chloride. Evaporation of the organic solution afforded 0.122 g (49%) of Example 22 as a light pink solid. Melting point 201°-203° C. Analysis for C 15 H 14 N 2 O 4 S Calc'd: C, 56.59; H, 4.43; N, 8.80; S, 10.07. Found: C, 56.44; H, 4.33; N, 8.60; S, 9.80. EXAMPLE 23 7-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR29## A solution of Example 48 (100 mg, 0.315 mmol) and sodium cyanoborohydride (139 mg, 2.21 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added dropwise to a 0° C. solution of formaldehyde (37%, 13.3M, 0.14 mL, 1.9 mmol) and 3M sulfuric acid (0.1 mL) in tetrahydrofuran (2 mL). The reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 1.5 hours and was then made basic with 2N sodium hydroxide (2 mL). The tetrahydrofuran was removed under vacuum and the solution was brought to pH 3.5 with 1N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (2×2 mL), dried, chromatographed (silica, 2% methanol/methylene chloride) and recrystallized from ethanol/water to provide Example 23 (45%). Melting point 222°-223° C. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S-0.07 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 58.90; H, 5.57; N, 12.12; S, 9.25. Found: C, 58.54; H, 5.42; N, 12.10; S, 9.68. EXAMPLE 24 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[methyl(1-methylethyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR30## To a solution of Example 18 (0.25 g, 0.70 mmol) in 5 mL of methanol, 37% aqueous formaldehyde (170 mL, 2.08 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred for 5 minutes. Glacial acetic acid (0.2 mL) was added and then sodium cyanoborohydride (0.13 g, 2.08 mmol) was added in one portion and the mixture was stirred overnight. The solution was concentrated and diluted with 25 mL of water and the yellow solid thus obtained was filtered and dried. Recrystallization from hexanes/ethyl acetate provided 0.21 g (81%) of Example 24 in two crops. Melting point 132°-133° C. Analysis for C 19 H 23 N 3 O 3 S-1.19 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 57.78; H, 6.48; N, 10.64; S, 8.12. Found: C, 57.74; H, 6.04; N, 10.68; S, 8.34. EXAMPLE 25 2-[[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]amino]propanoic acid, ethyl ester ##STR31## Example 25 was prepared as a yellow solid from Example 3 and ethyl pyruvate as described for Example 21. Melting point 62°-65° C. Analysis for C 20 H 23 N 3 O 5 S-0.12 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 58.03; H, 5.90; N, 9.71; S, 7.41. Found: C, 58.03; H, 5.78; N, 9.32; S, 7.3. EXAMPLE 26 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR32## A. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[1-(4-bromo-1-oxobutyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide To a solution of Example 3 (300 mg, 0.95 mmol) and pyridine (0.11 mL, 1.41 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 mL) was added 4-bromobutyryl chloride (0.12 mL, 1.04 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 90 minutes and extracted with 10% aqueous sodium bicarbonate (three times). The combined aqueous extracts were acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (three times). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 263 g (47%) of compound A as a tan solid. B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide To a slurry of cesium carbonate (290 mg, 0.90 mmol) in dry dimethylformamide (5 mL) at 60° C. was added a solution of compound A (210 mg, 0.45 mmol) in 5 mL of dry dimethylformamide dropwise over 30 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 90 minutes, evaporated and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (twice), acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (three times). The combined dichloromethane phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was crystallized from ethyl acetate/hexanes and the crystalline solid was triturated with hexanes to afford 124 mg (73%) of Example 26 as a tan solid. Melting point: 183°-187° C. Analysis for C 19 H 19 N 3 SO 4 : 0.79 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 57.11; H, 5.19; N, 10.51; S, 8.02. Found: C, 57.25; H, 5.03; N, 10.37; S, 8.36. EXAMPLE 27 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR33## A. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[1-(5-bromo-1-oxopentyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Compound A was prepared as a tan solid from Example 3 and 5-bromovalerylchloride as described for compound A of Example 26. B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-1-isoxazolyl)-5-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Example 27 was prepared from Compound A as a brown solid as described for Example 26. Melting point: 203°-208° C. Analysis for C 20 H 21 N 3 SO 4 : 0.06 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 59.97; H, 5.31; N, 10.49; S, 8.00. Found: C, 59.66; H, 5.45; N, 10.80; S, 8.06. EXAMPLE 28 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[[(phenylamino)thioxomethyl]amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR34## Phenylisothiocyanate (0.62 mL, 5.2 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of Example 3 (1.26 g, 3.97 mmol), triethylamine (1.3 mL, 9.3 mmol), and dimethylaminopyridine (0.100 g, 0.819 mmol) in acetone (45 mL). The mixture was refluxed at 65° C. After 48 hours another 0.3 equivalents (0.1 mL) of phenylisothiocyanate was added, and the reaction was refluxed for an additional 120 hours. The acetone was evaporated, and half-saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (75 mL) was added to the brown residue. The mixture was allowed to stir overnight and was filtered to collect a brown solid. The residual black gum left in the flask was stirred with another 50 mL of half-saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate for 1 hour and filtered. The combined filter cakes were dried, chromatographed (silica, 2% followed by 10% methanol/methylene chloride) and rechromatographed on an HP-20 column eluting with 25%, 30% then 35% methanol/water solutions containing 0.2% ammonium hydroxide to yield Example 28 as a pale yellow solid (87 mg, 6%). Melting point 137°-138° C. Analysis for C 22 H 20 N 4 O 3 S 2 -1.90 H 2 O-0.75 NH 3 . Calc'd: C, 52.90; H, 5.26; N, 13.32; S, 12.84. Found: C, 52.67; H, 4.92; N, 13.22; S, 13.25. EXAMPLE 29 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR35## A. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(4-chlorobutylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide A solution of 2-(3-chloropropyl)-1,3-dioxolane (1.25 mL, 9.45 mmol) in 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid (3 mL) and dioxane (3 mL) was stirred overnight. A slurry of Example 3 (3.0 g, 9.45 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (50 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. Sodium cyanoborohydride (4.66 g, 64.6 mmol) was added in portions over 3 hours and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between dichloromethane and water and the aqueous layer was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (three times). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 2.13 g (55.4%) of Compound A as a yellow solid. B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide A solution of Compound A (2.13 g, 5.23 mmol) and N-methyl-moropholine (4 mL) in dimethylformamide (25 mL) was heated to 75° C. for 4 hours. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved in water. The aqueous solution was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid, extracted with ethyl acetate (three times) and the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica with ethyl acetate:hexanes (1:1) to afford 320 mg of a yellow semisolid, which was recrystallized from aqueous ethanol to afford 159 mg (7%) of Example 29 as a green solid. Melting point: 172°-173° C. Analysis for C 19 H 21 N 3 SO 3 :0.51 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 59.96; H, 5.83; N, 11.04; S, 8.42. Found: C, 59.98; H, 5.53; N, 11.02; S, 8.34. EXAMPLE 30 5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1 -naphthalenecarboxylic acid ##STR36## A solution of Example 32 (6 g, 16.7 mmol) in 4N sodium hydroxide (20 mL) and methanol (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours. The organic solvent was evaporated and the aqueous residue was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The resulting tan solid was collected by filtration, rinsed with water, and dried to afford 4.2 g of Example 30 (72%) as a tan solid. The filtrate was extracted with dichloromethane, the organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and evaporated to afford an additional 1.0 g of Example 30. Melting point 202°-204° C. Analysis for C 16 H 14 N 2 SO 5 :0.32 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 54.58; H, 4.19; N, 7.96; S, 9.11. Found: C, 54.55; H, 4.18; N, 7.99; S, 9.05. EXAMPLE 31 5-[[[5-(Dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-3-methyl-4-1-isoxazolecarboxylic acid, ethyl ester ##STR37## A. Ethylbromopropiolate To a solution of ethylpropiolate (15.2 mL, 150 mmol) in acetone (250 mL) was added silver nitrate (2.51 g, 15 mmol) followed by N-bromosuccinimide (1.34 mL, 9.60 mmol). The solution was stirred for 1 hour and the volatiles were removed from the grey heterogeneous solution under vacuum and collected in a trap at -78° C. The semi-solid residue was partitioned between ether and water, the ether layer was washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated under low pressure to remove ether. The oily residue was combined with the trapped volatiles solution and the resulting solution was distilled, first at atmospheric pressure to remove most of the acetone and then at 7 mm, with Compound A distilling at 52°-58° C. as a clear oil which turned light brown on standing (22.1 g, 83%). B. 3-methyl-5-bromo-4-ethoxycarbonylisoxazole To a solution of Compound A (15.4 g, 87 mmol) and acetaldoximine (7.94 mL, 130 mmol) in methylene chloride (50 mL) was added clorox (277 mL, about 208 mmol) dropwise over 2.5 hours. The blue-green solution was stirred 30 minutes, partitioned, the aqueous phase was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 22.2 g of orange oil. Flash chromatography on silica with 10% ether/hexanes afforded 7.44 g (36%) of a 2:1 mixture of Compound B and 3-methyl-4-bromo-5-ethoxycarbonylisoxazole as a clear oil. C. 5-[[[5-(Dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-3-methyl-4-isoxazolecarboxylic acid, ethyl ester A solution of compound B (2.03 g of a 2:1 mixture of regioisomers, 8.67 mmol), dansylamide (2.17 g, 8.67 mmol) and cesium carbonate (5.64 g, 17.3 mmol) was heated at 77° C. in dimethylformamide (10 mL) for 3 hours and the bulk of the solvent was removed under vacuum with heating. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and 5% aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate, the aqueous phase was washed with methylene chloride and the combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 7.8 g of brown oil. The oil was dissolved in 200 mL of ether and filtered of a small amount of brown solid. The filtrate was evaporated and warmed under high vacuum to remove additional dimethylformamide, affording 4.26 g of light brown oil. The oil was passed through a pad of silica with ethyl acetate to afford 3.30 g of yellow solid which was dissolved in ether and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and subjected to flash chromatography on silica with ethyl acetate to provide 0.24 g of clean Example 31 as a light yellow foam and 2.2 g of impure Example 31 as a yellow foam. The impure material was dissolved in ether and chilled to afford 0.54 g (15%) of Example 31 as yellow cubes which became an amorphous solid on gentle warming under vacuum. Melting point 146°-148° C. Analysis for C 19 H 21 N 3 O 5 S Calc'd: C, 56.56; H, 5.25; N, 10.42; S, 7.95. Found: C, 56.63; H, 5.31; N, 10.22; S, 7.82. EXAMPLE 32 5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, methyl ester ##STR38## A solution of 5-chlorosulfonyl-1-naphthalenecarboxylic acid, methyl ester (15 g, 52.7 mmol), dimethylaminopyridine (500 mg, 4.09 mmol), and 5-amino-3,4-dimethylisoxazole (6.02 g, 55.3 mmol) in pyridine (150 mL) was heated at 70° C. overnight. The mixture was concentrated to half volume, poured into iced 10% aqueous hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (three times). The combined organic phases were extracted with 10% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate. The aqueous solution was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (three times). The combined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium chloride, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and evaporated to afford 11.1 g (59%) of Example 32 as a tan solid. Melting point 173°-178° C. Analysis for C 17 H 16 N 2 SO 5 :0.18 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.16; H, 4.53; N, 7.71; S, 8.82. Found: C, 55.85; H, 4.43; N, 8.02; S, 8.41. EXAMPLE 33 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3-methyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR39## To a solution of Example 31 (325 mg, 0.80 mmol) in 95% ethanol (9 mL) was added 1N sodium hydroxide (4 mL, 4 mmol). The solution was heated at reflux for 3 hours, the ethanol was evaporated and aqueous 5% potassium hydrogen sulfate was added to the residue. The mixture was extracted twice with 10% isopropanol/methylene chloride and the combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 0.37 g of green foamy solid. After combination with approximately 70 mg of product from a previous reaction, the solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexanes to afford 111 mg (35%) of Example 33 as green crystals. Melting point 183°-187° C. Analysis for C 16 H 17 N 3 O 3 S-0.53 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.36; H, 5.34; N, 12.32; S, 9.40. Found: C, 55.96; H, 4.91; N, 12.09; S, 9.50. EXAMPLE 34 5-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetate (1:1) salt ##STR40## A. 5-[Hydroxymethyl]-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide To a solution of Example 30 (1.5 g, 4.32 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (60 mL) at 0° C. was added a 1M solution of borane:tetrahydrofuran (15 mL, 15.0 mmol) dropwise over 1 hour. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour and at room temperature for 4 hours and was poured into 150 mL of 3N hydrochloric acid. The solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (three times) and the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in ether and the solution was washed with water and brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 1.5 g (100%) of Compound A as a tan solid. B. 5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthaldehyde To mixture of compound A (1.5 g, 4.51 mmol) in dichloromethane (150 mL) was added pyridinium chlorochromate (1.33 g, 6.9 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes, applied to a pad of fluorisil and eluted with 600 mL of 10% methanol/dichloromethane. The eluent was concentrated to 200 mL, washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 1.22 g (82%) of compound B as a brown solid. C. 5-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetate (1:1) salt To a solution of compound B (800 mg, 2.42 mmol), acetic acid (0.138 mL, 2.42 mmol), and dimethylamine (1.82M in dry tetrahydrofuran, 1.73 mL, 3.15 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (710 mg, 3.38 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours, additional acetic acid (0.069 mL, 1.21 mmol), dimethylamine (0.86 mL, 1.58 mmol) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride (355 mg, 1.69 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between dichloromethane and 4N aqueous hydrochloric acid and the aqueous layer was lyophilized to afford 245 mg of a white lyophilizate. The lyophilizate was dissolved in 20 mL of 80% aqueous acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and the solution was subjected to gradient preparative HPLC (85% to 40% aqueous acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid). Fractions containing clean product were pooled and lyophilized and the residue was triturated with ether to afford 144 mg (17%) of Example 34 as a tan solid. Analysis for C 18 H 21 N 3 O 3 S-1.66 H 2 O-1.2 CF 3 CO 2 H Calc'd: C, 46.56; H, 4.84; N, 7.98; S, 6.09.Found: C, 46.56; H, 4.45; N, 7.85; S, 5.92. 13 C NMR: (CDCl 3 /CD 3 OD) 4.93, 9.17, 42.18, 57.2, 125.75, 127.00, 127.32, 129.25, 129.4, 130.43, 132.02, 133.0, 136.1, 163.15 ppm. EXAMPLE 35 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR41## To a solution of Example 32 (0.99 g, 2.75 mmol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (50 mL) was added methyl magnesium bromide (4.58 mL of a 3M solution in ether, 13.7 mmol). The solution was heated at reflux for 75 minutes, quenched with 5% aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate and extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was combined with the product of a previous reaction (0.55 mmol scale) to afford 1.26 g of off-white foamy solid. Chromatography on silica (flash; 75% ethyl acetate/hexanes) afforded 0.28 g (24%) of Example 35 as a white foamy solid (melting point 97°-101° C.) as well as 0.40 g of slightly less pure material. Analysis for C 18 H 20 N 2 O 4 S Calc'd: C, 59.98; H, 5.59; N, 7.77; S, 8.90. Found: C, 59.74; H, 5.81; N, 7.76; S, 8.55. EXAMPLE 36 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(1-methylethenyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR42## A solution of Example 35 (0.40 g, 1.11 mmol) and trifluoroacetic acid (0.17 mL, 2.21 mmol) in methylene chloride (5 mL) was heated at reflux for 5 hours. Additional methylene chloride was added and the solution was washed with water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 0.31 g of an off-white foamy solid. Chromatography on silica (flash; 60% ethyl acetate/hexanes) afforded 0.27 g (71%) of Example 36 as an off-white foamy solid. Melting point 65°-70° C. Analysis for C 18 H 18 N 2 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 63.14; H, 5.30; N, 8.18; S, 9.36. Found: C, 62.97; H, 5.45; N, 8.16; S, 9.03. EXAMPLE 37 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(1-piperidinyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetate (2:1) salt ##STR43## To a mixture of Example 3 (1.5 g, 4.71 mmol) in glacial acetic acid (40 mL) and dioxane (20 mL) at 0° C. was added a 50% solution of glutaric dialdehyde (0.85 g, 4.71 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour, sodium cyanoborohydride (1.5 g, 23.9 mmol) was added in portions over 1 hour and the mixture was stirred overnight and evaporated. The residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate and the aqueous layer was acidified to pH 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (three times). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica with ethyl acetate:hexanes (1:1). Fractions containing product were combined and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 80% aqueous acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and subjected to gradient preparative HPLC (70% to 45% aqueous acetonitrile containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid). Fractions containing clean product were pooled and lyophilized from water to afford 48 mg (3%) of Example 37 as fluffy brown lyophilizate. Melting point 89°-93° C. Analysis for C 20 H 23 N 3 O 3 S-1.26 H 2 O-0.5 CF 3 CO 2 H Calc'd: C, 54.22; H, 5.63; N, 9.00; S, 6.89. Found: C, 54.22; H, 5.27; N, 8.71; S, 6.87. EXAMPLE 38 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(methylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR44## A. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-N-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Triethylamine (0.048 mL, 0.35 mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of Example 3 (100 mg, 0.32 mmol) in methylene chloride (3 mL). The homogeneous mixture was cooled to 0° C., during which time a precipitate formed. Trimethylsilylethoxymethyl chloride (0.061 mL, 0.35 mmol) was added dropwise and after 1 hour at 0° C., an additional 0.5 equivalents each of triethylamine and trimethylsilylethoxymethyl chloride were added sequentially. After an additional 1 hour, the reaction was loaded onto a silica column which was eluted with 25% and then 30% ethyl acetate/hexanes to provided compound A as an oil (78.1 mg, 55%). B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-N-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5-(methylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide A slurry of 10% palladium on charcoal (250 mg) in methanol (1 mL) was added to a solution of compound A (528 mg, 1.18 mmol), formaldehyde (13M, 37%, 0.18 mL, 2.4 mmol), and acetic acid (0.67 mL, 1.2 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) under argon. The argon was replaced by hydrogen by 4 pump/purge cycles. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hours, the hydrogen was replaced with argon and the mixture was filtered through Celite® AFA and concentrated under vacuum. Flash chromatography (silica, 35% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided 340 mg (62%) of compound B as an oil. C. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(methylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide To a 0° C. solution of compound B (224 mg, 0.48 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL). The reaction was stirred for 2.5 hours and was concentrated under vacuum. Flash chromatography (silica, 5% methanol/methylene chloride) and a second flash chromatography (silica, 60% ethyl acetate/hexanes) provided an oil. This material was dissolved in 5% sodium hydrogen carbonate (10 mL), the solution was filtered through Celite®°AFA and the flitrate was brought to pH 4 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The greenish-yellow solid was collected by filtration, washed with water (2×5 mL) and dried to provide 147 mg (91%) of Example 38. Melting point 92°-105° C. Analysis for C 16 H 17 N 3 O 3 S-0.65 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 55.86; H, 5.39; N, 12.22; S, 9.32. Found: C, 56.01; H, 5.38; N, 12.25; S, 9.34. EXAMPLE 39 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(ethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR45## Example 2 (0.244 g, 0.62 mmol) was added to a solution of borane (1.0M in tetrahydrofuran, 1.9 mL, 1.9 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (13 mL) stirring at 0° C. After stirring at 0° C. for 15 minutes, at ambient temperature for 1.25 hours, and at reflux for 2 hours, the reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum. Water was slowly added to the residue and the mixture was acidified to pH 4.5 with 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted with methylene chloride (2×, 75 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated to afford 0.22 g of crude product. Flash chromatography (silica, 15 mm dia., 20% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride) afforded 0.12 g (58%) of Example 39. Melting point 75.0°-85.0° C., decomposed. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S-0.25 C 4 H 8 O 2 . Calc'd: C, 58.84; H, 5.76; N, 11.44. Found: C, 59.01; H, 5.82; N, 11.29. EXAMPLE 40 N-(3-Methyl-4-phenylmethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[dimethylamino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamlde ##STR46## Prepared in 38% yield as a yellow foamy solid from dansyl chloride and 3-methyl-4-phenylmethyl-5-isoxazolamine as described for Example 20. The reaction was heated at 85° C. for 75 minutes. Flash chromatography was performed on silica with 25%, then 40%, then 60% ethyl acetate/hexanes. Melting point 59°-65° C. Analysis for C 23 H 23 N 3 O 3 S-0.11 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 65.23; H, 5.53; N, 9.92; S, 7.57. Found: C, 65.23; H, 5.70; N, 9.72; S, 7.20. EXAMPLE 41 N-(3-Methyl-4-phenyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR47## Prepared in 10% yield as a yellow foamy solid from dansyl chloride and a mixture of 3-methyl-4-phenyl-5-isoxazolamine and 5-methyl-4-phenyl-3-isoxazolamine as described for Example 20. The reaction was heated at 85° C. for 75 minutes. Flash chromatography was performed on silica with 50%, then 100% ethyl acetate/hexanes. Melting point 78°-88° C. Analysis for C 22 H 21 N 3 O 3 S-0.37 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 63.81; H, 5.29; N, 10.15; S, 7.74. Found: C, 64.24; H, 5.39; N, 10.22; S, 7.34. EXAMPLE 42 N-(3-Ethyl-4-methyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(dimethylamino )-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR48## Example 42 was prepared in 20% yield as a yellow solid from dansyl chloride and 3-ethyl-4-methyl-5-isoxazolamine as described for Example 20. The reaction was heated at 75° C. for 3.5 hours. Flash chromatography was performed on silica with 40% ethyl acetate/hexanes. An analytical sample was prepared by dissolution in aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate, filtration through Celite®, acidification of the flitrate with solid potassium hydrogen sulfate and filtration and drying of the resulting yellow solid. Melting point 51°-68° C. Analysis for C 18 H 21 N 3 O 3 S-0.52 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 58.62; H, 6.02; N, 11.39; S, 8.69. Found: C, 58.62; H, 5.73; N, 11.69; S, 8.68. EXAMPLE 43 5-(Dibutylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, monosodium salt ##STR49## A solution of 5-dibutylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (906 mg, 2.56 mmol), 3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolamine (373 mg, 3.33 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (63 mg, 0.51 mmol) in dry pyridine (5 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 3 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and was poured into 50 mL of water. The mixture was brought to pH 4.5 with 6N hydrochloric acid, the water was decanted from the resulting gum and ether (100 mL) was added to the residue. The remaining precipitate was removed by filtration and combined with material from a previous 0.565-mmol scale reaction and the whole was chromatographed (flash, silica, 30% ethyl acetate/hexanes) to provide 618 mg of a yellow-green glass. This material was suspended in half-saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (20 mL), the solution was warmed to aid dissolution, and 1N sodium hydroxide was added to bring the pH to 10. Methanol (1 mL) was added to effect complete solution. The solution was loaded onto a methanol-activated, water-equilibrated Sep-Pak Cartridge (Waters, 10 g of tC18 packing). The column was washed with water (50 mL) and 10% methanol/water (20 mL). The product was eluted with methanol (30 mL). This eluate was concentrated under vacuum and the glassy residue was triturated with ether (10 mL) to provide, after filtration and drying, 524 mg (45%) of the title compound: Melting point 130.0°-135.0° C. Analysis for C 23 H 30 N 3 O 3 SNa-0.63 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 59.68; H, 6.81; N, 9.08. Found: C, 59.61; H, 6.74; N, 9.00. EXAMPLE 44 4-[1-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]naphthalen-5-yl]amino]butanoic acid ##STR50## A solution of Example 26 (200 mg, 0.52 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) and aqueous 4N sodium hydroxide (15 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 52 hours. The solution was cooled to room temperature, acidified to pH 3 with 6N aqueous hydrochloric acid and the resulting yellow precipitate was collected by filtration, rinsed with water, and dried under vacuum. The solid was chromatographed (silica gel, 10% methanol/dichloromethane) to afford 60 mg (29 %) of Example 44 as a yellow solid. Melting point 129°-132° C. Analysis for C 19 H 21 N 3 SO 5 :1.18 H 2 O: 1.0 CH 2 Cl 2 . Calc'd: C, 47.12; H, 5.01; N, 8.24; S, 6.28. Found: C, 47.12; H, 4.87; N, 8.42; S, 5.98. EXAMPLES 45 to 48 The following examples were prepared as described for Example 3 except that the pH was adjusted to 4-4.5 to precipitate the product from solution. Other differences are listed as: starting material; mL of 5N sodium hydroxide/mmol of starting material; mL of methanol/mmol of staring material; reaction time; reaction temperature; recrystallization solvent; yield. EXAMPLE 45 6-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR51## Example 12; 2 mL; 0.4 mL; 17 hours; 70° C.; aqueous methanol; 27%. Melting point 179°-180° C. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 56.44; H, 4.80; N, 13.16; S, 10.04. Found: C, 56.55; H, 4.56; N, 13.05; S, 9.92. EXAMPLE 46 7-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR52## Example 14; 2 mL; 0.7 mL; 3 hours; 80° C.; aqueous ethanol; 75%. Melting point 193°-194° C. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S-0.07 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.54; H, 4.79; N, 13.19; S, 10.06. Found: C, 56.78; H, 4.68; N, 13.09; S, 9.73. EXAMPLE 47 8-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR53## Example 15; 2 mL; 0.4 mL; 3 hours; 80° C.; aqueous ethanol; 70%. Melting point 198°-202°. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 56.77; H, 4.76; N, 13.24; S, 10.10. Found: C, 56.76; H, 4.38; N, 13.12; S, 9.73. EXAMPLE 48 7-Amino-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR54## Example 13; 2.8 mL; 1.8 mL; 22 hours; 75° C.; aqueous ethanol; 72%. Melting point 182°-183° C. Analysis for C 15 H 15 N 3 O 3 S-0.46 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 55.32; H, 4.93; N, 12.90; S, 9.84. Found: C, 55.34; H, 4.84; N, 12.78; S, 9.83. EXAMPLES 49 to 51 The following examples were prepared as described for Example 23, with differences listed as: starting material; equivalents of formaldehyde; equivalents of 3N sulfuric acid; equivalents of sodium cyanoborohydride; reaction time; purification method; yield. EXAMPLE 49 7-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR55## Example 46; 5 equivalents; 1 equivalent; 6 equivalents; 6 hours; flash chromatography on silica with methanol/methylene chloride followed by recrystallization from benzene/hexanes; 36%. Melting point 131°-132° C. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S-0.4 H 2 O; 0.4 C 6 H 6 Calc'd: C, 60.70; H, 5.83; N, 10.95; S, 8.35. Found: C, 60.58; H, 5.52; N, 10.84; S, 8.61. EXAMPLE 50 8-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR56## Example 47; 5 equivalents; 1 equivalent; 6 equivalents; 4 hours; flash chromatography on silica with methanol/methylene chloride followed by recrystallization from aqueous ethanol; 49%. Melting point 155°-156° C. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S-0.13 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 58.72; H, 5.58; N, 12.08; S, 9.22. Found: C, 58.76; H, 5.41; N, 12.04; S, 9.45. EXAMPLE 51 6-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR57## Example 45; 6 equivalents; 1 equivalent; 7 equivalents; 5 hours; flash chromatography on silica with methanol/methylene chloride followed by recrystallization from aqueous ethanol; 15%. Melting point 182°-183° C. Analysis for C 17 H 19 N 3 O 3 S. Calc'd: C, 59.11; H, 5.54; N, 12.17; S, 9.28. Found: C, 59.20; H, 5.37; N, 12.05; S, 9.30. EXAMPLES 52 to 55 The following examples were prepared as described for example 1, with differences listed as: method of reagent combination; reaction time; reaction temperature; purification method; yield. EXAMPLE 52 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(3-methyl-4-nitro-5-isoxazolyl )-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR58## Dropwise; 65 hours; room temperature; precipitation from 5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate; 32%. Melting point 220°-228° C. Analysis for C 16 H 16 N 4 O 5 S. Calc'd: C, 50.07; H, 4.42; N, 14.60; S, 8.35. Found: C, 50.45; H, 4.04; N, 14.22; S, 8.14. EXAMPLE 53 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2,1-benzisoxazol-3-yl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR59## Dropwise; 5 hours; 75° C.; dissolved in ether, filtered, filtrate concentrated; 18%. Melting point 69°-80° C. Analysis for C 19 H 21 N 3 O 3 S-0.8 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 59.14; H, 5.90; N, 10.89; S, 8.31. Found: C, 59.29; H, 5.74; N, 10.74; S, 8.59. EXAMPLE 54 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(4-ethyl-3-methyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR60## Batchwise; 1 hour; 100° C.; flash chromatography on silica with ethyl acetate/hexanes followed by precipitation from 5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate; 43%. Melting point 55°-85° C. Analysis for C 18 H 21 N 3 O 3 S-0.04 H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 60.03; H, 5.90; N, 11.67; S, 8.90. Found: C, 59.99; H, 6.02; N, 11.71;S, 8.81. EXAMPLE 55 5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(4-methyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR61## Batchwise; 18 hours; room temperature; flash chromatography on silica with ethyl acetate followed by precipitation from 5% aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate; 17%. Melting point 57°-67° C. Analysis for C 16 H 17 N 3 O 3 S-0.41H 2 O. Calc'd: C, 56.73; H, 5.30; N, 12.40; S, 9.46. Found: C, 56.51; H, 5.04; N, 12.62; S, 9.34. EXAMPLE 56 ##STR62## N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(pentylamino)-1-naphthalenesufonamide A. N-5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]pentanamide Valeryl chloride (0.32 mL, 2.7 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of Example 3 (0.68 g, 2.1 mmol) and pyridine (2.0 mL) in acetone (14 mL) under argon and the solution was stirred for 2.5 hours. The acetone was evaporated, half-saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (60 mL) was added to the residue, and the pH was adjusted to 8-8.5 with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, acidified with 6N hydrochloric acid to pH 1.0, and stirred overnight. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded 0.72 g (84%) of compound A, mp 171°-172° C. B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-amino]sulfonyl-1-naphthalenyl]pentanamide Compound A (0.71 g, 1.8 mmol) was added to a solution of borane (1.0M in tetrahydrofuran, 5.3 mL, 5.3 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (37 mL) at 0° C. The solution was stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes, at ambient temperature for 1 hour, and at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was evaporated, water was slowly added to the residue, and the mixture was partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The aqueous phase was extracted twice with methylene chloride, and the combined organic phases were dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. Flash chromatography (silica, 3% methanol/methylene chloride) afforded 0.31 g of solid which was recrystallized from methanol/water to afford 0.23 g (33%) of Example 56 as a bright yellow crystalline solid, mp 143°-145° C. Analysis for C 20 H 25 N 3 O 3 S Calc'd: C, 61.99; H, 6.50; N, 10.84; S, 8.27. Found: C, 62.05; H, 6.54; N, 10.84; S, 7.94. EXAMPLE 57 ##STR63## N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1 -naphthalenyl]-5-benzenepentanamide Example 57 was prepared from 5-phenylvaleroyl chloride and Example 3 as described for compound A from Example 56. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded an 85% yield of Example 57 as a white crystalline solid, mp 168°-171° C. Analysis for C 26 H 27 N 3 O 4 S Calc'd: C, 65.39; H, 5.70; N, 8.80; S, 6.71. Found: C, 65.53; H, 5.76; N, 8.91; S, 6.55. EXAMPLE 58 ##STR64## N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]-β-phenylbenzenepropanamide Example 58 was prepared from 3,3-diphenylpropanoyl chloride and Example 3 as described for compound A from Example 56. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded a 72% yield of Example 58 as a white crystalline solid, mp 200°-204° C. Analysis for C 30 H 27 N 3 O 4 S.0.19 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 68.10; H, 5.22; N, 7.94; S, 6.06. Found: C, 68.26; H, 5.11; N, 7.78; S, 5.96. EXAMPLE 59 ##STR65## N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]-α-phenylbenzeneacetamide Example 59 was prepared from 3,3-diphenylacetyl chloride and Example 3 as described for compound A from Example 56. Recrystallization from methanol/water afforded a 65% yield of Example 59 as a tan crystalline solid, mp 218°-222° C. Analysis for C 29 H 25 N 3 O 4 S.0.12 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 67.79; H, 4.95; N, 8.18; S, 6.24. Found: C, 67.88; H, 5.11;N, 8.09; S, 6.29. EXAMPLE 60 ##STR66## N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(diphenylmethyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesufonamide A. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(diphenylmethylene)amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.36 mL, 4.4 mmol) was added to a solution of Example 3 (1.4 g, 4.4 mmol) in methylene chloride (20 mL) and methanol (8 mL). The solvent was removed and methylene chloride (16 mL) and benzophenone imine (0.83 g, 4.4 mmol) were added. The solution was stirred for 3 days with the exclusion of moisture, and the resulting yellow solid was filtered and rinsed with methylene chloride and water. The organic phase was separated from the filtrate, dried (magnesium sulfate) and evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from methanol, and the crystalline solid was combined with the yellow solid and recrystallized from methanol to afford 1.30 g (66%) of compound A as a yellow crystalline solid, mp 220°-225° C. B. N-(3,4-Dimethyi-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(diphenylmethyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesulfonamide Example 60 was prepared from compound A as described for compound B from Example 56. Flash chromatography (silica, 5% methanol/methylene chloride) followed by recrystallization from methanol/water afforded Example 60 as a yellow crystalline solid, mp 152°-158° C. Analysis for C 28 H 25 N 3 O 3 S.0.18 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 69.09; H, 5.25; N, 8.63; S, 6.59. Found: C, 69.12; H, 5.14; N, 8.60; S, 6.60. EXAMPLE 61 ##STR67## N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(2,2-diphenylethyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesufonamide Example 61 was prepared from Example 59 as described for compound B from Example 56. Flash chromatography (silica, 5% methanol/methylene chloride) followed by recrystallization from ethanol/water afforded Example 61 as a yellow crystalline solid, mp 206°-211° C. Analysis for C 29 H 27 N 3 O 3 S.0.31 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 69.23; H, 5.53; N, 8.35; S, 6.37. Found: C, 69.25; H, 5.49; N, 8.33; S, 6.24. EXAMPLE 62 ##STR68## N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(3,3-diphenylpropyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesufonamide Example 62 was prepared from Example 58 as described for compound B from Example 56. Flash chromatography (silica, 5% methanol/methylene chloride) followed by recrystallization from ether afforded Example 62 as a yellow crystalline solid, mp 171°-177° C. Analysis for C 30 H 29 N 3 O 3 S.0.75 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 68.61; H, 5.85; N, 8.00; S, 6.20. Found: C, 68.77; H, 5.66; N, 7.84; S, 6.10. EXAMPLE 63 ##STR69## N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-[(5-phenylpentyl)amino]-1-naphthalenesufonamide, sodium salt Example 63 was prepared from Example 48 as described for compound B from Example 57. After flash chromatography (silica, 5% methanol/methylene chloride), the material was dissolved in 5% sodium hydrogen carbonate and added to a 5 g Waters SepPak tC18 cartridge which had been equilibrated with methanol followed by water. The column was eluted with water, 25% methanol/water, 50% methanol/water and methanol. Evaporation of the 50% methanol/water fraction followed by drying on high vacuum afforded Example 63 as a yellow-green glass, mp 120°-123° C. Analysis for C 26 H 28 N 3 O 3 SNa.0.72 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 62.65; H, 5.95; N, 8.43; S, 6.43. Found: C, 62.74; H, 5.96; N, 8.34; S, 6.37. EXAMPLE 64 N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(methylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide ##STR70## A. N-[5-[[(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)amino]sulfonyl]-1-naphthalenyl]formamide Formic acid (95%, 1.90 mL, 50.4 mmol) was added dropwise to acetic anhydride (3.90 mL, 41.0 mmol) at 0° C. The mixture was heated at 55° C. for 2 hours, cooled to room temperature and diluted with tetrahydrofuran (9 mL). A solution of Example 3 (5.00 g, 15.8 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and concentrated. The residue was diluted with water (200 mL) and methanol (100 mL), and 5N sodium hydroxide was added in 2-mL portions to keep the pH of the solution between 9 and 11. After the solids had dissolved and the pH remained at 11, the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes and was brought to pH 8 with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The methanol was evaporated, water (200 mL) was added to the residue and the pH was brought to 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was stirred vigorously to break up lumps and the solid was collected by filtration, washed with water (3×20 mL) and dried to provide 5.05 g of compound A as a white-pink powder (93%). B. N-(3,4-Dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-5-(methylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide To a solution at 0° C. of compound A (5.00 g, 14.5 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) was added dropwise boranemethylsulfide (5.8 mL, 57.9 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes and at reflux for 3 hours, cooled to 0° C., and methanol (40 mL) was added. After hydrogen evolution slowed, the mixture was brought to room temperature, stirred for 40 minutes, and concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid was added to bring the pH to 2-2.5. The mixture was heated at reflux for 40 minutes, the solvent was evaporated, the residue was taken up in water (200 mL) and the pH of this solution was adjusted to 3 with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, dried, and chromatographed (silica, 50% ethyl acetate/hexanes). The product was dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate (100 mL), the solution was filtered through Celite, the filtrate was diluted with water (200 mL) and the pH of the filtrate was adjusted to 3 with 6N hydrochloric acid. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water (2×50 mL) and dried to provide Example 64 as a yellow solid (3.30 g, 69%), mp 188°-191° C. Analysis for C 16 H 17 N 3 O 3 S.0.62 H 2 O Calc'd: C, 56.09; H, 5.37; N, 12.26; S, 9.36. Found: C, 56.23; H, 5.34; N, 12.12; S, 9.27.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## inhibit endothelin, wherein: one of X and Y is N and the other is O; R is naphthyl or naphthyl substituted with R 1 , R 2 and R 3 ; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen; alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; --C(O)H; --C(O)R 6 ; CO 2 H; --CO 2 R 6 ; --SH; --S(O) n R 6 ; --S(O) m --OH; --S(O) m --OR 6 ; --O--S(O) m --R 6 ; --O--S(O) m OH; --O--S(O) m --OR 6 ; --Z 4 --NR 7 R 8 ; or --Z 4 --N(R 11 )--Z 5 --NR 9 R 10 ; R 4 and R 5 are each independently hydrogen; alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, any of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ; halo; hydroxyl; cyano; nitro; --C(O)H; --C(O)R 6 ; --CO 2 H; --CO 2 R 6 ; --SH, --S(O) n R 6 ; --S(O) m --OH; --S(O) m --OR 6 ; --O--S(O) m --R 6 ; --O--S(O) m OH; --O--S(O) m --OR 6 ; --Z 4 --NR 7 R 8 ; --Z 4 --N(R 11 )--Z 5 --NR 9 R 10 ; or R 4 and R 5 together are alkylene or alkenylene (either of which may be substituted with Z 1 , Z 2 and Z 3 ), completing a 4- to 8-membered saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the fatigue testing of wire by cyclic displacement under tension while immersed in a test medium. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART Fatigue testing of wire-like specimens under tension during cyclic displacement by a motor driven pulley is generally known, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,816 to Koester et al. Fatigue testing by tensioning force cyclically applied to a specimen immersed within a body of fluid, is also known as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,096 to Marcum. It is an important object of the present invention to provide testing apparatus for programmed determination of the fatigue properties of different materials under different conditions to an extent not possible with prior art apparatus, and with minimal complexity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention two wire specimens are simultaneously displaced along direction changing paths established by two sets of pulleys over which the specimens are readily installed within a transparent supporting frame through which the installation is visible. Adjacent ends of the wire specimens are operatively connected to a common rotor powered by a motor mounted by the frame in spaced relation between two containers within which test medium is retained. The wire specimens are entrained about one of the pulleys of each set carried by positioning portions of the frame projecting into the containers so as to hold the wire specimens immersed within the test medium. The remote ends of the two wire specimens are connected to wire tensioning weights protectively enclosed in plastic sheathings suspended by supporting end portions of the frame. Sensing switches mounted by the frame end portions project into the sheathings for engagement by the weights in response to rupture of the wire specimens, by means of which the testing operation is terminated and data readout obtained. Timers connected to the sensing switches and a rotation counter connected to the rotor supply the input data from which output test data is determined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein: FIG. 1 is a side section view through a testing apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a section view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 2--2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial section view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 3--3 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is schematic block diagram of the control system associated with the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Refering now to the drawing in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates testing apparatus, generally referred to by reference numeral 10, for measuring fatigue properties of materials such as amorphous alloy wire in the form of two elongated specimens 12 and 14. The specimens undergo cyclically varying strain until rupture thereof occurs to terminate the testing operation. The specimens 12 and 14 are supported within the apparatus by a frame made of transparent Plexiglas material, generally referred to by reference numeral 16. The frame has parallel spaced side panels 18 interconnected by a top portion 20. The frame panels 18 include vertically extending support portions 21 and 22 at opposite ends, a central mounting portion 24 and a pair of positioning portions 26 and 28 spaced between the central portion 24 and the end portions 21 and 22. The wire specimens 12 and 14 are respectively supported on the frame by two sets of pulleys, each set consisting of three horizontally aligned pulley wheels 30, 32, and 34 and a pulley wheel 36 on each of the positioning portions 26 and 28 of the frame vertically spaced below the other pulley wheels. The pulley wheels 30, 32, 34, and 36 of each set establishes a direction changing path along which the wire specimens 12 and 14 extend as shown in FIG. 1. With continued reference to FIG. 1, the central mounting portion 24 of frame mounts a motor 38, the output shaft of which is connected to a rotor disc 40. A radially extending anchor element 42 is fixed to the rotor disc, having a pivot connection 42 to a pair of nylon leads to which adjacent ends of the wire specimens 12 and 14 are fastened by epoxy glue, for example. The opposite remote ends of the wire specimens are respectively connected to tension exerting weights 46 sand 48. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, each of the positioning portions 26 and 28 of the frame panels project into a container 50 within which a body of liquid test medium 52 is retained. The portion of the wire specimen 12 or 14 entrained about each pulley wheel 36 is thereby held immersed in the test medium 52 during cyclic displacement under tension of the weights 46 or 48. Each of such weights is guidingly enclosed within a polyethylene sheathing 54 suspended between the frame panels at end portions 21 and 22 thereof. As more clearly seen in FIG. 3, a sensor switch device 56 mounted by the frame projects into the lower end of the sheathing 54 for engagement by the weight 46 or 48 in response to excessive vertical travel in a downward direction as a result of specimen rupture. The switch device 56 is electrically connected to a timer 58 as diagramed in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 38 is energized from a suitable power supply 60 to begin a testing operation under command of a control component 62. The outputs of the aforementioned timers 58 connected to the sensors 56 associated with the weights 46 and 48, are fed to a failure detector 64 and the readout 68 to which a rotation counter 66 is also connected for obtaining fatigue property data. The detector 64 is connected to control 62 to terminate the testing operation in response to specimen rupture. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the two specimens 12 and 14 will undergo simultaneous cyclic displacement along the paths established by the two sets of pulley wheels 30, 32, 34 and 36, under tension of the weights 46 and 48. Further, during such testing operation each of the wire specimens will be immersed in a test medium of interest 52, retained by containers 50 at spaced locations at which the specimen paths extend about pulley wheels 36 positioned at the lower ends of the frame positioning portions 26 and 28. When rupture of the wire specimens occur, the weights 46 and 48 drop into engagement with the sensor switches 56 within the sheathings 54 to effect termination of a test operation through failure detector 64. The timers 58 and the rotation counter 66 respectively time the test operational period and count the number of reciprocatory travel cycles therein to supply inputs to the readout 68 for calculating and exhibiting fatigue property data. The maximum strain (λ) produced in each wire specimen 12 or 14 entrained about pulley wheel 36 while immersed in the test medium 52, is determined by the diameter (d) of the wire and the effective diameter (D) of the pulley wheel 36 in accordance with the relationship: λ=d/(d+D). By way of example, the rotor disc 40 is rotated at a frequency of 2.0 Hz and the fatigue limit is defined as the maximum cyclic strain acheived without failure during 10 6 cycles. The control system as diagrammed in FIG. 4 may be so programmed in connection with wire specimens of high yield strength being studied for corrosion resistance when subjected to environmental conditions reproduced in the test medium 52. Two different material specimens under the same or different conditions may be simultaneously tested for fatigue properties by the apparatus when appropriately programmed through its control system as hereinbefore described. Further, the apparatus may be programmed for wire stretch testing to measure changes in elongation, electrical conductivity and wire diameter. Numerous other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the foregoing 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.

A pair of wire specimens supported within a transparent frame established by two sets of pulleys are interconnected between a common powered rotor and a pair of wire tensioning weights protectively enclosed by plastic sheathings. The wire specimens are simultaneously and cyclically displaced along direction changing paths through test medium during a testing operation terminated in response to rupture detected by sensing switches engaged by the weights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a device for monitoring an area, which device comprises a transmitter unit for transmitting a signal and a receiver unit for receiving a reflected signal via an antenna. [0002] The installation of a monitoring device in the form of an active sensor for monitoring an area in front of a vehicle is already known. The sensor has a poor range and the radiation from the sensor in the area that is to be monitored can be regarded as originating from a point source. When the sensor is located in the centre of the front of the vehicle, acceptable values can be obtained for the relative speed between the vehicle and a reflecting object that is centrally in front of the vehicle in the direction of movement of the vehicle. However, if the reflecting object is displaced sideways relative to the direction of movement of the vehicle, an unacceptable error in the speed can easily arise. There is also the risk that the object will leave the sensor's field of vision when there is a short distance between the reflecting object and the vehicle. In order to increase the accuracy when determining speed, it would be possible to install several individual sensors along the front of the vehicle. The use of several sensors with associated arrangement for signal processing and installation means that the monitoring device runs the risk of being both complex and expensive. [0003] A monitoring device in the form of a security alarm is already known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,834. The alarm is provided with a combined transmitting and receiving antenna in the form of a cable with groups of slots. The antenna is supplied at one end with a radar frequency which, when it is reflected from moving objects, gives rise to a Doppler frequency signal which under certain conditions causes the alarm to be activated. The security alarm detects movement but carries out no direct determination of speed or distance. Due to the not insignificant suppression that is introduced along the length of the antenna, the antenna has different sensitivity along its length, with greater sensitivity close to the supply end. In addition, the length of the signal wave varies in the antenna. Reflections close to the supply end of the antenna have a shorter signal wave in the antenna than reflections close to the end of the antenna that is furthest away from the supply end. Among other things, the circumstances described above make it difficult, if not impossible, to determine the relative speed and distance of an object with any accuracy, if so required. [0004] A device according to the first section of the description is previously known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,536. In this case a security alarm is again in question. The intrusion detector of the security alarm here comprises two parallel antenna cables preferably located in the ground in connection to an object to be protected. The antenna cables are in opposite ends connected to a transmitter unit and a receiver unit, respectively and the asymmetry occurring in the transmitter antenna lobe due to attenuation along the cable will be balanced out of a corresponding reversed asymmetry in the antenna lobe of the receiver antenna. The intention is to detect objects if any passing above the antenna cables and if desired to determine the location of the passage. However, there is no determining of the speed of an object approaching the object to be protected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The object of the present invention is to achieve a monitoring device that does not have the abovementioned limitations, is simple in design and can be produced and installed at a low cost. The object of the invention is achieved by means of a monitoring device characterized in that the relative speed between the monitoring device and a reflecting object is determined by utilizing the Doppler principle, a mixer being arranged with one input connected to the transmitting antenna and the other input connected to the receiving antenna, which mixer generates at its output the difference frequency between the transmitted signal and received signal. The monitoring device according to the invention has, in addition, the advantage of being able to function independent of the cable length of the antennas. [0006] According to an advantageous embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention, a delay is introduced between the transmitting antenna and the receiver unit. By this means, the area that is to be monitored can be moved out from the antennas and the monitoring area can be adapted to suit the application concerned. In a simple embodiment, the delay is carried out by a coaxial cable. A delaying device designed to be able to vary the delay can advantageously also be introduced. A monitoring device with the ability to vary the delay has the advantage that the monitoring area can be moved. It is thereby possible to monitor a larger area. [0007] Another embodiment of the invention is a device for monitoring an area, comprising: a combined transmitting and receiving antenna configured to transmit a transmitted signal and to receive a reflected received signal; a transmitter unit configured to generate the transmitted signal; a receiver unit configured to receive the reflected received signal; and wherein the transmitter unit is connected to one end of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna, the receiver unit is connected to an other end of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna, and a relative speed between the monitoring device and a reflecting object is determined by utilizing the Doppler principle. [0008] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a device for monitoring an area comprising: a first slotted cable configured as a transmitting antenna for transmission of a high-frequency transmitted signal; a transmitter unit configured to transmit the transmitted signal via the first slotted cable and connected to a first end of the first slotted cable; a second slotted cable configured as a receiving antenna for receiving a reflected received signal; a receiver unit configured to receive the received signal via the second slotted antenna; and connected to a first end of the second slotted cable; and a mixer configured to generate a mixer output signal that is a difference frequency between the transmitted signal at first mixer input and the received signal at a second mixer input, wherein the first and second slotted cables are configured in association with each other and essentially parallel to each other, a first mixer input is connected to a second end of the first slotted cable, a second mixer input is connected to a second end of the second slotted cable furthest away from the first end of the first slotted cable, and a relative speed between the monitoring device and a reflecting object is determined by utilizing the Doppler principle. [0009] According to an advantageous further development of the monitoring device, a processor is arranged to identify the highest Doppler frequency and base the determining of the relative speed upon that. Suitably the processor is arranged to apply a Fourier transform to the generated difference signal and to identify the highest Doppler frequency from the generated Fourier-transformed signal. [0010] According to another advantageous further development of the monitoring device, the transmitter unit and the receiver unit each comprise an interacting switch, whereby reflections from objects outside the monitored area can be excluded by means of the interaction of the switches. Radiation reflected from an object immediately outside the monitoring area is stopped by the receiver unit's switch which assumes an open, non-transmitting position when the radiation reaches the receiving antenna. In this way, reflections from large reflecting objects outside the monitored area are stopped in a very efficient way. [0011] The slotted cable of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna consists advantageously of a slotted coaxial cable. A suitable number of slots can be four to six per meter of cable. For example, in a suitable embodiment for mounting on a vehicle, the first and the second slotted cables each comprise 3-20 slots, distributed along the length of the cable. [0012] In order to determine the distance between the monitoring device and a reflected target, a means is advantageously arranged for measuring the delay time interval of a reflected pulse. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail in exemplified form with reference to the attached figures, in which: [0014] FIG. 1 shows schematically an example of a monitoring device according to the invention. [0015] FIG. 2 a shows schematically the antenna beam of a transmitting antenna incorporated in the monitoring device. [0016] FIG. 2 b shows schematically the antenna beam of a receiving antenna incorporated in the monitoring device. [0017] FIG. 2 c shows the resulting antenna beam comprising the antenna beam of the transmitting antenna according to FIG. 2 a and the antenna beam of the receiving antenna according to FIG. 2 b. [0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a number of examples of reflections between the monitoring device and a reflecting object. [0019] FIG. 4 shows schematically an example of a slotted coaxial cable. [0020] FIG. 5 shows schematically the monitoring device according to the invention mounted on a vehicle. [0021] FIG. 6 shows schematically the monitoring device installed in association with a section of road. [0022] FIG. 7 shows schematically another example of a monitoring device according to the invention. [0023] FIG. 8 shows schematically yet another example of a monitoring device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] The monitoring device 1 shown schematically in FIG. 1 comprises a transmitter unit 2 and a receiver unit 3 . The transmitter unit is connected to a mixer 5 in the receiver unit 3 via a transmitting antenna 4 . A delaying device 16 in the form of a coaxial cable is connected between the transmitting antenna 4 and the receiver unit 3 . The transmitter unit comprises an oscillator 6 and a switch 7 . A receiving antenna 9 is connected to the mixer 5 , the output of which is connected to a switch 8 . The switch is in turn connected to a threshold detector 26 and a processor 25 . The mixer 5 , the switch 8 , the processor 25 and the threshold detector 26 are regarded as being part of the receiver unit 3 . The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna consist of slotted cables and preferably slotted coaxial cables. [0025] An example of a slotted coaxial cable is shown in FIG. 4 . The cable 10 comprises a central conductor 11 surrounded by an insulating layer 12 . On the outside surface of the insulating layer 12 there is a conductive screen 13 covered by an outer insulating layer 14 . Slots 15 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable, preferably at regular intervals. The slots are achieved by creating openings in the conductive screen by removing parts of the screen or by pushing the screening material aside. The shape of the openings can vary, depending among other things upon the frequency range concerned and the required beam shape. [0026] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the transmitting antenna 4 and the receiving antenna 9 have each been provided with five slots, 4 . 1 , 4 . 2 , 4 . 3 , 4 . 4 , 4 . 5 and 9 . 1 , 9 . 2 , 9 . 3 , 9 . 4 , 9 . 5 respectively. A suitable number can, for example, be from three up to 20 slots and preferably four to six slots per meter, depending among other things upon the frequency concerned. The slots behave essentially as dipole antennas. [0027] During operation, the oscillator 6 emits a high-frequency signal that the switch 7 converts into a pulsed high-frequency signal, which is fed into the transmitting antenna 4 . In order to reduce the bandwidth, the pulses are given a relatively large pulse length. FIG. 2 a shows schematically a continuous area 17 for the transmitting antenna 4 where the signal strength exceeds a particular value. Due to suppression along the transmitting antenna, the area 17 will be asymmetrical, with a larger range at the input side of the transmitting antenna. The area constitutes the transmitting antenna's combined asymmetrical antenna beams. In a corresponding way, an asymmetrical area 18 is also obtained for the receiving antenna 9 , see FIG. 2 b . In this asymmetry, the area has a larger range on the receiver side. In ideal conditions with identical slotted cables as antennas, the asymmetrical area 18 is the inverse of the asymmetrical area 17 . FIG. 2 c shows how the asymmetrical areas of the transmitting antenna 4 and the receiving antenna 9 interact and create an essentially symmetrical area 19 . [0028] In the mixer 5 , a version of the signal that is transmitted by the transmitting antenna 4 delayed by the delaying device 16 is combined with a reflected signal received by the receiving antenna. At the output of the mixer difference frequencies are obtained, caused by the Doppler effect that arises with reflections from an object when the object is moving in relation to the monitoring device. The further processing of the difference signal is described in greater detail below in connection with the description of FIG. 3 . The switch 8 is controlled based on the condition of the switch 7 , so that the monitoring area is limited in distance. Strongly reflecting objects at a great distance can thus be excluded and the subsequent signal processing can be made easier. [0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a number of paths of propagation between the transmitting antenna 4 and the receiving antenna 5 via a reflecting object 20 . The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna have been shown with five slots each, 4 . 1 - 4 . 5 and 9 . 1 - 9 . 5 , respectively. An example of the longest occurring path of propagation is indicated by the path of propagation along lines 21 and 22 . The slot 4 . 5 of the transmitting antenna 4 transmits a signal that is reflected by the reflector 20 before it reaches the slot 9 . 1 of the receiving antenna. The lines 23 , 24 indicate the shortest path of propagation. In this case the signal is transmitted from the slot 4 . 3 and is received in the slot 9 . 3 after being reflected by the reflector 20 . This latter path of propagation indicated by the lines 23 and 24 corresponds in principle to twice the actual distance from the monitoring device 1 to the reflecting object 20 . By studying the geometry in FIG. 3 , a number of additional paths of propagation can be identified. These additional paths of propagation have a delay time interval between the two paths of propagation discussed above. [0030] In order to identify the actual distance d, a Fourier transform can suitably be applied to the difference signal emitted by the mixer 5 according to FIG. 1 , for example an FFT transform. The transform can be applied by the processor 25 , which can also be used to identify the highest frequency from the Fourier-transformed signal, which highest frequency corresponds to the path of propagation according to the lines 23 and 24 . The threshold detector 26 is used in order to prevent minor interference. In order to determine the distance to the object, there is a means for measuring the delay time interval of a reflected pulse. The processor 25 can be used for this measurement. [0031] FIG. 5 shows the front of a vehicle which has been provided with a monitoring device according to the invention. The slotted coaxial cables of the transmitting antenna 4 and the receiving antenna 9 have been mounted in or on the vehicle's bumper 28 in the longitudinal direction of the bumper. The internal space of the vehicle, for example the engine compartment or the passenger compartment, can be used to house other parts comprised in the monitoring system. [0032] FIG. 6 shows another application. The transmitting antenna 4 and receiving antenna 9 of the monitoring device have been installed along a road. By road is not only meant here a vehicular road, but also for example a railroad. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , a transmitting antenna 4 and a receiving antenna 9 are installed along a section of road 29 close to the edge of the road. In the embodiment shown, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are shaped to follow the shape of the road, which is here somewhat curved. In principle, the antennas 4 , 9 can be laid directly on the ground. It is, however, also possible to fix the antennas in some other way, for example, to some form of road barrier. [0033] Another embodiment of the monitoring device 1 ′ is shown schematically in FIG. 7 which comprises a transmitter unit 2 and a receiver unit 3 . The transmitter unit 2 is connected to a mixer 5 in the receiver unit 3 via a combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . The transmitter unit comprises a controllable oscillator 6 ′ and a modulator 30 . The mixer 5 has a first mixer input signal 32 and a second input mixer signal 34 . The output of the mixer 5 is connected to a threshold detector 26 and the output of the threshold detector 26 is connected to a processor 25 . The mixer 5 , the threshold detector 26 and the processor 25 are regarded as being part of the receiver unit 3 . [0034] Yet another embodiment of the monitoring device 1 ″ is shown schematically in FIG. 8 which comprises a transmitter unit 2 and a receiver unit 3 . The transmitter unit 2 is connected to a mixer 5 in the receiver unit 3 via a combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . The transmitter unit comprises a controllable oscillator 6 ′ and a modulator 30 . The mixer 5 has a first mixer input signal 32 and a second input mixer signal 34 . The output of the mixer 5 is connected to a threshold detector 26 and the output of the threshold detector 26 is connected to a processor 25 . The mixer 5 , the threshold detector 26 and the processor 25 are regarded as being part of the receiver unit 3 . [0035] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 consist of a slotted cable and preferably a slotted coaxial cable. An example of a slotted coaxial cable was shown in FIG. 4 . The cable 10 comprises a central conductor 11 surrounded by an insulating layer 12 . On the outside surface of the insulating layer 12 there is a conductive screen 13 covered by an outer insulating layer 14 . Slots 15 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable, preferably at regular intervals. The slots are achieved by creating openings in the conductive screen by removing parts of the screen or by pushing the screening material aside. The shape of the openings can vary, depending among other things upon the frequency range concerned and the desired beam shape. Each of the slots distributed along the cable 10 are each configured to look in the same direction. [0036] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 has been provided with five slots: 31 . 1 , 31 . 2 , 31 . 3 , 31 . 4 , and 31 . 5 . A suitable number of slots can include, but are not limited to, from three up to 20 slots and preferably four to six slots per meter, depending among other things upon the frequency concerned. The slots behave essentially as dipole antennas. [0037] During operation of the devices 1 ′, 1 ″ of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , respectively, the controlled oscillator 6 ′ emits a high-frequency signal controlled by the modulator 7 ′. The signals output from the modulator 7 include, but are not limited to, waveforms for control signal inputs of the controlled oscillator 6 ′ that produce pulse modulated, frequency modulated and phase modulated signals at the output of the controlled oscillator 6 ′. The voltage range of the signals output from the modulator 7 will be of a sufficient magnitude to drive the inputs of a typical controlled oscillator 6 ′ device, as is well known from the background art. The output of the controlled oscillator 6 ′ is fed into the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . [0038] As discussed above, FIG. 2 a shows a schematic of a continuous area 17 of coverage for a transmitting antenna, where the signal strength exceeds a particular value. This continuous area 17 corresponds to that provided by the transmitting antenna portion of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . Due to suppression along the transmitting antenna, the continuous area 17 will be asymmetrical, with a larger range at the input side of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . The area constitutes the transmitting antenna's combined asymmetrical antenna beams. [0039] In a corresponding way, FIG. 2 b shows a continuous asymmetrical area 18 of coverage is also obtained for a receiving antenna. This continuous asymmetrical area 18 corresponds to that of the receiving antenna portion of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 . In this asymmetry, the area has a larger range on the receiver side. In ideal conditions with slotted cables as antennas, the asymmetrical area 18 is the inverse of the asymmetrical area 17 , as shown in FIG. 2 a . Further, as discussed above, FIG. 2 c shows how the asymmetrical areas 17 , 18 of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 interact and create an essentially symmetrical area 19 . [0040] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , a version of the transmitted signal that is transmitted by the transmitting portion of the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 is combined with a reflected received signal that is received by the receiving portion off the combined transmitting and receiving antenna 31 in the mixer 5 . The difference in the embodiments of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is in the source that provides the second mixer input signal 34 to the mixer 5 . In particular, FIG. 7 shows the second mixer input signal 34 is obtained from a separate line from the transmitter 2 . Alternatively, FIG. 8 shows the second mixer input signal 34 is obtained from the first mixer signal input 32 . [0041] At the output of the mixer 36 difference frequencies, caused by the Doppler effect that arises with reflections from an object when the object is moving in relation to the monitoring device, are obtained. The further processing of the difference signal that is at the output from the mixer 36 was described in great detail in connection with the description of FIG. 3 , as discussed above. [0042] The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above, but can be modified within the scope of the following patent claims and invention concept. For example, there is a plurality of possible applications in addition to the ones described above.

The present invention relates to a monitoring device ( 1 ) with a transmitter unit ( 2 ) and a receiver unit ( 3 ) for monitoring an area. Slotted cables serve as antennas. According to the invention, a first slotted cable is arranged as a transmitting an antenna ( 4 ) for transmitting a pulsed high-frequency signal and a second slotted cable is arranged as a receiving antenna ( 9 ) for receiving the reflected signal. The slotted cables are arranged in association with each other and essentially parallel to each other, and the transmitter unit ( 2 ) is connected to the first slotted cable at one end of the antenna arrangement and the receiver unit ( 3 ) is connected to the second slotted cable at the other end of the antenna arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is an improvement on a dump compactor for refuse disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,068, issued Sept. 15, 1981, and on similar prior art equipment. The apparatus of the prior patent, while commercially successful, possesses certain deficiencies which the present invention fully overcomes. In the patented apparatus, gravity alone is relied upon in the transfer of refuse from a pivoted elevatable dumping bin into a receiver or hopper bin which is in communication with an underlying horizontal axis ram compactor. In the present invention, as one of its main improvement features, the refuse in the dumping bin is delivered into the hopper bin by the combined action of gravity and a positive refuse pusher plate on the outlet end of the dumping bin. The positive pushing operation not present in the prior art is made possible by a simple forward displacement and relocation of the pivot axis for the dumping bin, and the utilization of a unique yoke-type hinge structure for the dumping bin. Without the positive pushing feature of the present invention, there is a tendency for some refuse not to clear the dumping bin and to be lodged in the scissoring region between the dumping and hopper bins, and sometimes escapes from the apparatus, resulting in littering of the adjacent area, such as a large apartment complex. As a further environmental protection feature of the invention absent in the prior patent, hinged deflector plates or shields of triangular construction carried by the dumping bin operate within gaps in the scissoring zones between the dumping and hopper bins, and these deflector shields remain in sliding contact with the hopper bin walls due to gravity or spring-biasing and assure a clean transfer of refuse from the dumping bin to the hopper bin. A further improvement over the prior patented structure resides in shielding of the attachment points for the dumping bin elevating rams, for safety, obstruction-free operation, and appearance. The mounting brackets for the dumping bin hydraulic elevating rams on the compactor unit have also been simplified for ease of manufacturing and for better anchorage of the ram cylinders. Other improvement features and advantages over the prior art will be apparent to those skilled in the art during the course of the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse compacting and transporting system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing particularly the construction of the dumping bin cradle supports and associated elements. FIG. 3 is a rear end elevation of the apparatus showing the dumping pin at rest horizontally on the compacting unit. FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 without the refuse transporting container. FIG. 5 is a further side elevation of the apparatus with the dumping bin elevated. FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partly in section and partly schematic, showing the dumping bin in a level position relative to the compactor ram and showing the location of the dumping bin pivot axis. FIG. 7 is a similar view showing the dumping bin in the elevated inclined position. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the refuse compacting ram. FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the apparatus as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, partly broken away and partly in vertical section. FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus in the refuse transferring mode and depicting the scissoring action of the side walls of the dumping and hopper bins. FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus showing particularly the support structure for the dumping bin operating rams. FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 11 but at a different viewing angle to depict the relationship of the dumping bin and hopper bin side walls and the hinged deflector shields which fill the triangular voids between these side walls during the dumping mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals designate like parts, a refuse compacting and transporting system in its entirety is shown in FIG. 1. The system includes a large volume refuse receiving and transporting container 20 of conventional construction which is comparable in size to a semitrailer body. After becoming filled with refuse at a particular location, the container is readily movable to a main dumping site. As shown in FIG. 1, the transporting container 20 is interfaced releasably with a refuse receiving, dumping and compacting apparatus 21 forming the main subject matter of the present invention and possessing the substantial improvements over the structure disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,068. In general the apparatus 21 is similar to the patented apparatus, and the disclosure in the prior patent is incorporated by reference herein to simplify the present detailed description and to enable emphasis to be placed on the improvements. The apparatus 21 consists of three main components, namely, a refuse dumping bin 22, a hopper bin or receiver 23, and an underlying horizontal axis ram compactor unit 24, arranged one relative to the other generally as described in the referenced patent. A very important improvement feature of this invention contributing to an improved mode of operation consists of the movement forwardly on the apparatus 21 of the transverse axis pivot 25 for the dumping bin 22 compared to its position in the prior patent. In a full size commercial apparatus, the pivot axis for the dumping bin has been displaced forwardly approximately fourteen inches while remaining substantially at the same elevation. This relocation of the pivot axis 25 enables the utilization of a yoke-type pivoting and elevating means for the dumping bin 22 which in turn enables a positive pushing action on the refuse being transferred from the dumping bin 22 to the hopper bin 23, with the assistance of gravity. This positive pushing or displacement of the refuse was lacking in the prior patented structure and is an important feature contributing to the complete transfer of refuse from the dumping bin to the hopper bit without spilling any of the refuse onto the surrounding area. More particularly, the dumping bin 22 according to this invention includes sloping upwardly divergent side walls 26 in contrast to vertical side walls on the dumping bin in the referenced prior patent. These sloping side walls are firmly supported by a series of longitudinally spaced supporting cradle braces 27 which extend transversely of the dumping bin across its bottom and across its two sloping side walls. The rear vertical wall 28 of dumping bin 22 is preferably reinforced for the sake of rigidity by a transverse horizontal angle brace 29 in accordance with another improvement feature of the invention. The bottoms of the supporting cradle braces 27 are welded to a pair of sturdy longitudinal parallel channel members 30 whose forward end portions project somewhat forwardly of the dumping bin 22 to form hinge yoke arms 31. These yoke arms 31 lie inwardly of fixed upstanding pivot brackets 32 on the side walls of compactor unit 24, and the yoke arms 31 and brackets 32 are pivotally connected on each side of the apparatus by two pivot elements 25 defining the aforementioned pivot axis of the dumping bin. A dumping bin refuse pusher plate or lip 33 is provided across the forward edge of the flat bottom wall 34 of dumping bin 22. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 and also FIG. 5, it can be seen that when the dumping bin 22 is raised to a steep inclined dumping position to discharge its content into the relatively stationary hopper bin 23, the refuse pusher plate 33 moves in an arc upwardly and forwardly and around the pivot axis defined by the pivot elements 25, from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7, where the pusher plate 33 is vertical and above the dumping bin pivot axis to push or force the refuse last exiting the dumping bin positively into the hopper bin 23. This positive action is made possible by the described yoke-type hinge for the dumping bin not known in the prior art. Furthermore the strength of the dumping bin 22 has greatly been increased by the arrangement of the cradle braces 27 spanning the dumping bin and being welded to the two channel members 30. The plate or lip 33 in effect elevates the refuse being discharged from the dumping bin and pushes it into the hopper bin 23, thereby eliminating spilling of excess refuse. There is no single continuous pivot element extending across the void of the hopper bin 23 to interfere with the smooth entry of refuse into it. The two side pivot elements 25 are entirely outside of the void of the hopper bin. In the present invention, the side walls 35 of the hopper bin 23 are also steeply inclined and upwardly divergent for increased refuse capacity, and the walls 35 are parallel to the side walls 26 of the dumping bin 22 when the latter bin is in a level non-dumping position at rest on the compactor unit 24, FIGS. 1 and 4. The side walls 35 lie laterally outwardly of the side walls 26, as shown. When the dumping bin 22 is raised to its dumping position, FIGS. 5 and 11, the side walls 26 and 35 are no longer parallel, but assume a compound angular relationship best shown in FIG. 13 with two spaces or voids between them on each side of the apparatus, which spaces change in size as the angular position of the dumping bin 22 changes. The two spaces are roughtly triangular in formation, FIG. 13. According to an important improvement feature of this invention, self-adjusting triangular deflector plates 36, one on each side of the apparatus, lie in the gaps between the overlapping side walls 26 and 35 and are hinged at 37 to the forward edges of the dumping bin side walls. These deflector plates remain in sliding contact with the hopper bin side wall interior surfaces during the refuse dumping operation, and adjust their positions automatically by gravity as the dumping bin 22 moves relative to the hopper bin 23. The deflector plates 36 serve to advance refuse along the two side walls of the hopper bin in the scissoring zone between the two bins during the refuse transfer operation and preclude spilling of refuse which might otherwise occur. Like the pusher plate 33, the two deflector plates 36 contribute to a complete and clean transfer of refuse from the bin 22 to the bin 23. In accordance with further improvements over the referenced prior patent, the brackets 38 on the opposite sides of the dumping bin 22 are of the enclosed or shielded type with relation to their pivotal connections at 39 with the rods 40 of the two hydraulic rams 41 which raise and lower the dumping bin 22. Additionally, the lower mounting brackets 42 for the rams 41 have been simplified for ease of manufacturing and made more rigid. These brackets 42 are fixed to the base of compactor unit 24 generally as in the prior patent. The compacting unit 24 remains basically as described in the referenced patent except for the relocation on it of the dumping bin pivot elements 25. The overall mode of operation of the apparatus 21 remains essentially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,068 and need not be repeated. The horizontal axis compacting ram 43 is powered by cylinder means 44 within the rear portion of the unit 24 and beneath dumping bin 22. It can be noted in FIG. 7 that the depending pusher plate 33 is above the top face of ram 43 and does not interefere with movements of the latter. The forward upper corner 45 of the ram 43 is beveled to clear the plate 33 when the dumping bin 22 is level, FIG. 6. As in the prior patent, coupling hooks 46 are provided on the forward end of unit 24 to releasably secure the apparatus 21 in coupled relationship to the large transport container 20 which has an opening in registration with the outlet of the unit 24 whereby the ram 43 can force refuse into the container 20 on a continuing basis. When the large container 20 is finally filled with compacted refuse, the coupling means 46 is released and doors 47, FIG. 1, on the container 20 are closed, whereby the transport container can be moved to a dump site without spilling refuse. The several important advantages of the refuse compacting apparatus according to the present invention over the prior art should now be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be mentioned that, in some cases, it may be desirable to utilize biasing springs with the gravity operated deflector plates 36, although it is contemplated that ordinarily springs will not be necessary. It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scope of the subjoined claims.

Refuse delivered into an elevatable pivoted dumping bin is transferred by gravity and by the operation of a positive pusher element into a hopper bin above and in communication with a horizontal axis ram compactor. The hopper bin/ram compactor unit is interfaced with a large volume refuse transporting container which is removed to a refuse dumping site periodically. The system is capable of on-site operation for extended periods of time with minimal operator attendance. The system assures a substantially trash-free environment.

BACKGROUND Macromolecules, e.g. proteins, polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, etc., undergo different types of interactions in solution. Some of these interactions which are non-specific and repulsive are commonly referred to as ‘thermodynamic non-ideality’. Some, whether specific or non-specific, are attractive and lead to reversible association, wherein the ratio of partial concentrations of monomer and associated complexes reaches an equilibrium state that depends on the overall concentration of the molecules in solution, the specific properties of the molecules, and the solvent. The reversible association state in turn impacts the functionality of the solution. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, the presence of reversible antibody oligomers can increase solution viscosity, which adversely affects manufacture and delivery of therapeutics containing these antibodies. Oligomeric forms of an antibody drug may present an increased immunogenic risk. Determination of the association state, in the form of equilibrium association constants and association stoichiometries, of such macromolecules is an essential step in understanding and controlling the underlying interactions. The standard methods for characterizing irreversible aggregates or tightly bound complexes in solution, such as size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), SEC in combination with multi-angle static light scattering (SEC-MALS), or sedimentation velocity (SV), are not applicable to weak reversible associations since these characterization techniques lead to dilution, dissociation of the complexes, and thus deviation from equilibrium. Common methods known for characterizing strongly interacting reversible association include sedimentation equilibrium (SE), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and composition gradient multi-angle static light scattering (CG-MALS). In SE, a solution of molecules is placed in an analytical ultracentrifuge and rotated at extremely high speed so as to form an equilibrium distribution which is recorded and analyzed. The specific shape of the distribution contains information on the amounts of self-associating monomer and complexes as well as the association stoichiometries. In ITC, the solution is titrated with respect to the solvent, in the case of self-association, or a solution initially containing only one macromolecule is titrated with respect to the second macromolecule, in the case of hetero-association, and the amount of heat given off or taken up by the solution is measured. This heat measurement and the corresponding shape of the titration curve, i. e. heat vs. titration volume and concentration, contain the requisite information on interaction strength and association stoichiometry, though typically only a single stoichiometry may be characterized. In CG-MALS, a series of dilutions is prepared and delivered to a MALS detector. The dependence of the scattered light intensity on concentration may be analyzed to determine association stoichiometries and equilibrium association constants. CG-MALS is a particularly useful technique since it does not require the very long equilibration times of sedimentation equilibrium. In addition, it is superior to ITC in determining associations resulting in multiple oligomeric states and simultaneous self- and hetero-association. When the associative interactions are strong, the solution is usually characterized at low concentration. However, when the associative interactions are weak, as is typically the case for antibody drug formulations, the solution must be characterized at high concentration, often in the range of 10-100 g/L. At molecular concentrations above ˜1 g/L, non-specific, typically repulsive interactions become significant and will affect the reversible association measurements of SE, ITC and CG-MALS. Hence characterization of weak association must often be carried out in a concentration range at which the non-specific interactions must also be accounted for in the analysis. The theory describing static scattering of light by multiple species in solution subject to non-specific interactions, known as ‘fluctuation theory’, was described by Kirkwood and Goldberg in J. Chem. Phys. 18, 54-59 (1950). The application of fluctuation theory to light scattering under dilute conditions to a single non-associating species is well known, and involves only three parameters—the molar mass, mean square radius and second virial coefficient. As the solution concentration increases, higher-order virial coefficients must be included, making the analysis successively more difficult. A simplification described by Minton in Biophys. J. 93, 1321-1328 (2007), known as the ‘effective hard sphere approximation’ or EHSA, assumes that the non-specific interactions between molecules are equivalent to those of impenetrable spheres whose effective radii may differ from the actual radii of the molecules. The EHSA framework is useful in interpreting CG-MALS and other data at high concentrations of 10-150 g/L, which may otherwise be intractable. Fernandez and Minton, Biophysical J. 96, 1992-1998 (2009), have shown that fluctuation theory in combination with EHSA may be applied successfully to CG-MALS analysis of the reversible self-association of a protein to one or two oligomeric states at concentrations up to 70 g/L. While the combined fluctuation/EHSA theory is rigorous, it becomes very complex mathematically if it must deal with more than two or three species that include monomers and complexes. Yet many important systems exhibit multiple stoichiometries of association, i.e. attain equilibrium between the monomers and several complexes simultaneously. One example is progressive self-association, forming dimer, trimer, tetramer, etc., up to high order oligomers. Another example is simultaneous self- and heteroassociation. Just writing out the full fluctuation theory equations for these cases is prohibitively difficult, let alone analyzing data in terms of the complex equation of Equation 1 below. Hence a method for analyzing the reversible association of macromolecules at high concentration, using CG-MALS, which employs a more tractable representation of thermodynamic non-ideality yet accurately determines the sought for association constants and stoichiometries, would be advantageous. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a method of representing CG-MALS data from a reversibly associating solution at high concentration in a highly tractable form amenable to simplified analysis of complex multiple stoichiometries. In addition, using the inventive method provides for the determination of the equilibrium association parameters, i.e. the stoichiometry of associating complexes, the equilibrium association constants, and a measure of incompetent fractions present, of a macromolecular solution at high concentration via CG-MALS by means of the aforementioned tractable representation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for representing the non-ideality of a solution of a reversibly self-associating species. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for representing the non-ideality of a solution of two constituent species forming reversible complexes. FIG. 3 is a schematic of an apparatus used in determining the equilibrium association parameters of one or more species undergoing reversible association. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Theoretical Description The result of a generalized fluctuation theory for multi-component static light scattering, assuming that the incident light is vertically plane polarized and the observation is made in the horizontal plane at an angle θ relative to the direction of the incident light, is: R ⁡ ( c X , θ ) K = ∑ m , n ⁢ { Ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ c n ⁢ M m ⁢ Q 1 , m , n ⁡ ( θ )  ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ )  ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c m ) ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c n ) } . ( 1 ) Here R(c X , θ) represents the excess Rayleigh ratio detected at any scattering angle from a solution of macromolecules at a composition c X , where X represents the various monomeric species and c X represents the totality of weight/volume concentrations [c 1 , c 2 , c 3 . . . ] of each species; the excess Rayleigh ratio is the difference between the Rayleigh ratio of the solution and that of the pure solvent; the Rayleigh ratio of a solution is Ir s 2 Iv ; I is the intensity of scattered light per unit solid angle observed at a distance r s from the point of scattering due to an incident intensity I; v is the scattering volume; K = ( 2 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ n 0 ) 2 N A ⁢ λ 0 4 ; n 0 is the refractive index of the solution; N A is Avogadro's number; λ 0 is the wavelength of the incident light in vacuum; m and n represent the different species present, including free monomers and complexes; c n is the weight concentration, in units of mass per unit volume, of the n th species; Q l,m,n is some function of the scattering angle θ which generally depends on the size and mass distributions within the m and n molecules, and approaches a value of 1 as either θ approaches zero or the overall size is much smaller than λ 0 n 0 ; ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ ) = δ m , n + c m ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m ⁢ Q 2 , m , n ⁡ ( θ ) , where δ m,n equals 1 if m=n, and equals zero otherwise, γ n is the thermodynamic activity of component n, and Q 2,m,n is some function of θ which generally depends on the size and mass distributions within the m and n molecules, and approaches a value of 1 as either θ approaches zero or the size is much smaller than λ 0 n 0 ; |ψ m,n (θ)| is the determinant of ψ m,n (θ); Ψ m,n (θ) is the m,n cofactor, or subdeterminant, of ψ m,n (θ); and dn/dc m is the differential refractive index increment of the m th species. If the m th species is a heterocomplex consisting of i X monomers of type X, i Y monomers of type Y, etc., then dn/dc m is the weight average of the contributing refractive index increments of the constitutent molecules. The weight average of the refractive increment is ∑ X ⁢ i X ⁢ M X ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ c X ∑ X ⁢ i X ⁢ M X , where the subscript X refers to the different constituent monomers. Equation (1) becomes very complex if more than two or three species are present, owing to the many terms incorporated in the determinant and subdeterminants. The expression ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m may be understood to represent the essential specific interaction volume V interaction /(M m +M n ) between macromolecular species m and n that leads to thermodynamic non-ideality. Contributions to ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m include the hard-core repulsion as well as various electrostatic and fluctuating dipole interactions. In a solution of at least intermediate ionic strength, long-range interactions are well-screened, and the non-ideality is dominated by short range interactions. At this condition the specific interaction volume is approximately proportional to the sum of the molecular volumes divided by the sum of masses, which may be written in terms of effective molecular density ρ m : ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m ∝ M m / ρ m + M n / ρ n M m + M n . If the various species in solution are formed as oligomers of just one type of monomer self-associating to form i-mers, then we may reasonably expect that the effective density of all i-mers is approximately a constant ρ, so ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m ∝ 1 ρ is independent of m or n. ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m is commonly approximated as a series in powers of the concentration: ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ m ∂ c m ≅ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 = 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ M + 3 ⁢ A 3 ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c m + … where the coefficients A 2 and A 3 are known as the second and third virial coefficients of the monomer in the particular solvent, respectively. Applying this approximation, Eq. (1) may be reduced to a simplified form heretofore unknown in the scientific literature, wherein all the non-ideal self- and cross-interactions are captured in just the two parameters A 2 and A 3 : R ⁡ ( c , θ ) K = ( ⅆ n ⅆ c ) 2 ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) 1 + 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ M ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) + 3 ⁢ A 3 ⁢ M ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ c i 2 . ( 2 ) Here R(c, θ) is the excess Rayleigh ratio observed at azimuth angle θ and a total macromolecular concentration c; M is the molar mass of the monomer; dn/dc is the differential refractive index increment of the molecules in the solvent; i is the order of self-association; c i is the weight concentration at equilibrium of the i-mer; r g 2 is the angular dependence of the scattered light, within the plane perpendicular to the vertically polarized incident light, for the i-mer; θ is measured relative to the direction of propagation of the beam; and r g 2 is the mean square radius of the i-mer defined as r g 2 =∫r 2 dm i /∫dm i where r is the distance from the center of mass of the molecule to a molecular mass element m i , integrated over all mass elements of the molecule. The validity of Eq. (2) may be illustrated with a relatively simple example as follows: For two species—a monomer and one i-mer,  ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ )  = ⁢ ( 1 + c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 ) ⁢ ( 1 + c i ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i ) - c 1 ⁢ c i ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c i = ⁢ 1 + c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 + c i ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i + c 1 ⁢ c i ⁡ ( ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i - ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c i ) Each of the terms ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ n ∂ c m ∝ 1 ρ . Hence the term c 1 ⁢ c i ⁡ ( ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i - ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c i ) is not only of higher order than the other terms, it is the difference of two quantities that are of comparable magnitude, and hence should be small compared to even one second-order term. It will also be small as one of the concentrations tends to zero. The final expression for the denominator will be  ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ )  ≈ 1 + c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 + c i ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i . Likewise, for any number of species, the higher order terms may be ignored to yield  ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ )  ≈ 1 + ∑ m ⁢ c m ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ m ∂ c m The ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ m ∂ c m may be expressed in terms of virial coefficients as described above, with the approximation that A 2 M and A 3 M, which are closely related to the inverse density, are approximately constants for the monomer and all oligomers:  ψ m , n ⁡ ( θ )  ≈ 1 + ( 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ MP 1 ⁡ ( θ ) + 3 ⁢ A 3 ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c 1 + … ⁢ ) ⁢ c 1 + ( 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ MP i ⁡ ( θ ) + 3 ⁢ A 3 ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i + … ⁢ ) ⁢ c i + … = 1 + 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ M ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) + 3 ⁢ A 3 ⁢ M ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ c i 2 + … Also, for two species, monomer and one i-mer, ⅆ n ⅆ c 1 = ⅆ n ⅆ c i so that the numerator of Eq. (1) becomes: [ M ⁢ ⁢ c 1 ⁢ P 1 ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ( 1 + c i ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i ) + ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ( 1 + c 1 ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 ) - c 1 ⁢ c i ⁡ ( ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ MP i ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c i + MP 1 ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c 1 ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c 1 ) 2 =   [ M ⁢ ⁢ c 1 ⁢ P 1 ⁡ ( θ ) + ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁢ ( θ ) + c 1 ⁢ c i ⁡ ( MP 1 ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c i + ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c 1 - ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ MP i ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ 1 ∂ c i - MP 1 ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ∂ ln ⁢ ⁢ γ i ∂ c 1 ) ] ⁢ ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c 1 ) 2 ≈   [ M ⁢ ⁢ c 1 ⁢ P 1 ⁡ ( θ ) + ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i ⁢ P i ⁡ ( θ ) ] ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c 1 ) 2 as again there is a term which includes the difference of high-order terms of very comparable magnitude and so may be ignored. Likewise, for any number of oligomeric species, the final expression would be ∑ m ⁢ mMc m ⁢ P m ⁡ ( θ ) ⁢ ( ⅆ n ⅆ c 1 ) 2 Combining these approximations for the numerator and denominator of Eq. (1) yields Eq. (2). Numerical studies show that the terms that have been dropped only account for a small fraction of the total non-ideality correction, up to concentrations of tens of g/L, and thus the relationships that are the subject of this invention are applicable at such high concentrations. Under certain common assumptions, a fixed relationship may be assumed between A 2 and A 3 , so that a single parameter captures all the non-ideal behavior. For example, if the molecules are assumed to behave like hard spheres then A 3 = 5 8 ⁢ A 2 2 ⁢ M . Depending on the relative magnitudes of A 2 , A 3 and the sin 2 (θ/2) terms in the P i , some of the terms in Eq. (2) may be ignored, as will be obvious to those familiar with numerical analysis. For example, for molecules in a solution of only moderately high concentration A 3 may be ignored, and if the complexes are all smaller than about λ/70, the angular dependence may be ignored as well, yielding a very simple form: R ⁡ ( c ) K = ( ⅆ n ⅆ c ) 2 ⁢ ∑ i ⁢ ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c i 1 + 2 ⁢ A 2 ⁢ M ⁢ ⁢ c tot ( 3 ) where c tot = ∑ i ⁢ c i is the total weight/volume concentration of the material in solution. If the various species in solution are formed as complexes of two different monomers X and Y, then under similar assumptions to those stated above, Eq. (1) may be reduced to a highly simplified form heretofore unknown in the scientific literature, wherein all the non-ideal self- and cross-interactions are captured in just two parameters A 2 X and A 2 Y : R ⁡ ( c , θ ) K = ∑ i , j ⁢ [ ( ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ c X + j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ c Y ) 2 ⁢ c ij ⁢ P ij ⁡ ( θ ) M ij ] 1 + 2 ⁢ A 2 X ⁢ M X ⁢ ∑ ij ⁢ ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X ⁢ c ij ⁢ P ij ⁡ ( θ ) M ij + 2 ⁢ A 2 Y ⁢ M Y ⁢ ∑ ij ⁢ j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ⁢ c ij ⁢ P ij ⁡ ( θ ) M ij ( 4 ) where M X and M Y correspond to the molar masses of the X and Y monomers; dn/dc X and dn/dc Y correspond to the differential refractive index increments of the X and Y monomers in the particular solvent; i and j are the number of X and Y monomers in the complex, M ij =iM X +jM Y is the molar mass and c ij is the weight concentration, at equilibrium, of the XiYj complex; A 2 X and A 2 Y refer to the second virial coefficients of the X and Y monomers in the particular solvent; P ij ⁡ ( θ ) = 1 - 16 ⁢ π 2 ⁢ n 0 2 3 ⁢ λ 0 2 ⁢ 〈 r g 2 〉 ij ⁢ sin 2 ⁡ ( θ / 2 ) + … and r g 2 is the mean square radius of the ij complex. The derivation is similar to that described for oligomers of the same monomer. If the complexes are smaller than about λ/70 then the angular dependence may be ignored and Eq. (4) may be reduced to: R ⁡ ( c ) K = ∑ i , j ⁢ [ ( ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ c X + j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ⁢ ⅆ n ⅆ c Y ) 2 ⁢ c ij M ij ] 1 + 2 ⁢ A 2 X ⁢ M X ⁢ c X tot + 2 ⁢ A 2 Y ⁢ M Y ⁢ c Y tot ( 5 ) where c X tot = ∑ ij ⁢ ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X ⁢ c ij M ij and c Y tot = ∑ ij ⁢ j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ⁢ c ij M ij are the total weight/volume concentrations of X and Y in solution. Equations (4) and (5) may be readily generalized to more than two distinct monomeric species. Determining A 2 The non-ideality parameter A 2 may be estimated a priori, or it may be a parameter of the fit of the data to the non-ideality-corrected light scattering equation and the association model equations described below. In order to estimate A 2 from a priori information, a known molecular radius may be substituted into the formula for computing A 2 of a hard sphere: A 2 = 16 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ N A 3 ⁢ r 3 M 2 . The molecular radius of the monomer may be derived from structural information, e.g. as may be determined by x-ray crystallography, or estimated from a measurement of the hydrodynamic radius r h . The hydrodynamic radius may be calculated from measurements of dynamic light scattering or differential viscometry under dilute conditions, as is known to those familiar with macromolecular characterization. Methods for Simplified Representations of Non-Ideal Solutions Hence one method for representing CG-MALS data from a reversibly self-associating solution at high concentration, in a highly simplified form amenable to further analysis, consists of the following steps as illustrated in FIG. 1 : 1. Determine a suitable estimate of the effective molecular radius r either from the known structure of the molecule, or from a quasi-elastic light scattering or differential viscometry measurements of the hydrodynamic radius r h taken under non-associating conditions such as suitably low concentration or an appropriate association-restricting solvent; 2. Based on the known molar mass of the monomer M and the estimated effective molecular radius r, estimate the monomer excluded volume value A 2 = 16 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ N A ⁢ r 3 3 ⁢ M 2 . In some cases, the association is relatively weak and it is possible to estimate A 2 from a series of measurements at low concentrations. 3. Given the maximal concentration of interest c max , compute an estimate of the maximum non-ideality contribution ξ=2A 2 Mc max ; if ξ is greater than a predetermined cutoff value, e.g. 0.3, retain the A 3 term in Eq. (2); otherwise, drop the A 3 term; 4. Estimate the mean square radius r max of the largest oligomer expected to form; if r max >λ/70, retain the angular terms in Eq. (2); otherwise, drop them. 5. Use the final form of Eq. (2) to represent the CG-MALS data. If some of the macromolecules are expected to be incompetent to reversible association, treat it in the equation as a distinct species that does not associate but has the same virial coefficient as the competent macromolecules. A method for representing CG-MALS data from a reversibly hetero-associating solution at high concentration, in a highly simplified form amenable to further analysis, consists of the following steps as illustrated in FIG. 2 : 1. Determine a suitable estimate of the effective molecular radii r X and r Y either from the known structure of the molecule, or from quasi-elastic light scattering or differential viscometry measurements of the hydrodynamic radii r h,X and r h,Y ; 2. Based on the known molar masses of the monomers M X , M Y and the estimated effective molecular radii r X and r Y , estimate the monomer excluded volume values A 2 , X = 16 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ N A ⁢ r X 3 3 ⁢ M X 2 , A 2 , Y = 16 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ N A ⁢ r Y 3 3 ⁢ M Y 2 . In some cases, the association is relatively weak and it is possible to estimate A 2 from a series of measurements at low concentrations. 3. Estimate the mean square radius r max of the largest complex expected to form; if r max >λ/70, retain the angular terms in Eq. (4); otherwise, drop them. 4. Use the final form of Eq. (4) to represent the CG-MALS data. If some of the macromolecules are expected to be incompetent to reversible association, treat them in the equation as a distinct species that does not associate but has the same virial coefficient as the competent macromolecules. Variants on these methods for determining suitable forms of the above equations will be apparent to those familiar with numerical analysis. Methods for Characterizing Reversibly Associating Non-Ideal Solutions With thermodynamic non-ideality accounted for in a simplified equation according to one of the forms shown above, characterization of the interaction in terms of stoichiometry and equilibrium association constants is straightforward and similar to the methods described by Attri and Minton in Anal. Biochem. 346,132-138 (2005) for ideal solutions and by Fernandez and Minton in Biophys. J. 96, 1992-1998 (2009) for concentrated solutions, but employing Eq. (1) rather than one of the simplified forms described herein. The characterization method comprises the steps of: preparing a series of solutions comprising one or more macromolecular species; allowing each solution to reach equilibrium between the free monomers and any reversibly-associating complexes; measuring the light scattering intensity of each solution; reducing the light scattering data to a series of excess Rayleigh ratios; and fitting the data simultaneously to the appropriate simplified representation of non-ideal light scattering and the equations for the specific association model described below. The model equations for self-association are: 1. the equations for mass action, relating each equilibrium oligomer concentration c i to the corresponding equilibrium association constant K i for the specific stoichiometry, and the concentration of free monomer c 1 : c i ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M = K i ⁡ ( c 1 M ) i ; 2. the equation for conservation of mass c tot = ∑ i ⁢ c i + c inc where c tot is known for each solution as determined by the preparation procedure or measured by a concentration detector, and c inc is the concentration of macromolecules incompetent to associate and is considered a distinct species. The model equations for heteroassociations of two different monomer species X and Y are: 1. the equations for mass action, relating each equilibrium complex concentration c ij to the corresponding equilibrium association constant K ij for the specific stoichiometry, and the concentration of free monomer c X , c Y : c ij ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X + j ⁢ ⁢ M Y = K ij ⁡ ( c X M X ) i ⁢ ( c Y M Y ) j ; 2. the equations for conservation of mass c X tot = ∑ i , j ⁢ ( ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X + j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ) ⁢ c i , j + c X inc , c Y tot = ∑ i , j ⁢ ( j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ⅈ ⁢ ⁢ M X + j ⁢ ⁢ M Y ) ⁢ c i , j + c Y inc where c X tot and c Y tot are known for each solution as determined by the preparation procedure or measured with concentration detectors; and c X inc and c Y inc are the concentrations of X and Y macromolecules, respectively, incompetent to associate, and considered additional distinct species. Various fitting algorithms, such as Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear least squares algorithms and others, are well known from numerical analysis theory. These algorithms may be employed for fitting the data to the system of equations which includes the non-ideal light scattering equation, the mass conservation equations and the mass action equations, thereby obtaining fitted values of the interaction parameters K i or K ij , A 2 , etc. Measurement Apparatus and Procedure—Self-Association Referring to FIG. 3 , a set of aliquots of the macromolecule of interest, at concentrations c 1 , c 2 , . . . c k , are introduced into MALS detector 1 , providing photodetectors at a plurality of scattering angles θ v . One example of a MALS detector is the DAWN-HELEOS®, from Wyatt Technology Corporation, Santa Barbara, Calif. In a typical procedure, the concentration series corresponds to c s =αΔc, where s=1, 2, . . . k; Δc is a fixed concentration step, and k is the number of concentrations, usually at least five. Aliquots of each of the k concentrations may be prepared and introduced to the detectors by means of various methods. In one method, these aliquots are prepared manually and placed in the MALS detector by means of scintillation vials or cuvettes. In a second method, the aliquots are prepared manually and injected into the light scattering detector flow cell by means of a pump 2 . In a third method, the aliquots are prepared automatically by means of a dual pump 2 under computer control, which dilutes a stock solution 6 at a maximal concentration c max with a solvent 7 , and subsequently delivers sequentially each aliquot as produced to the detector. One example of an extant system capable of carrying out the dilution and delivery are the Calypso™ SP3 accessory using the Calypso™ software, from Wyatt Technology Corporation, Santa Barbara, Calif. The actual concentrations of the aliquots in the flow cell may differ from the original, as-prepared values c s , as the sample dilutes in the course of flowing through the system and interacting with filters 3 , surfaces, etc. A sufficient injection volume will fully equilibrate the detector flow cell at each injected concentration, so that knowledge of the as-prepared concentrations c s suffices to determine the actual concentration in the MALS flow cell. Alternatively, the optional in-line concentration detector 4 may be used to measure the actual sample concentrations. Various methods are known for determining the concentration of a sample in solution. In one method applicable to manual preparation of the aliquots, appropriate masses of concentrated or lyophilized sample are weighed out and dissolved in a known volume of the solvent. In a second method, the concentration is determined by measuring absorbance with a spectrophotometer. In a third method, the concentrations are determined by means of a suitable in-line concentration detector 4 connected in series with the MALS detector. An example of an in-line concentration detector is the Optilab® rEX™, also from Wyatt Technology Corporation; other in-line concentration detectors are known, including UV/V is absorption and fluorescence detectors. The in-line concentration detector may be connected in series or in parallel with the MALS detector. If the MALS and concentration detectors are connected in series, a sufficient volume of sample must be delivered so as to saturate both flow cells at the desired concentration. If the MALS and concentration detectors are connected in parallel, then the sample flow must be split between them in a controlled fashion so as to ensure that at the completion of each sample injection, the concentrations in the two detectors are the same. Sample flow splitting is typically controlled by a needle valve and monitored by means of suitable flow meters so as to maintain the required ratio. Data is acquired from the detectors while the sample is flowing and while it is stopped between injections, then stored and analyzed by a computer 5 performing the fitting procedure described previously. Optimally the data to be used for the analysis is that acquired after flow has stopped and the sample has equilibrated. Each successive sample passes through the MALS detector 1 , whereby the values of the excess Rayleigh ratio, R s (c s , θ v ), at each detector angle θ v , are measured at successive sample concentrations c s . The resultant light scattering and concentration signals are then stored and processed by a computer means 5 to calculate, for each injected aliquot s, the values c s , R s (c s , θ v ). Computer 5 also computes the molecular characteristics including M and <r g 2 >, and the molecular interaction characteristics A 2 and K i , by fitting the calculated results to Eq. (2) or a simplified form thereof, together with the association model equations. Various fitting procedures may be implemented to extract the molecular interaction characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the fitting procedure consists of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm as applied to two variables (c and sin 2 (θ/2)), with M and A 2 fixed. From numerical analysis theory, the fitting of the measured data to the form of the light scattering equation and association model equations, whether by the Levenberg-Marquardt method, or other algorithms, may include statistical weighting whereby the data used to perform these fits is weighted by their reciprocal measured standard deviations. Measurement Apparatus and Procedure—Heteroassociation The measurement proceeds as for a single-species measurement, except that each aliquot contains different concentrations of two macromolecular species X and Y in various association states to be determined. In one procedure, known as a crossover composition gradient, k aliquots are prepared wherein the composition of the s th aliquot is [sΔc X , (k−s)Δc Y ], and Δc X and Δc Y are fixed concentration step sizes. In another procedure, known as a constant-ratio composition gradient, k aliquots are prepared wherein the composition of the s th aliquot is [sΔc X ,sΔc Y ], and Δc X and Δc Y are fixed concentration step sizes. The apparatus is similar to those of the single-species measurement, except that a computer-controlled triple-pump system is employed instead of a dual pump system, each pump controllable by means of computer to produce, mix and deliver an aliquot comprising species X, species Y, and solvent at the desired compositions. Such a triple-pump system and suitable controlling software are the Calypso system, of Wyatt Technology Corporation, Santa Barbara, Calif. The total concentrations of constituents X and Y, c X tot and c Y tot respectively, may be determined from the predetermined stock solution concentrations and the mixing ratio as set in the preparation method, or by means of a method for measuring concentrations of two species in solution. In one method for measuring the concentrations of two distinct molecules in solution, the total concentration signal is measured by means of an on-line concentration detector 4 , and the constituent concentrations calculated from the known ratio between the two constituent species and the relative contributions of each to the total concentration signal. Such a method has been described by Attri and Minton in Anal. Biochem. 346 (2005) 132-138. In a second method for measuring the concentrations of two distinct molecules in solution, at least two different on-line concentration detection means are used, and the constituent concentrations determined from the concentration signals and the known responses of each constituent species to each concentration detection means. For example, the signals of a differential refractometer and UV absorption detector may be analyzed to yield the concentrations of each of two species present in the same solution, if the responses of the molecules to the respective concentration detectors differs for at least one measurement. As will be evident to those skilled in the arts of light scattering, macromolecular characterization, and numerical analysis, there are many obvious variations of the methods we have invented and described that do not depart from the fundamental elements that we have listed for their practice; all such variations are but obvious implementations of the invention described hereinbefore and are included by reference to our claims, which follow.

A new method is presented for characterizing the associative properties of a solution of macromolecules at high concentration. Sample aliquots spanning a range of concentrations are injected sequentially into a light scattering photometer. Equilibrium association constants and association stoichiometry are derived from an analysis of the angular and concentration dependence of the scattering signals. Thermodynamic nonideality, which becomes important at high concentrations, is dealt with in the analysis in a simplified manner which is applicable to multiple associated species.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-294801 filed on Dec. 25, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Conventionally, a CMOS transistor including a N channel MOSFET and a P channel MOSFET is used for a switching device in an analog circuit or the like. A SiC semiconductor device also provides a CMOS transistor. However, in the SiC semiconductor device, an electron mobility and a hole mobility are largely different from each other. Thus, in the CMOS transistor, it is necessary to adjust an area of each of the P channel MOSFET and the N channel MOSFET so as to equalize channel mobility of the electron and the hole. [0004] FIG. 20A shows a graph of temperature dependency of an electron mobility at various impurity concentrations of a channel layer in 6H—SiC, and FIG. 20B shows a graph of temperature dependency of an electron mobility at various impurity concentrations of a channel layer in 4H—SiC. Further, FIG. 21 shows a relationship between a hole mobility and an acceptor density in each of 6H—SiC and 4H—SiC. As shown in FIGS. 20A to 21 , for example, although the electron mobility at 100K reaches three figures, the hole mobility is around two figures. Thus, the electron mobility is about ten times larger than the hole mobility. When the CMOS transistor having a N channel MOSFET and a P channel MOSFET is made of SiC, the area of the P channel MOSFET should be ten times larger than the area of the N channel MOSFET in order to equalize the electron mobility and the hole mobility. Accordingly, when the CMOS transistor is formed from a SiC substrate, it is necessary to increase the dimensions of the CMOS transistor. [0005] In a HEMT made of semiconductor material such as GaN, a structure having a combination of an element operated in a depletion mode and an element operated in an enhanced mode is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0110054. Here, the depletion mode is defined as D mode, and the enhanced mode is defined as E mode. The channel mobility of the D mode element is equal to the channel mobility of the E mode element since the device does not include the N channel MOSFET and the P channel MOSFET. However, it is difficult to form a certain analog circuit in a semiconductor device including a E mode element and a D mode element. In this case, it is not necessary to adjust the area of the D mode element and the E mode element to equalize the channel mobility. Specifically, the area of the D mode element is equal to the area of the E mode element. [0006] However, in the SiC device, there is no disclosure to form the D mode element and the E mode element in the same substrate. Accordingly, it is required to form the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode element and the E mode element in the same substrate. [0007] Here, although the semiconductor device has the D mode element and the E mode element in the same substrate, it is also required for other materials to form a semiconductor device having a D mode element and a E mode element in the same substrate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET. [0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a semiconductor device includes: a substrate having a first surface and made of semiconductor material; and a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET, which are disposed in the substrate. The depletion mode JFET includes: a concavity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a channel layer epitaxially grown on the substrate and having a first conductive type, wherein the channel layer is disposed in the concavity; a first gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a first source region and a first drain region disposed on respective sides of the first gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the first source region and the first drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a first gate electrode electrically coupled with the first gate region; a first source electrode electrically coupled with the first source region; and a first drain electrode electrically coupled with the first drain region. The enhancement mode JFET includes: a convexity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; the channel layer disposed on the convexity; a second gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a second source region and a second drain region disposed on respective sides of the second gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the second source region and the second drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a second gate electrode electrically coupled with the second gate region; a second source electrode electrically coupled with the second source region; and a second drain electrode electrically coupled with the second drain region. A thickness of the channel layer in the concavity is larger than a thickness of the channel layer on the convexity. [0010] In the above device, since the thickness of the channel layer in the concavity is different from the thickness of the channel layer on the convexity, the channel layer in the concavity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer on the convexity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. [0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a semiconductor device includes: a substrate having a first surface and made of semiconductor material; and a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET, which are disposed in the substrate. The depletion mode JFET includes: a first concavity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a channel layer epitaxially grown on the substrate and having a first conductive type, wherein the channel layer is disposed in the first concavity; a first gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a first source region and a first drain region disposed on respective sides of the first gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the first source region and the first drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a first gate electrode electrically coupled with the first gate region; a first source electrode electrically coupled with the first source region; and a first drain electrode electrically coupled with the first drain region. The enhancement mode JFET includes: a second concavity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; the channel layer disposed in the second concavity; a second gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a second source region and a second drain region disposed on respective sides of the second gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the second source region and the second drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a second gate electrode electrically coupled with the second gate region; a second source electrode electrically coupled with the second source region; and a second drain electrode electrically coupled with the second drain region. A bottom of the first concavity has a first width along with a direction from the first source region to the first drain region of the depletion mode JFET. A bottom of the second concavity has a second width along with a direction from the second source region to the second drain region of the enhancement mode JFET. The second width is larger than the first width. A thickness of the channel layer in the second concavity is smaller than a thickness of the channel layer in the first concavity. [0012] In the above device, since the thickness of the channel layer in the first concavity is different from the thickness of the channel layer in the second concavity, the channel layer in the first concavity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer in the second concavity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. [0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a semiconductor device includes: a substrate having a first surface and made of semiconductor material; and a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET, which are disposed in the substrate. The depletion mode JFET includes: a first convexity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; a channel layer epitaxially grown on the substrate and having a first conductive type, wherein the channel layer is disposed on the first convexity; a first gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a first source region and a first drain region disposed on respective sides of the first gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the first source region and the first drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a first gate electrode electrically coupled with the first gate region; a first source electrode electrically coupled with the first source region; and a first drain electrode electrically coupled with the first drain region. The enhancement mode JFET includes: a second convexity disposed on the first surface of the substrate; the channel layer disposed on the second convexity; a second gate region epitaxially grown on the channel layer and having a second conductive type; a second source region and a second drain region disposed on respective sides of the second gate region in the channel layer, wherein each of the second source region and the second drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; a second gate electrode electrically coupled with the second gate region; a second source electrode electrically coupled with the second source region; and a second drain electrode electrically coupled with the second drain region. A top of the first convexity has a first width along with a direction from the first source region to the first drain region of the depletion mode JFET. A top of the second convexity has a second width along with a direction from the second source region to the second drain region of the enhancement mode JFET. The second width is smaller than the first width. A thickness of the channel layer on the second convexity is smaller than a thickness of the channel layer on the first convexity. [0014] In the above device, since the thickness of the channel layer on the first convexity is different from the thickness of the channel layer on the second convexity, the channel layer on the first convexity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer on the second convexity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. [0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET includes: selectively etching a channel-region-to-be-formed region of a depletion mode JFET region on a first surface of a substrate made of semiconductor material so that a concavity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region; selectively etching a region around a channel-region-to-be-formed region of an enhancement mode JFET region on the first surface of the substrate so that a convexity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region; epitaxially growing a channel layer having the first conductive type on the substrate, in the concavity and on the convexity, wherein a thickness of the channel layer on the convexity is smaller than a thickness of the channel layer in the concavity; epitaxially growing a gate region having a second conductive type on the channel layer in both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region; forming a source region and a drain region on respective sides of the gate region in the channel layer of both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region, wherein each of the source region and the drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; forming a gate electrode electrically coupled with the gate region; forming a source electrode electrically coupled with the source region; and forming a drain electrode electrically coupled with the drain region. [0016] In the above method, since the thickness of the channel layer in the concavity is different from the thickness of the channel layer on the convexity, the channel layer in the concavity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer on the convexity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. [0017] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET includes: selectively etching a channel-region-to-be-formed region of a depletion mode JFET region on a first surface of a substrate made of semiconductor material so that a first concavity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region; selectively etching a channel-region-to-be-formed region of an enhancement mode JFET region on the first surface of the substrate so that a second concavity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region, epitaxially growing a channel layer having the first conductive type on the substrate, in the first concavity and in the second concavity, wherein a thickness of the channel layer in the second concavity is smaller than a thickness of the channel layer in the first concavity; epitaxially growing a gate region having a second conductive type on the channel layer in both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region; forming a source region and a drain region on respective sides of the gate region in the channel layer of both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region, wherein each of the source region and the drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; forming a gate electrode electrically coupled with the gate region; forming a source electrode electrically coupled with the source region; and forming a drain electrode electrically coupled with the drain region. A bottom of the first concavity has a first width along with a direction from the source region to the drain region of the depletion mode JFET. A bottom of the second concavity has a second width along with a direction from the source region to the drain region of the enhancement mode JFET. The second width is larger than the first width. [0018] In the above method, since the thickness of the channel layer in the first concavity is different from the thickness of the channel layer in the second concavity, the channel layer in the first concavity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer in the second concavity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. [0019] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a depletion mode JFET and an enhancement mode JFET includes: selectively etching a region around a channel-region-to-be-formed region of a depletion mode JFET region on a first surface of a substrate made of semiconductor material so that a first convexity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region; selectively etching a region around a channel-region-to-be-formed region of an enhancement mode JFET region on a first surface of the substrate so that a second convexity is formed on the channel-region-to-be-formed region; epitaxially growing a channel layer having the first conductive type on the substrate, on the first convexity and on the second convexity, wherein a thickness of the channel layer on the second convexity is smaller than a thickness of the channel layer on the first convexity; epitaxially growing a gate region having a second conductive type on the channel layer in both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region; forming a source region and a drain region on respective sides of the gate region in the channel layer of both of the depletion mode JFET region and the enhancement mode JFET region, wherein each of the source region and the drain region has the first conductive type and an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer; forming a gate electrode electrically coupled with the gate region; forming a source electrode electrically coupled with the source region; and forming a drain electrode electrically coupled with the drain region. A top of the first convexity has a first width along with a direction from the source region to the drain region of the depletion mode JFET. A top of the second convexity has a second width along with a direction from the source region to the drain region of the enhancement mode JFET. The second width is smaller than the first width. [0020] In the above method, since the thickness of the channel layer on the first convexity is different from the thickness of the channel layer on the second convexity, the channel layer on the first convexity provides the depletion mode JFET, and the channel layer on the second convexity provides the enhancement mode JFET. The depletion mode JFET and the enhancement mode JFET are formed in the same substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: [0022] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a first embodiment; [0023] FIG. 2 is a graph showing a relationship between a drain voltage and a current density of a drain current in a D mode JFET at various gate voltages; [0024] FIG. 3 is a graph showing a relationship between a drain voltage and a current density of a drain current in a E mode JFET at various gate voltages; [0025] FIG. 4 is a graph showing a gate voltage and a current density of a drain current in each of the E mode and D mode JFETs; [0026] FIG. 5A is a graph showing a relationship between the current density of the drain current and a cut-off frequency at various temperatures in the D mode JFET, and FIG. 5B is a graph showing a relationship between the current density of the drain current and a cut-off frequency at various temperatures in the E mode JFET; [0027] FIG. 6 is a graph showing a relationship between temperature and a maximum value of the cut-off frequency in each of the E mode and D mode JFETs; [0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a second embodiment; [0029] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a third embodiment; [0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross sectional view of the device, in which a thickness of a N conductive type channel layer in a concavity varies with a width of the concavity; [0031] FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between a drain voltage and a current density of a drain current in a D mode JFET at various gate voltages; [0032] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between a drain voltage and a current density of a drain current in a E mode JFET at various gate voltages; [0033] FIG. 12 is a graph showing a relationship between the gate voltage and the current density of the drain current in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET; [0034] FIG. 13A is a graph showing a relationship between the current density of the drain current and the cut-off frequency at various temperature in the D mode JFET, and FIG. 13B is a graph showing a relationship between the current density of the drain current and the cut-off frequency at various temperature in the E mode JFET; [0035] FIG. 14 is a graph showing a relationship between temperature and the maximum value of the cut-off frequency in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET; [0036] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a fourth embodiment; [0037] FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a fifth embodiment; [0038] FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a sixth embodiment; [0039] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams showing a cross' sectional view of a SIC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a seventh embodiment; [0040] FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to a eighth embodiment; [0041] FIGS. 20A and 20B are graphs showing temperature dependency of an electron mobility at various impurity concentration in a channel layer in 6H—SiC and 4H—SiC, respectively; and [0042] FIG. 21 is a graph showing a relationship between a hole mobility and an acceptor density in each of 6H—SiC and 4H—SiC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment [0043] A first embodiment will be explained. FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a cross sectional view of a SiC semiconductor device having a D mode JFET and a E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. A structure of the SiC semiconductor device will be explained as follows. [0044] The SiC semiconductor device includes the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, which are formed in a SiC substrate 1 . The SiC substrate 1 has semi-insulating property. Here, the semi-insulating property means that material is non-doped semiconductor material, and has resistance near insulating material. For example, in the present embodiment, the SiC substrate has a resistivity in a range between 1×10 10 Ω·cm and 1×10 11 Ω·cm. The thickness of the substrate 1 is in a range between 50 and 400 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the substrate 1 is 350 micrometers. [0045] In a region for forming the D mode JFET, a concavity 2 a is formed on a principal surface of the substrate 1 at a position for forming a channel region. In a region for forming the E mode JFET, a convexity 2 b is formed on the principal surface of the substrate 1 at a position for forming a channel region. The concavity 2 a is formed by selectively etching the principal surface of the substrate 1 . The convexity 2 b is formed by selectively etching a part of the surface of the substrate 1 around the convexity 2 b. [0046] The width of the concavity 2 a and the width of the convexity 2 b provide a channel length. The channel length of the D mode JFET is equalized to the channel length of the E mode JFET. For example, the width of the concavity 2 a is in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Here, the width of the concavity 2 a is defined as a width of a bottom of the concavity 2 a . Specifically, the width of the concavity 2 a is 0.5 micrometers. The width of the convexity 2 b is in a range between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers. Here, the width of the convexity 2 b is defined as a width of the top of the convexity 2 b . Specifically, the width of the convexity 2 b is 0.5 micrometers. The concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b extend in a direction perpendicular to the drawings of FIGS. 1A and 1B . A length of the concavity 2 a in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 1A defines the channel width, and a length of the convexity 2 b in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 1B defines the channel width. The length of the concavity 2 a in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 1A is equalized to the length of the convexity 2 b in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 1B so that the channel width of the D mode JFET is equal to the channel width of the E mode JFET. [0047] The N conductive type channel layer 3 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1 including an inner surface of the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b . A channel is generated in the channel layer 3 . For example, the N conductive type impurity concentration is in a range between 1×10 16 cm −3 and 1×10 18 cm −3 . Specifically, the impurity concentration of the channel layer 3 is 1×10 17 cm −3 . The thickness of the channel layer 3 is basically in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness is 0.2 micrometers. The thickness of the channel layer 3 disposed in the concavity 2 a is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 disposed on the convexity 2 b . Here, the concavity 2 a is formed in a D mode JFET region, and the convexity 2 b is formed in a E mode JFET region. Specifically, the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 a is 0.75 micrometers, and the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 b is 0.1 micrometers. Thus, the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 a is thicker than the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 b. [0048] The N conductive type layer 4 is formed in a surface portion of the channel layer 3 . The N conductive type layer 4 is disposed on both sides of the concavity 2 a and on both sides of the convexity 2 b so that the N conductive type layer 4 sandwiches the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b . The N conductive type layer 4 for sandwiching the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b in the D mode and the E mode JFETs disposed on a left side of the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b provides a N conductive type source region 4 a . The N conductive type layer 4 for sandwiching the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b in the D mode and the E mode JFETs disposed on a right side of the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b provides a N conductive type drain region 4 b . Each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b has an N conductive type impurity concentration in a range between 5×10 18 cm −3 and 1×10 20 cm −3 , and a thickness in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the impurity concentration of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is 2×10 19 cm −3 , and the thickness of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is 0.4 micrometers. [0049] A P conductive type gate region 5 is formed on the surface of the channel layer 3 . The gate region 5 is separated from the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b . A P conductive type impurity concentration of the gate region 5 is in a range between 5×10 18 cm −3 and 5×10 19 cm −3 . A thickness of the gate region 5 is in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the impurity concentration of the gate region 5 is 1×10 19 cm −3 , and the thickness of the gate region 5 is 0.4 micrometers. [0050] A gate electrode 6 is formed on the surface of the gate region 5 . A sidewall of the gate electrode 6 and the sidewall of the gate region 5 are disposed on the same plane. The gate electrode 6 has a stacking structure of multiple metal layers. For example, the gate electrode 6 includes a Ni series metal layer 6 a , a Ti series metal layer 6 b and an aluminum wiring layer or a gold layer (not shown), which are stacked in this order. The Ni series metal layer 6 a is made of, for example, NiSi 2 , which contacts the P conductive type gate region 5 with ohmic contact. The gold layer has good junction property with a wiring for electrically connecting to an external device. The thickness of the Ni series metal layer 6 a is in a range between 0.1 and 0.5 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the Ni series metal layer 6 a is 0.2 micrometers. The thickness of the Ti series metal layer 6 b is in a range between 0.1 and 0.5 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the Ti series metal layer 6 b is 0.1 micrometers. The thickness of the aluminum layer or the gold layer is in a range between 1.0 and 5.0 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the aluminum layer or the gold layer is 3.0 micrometer. [0051] A source electrode 7 is formed on the source region 4 a , and a drain electrode 8 is formed on the drain region 4 b . The source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 are also made of the same material as the gate electrode 6 . The gate electrode 6 , the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 are electrically isolated from each other with an interlayer insulation film 9 . [0052] Thus, the JFETs are formed. Further, the device further includes another interlayer insulation film, a protection film (not shown) and the like, which are made of a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film. Thus, the SiC semiconductor device is completed. [0053] The D mode JFET in the device functions as a normally-on device, and the E mode JFET functions as a normally-off device. [0054] Specifically, the D mode JFET performs D mode operation. Even when the gate voltage is not applied to the gate electrode, the depletion layer extending from the gate region 5 toward the channel layer 3 and/or the depletion layer extending from the substrate 1 toward the channel layer 3 does not completely pinch off the channel layer 3 , so that the channel is partially formed in the channel layer 3 . Accordingly, when the gate voltage is not applied to the gate electrode 6 , the current flows between the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 via the channel in the channel layer 3 . When the negative gate voltage is applied to the gate electrode 6 , the depletion layer largely extends. Thus, the channel in the channel layer 3 is disappeared, and therefore, the current does not flow between the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 . Thus, the D mode JFET functions as a normally-on device. [0055] On the other hand, the E mode JFET performs the E mode operation. When the gate voltage is not applied to the gate electrode 6 , the depletion layer extending from the gate region 5 toward the channel layer 3 and/or the depletion layer extending from the substrate 1 toward the channel layer 3 completely pinch off the channel layer 3 . When the positive gate voltage is applied to the gate electrode 6 , the depletion layer extending from the gate region 5 shrinks. Thus, the channel is formed in the channel layer 3 , so that the current flows between the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 via the channel in the channel layer 3 . Thus, the E mode JFET functions as a normally-off device. [0056] Next, a manufacturing method of the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET will be explained. [0057] First, the SiC substrate 1 having semi-insulating property is prepared. A mask (not shown) is arranged on the principal surface of the substrate 1 . The mask has an opening in the D mode JFET region on a concavity-to-be-formed region and another opening in the E mode JFET region on a region other than a convexity-to-be-formed region. The substrate 1 is selectively etched with using the mask, so that the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b are formed on the principal surface of the substrate 1 . [0058] Next, the channel layer 3 is epitaxially grown on the surface of the substrate 1 including on the bottom of the concavity 2 a and on the to of the convexity. The N conductive type impurity concentration of the channel layer 3 is in a range between 1×10 16 cm −3 and 1×10 18 cm −3 . Specifically, the impurity concentration of the channel layer 3 is 1×10 17 cm −3 . The thickness of the channel layer 3 is basically in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the channel layer 3 is 0.2 micrometers. The thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 a of the D mode JFET region is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 1 b of the E mode JFET region because of a migration effect in a deposition process. For example, the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 a is 0.75 micrometers. The thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 b is 0.1 micrometers. [0059] Then, a mask made of LTO or the like is formed on the surface of the channel layer 3 . The mask has an opening on a source-region-to-be-formed region and an opening on a drain-region-to-be-formed region. The N conductive type impurity is implanted on the channel layer 3 via the mask by an ion implantation method, and then, the thermal treatment is performed so that the implanted ion is activated. Thus, the N conductive type impurity concentration of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is in a range between 5×10 18 cm −3 and 1×10 20 cm −3 . Specifically, the impurity concentration of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is 2×10 19 cm −3 . The thickness of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of each of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b is 0.4 micrometers. Here, the forming step of the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b may be performed after the P conductive type layer for providing the gate region 5 is formed and before the gate electrode 6 is formed. [0060] The P conductive type layer is epitaxially grown on the surface of the channel layer 3 , the surface of the source region 4 a and the surface of the drain region 4 b . The P conductive type impurity concentration of the P conductive type layer is in a range between 5×10 18 cm −3 and 5×10 19 cm −3 . Specifically, impurity concentration of the P conductive type layer is 1×10 19 cm −3 . The thickness of the P conductive type layer is in a range between 0.1 and 0.5 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the P conductive type layer is 0.4 micrometers. A metal mask or a mask made of a silicon oxide film (not shown) is arranged on the surface of the gate region 5 to cover a region other than a gate-electrode-to-be-formed region. Then, the Ni series metal layer 6 a and the Ti series metal layer 6 b in the gate electrode 6 are deposited o the gate region 5 . Then, the mask is removed, so that the Ni series metal layer 6 a and the Ti series metal layer 6 b are left only on the gate-electrode-to-be-formed region in a lift-off process. Thus, the gate electrode 6 is formed. When the P conductive type layer is patterned, the gate electrode 6 functions as a mask, so that the P conductive type gate region 5 is formed. [0061] Then, the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 are formed. Specifically, the Ni series metal layer and the Ti series metal layer are formed, and then, the anneal process is performed so that the Ni series metal layer and the Ti series metal layer contacts the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b with ohmic contact. If necessary, a selective etching process is performed so that an element separation groove for isolating elements fro each other is formed. Then, the interlayer insulation film 9 is formed, and a contact hole is formed in the interlayer insulation film 9 . After an aluminum layer is deposited, and then, patterned. Alternatively, a gold film is formed by a metal plating method. Thus, a metal layer such as the aluminum layer or the gold film is formed on an utmost outer surface of the gate electrode 6 , the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 . After that, the protection film is formed. Thus, the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET is manufactured. [0062] In the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET are formed in the same substrate 1 . The channel layer 3 is epitaxially grown in the concavity 2 a and on the convexity 2 b . The thickness of the channel layer 3 in the D mode JFET is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the E mode JFET. [0063] Thus, the concavity 2 a is formed in the D mode JFET region, and the convexity 2 b is formed in the E mode JFET region, so that the channel layer 3 having different thickness in the same substrate 1 is prepared. Since the D mode JFET having the channel layer 3 and the E mode JFET having the channel layer 3 , which has different thickness from the D mode JFET, are formed in the same substrate 1 , the SiC semiconductor device having a combination of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET is obtained. [0064] In the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, the channel mobility of the channel in the D mode JFET is equal to the channel mobility of the channel in the E mode JFET. Accordingly, it is not necessary to adjust the area of each of the E mode JFET and the D mode JFET. When the channel length and the channel width of the D mode JFET are equal to the channel length and the channel width of the E mode JFET, the area of the D mode JFET is equal to the area of the E mode JFET. [0065] Since the SiC substrate 1 is made of semi-insulating material, an electric wave generated in the operation of the JFET is absorbed. Thus, the SiC semiconductor device is suitably used for high frequency. [0066] In the manufacturing method of the SiC semiconductor device, the channel layer 3 is epitaxially grown in the concavity 2 a and on the convexity 2 b , so that the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the D mode JFET is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the E mode JFET. Accordingly, although it is necessary to perform the etching process for forming the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b , the manufacturing method of the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET is easily performed. [0067] It is experimented whether the characteristics of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET in the SiC semiconductor device are appropriate. The results will be shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 . Here, a channel length is defined as L ch , which is 0.5 micrometers. A length between the source and the gate is defined as L SG , which is 0.5 micrometers. A length between the gate and the drain is defined as L GD , which is 0.5 micrometers. [0068] FIGS. 2 and 3 shows a relationship between a drain voltage V(DRAIN) and the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current at various gate voltages V(GATE) in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, respectively. [0069] As shown in FIG. 2 , regarding the D mode JFET, when the drain voltage V(DRAIN) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current is made large. When the gate voltage V(GATE) is equal to a potential (i.e., =−4V), which provides turn-off of the D mode JFET, the current density J(DRAIN) is substantially zero. When the gate voltage V(GATE) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) is made large. These characteristics show the D mode property. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 , regarding the E mode JFET, when the drain voltage V(DRAIN) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) is made large. When the gate voltage V(GATE) is equal to a potential (i.e., =0V), which provides turn-off of the E mode JFET, the current density J(DRAIN) is substantially zero. When the gate voltage V(GATE) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) is made large. These characteristics show the E mode property. Thus, the D mode JFET clearly provides the D mode property, and the E mode JFET clearly provides the E mode property. [0070] FIG. 4 shows a relationship between the gate voltage V(GATE) and the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET. As shown in FIG. 4 , regarding the D mode JFET, when the negative gate voltage V(GATE) exceeds the potential of −4V, which provides a target voltage at which the D mode JFET turns off, the current density J(DRAIN) increases in an exponential manner. Regarding the E mode JFET, when the gate voltage V(GATE) exceeds a predetermined positive threshold voltage, the current density J(DRAIN) increases in an exponential manner. Thus, the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET have appropriate characteristics of the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current with respect to the gate voltage V(GATE), respectively. [0071] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a relationship between the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current and the cut-off frequency f T at various temperature in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET. FIG. 6 shows a relationship between temperature and the maximum value f T (max) of the cut-off frequency f T in the SIC semiconductor device. [0072] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 6 , when the temperature is in a range between 300K and 700K, the change of the cut-off frequency f T with respect to the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current is measured. In all cases, the high cut-off frequency f T is obtained. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the current density J(DRAIN) is defined as X, and the maximum value fT(max) of the cut-off frequency fT is defined as Y. The cut-off frequency curve of the D mode JFET is shown by an equation of Y=6×10 15 X −2.1392 . The cut-off frequency curve of the E mode JFET is shown by an equation of Y=1×10 16 X −2.3588 . Accordingly, the cut-off frequency f T is larger than 10 GHz at 300K, which is substantially the room temperature. Further, the cut-off frequency f T is larger than 1 GHz at 700K, and therefore, the cut-off frequency f T is sufficiently high. Accordingly, in the SiC semiconductor device having the E mode JFET and the D mode JFET, in both of the D mode operation and the E mode operation, the cut-off frequency f T is sufficiently high. Thus, the device is suitably used for high frequency. Second Embodiment [0073] A second embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes a P conductive type buffer layer 10 , compared with the device according to the first embodiment. [0074] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , the buffer layer 10 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1 . An impurity concentration of the buffer layer 10 is lower than the gate region 5 . The channel layer 3 is formed on the surface of the buffer layer 10 . The buffer layer 10 provides a high breakdown voltage. The P conductive type impurity concentration of the buffer layer 10 is in a range between 1×10 16 cm −3 and 1×10 17 cm −3 . Specifically, the impurity concentration of the buffer layer 10 is 1×10 16 cm −3 . The thickness of the buffer layer 10 is in a range between 0.2 and 2.0 micrometers. Specifically, the thickness of the buffer layer 10 is 0.4 micrometers. A P conductive type contact region 10 a is formed in the buffer layer 10 . The contact region 10 a has a high impurity concentration. A concavity 11 is formed under the source electrode 7 such that the concavity 11 penetrates the source region 4 a , and the contact region 10 a is exposed on the bottom of the concavity 11 . The source electrode 7 is embedded in the concavity 11 , so that the buffer layer 10 is coupled with the source electrode 7 via the contact region 10 a . Thus, the buffer layer 10 is fixed to the ground potential. [0075] In the above structure, the effects similar to the first embodiment are obtained. Since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , compared with the first embodiment, the breakdown voltage of the device is higher than that in the first embodiment. Further, since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , the electric wave generated in the operation of the JFET is absorbed in the buffer layer 10 . Thus, the SiC semiconductor device is suitably used for high frequency. [0076] The manufacturing method of the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is basically similar to that in the first embodiment. Since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , the manufacturing method of the present embodiment further includes a step for forming the buffer layer 10 on the surface of the substrate 1 and a step for forming the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b in the E mode JFET and the D mode JFET in the buffer layer 10 . Third Embodiment [0077] A third embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment has a structure of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, which is different from that of the first embodiment. [0078] FIGS. 8A and 8B show the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , a first concavity 2 c is formed in a channel-to-be-formed region of the D mode JFET region. Further, a second concavity 2 d is formed in a channel-to-be-formed region of the E mode JFET. These concavities 2 c , 2 d are formed by selectively etching the surface of the substrate 1 . [0079] The width of the concavity 2 c is different from the width of the concavity 2 d . Specifically, the width of the concavity 2 c is narrower than the width of the concavity 2 d . For example, the width of the first concavity 2 c is in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the width of the first concavity 2 c is 0.5 micrometers. The width of the second concavity 2 d is in a range between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers. Specifically, the width of the second concavity 2 d is 1.0 micrometers. Further, the length of the concavity 2 c in a direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIGS. 8A and 8B is equal to the length of the concavity 2 d. [0080] Thus, when the width of the first concavity 2 c is different from the width of the second concavity 2 d , a thickness of the channel layer 3 in the first and second concavities 2 c , 2 d is changed according to the width of the first and second concavities 2 c , 2 d when the channel layer 3 is epitaxially grown in the concavities 2 c , 2 d . FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of this feature. In FIG. 9 , a solid line represents the E mode JFET, and a dotted line represents the D mode JFET. As shown in FIG. 9 , the channel layer 3 is formed on the concavity 2 c having the narrow width such that the thickness of the channel layer 3 is large, and the channel layer 3 is formed in the concavity 2 d having the wide width such that the thickness of the channel layer 3 is small. This is because a migration effect provides these features when the channel layer 3 is deposited. Since the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 c is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 d , the depletion layer extending in the channel layer 3 completely pinches off the channel layer 3 in the E mode JFET having a small thickness of the channel layer 3 when the gate voltage is not applied to the gate region 5 . When the gate voltage is not applied to the gate region 5 , the depletion layer extending in the channel layer 3 does not completely pinch off the channel layer 3 in the D mode JFET having a large thickness of the channel layer 3 . [0081] Thus, since the width of the concavity 2 c in the D mode JFET is different from the width of the concavity 2 d in the E mode JFET so that the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 c is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 d , the effects similar to the first embodiment are obtained. [0082] In the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, the concavities 2 c , 2 d are formed at the same time, instead of the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b in the device according to the first embodiment. Thus, the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment is similar to the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment. [0083] In the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, the properties of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET are studied. The results of the properties are shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 . Here, in the D mode JFET, a channel length L CH is 0.5 micrometers, a length L SG between the source and the gate is 0.5 micrometers, and a length L GD between the gate and the drain is 0.5 micrometers. In the E mode JFET, a channel length L CH is 1.0 micrometer, a length L SG between the source and the gate is 0.5 micrometers, and a length L GD between the gate and the drain is 0.5 micrometers. [0084] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a relationship between the drain voltage V(DRAIN) and the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current at various gate voltage V(GATE) in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, respectively. [0085] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the D mode JFET, when the drain voltage V(DRAIN) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) increases. When the gate voltage V(GATE) is a potential (i.e., −4 volts), which is supposed to be the turn-off voltage of the D mode JFET, the current density J(DRAIN) becomes zero. Further, when the gate voltage V(GATE) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) increases. Thus, the properties of the D mode JFET are obtained surely. As shown in FIG. 11 , in the E mode JFET, when the drain voltage V(DRAIN) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) increases. When the gate voltage V(GATE) is a potential (i.e., 0 volt), which is supposed to be the turn-off voltage of the E mode JFET, the current density J(DRAIN) becomes zero. Further, when the gate voltage V(GATE) becomes large, the current density J(DRAIN) increases. Thus, the properties of the E mode JFET are obtained surely. Accordingly, the D mode JFET provides the D mode properties clearly, and the E mode JFET provides the E mode properties clearly. [0086] FIG. 12 shows a relationship between the gate voltage V(GATE) and the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET. As shown in FIG. 12 , in the D mode JFET, when the negative gate voltage V(GATE) exceeds the potential supposed to be the turn-off voltage of the D mode JFET, the current density J(DRAIN) increases exponentially. In the E mode JFET, when the gate voltage V(GATE) exceeds a predetermined positive threshold voltage, the current density J(DRAIN) increases exponentially. Thus, regarding the current density J(DRAIN) of the drain current with respect to the gate voltage V(GATE), the D mode JFET provides appropriate D mode properties, and the E mode JFET provides appropriate E mode properties. [0087] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a relationship between the current density J(DRAIN) and the cut-off frequency f T in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET at various application temperature of the SIC semiconductor device. FIG. 14 shows a relationship between the application temperature of the SiC semiconductor device and the maximum value f T (max) of the cut-off frequency. [0088] As shown in FIGS. 13A to 14 , the change of the cut-off frequency f T with respect to the current density J(DRAIN) is measured in a temperature range between 300K and 700K. At all temperature range, the high cut-off frequency f T is obtained. Specifically, at a room temperature (i.e., 300K), the cut-off frequency f T is about 10 GHz. At high temperature (i.e., 700K), the cut-off frequency f T is sufficiently high. Accordingly, in the SIC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment, each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET provides a sufficiently high cut-off frequency f T , and therefore, the device is suitably used for high frequency. Fourth Embodiment [0089] A fourth embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes a P conductive type buffer layer. [0090] FIGS. 15A and 15B show the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B , in the present embodiment, the P conductive type buffer layer 10 having an impurity concentration lower than the gate region 5 is formed on the surface of the SiC substrate 1 . The channel layer 3 is formed on the surface of the buffer layer 10 . The buffer layer 10 according to the present embodiment has a similar construction as the buffer layer 10 according to the second embodiment. The buffer layer 10 provides a high breakdown voltage. A P conductive type contact region 10 a having the high impurity concentration is formed in the buffer layer 10 . A concavity 11 for exposing the contact region 10 a on the bottom of the concavity 11 is formed to penetrate the source region 4 a . The concavity 11 is disposed under the source electrode 7 . The source electrode 7 is embedded in the concavity 11 . Thus, the buffer layer 10 is electrically coupled with the source electrode 7 via the contact region 10 a , so that the buffer layer 10 is fixed to the ground potential. [0091] In the above structure, basically, the effects similar to the third embodiment are obtained. Since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , compared with the device according to the third embodiment, the breakdown voltage of the device according to the present embodiment is higher than that according to the third embodiment. Since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , the buffer layer 10 absorbs the electric wave generated in case of operation of the JFET. Thus, the SIC semiconductor device is suitably used for high frequency. [0092] The manufacturing method of the above structure of the SiC semiconductor device is basically similar to the manufacturing method of the third embodiment. Different from the third embodiment, since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , the manufacturing method further includes a step for forming the buffer layer 10 on the surface of the substrate 1 , and the concavities 2 c , 2 d in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET are formed in the buffer layer 10 . Fifth Embodiment [0093] A fifth embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment has the construction of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, which is different from the first embodiment. [0094] FIGS. 16A and 16B show the SIC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , a convexity 2 e as the first convexity is formed in a channel-to-be-formed region of the substrate 1 in the D mode JFET region. A convexity 2 f as the second convexity is formed in a channel-to-be-formed region of the substrate 1 in the E mode JFET region. These convexities 2 e , 2 f are formed on the surface of the substrate 1 by a selective etching process. [0095] The width of the convexity 2 e is different from the width of the convexity 2 f . Specifically, the width of the convexity 2 e is wider than the width of the convexity 2 f . For example, the width of the convexity 2 e is in a range between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers. Specifically, the width of the convexity 2 e is 0.75 micrometers. The width of the convexity 2 f is in a range between 0.1 and 1.0 micrometers. Specifically, the width of the convexity 2 e is 0.5 micrometers. The convexities 2 e , 2 f extend in a direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIGS. 16A and 16B . A length of the convexity 2 e in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 16A is equal to the length of the convexity 2 f in the direction perpendicular to the drawing of FIG. 16B . [0096] Thus, when the width of the convexity 2 e is different from the width of the convexity 2 f , the thickness of the channel layer 3 epitaxially grown on the convexities 2 e , 2 f is varied according to the width of the convexities 2 e , 2 f . Thus, the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 e having a wide width is large, and the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 f having a narrow width is small. This is provided by the migration when the channel layer 3 is deposited. Thus, since the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 e is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexity 2 f , the depletion layer extending in the channel layer 3 completely pinches off the channel layer 3 in the E mode JFET having the channel layer 3 with the large thickness, and the depletion layer extending in the channel layer 3 does not completely pinch off the channel layer 3 in the D mode JFET having the channel layer 3 with the small thickness. [0097] Thus, since the width of the convexities 2 e , 2 f in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET is varied so that the thickness of the channel layer 3 on the convexities 2 e , 2 f is changed, the effects similar to the first embodiment are obtained. [0098] In the above SiC semiconductor device, the convexities 2 e , 2 f instead of the concavity 2 a and the convexity 2 b are 1 formed simultaneously. Thus, the manufacturing method of the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is similar to the manufacturing method of the first embodiment. Sixth Embodiment [0099] A sixth embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes a P conductive type buffer layer, which is different from the device according to the fifth embodiment. [0100] FIGS. 17A and 17B show the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B , in the present embodiment, the P conductive type buffer layer 10 having an impurity concentration lower than the gate region 5 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1 . The channel layer 3 is formed on eth surface of the buffer layer 10 . The buffer layer 10 has the structure similar to the second embodiment. The buffer layer 10 provides a high breakdown voltage of the device. A P conductive type contact region 10 a having the high impurity concentration is formed in the buffer layer 10 . The concavity 11 for exposing the contact region 10 a on the bottom of the concavity 11 is formed such that the concavity 11 penetrates the source region 4 a , and the concavity 11 is disposed under the source electrode 7 . The source electrode 7 is embedded in the concavity 11 , so that the buffer layer 10 is coupled with the source electrode 7 via the contact region 10 a . Thus, the buffer layer 10 is fixed to the ground potential. [0101] In the above structure, basically, the effects similar to the fifth embodiment are obtained. Further, the device according to the present embodiment includes the buffer layer 10 , which is different from the device of the fifth embodiment. Thus, the breakdown voltage of the device according to the present embodiment is higher than that according to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , the buffer layer 10 absorbs the electric wave generated in case of the operation of the JFET. Thus, the device is suitably used for high frequency. [0102] In the above structure of the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment, basically, the manufacturing method of the device according to the present embodiment is similar to the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment. Since the device includes the buffer layer 10 , which is different from the device according to the fifth embodiment, the manufacturing method further includes a step for forming the buffer layer 10 on the substrate 1 , and the convexities 2 e , 2 f in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET are formed in the buffer layer 10 . Seventh Embodiment [0103] A seventh embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b having a different structure from the device according to the first embodiment. [0104] FIGS. 18A and 18B show the SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B , in the present embodiment, a N conductive type layer 4 is epitaxially grown on the surface of the substrate 1 . The N conductive type layer 4 is divided into a right side N conductive type layer 4 and a left side N conductive type layer 4 by the concavity 2 g , 2 h in each of the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, so that the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b are formed in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET, respectively. The width and the like of the concavity 2 g for providing the D mode JFET and the width and the like of the concavity 2 h for providing the E mode JFET are similar to those of the concavities 2 c , 2 d in FIGS. 8A and 8 b according to the third embodiment. The channel layer 3 is epitaxially grown in the concavities 2 g , 2 h , so that the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 g is different from the thickness of the channel layer 3 in the concavity 2 h . Then, the gate region 5 and the gate electrode 6 are formed on the channel layer 3 . The gate electrode 6 functions as a mask so that the gate region 5 and the channel layer 3 are patterned. Then, the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 are formed by steps similar to the first embodiment. Thus, the SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment is completed. [0105] Thus, the source region 4 a and the drain region 4 b may be epitaxially grown on the substrate 1 . The SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET has the effects similar to the first embodiment. Eighth Embodiment [0106] An eighth embodiment will be explained. A SiC semiconductor device according to the present embodiment includes the P conductive type buffer layer, which is different from the device according to the seventh embodiment. [0107] FIGS. 19A and 19B shows a SiC semiconductor device having the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B , in the present embodiment, the buffer layer 10 having an impurity concentration lower than the gate region 5 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1 . The source region 4 a , the drain region 4 b and the channel layer 3 are formed on the buffer layer 10 . The buffer layer 10 has the structure similar to the second embodiment. The buffer layer 10 provides a high breakdown voltage. The contact region 10 a having the high impurity concentration is formed in the buffer layer 10 . The concavity 11 for exposing the contact region 10 a on the bottom of the concavity 11 is formed such that the concavity 11 penetrates the source region 4 a , and the concavity 11 is disposed under the source electrode 7 . The source electrode 7 is embedded in the concavity 11 . Thus, the buffer layer 10 is coupled with the source electrode 7 via the contact region 10 a . Thus, the buffer layer 10 is fixed to the ground potential. [0108] In the above structure, basically, the effects similar to the fifth embodiment are obtained. Further, since the device according to the present embodiment includes the buffer layer 10 , which is different from the device according to the fifth embodiment, the breakdown voltage of the device according to the present embodiment is higher than that of the fifth embodiment. Further, since the device includes the buffer 10 , the buffer layer absorbs the electric wave generated in case of the operation of the JFET. Thus, the device according to the present embodiment is suitably used for high frequency. [0109] The manufacturing method of the device according to the present embodiment is basically similar to the manufacturing method of the device according to the fifth embodiment. Since the device according to the present embodiment includes the buffer layer 10 , which is different from the fifth embodiment, the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment further includes a step for forming the buffer layer 10 on the surface of the substrate 1 , and the concavities 2 g , 2 h in the D mode JFET and the E mode JFET are formed in the buffer layer 10 . Other Embodiments [0110] In the above embodiments, the N conductive type channel layer 3 provides the channel, so that the N channel type JFET is formed. Alternatively, the N conductive type may be replace to the P conductive type, and the P conductive type may be replace to the N conductive type, so that a P channel type JFET is formed. [0111] In the above embodiments, the gate electrode 6 , the source electrode 7 and the drain electrode 8 have a three-layered structure. Thus, they are formed from a Ni series metal layer, the Ti series metal layer and the aluminum layer or the gold layer, which are stacked in this order. Alternatively, they may be formed from a stacking structure of Ni/Ti/Mo/Au, a stacking structure of Ti/Mo/Ni/Au, a stacking structure of Ni/Mo/Ti, a stacking structure of Ti/Mo/Ni, a combination of Ti/Mo, a structure of Ti/Mo, or a structure of Ni/Mo. Alternatively, they may be formed from a single layer such as a Ti layer and a Ni layer. [0112] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments and constructions. The invention is intended to cover various modification and equivalent arrangements. In addition, while the various combinations and configurations, which are preferred, other combinations and configurations, including more, less or only a single element, are also within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; and depletion and enhancement mode JFETs. The depletion mode JFET includes: a concavity on the substrate; a channel layer in the concavity; a first gate region on the channel layer; first source and drain regions on respective sides of the first gate region in the channel layer; first gate, source and drain electrodes. The enhancement mode JFET includes: a convexity on the substrate; the channel layer on the convexity; a second gate region on the channel layer; second source and drain regions on respective sides of the second gate region in the channel layer; second gate, source and drain electrodes. A thickness of the channel layer in the concavity is larger than a thickness of the channel layer on the convexity.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/774,397, filed on Oct. 10, 1991, now abandoned the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to electrorheological fluids. More particularly, this invention relates to electrorheological fluids containing certain electronically conductive polymers as the dispersed particulate phase. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electrorheological (ER) fluids are dispersions which can rapidly and reversibly vary their apparent viscosity in the presence of an applied electric field. The electrorheological fluids are dispersions of finely divided solids in hydrophobic, electrically non-conducting oils and such fluids have the ability to change their flow characteristics, even to the point of becoming solid, when subjected to a sufficiently strong electrical field. When the field is removed, the fluids revert to their normal liquid state. Electrical DC fields and also AC fields may be used to effect this change. The current passing through the electrorheological fluid is extremely low. Thus, ER fluids are used in applications in which it is desired to control the transmission of forces by low electric power levels such as, for example, clutches, hydraulic valves, shock absorbers, vibrators or systems used for positioning and holding work pieces in position. U.S. Pat. No. 2,417,508 (issued in 1947 to Willis M. Winslow) disclosed that certain dispersions composed of finely divided solids such as starch, carbon, limestone, gypsum, flour, etc., dispersed in a non-conducting liquid such as a lightweight transformer oil, olive oil or mineral oil, etc., would undergo an increase in flow resistance when an electrical potential difference was applied to the dispersion. This observation has been referred to as the Winslow Effect. Subsequently, investigators demonstrated that the increase in the flow resistance was due not only to an increase in the viscosity, in the Newtonian sense, but also to rheological changes in which the fluid displays a positive yield stress in the presence of an electric field. This relationship is often described using the Bingham plastic model. Yield stress is the amount of stress which must be exceeded before the system moves or yields. The yield stress is a function of electric field and has been reported to be linear or quadratic, depending on fluid composition and the experimental techniques. Measurement of yield stress can be achieved by extrapolation of stress vs. strain curves, sliding plate, controlled stress, or capillary rheometers. The efficiency of the electrorheological fluid is related to the amount of electrical power required to affect a given change in rheological properties. This is best characterized as the power required for an observed ratio of yield stress under field to the viscosity of the fluid in the absence of a field. From fluid requirements vs. device design considerations, a parameter has been defined as the dimensionless Winslow number, Wn, where; ##EQU1## Electrorheological fluids which have been described in the literature can be classified into two general categories: water containing, and those which do not require water. Although fluids were known to function without water, for many years, it was believed that ER fluids had to contain small quantities of water which were believed to be principally associated with the dispersed phase to exhibit significant ER properties. However, from an application standpoint, the presence of water generally is undesirable since it may result in corrosion, operating temperature limitations (loss of water at higher temperatures), and significant electrical power consumption. The present invention is concerned primarily with the preparation of ER fluids which do not contain significant amounts of water and these are hereinafter termed non-aqueous or substantially anhydrous ER fluids. Several patents and publications in the last five years have described non-aqueous ER fluids in which electronically conductive polymers have been utilized as the dispersed particulate phase. U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,589 (Block et al) describes an electrorheological fluid which comprises a liquid continuous phase and, dispersed therein, at least one dispersed phase which is capable of functioning as such when at least the dispersed phase is substantially anhydrous. Preferably, the ER fluid is one which is capable of functioning as such when the fluid itself is substantially anhydrous. The term "anhydrous" in relation to the dispersed phase is defined as the phase obtained after catalyst removal, which is dried under vacuum at 70° C. for three days to a constant weight. In relation to the continuous phase, an anhydrous continuous phase is defined as the phase dried by passage, at an elevated temperature (for example, 70° C.) if required, through an activated alumina column. The dispersed phase described in this patent is an electronic conductor which is a material through which electricity is conducted by means of electrons (or holes) rather than by means of ions. Examples of such phases include semi-conductors, particularly organic semi-conductors. The semi-conductors are defined as materials having an electric conductivity at ambient temperature of from 10 0 to 10 -11 mho/cm, and a positive temperature-conductivity coefficient. The organic semi-conductors described in this patent include materials which comprise an unsaturated fused polycyclic system such as violanthrone B. The aromatic fused polycyclic systems may comprise at least one heteroatom such as nitrogen or oxygen. Phthalocyanine systems such as a metallophthalocyanine systems are particularly preferred. Another class of electronic conductors described in this patent include fused polycyclic systems such as poly(acene-quinone) polymers which may be prepared by condensing at least one substituted or unsubstituted acene such as by phenyl, terphenyl, naphthylene, etc., with at least one substituted or unsubstituted polyacylated aromatic compound such as a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic polycarboxylic acid in the presence of a Lewis acid such as zinc chloride. Schiff's Bases are also described as suitable organic semi-conductors. The Schiff's Bases may be prepared by reacting polyisocyanates with quinones. Aniline black, prepared, for example, by oxidizing aqueous aniline hydrochloride with sodium chlorate is another example of such an organic semi-conductor. The patentees also indicate that other classes of suitable organic semi-conductors are described by H. A. Pohl et al in J. Phys. Chem., 66, (1962) pp. 2085-2095. More recently, the use of polyaniline suspensions as electrorheological fluids was described by Gow and Zukowski in "The Electrorheological Properties of Polyaniline Suspensions", J. Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 126, No. 1, April 1990, pp. 175-188. The authors describe the electrorheological properties of suspensions containing polyaniline particles in silicon oil for a range of suspension volume fractions, applied field strengths, shear stresses, and particle dielectric constants. The polyaniline utilized in the studies was synthesized by adding aniline to chilled aqueous hydrochloric acid followed by the addition of an aqueous ammonium peroxydisulfate solution of the same temperature. The initial reactant concentrations were 0.55 mole aniline, 0.1 mole of the ammonium peroxydisulfate and one mole of hydrochloric acid. The polyaniline solids obtained in this manner were divided into four portions, and an aqueous suspension was prepared from each portion and adjusted with sodium hydroxide to a desired pH (i.e., 6,7,8 and 9). The pH of the suspensions was adjusted over a period of days until they remained constant for 24 hours. The hydrophobic powders were then recovered and washed. The authors concluded that suspensions composed of the polyaniline particles in polydimethyl silicone showed a substantial ER response. In European patent application 394,005 (corresponding to GB 2,230,532) published on Oct. 24, 1990, Block et al describe an electrorheological fluid which consists of silicone oil containing 30 volume percent of dispersed polyaniline. The polyaniline is acidically oxidized aniline prepared by adding aniline (1.2 moles) to a continuously stirred and cooled solution (0°-5° C.) of ammonium persulfate (1.2 moles) in 1500 ml. of 2M hydrochloric acid solution. After drying and grinding, the black polyaniline powder was treated with sodium or ammonium hydroxide in different amounts and for different periods of time. The base-treated polyanilines prepared in this manner were reported to be useful in ER fluids. European Patent Application 387857 (published Sep. 19, 1990) describes ER fluids comprising an insulated liquid and solid electrolyte particles which may be various inorganic materials or organic polymers. Alkali metal salts of polyethylene oxide complexes and alkali halide-crown ether complexes are given as examples of such polymers. Japan Hei 3-33194 published Feb. 13, 1991 describes electrorheological fluids containing dispersed organic polymers. The polymers described in this publication are polypyrrole, polydibromothiophene and poly-p-phenylene. Japan 3139598 published Jun. 13, 1991, describes ER fluids containing organic conductive polymers and electrically insulating oils. The conductive polymer is preferably obtained by subjecting a polymer, obtained by oxidation polymerization, to a dope-removing treatment, or a polymer obtained by treating polyaniline with alkali. Preferably the polymer powder has an insulating layer on its surface. Preferred polymers include polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene and their derivatives. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a hydrophobic liquid phase and a dispersed particulate phase comprising conductive polymers selected from the group consisting of polypyrroles, polyphenylenes, polyacetylenes, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(substituted anilines), polyvinylidene halides, polyphenothiazines and polyimidazoles. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise specified in the disclosure and claims, the following definitions are applicable. The term "hydrocarbyl" denotes a group or substituent having a carbon atom directly attached to the remainder to the molecule and having predominantly hydrocarbon character. Examples of hydrocarbyl groups or substituents which can be useful in connection with the present invention include the following: (1) hydrocarbon groups or substituents, that is aliphatic (e.g., alkyl or alkenyl), alicyclic (e.g., cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl) substituents, aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic-substituted aromatic nuclei and the like, as well as cyclic substituents wherein the ring is completed through another portion of the molecule (that is, for example, any two indicated substituents may together form an alicyclic group); (2) substituted hydrocarbon groups or substituents, that is, those containing nonhydrocarbon substituents which, in the context of this invention, do not alter the predominantly hydrocarbon character of the substituted group or substituent and which do not interfere with the reaction of a component or do not adversely affect the performance of a material when it is used in an application within the context of this invention; those skilled in the art will be aware of such groups (e.g., alkoxy, carbalkoxy, alkylthio, sulfoxy, etc.); (3) hetero groups or substituents, that is, groups or substituents which will, while having predominantly hydrocarbon character, contain atoms other than carbon present in a ring or chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. Suitable heteroatoms will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and include, for example, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Moieties such as pyridyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, and the like, are exemplary of hetero groups or substituents. Up to two heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, can be present for each 10 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon-based groups or substituents. Typically, the hydrocarbon-based groups or substituents of this invention are essentially free of atoms other than carbon and hydrogen and are, therefore, purely hydrocarbon. Hydrophobic Liquid Phase The non-aqueous electrorheological fluids of the present invention comprise a hydrophobic liquid phase which is a non-conducting, electric insulating oil or an oil mixture. Examples of insulating oils include silicone oils, transformer oils, mineral oils, vegetable oils, aromatic oils, paraffin hydrocarbons, naphthalene hydrocarbons, olefin hydrocarbons, chlorinated paraffins, synthetic esters, hydrogenated olefin oligomers, and mixtures thereof. The choice of the hydrophobic liquid phase will depend in part upon the intended utility of the ER fluid. For example, the hydrophobic liquid should be compatible with the environment in which it will be used. If the ER fluid is to be in contact with elastomeric materials, the hydrophobic liquid phase should not contain oils or solvents which attack or swell, or, in some cases even dissolve elastomeric materials. Additionally, if the ER fluid is to be subject to a wide temperature range of, for example, from about -50° C. to about 150° C., the hydrophobic liquid phase should be selected to provide a liquid and chemically stable ER fluid over this temperature range and should exhibit an adequate electrorheological effect over this temperature range. Suitable hydrophobic liquids include those which are characterized as having a viscosity at room temperature of from about 2 to about 300 centipoise. In another embodiment, low viscosity oils such as those having a viscosity at room temperature of from 2 to about 20 centipoises are preferred. Liquids useful as the hydrophobic continuous liquid phase generally are characterized as having as many of the following properties as possible: (a) high boiling point and low freezing point; (b) low viscosity so the ER fluid has a low no-field viscosity and greater proportions of the solid dispersed phase can be included in the fluid; (c) high electrical resistance and high dielectric strength so that the fluid will draw little current and can be used over a wide range of applied electric field strengths; and (d) chemical and thermal stability to prevent degradation on storage and service. Oleaginous liquids such as petroleum derived hydrocarbon fractions may be utilized as the hydrophobic liquid phase in the ER fluids of the invention. Natural oils are useful and these include animal oils and vegetable oils (e.g., castor, lard oil, sunflower oil) liquid petroleum oils and hydrorefined, solvent-treated or acid-treated mineral lubricating oils of the paraffinic, naphthenic and mixed paraffinic-naphthenic types. Oils derived from coal or shale are also useful oils. Alkylene oxide polymers and interpolymers and derivatives thereof where the terminal hydroxyl groups have been modified by esterification, etherification, etc., constitute another class of known synthetic lubricating oils. These are exemplified by polyoxyalkylene polymers prepared by polymerization of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, the alkyl and aryl ethers of these polyoxyalkylene polymers (e.g., methyl-poly isopropylene glycol ether having an average molecular weight of 1000, diphenyl ether of poly-ethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 500-1000, diethyl ether of polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of 1000-1500); and mono- and polycarboxylic esters thereof, for example, the acetic acid esters, mixed C 3 -C 8 fatty acid esters and C 13 Oxo acid diester of tetraethylene glycol. Another suitable class of synthetic lubricating oils comprises the esters of dicarboxylic acids (e.g., phthalic acid, succinic acid, alkyl succinic acids and alkenyl succinic acids, maleic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, sebasic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic acid dimer, malonic acid, alkylmalonic acids, alkenyl malonic acids) with a variety of alcohols and polyols (e.g., butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, monoether, propylene glycol). Specific examples of these esters include dibutyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexyl fumarate, dioctyl sebacate, diisooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate, dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, dieicosyl sebacate, the 2-ethylhexyl diester of linoleic acid dimer, and the complex ester formed by reacting one mole of sebacic acid with two moles of tetraethylene glycol and two moles of 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Esters useful as synthetic oils also include those made from C 5 to C 12 monocarboxylic acids and polyols and polyol ethers such as neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol and tripentaerythritol. Polyalphaolefins and hydrogenated polyalpha olefins (referred to in the art as PAO) are useful in the ER fluids of the invention. PAOs are derived from alpha olefins containing from 2 to about 24 or more carbon atoms such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, isobutene, 1-decene, etc. Specific examples include polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of 650; a hydrogenated oligomer of 1-decene having a viscosity at 100° C. of 8 cst; ethylene-propylene copolymers; etc. An example of a commercially available hydrogenated polyalphaolefin is Emery 3004. Silicon-based oils such as the polyalkyl-, polyaryl-, polyalkoxy-, or polyaryloxysiloxane oils and silicate oils comprise a particularly useful class of synthetic oils. These oils include tetraethyl silicate, tetraisopropyl silicate, tetra-(2-ethylhexyl) silicate, tetra-(4-methyl-2-ethylhexyl) silicate, tetra-(p-terbutylphenyl) silicate, hexa-(4-methyl-2-pentoxy) disiloxane, poly(methyl) siloxanes and poly(methylphenyl) siloxanes. The silicone oils are useful particularly in ER fluids which are to be in contact with elastomers. Other synthetic oils include liquid esters of phosphorus-containing acids such as tricresyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate and the diethyl ester of decylphosphonic acid. Specific examples of hydrophobic liquids which may be utilized in the ER fluids of the present invention include, for example, mineral oil, di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate; di-(2-ethylhexyl) maleate; dibenzylether, dibutylcarbitol; di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate; 1,1-diphenylethane; tripropylene glycol methyl ether; butyl cyclohexyl phthalate; di-2-ethylhexyl azelate; tricresyl phosphate; tributyl phosphate; tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate; penta-chlorophenyl phenyl ether; brominated diphenyl methanes; olive oil; xylene; toluene, etc. Commercially available oils which may be used in the ER fluids of the invention include: Trisun 80, a high oleic sunflower oil from The Lubrizol Corporation; Emery 3004, a hydrogenated polyalpha olefin; Emery 2960, a synthetic hydrocarbon ester; and Hatco HXL 427, believed to be a synthetic ester of a monocarboxylic acid and a polyol. The amount of hydrophobic liquid phase in the ER fluids of the present invention may range from about 20% to about 90 or 95% by weight. Generally, the ER fluids will contain a major amount (i.e., at leasdt 51%) of the hydrophobic liquid phase. More often, the hydrophobic liquid phase will comprise from about 60 to about 80 or 85% by weight of the ER fluid. The Conductive Polymer Dispersed Particulate Phase The conductive polymers which may be utilized as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention may be polypyrroles, polyphenylenes, polyacetylenes, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(substituted anilines), polyvinylidines, halides, polyphenothiazines, polyimidazoles, and mixtures thereof. The ER fluids of the present invention generally will contain a minor amount (i.e., up to about 49%) of the dispersed particulate phase although the ER fluids of the present invention more often will contain from about 5 to about 40% by weight of the conductive polymer dispersed phase. In one preferred embodiment, the ER fluids will contain from about 20 to about 40% by weight of the conductive polymers. In one embodiment, the conductive polymers useful in the ER fluids of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of poly(substituted pyrroles), polyphenylene oxides, polyphenylene sulfides, polyacetylenes, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(substituted anilines), polyvinylidine halides, polyphenothiazines, polyimidazoles and mixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the conductive polymers useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention are derivatives obtained by treating a pyrrole, poly(substituted aniline), polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyimidazoline, polyphenothiazine, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, or mixtures thereof with an amount of an acid, halogen, sulfur, sulfur halide, sulfur oxide or a hydrocarbyl halide to form a derivative compound having a desired conductivity. Polypyrroles, including polymers of substituted pyrrole and copolymers of pyrrole and other copolymerizable monomers represent one class of conductive polymers useful in the present invention. The term "polypyrrole" means polymers containing polymerized pyrrole rings including substituted pyrrole rings such as those represented by the following formula ##STR1## wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen or a lower alkyl group containing from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms. Examples of lower alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, etc. In one preferred embodiment, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are independently methyl groups. Examples of such pyrroles include N-methyl pyrrole and 3,4-dimethyl pyrrole. Copolymers of pyrrole and N-methyl pyrrole or 3,4-dimethyl pyrrole can be used in the present invention. Alternatively, pyrrole or substituted pyrroles of the type represented by Formula (I) can be copolymerized with other copolymerizable monomers, and in particular, other heterocyclic ring compounds including those containing nitrogen such as pyridine, aniline, indole, imidazole, etc., furan and thiophene, or with other aromatic or substituted aromatic compounds. Polymers and copolymers of pyrrole are available commercially from a variety of sources or may be manufactured by techniques well known to those skilled in the art. For example, polymers of pyrrole can be obtained by electropolymerization as reported in U.K. Patent 2,184,738 and by Diaz et al, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Comm., 635 (1979) and in J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Comm., 397 (1980). Polypyrrole is electrically conducting in the charged or oxidized state (black), and produced in this state by electropolymerization. If polypyrrole is completely reduced to the neutral or discharge state (yellow), it is an electronic insulator. Polypyrrole, and in particular, pyrrole black can be formed as a polymeric powdered material by oxidizing pyrrole in homogeneous solution (e.g., with hydrogen peroxide). Gardini in Adv. Heterocyl. Chem., 15, 67 (1973) describes such a process and product. Pyrrole can also be oxidized into a polypyrrole with other oxidizing agents such as ferric chloride. Porous electronically conducting compositions comprising an electropolymerized polypyrrole or a copolymer of a pyrrole useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention are described in U.K. 2,184,738, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Briefly, the process described therein comprises electropolymerization of a pyrrole or a copolymerizable mixture containing a pyrrole at an electronically conductive surface in an electrolytic bath by (A) immersing an electronically conductive surface in an electrolytic bath comprising (i) a pyrrole or a mixture of a pyrrole with a copolymerizable monomer, (ii) one or more low mobility anions which are incorporated into the polypyrrole or copolymer of pyrrole and which are characterized by an average ionic transference number for said low mobilility anions during reduction of the polypyrrole or copolymer of less than about 0.1, and (iii) an organic diluent, and (B) passing an electric current through said bath at a voltage sufficient to electropolymerize the pyrrole or copolymerizable mixture containing pyrrole at the electronically conductive surface. The low mobility anions which are incorporated into the compositions may be either organic or inorganic ions. Examples of low mobility of inorganic ions described therein include transition metal complexes such as ferricyanide, nitroprusside, etc. Preferred low mobility anions are organic anions including those derived from organic sulfates or sulfonates which may be alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl alkyl or alkaryl sulfates and sulfonates. The anions may contain more than one anionic site, i.e., more than one ionizable group per molecule, e.g., more than one sulfonic acid group per molecule. Examples of sulfonic acids include hexyl sulfonic acid, octyl sulfonic acid, dodecyl sulfonic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, etc. Examples of sulfates include alkyl sulfates such as lauryl hydrogen sulfate and polyethylene hydrogen sulfates of various molecular weights. Polyphenylenes are also useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention. The term "polyphenylenes" as used herein and in the claims is intended to include polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide and polyphenylene oxide. The conductive polymers useful in the present invention also may comprise polyacetylenes. Polyacetylenes can be prepared by processes known to those skilled in the art, and polyacetylenes of various molecular weights may be utilized in the ER fluids of the present invention as the dispersed particulate phase. The polyvinylpyridines which may be utilized as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention include polymers of vinylpyridine and substituted vinylpyridine as well as copolymers with pyridine, substituted vinylpyridines, and/or other copolymerizable monomers such as styrene, acrylic acid, acrylic esters, etc. The polymers and copolymers useful in the present invention may be derived from 2-vinylpyridine as well as 4-vinylpyridine. Such polymers and copolymers of vinylpyridine are available commercially from such sources as Aldrich Chemical Company, Polyscience, etc. Polymers of other heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds are also useful, and these include polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyimidazoles and polyphenothiazines. Particularly useful are polymers of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolodinone, imidazole, 1-vinylimidazole, and phenothiazine. Several polyvinyl pyrrolidones are available commercially from Aldrich Chemical Company including powders having average molecular weights of 10,000, 24,000, 40,000 and 360,000. Copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone also may be used and these include, such commercially available copolymers as: 1 -vinylpyrrolidone/2-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer; 1-vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer; etc. Polyvinylidine halides which are useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention include poly(vinylidine fluoride), poly(vinylidine chloride), etc. Polyvinylidine halides have been described in the literature and some are available commercially. For example, poly(vinylidine fluoride) is available from Aldrich Chemical Company. The poly(substituted anilines) useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention may be derived from ring-substituted anilines as well as N-substituted anilines. In one embodiment, the poly(substituted anilines) are derived from at least one substituted aniline characterized by the formula R1 ? ? ##STR2## wherein R 1 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group or an acyl group, R 2 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, R 3 -R 7 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl, halo, CN, OR*, SR*, NR* 2 , NO 2 , COOR*, or SO 3 H group, and each R* is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, provided that at least one of R 1 -R 7 is not hydrogen and at least one of R 3 -R 7 is hydrogen. The substituent R 1 may be hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group or an acyl group. The hydrocarbyl group may be an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl group such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, etc. The acyl group may be represented by the formula RC(O)-- wherein R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, generally aliphatic. Preferred aliphatic groups include methyl and ethyl. At least one of R 1 -R 7 in the substituted anilines of Formula (II) is a substituent other than hydrogen as defined above. Thus, the substituent may be an alkyl group, particularly a lower alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, etc. Alternatively, the group may be a halo group, a cyano group, a hydroxy group, mercapto group, amino group, nitro group, carboxy group, sulfonic acid group, a hydrocarbyloxy group, a hydrocarbylthio group, etc. The hydrocarbyl groups preferably are aliphatic groups, and more preferably lower aliphatic groups containing from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms. In preferred embodiments, at least one of R 3 or R 5 is hydrogen, and in another embodiment, R 1 and R 2 also are hydrogen. In another preferred embodiment, R 1 , R 4 or R 5 is an alkyl group, an OR* group or COOH group, and the remainder of R 1 through R 7 are hydrogen. Preferably, the alkyl groups R 3 , R 4 or R 5 are methyl groups. In another embodiment, the substituted aniline may be represented by the formula ##STR3## wherein R 1 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl or an acyl group, R 2 -R 4 are each independently hydrogen, or an alkyl, halo, cyano, OR*, SR*, NR* 2 , NO 2 , COOR*, or SO 3 H group, and each R* is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group provided that at least one of R 1 -R 4 is not hydrogen. Specific examples of substituted anilines which can be polymerized to poly(substituted anilines) useful in the present invention include o-toluidine, o-ethylaniline, m-toluidine, o-chloroaniline, o-nitroaniline, anthranilic acid, o-cyanoaniline, N-methylaniline, N-ethylaniline, acetanilide, m-acetotoluidine, o-acetotoluidide, p-aminodiphenylamine, benzanilide, 2'-hydroxy-5'-nitroacetanilide, 2-bromo-N-N-dimethylaniline, 4-chloroacetanilide, 4-acetamidothioanisole, 4-acetamido-3-nitrobenzoic acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, o-methoxyaniline, p-methoxyaniline, 2-nitroaniline, 3-nitroaniline, 4-nitroaniline, 2-methoxy-5-nitroaniline, 2-(methylthio)aniline, 3-(methylthio)aniline, 4-(methylthio)aniline, etc. The poly(substituted aniline) powders which may be utilized as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention are prepared by polymerizing a substituted aniline in the presence of an oxidizing agent and an acid. Generally from about 0.1 to about 2 moles or more, preferably up to about 1.6 moles, and more preferably about one mole of an acid per mole of aniline is used to form an acid salt of the poly(substituted aniline). The poly(substituted anilines) useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluid of the present invention may also be obtained by polymerizing mixtures of at least one substituted aniline and up to about 50% by weight of another monomer selected from aniline, pyrroles, vinyl pyridines, vinyl pyrrolidones, thiophenes, vinylidene halides, phenothiazines, imidazoles, N-phenyl-p-phenylene diamines or mixtures thereof. For example, the poly(substituted aniline) may be prepared from a mixture of a substituted aniline and up to about 50% by weight of pyrrole or a substituted pyrrole such as N-methylpyrrole and 3,4-dimethylpyrrole. The polymerization is conducted in the presence of an oxidizing agent. Generally, the polymerization is accomplished in the presence of about 0.8 to about 2 moles of the oxidizing agent per mole of aniline. Various oxidizing agents may be utilized to effect the polymerization of the aniline, and useful oxidizing agents include, peroxides such as sodium peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, etc; alkali metal chlorates such as sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate; alkali metal perchlorates such as sodium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate; periodic acid; alkali metal iodates and periodates such as sodium iodate and sodium periodate; persulfates such as metal or ammonium persulfates; and chlorates. Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal persulfates may be utilized. The metal and ammonium persulfates, particularly alkali metal or ammonium persulfates are especially useful as the oxidizing agent. Polymerization of the substituted aniline also is conducted in the presence of an acid. In one embodiment, from about 0.1 to about 2 moles or more of an acid may be used per mole of substituted aniline or mixture of substituted aniline and any of the comonomers described above. In another embodiment, from about 0.8 to about 1.2 or 1.6 moles of acid are utilized per mole of monomer, and in a preferred embodiment, the substituted anilines are polymerized in the presence of approximately equimolar amounts of oxidizing agent and acid. The acid which is utilized in the polymerization reaction may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid with the inorganic acids generally preferred. Examples of inorganic acids which are useful include mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Hydrochloric acid is one preferred example of an inorganic acid useful in the polymerization of the substituted anilines. Organic acids which may be used in the polymerization of substituted anilines include, for example, sulfonic acids, sulfinic acids, carboxylic acids and phosphorus acids, and these acids may be alkyl or aryl-substituted acids. Partial salts of said acids also may be used. The organic acids may contain one or more of the sulfonic, sulfinic or carboxylic acid groups, and the acids may, in fact, be polymeric acids as described more fully below. Although the organic acids may contain olefinic unsaturation, it is generally preferred that the organic acids be saturated acids since organic acids containing olefinic unsaturation generally will react with the oxidizing agent thereby diminishing the amount of oxidizing agent available to effect oxidation of the substituted aniline and the resulting polymerization reaction. Accordingly, when the organic acid contains olefinic unsaturation, an excess of the oxidizing agent is generally included in the polymerization mixture. Examples of sulfonic acids which may be utilized include alkyl sulfonic acids such as methane sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, propane sulfonic acid, hexane sulfonic acid and lauryl sulfonic acid. Examples of aromatic sulfonic acids include benzenesulfonic acid and paratoluenesulfonic acid. The organic phosphorus acids useful in the present invention include alkyl phosphonic acids (e.g., methylphosphonic acid, ethylphosphonic acid), aryl phosphonic acids (e.g., phenyl phosphonic acid), and alkyl phosphinic acids (e.g., dimethylphosphinic acid). Examples of carboxylic acids include alkyl carboxylic acids such as propanoic acid, hexanoic acid, decanoic acid and succinic acid. Examples of aromatic carboxylic acids include benzoic acid. In another embodiment, the organic acid utilized in a polymerization of the substituted anilines is a sulfo acid monomer (or polymer thereof) which may contain at least one sulfonic or sulfinic acid. Mixtures of sulfo acid monomers may be used. Acidic polymers prepared from sulfo acid monomers are preferred in the polymerization process of the present invention since the polymers contain little or no olefinic unsaturation. Specific examples of useful sulfo acid monomers (and polymers thereof) include vinyl sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, vinyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, vinyl benzene sulfonic acid, vinyl anthracene sulfonic acid, vinyl toluene sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid and acrylamidohydrocarbyl sulfonic acid. A particularly useful acrylamidohydrocarbyl sulfo monomer is 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid. This compound is available from The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, Ohio, U.S.A., under the trademark AMPS® Monomer. Other useful acrylamidohydrocarbyl sulfo monomers include 2-acrylamidoethane sulfonic acid, 2-acrylamidopropane sulfonic acid, 3-methylacrylamidopropane sulfonic acid, and 1,1-bis(acrylamido)-2-methylpropane-2-sulfonic acid. In one embodiment, the organic acid used in the polymerization reaction may be (a) a sulfo acid monomer represented by the formula (R.sub.1).sub.2 C═C(R.sub.1)Q.sub.a Z.sub.b (III) wherein each R 1 is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; a is 0 or 1; b is 1 or 2, provided that when a is 0, then b is 1; Q is a divalent or trivalent hydrocarbyl group or C(X)NR 2 Q'; each R 2 is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; Q' is a divalent or trivalent hydrocarbyl group; X is oxygen or sulfur; and Z is S(O)OH, or S(O) 2 OH; or (b) a polymer of at least one of said monomers. In Formula III, R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or hydrocarbyl. In a preferred embodiment, R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably to about 6, more preferably to about 4. In a preferred embodiment, R 1 and R 2 are each independently hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen. Q is a divalent or trivalent hydrocarbyl group or C(X)NR 2 Q'. Q' is a divalent or trivalent hydrocarbyl group. The divalent or trivalent hydrocarbyl groups Q and Q' include alkanediyl (alkylene), alkanetriyl, arenylene (arylene) and arenetriyl groups. Preferably, Q is an alkylene group, an arylene group or C(H)(NR 2 )Q'. The hydrocarbyl groups each independently contain from 1, preferably from about 3 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably up to about 12, more preferably to about 6, except when Q or Q' are aromatic where they contain from 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to about 12. Examples of di- or trivalent hydrocarbyl groups include di- or trivalent methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, hexyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, decyl, benzyl, tolyl, naphthyl, dimethylethyl, diethylethyl, and butylpropylethyl groups, preferably a dimethylethyl group. In one embodiment, Q is C(X)NR 2 Q' and Q' is an alkylene having from about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms, such as dimethylethylene. In another embodiment, the acid is (b) a polymer derived from at least one sulfo acid monomer represented by Formula III. The polymers derived from the sulfo acid monomers generally are characterized as having sulfonic or sulfinic acid moieties extending from the backbone of the polymer. The polymers may also be derived from two or more different sulfo-acid moieties. Thus, the polymers may be copolymers or terpolymers of two or more of said sulfo acid monomers. In such instances one of the sulfo acid monomers may be a salt such as an alkali metal salt of the sulfo acid monomers. An example of a useful copolymer is the copolymer obtained from a mixture of 20 parts of AMPS monomer and one part of the sodium salt of 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid. In another embodiment, the copolymers and terpolymers are prepared from (i) at least one sulfo acid monomer of Formula (III) and (ii) one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic compounds; maleic acids, anhydrides or salts; vinyl lactams; vinyl pyrrolidones and fumaric acids or salts. The comonomer is preferably water soluble. Acrylic compounds include acrylamides, acrylonitriles, acrylic acids, esters or salts, methacrylic acids, esters or salts, and the like. Specific examples of these compounds include acrylamide, methacrylamide, methylenebis(acrylamide), hydroxymethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, butylacrylate, 2-ethylhexylacrylate, hydroxyethylacrylate, hydroxybutylacrylate, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, butylmethylacrylate, hydroxypropylmethacrylate, crotonic acid, methyl crotonate, butyl crotonate, hydroxyethyl crotonate. Alkali or alkaline earth metal (preferably sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium) salts of acrylic, methacrylic or crotonic acids may also be used. Substituted and unsubstituted vinyl pyrrolidones and vinyl lactams, such as vinyl caprolactam, are useful as comonomers. Examples of useful maleic comonomers include alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of maleic acid (preferably sodium salts), C 1-6 alkyl esters (preferably methyl, ethyl or butyl), or ester-salts formed from C 1-6 alkyl esters and alkali or alkaline earth metals. Preferably, the monomers include acrylic or methacrylic acids, esters or salts. The comonomer is generally present in an amount from about 1%, more often from about 25% to about 75%. In one embodiment, about equal parts of the sulfo acid monomer and the comonomer are polymerized, more preferably about 50% by weight of the sulfo monomer or the comonomer. The polymers are formed by polymerization of the sulfo monomers using conventional vinyl polymerization techniques. For solution polymerization, water is the preferred solvent for the preparation of the polymers of the present invention. Dimethylformamide is also suitable in many cases. Initiators used in the polymerization process are known to those in the art and include ammonium persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, redox initiators and organic soluble initiators such as azo-bis-isobutyronitrile. The polymers may also be prepared in a high energy mechanical mixing means, such as an extruder or ball mill. The process using a high energy mechanical mixing means is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,544 issued to Sopko et al. The process described therein is hereby incorporated by reference for its disclosure to making of polymers and copolymers with high energy mechanical mixing. The sulfo polymers used in the present invention generally have a viscosity average molecular weight to about 9,000,000, preferably to about 1,000,000. The polymers generally have viscosity average molecular weight of at least about 5,000, preferably at least about 10,000. In one preferred embodiment, the sulfo polymers have a viscosity average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 20,000. The following examples A-C illustrate the preparation of sulfo acid polymers (or salts thereof) useful in the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated in the examples, and elsewhere in the specification and claims, temperature are in degrees Celsius, parts are parts by weight, and pressure is at or near atmospheric pressure. EXAMPLE A A monomer solution is prepared by mixing 43 parts (0.44 mole) of maleic anhydride with 666.5 parts (0.44 mole) of a 15% by weight solution of sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate in dimethylformamide. The above monomer solution is added to a reaction vessel and heated to 60° C. under nitrogen. The reaction temperature is maintained at 60°-63° C. for 45 minutes where 0.6 part (0.004 mole) of azobis(isobutyronitrile) dissolved in 2.6 parts dimethylformamide is added to the reaction vessel. The reaction temperature is maintained at 60° C. for 19 hours. The reaction mixture is stripped to 80° C. and 10 millimeters of mercury to yield a clear viscous liquid. The product has an inherent viscosity of 0.039 dLg -1 (0.25 part polymer in 100 parts 0.5 normal aqueous sodium chloride at 30° C.). EXAMPLE B A reaction vessel is charged with 67.7 parts (0.94 mole) of acrylic acid and 651 parts of dimethylformamide. Anhydrous sodium carbonate (49.8 parts, 0.47 mole) is added to the flask at 27° C. The slurry is stirred for 36 minutes at 25° C. The reaction temperature is increased to 40° C. and the mixture is stirred for three hours. A solution of 67.5 parts (0.69 mole) of maleic anhydride, 50 parts (0.065 mole) of a 30% solution of sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate in dimethylformamide, and 75 parts dimethylformamide is added to the reaction vessel at 27° C. The reaction mixture is heated to 35° C. for 20 minutes. A solution of 0.5 parts of azobis(isobutyronitrile) in 3 parts dimethylformamide is added to the reaction vessel at 45° C. The reaction temperature increases exothermically to 70° C. over 20 minutes. The reaction temperature is maintained between 60°-63° C. for two hours. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filtrate is stripped at 80° C. and 10 millimeters of mercury. The residue has an inherent viscosity of 0.12 dLg -1 (0.1077 part product in 100 parts 0.5 normal aqueous sodium chloride solution at 30° C.). EXAMPLE C A monomer solution is prepared by adding 414.4 parts (2 moles) of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid and 15.8 (0.1 mole) parts of 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, sodium salt to 990 parts of distilled water. The mixture is heated and purged with nitrogen to a temperature of about 60° C. whereupon the mixture of 10 parts of water and one part of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride is added. An exothermic polymerization reaction occurs, and the temperature reaches about 84° C. in about 10 minutes. The reaction mixture then cools to about 60° C. and stirring is continued for about 3 hours while maintaining the temperature at about 60° C. The mixture is then cooled and allowed to stand overnight. A pale-yellow liquid of the desired polymer acid is obtained having an acid neutralization number (to phenolphthalein) of 78.0 (theory, 78.4). In one embodiment of the present invention, the poly(substituted aniline) acid salts are prepared by adding an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent to an aqueous mixture of substituted aniline and optionally any of the comonomers mentioned above, and acid while maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture below about 50° C. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the reaction is maintained below about 10° C., generally from about 0° to about 10° C. The polymerization reaction is generally completed in about 3 to 10 hours, although the reaction mixture is generally stirred for periods of up to 24 hours at room temperature after the initial reaction period. The poly(substituted aniline) acid salts obtained in this manner generally are washed with water or slurried in water and/or an alcohol such as methanol for periods of up to 24 or even 48 hours and thereafter dried. The polymerization of mixtures of substituted aniline and other comonomers in accordance with the process of the present invention can be conducted in the presence of solid substrates which are generally inert materials such as silica, mica, talc, glass, alumina, zeolites, cellulose, organic polymers, etc. In these embodiments, the poly(substituted aniline) generally is deposited on the substrate as a coating which may also penetrate into the open pores in the substrate. The substrates may be of any size and shape including irregular as well as regular shapes such as rods, spheres, etc. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the polymerization of substituted aniline is conducted in the presence of a zeolite (e.g., Zeolite LZ-Y52, from the Linde division of Union Carbide and identified as Na 56 Al 56 , Si 136 O 384 ) and cupric nitrate. The cupric nitrate is dissolved in water and the zeolite is added with stirring whereupon an exchange occurs. It is believed that copper atoms exchange for at least some of the sodium atoms in the zeolite. In the gas phase reaction with aniline, cupric ion is reduced to cuprous ion with the generation of an acid function, resulting in the formation of polyaniline within the detailed structure and as a coating on the zeolite particles. In another embodiment of the present invention, the polymerization of the substituted anilines in the presence of acid and an oxidizing agent is conducted in the presence of cellulose particles which may be either in the form of fibers, spheres, rods, etc. The deposition of the poly(substituted aniline) acid salts on and in the cellulose results in particles useful as the dispersed phase which may be designed to provide various and desired aspect ratios which can be utilized to control the shape of the dipole and separation of charge of the dispersed phase in the ER fluids. Examples of useful cellulose particles are CF1 and CF11 available from Whatman Specialty Products Division of Whatman Paper Limited, Maidstone, Kent, Me. 142LE. CF1 is identified as a long fibrous cellulose with a fiber length 100-400 μm and a mean diameter of 20-25 μm. CF11 is a medium fibrous cellulose with fiber length range of from 50-250 μm and a mean diameter of 20-25 μm. Although the precise nature or structure of the poly(substituted aniline) acid salts has not been determined, it is believed that under the oxidizing conditions used in the above-described reactions, the polymerization reaction results in a poly(substituted aniline) characterized principally by the emeraldine structure. Some nigraniline structure may be present. The acid salts of poly(substituted aniline) prepared in accordance with the above procedures generally are treated with a base to remove protons from the acid salt, and reduce the conductivity of the polyaniline salt. The protons are those derived from the acid used in the polymerization reaction. Various basic materials may be utilized to deprotonate the acid salt. Generally, the base is ammonium hydroxide or a metal oxide, hydroxide, alkoxide or carbonate. The metal may be an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium or an alkaline earth metal such as barium, calcium or magnesium. When the base is ammonium hydroxide or alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate, aqueous solutions of the hydroxide and carbonate are utilized for reaction with the acid salt of polyaniline. When metal alkoxides are utilized for this purpose, the solvent or diluent is generally an alcohol. Examples of alkoxides which may be utilized include sodium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium propoxide, etc. Examples of alcohol include methanol, ethanol, propanol, etc. In one embodiment, the metal carbonate used as the base may be an overbased or gelled overbased metal salt. Overbased metal salts are characterized by metal content in excess of that which would be present according to stoichiometry of metal in the particular organic compound reacted with the metal. Typically, a metal salt is reacted with an acidic organic compound such as a carboxylic, sulfonic, phosphorus, phenol or mixtures thereof. An excess of metal is incorporated into the metal salt using an acidic material, typically carbon dioxide. Gelled overbased metal salts are prepared by treating an overbased metal salt with a conversion agent, usually an active hydrogen-containing compound. Conversion agents include lower aliphatic carboxylic acids or anhydrides, water, aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, aryl aliphatic alcohols, phenols, ketones, aldehydes, amines and the like. The overbased and gelled overbased metal salts are known and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,231 issued to McMillen which is hereby incorporated by reference for its disclosure to overbased and gelled overbased metal salts and processes for making the same. The poly(substituted aniline) acid salt obtained as described above may be treated with an amount of a base for a period of time which is sufficient to remove the desired amount of protons from the acid salt. In one embodiment the acid salt may be treated with up to about 5 moles, more often about 2 moles, of base per mole of acid salt. For the purposes of this invention the term "acidic protons" refers to protons (H + ) which are attached to the nitrogen atom in the poly(substituted aniline). The protons may also be referred to as labile protons: The removal of protons (deprotonation) is required when the polyaniline acid salts prepared in accordance with the above procedures are too conductive to provide ER fluids having the desired characteristics. Thus, the degree of deprotonation will depend upon the conductivity of the poly(substituted aniline) acid salt as formed and the ability of the poly(substituted aniline) acid salt to perform in a particular ER fluid. The extent of the deprotonation desired can be readily determined by one skilled in the art by observing the effect of the deprotonated poly(substituted aniline) acid salt when the salt is utilized as the dispersed phase in an ER fluid. It is generally believed that although it is desired to utilize conductive polymers as the dispersed phase in an ER fluid, the conductive composition is preferably a semi-conductor exhibiting minimal conductivity. In one preferred embodiment, the poly(substituted aniline) acid salts prepared in accordance with the process of the present invention are treated with an amount of the base for a period of time which is sufficient to remove substantially all of the protons derived from the acid. For example, if the acid utilized in the polymerization is hydrochloric acid, the poly(substituted aniline) acid salt is treated with the base in an amount which is sufficient to reduce the chloride content of the acid salt to as low as from 0 to 0.2%. It has been observed that the electronic conductivity characteristics of the poly(substituted aniline) salts may be regulated and controlled more precisely by initially removing substantially all of the protons from the poly(substituted aniline) acid salt obtained from the polymerization reaction, and thereafter treating the deprotonated poly(substituted aniline) compound with an acid, a halogen, sulfur, sulfur halide, sulfur trioxide, or a hydrocarbyl halide to form a poly(substituted aniline) compound having a desired conductivity. The level of conductivity obtained can be controlled by the selection of the type and amount of these compounds used to treat the poly(substituted aniline) which is substantially free of acidic protons. The same procedure can also be used to increase the conductivity of poly(substituted aniline) acid salts which have not been reacted with a base to the extent necessary to remove substantially all of the acidic protons. This treatment of the poly(substituted aniline) with an acid, halogen, sulfur, sulfur halide, sulfur trioxide, or hydrocarbyl halide to form a polyaniline compound having a desired conductivity generally is known in the art as "doping". Any of the acidic compounds described above as being useful reagents in the polymerization of the substituted aniline may be utilized as dopants. Thus, the acids may be any of the mineral acids or organic acids described above. In addition, the acid may be the Lewis acid such as aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, stannous chloride, boron trifluoride, zinc chloride, gallium chloride, etc. The conductivity of the poly(substituted aniline) can be increased also by treatment with a halogen such as bromine or iodine, or with a hydrocarbyl halide such as methyl iodide, methyl chloride, methyl bromide, ethyl iodide, etc., or with sulfur or a sulfur halide such as sulfur chlorides or sulfur bromides. The poly(substituted aniline) compounds which are substantially free of acidic protons are treated in accordance with the present invention with an amount of the above compounds which is sufficient to provide a desired conductivity as determined by the anticipated utility of the treated poly(substituted aniline). The desired conductivity of the treated product will depend in part upon the other components of the electrotheological fluid and the characteristics desired of the ER fluid. The characteristics, including the conductivity and rheological properties of the ER fluid may be varied in part by variations in the conductivity of the dispersed particulate phase, the presence of non-conductive particles in the ER fluid, and the amount of the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluid. In one embodiment, the poly(substituted aniline) compounds which have been deprotonated are treated with hydrochloric acid in sufficient quantity to form a product containing up to about 5% chloride, more often up to about 1%. The conductive polymers useful as the dispersed particulate phase in the ER fluids of the present invention may also be derivatives of polypyrroles, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyimidazoles, polyphenathiazines, polyphenylene oxides, polyphenylene sulfide, or mixtures thereof wherein the derivatives are obtained by treating these polymers with an amount of an acid, halogen, sulfur, sulfur halide, sulfur oxide or a hydrocarbyl halide as described above with respect to the poly(substituted anilines). Treatment of the polymers in this manner results in the formation of derivative compounds characterized by an increased electronic conductivity. Thus, the conductivity of the derivatives can be controlled by such treatment. In this regard, the discussion above with regard to the treatment of poly(substituted anilines), with such materials including the types of materials and conditions of the treatment are applicable equally to the treatment of these additional polymers. The following examples illustrate the preparation of various conductive polymers useful as the conductive dispersed particulate phase in the non-aqueous ER fluids of the present invention. EXAMPLE 1 To a 5-liter flask there are added 214 parts (2 moles) of o-toluidine and 600 parts of concentrated hydrochloric acid (7.2 moles) in 1400 parts of water. The mixture is cooled to 6° C. and a solution of 0.28 part (0.001 mole) ferrous sulfate heptahydrate in 20 parts of water is added followed by a solution of 912 parts (4 moles) of ammonium persulfate in 200 parts of hydrochloric acid dissolved in 1800 parts of water precooled to 5° C. As this solution is added, the reaction temperature rises to about 22° C. The reaction mixture is maintained at about 20° C. by external cooling, and the persulfate addition is completed in about 3.5 hours. Stirring is continued overnight and the reaction mixture then is filtered. The residue is slurried with 2500 parts of water, stirred for about 5 hours and filtered. The residue thus obtained is slurried with 200 parts (3 moles) of ammonium hydroxide and 2000 parts of distilled water and stirred overnight. The mixture is again filtered, and the residue thus obtained is slurried with 2500 parts of water and stirred overnight. The mixture is filtered, and a black residue is obtained which is dried in a steam chest for about two days and finally in a vacuum oven at 140° C. for 24 hours. The solid obtained in this manner contains 8.55% nitrogen, 0.11% sulfur and 2.85% chlorine. EXAMPLE 2 A 5-liter reaction flask is charged with 89 parts (0.83 mole) of ortho-toluidine, 570 parts (0.79 mole) of the sulfo acid polymer of Example C and 1000 parts of distilled water. The mixture is cooled to 5° C. by external cooling and a solution of 189.2 parts (0.83 mole) of ammonium persulfate in 500 parts of distilled water (precooled to 5° C.) is added to the reaction flask over a period of about 5 hours. During the addition, the temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained at between 5° and 8° C. The mixture is stirred overnight and filtered. A green residue is obtained and is slurried with 2500 parts of water with stirring for about 4 hours, and the slurry is filtered. The residue is dried in a forced air oven at 105° C. for 48 hours and in a vacuum oven at 140° C. for 24 hours. A black powder is obtained which contains 9.86% nitrogen and 6.21% sulfur. EXAMPLE 3 A 5-liter reaction flask is charged with 1800 parts of water and 166 parts (2 moles) of hydrochloric acid, and 214 parts (2 moles) of o-toluidine are added over 5 minutes. The mixture is cooled to 5° C. and a solution (precooled to 5° C.) of 501.6 parts (2.2 moles) of ammonium persulfate in 1400 parts of water is added over a period of about 6.5 hours while maintaining the temperature at about 5°-6° C. The mixture is stirred overnight as the temperature of the mixture approaches ambient temperature. The mixture is filtered, and the residue is rinsed with 3000 parts of water. The residue thus obtained is slurried with 2000 parts of water, stirred for 3 hours, filtered and washed with 2000 parts of water. The residue is slurried with 2500 parts of water, stirred for about 17 hours and again filtered. The residue is slurried with 2500 parts of water, stirred for 4 hours and filtered. The residue thus obtained is slurried with 198 parts (3 moles) of aqueous ammonium hydroxide and 2300 parts of water, stirred for about 19 hours and filtered. The residue is rinsed with 1000 parts of water, slurried with 2500 parts of water, stirred for 3.5 hours and filtered. The residue is rinsed with 1000 parts of water and transferred to a glass dish. The residue is dried in a forced air oven at 106° C. for 48 hours, ball-milled for 24 hours and dried in a vacuum oven at 150° C. for 24 hours. The black powder obtained in this matter contains 11.76% nitrogen and 0.99% sulfur, but no detectable chlorine. EXAMPLE 4 A 5-liter reaction flask is charged with 166 parts (2 moles) of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1800 parts of distilled water. At a temperature of about 23° C., 214 parts (2 moles) of m-toluidine are added as the temperature rises to about 30° C. The mixture is cooled to 6° C. by external cooling, and a solution of 456 parts (2 moles) of ammonium persulfate in 1400 parts of distilled water (precooled to 5° C.) is added over a period of about 6 hours. During the addition, the temperature is maintained at between 5°-8° C. by external cooling. The mixture is stirred overnight and filtered. The residue is slurried with 2500 parts of water and stirred for 24 hours. This mixture is filtered and the residue thus obtained is washed with 1000 parts of water and then slurried with 1000 parts of water with stirring for about 3.5 hours. The slurry is filtered and the residue is mixed with 198 parts (3 moles) of ammonium hydroxide in 2300 parts of water with stirring for a period of about 17 hours. This mixture is filtered and the residue obtained is slurried with 2500 parts of water with stirring for about 4 hours. The mixture is filtered and the residue is slurried with 2500 parts of water with stirring for 1.5 hours. A black residue is obtained when the mixture is filtered, and the residue is dried in a forced air oven at 110° C. for about 3 days and then in a vacuum oven at 140° C. for 24 hours. The black powder obtained in this manner contains 12.30% nitrogen, 0.46% chlorine and 0.02% sulfur. EXAMPLE 5 A 2-liter flask is charged with 100 parts of 0.12M hydrochloric acid (0.012 mole) and 900 parts of distilled water. To this mixture there is then added 107 parts (1 mole) of the product of Example 4. The mixture is stirred for about 24 hours and filtered. The black residue is obtained which is dried in a forced air oven at 100° C. for 24 hours and in a vacuum oven at 150° C. for 24 hours. The black powder obtained in this manner contains 10.09% nitrogen, 0.27% chlorine and 0.007% sulfur. EXAMPLE 6 A 5-liter flask is charged with 255.2 parts (2 moles) of o-chloroaniline, 166 parts (2 moles) of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1200 parts of water to form a slurry. A solution of 456 parts (2 moles) of ammonium persulfate in 1400 parts of water is added to the flask dropwise at a temperature of 3°-5° C. over 6 hours. The mixture is stirred overnight and filtered. The residue is slurried in 3000 parts of distilled water and stirred overnight. The solid is recovered by filtration and slurried in 3000 parts of methanol with stirring overnight. The slurry is then filtered, and the residue slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water and 132 parts (2 moles) of ammonium hydroxide. This mixture is stirred for 48 hours and filtered. The filtrate is again slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water and 132 parts (2 moles) of ammonium hydroxide for 48 hours. The solid is recovered by filtration and slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water overnight and filtered. The residue is dried in a steam oven, and thereafter dried in a vacuum oven at 150° C. The solid obtained in this manner contains 14.76% nitrogen but no detectable sulfur. EXAMPLE 7 A 5-liter flask is charged with 214 parts (2 moles) of N-methyl aniline, 166 parts (2 moles) of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1200 parts of water, and this mixture is cooled to 5° C. A solution of 456 parts (2 moles) of ammonium persulfate in 1400 parts of distilled water is prepared and added at a temperature of 3°-8° C. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight and filtered. The residue is slurried in 3000 parts of distilled water and stirred overnight. The solid is recovered by filtration and slurried in 3000 parts of methanol with stirring overnight. The slurry is then filtered, and the residue slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water and 132 parts (2 moles) of ammonium hydroxide. This mixture is stirred for 48 hours and filtered. The filtrate is again slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water and 132 parts (2 moles) of ammonium hydroxide for 48 hours. The solid is recovered by filtration and slurried in 2500 parts of distilled water overnight and filtered. The residue is dried in a steam oven, and thereafter dried in a vacuum oven at 150° C. The solid obtained in this manner contains 14.13% nitrogen and 0.04% sulfur. EXAMPLE 8 A 12-liter flask is charged with 137.1 parts (1 mole) of anthranilic acid and 6000 parts of distilled water followed by the addition of 70 parts (0.14 mole) of 2M hydrochloric acid and 1500 parts of denatured ethanol. The mixture is cooled in an ice bath to about 6° C. whereupon a solution of 228 parts (1 mole) of ammonium persulfate and 1000 parts of water is added dropwise to the stirred mixture. The solution is added at a rate that maintains the reaction temperature at 10° C. or below. Twenty minutes after the addition of the persulfate solution has begun, 500 parts (1 mole) of 2M hydrochloric acid are added to the reaction flask, and the remaining portion of the oxidant solution is added over a period of 2 hours. The mixture is stirred for 22 hours and allowed to stand for 10 days. The reaction mixture is filtered, and the black residue is slurried with 1000 parts of distilled water for one week and filtered. The black residue is placed in a dish and dried in a steam chest for 2 days. The solid obtained in this manner contains 7.11% nitrogen and 0.063% chlorine. EXAMPLE 9 A reaction flask is charged with 23.5 parts (0.25 mole) of aniline, 27.0 parts (0.25 mole) of o-toluidine, 31.1 parts (0.25 mole) of o-anisidine, 17 parts (0.25 mole) of pyrrole and 800 parts of distilled water. Hydrochloric acid (83 parts, 1 mole) is added to the mixture over a period of 15 minutes with stirring. The temperature of the mixture reaches 30° C. from an initial temperature of 25° C. After standing overnight, the mixture is cooled to 5° C. by external cooling, and a solution of 228 parts (1 mole) of ammonium persulfate in 800 parts of water is added dropwise over a period 4 hours. The temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained between 0° and 10° C. during the addition, and the mixture is stirred overnight. The reaction mixture is filtered, and the black residue is washed with 1000 parts of distilled water. The filtrate is placed in a beaker, and 50 parts of ammonium persulfate is added with stirring. The stirring is continued for 24 hours and the mixture is filtered. The combined black residues are slurried with 2000 parts of distilled water, stirred for 24 hours and filtered. A black residue is obtained which is slurried with 198 parts (3 moles) of aqueous ammonium hydroxide and 2 liters of water (pH=10.5), and the mixture is stirred for 24 hours. The mixture is filtered and a black residue is obtained which is slurried with 2000 parts of water followed by stirring for 6 hours and filtration. This process is repeated twice. The black residue thus obtained is dried in a forced air oven at 100° C. for 24 hours followed by drying in a vacuum oven at 110° C. for 24 hours. A black solid is obtained which contains 13.3% nitrogen and 0.4% sulfur. PG,35 EXAMPLE 10 Ferric chloride (373 parts, 2.3 moles) is dissolved in 3000 parts of distilled water in a 5-liter flask. Pyrrole (67.09 parts, 1 mole) is added dropwise to the flask over a period of about 45 minutes as the temperature of the mixture increases a maximum of 3° C. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for one day, allowed to stand for two days, filtered, and the residue is washed with distilled water until the filtrate is colorless. The residue is dried overnight in a steam oven and dried in a vacuum oven at 120°-125° C. The polypyrrole salt prepared in this manner contains 16.3% nitrogen and 10.59% chlorine. EXAMPLE 11 A 3-liter flask is charged with 66 parts (1 mole) of aqueous ammonium hydroxide and 1940 parts of distilled water. The polypyrrole salt of Example 10 (100 parts) is added and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for one day. The reaction mixture is filtered, and the residue is slurried with 2000 parts of distilled water overnight. The slurry is filtered, and the residue is dried in a vacuum oven at 150° C. The powder obtained in this matter contains 19.0% nitrogen and 0.97% chlorine. EXAMPLE 12 A 5-liter flask is charged with 491.7 parts (1.76 moles) of ferric chloride hexahydrate and 3700 parts of water. A solution of 8 parts (0.18 mole) of polyvinyl alcohol (Mw 25000) in 100 parts of water is prepared by heating to 75° C. with stirring for about 15 minutes. This solution also is added to the 5-liter flask. Pyrrole (50.8 parts, 0.75 mole) is added to the reaction flask over a period of about 15 minutes, and the black reaction mixture is stirred overnight. The mixture is then filtered, and the black residue thus obtained is slurried with 2500 parts of water, stirred for one hour and filtered. The residue is again slurried with 2000 parts of water, stirred for 3.5 hours and filtered. The residue is dried in a forced air oven at 55° C. for 6 hours and in a vacuum oven at 110° C. for 48 hours. A black solid is obtained which contains 15.4% nitrogen and 9.08% chlorine. EXAMPLE 13 A polypyrrole lauryl sulfate is prepared in accordance with the general procedure described in U.K. Patent 2,184,738. In this procedure, 1200 grams (17.89 moles) of pyrrole, 1200 grams (4.16 moles) of sodium lauryl sulfate, 600 grams of polyethyleneoxide (molecular weight=20,000) and 15 gallons of water are mixed and electropolymerized using a 17 inch×36 inch×0.05 inch 10/10 steel anode cleaned with a fine wire brush. The anode is bussed along the 36 inch top dimension with two 1.5×36×0.1 inch copper strips using 5 bolts passing through the anode plate. The inner 3 bolts serve as the anode electrical connections. The electropolymerization is conducted at 100 amps for 120 minutes. The power is removed and the mixture is cooled to ambient temperature, washed with water and filtered. The residue is washed 3 times with water, ground in a Waring blender with water and filtered. The residue is washed with water and then methanol. The powder is vacuum dried at 75° C. overnight. The dry powder obtained in this manner contains 62.31% carbon, 10.77% nitrogen, 5.33% sulfur and 0.010% sodium. EXAMPLE 14 A 2-liter flask is charged with 196.7 parts (0.3 mole) of the polypyrrole lauryl sulfate prepared in Example 13, and 900 parts of methanol are added to form a slurry. A solution of 20 parts of potassium hydroxide (0.357 mole) in 300 parts of water is prepared and added to the flask over a period of two hours with stirring. The mixture is stirred for several hours at room temperature and filtered. The residue is slurried and washed with 1000 parts of methanol, 1000 parts of aqueous methanol (50/50) and finally, two times with 1000 parts of methanol. The slurry is filtered, and the residue is air dried and dried in a steam oven. The product obtained in this manner contains 1.88% sulfur. EXAMPLE 15 A 1-liter reaction flask is charged with 103.6 parts (0.5 mole) of AMPS monomer and 500 parts of distilled water. The mixture is purged with air at a temperature of about 23° C., and 47.7 parts (0.45 mole) of 4-vinyl pyridine are added dropwise over a period of 0.5 hour with stirring. The mixture is stirred an additional one hour whereupon the mixture is heated with a nitrogen purge to a temperature of 57° C. and a solution of 0.5 part of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in two parts of water is added. The mixture is stirred overnight while maintaining the temperature at about 57° C. The reaction mixture is transferred into an aluminum pan and dried in a steam chest for 7 days. The product finally is dried in a vacuum oven at 120° C. for 24 hours. A slightly pink solid is obtained which contains 8.79% nitrogen and 10.30% sulfur. EXAMPLE 16 A 1-liter reaction flask is charged with 72 parts (1 mole) of acrylic acid and 700 parts of distilled water. To this mixture is added 100.7 parts (0.95 mole) of 4-vinylpyridine dropwise over 15 minutes. During this addition, the temperature rises from about 23° C. to about 36° C. When the addition of the 4vinylpyridine is completed, the reaction mixture is heated and purged with nitrogen to a temperature of 60° C. whereupon a solution of one part of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in 5 grams of water is added. The mixture is heated at about 60° C. with stirring for about two days, and the mixture is transferred to a pyrex glass dish and dried in a steam chest for 18 days and in a vacuum oven at 125° C. for 40 hours. A brown solid is obtained which contains 8.31% nitrogen. EXAMPLE 17 A 1-liter reaction flask is charged with 55 parts (0.5 mole) of 4-vinylpyridine, 200 parts of distilled water and 200 parts of methanol. The mixture is stirred purging with nitrogen, is heated. At a temperature of 59° C., a solution of 0.2 part of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in two parts of water is added. Stirring is continued for about 36 hours at a temperature of about 60° C. At this time, the mixture is cooled and allowed to stand overnight. A mixture of 62.4 parts (0.25 mole) of cuprous sulfate pentahydrate in 200 parts of water and 200 parts of methanol is prepared and added to the reaction flask. Stirring is continued for two days. The reaction mixture is transferred to a glass dish and dried in a steam chest for 8 days followed by drying in a vacuum oven at 125° C. for 24 hours. A brown solid is obtained which contains 7.33% nitrogen and 15.2% copper. EXAMPLE 18 A 1-liter reaction flask is charged with 22.4 parts (0.213 mole) of poly(2-vinylpyridine) from Aldrich Chemical and 250 parts of water. A solution of 26.6 parts (0.106 mole) of cuprous sulfate pentahydrate in 150 parts of water is added over a period of five minutes. The mixture is stirred overnight at which time the reaction mixture is filtered. A green filtrate is obtained and transferred to a pyrex glass dish. The green filtrate is dried in a steam chest for 5 days and finally in a vacuum oven at 125° C. for 24 hours. A brown solid is obtained which contains 8.53% nitrogen and 9.2% copper. EXAMPLE 19 Poly(2-vinylpyridine) (25 parts) from Polyscience is placed in a dish in a dessicator charged with iodine crystals. The mixture is allowed to equilibrate for 25 days with occasional mixing. The material turns brown. At the end of this period, there is a weight increase of about 7.3%. EXAMPLE 20 A 2-liter reaction flask is charged with 108 parts (1 mole) of polyphenylene sulfide and 500 parts of hexane. At a temperature of about 23° C., sulfur trioxide (40 parts, 0.5 mole) and nitrogen are bubbled through the reaction mixture for about 3 hours and 45 minutes with stirring. The temperature of the mixture reaches 31° C. The mixture is then filtered, and the residue is rinsed with 500 grams of hexane. The residue is stirred with 1000 parts of water for 30 minutes and filtered. The residue thus obtained is washed with 500 parts of water and slurried with 1000 parts of water with stirring for about 1.5 hours. The mixture is filtered, and the residue is slurried with 1000 parts of water, stirred for two hours and filtered. A camel colored solid thus obtained is dried in a forced air oven at 100° C. for 24 hours and ball milled. The powder obtained in this manner contains 27.48% sulfur. EXAMPLE 21 A 1-liter beaker is charged with 5 parts of sodium hydroxide and 600 parts of water. To this mixture there is added 50 parts of the product prepared in Example 20, and the mixture is stirred for about 5 hours and filtered. The residue is slurried with 600 parts of water, stirred for 30 minutes, and filtered. The residue thus obtained is again slurried with 600 parts of water, stirred for 30 minutes and filtered. The residue is dried in a steam chest for 24 hours, and the brown powder obtained in this manner contains 33.6% sulfur. EXAMPLE 22 A 1-liter reaction flask is charged with 108 parts (1 mole) of polyphenylene sulfide and 400 parts of hexane. Fuming sulfuric acid (30% SO 3 , 540 parts, 2 moles) is added over a period of 5.5 hours with stirring. The mixture was stirred an additional hour and allowed to stand for two days. The mixture is filtered, and the black residue thus obtained is digested with 3000 parts of water, stirred for one hour and filtered. The filtrate thus obtained is slurried with 3000 parts of water, stirred for 3 hours and filtered. This brown residue is slurried with 8000 parts of tap water, stirred for 2 hours and filtered. The residue is ball-milled for 48 hours and centrifuged. The brown residue thus obtained is taken up with a fresh supply of distilled water and centrifuged. This procedure is repeated five times. The brown residue thus obtained is dried in a forced air oven at 100° C. and ball milled. The black powder which is obtained in this manner is the desired product containing 26.2% sulfur. EXAMPLE 23 Polyphenylene sulfide (30 parts) is placed in a shallow dish in a dessicator charged with an excess of iodine crystals and allowed to equilibrate for 7 days. At the end of this time, a weight increase of 0.5 part (1.5%) is obtained. The ER fluids of the present invention are prepared by mixing the above-described conductive polymer compounds (as the dispersed phase) with the selected hydrophobic liquid phase. The polymers may be comminuted to certain particle sizes if desired. The electrorheological fluids of the present invention may contain from 5 to about 80% by weight of the polymer dispersed phase. More often, the ER fluids contain a minor amount (i.e., up to about 49%) of the dispersed phase. In one embodiment, the ER fluids of the present invention contain from about 5 to about 40% by weight of the polymer dispersed phase, and in another embodiment, the ER fluids will contain from about 20 to about 40% of the polymer compounds. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, electrorheological fluids are provided which are characterized as having a Winslow Number (Wn) in excess of 3000 at 20° C., and in other embodiments, the ER fluids are characterized as having Wn in excess of 100 at the maximum temperature of the intended application. This temperature may be 80° C., 100° C., or even 120° C. Desirable and useful ER fluids are provided in accordance with the present invention which are essentially non-aqueous or essentially anhydrous. Small amounts (for example, less than about 1% based on the total weight of the fluid) of water may be present which may, in fact, be essentially impossible to remove, but such amounts do not hinder the performance of the ER fluids of the present invention. In addition to the hydrophobic liquid phase and the dispersed particulate phase of conductive polymer, the ER fluids of the present invention may contain other components capable of imparting or improving desirable properties of the ER fluid. Examples of additional components which may be included in the ER fluids of the present invention include organic polar compounds, organic surfactants or dispersing agents, viscosity index improvers, etc. The amount of the above additional components included in the ER fluids of the present invention will be an amount sufficient to provide the fluids with the desired property and/or improvement. Generally, from about 0 to about 10% by weight, and more often from about 0 to about 5% by weight of one or more of the additional components can be included in the ER fluids of the present invention to provide desirable properties including viscosity and temperature stability. It is highly desirable, for example, that the particulate dispersed phase remain dispersed over extended periods of time such as during storage, or, if the particulate dispersed phase settles on storage, the phase can be readily redispersed in the hydrophobic liquid phase. In one embodiment, it is desirable to include in the ER fluids of the present invention at least one organic polar compound. Examples of useful polar compounds include organic compounds such as amines, amides, nitriles, alcohols, polyhydroxy compounds, ketones and esters. Examples of amides include acetamide and N-methyl acetamide. Polyhydroxy compounds are useful in the ER fluids of the present invention, and examples of such polar compounds include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, pentaerythritol, etc. The surfactants which can be utilized in the ER fluids of the present invention are useful for improving the dispersion of the solids throughout the vehicle and in maintaining the stability of the dispersions. Preferably, the surfactants are soluble in the hydrophobic liquid phase. The surfactants may be of the anionic, cationic or nonionic type although the nonionic type of surfactants generally are preferred. Examples of nonionic surfactants useful in the ER fluids of the present invention include fatty acids, partial or complete esters of polyhydric alcohols including fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol, glycerine, mannitol and sorbitol. Specific examples include sorbitan sesquioleate sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monolaurate, glycerol monooleate, glycerol dioleate, mixtures of glycerol mono- and dioleate, polyoxyalkylene derivatives of sorbitan trioleate, etc. In one embodiment, the surfactants are functionalized polysiloxanes including amino functional, hydroxy functional, mercapto functional, carboxy functional, acetoxy functional or alkoxy functional polysiloxanes which generally have a molecular weight above 800. The functional groups may be terminal, internal, or terminal and internal. The functional polysiloxane surfactants may be represented by the following formula ##STR4## wherein each of Y 1 -Y 3 is independently CH 3 or a functional group selected from --R'N(R')H, --R'OH, --R'OR, --R'SH, --R'COOH wherein R' is a divalent group consisting of C, H and optionally O and/or N, R is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to about 8 carbon atoms, or --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.p --R.sup.2 or --(CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)O).sub.p --R.sup.2 R 2 is H or a hydrocarbyl group, m is a number from about 10 to about 1000, n is a number from 0 to 10, and p is a number from 1 to about 50 provided that at least one of Y 1 -Y 3 is not CH 3 . In one embodiment, both Y 1 and Y 3 are functional groups and Y 2 is methyl. These silicones are referred to herein as terminally functionalized silicones. When Y 1 and Y 3 are methyl, and Y 2 is one of the functional groups reacted, the silicone is referred to as an internally functionalized silicone. The divalent group R' may be an alkylene group, an oxy alkylene group or an amino alkylene group wherein the oxygen atom or the nitrogen atom, respectively, are attached to the silicon atom. The alkylene group may contain from 1 to about 3 or 4 carbon atoms, and specific examples include methylene, ethylene, n-propylene, i-propylene, etc. The hydrocarbyl group R 2 may be alkyl or aryl group. Generally, R 2 is a lower alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, etc. Specific examples of the functional groups Y 1 -Y 3 which may be included in the siloxanes of Formula (II) include --CH 2 NH 2 , --CH 2 N(CH 3 )H, --CH 2 CH 2 NH 2 , --CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH 2 , --CH 2 CH 2 SH, --CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH, --CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 SH, --CH 2 CH 2 COOH, --CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 COOH, --CH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 , --OCH 2 CH 2 OH, --OCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 , --CH 2 O(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 H, --CH 2 O(CH 2 CH 2 O) 2 CH 3 , --CH 2 O(CH 2 CH(CH 3 )O) 2 H, --CH 2 O(CH 2 CH(CH 3 )O) 2 CH 3 , etc. Functionalized polysiloxanes which are useful as surfactants in the ER fluids of the present invention are available commercially from a variety of sources. For example, an internal carbinol functional silicone polymer is available from Genesee Polymers Corporation, Flint, Mich., under the trade designation EXP-69 Silicone Fluid. This fluid is reported to be characterized by the following formula ##STR5## A mercapto modified silicone also is available from Genesee Polymers under the designation GP-72A. The following is given as a representative structure by the manufacturer. ##STR6## An example of a commercially available carboxy-terminated polysiloxane is PS573 from Petrarch Systems, Bristol, Pa. which may be characterized by Formula (IIC). ##STR7## In some instances, it may be desirable to add materials capable of increasing and stabilizing the viscosity of the ER fluids when the fluid is not under the influence of an electrical field. Materials which have been described in the literature as viscosity modifying agents in lubricating oils may be used for this purpose in the fluids of the present invention. Viscosity modifying agents generally are polymeric materials characterized as being hydrocarbon-based polymers generally having a number average molecular weight of between about 25,000 and 500,000, more often between about 50,000 and 200,000. The viscosity modifiers may be included in the ER fluids of the present invention in amounts from about 0 to about 10% or more as required to modify the viscosity of the fluid as desired. Polyisobutylenes (PIB), polymethacrylates (PMA), ethylene-propylene copolymers (OCP), esters of copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride, hydrogenated polyalpha-olefins and hydrogenated styrene-conjugated diene copolymers are useful classes of commercially available viscosity modifiers. Polymethacrylates (PMA) are prepared from mixtures of methacrylate monomers having different alkyl groups. Most PMA's are viscosity modifiers as well as pour point depressants. The alkyl groups may be either straight chain or branched chain groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms. The ethylene-propylene copolymers, generally referred to as OCP can be prepared by copolymerizing ethylene and propylene, generally in a solvent, using known catalysts such as a Ziegler-Natta initiator. The ratio of ethylene to propylene in the polymer influences the oil-solubility, oil-thickening ability, low temperature viscosity and pour point depressant capability of the product. The common range of ethylene content is 45-60% by weight and typically is from 50% to about 55% by weight. Some commercial OCP's are terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of non-conjugated diene such as 1,4-hexadiene. In the rubber industry, such terpolymers are referred to as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Esters obtained by copolymerizing styrene and maleic anhydride in the presence of a free radical initiator and thereafter esterifying the copolymer with a mixture of C 4-18 alcohols also are useful as viscosity-modifying additives. The hydrogenated styrene-conjugated diene copolymers are prepared from styrenes such as styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, ortho-methyl styrene, meta-methyl styrene, para-methyl styrene, para-tertiary butyl styrene, etc. Preferably the conjugated diene contains from 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of conjugated dienes include piperylene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, chloroprene, isoprene and 1,3-butadiene, with isoprene and butadiene being particularly preferred. Mixtures of such conjugated dienes are useful. The styrene content of these copolymers is in the range of about 20% to about 70% by weight, preferably about 40% to about 60% by weight. The aliphatic conjugated diene content of these copolymers is in the range of about 30% to about 80% by weight, preferably about 40% to about 60% by weight. These copolymers can be prepared by methods well known in the art. Such copolymers usually are prepared by anionic polymerization using, for example, an alkali metal hydrocarbon (e.g., sec-butyllithium) as a polymerization catalyst. Other polymerization techniques such as emulsion polymerization can be used. These copolymers are hydrogenated in solution so as to remove a substantial portion of their olefinic double bonds. Techniques for accomplishing this hydrogenation are well known to those of skill in the art and need not be described in detail at this point. Briefly, hydrogenation is accomplished by contacting the copolymers with hydrogen at super-atmospheric pressures in the presence of a metal catalyst such as colloidal nickel, palladium supported on charcoal, etc. In general, it is preferred that these copolymers, for reasons of oxidative stability, contain no more than about 5% and preferably no more than about 0.5% residual olefinic unsaturation on the basis of the total number of carbon-to-carbon covalent linkages within the average molecule. Such unsaturation can be measured by a number of means well known to those of skill in the art, such as infrared, NMR, etc. Most preferably, these copolymers contain no discernible unsaturation, as determined by the afore-mentioned analytical techniques. These copolymers typically have number average molecular weights in the range of about 30,000 to about 500,000, preferably about 50,000 to about 200,000. The weight average molecular weight for these copolymers is generally in the range of about 50,000 to about 500,000, preferably about 50,000 to about 300,000. The above-described hydrogenated copolymers have been described in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,911 describes a hydrogenated random butadiene-styrene copolymer, its preparation and hydrogenation. The disclosure of this patent is incorporated herein by reference. Hydrogenated styrene-butadiene copolymers useful as viscosity-modifiers in the ER fluids of the present invention are available commercially from, for example, BASF under the general trade designation "Glissoviscal". A particular example is a hydrogenated styrene-butadiene copolymer available under the designation Glissoviscal 5260 which has a number average molecular weight of about 120,000. Hydrogenated styrene-isoprene copolymers useful as viscosity modifiers are available from, for example, The Shell Chemical Company under the general trade designation "Shellvis"Shellvis 40 from Shell Chemical Company is identified as a diblock copolymer of styrene and isoprene having a number average molecular weight of about 155,000, a styrene content of about 19 mole percent and an isoprene content of about 81 mole percent. Shellvis 50 is available from Shell Chemical Company and is identified as a diblock copolymer of styrene and isoprene having a number average molecular weight of about 100,000, a styrene content of about 28 mole percent and an isoprene content of about 72 mole percent. The following examples illustrate some of the ER fluids of the present invention. Silicone oil (10 cst) is a polydimethyl silicone oil from Dow Corning. ______________________________________ %/Wt.______________________________________ER Fluid APolypyrrole salt of Ex. 10 15.0Glycerol monooleate 3.0Trisun 80 82.0ER Fluid BPolyvinylidene fluoride 20.0EXP-69 silicone 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 77.0ER Fluid CPolyphenylene sulfide 40.0Emery 3004 60.0ER Fluid DPolypyrrole salt of Ex. 11 15.0EXP-69 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 82.0ER Fluid EPoly-2-vinylpyridine 15.0EXP-69 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 82.0ER Fluid FPoly-o-toluidine of Ex. 1 20.0Glycerol monooleate 3.0Emery 3004 77.0ER Fluid GPoly-m-toluidine of Ex. 4 15.0PS563 (carboxy terminated silicone) 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 82.0ER Fluid HPolyvinylpyridine (Reilline 2200) 17.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 83.0ER Fluid IPoly-p-phenylene sulfide of Ex. 23 25.0Glycerol monooleate 3.0Trisun 80 72.0ER Fluid JPoly-2-vinylpyridine/I.sub.2 (2.7%I) 15.0EXP 69 silicone 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 82.0 ER Fluid KProduct of Ex. 19 15.0EXP 69 silicone 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 82.0ER Fluid LPolypyrrole lauryl sulfate (Ex. 13) 20.0Glycerol monooleate 5.0Trisun 80 75.0ER Fluid MKOH treated polypyrrole lauryl 20.0sulfate (Ex. 14)Glycerol monooleate 3.0Trisun 80 77.0ER Fluid NPoly-o-toluidine of Ex. 1 20.0Ethylene glycol 3.0Trisun 80 77.0ER Fluid OPoly-o-toluidine of Ex. 1 25.0EXP 69 silicone 3.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 72.0ER Fluid PPoly-o-toluidine of Ex. 1 25.0EXP 69 silicone 3.0Ethylene glycol 1.0Silicone oil (10 cst) 71.0______________________________________ While the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. EXAMPLE 24 To a 12 L flask is charged 3 L distilled water, 4 15 mL aqueous hydrochloric acid (83 mL/mole), and 535 g N-methylaniline. The flask and its contents are cooled to 4° C. and a solution of 1140 g ammonium persulfate in 3500 mL distilled water is added over 6 hours (temperature 4°-10° C.). The mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature. The solids are recovered by filtration, then returned to a flask and slurried with 3 L distilled water and stirred overnight. The solids are recovered by filtration and slurried in 6 L distilled water containing 330 mL concentrated ammonium hydroxide (66 mL/mole) and stirred at room temperature overnight. The solids are recovered by filtration and slurried in 3 L distilled water and stirred at room temperature overnight. The solids are recovered by filtration dried in a steam oven, sieved through a 710 μm mesh screen, and dried at 100° C. under vacuum. The resulting poly-N-methylaniline is formulated into an electrotheological fluid.

Non-aqueous electrorheological fluids are described which comprise a major amount of a hydrophobic liquid phase and a minor amount of a dispersed particulate phase comprising conductive polymers selected from the group consisting of polypyrroles, polyphenylenes, polyacetylenes, polyvinylpyridines, polyvinylpyrrolidones, poly(substituted anilines), polyvinylidene halides, polyphenothiazines and polyimidazoles. The electrorheological fluids prepared in accordance with the present invention are useful in a variety of applications including flotational coupling devices such as clutches for automobiles or industrial motors, transmissions, brakes or tension control devices; and linear damping devices such as shock absorbers, engine mounts and hydraulic actuators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to the use of opiate antagonists to treat psychopathologic conditions, more particularly, the use of opiate antagonists to treat emotional numbness associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychopathologic conditions. Emotional numbness is conceptualized as a biopsychological response to extreme emotional or physical trauma. 2. Description of the Related Prior Art: At this time, there is no pharmacological treatment available for the psychiatric condition of emotional numbing. The principal feature of emotional numbness is a person's subjective experience of the inability to feel emotions, and is accompanied by a lack of care and concern for self and others. When numbness is profound no feeling can be experienced and the person takes on a "wooden" expressionless and lifeless appearance. Numb individuals are generally unresponsive to the environment and they are socially withdrawn. Unresponsiveness to the environment is a composite disturbance representing a diminished level of mental alertness and awareness and a loss of interest in the outside world. Numb individuals do not experience an empathic bond or a sense of relatedness to others. In social situations they tend to feel alienated and apart. Emotional numbness is frequently associated with numbness and/or paresthesias of the body and feelings of heaviness or paralysis. Severe numbness is accompanied by a profound impairment of concentration and memory with an amnesia for events occurring during the numb state. Information processing of any kind may be severely impaired. When emotional numbness is severe and prolonged, it is usually accompanied by a lack of motivation, interest or pleasure in life's activities. Numb individuals are thus emotionally, mentally, psychologically and socially impaired. They are less able to deal with stresses of any kind--especially reminders of their past traumatic experiences. They tend, therefore, to avoid thoughts or feelings and activities or situations which might activate recollections of the original traumatic event(s). The one exception to this last statement is the tendency for some numbed individuals to at times actively seek out exciting or (very) dangerous activities in order to overcome their numbness and to experience feeling alive (see below). The presence of numbing is evaluated clinically as part of the psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD. No independent laboratory tests currently exist to identify the presence or absence of numbing. Numbing (and avoidance) is one of four categories of psychiatric disturbance that must be fulfilled for an individual to receive the diagnosis of PTSD. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic Statistical Manual's (DSMR III-R) definition of numbing (and avoidance) includes seven items, any three of which have to be present for that category (numbing and avoidance) to be fulfilled. Emotional numbness is specifically represented by two of seven items. One item describes the presence of a restricted range of affect, e.g., the inability to have loving feelings. A second item describes a marked diminished interest in significant activities. Numbing is defined by this Manual as "persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma or numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by at least three of the following: (1) efforts to avoid thoughts or feelings associated with the trauma (2) efforts to avoid activities or situations that arouse recollections of the trauma (3) inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma (psychogenic amnesia) (4) markedly diminished interest in significant activities (in young children, loss of recently acquired developmental skills such as toilet training or language skills) (5) feeling of detachment or estrangement from others (6) restricted range of affect, e.g., unable to have loving feelings (7) sense of foreshortened future, e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, or children or a long life." The above conditions are clinical conditions exhibited by an individual which are criteria a health care provider would look to during the psychiatric diagnosis. Emotional numbing is primarily a subjective complaint. Emotional numbness can vary along three parameters: duration, severity, and social context. Numbness can be experienced for minutes, hours, days, months or years on a continuous or intermittent basis. A person who has severe or profound emotional numbing does not have any feelings at all. In a less severe case, emotions associated with high levels of physiological arousal may be experienced: e.g., rage, fear, and vulnerability. However, tender affectionate feelings are not felt. For periods of time, some less severely numbed individuals may be able to experience love and concern towards a specific individual(s). This may be a child, trusted spouse or fellow survivor of a traumatic episode. Emotional numbing may be accompanied by a physical experience of heaviness or paralysis of the body, pins and needles, tingling or numbness of parts of the body, feelings of unreality, alienation, and detachment from others. Cognitive disturbances can include mental confusion, amnesia, impaired concentration, indecisiveness, inability to plan future actions, and a paralysis of will. These cognitive disturbances may occur independent of the level of physiological arousal or distress; forgetfulness, disorientation, or confusion can occur without any apparent preceding increase in stress or anxiety. Some patients are not able to make the distinction between the mental states of numbness and depression. Impaired cognitions, including an absence of self awareness, may interfere with an individual's ability to distinguish between numbness and depression. Other individuals may frequently shift between states of depression and numbness which makes it difficult for them to distinguish their subjective experiences. Numbness and depression also share certain symptoms including impaired concentration and memory and lack of interest and pleasure in life's activities. Emotional numbness should be distinguished from depression. Emotional numbness denotes an absence of feelings (including those of depression and sadness). In contrast to a depressed person, a numbed individual lacks feelings of regard, concern, caring or empathy for himself/herself and others. Common terms which traumatized persons use to describe this numb state of mind include: shutdown, numb, ice cold, hollow, dead, empty and no feelings, care or concern for anyone or anything. Family members commonly regard relations who are numb as being cold, heartless, and emotionally unresponsive. A profoundly numb individual has a wooden facial expression rather than one that is depressed. Very occasionally the emotionally numbed individual may appear to be angry or sad to others, yet respond with bewilderment or denial when questioned about his/her look of anger or sadness. Numbed persons may learn to role play appropriate behavioral responses in family and social settings even though they continue to have no feelings. When questioned, these individuals may relate what they thought they should have felt based on their inferences and judgments about the situation rather than what they actually experienced. The mental state of emotional numbness is a disabling condition for the traumatized victim and his or her family members. Numbness interferes with a person's ability to enjoy and participate in life's activities (work, intimacy, sex, etc.) and with the individual's ability to respond with genuine affection, interest or concern about anybody or anything, which can oftentimes lead to marital and family discord. Although a numbed individual may be less likely to respond emotionally to most situations, the same individual may be more likely to lash out than to exercise restraint once enraged because of his/her indifference to the consequences of his/her actions. In addition, rage can also precipitate or intensify the numb response. When numbed individuals do experience negative emotions such as rage, bitterness, hostility or betrayal, these mood states continue for extended periods of time. However, emotions that are positively felt decay rapidly and evaporate. Some individuals with emotional numbing may seek out sensation and risk-taking activities such as skydiving, racing cars, gambling, drug abuse, self-inflicted pain, etc. in an effort to escape the deadening effect of numbness These activities can assume a compelling addictive drive accompanied by intense feelings of craving. Endogeneous opiates (endorphins) are actively produced in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to stress. Endorphins represent one of the primarily major inhibitory neurotransmitter systems, inhibiting the release of other neurotransmitters, both in the CNS and in the peripheral organs. Endorphins can inhibit the neural transmission of sensory information in the spinal cord. Endorphins have been strongly implicated in the experimental paradigm of stress induced analgesia. Conditioned stress induced analgesia is believed to be specifically endorphin dependent. Exogenous opiates demonstrate a variety of effects on the mood and behavior of animals and man depending on dose, chronicity, method, site and timing of administration (in relation to exposure to stress). Responses may vary from calm sedation and euphoria to dysphoria and agitation. Opiates are well known for their ability to cause mental confusion, apathy and reduction of anxiety associated with pain. The limbic system of the CNS is where emotions, motivations and interests are processed and modulated. It is a region densely populated with opiate receptors. In PTSD endorphins are postulated to shut down the processing of emotional experiences and motivational systems which leads to numbness and loss of interest. The hippocampus is a structure within the limbic system which is considered important for memory processing, including the consolidation and establishment of long term memory. Amnesia is classically associated with damage to the medial temporal brain region, especially the hippocamus formation. This region, in turn, has extensive projections to specific sensory modality pathways and polymodal areas in the neocortex where long term memory storage probably occurs. These areas are also densely occupied by opiate receptors. Opiates have also been found to be capable of inducing amnesia in experimental animals. Excessive secretion of endorphins in these regions are hypothesized to lead to symptoms of mental confusion, disorientation and amnesia. States of numbness are similarly postulated to occur in other psychopathological conditions. These include affective disorders such as "masked" depression and severe or psychotic depression. The latter condition is generally unresponsive to antidepressants but is responsive to electric shock therapy. Opiate antagonist medication provides an alternative to that form of intervention for many of these individuals. A number of psychological and clinical states may produce apathy which, by definition, includes the absence of emotions. When apathy is not the result of organic degeneration of the central nervous system it should similarly be considered for opiate antagonist treatment. Severely anxious individuals and those with hypochondriacal and psychosomatic conditions may experience numbness. Alexithymia, a condition in which individuals are unable to describe their feelings verbally, is observed in persons with the diagnosis of PTSD and in persons with psychosomatic disorders. It is postulated that a percentage of individuals with alexithymia manifest this difficulty as a result of emotional numbness. Furthermore, schizophrenic conditions in which negative symptoms including apathy predominate also experience emotional numbness. In all these conditions, numbness represents an extreme biopsychological response to the stress of emotional overload so that the emotional experience is profoundly dampened down or turned off and the expenditure of metabolic energy is reduced. The numb state, however, creates additional problems of its own (as described above). Numbness can become the principal response to any nonspecific situation in which an individual feels vulnerable and/or unable to cope. This is especially true of the PTSD population, where the numb response is likely to become a chronic and persistent problem. Nalmefene is a known narcotic antagonist. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,814,768 and 3,896,226 both to Fishman disclose nalmefene and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts per se and as a component in narcotic antagonist compositions, respectively. Compounds related to nalmefene, i.e., having the same pentacyclic nucleus, including naloxone, naltrexone, nalbuphine, thebaine, etc., are also known and are used to treat mental illness. U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,324 to Horrobin discloses the use of certain opiate antagonists, e.g., naloxone to enhance the prostaglandin (seris 1) levels which are suggested to thereby indirectly influence schizophrenia and depression. U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,643 to Archer discloses the use of certain morphine derivatives as central nervous system stimulants. U.S. Pat. No. 3,299,072 to Bartels-Keith discloses the use of certain thebaine derivatives for the same purpose. U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,050 to Buckett et al. discloses the use of certain morphine derivatives as tranquilizers or psychosedatives. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,154,142 and 4,511,570 disclose the use of a particular normorphone derivative to treat hyperkinetic children and senile adults, respectively. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for treating emotional numbness associated with PTSD and other psychopathologic conditions. This objective and other objectives are achieved by providing a method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an opiate antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preferably in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, the opiate antagonist is an opiate antagonist having a pentacyclic nucleus, most preferably, nalmefene, naloxone, naltrexone, nalbuphine, or thebaine. Preferably, nalmefene is administered orally in an initial dosage of about 0.5 to 1.0 mgms. b.i.d. for about one week, followed by a dosage of about 1.0 to 5.0 mgms. b.i.d. for about one week, followed by a dosage of about 5.0 to 10.0 mgms. b.i.d. for about one week, followed by a dosage of about 10.0 to 20.0 mgms. b.i.d. for about one week. The dosage is increased by about 10.0 to 20.0 mgms. every week thereafter until the patient has achieved a numb-free state. Symptoms related to the emotional numbness, i.e., conditions exhibited by an individual which are a by-product of the emotional numbness, such as somatic numbing, pins and needles, lack of empathy, mental confusion, amnesia, loss of interest and compulsive sensation seeking behavior are reduced by the method of the invention. The emotional numbness itself may be associated with one or more psychopathologic conditions, such as PTSD, depression, hypochondria, anxiety, a psychosomatic disorder or negative symptoms of schizophrenia, or the emotional numbness may be associated with one or more physical insults to the central nervous system such as a closed head injury or a cerebral vascular accident. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In general, the present invention relates to the use of opiate antagonists, for the treatment of emotional numbness associated with PTSD and other psychopathologic conditions. It has been discovered that when emotional numbness is overcome in accordance with the method of the invention, certain secondary characteristics or symptoms related to or derived from the emotional numbness begin to disappear or at least begin to lessen significantly. In other words, when emotional numbness is successfully treated, then other conditions or symptoms associated with it are also treated. Some of these by-product conditions or symptoms of emotional numbness include, but are not limited to, somatic numbing, pins and needles, lack of empathy, mental confusion, amnesia, loss of interest, and compulsive sensation seeking behavior. The emotional numbing itself may be associated with PTSD or any other psychopathologic condition including, but not limited to, depression, hypochondria, anxiety, a psychosomatic disorder and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Moreover, the emotional numbness may be associated with any of various physical insults to the central nervous system, such as, but not limited to, closed head injuries and cerebral vascular accidents. Although any suitable opiate antagonist may be employed, an opiate antagonist having a pentacyclic nucleus, such as nalmefine, naloxone, naltrexone, nalbuphine or thebaine, is preferred. Of these opiate antagonists, nalmefene is most preferred. Nalmefene (6-methylene-6-desoxy-N-cyclopropylmethyl-14-hydronormorphine) is derived by the Wittig reaction from naltrexone. See Hahn et al., J. Med. Chem. 18, 259 (1975). See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,814,768 and 3,896,226, both disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable nalmefene for use in the method of the invention is commercially available in its hydrochloride salt form from Ivax, 8800 Northwest 36th Street, Miami, Fla., 33178. Nalmefene has the following formula: ##STR1## While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the exocyclic methylene group at position 6 of the molecule enhances oral bioavailability and potency of the drug by blocking one of its sites of metabolism. This compound is particularly effective by the oral route and is also effective when administered parenterally, although any suitable route may be employed. The compound is preferably combined (mixed) with a pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier for easy ingestion, and because nalmefene has a high potency in small dosages. Suitable inert carriers include, but are not limited to, water, milk optionally with sugar and/or starch, natural and synthetic fruit juices, such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, grape juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice and prune juice, and sweetened beverages such, for instance, as flavored water with or without carbonation. If the compound is to be administered orally, one of the above carriers is desirable. If the compound is to be administered parenterally, distilled water is a desirable carrier. The compound also may be administered rectally by incorporation in a standard suppository. Other routes of administration and suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefor will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The method of the invention is recommended for any individual who has PTSD and/or other psychopathologic conditions noted above, in whom numbness is persistent and interferes with that person's ability to enjoy life's activities and to relate to significant others. Administration of an opiate antagonist in accordance with the invention is preferably instituted at the lowest possible oral dose to be followed by weekly incremental doses until numbing is reversed. Benzodiazepines, clonidine and other medications used in the treatment of opiate withdrawal symptoms will generally be needed to control any resulting distresses (e.g., increased symptoms of anxiety, palpitations, insomnia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea) until adequate opiate blockade is achieved. Specific dosages are a function of the intensity and persistence of numbing, the degree of continuing external stressors and the intensity of associated levels of physiological arousal. The final dose to reverse the effect of numbing will be significantly higher than the dose used to precipitate withdrawal reactions in a narcotic addict. Opiate blockade in the PTSD individual preferably is maintained at a high dose level because endorphins are constantly being manufactured within the brain as part of a conditioned neurochemical response. Maintenance dosage is preferably continued for at least one year before a trial of gradual reduction is attempted. During that period, the individual should have shown an ability to consistently relate to significant others and to experience feelings rather than numbness. Dosage changes may be instituted relatively quickly as long as the patient is followed carefully on a weekly basis and is informed in advance of temporary increases of emotional and physical symptoms. Patients who are administered clonidine should be provided with the means to take their blood pressure on a regular basis. Preferably, in the method of the invention, the patient is started on nalmefene at about 0.5 to 1.0 mgm. b.i.d., raised to 1.0 to 5.0 mgms. b.i.d. the following week, then to 5.0 to 10.0 mgms. b.i.d. the third week, and to 10.0 to 20.0 mgms. b.i.d. the fourth week, with 10.0 to 20.0 mgm. increases per week thereafter. Most preferably, an opiate antagonist is started at about 0.5 mgm. b.i.d., raised to about 1 mgm. b.i.d. the following week, then to 5 mgms. b.i.d. the third week and to about 10 mgms. b.i.d. the fourth week, with about 20 mgm. increases per week thereafter. Patients should keep daily logs of their numb state, the presence or absence of nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, startle responses, and their respective intensities. Weekly records should be kept of the patient's level of anxiety and mood states. Patients with significantly higher baseline levels of anxiety and who have to be maintained on mild tranquilizers will require more careful supervision, larger doses of a tranquilizer and higher doses of opiate antagonist before their numbness is reversed. Some individuals may require doses of opiate antagonist that would be greater than 100 mgms. b.i.d. It should be emphasized that in the process of increasing the dose of opiate antagonist, any symptom associated with PTSD may worsen before it improves. As the dose of the drug is increased, patients will commonly experience increased feelings of emotional vulnerability. Some symptoms in some individuals may persist for a longer period of time before they reverse. This drug may make some individuals temporarily more numb, especially when administered to persons who are anxious. It will be understood by those skilled in this field that the dosage may be varied to accommodate individual needs, reactions or circumstances. Also, clinically obese individuals should not be administered the drug because they experience intensely adverse reactions of rage and/or anxiety at very low doses. In general, a significantly large dose increase is required to go from a good to a 100% no-numbness response. The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following examples: EXAMPLE 1 John Doe is a 44-year old married Vietnam combat veteran who served as a medic during the war. He was exposed to several life-threatening experiences in addition to his emergency medical treatment responsibilities. Mr. Doe has been emotionally numb since his discharge from service in Vietnam. He began to experience nightmares and flashbacks after a visit to the Washington Vietnam Memorial War in 1984. Subsequent to that date, Mr. Doe was diagnosed to have PTSD as a result of his exposure to trauma in the Vietnam War. John Doe evidenced persistent numbing on a daily basis prior to starting on nalmefene 1 mgm. b.i.d. Baseline subjective level of tension was rated to be moderate. Mr. Doe was not on any tranquilizer. The dosage of nalmefene was increased 2 mgms./day, twice a week. The patient complained of episodic symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, abdominal pain and insomnia until the dosage was increased to 28 mgms. b.i.d. Symptoms either worsened or improved with dosage increases. Emotional numbness showed considerable variation from day to day with a gradual increase in the number of numb-free days. Mr. Doe was able to maintain a relatively symptom (anxiety) free state with occasional limited periods of numbness for one month on a dose of 28 mgms. b.i.d. Anxiety symptoms up to that dose had been controlled with a mild tranquilizer and clonidine 0.1 mgm. as needed. The patient became severely numb again when he was told that his wife would require major surgery. Nalmefene was increased once again to 2 mgms./day on twice a week basis. Surgery was successful but the patient continued to experience considerable numbness with feelings of vulnerability and diminished sex drive. Mr. Doe's condition began to improve at the dose of 41 mgms. b.i.d. At that time, he was informed that his mother had a recurrence of cancer. Numbness once again significantly worsened with the appearance of panic attacks, restlessness, social withdrawal, insomnia, and impaired concentration and memory. His condition stabilized once again at a dose of 47 mgms. b.i.d. with only occasional restless sleep and intermittent anxiety. It should be noted that this patient's nightmares and flashbacks essentially disappeared once he was started on nalmefene at the beginning of the protocol. These symptoms briefly returned when his condition deteriorated during his wife's convalescence from surgery. The dosage was increased 4 mgms./day from 47 mgms. b.i.d. to 55 mgms. b.i.d., and then increased by 10 mgms./day from 55 mgms. to 60 mgms. b.i.d. An additional major stressor experience required raising the dose to 80 mgms. bid. This patient has maintained a numb-free state with no anxiety symptoms or complaints of sluggishness at this dosage. EXAMPLE 2 Jane Smith is a 38-year old woman married to a disabled Vietnam combat veteran who has the diagnosis of PTSD. Mrs. Smith's mother and younger brother are both psychotic. They live on the second floor of the two-family house in which the Smith couple reside. Jane Smith has always been regarded as the most resilient and responsible member of the family. She, in turn, has always considered it to be her obligation to look after the needs of the other family members. Mrs. Smith was in marital counseling with her husband when she began complaining of increasing emotional numbness and an inability to care for others. Mrs. Smith was administered Trexan (naltrexone hydrochloride), 25 mgms. per day for one week after baseline liver enzymes were found to be normal. She then reported feeling more alert, but experienced intermittent symptoms of light-headedness and interrupted sleep. Trexan was increased to 50 mgms. per day during the second week. She then reported feeling more energetic, had mild anxiety, diminished sluggishness and increased access to her emotions, especially feelings of anger and resentment towards family members for their persistent demands. Mrs. Smith's dosage was increased on the third week, for the last increase to 75 mgms. per day. She reported feeling calmer, more confident, and no longer numb. Sleep was restful and no longer interrupted. It was decided to maintain her on that dose for 3-6 months in order to enable Mrs. Smith to deal more confidently with her family members. During that period of time, Mrs. Smith became depressed. She was then begun on a tricyclic anti-depressant. Mrs. Smith showed a very positive response to the tricyclic anti-depressant, which would not have helped her during the numb state. Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

An opiate antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is used to treat emotional numbness associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other psychopathologic conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY The present application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/390,502, filed on Feb. 14, 2012, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365 to International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2010/005339 filed Aug. 13, 2010, entitled “METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SENDING AND RECEIVING A REFERENCE SIGNAL”. International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2010/005339 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365 and/or 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0075193 filed Aug. 14, 2009. Each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for configuring Reference Signal (RS) to be transmitted by a relay through wireless backhaul in a Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system using multiple carriers. 2. Description of the Related Art OFDM is a transmission technique for transmitting data using multiple carriers, i.e. multicarrier data transmission technique which parallelizes the serial input stream into parallel data streams and modulates the data streams onto the orthogonal multiple carriers, i.e. sub-carrier channels. The origins of multicarrier modulation scheme started in the late 1950's with the microwave radio for military communication purpose, and OFDM using orthogonal overlapping multiple subcarriers has been developed in 1970's but limited in applying to the real systems due to the difficult of implementing orthogonal modulations between multiple carriers. With the introduction of the idea of using a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) for implementation of the generation and reception of OFDM signals, by Weinstein, in 1971, the OFDM technology has developed rapidly. Additionally, the introduction of a guard interval at the start of each symbol and use of cyclic prefix (CP) overcomes the negative effects caused by multipath signals and delay spread. Owing to such technical advances, the OFDM technology is applied in various digital communications fields such as Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Asynchronous Transfer Mode (WATM). That is, the implementation of OFDM could be accomplished by reducing implementation complexity with the introduction of various digital signal processing technologies such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT). OFDM is similar to Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) but much more spectrally efficient for achieving high speed data transmission by overlapping multiple subcarriers orthogonally. Due to the spectral efficiency and robustness to the multipath fading, OFDM has been considered as a prominent solution for broadband data communication systems. Other advantages of OFDM are to control the Inter-symbol Interference (ISI) using the guard interval and reduce the complexity of equalizer in view of hardware as well as spectral efficiency and robustness to the frequency selective fading and multipath fading. OFDM is also robust to the impulse noise so as to be employed in various communication systems. In wireless communications, high-speed, high-quality data services are generally hindered by the channel environments. In wireless communications, the channel environments suffer from frequent changes not only due to additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) but also power variation of received signals, caused by a fading phenomenon, shadowing, a Doppler effect brought by movement of a terminal and a frequent change in a velocity of the terminal, interference by other users or multipath signals, etc. Therefore, in order to support high-speed, high-quality data services in wireless communication, there is a need to efficiently overcome the above channel quality degradation factors. In OFDM, modulation signals are located in the two-dimensional time-frequency resources. Resources on the time domain are divided into different OFDM symbols, and are orthogonal with each other. Resources on the frequency domain are divided into different tones, and are also orthogonal with each other. That is, the OFDM scheme defines one minimum unit resource by designating a particular OFDM symbol on the time domain and a particular tone on the frequency domain, and the unit resource is called a Resource Element (RE). Since different REs are orthogonal with each other, signals transmitted on different REs can be received without causing interference to each other. Physical channel is a channel defined on the physical layer for transmitting modulation symbols obtained by modulating one or more coded bit sequences. In an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, a plurality of physical channel can be transmitted depending on the usage of the information sequence or receiver. The transmitter and receiver determine REs on which a physical channel is transmitted, and this process is called mapping. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved The method and apparatus for configuring backhaul subframe reference signal of a relay according to the present invention aims to reduce scheduling delay of relay control channel and improve control and data channel estimation performance and signal reception efficiency. Means for Solving the Problem In order to solve the above problems, a transmission method of a transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes allocating common reference signals for a plurality of reception devices and reception device-specific dedicated reference signals in distributed manner in a subframe; and transmitting the subframe generated with the common reference signals and dedicated reference signals. In order to solve the above problems, a transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes a controller for allocating common reference signals for a plurality of reception devices and reception device-specific dedicated reference signals in distributed manner in a subframe; a reference signal generator for generating the common reference signals and the dedicated reference signals; and a transmission processor for transmitting the common reference signals and dedicated reference signals in the subframe. In order to solve the above problems, a reception method of a reception apparatus according to the present invention includes receiving a dedicated reference signal for the reception apparatus in a current subframe; and receiving a control channel signal and a data channel signal by estimating channels in the subframe according to the dedicated reference signals. In order to solve the above problems, a reception apparatus according to the present invention includes a reference signal receiver for receiving a dedicated reference signal for the reception apparatus in a current subframe; a channel estimator for estimating a channel in the subframe according to the dedicated reference signal; and a channel receiver for receiving control channel signal and data channel signal in the channel. Advantageous Effects The reference signal transmission/reception method and apparatus according to the present invention is capable of improving channel estimation performance of subframe in a radio communication system. As a consequence, it is possible to reduce scheduling delay in the transmission apparatus of the radio communication system. Also, it is possible to improve the communication efficiency in the radio communication system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an OFDM-based downlink frame structure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating relationship between transmission and reception frames of a relay in the OFDM system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a relay backhaul subframe to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the relay control channel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a relay backhaul reference signal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a reception procedure of the relay according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a relay control channel multiplexing method proposed in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the reception procedure of the relay according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relay reference signal configuration method proposed in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the reception procedure of the relay according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the eNB according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the relay according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Detailed description of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. In addition, the terms and words used in this description and the appended claims are not to be interpreted in common or lexical meaning but, based on the principle that an inventor can adequately define the meanings of terms to best describe the invention, to be interpreted in the meaning and concept conforming to the technical concept of the present invention. Although the description is directed to the LTE and LTE-A systems, the present invention can be applied to other types of wireless communication systems in which a base station performs scheduling. The LTE system is a communication system which uses OFDM in downlink and Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) in uplink. The LTE-A system is an advanced LTE system supporting wider bandwidth by aggregating two or more LTE component carriers, and relay is applied in the LTE-A system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a format of a subframe for use in the LTE system to which the present invention is applied. The subframe can be supported in the LTE-A system with compatibility. Referring to FIG. 1 , a given LTE transmission bandwidth 107 is segmented into a plurality of Resource Blocks (RBs), and each of RBs 109 and 113 is generated from 12 subcarriers in frequency domain and 14 OFDM symbols 113 or 12 OFDM symbols 121 in time domain and is a basic unit of resource allocation. A subframe 105 has duration of 1 ms and consists of two slots 103 . The RB consisted of 14 OFDM symbols is transmitted in a normal Cyclic Prefix (CP) subframe structure 113 while the RB consisted of 12 OFDM symbols is transmitted in an extended CP subframe structure 121 . The reference signals (RS) 119 , 123 , 125 , 127 , and 129 are the signals agreed for use in channel estimation between a User Equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNB) that are transmitted through corresponding antenna ports, e.g. RS 123 for antenna port 0, RS 125 for antenna port 1, RS 127 for antenna port 2, and RS 129 for antenna port 3. Although the absolute position of an RE designated for RS in the frequency domain varies depending on the cell, the interval between the RSs is maintained. That is, the RSs for the same antenna port are transmitted while maintaining the interval as many as 6 REs, and the reason why the absolute position of the RS varies is to avoid collision between RSs of different cells. The number of RSs can be set differently per antenna port. In more detail, the antenna ports 0 and 1 transmit 8 RSs in one RB or subframe, while the antenna ports 2 and 3 transmit 4 RSs in one RB or subframe. Accordingly, when four antennas are used, the channel estimation using the antenna ports 2 and 3 is inferior to the channel estimation using the antenna ports 0 and 1. Meanwhile, the control channel region is placed at the beginning of a subframe on the time axis. The control channel region is used to transmit control channel signal. In FIG. 1 , reference number 117 denotes the control channel signal region. the control channel signal can be transmitted in up to L OFDM symbols at the beginning of the subframe. L can be 1, 2, or 3. Reference number 117 shows the case where L is 3. In case that one OFDM symbol is enough for transmitting the control channel, the first OFDM symbol of the subframe is assigned for the control channel (L=1), and the rest 13 OFDM symbols are used for data channel signal transmission. The value L is used as the basic information for demapping at the receiver such that, if L not received, the UE cannot recover the control channel. In Multimedia Broadcast over a Single Frequency Network (MBSFN), the value of L is fixed to 2 to be used as the channel configured for transmitting broadcast information or can be used for various purposes such as relay backhaul transmission in LTE-A system. If the corresponding subframe is indicated as a broadcast subframe, the LTE UE recognizes the broadcast subframe by referencing the control channel region and stops receiving the data region of the subframe. However, the LTE-A UE can receive the data region for other purpose. The reason why the control channel signal is arranged at the beginning of the subframe is to allow a UE to check the control channel signal first to determine whether the data channel signal following the control channel signal is destined itself. Accordingly, if it is determined that there is no data channel signal destined to the UE, there is no need for the UE to receive the data channel signal and thus the UE can save the unnecessary power consumption for receiving the data channel signal. Also, since the control channel is received quickly as compared to the data channel, it is possible to reduce scheduling delay. The LTE standard specifies three downlink control channels: Physical Control Format Indicator Channel (PCFICH), Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH), and Packet Data Control Channel (PDCCH), and these control channels are transmitted in unit of Resource Element Group (REG) 111 in the region denoted by reference number 117 in FIG. 1 . PCFICH is the physical channel for transmitting the Control Channel Format Indicator (CCFI) to UE. OCR is 2-bit information for indicating the number of symbols occupying the control region in a subframe “L”. Since a terminal can recognize the number of symbols of the control region based on the CCFI, the PCFICH must be the first channel to be received in a subframe except when the downlink resource is allocated persistently. Since UE does not know the value of L before receiving the PCFICH, the PCFICH is always mapped to the first OFDM symbol of each subframe. The PCFICH is transmitted in 4 resource groups formed by equally separating 16 subcarriers in frequency. The PHICH is the physical channel for transmitting downlink ACK/NACKs. PHICH is received by the UE which is performing uplink data transmission. Accordingly, the number of PHICHs is in proportion to the number of UEs performing uplink transmissions. PHICH is transmitted in the first OFDM symbol (L PHICH =1) or across three OFDM symbols (L PHICH =3) of the control region. The PHICH configuration information (number of channel, L PHICH ) is broadcast through the Primary Broadcast Channel (PBCH) such that all of the UEs acquire the information at their initial connection to the cell. Also, PHICH is transmitted at predetermined position per cell like the PCFICH such that the UEs can acquire the PHICH configuration information by receiving the PBCH when the UE connects to the cell regardless of other control channel information. PDCCH 117 is a physical channel for transmitting data channel allocation information or power control information. The PDCCH can be transmitted at different channel coding rates according to the channel condition of the target UE. Since Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) is fixedly used for PDCCH transmission, it is required to change the resource mount for transmitting PDCCH 117 in order to change channel coding rate. When the channel condition of the terminal is good, a high channel coding rate is used to save the resource. In contrast, when the channel condition of the terminal is bad, a low channel coding rate is used to increase reception probability at the UE even with the cost of large amount of resource. The resource amount consumed by each PDCCH is determined in unit of Control Channel Element (CCE). Each CCE is composed of 5 Resource Element Groups (REG) 111 . In order to secure diversity, the REGs of the PDCCH are arranged in the control region after interleaving has been performed. In order to multiplex several ACK/NACK signals, Code Domain Multiplexing (CDM) technique is applied for PHICH. In a single REG, 8 PHICH signals are multiplexed into 4 real number parts and 4 imaginary number parts by means of the CDM technique and repeated as many as N PHICH so as to be distributed in frequency domain to obtain frequency diversity gain. By using N PHICH REG, it is possible to form the 8 or less PHICH signals. In order to form the PHICH signals more than 8, it is necessary to use other N PHICH REG. After assigning resources for PCFICH and PHICH, the eNB determines the value of L, maps the physical channels to the REG of the assigned control region 117 based on the value of L. Next, the eNB performs interleaving to obtain frequency diversity gain. The interleaving is performed on the total REGs of the subframe determined by the value of L in unit of REG in the control region. The output of the interleaver in the control region is capable of preventing the Inter-Cell Interference (ICI) caused by using the same interleaver for the cells and obtaining the diversity gain by distributing the REGs of the control region across one or more symbols. Also, it is guaranteed that the REGs forming the same control channel are distributed uniformly across the symbols per control channel. Recently, research and development is focused on the LTE-A system evolved from the LTE system. In LTE-A, it is taken into consideration to deploy the relays to eliminate shadow areas and to apply wireless backhaul for establishing radio link between the relay and eNB, the relay operating in the same manner as eNB. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating relationship between transmission and reception frames of a relay in the OFDM system. Referring to FIG. 2 , the eNB 201 transmits data to a UE 207 directly and to another UE 205 via a relay 203 . The cell having the relay 203 is provided with various links according to the channel properties as shown in FIG. 2 . In FIG. 2 , reference number 209 denotes Link A between the eNB 201 and the UE 207 , and reference number 213 denotes Link C through which the UE 205 receives signals from the relay 203 . In view of the UE 205 , however, the relay 203 is recognized as the eNB 201 such that link A 209 and link C 213 can be considered as the same transmission region as denoted by reference number 219 . Reference number 211 denotes Link B between the eNB 201 and the relay 203 for use in data transmission to the UE 205 via the relay 203 and higher layer signal exchange between the relay 203 and the eNB 201 . Reference numbers 215 and 217 shows the relationship between the subframe from the eNB 201 to the relay 203 and the subframe from the relay 203 to the UE 205 . Reference number 215 denotes the structure of the subframe from the eNB 201 to the UE 207 and the relay 203 , and reference number 217 denotes the region for the transmission from the relay 203 to the UE 205 and reception from the eNB 201 . Reference number 219 denotes the region in which the UE 207 connected to the eNB 201 and the UE 205 connected to the relay 203 receives signals from the eNB 201 and the relay 203 . Reference number 221 denotes the subframe carrying the data for downlink backhaul transmission. The backhaul subframe can be multiplexed with the transmission to the UE 207 connected to the eNB 201 or transmitted as dedicated backhaul data transmission according to the scheduling. Reference number 235 denotes the resource region used for backhaul transmission. The eNB 201 transmits the control channel 225 in every subframe, and the relay 203 also transmits control channel. Since the relay 203 cannot receive and transmit signal simultaneously, when it is transmitting control channel, the relay 203 cannot receive control channel information transmitted by the eNB 201 . The eNB 201 transmits the data to the relay 203 in the region denoted by reference number 235 after control channel transmission such that the relay should receive the data in the corresponding region. Since the relay has transmitted signal in the control channel transmission region, it is necessary to perform transmission/reception switching to receive data in the corresponding region and thus the corresponding region is blank as denoted by reference number 226 . FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a backhaul subframe of the relay in the LTE-A system. Referring to FIG. 3 , reference number 301 denotes the control channel region carrying the control channel for scheduling UE in the cell of the eNB. In this region, the relay has to transmit scheduling information for the UE within its own cell so as not to receive signals. Reference number 303 denotes the control channel region transmitted to the relay. This region is notified to the relay in advance through higher layer signaling. Although the eNB notifies the rely of the resource amount for the control channel, the resource carrying the control channel information is a part but not the entire region 303 . The region denoted by reference number 303 is entirely for control channel in the drawing. Reference number 323 denotes the data channel region carrying data channel signal transmitted to the relay. The data channel region carrying the data channel signal to the relay can follow the symbols allocated for the control channel region for the relay. Reference number 305 denotes the data channel region for transmission to the UE within the cell. The eNB scheduler can allocate the data channel region for UE in the middle or edge of the control channel region for the relay according to the control channel region allocated for UE's scheduling information and the relay, and it can be considered to be multiplexed with the relay control channel on frequency resource. Reference number 307 denotes additional data channel region for transmitting data channel signal to the relay. In case that large amount of data is transmitted to the relay and the necessary resource is greater than the frequency resource of the relay control channel region, the eNB can transmit the data channel signal for the relay on the resource other than the previously allocated control channel region. The structure of the control channel region for the relay is depicted in detail as denoted by reference number 313 , and the structures of the normal CP subframe and the extended CP subframe are depicted as denoted by reference numbers 323 and 325 respectively. The control channel region for the relay in the subframe that is represented by reference number 323 and 325 is arranges across three symbols starting from the fourth OFDM symbol and followed by the data channel region starting from seventh symbol. The control channel region for the relay is denoted by reference number 319 and carries the reference signals of ports 0 and 1 while the reference signals of ports 2 and 3 are transmitted in the previous symbol and the next slot's symbols. As described above, since the relay cannot receive signal in the first three OFDM symbols, when four antennas are used for transmitting the control channel signal for the relay, the relay must use the reference signals of the antenna ports 2 and 3 that are transmitted in the second slot of the subframe for channel estimation of the control channel signal. As described above, the control channel signal is transmitted prior to the data channel signal to reduce the reception delay, however, if the antenna port of the second slot is used, this advantage disappears and only two reference signals exist in the entire subframe and only one RB, resulting in degradation of channel estimation performance. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the relay control channel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , the control channel region 401 for the relay is mapped to the control channel region allocated one RB as a basic unit for configuring one control channel. Reference number 403 denotes basic unit of resource mapping for one control channel. In case of being configured as denoted by reference number 401 , the control channels transmitted to different relays cannot be multiplexed in an RB resource such that the control channel signal for one relay is transmitted on one RB resource. Reference number 405 denotes a case where the control channels for two relays are mapped to one RB. The two resources occupy 6 REs on the frequency axis, and one RB can be used for transmitting the control channels transmitted to up to 2 relays as multiplexed. Reference number 425 denotes the case where four REs is used as the basic unit for one relay control channel configuration. In case that there are control channels transmitted to three relays as denoted by reference number 425 , the regions denoted by reference numbers 415 , 417 , and 421 are partially used for transmitting control channel to the relay 1, the regions denoted by reference numbers 413 and 423 are partially used for transmitting control channel to the relay 2, and the regions denoted by reference number 411 , 419 , and 427 are partially used for transmitting control channel to the relay 3. The above described control channel configuration method can be applied to all of the embodiments to be described hereinafter. The embodiments of the present invention proposes configuration for allocating additional reference signals adjacent to the common reference signals along with the common reference signals in the backhaul subframe. Here, the additional reference signal can be generated in the same manner as the common reference signal or in a different manner from the common reference signal. For example, the additional reference signal can be generated according to the correlation among the relays or properties of individual relays. That is, the additional reference signal can be common reference signal, or relay group-specific dedicated reference signal according to the correlations of the relays, or relay-specific dedicated reference signal according to the properties of the relays. In the following description, the conventional reference signal can have the same meaning as common reference signal and indicates the reference signal predetermined in separation with the additional reference signals. First embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a relay backhaul reference signal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5 , the first embodiment of the present invention proposes a method for grouping the relays having high correlation geographically and spatially in the cell, selecting a precoding to be applied to the group, multiplexing the relay control channels in the group, and transmitting group-specific dedicated reference signal. Meanwhile, since the data channels transmitted to the relays are not multiplexed, relay-specific dedicated reference signals are transmitted. This method is characterized in that the precoding for the control channel and the precoding for the data channel differ from each other. Referring to FIG. 5 , the relays A-1 and A-2 are highly correlated geographically or spatially, and the relays B-1 and B2 are highly correlated geographically or spatially. Accordingly, the eNB categories the relays A-1 and A-2 into a group A and the relays B-1 and B2 into a group B. Since the relay groups have different correlation degrees, the eNB has to form antenna beams with different precodings for the respective groups and thus allocates different resources. Reference number 559 denotes a region available for transmitting entire control channel, reference number 507 denotes the region for transmitting control channel of the relays belonged to group A, and reference number 509 denotes the region for transmitting the control channels of the relays belonged to group B. For example, the control channels of the relays belonged to the group A are transmitted as multiplexed with the regions 401 , 405 , and 425 of FIG. 4 in the region 507 . The data channels 519 , 521 , 523 , and 525 of the resource regions 507 and 509 , with the exception of the control channel region, carriers the data channels of the relays. Accordingly, the data channels of groups A-1 and A-2 are transmitted on the resource used by the relays belonged to the group A as denoted by reference number 507 , and since the data channels of the relays are not multiplexed, the regions form the antenna beams with different precodings. Likewise, the data channel regions 521 and 525 corresponding to group B are used for transmitting data channels of the relays B-1 and B02. In case that the data channel to be transmitted to the relays is not enough, additional resource can be used such that, when the RB resource allocated as control channel resource is allocated, the data channel can be transmitted as mapped after the control channel symbol ( 517 ) even though no control channel exist in the corresponding resource ( 559 ), and the other region ( 511 ) is used for transmitting data channel on the entire region ( 529 ). The relay control and data channel structure 505 is described with reference to the normal CP subframe 545 and extended CP subframe 533 . In case of the normal CP subframe, the control channels corresponding group A are transmitted in the relay control channel region 539 as multiplexed, and the relay group-specific signals to be transmitted in the control channel 535 are precoded per group so as to be transmitted in the fourth symbol or sixth symbol. In case of the extended CP subframe, the relay control channels of the relays belonged to group A are transmitted as multiplexed in the control channel region 547 , and the relay group-specific signals are precoded per relay and transmitted in the third or fourth or sixth symbol of the second slot. In the extended CP frame structure, the data channel of the relay A-1 belonged to group A is transmitted, the relay-specific dedicated reference signals as denoted by reference number 557 are precoded per relay and transmitted in the third or fifth symbol of the second slot. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6 , if the current subframe is the subframe for relay back transmission, the eNB prepares downlink backhaul transmission at step 603 . Next, the eNB categories the relays that can use the same antenna beam pattern into groups in consideration of the channels and the geographical and spatial correlation in the cell at step 605 . The eNB allocates relay control channel resources to multiplex the control channels to be transmitted to the relays belonged to the group into a certain RB resource as predetermined at step 607 . Next, the eNB selects an optimal beam pattern per relay group and performs precoding on the reference signals and control channel in the part where the control channel is transmitted at step 609 . At this time, the reference signals include the common reference signals and group-specific dedicated reference signals. Next, the eNB performs scheduling to allocate the data channels destined to the relays in unit of RB at step 611 . The eNB selects relay-specific optimal beam pattern for the data channels to the relays to perform precoding on the data channels and reference signals at step 613 . At this time, the reference signals include common reference signals and relay-specific dedicated reference signals. Afterward, the eNB transmits the control channel and the relay group-specific dedicated reference signal in the control channel at step 615 . Next, the eNB transmits the relay-specific data channels and relay-specific dedicated reference signal at step 617 . FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a reception procedure of the relay according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7 , if the current subframe is of the relay backhaul, the relay prepares downlink reception at step 703 . Next, the relay separates the control and data channel on the allocated resource for backhaul reception at step 705 . In case of control channel, the relay receives the relay control channel using the channel estimation value of the reference signal at step 707 . At this time, the reference signal includes the common reference signal and relay-specific dedicated reference signal. Next, the relay demodulates the relay control signal to receive the scheduling information of the current subframe at step 709 . Then relay receives the data channel using the channel estimation information of the reference signal in the data channel region of the resource allocated based on the scheduling information at step 711 . At this time, the reference signal includes the common reference signal and relay-specific dedicated reference signal. The relay demodulates the data channel to receive the backhaul data at step 713 and ends the procedure. Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a relay control channel multiplexing method proposed in the second embodiment of the present invention. The control channel resource allocation according to the second embodiment is identical with that of the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8 , the method proposed in the second embodiment of the present invention is to transmit the common reference signal (CRS) in the relay control channel region through additional antenna ports. This method is of operating differently according to the number of transmit antennas in such a manner that the legacy subframe and common reference signal are used for the case where the number of antennas is equal to or less than 2 and additional common reference signals for the antenna ports 2 and 3 are transmitted in the relay control channel region for the case where the number of antennas is greater than 2. Since the common reference signal is not transmitted in the entire band in case of the subframe dedicated to LTE-A or MBSFN although it is in the resource region allocated for the relay control channel, all of the common reference signals should be transmitted in the allocated relay control region. Reference number 823 denotes the region carrying the relay control channel. Although it is possible to multiplex the controls channels destined to multiple relays into one RB or not in the region 823 , the non-multiplex structure is more efficient. This is because, when the control and data channels are mapped to different RB resources, it is difficult to perform complementary channel estimation between the reference signals in the first and second slots. In case that the control and data channels are mapped in the same RB, it is possible to perform complementary channel estimation with the reference signals transmitted in all of the slots. Reference number 809 and 813 denote the regions in which the relay data channel destined to the relay 1 is transmitted, and reference number 811 and 813 are the regions in which the relay data channel destined to the relay 2 is transmitted. Referring to the enlarged drawings 835 and 843 illustrating details of the region 825 , reference number 829 denotes the region for transmitting relay control channel, reference numbers 845 and 849 denote the regions for transmitting additional relay common reference signal corresponding to the antenna port 2, and reference numbers 847 and 851 denote the regions for transmitting the additional common reference signal corresponding to the antenna port 3. Reference number 831 denotes the subframe having the same structure as the legacy subframe. Reference number 843 denotes the extended CP subframe structure in which reference number 837 denotes the region carrying the relay control channel, reference number 853 and 857 denote the region carrying the common reference signal corresponding to the antenna port 2, and reference number 855 and 859 denote the region carrying the common reference signal corresponding to the antenna port 3. In case that the eNB operating in this method forms antenna beam to the relay for transmission, the reference signal is not precoded such that the relay cannot perform demodulation on the data channel region without precoding information. Accordingly, when the data transmitted to the relay are precoded, it is necessary to send the information on the current precoding through higher layer signaling. Since the precoding information of the relay fixed at a position is not changed, it is possible to send the information through higher layer signaling. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9 , if the current subframe is the subframe is of relay backhaul transmission, the eNB prepares the downlink backhaul transmission at step 903 . If the number of transmit antennas of the system is equal to or greater than 4 the eNB prepares additional CRS transmission at step 905 . The eNB configures a relay control channel and multiplexes the relay control channel with other control channels at step 907 . Next, the eNB multiplexes the relay control channel with added CRS at step 909 . If the current subframe is an LTE-A subframe or MBSFN subframe, the eNB multiplexes the added CRS and the legacy CRS into the relay resource region of the subframe at step 911 . The eNB multiplexes the multiplexed control channels and data channels in TDM manner at step 913 . The eNB transmits the current subframe at step 915 . FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the reception procedure of the relay according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10 , if the current subframe is the subframe for relay backhaul, the relay prepares downlink reception at step 1003 . The relay separates the control and data channels on the resource allocated for backhaul reception at step 1005 . In case that the system supports 4 or more antennas, the relay extracts the channel estimation information at the location for the added CRS to receive the relay control channel at step 1007 . Next, the relay demodulates the relay control channel to receive the scheduling information of the current subframe at step 1009 . The relay receives the data channel using the DRS channel estimation information of the resource allocated based on the scheduling information and the added CRS channel estimation information at step 1011 . The relay demodulates the data channel to receive the backhaul data at step 1103 and terminates the reception procedure. Third Embodiment FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relay reference signal configuration method proposed in the third embodiment of the present invention. The method proposed in the third embodiment is of using the relay-specific dedicated reference signal that can be applied to both the control and data channels. This method takes the influence of the multiplexed resource locations arranged randomly when a plurality of relay control channels are multiplexed in the same RB as denoted by reference number 425 of FIG. 4 . Although possible to transmit signals in a dedicated pattern when the locations of the resource are fixed, it is difficult to guarantee the channel estimation performance with one pattern when the resource location varies. This embodiment proposes a method for configuring dedicated reference signal that is capable of performing channel estimation even when the resource allocation region varies. In order to accomplish the purpose, it is necessary to reserve a part of the allocated resource for dedicated reference signal so as to spread the dedicated reference signals are dispersed randomly according to the resource arranged randomly. Referring to FIG. 11 , the reference number 1127 denotes the region carrying the control channel of the relay. In case that two relays exist, the control channels transmitted to the two relays are transmitted in the region 1127 as divided in resource allocation unit, and the data destined to the relay 1 are transmitted in the regions 1109 and 1113 of the data channel region and the data destined to the relay 2 in the regions 1111 and 1115 . Referring to parts 1137 and 1149 illustrating the region 1125 in detail, reference number 1137 denotes two RB regions for transmission to the relays 1 and 2. Reference number 1131 denotes the control channel transmission region in which the basic allocation resource of the control channel consists of total 4 REs, three for control channel transmission and 1 for relay-specific dedicated reference signal. Accordingly, reference number 1129 denotes the dedicated reference signal for use in channel estimation of the control channel transmitted to the relay 1, and reference number 113 denotes the dedicated reference signal for data channel transmitted to the relay 1. According to the third embodiment, the precodings used for the control and data channels are of both the relay-specific dedicated control channels and thus identical with each other. Reference number 1139 denotes the dedicated reference signal of the control channel transmitted to the relay 2. Referring to the extended CP structure 1149 , reference number 1141 denotes the region for relay control channel transmission, reference number 1151 denotes the dedicated reference signal of the control channel transmitted to the relay 1, and reference number 1145 denotes the dedicated reference signal of the data channel transmitted to the relay 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the transmission procedure of the eNB according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12 , if the current subframe is of relay backhaul transmission, the eNB prepares downlink backhaul transmission at step 1203 . The eNB selects an optimal antenna beam pattern for the channels transmitted to the relays at step 1205 . The eNB configures relay control channels and designates some REs in the basic allocation unit of the relay control channel for relay-specific dedicated reference signal at step 1207 . Next, the eNB multiplexes the control channels destined to the relays and maps the multiplexed channel to the control channel region at step 1209 . Next, the eNB allocates data channels to the relays and maps the data channels in RB at step 1211 . Afterward, the eNB multiplexes the control channels and data channels in TDM manner at step 1213 . The eNB applies the precodings selected for the respective relays to the dedicated reference signal used in the relay control channel, the relay control channel, the dedicated reference signal used in the relay data channel, and the relay data channel. The reference signals include the common reference signals and relay-specific dedicated reference signals. The eNB transmits the current backhaul subframe at step 1217 and terminates the procedure. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the reception procedure of the relay according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13 , if the current subframe is the subframe for relay backhaul, the relay prepares downlink reception at step 1303 . Next, the relay separates the control and data channels on the resource allocated for backhaul reception at step 1305 . The relay receives the relay control channel using the channel estimation information of the relay-specific dedicated reference signal of the control and data channels at step 1307 . Next, the relay demodulates the relay control channel to receive the scheduling information of the current subframe at step 1309 . Next, the relay receives the data channel using the channel estimation information of the relay-specific dedicated reference signal of the control channel region and data channel region of the resource allocated based on the scheduling information at step 1311 . The relay demodulates the data channel to receive the backhaul data at step 1313 and terminates the procedure. A description is made of the internal configurations of the eNB and relay for above-described operations hereinafter. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the eNB according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14 , the eNB includes a relay precoding selector 1401 , a controller 1403 , a relay control channel reference signal generator 1405 , an R-PDCCH generator 1413 , a relay control channel multiplexer 1407 , a relay data channel reference signal generator 1415 , a relay data channel generator 1417 , a relay data channel multiplexer 1425 , a precoder 1407 , a eNB control channel generator 1423 , a data channel configurator 1419 , a reference signal generator 1421 , an FDM 1431 , and a transmission processor 1433 . The relay precoding selector 1401 provides the information on the precoding used for the control and data channels of the individual relays. The controller 1403 controls scheduling in the current subframe. The controller 1403 also provides a precoding index using the information output by the relay precoding selector 1401 . The relay control channel reference signal generator 1405 generates reference signals of the relay control channel according to the precoding index. The R-PDCCH generator 1413 generates relay control channels. The relay control channel multiplexer 1407 multiplexes the reference signals and control channel. The relay data channel reference signal generator 1415 generates reference signals for the relay data channels. The relay data channel generator 1417 generates relay data channels. The relay data channel multiplexer 1425 multiplexes the reference signals and data channels. The precoder 1407 performs precoding with the selected precoding scheme under the control of the controller 1403 . The FDM 1431 multiplexes the signals generated by the control channel configurator 1423 , data channel configurator 1419 , and reference signal generator 1421 , relay control channels, and relay data channels, and then the transmission processor 1433 transmits the subframe. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the relay according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15 , the relay includes a demultiplexer 1503 , a controller 1505 , reference signal receivers 1507 and 1509 , a channel estimator 1515 , a relay control channel receiver 1511 , and a relay data channel receiver 1513 . The demultiplexer 1503 demultiplexes the signal received by the reception processor 1501 into relay control channel and data channel reference signals. The reference signal receivers 1507 and 1509 receive the reference signals under the control of the controller 1505 . The channel estimator 1515 notifies of the channel information of the reference signal. At this time, the channel estimator 1515 collects the channel estimation information necessary for the control channel and data channel. The relay control channel receiver 1511 receives the relay control channel using the channel estimation information. The relay data channel receiver 1513 receives the data of the relay data channel using the information demodulated from the control channel. The reception apparatus of the radio communication system according to the present invention is capable of improving channel estimation performance of subframe. As a consequence, it is possible to reduce scheduling delay in the transmission apparatus of the radio communication system. Also, it is possible to improve the communication efficiency in the radio communication system. The specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense in order to help understand the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to a method for sending and receiving a reference signal for a backhaul subframe in a wireless communication system in which a relay is present and also to a device therefor, constituted in such a way that common reference signals for a plurality of receiving devices and reference signals dedicated to separate receiving devices are allocated dispersed in a subframe, and the common reference signals and the dedicated reference signals are generated and are sent and received via the subframe. The present invention can improve the channel estimation performance for subframes in a wireless communication system. In this way, communications efficiency in wireless communication systems can be improved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to handheld wireless remote control devices to operate electronic devices, and more particularly, to remote control devices incorporating illumination. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Remote control devices are finding varied uses for controlling one or more functions of electrical components, such as those within an automobile. A remote control is a device that enables a user, by actuation of a button on a handheld transmitter, to remotely control such operations as the locking/unlocking of a vehicle's doors, the setting of an alarm, and the starting of the engine. A simple remote control device comprises a transmitter having a single button to activate the transmitter. When the button is activated, the transmitter, using energy, such as, but not limited to radio frequency and infrared energy, transmits a transmitter identification (ID) code that is unique to the transmitter. A receiver, interconnected with the component to be activated, determines whether or not the received ID code matches a code that has been stored in the memory of the receiver beforehand. When a match is determined to exist between the codes, a predetermined function of a device to be controlled is activated. The predetermined function of the device to be controlled corresponds to execution of a specific function, such as the unlocking of a lock mechanism of a vehicle door, wherein the lock mechanism performs a locking operation and an unlocking operation alternately when the ID code is received repeatedly. It is not uncommon for the remote control device to be operated in a dark location or at night. The operation of a single-button remote control device is not particularly hindered by low light conditions, but with the increasingly popular multi-button remote control device, button selection and operation is significantly hampered. The operator has to rely on touch and memory in order to correctly select a particular control button. This would be extremely difficult for a user to operate the remote control device if she is unfamiliar with the automobile, such as in the case of a rental car or a borrowed car. It is becoming popular for remote control devices to be configured for a dual purpose as a key holder. It is also common for a user to use a key in the dark or low light condition. In situations where a lock is not well illuminated, it is particularly difficult to insert the key into the lock positioned in the correct orientation, or to operate the lock in an emergency. Accordingly, there is a need for a remote control device that provides the user with an increased ability for operation in low light conditions. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention provides a handheld wireless remote control device with illumination. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a handheld remote control device comprises a light source that provides illumination in the visible spectrum that projects from the remote control device housing suitable for a particular purpose, such as, but not limited to, to illuminate a nearby object, to provide a beacon, and/or to provide a pleasing light display. The illumination is projected from one or more areas of the remote control device, such as, but not limited to, a forward edge or surface such as to illuminate a facing target, as well as an adjacent edge or surface such as to illuminate an adjacent target, such as the hand holding the remote control device. In particular, the illumination reflecting off of the hand provides the user with increased ability to visualize the operating buttons. The illumination also provides a lighting effect that is visually appealing to the user and to those in view to providing a pleasurable visceral response. The illumination can be used as a beacon, such that the user can be identified in a dark location by the unique configuration of the lighting effect. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld remote control device provided above further comprises a component attachment feature, such as, but not limited to, a key chain for the attachment of keys to the remote control device. The illumination may be used in complimentary arrangement with the attached component, such as to illuminate a lock into which an attached key is inserted. These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentality's, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 show a front perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an illuminated remote control device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 3–5 show front, side and back views of the illuminated remote control device in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a translucent material of uniform configuration in the form of a frame having a light guide aperture, in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a translucent material with a series of diffraction ridges, in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a series of translucent channels and light modifying areas, in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising a series of translucent channels and light modifying areas, in accordance with the present invention; FIGS. 10 a – 10 d are edge views of embodiments of light guide edges, in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an illuminated remote control device comprising a key ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device 1 is provided below. It is understood that these embodiments are provided as examples of various embodiments for practicing the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention thereto. The following description is primarily directed to an illuminated remote control device resembling a rectangle having two sides and four edges. Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device can take many forms, including the form of a geometric shape, such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, triangle, and circle, without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an illuminated remote control device 1 providing illumination in the visible spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated remote control device 1 provides the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter and a light source. The light illuminates and projects from one or more translucent portions 32 of one or more edges or surfaces of the illuminated remote control device 1 . The illuminated remote control device 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a housing 9 having an outer surface 12 and a cavity (not shown) therein, the housing 9 defining at least one translucent portion 32 adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface 12 ; at least one control feature 18 adjacent the outer surface; transmitter electronics (not shown) housed in the cavity and adapted for wireless communication and operable by the at least one control feature 18 ; and at least one light source (not shown) operable by the at least one control feature 18 and adapted to emit light in the visible spectrum into the cavity and through the at least one translucent portion. FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of an illuminated remote control device 1 providing illumination in the visible spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated remote control device 1 provides the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter and a light source. The light illuminates and projects from one or more portions of one or more edges or surfaces of the illuminated remote control device 1 . The illuminated remote control device 1 comprises a two-piece housing 9 , comprising a first side 10 and a second side 20 , and a light guide 30 there between, defining a first edge 2 , a second edge 3 , a third edge 4 and a fourth edge 5 . The first side 10 and the second side 20 substantially conform to the periphery of the light guide 30 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the light guide 30 forms a continuous band around the perimeter of the illuminated remote control device 1 . The light guide 30 provides a conduit to direct light produced within the illuminated remote control device 1 to one or more portions of the first side 10 , first edge 2 , second edge 3 , third edge 4 and/or the fourth edge 5 , where from the light projects from the housing 9 . The housing 9 is adapted to contain one or more light sources 42 , 43 and associated illumination and transmitter electronics 41 and a power source 44 . The one or more light sources 42 , 43 comprise any suitable illumination-generating component, such as, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED). Light emitting diodes are available that emit various colors of the visible spectrum, such as, but not limited to, blue and red. The various colors can be used advantageously, such as the use of red to preserve night vision, or combination of colors for a pleasing or alerting lighting effect. The power source 44 comprises any suitable energy storage component, such as, but not limited to, a battery, of sufficient energy to power the one or more light sources 42 , 43 and the electronics 41 . Suitable battery sources include, but are not limited to, 3-volt lithium coin cell batteries available from Panasonic bearing the CR2016 marking. In an embodiment of the invention, light is caused to project from the illuminated remote control device 1 in a relatively concentrated manner so as to provide a relatively more intense lighting effect. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first edge 2 comprises a light lens 32 that is either integral with the light guide 30 or coupled thereto. A portion of the first edge 2 and the first side 10 comprises a conformal lens aperture 17 into which the light lens 32 extends. The light lens 32 focuses and guides the light to project out of a portion of both the first edge 2 the first side 10 . In other embodiments, a light lens is provided on one or more portions of the illuminated remote control device 1 , including the surfaces and edges, singularly or in combination. Embodiments in accordance with the invention comprise tactile features to assist in the handling and operation of the illuminated remote control device 1 . Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first side 10 further comprises a first recessed portion 11 and a second recessed portion 13 , and a ridge 14 there between. The first recessed portion 11 is adapted to accept a pair of switch elements in the form of first control buttons 18 therein. The second recessed portion 13 is adapted to accept a pair of switch elements in the form of second control buttons 19 therein. The first and second control buttons 18 , 19 project from the first and second recessed portions 11 , 13 , respectively, to an elevation substantially flush with the first surface 12 . The first and second control buttons 18 , 19 include engaging elements (not shown) that extend within the housing 9 to engage switch elements therein. The switch elements open and close a circuit comprising the power source 44 , the one or more light sources 42 , 43 , and/or the electronics 41 . The first and second control buttons 18 , 19 comprise tactile features to assist in button differentiation. The first control buttons 18 have a generally square shape in comparison to an oval shape of the second control buttons 19 . Other tactile features may be incorporated to assist in the operation of the illuminated remote control device 1 , such as, but not limited to, shapes of the buttons and textures of the first and second control buttons 18 , 19 . The ridge 14 also provides a tactile feature that assists in button differentiation by providing a positioning reference separating the first control buttons 18 from the second control buttons 19 . FIGS. 3–5 show front, side and back views of the illuminated remote control device 1 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 . The front light lens 32 provides an expanded region from which intensified illumination projects, including from at least a portion of the first edge 2 and at least a portion of the first side 10 . The illumination projects from the light guide edge 31 in various ways that will be further discussed below. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second side 20 comprises a back recessed portion 22 that assists the user in handling and operation of the illuminated remote control device 1 . In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second side 20 further comprises an attachment aperture 24 that is adapted to accept a coupling means of an accessory, such as, but not limited to, a key chain, as will be discussed below. The first side 10 and the second side 20 can comprise a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, or other suitable materials. Aluminum, for example, provides a desirable combination of lightweight, durability, and attractive finish. The first side 10 and the second side 20 protect the internal components and therefore must have appropriate structural properties. The first side 10 and the second side 20 , being separate pieces, can be made from different materials and/or different colors suitable for a particular purpose, one of which is aesthetics. Referring again to FIG. 2 , the illuminated remote control device 1 is assembled by positioning the light guide 30 between the front side 10 and the second side 20 . Fastening features 25 are provided to enable the light guide 30 and the second side 20 to be coupled to the first side 10 . Example of fastening features include, but are not limited to, mating peg holes and pegs (not shown) positioned about the periphery of either the first side 10 and/or the bottom side 20 to assist in the alignment for screw fastening, gluing, and ultrasonic welding, among others. Button apertures 46 in the light guide 30 enable button projections (not shown) to pass through the light guide 30 to contact appropriate switch elements 45 . Fastening apertures 35 are provided in the light guide 30 suitable for a particular fastening features between the first side 10 and the second side 20 . The second side 20 is provided with a cavity 21 adapted to accommodate electrical components comprising one or more light sources 42 , 43 , a power source 44 , electronics 41 , and push button contacts 45 . The push button contacts 45 comprise any suitable contact switch element, such as, but not limited to, a tactile flex dome switch element. The push button contacts 45 are operable to close a circuit including the power source 44 , the one or more light sources 42 , 43 , and the electronics 41 . Pressure applied to the flex dome, such as from the depression of a control button 18 , 19 , causes the flex dome to collapse from a convex to a concave configuration and to come into contact with a switch element, thereby closing the circuit. When the pressure is removed, the flex dome returns to its convex position breaking contact with the power source and returning the circuit to the off configuration. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 , a first light source 42 provides illumination to the light lens 32 and/or portions of the light guide 30 . A second light source 43 provides illumination to one or more portions of the light guide 30 . It is understood that one or more light sources can be used for a particular purpose and is not limited to the configuration shown. The first and second light sources 42 , 43 can be any suitable light source for the particular purpose, including, but not limited to, incandescent and light emitting diode (LED). In operation, depressing either one or more first and second push buttons 18 , 19 closes the electrical circuit to activate the electronics 41 for the transmitter and/or activating the one or more light sources 42 , 43 . Electronic logic enables a variety of illumination possibilities suitable for a particular purpose. Examples of illumination possibilities include, but are not limited to, one of the first push buttons 18 activates only the first light source 42 , and the other first push button 18 activates the second light source 43 . It is understood that various combinations of activating the one or more light sources 42 , 43 is possible and within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that various features can be incorporated into the light guide 30 suitable for a particular purpose of guiding the illumination to predetermined one or more portions of the illuminated remote control device 1 . Referring again to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the light guide 30 a is comprised of a translucent material in a planar sheet configuration. Generally, light impinging a central portion of a planar sheet will substantially uniformly disperse to the edge 31 . FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 b comprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration having a light guide aperture 33 , in accordance with the present invention. The light guide aperture 33 provides additional internal volume to accommodate electronics 41 or other components and/or provide access for a centrally positioned light source. The light guide aperture 33 provides an internal edge 34 to act as an entry conduit for the illumination from the light source 42 , 43 . FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 c comprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration with a series of diffraction ridges 36 , in accordance with the present invention. The diffraction ridges 36 assist in the distribution of the illumination throughout the light guide 30 c and substantially uniformly exiting out of the light guide edge 31 . FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 d comprising a series of translucent channels 37 a and light modifying portions 38 a , in accordance with the present invention. The translucent channels 37 a guide or transmit illumination at predetermined portions of the light guide edge 31 . The light modifying portions 38 a are configured to change, diminish and/or block the light transmission from portions of the light guide edge 31 for a predetermined lighting effect. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 e comprising a series of translucent channels 37 b and light modifying areas 38 b , in accordance with the present invention. The translucent channels 37 b guide the illumination to predetermined portions of the light guide edge 31 . The light modifying areas 38 b are configured to change, diminish and/or block the illumination from portions of the light guide edge 31 for a desired predetermined lighting effect. FIGS. 10 a – 10 d are edge views of portions of embodiments of a light guide edge 31 , in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10 a shows a light guide edge 31 a having a substantially smooth surface 39 a that is uniform along the perimeter of the light guide, that provides a substantially uniform lighting effect along the perimeter. FIG. 10 b shows a light guide edge 31 b comprising a vertically grooved surface 39 b that modifies, such as, but not limited to, bending and scattering, the illumination emanating from the light guide edge 31 b. FIG. 10 c shows a light guide edge 31 c comprising a horizontally grooved surface 39 c that modifies the illumination emanating from the light guide edge 31 c. FIG. 10 d shows a light guide edge 31 d comprising areas of different illumination properties, such as, but not limited to, a smooth surface 39 e and a cross-hatch grooved surface 39 d , and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . The a light guide edge 31 d creates a predetermined lighting effect. The embodiments of FIGS. 1–5 show the light guide 30 comprising a light lens 32 that is assembled within a complimentary conformal lens aperture 17 of the top surface 10 . The embodiments of FIGS. 6–9 show light guides 30 b – 30 e having no light lens 32 integral to the light guides 30 b – 30 e . It is understood that such embodiments may also be utilized with embodiments of the remote control device 1 that comprise a separate light lens, or embodiments with a first side 10 having no conformal lens aperture 17 . It is understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the illuminated remote control device 1 having or not having a light lens 32 and a conformal lens aperture 17 . It is also understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to an illuminated remote control device 1 comprising a light guide as a singular piece, but also comprises illuminated remote control devices 1 comprising one or more translucent windows or inserts that are adapted to project within corresponding apertures in the housing 9 , such as, but not limited to, one or more light lenses 32 and corresponding conformal lens apertures 17 . FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the illuminated remote control device 1 further comprising an attached accessory, such as a key ring 26 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The key ring 26 is adapted to couple with the attachment aperture 24 on the second side 20 of the illuminated remote control device 1 . The invention is not intended to be limited by the particular geometry, location of illumination emission, or components depicted herein, which are illustrative. It is further understood that the present invention is not limited to illuminated remote control devices having an attachment aperture that is adapted to accept a coupling feature of an accessory. It is further understood that the present invention is not limited to illuminated remote control devices having four control buttons or any particular combination of one or more control buttons. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

An illuminated remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device. The illuminated remote control device comprises a housing defining an outer surface and a cavity therein. The housing comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/483,587 filed on Jun. 27, 2003, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, this application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/770,123 (Callister et al.) filed on Dec. 18, 1996 and published on Jan. 31, 2002 as U.S. patent application 2002/0013589A1, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to medical devices, methods and systems and more particularly to medical devices and more particularly to devices that are implanted within body lumens (e.g., fallopian tubes, vas deferens, bronchi, blood vessels, etc.) to occlude that body lumen and/or to deliver therapeutic substance(s) for local or systemic therapeutic effect. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There exist various situations in which it is desirable to implant embolic or occlusive devices within lumens or anatomical passageways within the bodies of human or animal subjects. In at least some of those situations, it is additionally desirable to deliver a substance (e.g., a drug, a protein, cells, a biological material, a chemical substance, a gene therapy preparations, etc.) for at least an initial period of time following implantation of the embolic or occlusive device. [0004] For example, it has been known to implant occlusive devices into the fallopian tubes of females or the vas deferens of males for contraceptive purposes. Examples of implantable occlusive devices useable for such purposes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,052 (Callister et al.) entitled Occluding Device and Method of Use and U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,116 (Callister et al.) entitled Occluding Device and Method of Use, the entireties of both such United States Patents being expressly incorporated herein by reference. Some of these devices have been constructed and/or implanted in a manner to facilitate tissue ingrowth subsequent to implantation of the device such that, after such tissue ingrowth has occurred, the ingrown tissue alone or in combination with the implanted device will provide complete occlusion of the lumen of the fallopian tube or vas deferens. Thus, during the period between implantation of the device and completion of the lumen-occluding tissue ingrowth, the lumen of the fallopian tube or vas deferens may remain at least partially open. Thus, it may be desirable to provide alternative contraceptive means to prevent unwanted pregnancy during the period between implantation of the device and completion of the lumen-occluding tissue ingrowth. [0005] The above incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/770,123 (Callister et al.) described various embodiments of lumen occluding devices that may be used to occlude the lumen of a fallopian tube or vas deferens, some of which may deliver a drug, such as a contraceptive agent. [0006] There remains a need in the art for the development of new implantable lumen occluding devices that are capable of delivering a substance (e.g., a drug, a protein, cells, a biological material, a chemical substance, a gene therapy preparations, etc.). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides devices that may be implanted into a body lumens (e.g., fallopian tube, vas deferens, bronchus, blood vessel or other anatomical passageway or lumen) of a human or veterinary subject to occlude that body lumen and/or to deliver a substance (e.g., a drug, a protein, cells, a biological material, a chemical substance, a gene therapy preparations, etc.) for at least a period of time following implantation of the device. [0008] In accordance with the invention there is provided an implantable occlusion and/or substance delivery device of the foregoing character that comprises; a) an expandable intraluminal member which is i) disposable in a first configuration wherein it is sufficiently compact to be advanced into the body lumen and ii) subsequently expandable to a second configuration wherein the intraluminal member becomes implanted within the body lumen; and., b) a quantity of a substance disposed on or in the device such that the substance will be delivered from the intraluminal member into some target tissue for at least some period of time following implantation of the intraluminal member within the body lumen. In some embodiments, the intraluminal member may include a mesh material or other matrix designed to facilitate cellular or tissue ingrowth such that cells or tissue that ingrow into the device will effect occlusion of the body lumen in which the device is implanted. The present invention additionally includes systems wherein the implantable occlusion and/or substance delivery device is used in combination with a delivery catheter and/or guidewire and/or endoscopic device. [0009] Further in accordance with the invention, there are provided methods for sterilization or contraception wherein a lumen occluding and/or substance delivering device of the foregoing character is implanted in a fallopian tube of a female subject or the vas deferens of a male subject. In such applications, the substance disposed on or in the device may comprise a contraceptive or spermicidal agent that will be delivered by the device in a concentration and form that is effective to cause a contraceptive effect in the subject, at least during a period of required for the implanted device to effect complete occlusion of the fallopian tube or vas deferens. Still further in accordance with the invention, there are provided methods for treating disorders or injuries of the lung by implantation of a lumen occluding and/or substance delivering device of the foregoing character within a bronchus, bronchiole or other anatomical passageway within the lung. In such applications, the device may occlude a bronchus to stop the flow of inspired air to a portion of the lung (e.g., a lobe or portion of a lobe) that is diseased or injured. In such applications, the substance disposed on or in the device may comprise an agent that causes a therapeutic effect in the lung such as an antimicrobial agent, mucolytic agent, bronchodilator, antiinflamatory, expectorant, antineoplastic agent, chemotherapeutic agent, immunomodulator, etc. [0010] Still further in accordance with the invention, there are provided varied and universal methods for treating disorders or injuries of human or animal subjects by implanting a device of the foregoing character in a body lumen (e.g., a man-made lumen or a natural passageway within the body such as a blood vessel, lymphatic duct, duct of the biliary tree, etc.) so as to cause occlusion of that body lumen and to release a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of a substance for at least some period of time following implantation of the device. [0011] Further aspects, elements and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and consideration of the detailed description set forth herebelow and the accompanying drawings to which it refers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment of a lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device according to the present invention, disposed in a collapsed configuration. [0013] FIG. 1B is a side view of the device of FIG. 1A , disposed in an expanded configuration. [0014] FIG. 1C is a side view of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B , disposed in an expanded configuration and having an optional substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix thereon. [0015] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of system of the present invention comprising a lumen occluding/substance delivery device as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , in combination with a delivery cannula and a pusher device. [0016] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 2A wherein the pusher has been used to expel the lumen occluding/substance delivery device out of the distal end of the delivery catheter. [0017] FIG. 3A is a partial longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of system of the present invention designed for over-the-wire delivery of the implantable device. [0018] FIG. 3B is a showing of the system of FIG. 3A with the guidewire protruding from the distal end of the delivery catheter. [0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional showing of the uterus and left fallopian tube of a human patient having the over-the-wire system of FIGS. 3A and 3B inserted into the left fallopian tube. [0020] FIGS. 4A-4C show three steps in a procedure wherein the system shown in FIG. 4 is used to implant a lumen occluding/substance delivery device in the patient's left fallopian tube. [0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a lumen occluding/substance delivery device of the present invention having an optional substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix thereon. [0022] FIG. 5A is an enlarged, cut away view of a portion of the substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix of the device of FIG. 5 illustrating one way in which the substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix may be constructed to deliver a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0023] FIG. 5B is an enlarged, cut away view of a portion of the substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix of the device of FIG. 5 illustrating another way in which the substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix may be constructed to deliver a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0024] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a lumen occluding/substance delivery device of the present invention having an optional substance delivery and/or ingrowth supporting matrix thereon and wherein portions of the device are constructed to carry out controlled delivery of a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0025] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 6 illustrating one way in which the device may be constructed to deliver a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0026] FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 6 illustrating another way in which the device may be constructed to deliver a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0027] FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 6 illustrating yet another way in which the device may be constructed to deliver a substance following its implantation within the body of a patient. [0028] FIG. 7 is a side view of a lumen occluding/substance delivery device according to the present invention, disposed in a collapsed configuration and having a substance delivery reservoir thereon. [0029] FIG. 7A is a side view of the device of FIG. 7 disposed in an expanded configuration. [0030] FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of the substance delivery reservoir of the device of FIGS. 7 and 7 A. [0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lumen occluding/substance delivery device according to the present invention having an optional visualization member thereon. [0032] FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 8 . [0033] FIG. 9 is a sectional showing of the uterus and left fallopian tube of a human patient having a hysteroscope and a delivery system according to the present invention inserted into the left fallopian tube. [0034] FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the distal end of the hysteroscope and adjacent portion of segment 9 A of FIG. 9 , showing advancement of the delivery catheter out of a working channel of the hysteroscope. [0035] FIG. 10 is a schematic showing of the trachea and lungs of a human patient wherein a lumen occluding/substance delivery device of the present invention implanted in a bronchus of the patient's left lung. [0036] FIG. 10A is an enlarged sectional view of a bronchus of the left lung shown in FIG. 10 having a lumen occluding/substance delivery device of the present invention implanted therein. [0037] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of a lung showing the manner in which implantation of a lumen occluding/substance delivery device of the present invention may block the flow of inspiratory air to a diseased or injured portion of the lung parenchyma. [0038] FIG. 11 is a view of the lungs of a patient into which an occlusive delivery device of the invention has been inserted. [0039] FIG. 11A is an expanded, partially cut-away view of the portion of FIG. 11 indicated by the dashed circle. [0040] FIG. 11B is a cut-away view of a portion of a patient's lung showing the delivery catheter and the occlusive device in place. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0041] In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems for the occlusion of various passageways of the body including the delivery of therapeutic substances by placement of drugs or drug secreting material on or within such devices. In the various aspects of occluding body passageways, one object of this invention that is particularly useful is for the occlusion of the fallopian tubes to effect permanent contraception. Although the occlusion of the fallopian tubes will be discussed in detail, it can be appreciated that the devices, methods and systems described herein can easily be adapted to occlude the vas in the male patient, arteries or veins in the nidus of an arterial-venous malformation, patent ductus arteriosis in infants, as well as feeding arteries to cancerous tumors, among other passageways. The invention also provides means for delivering vessel supporting devices such as coronary stents or venous or arterial embolic filters, to the desired location through a steerable system. Although any of these procedures may benefit from the inventions described herein, one particularly useful and immediate benefit for these devices, methods and systems is in the delivery of occlusion devices to the fallopian tubes for contraceptive purposes. At least some of these objectives will be met by the novel inventions, devices, methods and systems described hereinbelow. This invention in some embodiment also provides for delivery of therapeutic substances to desired locations and in advantageous manners [0042] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various combinations, modifications, and equivalents of the inventions described herein can be used without departing from the scope of these inventions. [0043] The present invention provides devices, methods and systems for the occlusion of various body passageways. It also includes catheter systems for the delivery of embolic devices as well as vascular stents, especially small diameter stents as may be desirable in the coronary or cerebral vasculature. Typically these devices are delivered either by direct placement or by using “over-the-wire” (OTW) designs or techniques. Although OTW designs allow for steerability of the guide wires and delivery catheters, the devices typically must have in inner diameter larger than the removable guide wire with which it is used. The diameter of the guide wire, however, may be too large, even it its smallest functional diameter, to allow for a small enough collapsed profile to transverse through the target passageway. The alternative means of using a pushing device proximal to the collapsed device allows for the device to have a very small collapsed profile since no guide wire needs to pass through it, however such systems may have reduced steerability of the system through the body lumens, particularly distal to the collapsed device. For these reasons and others it would be desirable to have a small diameter system that still allows for steerability of the guide wire while advancing through the body passageways. [0044] Referring now to the examples of the invention shown in the drawings, in accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided an expandable lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 that is delivered through a suitable delivery cannula 20 (e.g., a rigid or flexible tube or catheter such as a microcatheter or hypotube). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the device 10 may be placed in its collapsed configuration and inserted into the lumen of a delivery cannula 20 . The delivery cannula 20 comprises a wall 24 that devices a lumen that extends through the cannula 20 . A hub 26 may be formed on the proximal end of the delivery cannula 20 . After the device 10 has been advanced into the lumen of the cannula, the cannula wall 24 will constrain the device 10 in a relatively collapsed configuration while the device 10 remains inside lumen. In this example, a pusher device 22 comprising an elongate rod 28 and pusher head 30 , is useable to facilitate expulsion or release of the device 10 from the delivery cannula 20 . Upon exiting the delivery cannula 20 , the device 10 resumes its expanded or remembered configuration by the release of a radially expansive force. Alternatively, the device 10 may expand or assume a larger diameter as a result of shape memory (e.g., becoming larger in diameter as a result of temperature change) or other shape altering properties or instrumentalities. [0045] Although the pusher 28 with bulbous pusher head 30 may, in some embodiments, comprise a “pusher wire”, it will be understood that the device 10 may be end-loaded into the cannula 20 in the compressed configuration with the pusher 28 in place immediately proximal to the device. When the delivery catheter 20 is placed in the desired location in the body, for example in the fallopian tube, then the cannula 20 may then be withdrawn in the proximal direction while the pusher 28 is held stationary in the longitudinal direction. This has the effect of laying down the expanding occlusive device without actually pushing it forward in the potentially fragile body lumen such as a fallopian tube or tubule in the lung. In this way any injury to the body structure that would otherwise occur by pushing the expanded device forward through the body lumen is avoided. Also, by back-loading the device into the distal end of the delivery catheter, it need not be pushed through the entire length of the catheter. Thus the distal end portion of the delivery cannula 20 may be reinforced, perhaps with slippery substance that makes movement of the device smooth and convenient, and may be reinforced, perhaps with stainless steel wire or the like which would be undesirable for flexibility if the entire length of the catheter had to be so reinforced. In those cases, the “pusher” does not expel the device forward and push it longitudinally thorough the body lumen, but rather stabilizes it as the catheter is withdrawn from over it. Nonetheless, with that understanding, the term “pusher wire” will be used in this patent to describe that device. [0046] In the particular embodiment of the device 10 shown in the drawings, a plurality of first leg segments 15 emanate from a central apex 16 . Each first leg segment 15 is joined at an angle with a second leg segment 12 , thereby forming a plurality of secondary apices 14 , as shown. When the device 10 is expanded or allowed to expand within a body lumen, the second leg segments 12 will contact and exert a constant outward force on the wall of the body lumen in which the device 10 is positioned thereby maintaining in a substantially stationary position within that body lumen. Sometimes at least one of the second leg segments 12 may be formed of thin, relatively rigid material and/or may comprise a projection (e.g., a hook, barb, etc.) that will lodge in the lumen wall to secure the device 10 in place. [0047] It will be appreciated that, although the device 10 may comprise a single unit as shown in the figures, the invention includes systems or embodiments wherein a plurality of these single unit devices 10 are aligned or positioned adjacent to each other to form a multi-unit occluding system or structure within a body lumen. In such embodiments, the aligned or adjacently positioned single unit devices 10 may optionally be joined or connected to one another to form a unitary structure. In this regard, it will be appreciated that two or more of the devices 10 (separate or conjoined) may be loaded into the lumen of the delivery cannula 20 an expelled from the distal end 25 of the delivery cannula 20 by the pusher 22 . Alternatively, a plurality of the devices 10 may be loaded into and expelled from the delivery cannula 20 , one at a time, thereby implanting a plurality of the devices 10 in series within a body lumen. [0048] In some embodiments, the configuration of the device may be modified from that shown in the figures to a generally tubular shape that is expandable and collapsible, as with a stent. Devices of this general nature are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,052 (Callister et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,116 (Callister et al.), the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein as if set forth in full. [0049] The device 10 may be configured, constructed or contain materials that support or facilitate tissue ingrowth. As used herein, the term tissue ingrowth includes but is not limited to cell mulitiplication and/or or growth resulting in tissue formation into, onto, or surrounding a particular region and/or into, onto or surrounding an obstructive device. This may be epithelization, scar formation, or other cell growth or multiplication. For example, the leg portions 12 , 15 and/or matrix 18 may incorporate materials that promote epithelialization, endothelialization, granulation or other proliferative or tissue growth response within the body to create a more effective occlusion of the passageway or to result in a more secure attachment of the occlusion device to the walls of the body lumen. For instance, polyester fibers may be attached to the device 10 such that tissue ingrowth into and around the device will form a plug and thereby occlude the lumen in which the device is implanted. In some embodiments, a volitionally deployable wall abrading projection (e.g., a flare or projection) may be provided on the distal portion of the cannula 20 and/or on the device 10 to abrade or denude the epithelial layer of the fallopian tube FT or other body lumen in which the device 10 is implanted, thereby enhancing the tissue ingrowth response. Such volitionally deployable wall abrading projection could both be deployed when entering the body lumen and/or when deploying the device 10 . [0050] Additionally, as described in detail herebelow, substances such as therapeutic agents, drugs, (e.g., contraceptive hormones, spermicidal agents, spermatogenesis inhibitors, antimicrobials, antibiotics, antifungals, chemotherapeutic agents, biologics, etc.) or biological factors (VEGf, FGF, etc.) may be incorporated on or within the device in order to bring about some desired effect (e.g., to accelerate tissue ingrowth, prevent/treat infection, cause drug-induced contraception for at least a sufficient period of time to allow the implanted lumen occluding device to become fully functional, treat a disease or disorder in the adjacent tissue, etc). When the implantable device of this invention is used to block the lumen of a fallopian tube, vas deferens or other body lumen for the purpose of deterring pregnancy, the lumen blocking efficacy of the device (and thus its reliability as a contraceptive measure) may not become maximized for several weeks or months after the initial implantation of the device 10 as such amount of time may be required for the implanted device 10 to become fully epithelialized or for other tissue ingrowth to become complete. In such instances, a quantity of a contraceptive agent and/or spermicidal agent may be incorporated on or in the device so as to provide for drug-induced contraception for a period of time that is at least sufficient to allow the lumen blocking efficacy of the device to become maximized. Examples of specific substances (e.g., drugs, therapeutic agents, biological factors, etc.) that may be incorporated into or onto the device 10 of this invention or any other lumen occluding device are described herebelow. [0051] FIGS. 3A-3B show a system for OTW delivery of the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 . This system generally comprises the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 , a delivery cannula 20 as described above and a modified pusher device 28 a that has a guidewire lumen extending longitudinally therethrough such that a guidewire 32 may pass through the lumen of the pusher device 28 a , through the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 and through the lumen of the delivery cannula 20 , as shown in FIG. 3A . Alternatively, and not shown in the figures, the pusher head 30 a may have a groove therein through which the guidewire 32 may slide so that it will be located longitudinally side-by side with the pusher 29 a . Optionally, the guidewire 32 may have a distal portion 34 that is more flexible than the proximal portion of the guidewire and/or is otherwise deflectable, flexible or steerable. In operation, the guidewire 32 may be advanced into a desired body lumen (e.g., a fallopian tube) into which it is desired to implant the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 . Thereafter, the delivery cannula 20 having the device 10 and pusher 28 a within its lumen may be advanced over the previously inserted guidwire to a location where the distal end of the delivery cannula 20 is adjacent to the location where it is desired to implant the device 10 . Thereafter, the pusher 28 a may be advanced over the guidewire 32 such that the enlarged distal end 30 a of the pusher 28 a will expel the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 out of the distal end of the delivery cannula 20 . The device 10 will then self expand within the body lumen such that the second leg segments 12 of the device engage the wall of the body lumen. Thereafter, the delivery cannula 20 , pusher 28 a and guidewire 32 may be removed, leaving the device 10 implanted within the body lumen. [0052] FIGS. 4-4C show a specific procedure in which the OTW system shown in FIGS. 3A-3C is used to implant a lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 within a fallopian tube. Initially, the guidewire 32 is advanced through the uterus UT and into the fallopian tube FT. The delivery catheter 20 (with the collapsed device 10 and pusher 28 a positioned therein) is advanced over the guidewire 32 , as seen in FIG. 4A . Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4B , the pusher 28 a is advanced over the guidewire 32 such that the enlarged distal end 30 a of the pusher 28 a pushes the device 10 out of the distal end 25 of the delivery cannula 20 . Upon exiting the distal end 25 of the delivery cannula 20 , the device 10 self expands to its expanded configuration whereby the second leg segments 12 of the device 10 are urged against the wall of the fallopian tube FT, thereby holding the device 10 in a fixed position, as shown in FIG. 4C . The delivery cannula 20 , pusher 28 a and guidewire 32 are then withdrawn through the uterus UT and removed, leaving the device 10 implanted within the fallopian tube FT. Following implantation, tissue will ingrow into the device 10 to cause complete occlusion of the fallopian tube FT. At least during the period of time during which such tissue ingrowth is occurring, the device 10 may elute a substance (e.g., a contraceptive or spermicidal substance) in an amount that causes a desired therapeutic effect (e.g., contraception or spermicide) in the patient. Optionally, the device 10 may include a matrix 18 , as described above, to facilitate the desired tissue ingrowth and/or to deliver the desired substance. [0053] If more than one device 10 is to be implanted within the subject's body, there is no need to remove the delivery cannula 20 to deliver the additional devices. For instance, if devices 10 are to be implanted in both fallopian tubes FT, the delivery catheter 20 may initially contain two devices 10 , one for each fallopian tube FT. In such an instance, the physician may insert the delivery catheter 20 through the uterus of the patient, and deliver one device to the first of two fallopian tubes FT, and, after delivery of the first device 10 , the physician may then insert the delivery catheter 20 into the other fallopian tube 20 and deploy the second device 10 into the other fallopian tube FT without having to withdraw the delivery cannula 20 from the uterus UT. This has the advantage of speeding the overall procedure time since there is no need to remove and replace a delivery cannula 20 for each fallopian tube FT. Additionally, overall costs for the procedure are reduced since only one delivery cannula 20 and one pusher 28 a are used to place two devices 10 . Alternatively, the present invention also allows for the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 to be advanced through the entire length of the delivery cannula 20 . In such an instance, the delivery cannula 20 is advanced to the location where the device 10 is to be placed. The guide wire 32 may aid in positioning the delivery cannula 20 . Following acceptable placement of the delivery cannula 20 , the guide wire 32 may be removed from the delivery cannula 20 and the first occlusion device 10 may then be placed in a collapsed configuration and loaded into the lumen of the cannlua 20 through its proximal end. After the device 10 has been located within lumen of the delivery cannula 20 , a standard pusher 38 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B ) may be used to advance the device 10 through the length of the delivery cannula 20 and out of its distal end 25 . The device 10 will then expand and become implanted within the lumen of the fallopian tube FT in the manner described hereabove. [0054] In accordance with yet another aspect of this invention, it will be appreciated that the enlarged pusher head 30 or 30 a could actually be mounted on the guidewire 32 at a location proximal to the device 10 such that, as the guidewire 32 is advanced in the distal direction (or as the cannula 20 is withdrawn in the proximal direction) the pusher head 30 or 30 a will push the device 10 along with it. [0055] One major advantage to the type of system shown in FIGS. 4A-4B is that the entire system may be steerable, since the distal portion 34 of the guide wire 32 may be constructed to be torqued or steered through the body passageways to its desired location. A small hole may be formed in the central apex 16 of the device 10 and the guidewire 32 may pass through that hole. Thus, such torquing the guide wire 32 may have no significant effect on the device 10 since even in its collapsed state within the delivery cannula 20 there is still a small hole through the device 10 through which the guide wire 32 passes. [0056] The distal portion 34 of the guide wire 32 may be flexible and may incorporate a conventional spring tip or, alternatively, it may be made of or incorporate a plastic or Teflon coating to prevent any snagging of any attached fibers on the occlusion device. Additionally, the device 10 may be positioned on a reduced diameter segment of the guidewire 32 and such reduced diameter segment may be longer than the device 10 . This will permit a limited amount of axial movement of the guide wire 32 , either proximally or distally, to further aid in the bendability and/or steerability of the system. Delivery cannula 20 may thus be able to provide either more or less support for the guide wire support, depending on the circumstances and the tortuosity of the vasculature or passageway being navigated. In such embodiments wherein the guide wire 32 is axially moveable over a limited range but not completely removeable may allow the use of a steerable guide wire 32 having a relatively large diameter distal portion in combination with a low profile delivery cannula 20 (e.g., a delivery cannula 20 that has a diameter that is the same as or even smaller than the diameter of the distal portion of the guide wire 32 ). It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the device 10 may be self-expanding, or it may be pressure expanded (e.g., plastically deformable) through the use of a balloon catheter or the like. In some self-expanding embodiments, the device 10 may assume its expanded configuration as a result of temperature shape memory or release of compression, or any other appropriate means. As the device 10 assumes its expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 4C , it may expand across the body lumen in which it is positioned and assume a configuration wherein any guidewire passage hole or opening formed in the device 10 will be large enough to allow the guidewire 32 to be retracted through the expanded device 10 and back into the lumen of the delivery cannula 20 for withdrawal, leaving the device 10 in place. [0057] FIGS. 9 and 9 A show an example of a procedure wherein a hysteroscope 64 is used to view and/or facilitate implantation of a lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 . The hysteroscope 64 comprises an elongate, flexible device having a lumen or working channel 70 , a light emission lens or port 68 and an image receiving lens or port 66 . Initially, the hysteroscope 64 is advanced through the uterus UT and into the proximal fallopian tube FT, as shown. The delivery cannula 20 is then advanced through the working channel 70 of the hysteroscope 64 . The physician may view, through the hysteroscope 64 , the advancement of the delivery cannula 20 out of the distal end of the hysteroscope 64 . Length indicating colored zone(s) and/or markings 72 may be provided at specific locations on the delivery cannula 20 to indicate the length delivery cannula 20 that has been advanced from the distal end of the hysteroscope 64 . Thus, the physician may advance the cannula 20 until he or she sees a specific colored zone or other length marking 72 which indicates that the cannula 20 has been advanced to the desired depth or location within the fallopian tube FT. length marking(s) 72 may be formed at locations on the delivery cannula 20 to indicate to the physician through the hysteroscope 64 that the distal end of the delivery cannula 20 has reached a desired implantation site distal to the fallopian tube ostium OS, typically within the intramural portion IMP of the fallopian tube FT or within the utero-tubal UTJ. In some cases the device 10 may be implanted elsewhere in the fallopian tube FT, such as in the isthmic region of the fallopian tube FT, distal to the isthmic region, or even in or near the ampulla region of the fallopian tube. In some embodiments, three separate markings 72 (e.g., 3 different colored zones or visible markings such as ruler type hash marks) the physician to selectively advance the delivery cannula 20 to one of several identified implantation sites (e.g., in the isthmus, between or spanning the transition between the isthmus and ampulla and in the ampulla. An alternative to visual means of determining the position or depth of insertion of the delivery cannula 20 is the use of ultrasound, electronic or image based guidance. In embodiments where ultrasound is used to determine the position of the delivery cannula 20 , one or more echogenic marker(s) may be placed on the tip of or elsewhere on the delivery cannula 20 and/or on the implantable device 10 within the delivery cannula 20 to facilitate ultrasonic imaging and proper placement of the device 10 under ultrasonic guidance. Optionally, a physical barrier may be located on the delivery cannula 20 to prevent over-insertion. [0058] Another means of placement for the device is under fluoroscopic guidance. In this case, one or more radiopaque marker(s) may be located on the tip of or elsewhere on the delivery cannula 20 and/or on the implantable device 10 within the delivery cannula 20 to facilitate positioning of the delivery cannula 20 and/or device 10 under fluoroscopy. [0059] The lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 may deliver (e.g., elute) substance(s) (e.g., drugs, therapeutic agents, biologics, proteins, spermicides, biological factors, cell preparations, friendly microbes, etc.) for some period of time following implantation into the body. In this regard, the device 10 may be of the configuration and structure shown in the figures and described hereabove, may be configured as a drug eluting substance such as fibers contained in a tubular structure, or may be of any other suitable configuration or structure. The rate and/or amount of substance delivered from the implanted device may be designed or controlled, in accordance with known drug delivery technology, to both control dosage (e.g. concentration in the uterus, fallopian tube, lung, tumor or other tissue, organ or anatomical structure), the location of delivery (e.g. systemic, local, topical, directed downstream in a feeding artery, etc.) and the time period over which the drug or other substance would be eluded or otherwise delivered by the implanted device. Also, in some aspects, the delivery of a substance from the device 10 may be responsive to a physical condition or presence/flow of a body fluid in the patient, such as a substance that is eluted by the device 10 and/or carried from the device 10 to another location as a result of the presence of certain conditions, such as different times in the menstrual cycle, or different blood chemistry conditions during the diurnal cycle, or different conditions as a result of physical or medical conditions such as the presence of certain biological factors, the blood pressure presented, the blood flow encountered, or the like. [0060] The substance that is to be eluted or delivered from the implanted intraluminal device may be placed on or in the device 10 in various ways, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5A-7B . For example, the device 10 or some portion thereof may be consist of or comprise a hollow member (e.g., a tube or hollow fiber) having a lumen or inner cavity wherein the substance is contained and the substance may then elute from that hollow member by diffusion through a wall or portion of the hollow member, by seepage or transport out of an aperture or opening formed in the hollow member, or by any other suitable means. FIG. 5 shows an example of the device 10 wherein a substance delivering matrix 18 is disposed on the device 10 . This matrix 18 acts not only acts as a matrix (e.g., scaffold, form or support structure) for tissue ingrowth but also is coated with, impregnated with or contains a substance, such that the substance will elute from or otherwise be delivered from the matrix 18 following implantation of the device 10 . FIG. 5A shows an example wherein the matrix 18 or a portion thereof is formed of a hollow member 18 a (e.g., a hollow fiber) that has a lumen 38 wherein the substance is initially contained and a wall 36 through which the substance will diffuse or otherwise pass, thereby resulting in a release or elution of the substance from the hollow member 18 a . FIG. 5B shows another example wherein the matrix 18 or a portion thereof is formed of a hollow member 18 B that has a wall 40 and a lumen of inner cavity that opens through an opening 42 formed in one end or elsewhere in the wall 40 of the hollow member 18 b such that substance contained in the lumen or inner cavity of the hollow member 18 b will pass out of the opening 42 , thereby resulting in a release or elution of the substance from the hollow member 18 a . Each hollow member 18 a , 18 b may be extruded or otherwise formed such that its inner diameter, wall thickness and/or outlet opening size controls the rate at which the drug or other substance will be eluted from or delivered by the device 10 . The amount of or depth to which the drug or other substance is loaded into each hollow member 18 a , 18 b could control the dispersal of the drug over time (i.e. more drug in the hollow fiber will provide for a longer period of time over which the drug will be delivered). It will be appreciated that, additionally or alternatively, the hollow members 18 a , 18 b shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B could be used to form all or portions of the leg members 12 and/or 15 such that substance will elute from or be delivered by the leg members 12 and/or 15 in addition to or as an alternative to elution or delivery of substance from the matrix 18 . [0061] FIGS. 6-6C show other examples wherein all or portion(s) of the leg member(s) 12 and/or 15 are constructed to contain and deliver a drug or other substance. In some embodiments, all or portion(s) of the leg members 12 and/or 15 may be hollow, cellular, permeable or cavernous such that they may contain a drug or other substance (see FIGS. 6B and 6C ) or one or more reservoir members may be attached to the device 10 to contain the drug or other substance (see FIG. 6A ). The drug or other substance may then diffuse, leak, transport or otherwise pass out of the reservoir through semipermiable membrane(s) or openings. [0062] For example, as shown in FIG. 6A , a semipermiable reservoir member 47 which contains the drug or other substance may be attached to the end of one or more leg(s) 12 such that the drug or substance will diffuse through the wall of the reservoir member 47 thereby delivering a therapeutically effective dose of the drug or substance to the subject over a desired period of time. The reservoir member 47 may or may not be removable from the implanted device 10 and, in some embodiments, the reservoir member 47 may be replaceable by another full reservoir member 47 in situ while the device 10 remains in place. For example, in applications where the device 10 is implanted within a fallopian tube FT for the purpose of contraception, the reservoir member 47 may be removed and/or replaced at a later date via a hysteroscope 64 and a suitable removal device such as a gripping device or forceps that may be passable through a working channel 70 of the scope 64 . Alternatively, the reservoir member 47 may be refillable, for example by a syringe. [0063] FIG. 6B shows an example wherein a portion 48 of a leg member 12 is hollow and contains the drug or substance and wherein a semipermiable window 50 is formed of material through which the drug or other substance will diffuse such that therapeutically effective dose of the drug or substance will be delivered to the subject over a desired period of time. [0064] FIG. 6C shows an example wherein a portion 44 of a leg member 12 is hollow and contains the drug or substance and wherein a plurality of small holes 46 are formed in that portion of the leg 12 such that the drug or other substance will seep or otherwise flow out of the holes and a therapeutically effective dose of the drug or substance will be delivered to the subject over a desired period of time. [0065] Additionally or alternatively, the substance may comprise or may be contained in particles (e.g., granules, beads, vesicles, blisters, bubbles, capsules, lyposomes, microcapsules, etc.) that are disposed on (e.g., adhered or affixed to) some portion of the device 10 such that the substance will be released is from the particles after the device 10 has been implanted. [0066] FIGS. 7-7B show another example, wherein a substance delivering implant 52 , such as a pellet or capsule, is separate from or may be attached to and/or associated with the lumen occluding and/or substance delivery device 10 . [0067] For example, in embodiments where the device 10 is implanted in a fallopian tube FT for contraceptive purposes, a contraceptive drug delivering implant 52 may be implanted proximally to, within, or distally to the device 10 . The matrix of the pellet, in some embodiments, may be biodegradable (e.g., formed of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, etc.) such that after a desired or predetermined period of time, the pellet would dissolve and be gone. Methods for making substance delivering pellets or implants are previously known in the art including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,625,214; 3,991,750; 5,855,915 and 6,306,914, the entireties of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. [0068] It is to be appreciated that the drug or other substance may be incorporated into any portion or element of the device 10 in any suitable way. For example, the drug or substance may be mixed in to a material (e.g., a plastic) that flows, dissolves, melts, oozes or otherwise passes out of the device 10 following implantation. In such embodiments, the molecules of the drug or substance may be sized so as to migrate or pass between polymer chains of the plastic such that the drug or substance will leach or pass out of the plastic over a desired time period. In certain embodiments, the drug or substance may make up or be incorporated into a coating that is extruded or applied over all or a portion of the material located in or on the device, such that the drug or substance will elute or pass out of the coating at a desired rate or over a desired time period. In certain embodiments the drug or substance may make up or may be incorporated in a coating that is applied to all or a portion of the device 10 (e.g., the leg members 12 and/or 15 may be formed of a material such as self expanding nickel-titanium alloy or other metal and may be coated with a coating that consists of or contains the drug or substance) such that the drug or substance will elute or pass out of that coating at a desired rate or over a desired time period. In certain embodiments, one or more holes, indentations or other texture may be drilled or otherwise formed in the leg members 12 and/or 15 or the optional matrix 18 or other portion(s) of the device 10 and the desired drug or substance may be placed in the hole(s), indentation(s) or other texture such that the drug or substance will elute or pass out of the hole(s), indentation(s) or other texture over a desired time period. The diameter(s) and/or depth(s) of the hole(s), indentation(s) or other texture may be selected to control the rate and time over which the drug or substance will elute or otherwise pass from the device. In certain embodiments the substance may be responsive to the physiological conditions and thereby control the delivery of the substance in response to those conditions. For example, where the substance is released for contraceptive purposes within the fallopian tubes, the release of the substance may be controlled to some extent by the menstrual cycle of the patient. Certain well known biochemical conditions prevail within the uterus and fallopian tubes at the time and shortly after the release of the egg from the ovaries (referred to here as ovulation). A pellet of spermicidal substance or other similar contraceptive substance may be coated with a substance that is soluble in response to the biochemical conditions that prevail at the time of ovulation, but relatively insoluble in the biochemical conditions that prevail in the uterus and fallopian tubes at other times. This would result in the release of the substance primarily at the time of ovulation, and thus result in a long lasting contraceptive pellet that enhances contraception at precisely the time when it will be effective. Another example of the release of the substance in response to physiological conditions would be where a greater amount of substance is released in response to increased blood flow, as in a chemotherapeutic agent located in a feeding artery to a tumor. As the blood flow decreases, smaller amounts of the chemotherapeutic substance is released, resulting in decreased systemic effects as the blood flow to the tumor is cut off. Responses to blood pressure, diurnal cycles, and the like can also be engineered in accordance with this invention. [0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 A, the invention also provides an implantable lumen occluding and/or substance delivering device 54 that further comprises a flag or marker 60 that unravels or extends out of the fallopian tube and into the uterus for visual confirmation to indicate which fallopian tube has a device 54 in it. In this particular non-limiting example, the device 54 comprises a mesh body 56 that is designed to facilitate tissue ingrowth and occlude of a fallopian tube or other body lumen in which it is implanted. An arm 58 extends from the body 56 and the marker 60 is attached to the arm 58 , as shown. Optionally, this flag or marker 60 and/or the body 56 of the device 54 can contain a substance (e.g., contraceptive drug, antifungal, antibiotic, agent for treatment of STD such as pelvic inflammatory disease, spermicidal agent, etc.) as described above. Also, optionally, this flag or marker 60 may be dissolvable or biodegradable and/or retrievable and removable at a later date, such through an endoscope or hysteroscope as described above. In embodiments, where the flag or marker 60 or any other component of the device is removable from the body, that component may contain substance(s), such as copper, that are desirable for only for short term implantation. [0070] The substance eluting implantable devices 10 , 54 of the present invention may be useable in various applications. For example, as described above, in applications where the device 10 , 54 is implanted in a fallopian tube FT or elsewhere in the female genitourinary tract for the purpose of blocking egg migration or implantation, the device 10 , 54 may additionally elute or deliver a female contraceptive agent or spermicidal agent to deter pregnancy, at least for some initial period of time following implantation of the intraluminal device. Any effective contraceptive or spermicidal agent may be used, in amounts that result in the desired therapeutic effect of avoiding pregnancy. [0071] Specific examples of contraceptive agents that may be used include; the contraceptive hormone contained in the Norplant system (e.g., a synthetic progestin, namely, levonorgestrel having the molecular formula (d (−)- 13 -beta-ethyl-17-alpha-ethinyl-17-beta-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one) and a molecular weight of 312.45 and/or various other contraceptive hormone preparations including but not limited to medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethisterone enanthate, progestogen, levonorgestrel, levonorgestrel (as progestogen), ethinyl estradiol (as estrogen), norgestrel (as progestogen), levonorgestrel in combination with ethinyl estradiol, Norethisterone enanthate, norgestrel in combination with ethinyl estradiol, quinacrine, etc. Quinacrine is not a hormone. Rather, quinacrine is an agent which may be used to cause chemical, non-surgical female sterilization. When a quinacrine hydrocholoride pellet is inserted directly into the uterus, the guinacrine liquefies and flows into the fallopian tubes, causing permanent scarring. Although recorded failure rates and persistent side effects related to quinacrine sterilization have been low, controversy has developed around quinacrine's long-term safety, efficacy, and link to upper genital tract infections. However, direct placement of quinacrine into the fallopian tube in combination with or as part of a lumen blocking implantable device of this invention may permit the use or relatively low levels of quinacrine which would facilitate a local effect within the fallopian tube without untoward systemic toxicity. [0072] In applications where the device 10 is implanted within a fallopian tube FT to cause contraception, the device 10 may deliver a contraceptive agent in an amount that a) causes an effect on the uterine tissue (e.g., endometrium) such that eggs will not become implanted within the uterus UT and/or b) causes cessation of ovulation. Typically, the dose of contraceptive substance delivered to cause cessation of ovulation is higher than the dose delivered to cause non-implantation of eggs in the endometrium. For example, the device 10 may deliver from about 10 micrograms to about 70 micrograms of levonorgestrel (d (−)-13-beta-ethyl-17-alpha-ethinyl-17-beta-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one). Dosages of levonorgestrel within the lower portion of this dosage range (e.g., from about 10 micrograms per day to about 30 micrograms per day) may be used to cause non-implantation of eggs in the endometrium while dosages within the higher portion of that dosage range (e.g., from about 30 micrograms per day to about 70 micrograms per day) may be used to cause cessation of ovulation. The dosages may vary however and this invention is not limited to any specific dosage or any specific agent. Indeed, the optimal dosage of a particular contraceptive agent to be delivered from the device 10 may depend on various factors, such as the age of the patient, the specific location at which the device 10 is implanted in the fallopian tube FT, whether devices 10 are implanted on only one or both fallopian tubes FT, etc. [0073] Specific examples of specific spermicidal agents that may be used include but are not limited to nonoxynol-9, octoxynol-9, menfegol, benzalkonium chloride and N-docasanol. [0074] Also, in any application where infection or microbial infestation is a concern, the device may elute or deliver antimicrobial agent(s) (e.g., microbicidal agents, antibiotics, antiviral agent(s), anti paracyte agent(s), etc.) Specific examples of antimicrobial agents that may be eluted or delivered from the implanted device include but are not limited to: Acyclovir; Amantadine; Aminoglycosides (e.g., Amikacin, Gentamicin and Tobramycin); Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin/Clavulanate; Amphotericin B; Ampicillin; Ampicillin/sulbactam; Atovaquone; Azithromycin; Cefazolin; Cefepime; Cefotaxime; Cefotetan; Cefpodoxime; Ceftazidime; Ceftizoxime; Ceftriaxone; Cefuroxime; Cephalexin; Chloramphenicol; Clotrimazole; Ciprofloxacin; Clarithromycin; Clindamycin; Dapsone; Dicloxacillin; Doxycycline; Erythromycin; Fluconazole; Foscarnet; Ganciclovir; Gatifloxacin; Imipenem/Cilastatin; Isoniazid, Itraconazole+(Sporanox®); Ketoconazole; Metronidazole; Nafcillin; Nafcillin; Nystatin; Penicillin; Penicillin G; Pentamidine; Piperacillin/Tazobactam; Rifampin; Quinupristin-Dalfopristin; Ticarcillin/clavulanate; Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole; Valacyclovir; Vancomycin; Mafenide; Silver Sulfadiazine; Mupirocin; Nystatin; Triamcinolone/Nystatin; Clotrimazole/Betamethasone; Clotrimazole; Ketoconazole; Butoconazole; Miconazole; Tioconazole, detergent-like chemicals that disrupt or disable microbes (e.g., nonoxynol-9, octoxynol-9, benzalkonium chloride, menfegol, and N-docasanol); chemicals that block microbial attachment to target cells and/or inhibits entry of infectious pathogens (e.g., sulphated and sulponated polymers such as PC-515 (carrageenan), Pro-2000, and Dextrin 2 Sulphate); antiretroviral agents (e.g., PMPA gel) that prevent HIV or other retroviruses from replicating in the cells; genetically engineered or naturally occurring antibodies that combat pathogens such as anti-viral antibodies genetically engineered from plants known as “Plantibodies,” agents which change the condition of the tissue to make it hostile to the pathogen (such as substances which alter vaginal pH (e.g., Buffer Gel and Acidform) or bacteria which cause the production of hydrogen peroxide within the vagina (e.g., lactobacillus ). [0075] Also, in some applications, a substance eluting implantable device may be placed in a body lumen (e.g., blood vessel, bronchus, hepatic duct, common bile duct, pancreatic duct, etc.) near a tumor and the device may deliver one or more anti-tumor agents to treat the tumor. Specific examples of anti-tumor agents that may be used in this invention include but are not limited to: alkylating agents or other agents which directly kill cancer cells by attacking their DNA (e.g., cyclophosphamide, isophosphamide), nitrosoureas or other agents which kill cancer cells by inhibiting changes necessary for cellular DNA repair (e.g., carmustine (BCNU) and lomustine (CCNU)), antimetabolites and other agents that block cancer cell growth by interfering with certain cell functions, usually DNA synthesis (e.g., 6 mercaptopurine and 5-fluorouracil (5FU), Antitumor antibiotics and other compounds that act by binding or intercalating DNA and preventing RNA synthesis (e.g., doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin-C and bleomycin)Plant (vinca) alkaloids and other anti-tumor agents derived from plants (e.g., vincristine and vinblastine), Steroid hormones, hormone inhibitors, hormone receptor antagonists and other agents which affect the growth of hormone-responsive cancers (e.g., tamoxifen, herceptin, aromatase ingibitors such as aminoglutethamide and formestane, trriazole inhibitors such as letrozole and anastrazole, steroidal inhibitors such as exemestane), antiangiogenic proteins, small molecules, gene therapies and/or other agents that inhibit angiogenesis or vascularization of tumors (e.g., meth-1, meth-2, thalidomide (Thalomid), bevacizumab (Avastin), squalamine, endostatin, angiostatin, Angiozyme, AE-941 (Neovastat), CC-5013 (Revimid), medi-522 (Vitaxin), 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2, Panzem), carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), combretastatin A4 prodrug (CA4P), SU6668, SU11248, BMS-275291, COL-3, EMD 121974, IMC-1C11, IM862, TNP-470, celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), interferon alpha, interleukin-12 (IL-12) or any of the compounds identified in Science Vol. 289, Pages 1197-1201 (Aug. 17, 2000)), biological response modifiers (e.g., interferon, bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG), monoclonal antibodies, interluken 2, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), etc.), PGDF receptor antagonists, herceptin, asparaginase, busulphan, carboplatin, cisplatin, carmustine, cchlorambucil, cytarabine, dacarbazine, etoposide, flucarbazine, flurouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, ifosphamide, irinotecan, lomustine, melphalan, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, thioguanine, thiotepa, tomudex, topotecan, treosulfan, vinblastine, vincristine, mitoazitrone, oxaliplatin, procarbazine, streptocin, taxol, taxotere, analogs/congeners and derivatives of such compounds as well as other antitumor agents not listed here. [0076] In some embodiments the lumen occluding and/or substance delivering device 10 , 54 may be used for antitumor applications. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 10 A, a tumor T has a peduncle P through which and artery A and vein V run. A lumen occluding and/or substance delivering device 10 of the present invention is implanted in the artery A to occlude the artery A thereby cutting of blood flow to the tumor and/or to deliver an antineoplastic or antitumor substance to the tumor T. In some of these applications, the implanted device 10 may continue to allow some flow of blood or other body fluid through the body lumen in which it is positioned and into the tumor for at least an initial period of time following implantation of the device (e.g., until tissue ingrowth into the device 10 closes off the lumen of the blood vessel or other body lumen). In this way, the antitumor substance eluted or delivered by the device 10 will be carried into the tumor T for some desired period of time following implantation. Thereafter, cellular ingrowth into the device 10 causes a progressive and complete occlusion of the artery A after the desired dose of antitumor substance has been delivered to the tumor T. This blockage of blood flow to the tumor T may further serve to inhibit or kill some or all of any remaining tumor cells that have not been killed by the antitumor drug. The release of the drug may be controlled based on the rate of blood flow through the feeding vessel. As the artery A occludes over time, less total amount of the drug will be released into the bloodstream and thus there will be less systemic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent which will generally result in less dramatic side effects. On the other hand, the concentration of the antitumor substance will generally be slightly more concentrated in the blood based on the reduced flow, resulting in a more concentrated but more localized therapeutic effect on the tumor T. [0077] In yet another example of an application of this invention shown in FIGS. 11-11B , the implantable intraluminal device 10 is implanted into a lung L to block air flow to a portion of the lung L. As seen in FIG. 11 , the trachea T is bifurcated into right and left mainstem bronchi MB. Each mainstem bronchus MB then branches into a number of secondary bronchi SB. In the particular non-limiting example shown, the device 10 is implanted into a secondary bronchus SB that leads into the lower lobe of the left lung L. Following implantation, the device 10 may cause instant or progressive full occlusion of the secondary bronchus SB, so as to prevent air from entering the diseased lobe or region of lung parenchyma that receives air through that secondary bronchus SB. Such leakage or disease may result from, for example, a ruptured emphysematous bleb, traumatic lung puncture or iatrogenic lung rupture. In other cases the device 10 may be constructed so as not to substantially block airflow through the bronchus and possibly even to perform a scaffolding or stenting function which holds the lumen of the bronchus open. In either type of device, a drug or substance may be eluted or delivered by the device into the adjacent pulmonary tissue. For example, in cases where the device has been implanted to close off flow to a punctured area of the lung, the device may elute an antibiotic or other agent (e.g., a bronchodilator, mucolytic agent, expectorant, etc.) to locally deter or treat any infection or other condition present or developing in the lung tissue. In cases where the device 10 is implanted in a bronchus to treat emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the device may elute a therapeutic agent that is effective to treat that underlying condition or its symptoms. [0078] Some examples of drugs that may be eluted from the device for the purpose of treating such lung diseases include but are not limited to: antimicrobial substances (examples of which are listed hereabove); corticosteroids such as beclomethasone (Vanceril, Beclovent), triamcinolone (Azmacort), flunisolide (Aerobid), fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone (Medrol, SoluMedrol, DepoMedrol), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), hydrocortisone (SoluCortef), methylprednisolone (SoluMedrol); Mediator-release inhibitors or cromones such as, cromolyn sodium (Intal), nedocromil sodium (Tilade); anti-leukotriene drugs such as leukotriene-receptor antagonists (e.g., zafirlukast (Accolate)), leukotriene-synthesis inhibitors (e.g., zileuton (Zyflo)) and other anti-leukotrienes (e.g., montelukast (Singulair)), mucolytic agents and expectorants (e.g., guifenisn); bronchodilator drugs such as beta-adrenergic agonists (e.g., epinephrine (Primatene), isoproterenol (Isuprel), isoetharine (Bronkosol), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), terbutaline (Bricanyl, Brethine), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), salmeterol (Serevent), Methyl xanthines (e.g., caffeine, theophylline, aminophylline and oxtriphylline (Choledyl)) and anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, ipratropium bromide (Atrovent). [0079] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, deletions, combinations and changes may be made to the examples described hereabove and shown in the drawings, without departing from the intended spirit and scope of this invention. All such reasonable modifications, additions, deletions, combinations and changes are included in this disclosure.

Devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to communication between a plurality of network domains or zones, and more particularly to network platforms and apparatus, systems, and methods that utilize or employ internetworking platforms to provide cyber security protection across security zones typically having different levels of security therebetween. 2. Description of the Related Art The architecture of modern industrial operations, such as that found in modern oil and gas field applications is enabled at the field-level, process-level, application-level, system-level, and plant-level, by various networked devices. These devices monitor, control, and collect data, such as measurements, reflective of the operations of the automated process. These devices are connected to or in communication with electronic devices and machines known as controllers that operate at different levels to process the data collected and issue commands back to, or to other, networked devices. In a typical configuration, these components form plant networks and systems. The more mission-critical remote or local plants, facilities, systems, networks, applications, controllers, computers or other data management devices, sensors or other data collecting or transmitting devices including I/O devices, equipment (things), and/or other assets, are located in what can be termed a mission critical Secured Zone (SZ). These industrial networks and systems can be connected to multiple networks within the SZ or non-mission-critical networks external to the facility, such as a corporate or other enterprise network, located within a Less Secured Zone (LSZ) having less cyber security, which may also be connected to public networks such as the Internet. This makes such “industrial networks” extremely susceptible to external cyber attacks and other security threats. Such cyber attacks can result in, among other things, a “loss of view” and/or a “loss of control” of individual components or entire network or system structures. A loss of view occurs when the user/automated controller is unable to access a system, either partially or fully, and thus, has no view of the process operation. A loss of control occurs when the user/automated controller is unable to send and/or receive control messages to the process control system to invoke a function and or a procedure. Cyber security measures applied to communication between such mission-critical industrial networks and systems and have taken the form of those applied to Information Technology (IT) systems, arguably because known conventional intra-network deployments require full Internet Protocol (IP) communication end-to-end between the data source and destination. Other methodologies include the employment of the need for a Firewall and/or DMZ between the SZ and LSZ. These methods, however, have not been sufficiently effective, given the potential loss of capital, life, and product in the event of a failure of a control system or industrial process. As such, the inventors have recognized the need for apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods that can provide cyber security protection for industrial processes, for Energy, Power and Utilities systems and networks; and other industrial and non-industrial systems, that require, for example, security and protection from a less secure corporate or Internet connectivity. Also recognized is the need for apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods that can provide secure communications between the different zones such as, for example, a mission critical SZ interfacing with facilities, systems, networks, computers or other user interface devices including those of end-users located in an LSZ, and that account for the full IP communication requirement of both data sources and data destinations. Further recognized by the inventors is the need for apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods which provide for data exchange from the SZ to the LZ without full (unbroken and anti-evasion) IP communication end-to-end; that can eliminate the exchange of vulnerable files and malwares between the SZ and LSZ, and vice versa; that can eliminate active links or sessions (bidirectional) between the SZ and LSZ; provide for controlled data exchange between SZ and LSZ; that can prevent active files, those files having executable code and/or macros that cannot be transferred as a text file(s) or binary data, e.g., URL links, object oriented executable file, among others, which can be carriers of computer worms or viruses, from being exchanged between the SZ and LSZ; vice versa, by eliminating them from any data being exchanged; that can provide data exchange capabilities, preferably at the storage drive I/O level between two different zones; and that can eliminate the need for network communication such IP communications, physical Firewall(s) and/or DMZ(s) between the SZ and LSZ. Once there is a system compromise of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) storage, for example, or a compromise either in the corporate network or corporate LAN, any streaming data is generally lost, en route, or must be stored by the data source. As such, recognized by the inventors is the need for an en route storage capacity to retain the data should the ERP storage become compromised or if data being transferred to the LSZ is being lost. Correspondingly, also recognized by the inventors is the need for apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods which provide for central data aggregation and delivery to the LSZ's systems (and LZ systems) and/or for manual data upload or download for disaster situations such as, for example, a central hub for data aggregation and exchange; which provide central data aggregation to be used in a disaster recovery plan; and which provide a central data aggregation for the SZ and LSZ systems to be used for data archiving and historization. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, various embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods, that can provide cyber security protection for industrial processes, for Energy, Power and Utilities systems and networks, and other industrial and non-industrial systems, that require, for example, security and protection from a less secure corporate or internet connectivity. Various embodiments also provide apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods that can provide secure communications between the different zones such as, for example, a mission critical Secured Zone (SZ) interfacing with facilities, systems, networks, computers or other user interface devices including those of end-users located in a Less Secured Zone (LSZ), and that account for the full IP communication requirement of both data sources and data destinations. Various embodiments also provide apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods which provide for data communications (exchanges) from the SZ to the LZ without full (unbroken) and anti-evasion IP communication end-to-end; that can eliminate the exchange of vulnerable files between the SZ and LSZ, and vice versa; that can eliminate active links or sessions (bidirectional) between the SZ and LSZ; provide for controlled data exchange between SZ and LSZ; that can prevent active files, those files having executable code and/or macros that cannot be transferred as a text file, e.g., URL links, object oriented executable file, among others, which can be carriers of computer worms or viruses, from being exchanged between the SZ and LSZ; vice versa, by eliminating them from any data being exchanged; that can provide data exchange capabilities, preferably at the hard drive I/O level between two different zones; and/or that can eliminate the need for a Firewall and/or DMZ between the SZ and LSZ. Additionally, various embodiments of the invention advantageously provide apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods that provide data availability and integrity by completely hiding the means of data transport to prevent unauthorized access to the entire data stream regardless of its data classification. Additionally, the various embodiments break the IP address reachability at the lowest level (i.e., I/O hard-drive) and retransmit the data utilizing the data transmission at the storage drive level coupled with intermediate servers for actual raw data translation and formatting by adjacent servers, e.g., DSMs, rather than the concept of TCP/IP proxy server model used between different networks. Various embodiments also provide apparatus, systems, platforms, and methods which provide for an en route storage capacity to retain the data should the ERP storage become compromised or if data being transferred to the LSZ is being lost; which provide for central data aggregation and delivery to the LSZ's systems (and LZ systems) and/or for manual data upload or download for disaster situations such as, for example, a central hub for data aggregation and exchange; which provide central data aggregation to be used in a disaster recovery plan; and/or which provide a central data aggregation for the SZ and LSZ systems to be used for data archiving and historization. More specifically, an example of an embodiment of an apparatus for securing communication data exchanges between multiple networks utilizing storage area network internetworking platforms. The exemplary apparatus can include an exemplary platform that can function to eliminate IP connections between a secured zone, or SZ, and less secured zone, or LSZ, for bi-direction data exchange. The platform function, according to an exemplary configuration, is based on exchanging data between a first network, typically including mission-critical assets (members) to form the SZ, and a second network, typically including non-mission critical members to form the generally less secured, LSZ. Data transfer between zones can be at the storage level such as, for example, at the virtual block level, input/output (I/O) level, plain text or binary file storage level. The platform storage is designated to be accessed from one side of the communications pathway between zones by systems or components associated with the SZ and accessed from the other side by systems or components associated with LSZ. The exemplary platform can include the following major components: a centralized facility; and/or a Secured Dedicated Communication Link Module (SDCLM) coupled with the respective centralized facility. According to alternative embodiments, a distributed facility can be used. The centralized or distributed facilities can each include: a first, typically dedicated LAN, one or more sets of Data Staging Modules (DSMs); one or more storage area network (SAN) storage and exchange systems, each typically in the form of a SAN Inter-networking Module (SAN IM) bounded by at least a pair of the DSMs; and at least one second LAN, typically associated with an Enterprise network or system. The centralized facility can form non-shared hybrid IP packet network including IP communications interrupted by non-IP communications across the SAN storage and exchange systems allowing data exchange. The data exchange through the SAN system is based on storage exchange, virtual block, I/O layer, i.e., storage drive layer to provide data exchange based non-IP communications between two different layers, networks, systems, plants, facilities, and/or other data sources (data originators) and data destinations (data terminators). This is in contrast to providing data exchange based on the software application (API) layer or IP network layer. This data exchange form can advantageously provide for communications between both data originators and data terminators that utilize IP communications as their communication base, while still preventing active files, those files having executable code and/or macros that cannot be transferred as a text or binary file, e.g., URL links, object oriented executable file, among others, which can be carriers of computer worms or viruses, from being exchanged between the data sources and data destinations located within the SZ and LSZ; vice versa, automatically eliminating them as part of the between-zones exchange process. The DSMs typically include at least one located in the SZ and one located in the LSZ. Each DSM includes one or more aggregator servers or other computers, and/or one or more data servers or other computers. The SAN IM typically includes a SAN switch or fabric containing one or more SAN switches, and at least one set of interfaces/data storage centers, with each set including an SZ-SAN storage unit and an LSZ-SAN storage unit, connected to and bounding the SAN switch or fabric. The SAN switch or fabric is used to exchange the data between SZ and the LSZ at the storage exchange, virtual block, I/O layer, e.g., storage drive data layer, utilizing flat files, e.g., binary files or plain text files including printable characters, which provide for an intermediate a non-IP, non-Ethernet form of data exchange. The SZ- and LSZ-SAN storage units, residing in the same storage enclosure or different storage enclosures that can be co-located or far apart from each other, provide at least one, but more typically a plurality of SAN volumes or logical drives, with each SAN volume providing a single accessible storage area to the respective server in the respective zone. Mirror of the original storage volumes can be created on the SZ- and LSZ-SAN storage units by the respective SZ and LSZ DSMs to be used when both read and write access to the data in the original storage volumes is needed by the respective SZ and LSZ applications. The SDCLM can include: an Ethernet switch to establish the dedicated LAN; at least one network security device to protect the dedicated LAN; and a dedicated communication circuit (channel) used for linking various data sources to the non-shared hybrid IP packet network, directionally or bi-directionally. The at least one network security device can include a firewall positioned, for example, between at least substantial, if not entire portions of the dedicated communication circuit. The dedicated communication circuit can include, for example, a transmission network bounded by one or more network security device, and a set of transmission access/egress nodes, typically one for each plant LAN or other connected network. In this embodiment, one or more network security device can include, for example, one or more firewalls for each plant LAN or other connected network. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus including a network platform providing cyber security protection is provided. The network platform can advantageously provide cyber security protection for one or more local or remote networks, networked systems, networked assets, or other data sources defining one or more secured networked members associated with a first domain or zone defining a first network zone having a first level of network security in communication with one or more local or remote networks, systems, or end-user devices defining one or more networked enterprise members associated with a second domain or zone defining a second network zone having a second level of network security. According to the exemplary embodiment, the network platform includes a first set of one or more computers defining a first data staging module (DSM) associated with the first network zone having the first level of network security, and configured to receive or retrieve data from the one or more secured networked members associated with the first network zone; a second a set of one or more computers defining a second DSM associated with the second network zone having the second level of security, and configured to receive or retrieve data from the one or more networked enterprise members associated with the second network zone; and a storage area network (SAN) storage and exchange system bounded by the first and second DSMs. The SAN storage system can include one or more SAN storage units containing a first set of one or more storage volumes accessible to the first DSM, and a second set of one or more storage volumes accessible to the second DSM, and a non-transitory communication medium configured to provide for data communications between the first set of one or more storage volumes and the second set of one or more storage volumes to thereby provide a data pathway between the first network zone and the second network zone. According to the exemplary embodiment of the network platform is configured to prevent uninterrupted application-to-application layer communications between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members to thereby eliminate active files from being communicated, preventing communication of active files or other vulnerable files, and preventing establishment of active links or sessions, between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members. Another exemplary embodiment can include, for example, an apparatus including a network platform for providing cyber security protection for one or more local or remote networks, networked systems, networked members, or other data sources defining one or more secured networked members associated with a first domain or zone defining a first network zone having a first level of network security in communication with one or more local or remote networks, systems, or end-user devices defining one or more networked enterprise members associated with a second domain or zone defining a second network zone having a second level of network security. The network platform a first set of one or more computers defining a first data staging module (DSM) associated with the first network zone having the first level of network security, and configured to receive or retrieve data from the one or more secured networked members associated with the first network zone; a second a set of one or more computers defining a second DSM associated with the second network zone having the second level of security, and configured to receive or retrieve data from the one or more networked enterprise members associated with the second network zone; and a storage area network (SAN) storage and exchange system bounded by the first and second DSMs. The SAN storage system can include a first SAN storage unit operably coupled to the first DSM and configured to contain a first set of one or more storage volumes accessible by the first DSM, a second SAN storage unit operably coupled to the second DSM and configured to contain a second set of one or more storage volumes accessible by the second DSM, and a SAN switch or fabric containing one or more SAN switches defining a switched fabric, the switched fabric operably coupled between the first SAN storage unit and the second SAN storage unit and configured to provide for data communication therebetween to thereby provide a data pathway between the first network zone and the second network zone. According to such embodiment, the data communication between the first SAN storage unit and the second SAN storage can include a data communication between one or more associated pairs of the first and the second sets of storage volumes, a first storage volume of each pair of storage volumes is directly accessible by the first DSM and not directly accessible by the second DSM, and a second storage volume of each pair of storage volumes is directly accessible by the second DSM and not directly accessible by the first DSM. Also or alternatively, the data communication between the first SAN storage unit and the second SAN storage unit can include a data replication and block volume transfer between a first storage volume and a second storage volume of each pair of one or more associated pairs of the first and the second sets of storage volumes. According to another embodiment of an apparatus for providing cyber security protection for one or more mission critical local or remote networks, networked systems, networked assets, or other data sources defining one or more secured networked members contained within a secured zone (SZ) that must communicate with one or more non-mission critical local or remote networks, systems, end-user devices, or other data consumers defining one or more networked enterprise members contained within a Less Secured Zone (LSZ) or in communication with the one or more networked enterprise members, is provided. The apparatus can include a storage area network inter-networking platform including a first set of one or more computer servers defining a first DSM positioned within the SZ having a first level of network security; a second set of one or more computer servers defining a second DSM positioned within the LSZ and having a second level of network security, the second level of network security being less than the first level of network security; and a storage area network (SAN) storage and exchange system bounded by the first and the second DSMs and configured to exchange data between the SZ and the LSZ, each of which communicate internally based on one or more IP communication schemes, and to provide non-IP communication between the first DSM and the second DSM to prevent establishment of an IP connection between the SZ and the LSZ, to thereby provide secured communication therebetween. According to this embodiment, the SAN is used to exchange data (non-IP communication) between the SZ and the LSZ which each include communication internally based on IP communication schemes. Additionally, the SAN storage and exchange system can include a pair of separately dedicated DSM storage module volumes, with the first comprising a dedicated SZ DSM SAN volume, and the second comprising a dedicated LSZ SAN DSM volume; and the SAN storage and exchange system being configured to provide the non-IP communications through transferring replicated plain text files between the dedicated SZ DSM SAN volume and the dedicated LSZ DSM SAN volume. According to an embodiment of a method of providing cyber security protection for one or more mission critical local or remote networks, networked systems, networked assets, or other data sources defining one or more secured networked members contained within an SZ that must communicate with one or more non-mission critical local or remote networks, systems, end-user devices, or other data consumers defining one or more networked enterprise members contained within an LSZ and in communication with the one or more networked enterprise members, is provided. The method can include the steps of preventing uninterrupted application-to-application layer communications between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members by employing a network platform configured to interrupt IP-based data communications with non-IP-based communications. The step of preventing uninterrupted application-to-application layer communications can include the steps of: translating native files from at least one member of the one or more secured network members into one or more flat files, the translating step performed by a first computer server; communicating at least copies of the one or more flat files between a pair of SAN storage volumes, the first of the pair of storage volumes assigned to the SZ, the second of the pair of SAN storage volumes assigned to the LSZ, the LSZ having a security level less than that of the SZ; and re-translating the at least copies of the one or more flat files into a form usable by the second LSZ, the step of re-translating performed by a second computer server, with the communication between the two SAN volumes being in the form of a virtual block data volumes communication of virtual block data volumes containing the at least copies of the one or more flat files. According to this embodiment, the one or more flat files comprises one or more plain text files, wherein the first computer server is a first data server comprised by at least portions of a DSM, wherein the second computer server is a second data server comprised by at least portions of a second DSM, and wherein the communication of the at least copies of the one or more flat files is performed by a SAN storage and exchange system bounded by the first and the second data servers and configured to exchange data between the SZ and the LSZ, each of which communicate internally based on one or more IP communication schemes, and to provide non-IP communication between the first computer server and the second DSM and to prevent establishment of an IP connection between the SZ and the LSZ to thereby provide secured communication therebetween. Additionally, the one or more flat files can generated from native files received by the first and the second DSMs for transfer to respective other of the first and the second DSMs. Various embodiments of the invention advantageously include apparatus, equipment, functions, operations, methods, and designs for data exchange platforms between one or more sets of domains or zones, such as, for example, a SZ and an LSZ that can provide data exchange based at the storage device level, provide data aggregation and data recovery center, utilizing the capabilities of the DSM, and eliminate IP communication across interfaces between two different networks, systems, and/or facilities. Various embodiments also advantageously can provide secure data transmission methodologies that can utilize data flow translations between different databases and that utilize the data layer I/O to exchange the data between networks. Various embodiments of the invention advantageously provide an apparatus including a network platform based upon: a non-shared hybrid IP packet network extending between a dedicated LAN and an Enterprise LAN, typically defining a centralized facility used for linking at least a pair of applications, zones, or networks having different security levels, such as, for example, set of plant networks and systems in an SZ, and set of corporate networks, systems, and remote users accessing an LSZ; and a dedicated communication circuit (channel) used for linking the plant networks and systems to the non-shared hybrid IP packet network. Various embodiments of the invention provide methods of platform data exchange based on performing a data exchange at the storage exchange, virtual block, I/O layer, i.e., storage drive layer, utilizing flat files, e.g., plain text file or binary, to provide data exchange based non-IP communications between two different layers, networks, facilities that utilize IP communications as their communication base, in contrast to performing the data exchange at the software application (API) layer. This and the above described embodiments of the platform can advantageously be used for oil, gas, power and other industrial and non-industrial applications and facilities requiring secure data exchange. Various embodiments of the invention can also advantageously include apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods that can provide for central data aggregation to be used in a disaster recovery plan. The LZ-side DSM can provide for the data recovery in the event of a disconnection with a remote LZ facility and/or disconnection with or compromise of the LSZ network. Similarly, the LSZ-side DSM can provide for the data recovery in the event of a disconnection with a remote LSZ facility and/or disconnection with the LZ network. Advantageously, a central data aggregator in each network domain or zone (e.g., LC, LSZ) can be utilized in support of disaster recovery plan/business continuity plan to provide for primary storage and distribution of data such as, for example, whenever the corporate network is compromised and isolated. The aggregator servers have the capability to interface with end-users inside the central data aggregation zone. Various embodiments of the present invention can provide secure data transmission methodologies that utilize data flow translations between different databases and that employ the data layer I/O to exchange data between networks. Advantageously, one or more pairs of DSMs can provide a bridge between the application layers on a first side of a SAN IM and can interwork with the SAN IM to send data across to the network to the second side of the SAN IM. Additionally, the plant-side DSM, for example, can be used as an intermediary for data exchanges with distributed and remote plant facilities and can be responsible for data recovery in the event of disconnection with a remote plant facility and/or disconnection with the corporate network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, may be understood in more detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings, which form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only various embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope as it may include other effective embodiments as well. FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of a data exchange connectivity platform model between a pair of domains or zones having different security levels, a mission critical Secured Zone (SZ) and a non-mission critical Less Secured Zone (LSZ), according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a graphical diagram illustrating an exemplary basic model of an internetworking platform located between the SZ and the LSZ, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a graphical diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus including an exemplary network platform containing a centralized facility, in the form of a centralized storage area network data exchange model, configured to eliminate Internet protocol (IP) connections between a secured zone, or SZ, and less secured zone, or LSZ, for bi-direction data exchange, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a graphical diagram of an exemplary centralized facility illustrating connections of a plurality of host bus adapters, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a graphical diagram illustrating data processing steps and data flow between plant networks and systems, located in a secured zone, and corporate networks and systems, located in a less secured zone, through the exemplary centralized facility of FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6 is a graphical diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus including an exemplary network platform containing a distributed facility in the form of a distributed storage area network data exchange model, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data exchange connectivity platform model between a pair of domains or zones having different security levels. Secure communication between the different zones such as, for example, a mission critical Secured Zone (SZ), e.g., critical remote or local plants, facilities, systems, networks, applications, controllers, computers or other data management devices, sensors or other data collecting or transmitting devices (including I/O devices), equipment (things), and/or other assets or a combination thereof, interfacing with a non-mission critical Less Secured Zone (LSZ), e.g., facilities, systems, networks, computers or other user interface devices including those of end-users, can be considered essential to modern industrial process, power and utilities systems and networks, and other industrial and non-industrial systems. Such systems and networks generally require, for example, security and protection from a less secure corporate or internet connectivity. Note, the terms “data exchange” and “data communication” can refer to both a one-way communication of data, such as, for example, transferring a file or transferring a copy of a file as a result of sending or retrieving data over a communications media, as well as, but can include a two-way communication of the data. In order to provide cyber security protection for such systems and networks, various embodiments of the invention beneficially include apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods that provide for eliminating the exchange of vulnerable files between the SZ and LSZ, and vice versa; eliminating active links or sessions (bi-directional) between the SZ and LSZ; and/or provide for controlling data exchanges between SZ and LSZ; central data aggregation and delivery to the LSZ systems (and LZ systems) for manual data upload or download for disaster situations; and/or central data aggregation for the SZ and LSZ systems to be used for data archiving and historization. Such embodiments can also or alternatively provide secure data transmission methodologies that can utilize data flow translations between different databases and that utilize the data layer I/O to exchange the data between networks. Note, although the terms “secured zone” or “SZ” and “less secured zone” or “LSZ” are utilized throughout, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the embodiments of the invention described herein are directly applicable to the provision of cyber security protection across networks having the same or similar security levels forming separate zones being equally or approximately equally secured. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary basic model of an internetworking platform 30 located between an SZ and an LSZ. The platform 30 provides for the provision of cyber security protection, for example, for “mission critical” assets, e.g., a plant network or networks, plant systems, plant client devices, remote or local plants, facilities, systems, either networks, applications, controllers, computers or other data management devices, sensors or other data collecting or transmitting devices (including I/O devices), and equipment (things) or a combination thereof, collectively referred to as plant systems or other data sources, located within the SZ, which communicate or otherwise interface, for example, with “non-mission critical” assets, e.g., a corporate network or networks, corporate systems, client end-user devices, remote or local facilities, systems, other networks, applications, computers or other information management devices, or a combination thereof, located within the LSZ. The components of the exemplary platform 30 can be hardened with application cyber security restriction, access, and antivirus capabilities. Physical security for the platform elements and upkeep workflows are defined, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The platform 30 can serve as a means for data exchange of oil and gas application, power, utilities, among others, eliminating the need for an IP connection with corporate or other typically less secured networks, including the Internet. The platform 30 can provide for data exchange based at the storage device level, provide for: data exchange from the SZ to the LSZ without full (uninterrupted) IP communication end-to-end, elimination of IP communication across interfaces between two different networks, systems, and/or facilities within the SZ and the LSZ, and a data aggregation and data recovery center (described later). According to an exemplary configuration, the platform 30 includes intermediate sets of computer servers 31 , 32 , in each zone, such as, for example, an aggregator 181 , 182 and/or a data server 191 , 192 (see FIG. 3 ), described later, positioned at both sides of a Storage Area Network (SAN) 40 to translate and retranslate the native files to applications and servers of end systems 33 , 34 , e.g., plant systems 33 and corporate systems 34 . The SAN 40 can beneficially be used to interrupt what would otherwise be a full IP network connection between the plant systems 33 associated with the SZ and corporate systems 34 associated with the LSZ, resulting in the elimination of the need for a firewall and/or a DMZ between the SZ and LSZ. The SAN 40 can include an SZ-SAN interface 41 and an LSZ-SAN interface 42 , residing in the same storage enclosure or different storage enclosures. Each SAN interface 41 , 42 , contains at least one, but typically a plurality of SAN volumes or logical drives each providing a single accessible storage area to the respective server 31 , 32 . The SAN 40 can also include one or more switches. In a preferred configuration, the one or more switches are part of a switched fabric, or more typically, a switched fabric in Fiber Channel defining a Fiber Channel SAN fabric 43 comprising one or more Fiber Channel SAN switches (not separately shown). The data exchange can be between two SAN volumes, residing in the same storage enclosure or different storage enclosures, utilizing, for example, the small computer system interface (SCSI) and/or Fiber Channel protocols. Other protocols providing similar functionality are, however, within the scope of the present invention. The platform 30 can beneficially utilize a dedicated communications conduit or circuit 53 based on dedicated channels such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), Synchronous Optical Networking SONET, Wave Division Multiplexing, dedicated cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), dedicated fiber, and/or, e.g. various forms of other non-shared IP packet networks as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to establish independence from the public and/or private shared IP network for plant data. The platform 30 can provide for data exchange between the SZ and the LSZ utilizing a centralized SAN data exchange model (see FIG. 3 ) and/or a distributed SAN data exchange model (see FIG. 6 ). FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary apparatus 100 comprising an exemplary network platform 130 configured to eliminate IP connections between a secured zone, or SZ, and less secured zone, or LSZ, for bi-direction data exchange. For example, according to an exemplary configuration, the platform data exchange function is performed at the storage exchange, virtual block, I/O layer, i.e., storage drive layer, utilizing flat files, e.g., plain text file or binary, to provide data exchange based non-IP communications, e.g., non-Ethernet form of data exchange, between two different layers, applications, systems, networks, facilities, plant equipment, and/or other data consumers or producers, which utilize IP communications as their communication base. This is in contrast to conventional applications which provide data exchange based upon the software application (API) layer. Beneficially, the network platform 130 can be used according to various communication schemes and users, to include use in, for example, oil, gas, power and other industrial and non-industrial applications, networks, and facilities requiring cyber secure data exchanges. The platform 130 , however, can be used for other purposes as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. According to the illustrated embodiment, the functionality of the exemplary network platform 130 is based primarily upon: a non-shared hybrid IP packet network extending between a dedicated LAN 151 and an Enterprise (e.g., corporate, other) LAN 152 , and is used to exchange the data between SZ and the LSZ; platform storage designated to be accessed from one side by systems or components associated with the SZ and accessed from the other side by systems or components associated with LSZ; and optionally, a dedicated communication circuit (channel) 153 used for linking various data sources to the non-shared hybrid IP packet network, directionally or bi-directionally. The data sources can include, for example, critical or non-critical remote or local plants, facilities, systems, networks, applications, controllers, computers/servers or other data management devices, sensors or other data collecting or transmitting devices (including I/O devices), equipment (things), and/or other assets or a combination thereof, collectively referred to as data sources or plant systems 133 for simplicity. The linking can be either directly with the plant system 133 or via an interface with their respective LANs 155 . Note, the non-shared hybrid IP packet network is referred to as being a hybrid because it can include both IP communications interrupted by non-IP communications. The exemplary network platform 130 includes a “centralized facility” 157 in the form of an exemplary baseline centralized SAN data exchange model that contains the dedicated LAN 151 , a set of Storage 1 and 2 infrastructures 161 , 162 , and an Enterprise LAN 152 . The Storage 1 and 2 infrastructures 161 , 162 , collectively include Data Staging Modules (DSMs) 131 , 132 , and a SAN Inter-Networking Module (SAN IM) 140 extending therebetween and used to exchange the data between the SZ and the LSZ. Together, the components of the centralized facility 157 form the non-shared hybrid IP packet network which can perform the data exchange between zones using a non-IP, non-Ethernet form of data exchange. Additionally, the centralized facility 157 in conjunction with the dedicated communication channel 153 form a secured link 159 . The exemplary centralized facility 157 is bounded on one side by the dedicated circuit (channel) 153 , and on the other side by a non-dedicated circuit, i.e., corporate shared IP packet communication network forming at least substantial portions of LSZ. Other configurations of the baseline centralized facility model, however, are within the scope of the present invention. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, the non-shared hybrid IP packet network can instead be bounded by two different non-dedicated circuits (i.e., packet communication networks). Other alternative centralized facility models are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, according to an alternative embodiment, the centralized facility 157 includes the dedicated LAN 151 with the Storage 1 infrastructure 161 in communication with a remote facility with the Storage 2 infrastructure 162 and enterprise LAN 152 . Also for example, according to another alternative embodiment, the centralized facility includes the dedicated LAN 151 and Storage 1 infrastructure 161 and Storage 2 infrastructure 162 , and a remote facility with the corporate LAN 152 . Still referring to FIG. 3 , the network platform 130 can also include a Secured Dedicated Communication Link Module (SDCLM) 171 . The hardware components of the SDCLM 171 can include, for example: an Ethernet switch 173 to establish the dedicated LAN 151 , a network security device 175 , such as, for example, one or more Firewalls 175 to protect the LAN 151 ; a dedicated communication circuit (channel) 153 including, for example, a transmission network 177 bounded by the network security device 175 , e.g., the four firewalls 175 , and a set of transmission access/egress nodes 178 , and corresponding optical or electric cables and/or wireless transmitters and receivers. The software components include centralized software having the capability to interface into the different SDCLM 171 hardware that collects performance events. The software also has the capability to track events, monitor, correlates and identify abnormalities. The software can also alert cyber security compromises locally on a system display and/or remotely to a centralized Security operation center, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dedicated communication circuit 153 is based on dedicated channels such Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH); Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET), Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM), dedicated fiber strand, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and/or cable. The SDCLM 171 utilizes non-public or shared private IP. It implies a secured conduit based on either a dedicate IP over Ethernet and/or Serial communication over the communication link. The dedicated communication circuit (channel) 153 is bounded by the network security device 175 , e.g., firewalls 175 . The four firewalls 175 , typically hardware-based or a combination of both hardware and software, are positioned to restrict access to, and securely isolate the transmission network 177 , allowing only those protocols and data that are authorized to enter the transmission network 177 , preventing the spread of malicious code. The SDCLM 171 beneficially provides the required capability to connect the plant systems 133 to the network platform 130 . Referring to FIG. 3 , as briefly introduced above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the network platform 130 includes one or more first zone DSMs 131 each defining an SZ DSM 131 is/are placed at the first zone or SZ, and one or more second zone DSMs 132 each defining an LSZ DSM 132 is/are placed at the second zone or LSZ. The SZ and LSZ DSMs 131 , 132 , are data hubs to collect all data that needs to be exchanged between the different zones. Each DSM 131 , 132 , will collect the data corresponding to the networks and systems or other data sources belonging to a single one of at least two Security Zones that it is associated with. The SZ DSM 131 , for example, is connected to various local and/or remote plant systems 133 or other data sources via the SDCLM 171 , and is used as a buffer and staging area for all data entering or exiting that SZ. The LSZ DSM 132 can, but need not, utilize a less secure network connection such as a shared packet switched network to include the Internet to carry the data to the end users. Each DSM 131 , 132 , is bounded by a security apparatus, e.g., a firewall 175 , from one communication side and the SAN storage infrastructure, e.g., SAN IM 140 , on the other. The SAN storage infrastructure is located in between the SZ DSM 131 and the LSZ DSM 132 . Each DSM 131 , 132 , has the function of transferring data such as time series data from one data source to destination. The data sources can be single threaded, multi-thread and/or multi-session data sources originating from a single and/or multiple application programming interfaces (APIs). The SZ DSM 131 communicates with the SZ data sources, e.g., plant systems 133 , using one or more dedicated communication circuits (channels) 153 , or other preferably secure circuits or conduits, that can be based on IP or serial communication. The SZ data sources include, for example, one or more servers located at or otherwise associated with the plant systems 133 , remote or local. The data sources, typically within or constituting the respective plant systems 133 , can include, for example, oracle, SQL, or other database servers as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, serving the respective plant systems 133 . The data sources can also be, for example, a server running an application that exchanges data templates based on TCP/IP or UDP/IP. According to an exemplary configuration, the SZ DSM 131 and LSZ DSM 132 , forming part of the exemplary centralized facility 157 , can each include one or more aggregators 181 , 182 and/or one or more data servers 191 , 192 , respectively, and corresponding DSM software stored thereon, to provide for a broad range of different data types and communication characteristics of the various plant systems 133 . The aggregators 181 , 182 , which can be servers, are responsible for collecting data from the different plant systems 133 or other data sources, by establishing communications, databases templates quarries, data exchanges, a data filing library or libraries for each plant/facility, or alternatively, each individual plant system component, and data transmission management. The primary means of data exchanges is generally based on standard database formats such as SQL database interfaces. The complementing data servers 191 , 192 , are responsible for supporting data exchanges at the Application-to-Application layers based on utilizing standard protocols support, for example, by TCP/IP or UDP/IP ports. According to an exemplary configuration and function, the source and destination servers are at the SZ DSM 131 , or at the remote or local location of the respective plant systems 133 , depending on the traffic direction. For example, data originating from an SZ data source to be sent to LSZ destinations, is sent to the aggregator 181 or data server 191 as a destination for data exchange, using standard APIs. Data retrieved from the LSZ DSM 132 via SAN volumes that needs to be sent to the SZ plant systems 133 will typically have the servers associated with the respective plant LAN 155 at or otherwise associated with the respective local or remote plant systems 133 as the destination, or alternatively, the actual plant system component, itself. With respect to data originating from an LSZ data source, e.g., corporate networks, systems, and end-users, collectively referred to as corporate systems 134 , the SZ DSM 131 retrieves data from the SZ DSM SAN volume, and sends the retrieved data to the respective destination server or servers associated with the respective destination plant system 133 . With respect to data transitioning from SZ data sources, the respective server or servers 181 , 191 , at the SZ DSM 131 retrieves or receives data from the respective SZ data source. According to an exemplary configuration, the SZ DSM 131 provides for concurrent data access from different sources in a uniform manner. The SZ DSM 131 servers and/or workstations save the data to a SZ DSM SAN volume, for example, located on or otherwise associated with the SZ-SAN storage 141 , typically in the form of flat files containing printable characters, for transfer/replication to an LSZ DSM SAN volume, for example, located on or otherwise associated with an LSZ-SAN storage 142 , for acquisition by the LSZ DSM 132 and access by or re-transmission to the ultimate destination. In an exemplary data transfer scheme, the flat files are transferred or replicated transparently in a write-only method utilizing the SAN infrastructure, e.g., SAN fabric 143 , to the LSZ DSM SAN volume. By converting the files into flat files prior to transfer between zones, active files, those files having executable code and/or macros that cannot be transferred as a text or binary file, e.g., URL links, object oriented executable file, among others, which can be carriers of computer worms or viruses, are eliminated from the data, preventing them from being exchanged between the SZ and LSZ; vice versa. According to an exemplary configuration, mirror volumes of the LSZ DSM SAN volumes can be utilized for respective LSZ applications requiring read and write access to the volume hosting their data. An example where both read and write access is required includes a scenario where data is being exchanged with an Oracle database on plant side to another Oracle database on the enterprise network, e.g., corporate shared packet network 179 . Another example includes a scenario where a plant information (PI) system inside the plant exchanges data with the corporate network 179 at the API level, but uses the SZ DSM 131 , e.g., data server 191 , and SAN IM 140 to transfer the data at the I/O layer, i.e., using a non-IP protocol network connection. This mirror volume can be synchronized and broken from the LSZ DSM SAN volume in a timely interval depending on the SAN IM's capability and required overall time latency between the data source and end users. The LSZ DSM 132 can manage the time-to-complete sync allotted for synchronizing mirrored volumes based on both elapsed time for file generation and elapsed time for file read. According to an exemplary configuration, multiple SAN volumes can be utilized. For example, each SZ DSM server 181 , 191 , can utilize a different single volume on the SAN storage as means for data transportation. Additionally, multi-thread data flowing within a single DSM 131 can utilize either a single volume or a separate volume per data thread. Each DSM server 181 , 191 , can include a DSM Loader, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to manage data retrieval and transfer to the respective destination server within a preselected target window. Additionally, multiple DSMs can be used to support different remote locations and/or different applications, and can provide the required scalability for data processing and storage exchange time delay and storage capacity requirements. According to an exemplary configuration, each LSZ DSM 132 server mounting the read-only volume and/or the mirror volume can read the flat data file. For time sensitive data, the data includes a timestamp, typically at the record level, to provide for advancing the priority of processing the file to the final destination. According to an exemplary processing process, the LSZ DSM 132 servers read the data from the mounted volumes and ensure that the records are synchronized with end-users servers or clients, and are up-to-date. This function can be supported by standard API technologies such as, for example, a SQL service pack and/or standard protocol such as Object Linking and Embedding, Database (OLEDB). The required snapshot event rate will depend on the SAN capabilities and on the required data latency between source and destination. The SAN snapshot event rate in exchanging the data between the two data volumes is configured to be within the application tolerance of recalling and uploading the flat file to the application layer. Each DSM 131 , 132 , can include one or more flat file checkers or governors that check that only flat files are written or read from or to the SAN volumes, and/or can include other software modules for checking of files, network communication, systems and volumes for freeness from computer or network worms, viruses or compromised data sessions, and for performing advanced data transform and cleansing operations. Advantageously, the aggregator servers 181 , 182 , and data servers 191 , 192 , can provide an environment to cleanse the data before it is moved to the SAN IM 140 , i.e., an advanced process before exchanging the data through the SAN IM 140 . The ability to capitalize on data cleansing at the aggregator servers 181 , 182 , data servers 191 , 192 , and SAN IM 140 provides an environment for secure data transmission. The various DSM functions can also include managing a queued events count and an archive event rate, which helps to ensure a sustainable data transmission and data integrity in the event of a component failure during the data transmission, upon the resumption of the data communication. Other DSM functions, normally supported by standard API technologies such as, for example, those supported by an SQL service pack, and/or standard application APIs, include: applying context to information to relate and visualize the information; generating advanced analytic data structures; creating dashboards for KPI analysis and visualization through integration of end user's required key performance induction for the different functions (e.g., queries, data transmission, data storage, etc.) supporting the data flow transmission; and creating and scheduling reports, performing online analytic processing and data mining, performing advanced data validation, and data transformations, and controlling validation and transformation through runtime configuration data by integrating such functions in support of the data flow transmission integrity, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Still referring to FIG. 3 , as discussed above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the network platform 130 includes a SAN storage and data exchange system 140 comprising a SAN Inter-Networking Module (SAN IM) 140 positioned functionally between the SZ DSM 131 and the LSZ DSM 132 , to provide for exchanging data between the SZ and the LSZ. According to an exemplary SAN IM architecture, the SAN IM infrastructure hardware of the SAN IM 140 includes an SZ SAN storage 141 labeled “Storage 1 Plant SAN,” and an LSZ SAN storage 142 labeled “Storage 2 Enterprise SAN,” each including one or more storage media providing at least one, but more typically, a plurality of volumes, to thereby form individual data centers assessable by their associated DSMs 131 , 132 . The SAN IM 140 also includes at least one SAN Switch 143 typically in the form of one or more network switches, and more typically in the form of a switched fabric 143 comprising a plurality of network switches, and more preferably in the form of the switched fabric in SCSI/fiber channel. Particularly, an exemplary SAN IM baseline architecture is based on a single SAN storage system (Storage 1 & Storage 2 ) utilizing a single and/or multiple storage enclosures, and the SAN switched fabric 143 including one or more SAN switches, which can provide a fault tolerant system design whereby each component is fully redundant. An exemplary SAN IM configuration includes several unique functionalities. One of the various functionalities includes the ability of the SAN IM 140 to provide both storage capacity and data retention for both the SZ and LSZ. The SAN IM data-storage capability can advantageously be used, for example, to retain the data should the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) storage 135 become compromised or if data being transferred to the LSZ is being lost. The functionalities can also or alternatively include: virtual block data volumes exchange between storage based real-time data snapshots; data storage replications; managed read and write capabilities between storage volumes to service the objectives of the data flow for end-to-end applications data exchange; remote replication functionality that can include both synchronous and asynchronous modes to provide the flexibility for the data exchange transmission functions between different types of applications; and/or an ability to write the output file directly to any SAN storage volume, e.g., writing an output file comprising a virtual block of data to a flat file on a SAN storage volume for transfer across networks having either the same or disparate security levels. The functionalities can also or alternatively include: the provision of database synchronization across systems; an ability to generate the processes necessary to transport and store the information; an ability to maintain failover and continued access, depending upon the base operating system and database and/or application capabilities; an ability to access data from disparate data sources such as process historians, relational databases, web services, and third party applications, for example, through application of the SAN storage; and/or an ability to access and transport large amounts of information on a global (i.e., large data volume) scale, implemented, for example, by interconnecting distributed remote facilities with the SDCLM 171 . The functionalities can further or alternatively include an ability to utilize non-IP communication, such as, for example, a fiberchannel protocol in communication over the fabric 143 within the SAN IM 140 , between the hosts (e.g. aggregators 181 , 182 , and data servers 191 , 192 ) of the SZ and LSZ DSMs 131 , 132 , and their respective storage volumes at 141 , 142 . The DSMs 131 , 132 , can be physically located in close proximity or can be far apart as far as the SAN fabric capability can provide for. Still further, the functionalities can also or alternatively include: the ability to create, develop, and assign values, to perform bulk copy, to extract retries based on failure between the DSM 131 , 132 , and data source, to log retry exceptions, to transform retries, and/or to provide for dynamic and site specific control of extract, transform, load (ETL) packages, utilizing available API technologies such SQL service pack and/or standard application APIs. Referring also to FIG. 4 , each DSM system 181 , 182 , 191 , 192 , of the SZ and LSZ DSMs 131 , 132 , requiring access to the data source or destination, can have one or more Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) 195 configured to provide connectivity with its associated SAN IM storage 141 , 142 , also having at least a corresponding one or more HBAs 197 . Additionally, each SAN IM storage 141 , 142 , can also have at least one HBA 198 to connect to the SAN fabric switch 143 . Zones, as would be understood by person of ordinary skill in the art, in the SAN fabric switch 143 can be created to ensure that each DSM system 181 , 182 , 191 , 192 , has access only to the storage volume that it is assigned to. FIG. 5 summarizes the data processing steps and data flow from the plant systems 133 represented by node S 1 , to the corporate systems 134 represented by node S 5 , as a result of the processing performed by the SZ DSM 131 represented by node S 2 , the SAN IM 140 represented by node S 3 , and the LSZ DSM 132 represented by node S 4 . As described above, the dataflow between S 1 and S 2 involves a native file data exchange based on standard API. The dataflow from node S 2 to node S 3 represents the generation (conversion) of the native file into a flat file and storage in a block storage volume. At node S 3 , copies of the flat files transition through the SZ and LSZ portions of the SAN IM 140 . The dataflow from node S 3 to node S 4 represents the retrieval or transfer of a flat file from node S 3 to node S 4 , followed by a conversion of the flat file into a native file native to the systems, networks, and/or end-users represented by node S 4 . The dataflow from node S 4 to node S 5 correspondingly represents the retrieval or transfer of the native file to node S 5 . Dataflow in the opposite direction, i.e., from nodes S 5 to S 1 is the reverse of the above. Although described primarily in relation to a centralized SAN data exchange model, various embodiments provide platforms that utilize a distributed SAN data exchange model. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an apparatus 200 comprising an exemplary network platform 230 including a distributed facility 257 in the form of a distributed SAN data exchange model. The distributed SAN data exchange model is similar to the centralized SAN data exchange model illustrated in FIG. 3 , except at least some of the SZ plant systems 133 are connected from different locations to the corporate shared packet network 179 via multiple geographically separated pathways to communicate with corporate systems 134 . Additionally, three separate secure zones are provided between the SZ firewalls 175 and the firewalls 175 adjacent the three corporate LAN interfaces to the LSZ. In the model illustrated in FIG. 6 , the three corporate LANs 152 , 252 , 252 ′ represent either three separate portions of the same corporate LAN 152 , illustrated in FIG. 3 , being accessed at three separate locations; or represent three separately located different Enterprise (e.g. corporate) LANs 152 , 252 , 252 ′, typically in the form of shared packet networks, interfacing with three corresponding separate Storage 2 infrastructures 162 , 262 , 262 ′ commonly interfacing with the same Storage 1 infrastructure 161 to connect to the plant systems 133 , and each connected to the corporate network 179 via different pathways to provide a communication pathway to the corporate systems 134 to provide for enhanced data exchange between the corporate systems 134 and the plant systems 133 . In the illustrated embodiment, the SAN fabric switch 143 is connected with three LSZ SAN fabric switches 143 ′, 243 , 243 ′. The first of the three LSZ SAN fabric switches 143 ′ is interfaced with the LSZ SAN storage 142 to provide for file acquisition by the LSZ DSM 132 , i.e. aggregator 182 and/or data server 192 , and access by or retransmission to the ultimate destination via the corporate LAN 152 and the corporate network 179 , as described with respect to FIG. 3 . The second of the three LSZ SAN fabric switches 243 is interfaced with a second LSZ SAN storage 242 to provide for file acquisition by a second LSZ DSM 232 , i.e. aggregator 282 and/or data server 292 , and access by or retransmission to the ultimate destination via the corporate LAN or LAN segment 252 and the corporate network 179 , to provide a second pathway to the corporate systems 134 . The third of the three LSZ SAN fabric switches 243 ′ is interfaced with a third LSZ SAN storage 242 ′ to provide for file acquisition by a third LSZ DSM 232 ′, i.e. aggregator 282 ′ and/or data server 292 ′, and access by or retransmission to the ultimate destination via the corporate LAN or LAN segment 252 ′ and the corporate network 179 , to provide a third pathway to the corporate systems 134 . In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerable detail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification. For example, although primarily described with respect to support of hydrocarbon, power, oil and gas field data exchange delivery, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the scope of the various illustrated embodiments of the present invention described herein are readily applicable to other industrial and non-industrial applications, networks, and facilities.

Apparatus, systems, network platforms, and methods of providing secure communication between multiple networks, and program product for managing heat exchanger energy efficiency and retrofit for an industrial facility, are provided. According to an exemplary apparatus, the apparatus can include provisions for preventing uninterrupted application-to-application layer communications between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members to thereby eliminate active files from being communicated, preventing communication of active files or other vulnerable files, and preventing establishment of active links or sessions, between the one or more secured networked members and the one or more networked enterprise members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Novel N-carboxyalkylpeptidyl compounds of formula (I) are found to be useful inhibitors of matrix metalloendoproteinase-mediated diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, tumor invasion in certain cancers, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, proteinuria, dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa, coronary thrombosis associated with atherosclerotic plaque rupture, and aneurysmal aortic disease. The matrix metalloendoproteinases are a family of zinc-containing proteinases including but not limited to stromelysin, collagenase, and gelatinase, that are capable of degrading the major components of articular cartilage and basement membranes. The inhibitors claimed herein may also be useful in preventing the pathological sequelae following a traumatic injury that could lead to a permanent disability. These compounds may also have utility as a means for birth control by preventing ovulation or implantation. ##STR2## The disability observed in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is largely due to the loss of articular cartilage. No therapeutic agent in the prior art is known to prevent the attrition of articular cartilage in these diseases. "Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs" (DMARD), i.e., agents capable of preventing or slowing the ultimate loss of joint function in OA and RA are widely sought. Generic nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be combined with such agents to provide some relief from pain and swelling. Stromelysin (aka. proteoglycanase, matrix metalloproteinase-3, MMP-3, procollagenase activator, "transin"), collagenase (aka. interstitial collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1)), and gelatinase (aka. type IV collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-2, MMP-2, 72kDa-gelatinase or type V collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9, 95kDa-gelatinase) are metalloendoproteinases secreted by fibroblasts and chondrocytes, and are capable of degrading the major connective tissue components of articular cartilage or basement membranes. Elevated levels of both enzymes have been detected in joints of arthritic humans and animals: K. A. Hasty, R. A. Reife, A. H. Kang, J. M. Stuart, "The role of stromelysin in the cartilage destruction that accompanies inflammatory arthritis", Arthr. Rheum., 33, 388-97 (1990); S. M. Krane, E. P. Amento, M. B. Goldring, S. R. Goldring, and M. L. Stephenson, "Modulation of matrix synthesis and degradation in joint inflammation", in The Control of Tissue Damage", A. B. Glauert (ed.), Elsevier Sci. Publ., Amsterdam, 1988, Ch. 14, pp 179-95; A. Blanckaert, B. Mazieres, Y. Eeckhout, G. Vaes, "Direct extraction and assay of collagenase from human osteoarthrtic cartilage", Clin. Chim. Acta, 185 73-80 (1989). Each enzyme is secreted from these cells as an inactive proenzyme which is subsequently activated. There is evidence that stromelysin may be the in vivo activator for collagenase and gelatinase, implying a cascade for degradative enzyme activity: A. Ho, H. Nagase, "Evidence that human rheumatoid synovial matrix metalloproteinase 3 is an endogenous activator of procollagenase", Arch Biochem Biophys., 267, 211-16 (1988); G. Murphy, M. I. Crockett, P. E. Stephens, B. J. Smith, A. J. P. Docherty, "Stromelysin is an activator of procollagenase", Biochem. J., 248, 265-8 (1987); Y. Ogata, J. J. Enghild, H. Nagase, "Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (stromelysin) activates the precursor for human matrix metalloproteinase-9," J. Biol. Chem. 267,3581-84 (1992). Inhibiting stromelysin could limit the activation of collagenase and gelatinase as well as prevent the degradation of proteoglycan. That stromelysin inhibition may be effective in preventing articular cartilage degradation has been demonstrated in vitro by measuring the effect of matrix metalloendoproteinase inhibitors on proteoglycan release from rabbit cartilage explants: C. B. Caputo, L. A. Sygowski, S. P. Patton, D. J. Wolanin, A. Shaw, R. A. Roberts, G. DiPasquale, J. Orthopaedic Res., 6, 103-8 (1988). There is an extensive literature on the involvement of these metalloproteinases in arthritis, but there is very little to guide one in developing a specific inhibitor for each enzyme. In preliminary studies of rabbit proteoglycanase with substrates and inhibitors, little was found to indicate the enzyme's requirements for hydrolysis or inhibition beyond a preference for hydrophobic residues at the P 1 ' position: A. Shaw, R. A. Roberts, D. J. Wolanin, "Small substrates and inhibitors of the metalloproteoglycanase of rabbit articular chondrocytes", Adv. Inflam. Res., 12, 67-79 (1988). More extensive studies with a series of substrates revealed that stromelysin will tolerate nearly every amino acid residue around the scissile bond: G. B. Fields, H. Brikedal-Hansen, H. E. Van Wart, unpublished results presented at the Matrix Metalloproteinase Conference, Sept. 1989, Sandestin Fla. Human rheumatoid synovial collagenase has been shown to share ˜50% homology with human stromelysin: S. E. Whitham, G. Murphy, P. Angel, H. J. Rahmsdorf, B. J. Smith, A. Lyons, T. J. R. Harris, J. J. Reynolds, P. Herrlich, A. J. P. Docherty, "Comparison of human stromelysin and collagenase by cloning and sequence analysis", Biochem. J., 240, 913-6 (1986). Many collagenase inhibitors have been designed around the cleavage site of the α-chain sequence of Type II collagen: W. H. Johnson, N. A. Roberts, N. Brokakoti, "Collagenase inhibitors: their design and potential therapeutic use", J. Enzyme Inhib., 2,1-22 (1987). One such inhibitor, N-[3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-1-carboxy-n-propyl]-L-leucyl-O-methyl-L-tyrosine, N-methylamide, prepared at G. D. Searle, Inc., and shown to be a potent inhibitor of human rheumatoid synovial collagenase (IC 50 =0.8 μM), was also found to inhibit rabbit bone proteoglycanase (IC 50 =0.5 μM): J. -M. Delaisse, Y. Eeckhout, C. Sear, A. Galloway, K. McCullagh, G. Vaes, "A new synthetic inhibitor of mammalian tissue collagenase inhibits bone resorption in culture", Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 133, 483-90 (1985). Gelatinase (MR ˜72,000) has been isolated from rheumatoid fibroblasts: Y. Okada, T. Morodomi, J. J. Enghild, K. Suzuki, A. Yasui, I. Nakanishi, G. Salvesen, H. Nagase, "Matrix metalloproteinase 2 from human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts", Eur. J., Biochem., 194, 721-30 (1990). The synthesis of the proenzyme is not coordinately regulated with the other two metalloproteinases and its activation may also be different. The role of gelatinase in the tissue destruction of articular cartilage appears different from the other two enzymes and, therefore, its inhibition may provide additional protection from degradation. A higher molecular weight gelatinase (MR 95,000; aka. type-V collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9) is also secreted by fibroblasts and monocytes and may be involved in cartilage degradation. From the significant proportion of homology between human fibroblast collagenase, stromelysin, and gelatinase it is expected that a compound that inhibits one enzyme has a similar effect on all of them. Compounds that inhibit collagenase, which possess structural portions akin to those of the instant invention include those encompassed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,504, U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,666, and EPO 126974A1, Compounds of related structure that are claimed to inhibit stromelysin (proteoglycanase) are encompassed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,037 and EPO 232027. Stromelysin and collagenase inhibitors are believed to have utility in preventing articular cartilage damage associated with septic arthritis. Bacterial infections of the joints can elicit an inflammatory response that may then be perpetuated beyond what is needed for removal of the infective agent resulting in permanent damage to structural components. Bacterial agents have been used in animal models to elicit an arthritic response with the appearance of proteolytic activities. See J. P. Case, J. Sano, R. Lafyatis, E. F. Remmers, G. K. Kumkumian, R. L. Wilder, "Transin/stromelysin expression in the synovium of rats with experimental erosive arthritis", J. Clin Invest., 84, 1731-40 (1989); R. J. Williams, R. L. Smith, D. J. Schurman, "Septic Arthritis: Staphylococcal induction of chondrocyte proteolytic activity", Arthr. Rheum., 33, 533-41 (1990). Inhibitors of stromelysin, collagenase, and gelatinase are believed to be useful to control tumor metastasis, optionally in combination with current chemotherapy and/or radiation. See L. M. Matrisian, G. T. Bowden, P. Krieg, G. Furstenberger, J. P. Briand, P. Leroy, R. Breathnach, "The mRNA coding for the secreted protease transin is expressed more abundantly in malignant than in benign tumors", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 83, 9413-7 (1986); S. M. Wilhelm, I. E. Collier, A. Kronberger, A. Z. Eisen, B. L. Marmer, G. A. Grant, E. A. Bauer, G. I. Goldberg, "Human skin fibroblast stromelysin: structure, glycosylation, substrate specificity, and differential expression in normal and tumorigenic cells", Ibid., 84, 6725-29 (1987); Z. Werb et al., Signal transduction through the fibronectin receptor induces collagenase and stromelysin gene expression, J. Cell Biol., 109, 872-889 (1989); L. A. Liotta, C. N. Rao, S. H. Barsky, "Tumor invasion and the extracellular matrix", Lab. Invest., 49, 636-649 (1983); R. Reich, B. Stratford, K. Klein, G. R. Martin, R. A. Mueller, G. C. Fuller, "Inhibitors of collagenase IV and cell adhesion reduce the invasive activity of malignant tumor cells", in Metastasis: Ciba Foundation Symposium; Wiley, Chichester, 1988, pp. 193-210. Secreted proteinases such as stromelysin, collagenase, and gelatinase play an important role in processes involved in the movement of cells during metastatic tumor invasion. Indeed, there is also evidence that the matrix metalloproteinases are overexpressed in certain metastatic tumor cell lines. In this context, the enzyme functions to penetrate underlying basement membranes and allow the tumor cell to escape from the site of primary tumor formation and enter circulation. After adhering to blood vessel walls, the tumor cells use these same metalloendoproteinases to pierce underlying basement membranes and penetrate other tissues, thereby leading to tumor metastasis. Inhibition of this process would prevent metastasis and improve the efficacy of current treatments with chemotherapeutics and/or radiation. These inhibitors should also be useful for controlling periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis. Both collagenase and stromelysin activities have been isolated from fibroblasts isolated from inflammed gingiva: V. J. Uitto, R. Applegren, P. J. Robinson, "Collagenase and neutral metalloproteinase activity in extracts of inflamed human gingiva", J. Periodontal Res., 16, 417-424(1981). Enzyme levels have been correlated to the severity of gum disease: C. M. Overall, O. W. Wiebkin, J. C. Thonard, "Demonstration of tissue collagenase activity in vivo and its relationship to inflammation severity in human gingiva", J. Periodontal Res., 22, 81-88 (1987). Proteolytic processes have also been observed in the ulceration of the cornea following alkali burns: S. I. Brown, C. A. Weller, H. E. Wasserman, "Collagenolytic activity of alkali-burned corneas", Arch. Opthalmol., 81, 370-373 (1969). Mercapto-containing peptides do inhibit the collagenase isolated from alkali-burned rabbit cornea: F. R. Burns, M. S. Stack, R. D. Gray, C. A. Paterson, Invest. Opthalmol., 30, 1569-1575 (1989). Treatment of alkali-burned eyes or eyes exhibiting corneal ulceration as a result of infection with inhibitors of these metalloendoproteinases in combination with sodium citrate or sodium ascorbate and/or antimicrobials may be effective in preventing developing corneal degradation. Stromelysin has been implicated in the degradation of structural components of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) of the kidney, the major function of which is to restrict passage of plasma proteins into the urine; W. H. Baricos, G. Murphy, Y. Zhou, H. H. Nguyen, S. V. Shah, "Degradation of glomerular basement membrane by purified mammalian metalloproteinases", Biochem. J., 254, 609-612 (1988). Proteinuria, a result of glomerular disease, is excess protein in the urine caused by increased permeability of the GBM to plasma proteins. The underlying causes of this increased GBM permeability are unknown, but proteinases including stromelysin may play an important role in glomerular diseases. Inhibition of this enzyme may alleviate the proteinura associated with kidney malfunction. Inhibition of stromelysin activity may prevent the rupturing of atherosclerotic plaques leading to coronary thrombosis. The tearing or rupture of atherosclerotic plaques is the most common event initiating coronary thrombosis. Destabilization and degradation of the connective tissue matrix surrounding these plaques by proteolytic enzymes or cytokines released by infiltrating inflammatory cells has been proposed as a cause of plaque fissuring. Such tearing of these plaques can cause an acute thrombolytic event as blood rapidly flows out of the blood vessel. High levels of stromelysin RNA message have been found to be localized to individual cells in atherosclerotic plaques removed from heart transplant patients at the time of surgery: A. M. Henney, P. R. Wakeley, M. J. Davies, K. Foster, R. Hembry, G. Murphy, S. Humphries, "Localization of stromelysin gene expression in atherosclerotic plaques by in situ hybridization", Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA, 88, 8154-8158 (1991). Inhibition of stromelysin by these compounds may aid in preventing or delaying the degradation of the connective tissue matrix that stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaques, thereby preventing events leading to acute coronary thrombosis. It is also believed that inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases would have utility in treating degenerative aortic disease associated with thinning of the medial aortic wall. Aneurysms are often associated with atherosclerosis in this tissue. Increased levels of the degradative activities of the matrix metalloproteinases have been identified in patients with aortic aneurysms and aortic stenosis: N. Vine, J. T. Powell, "Metalloproteinases in degenerative aortic diseases", Clin. Sci., 81, 233-9 (1991). Inhibition of these enzymes may aid in preventing or delaying the degradation of aortic tissue, thus preventing events leading to acute and oftentimes fatal aortic aneurysms. It is believed that specific inhibitors of stromelysin and collagenase should be useful as birth control agents. There is evidence that expression of metalloendoproteinases, including stromelysin and collagenase, is observed in unfertilized eggs and zygotes and at further cleavage stages and increased at the blastocyst stage of fetal development and with endoderm differentiation: C. A. Brenner, R. R. Adler, D. A. Rappolee, R. A. Pedersen, Z. Werb, "Genes for extracellular matrix-degrading metalloproteinases and their inhibitor, TIMP, are expressed during early mammalian development", Genes & Develop., 3, 848-59 (1989). By analogy to tumor invasion, a blastocyst may express metalloproteinases in order to penetrate the extracellular matrix of the uterine wall during implantation. Inhibition of stromelysin and collagenase during these early developmental processes should presumably prevent normal embryonic development and/or implantation in the uterus. Such intervention would constitute a novel method of birth control. In addition there is evidence that collagenase is important in ovulation processes. In this example, a covering of collagen over the apical region of the follicle must be penetrated in order for the ovum to escape. Collagenase has been detected during this process and an inhibitor has been shown to be effective in preventing ovulation: J. F. Woessner, N. Morioka, C. Zhu, T. Mukaida, T. Butler, W. J. LeMaire "Connective tissue breakdown in ovulation", Steroids, 54, 491-499 (1989). There may also be a role for stromelysin activity during ovulation: C. K. L. Too, G. D. Bryant-Greenwood, F. C. Greenwood, "Relaxin increases the release of plasminogen activator, collagenase, and proteo-glycanase from rat granulosa cells in vitro", Endocrin., 115, 1043-1050 (1984). Collagenolytic and stromelysin activity have also been observed in dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa: A. Kronberger, K. J. Valle, A. Z. Eisen, E. A. Bauer, J. Invest. Dermatol., 79 208-211 (1982); D. Sawamura, T. Sugawara, I. Hashimoto, L. Bruckmer-Tuderman, D. Fujimoto, Y. Okada, N. Utsumi, H. Shikata, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 174, 1003-8 (1991). Inhibition of metalloendoproteinases should limit the rapid destruction of connective components of the skin. In addition to extracellular matrix comprising structural components, stromelysin can degrade other in vivo substrates including the inhibitors α 1 -proteinase inhibitor and may therefore influence the activities of other proteinases such as elastase: P. G. Winyard, Z. Zhang, K. Chidwick, D. R. Blake, R. W. Carrell, G. Murphy, "Proteolytic inactivation of human α 1 -antitrypsin by human stromelysin", FEBS Letts., 279, 1, 91-94 (1991). Inhibition of the matrix metalloendoproteinases may potentiate the antiproteinase activity of these endogenous inhibitors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention encompasses novel N-carboxy-alkylpeptidyl compounds which are useful inhibitors of matrix metalloendoproteinase-mediated diseases including degenerative diseases (such as defined above) and certain cancers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention encompasses compounds of formula (I) ##STR3## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein: R 1 is substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is elected from the group consisting of: (a) hydrogen, (b) carboxy, (c) ##STR4## (d) C 6-10 aryl wherein the aryl group is elected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, (2) naphthyl, (3) pyridyl, (4) furyl, (5) pyrryl, (6) thienyl, (7) isothiazolyl, (8) imidazolyl, (9) benzimidazolyl, (10) tetrazolyl, (11) pyrazinyl, (12) pyrimidyl, (13) quinolyl, (14) isoquinolyl, (15) benzofuryl, (16) isobenzofuryl, (17) benzothienyl, (18) pyrazolyl, (19) indolyl, (20) isoindolyl, (21) purinyl, (22) carbazolyl, (23) isoxazolyl, (24) thiazolyl, (25) oxazolyl, (26) benzthiazolyl, and (27) benzoxazolyl, and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl wherein aryl is as defined above in items (1) to (27) wherein the substituents are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkyloxy, halo, hydroxy, amino, C 1-6 alkylamino, aminoC 1-6 alkyl, carboxyl, carboxylC 1-6 alkyl, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl; (e) ##STR5## wherein R a and R b are each independently hydrogen; C 6-10 aryl and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl as defined above (d); or substituted C 1-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is selected from hydroxy, halo, and phenyl; or wherein Ra and Rb are joined such that together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are attached, there is formed a lactam or benzolactam ring wherein the lactam portion thereof is a ring of up to 8 atoms, said lactam or benzolactam having a single hetero atom; (f) ##STR6## wherein R a and R b are each independently hydrogen; C 6-10 aryl and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl as defined above (d); or substituted C- 1-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is selected from hydroxy, halo, and phenyl, or wherein R a and R b are joined such that together with the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are attached, there is formed a lactim or benzolactim ring wherein the lactim portion thereof is a ring of up to 8 atoms, said lactim or benzolactim have a single hetero atom; (g) amino and substituted amino wherein the substituent is selected from C 1-6 alkyl and C 6-10 aryl wherein aryl is as defined in (d); R 2 is substituted C 7-12 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen, amino, C 1-3 alkylamino, C 1-3 dialkylamino, or hydroxyl; R 3 is (a) H, (b) C 1-10 alkyl, (c) C 6-10 aryl or C 6-10 aryl C 1-3 alkyl, wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, and (2) substituted phenyl, wherein the substituent is carboxy, carboxyC 1-3 alkyl, aminocarbonyl, C 1-6 alkylaminocarbonyl; AA is an amino acid radical represented by ##STR7## wherein R e and R f are individually selected from: (a) hydrogen, (b) C 1-6 alkyl, (c) mercapto C 1-6 alkyl, (d) hydroxy C 1-6 alkyl, (e) carboxy C 1-6 alkyl, (f) amino substituted C 2-6 alkyl (g) aminocarbonyl C 1-6 alkyl, (h) mono- or di-C 1-6 alkyl amino C 2-6 alkyl, (i) guanidino C 2-6 alkyl, (j) substituted phenyl C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkyloxy, (k) substituted indolyl C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkyloxy, (l) substituted imidazolyl C 2-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkyloxy, (m) substituted pyridyl C 1-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkyloxy, (n) substituted pyridylamino C 1-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, C 1-4 alkyl, or C 1-4 alkyloxy, Z is ##STR8## wherein R 5 and R 6 are each individually selected from the group consisting of: (a) H, (b) C 1-10 alkyl, (c) C 6-10 aryl or C 6-10 arylC 1-6 alkyl, wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, (2) naphthyl, (3) pyridyl, (4) pyrryl, (5) furyl, (6) thienyl, (7) isothiazolyl, (8) imidazolyl, (9) benzimidazolyl, (10) tetrazolyl, (11) pyrazinyl, (12) pyrimidyl, (13) quinolyl, (14) isoquinolyl, (15) benzofuryl, (16) isobenzofuryl, (17) benzothienyl, (18) pyrazolyl, (19) indolyl, (20) isoindolyl, (21) purinyl, (22) carbazolyl, (23) isoxazolyl, (24) benzthiazolyl, (25) benzoxazolyl (26) thiazolyl, and (27) oxazolyl. The amino acids of above amino acid radical of formula II are intended to be inclusive of acids such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, lysine, hydroxylysine, arginine, homohistidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, ornithine, homoserine, and citrulline. One preferred genus of this embodiment is that embracing compounds wherein: R 1 is substituted C 1-6 alkyl, wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of: (a) hydrogen, (b) carboxy, (c) ##STR9## (d) C 6-10 aryl or C 6-10 aryl C 6-10 alkyl wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, (2) naphthyl, (3) thienyl, (4) imidazolyl, (5) benzimidazolyl, (6) pyrimidyl, (7) benzofuryl, (8) benzothienyl, (9) indolyl, and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl as defined above in items (1) to (9) wherein the substitutents are independently selected from C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkyloxy, halo, hydroxy, amino, C 1-6 alkylamino, and C 1-6 alkylcarbonyl; (e) ##STR10## wherein R a and R b are each independently hydrogen, C 6-10 aryl wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, (2) naphthyl, (3) thienyl, (4) imidazolyl, (5) benzimidazolyl, (6) pyrimidyl, (7) benzofuryl, (8) benzothienyl, (9) indolyl, and mono and di-substituted C 6-10 aryl as defined above; or substituted C 1-6 alkyl wherein the substitutent is selected from hydroxy, halo, and benzyl, or wherein Ra and Rb are joined together to form a lactam or benzolactam ring as defined above. One class of this genus is that of compounds in which: R 2 is substituted C 8-10 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen or amino; A sub-class of this class is that of compounds in which: R 3 is (a) H, (b) C 1-10 alkyl, (c) phenyl, substituted phenyl, wherein the substituent is carboxy, carboxy C 1-3 alkyl, amino carbonyl. Within this sub-class are the compounds in which: AA is an amino acid including glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, serine, threonine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, lysine, hydroxy-lysine, homohistidine, arginine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, ornithine, homoserine, or citrulline. Alternatively, within this sub-class the amino acids AA can be defined as follows: AA is ##STR11## wherein R e and R f are individually selected from: (a) hydrogen, (b) C 1-4 alkyl, (c) mercapto C 1-3 alkyl, (d) hydroxy C 1-4 alkyl, (e) carboxy C 1-4 alkyl, (f) amino C 2-4 alkyl, (g) aminocarbonyl C 1-4 alkyl, (h) mono- or di-C 2-6 alkyl amino C 2-4 alkyl, (i) guanidino C 2- 4 alkyl, (j) substituted phenyl C 1-4 alkyl, wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, or C 1-3 alkyl, (k) substituted indolyl C 1-4 alkyl, wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, or C 1-3 alkyl, (l) substituted imidazolyl C 2-6 alkyl wherein the substituent is hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, or C 1-4 alkyl. A further preferred group of compounds may be identified as that wherein Z is ##STR12## wherein R 5 and R 6 are each individually selected from the group consisting of (a) H, (b) C 1-10 alkyl, or (c) C 6-10 aryl, or C 6-10 arylC 1-6 alkyl wherein the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of (1) phenyl, (2) naphthyl, (3) thienyl, (4) imidazolyl, (5) benzimidazolyl, (6) pyrimidyl, (7) benzofuryl, (8) benzothienyl, (9) indolyl, and (10) pyridyl. A smaller especially preferred group within this group are the compounds wherein: R 3 is (a) H, or (b) C 1-10 alkyl; and R 1 is C 6-10 aryl C 1-6 alkyl. Exemplifying the invention and most preferred are the following compounds: (a) N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-aminononyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide; (b) N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-octyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide; (c) N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-octyl)]glycine-(L)-Arginine, N-phenylamide; (d) N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-amino-n-nonyl)]-glycine-(L)-Arginine, N-phenylamide; (e) N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-decyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide; This invention also concerns pharmaceutical composition and methods of treatment of stromelysin-mediated or implicated disorders or diseases (as described above) in a patient (which shall be defined to include man and/or mammalian animals raised in the dairy, meat, or fur industries or as pets) in need of such treatment comprising administration of the stromelysin inhibitors of formula I as the active constituents. Similarly, this invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of collagenase mediated or implicated disorders or diseases (as described above) in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administration of the collagenase inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents. Similarly, this invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of gelatinase-mediated or implicated disorders or diseases (as described above) in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administration of the gelatinase inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents. Moreover the invention also encompasses compositions, treatment, and method for co-administration of a compound of formula I with a PMN elastase inhibitor such as those described in EP 0 337 549 which published on Oct. 18, 1989, Compounds of the instant invention are conveniently prepared using the procedures described generally below in the flow diagram, Scheme I, and more explicitly described in the Example section thereafter. ##STR13## An appropriate alkyl or protected aminoalkyl carboxylic acid (2) is converted to α-azido acid (5) by methodology described by Evans and Britton, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112, 4011 (1990). Specifically, in Step (b), the azido acid (2) is treated with trimethylacetyl chloride and triethylamine (TEA) and reacted with the lithium salt of (S)-(-)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone to form compound of formula (3). Azide transfer is effected (Step c) by generating potassium anion of (3) and reacting with 2,4,6-triisopropylphenylsulfonyl azide (trisyl azide) in acetic acid (AcOH) to form compound (4). In Step (d), hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis under basic conditions of the acyloxazolidinone (4) produces the free acid (5). Reaction of acid (5) with a derivatized amino acid [AA]-Z (Step e) yields an azidopeptide (6). Reduction of the azide group with stannous chloride (Step f) in methanol (MeOH) produces the free amine (7). Reaction of (7) with the triflate of benzyl (S)-lactate in the prescence of 2,6-lutidine and diisopropylethylamine (Et( i Pr) 2 N) (Step g) yields the N-carboxyalkylpeptide benzyl ester (8). Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ester (8) (Step h) yields the free acid (9). Compounds of the present invention have inhibitory activities with respect to metalloendoproteinases such as stromelysin, collagenase and gelatinase. The activities of the compounds against these enzymes may be seen in representative assays. The capacity to inhibit the hydrolysis by stromelysin may be demonstrated in an assay in which the extent of enzymatic cleavage of a substrate Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Leu-Ala-Phe-TrpNH 2 (SEQ ID NO:1) at the Ala-Phe is determined fluorometrically (excitation gamma=280 nm; emission gamma=345 nm) with varying concentrations of inhibitor. Briefly the assay may be carried out by incubating for four hours the inhibitor in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 25 μl of 0.3726 μg/ml stromelysin, then adding 60 μl of 11.24 μM substrate and incubating the resulting mixture for 18 hours. The final concentrations of the substrate is 5 μM and of the enzyme 1.5 nM. At this time 50 μl of 0.3 M H 3 PO 4 is added and a portion of the mixture injected onto an HPLC column and the remaining substrate determined by fluorometric detection. The area of the substrate is quantitated and is plotted as a function of the inhibitor concentration. The K i is calculated using the following equation: ##EQU1## where area inhibited and area control are integrated HPLC areas for substrate for inhibited and uninhibited reactions, respectively; [I] is the inhibitor concentration; [S] is the substrate concentration. The results for stromelysin may be seen in Table 1. TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________ Inhibition K.sub.I (μM)Compound R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 [AA] Z SLN* CGase* Gel*__________________________________________________________________________9a CH.sub.3 n-C.sub.9 H.sub.18 NH.sub.2 H (L)-Leu NHPh* 0.24 >10 0.509b CH.sub.3 n-C.sub.8 H.sub.17 (L)-Leu NHPh 0.57 >10 0.349c CH.sub.3 n-C.sub.8 H.sub.17 (L)-Arg NHPh 1.6 0.129d CH.sub.3 n-C.sub.9 H.sub.18 NH.sub.2 H (L)-Arg NHPh 0.37 0.119e CH.sub.3 n-C.sub.10 H.sub.21 (L)-Leu NHPh 0.85 0.56__________________________________________________________________________ *Ph = phenyl SLN = stromelysin CGase = collagenase Gel = gelatinase The capacity of representative compounds of formula I to inhibit collagenase and gelatinase lysis may be determined using the method of M. S. Stack et al, Biol. Chem 264, 4277 (1989). In such assay, a fluorogenic substrate Dnp-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Trp-Ala-D-Arg.(SEQ ID NO:2) where the "Dnp" designation indicates a "dinitrophenyl" group and this group is indicated by "Xaa" in the Sequence Listing. is used. The tryptophan fluorescence is efficiently quenched by the dinitrophenyl group but when it is hydrolyzed by collagenase or gelatinase, there is increased fluorescence with cleavage occurring at the Gly-Leu bond. Assays were performed in 0.05M Tris, 5 mM CaCl 2 , 0.2M NaCl up to 20% Me 2 SO, pH 7.7 at either 250 or 37° C. using peptide concentrations of 2.5 to 40 μM. After addition of enzyme to initiate the reaction, the initial rate of substrate hydrolysis is determined by monitoring the increase in fluorescence emission at 346 nm. using an excitation wavelength of 280 nm. To determine the inhibitory activity the hydrolysis is measured fluorimetrically in the presence of increasing concentrations of the inhibitor and the K i is determined. This invention also relates to a method of treatment for patients (including man and/or mammalian animals raised in the dairy, meat, or fur industries or as pets) suffering from disorders or diseases which can be attributed to stromelysin as previously described, and more specifically, a method of treatment involving the administration of the matrix metalloendoproteinase inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents. Accordingly, the compounds of formula (I) can be used among other things in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and in diseases and indications resulting from the over-expression of these matrix metalloendoproteinases such as found in certain metastatic tumor cell lines. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and in diseases and indications resulting from the over-expression of matrix metalloendoproteinases such as found in certain metastatic tumor cell lines or other diseases mediated by the matrix metalloendoproteinases, the compounds of formula (I) may be administered orally, topically, parenterally, by inhalation spray or rectally in dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intrasternal injection or infusion techniques. In addition to the treatment of warm-blooded animals such as mice, rats, horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats, etc., the compounds of the invention are effective in the treatment of human beings. The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the techniques described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release. Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil. Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin. Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavoring agents. Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloring agents. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables. The compounds of formula (I) may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols. For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compounds of Formula (I) are employed. (For purposes of this application, topical application shall include mouth washes and gargles.) Dosage levels of the order of from about 0.05 mg to about 140 mg per kilogram of body weight per day are useful in the treatment of the above-indicated conditions (about 2.5 mg to about 7 gms. per patient per day). For example, inflammation may be effectively treated by the administration of from about 0.01 to 50 mg of the compound per kilogram of body weight per day (about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 gms per patient per day). The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. For example, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humans may contain from 0.5 mg to 5 gm of active agent compounded with an appropriate and convenient amount of carrier material which may vary from about 5 to about 95 percent of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain between from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of an active ingredient. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy. The following Examples are intended to illustrate the preparation of compounds of Formula I, and as such are not intended to limit the invention as set forth in the claims appended, thereto. EXAMPLE 1 N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-aminononyl)]glycine-(S)-Leucine, N-phenylamide (9a) N-CBz-11-amino-n-undecanoic acid (2a) ##STR14## 4.0 g (19.9 mmol) of 11-amino-n-undecanoic acid was dissolved in 100 ml of 1 N NaHCO 3 . THF was slowly added until the starting material began to precipitate out of solution. The mixture was cooled to 0° C., then 4.3 ml (29.8 mmol) of benzyl chloroformate added. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture stirred for 16 hours then diluted with EtOAc. A white precipitate formed in the organic layer. The organic layer was washed with a saturated solution of sodium chloride. The organic layer was concentrated then redissolved in MeOH. The remaining solids were filtered off and the filtrate cooled to -78° C. to precipitate out the product. The product was recovered by filtration and washed with cooled MeOH, and air dried. 5.76 g of white solid was recovered. Yield =86% 3-(11-benzyloxycarbonylamino-n-undecanoyl)-4(S)-(phenylmethyl)--2-oxazolidinone (3a) ##STR15## To a solution of 5.75 g (17.1 mol) of 2 in 150 ml of freshly distilled THF at -78° was added 3.11 ml (22.3 mmol) of triethylamine, followed by 2.32 ml (18.9 mmol) of trimethylacetylchloride. The resulting slurry was stirred at -78° for 15 min., then at 0° for 2 hours, then recooled to -78°. In a separate flask, to a cooled solution (-78°) of 5.47 g (30.9 mmol) of (S)-(-)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone in 100 ml of THF was added 19.8 ml (31.7 mmol) of n-butyllithium (1.6 M in hexane), and the resulting mixture stirred at -78° for 1 hour, then added to the slurry of the mixed anhydride at -78° via canula. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture stirred for 2 hours. Thereafter it was quenched with 1N KHCO 3 and stir for 30 min. The THF was evaporated in vacuo, then the aqueous layer extracted with CHCl 3 . The organic layer was washed with saturated NaCl, dried over MgSO 4 , filtered and concentrated to obtain an oil. The resulting oil was purified by medium pressure chromatography on silica gel with 25% EtOAc in hexane as eluent and 5.43 g of white solid recovered. Yield=64%. 3-(2(S)-azido-11-benzyloxycarbonylamino-n-undecanoyl)-4(S)-(phenylmethyl)-2-oxazolidinone (4a) ##STR16## 63.1 mL (25.2 mmol) of potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (0.4 M in toluene) was dissolved in 63.1 ml of dry THF under nitrogen in a flame dried flask. To it was added a precooled solution (-78°) of 5.43 g (10.98 mmol) of 3 in 36.6 ml of dry THF. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, then added to a precooled solution (-78°) of 4.08 g (13.2 mmol) of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl azide in 44 ml of dry THF and stirred for 2 min. To it then was added 2.9 ml (50.5 mmol) of glacial acetic acid in one portion. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture stirred for 16 hours. At the end of this period, the mixture was diluted with sat. NaCl and CHCl 3 , the aqueous layer extracted with CHCl 3 and the organic layer dried over MgSO 4 . The dried solution was concentrated and purified by medium pressure chromatography on silica gel with 1% EtOAc in CH 2 Cl 2 as eluent to recover 2.25 g of yellow oil. Yield =38%. 2(S)-Azido-11-benzyloxycarbonylamino-n-undecanoic acid (5a) ##STR17## 2.25 g (4.2 mmol) of 4a prepared as above described was dissolved in a solution of 100 ml of 3:1 THF/H 2 O and the mixture cooled to 00 and to it was added 1.91 ml (16.8 mmol) of 30% hydrogen peroxide, followed by 353 mg (8.4 mmol) of LiOH hydrate. The resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The ice bath was removed and a solution of 2.3 g (18.5 mmol) of sodium bisulfate in 20 ml of water and 50 ml of 0.5 N NaHCO 3 was added and stirred for 2 hours. The THF was evaporated in vacuo and the residue diluted with water. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 to extract the chiral auxiliary. An emulsion formed that would not break up, so CH 2 Cl 2 was evaporated in vacuo and the resulting aqueous layer extracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc solution was concentrated in vacuo to obtain an oil which was redissolved in water and acidified to pH=2 with 2 N HCl. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc, dried over MgSO 4 , filtered concentrated, and purified by medium pressure chromatography on silica gel with 5% MeOH in CHCl 3 as eluent. 2.1 g of a 1:1 mixture of the desired product and the chiral auxiliary were recovered. It was used as is without further purification. N-(2(S)-Azido-11-benzyloxycarbonylamino-n-undecanoyl)-(L)-leucine, N'-phenylamide (6a) ##STR18## 300 mg (0.8 mmol) of (5a) was dissolved in 5 ml of dry THF and to it was added 129 mg (0.96 mmol) of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate and 197 mg (0.96 mmol) of (L)-leucinanilide. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. at 25°, then to it was added 306 mg (1.6 mmol) of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and stired at 25° for 16 hours. The mixture then was diluted with sat. NaHCO 3 and EtOAc and the aqueous layer extracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were washed with sat. NaHCO 3 and sat. NaCl and dried over MgSO 4 , then filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by medium pressure chromatography on silica gel with 30% EtOAc in hexane as eluent and 320 mg of yellow oil recovered. Yield =71%. α-(S)-(9-benzyloxycarbonylamino-n-nonyl)glycine-(L)-leucine, N-phenylamide (7a) ##STR19## 161 mg (0.85 mmol) of tin(II) chloride was vigorously stirred in 2 ml of MeOH at 0°. 320 mg (0.57 mmol) of (6a) was dissolved in 2 ml of MeOH and this solution added to the tin solution dropwise at 0° stirred then at ambient temperature for 3 hours. MeOH was evaporated in vacuo and the resulting oil diluted with 2 N NaOH and EtOAc. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc using sat. NaCl to make the aqueous layer more ionic and the combined EtOAc layers dried over MgSO 4 , the dried solution filtered and concentrated to recover 300 mg of yellow oil. Yield =98%. Benzyl-N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-benzyloxycarbonyl -n-nonyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine. N-phenylamide (8a) ##STR20## 120 mg (0.67 mmol) of benzyl (S)-lactate was dissolved in 2 ml of CH 2 Cl 2 . The solution was cooled to 00, then 0.124 ml (0.74 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride added dropwise over 5 min. under nitrogen atmosphere. The resulting mixture was stirred for 5 min., then 0.99 ml (0.85 mmol) of 2,6-lutidine added in one portion and stirred for 10 min. Then 0.141 ml (0.81 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine was added, followed immediately by a solution of 300 mg (0.56 mmol) of (7a) in 2 ml of CH 2 Cl 2 in a dropwise manner. The mixture was then stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. Thereafter it was diluted with sat. NaHCO 3 and CH 2 Cl 2 , the organic layer then was washed with sat. NaHCO 3 and sat. NaCl, and dried over MgSO 4 . The dried solution was concentrated and purified by medium pressure chromatography on silica gel with 12% ethyl acetate in CH 2 Cl 2 as eluent to recover 219 mg of yellow oil. Yield =56%. N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-amino-n-nonyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide (9a) ##STR21## 219 mg (0.31 mmol) of (8a) was dissolved in 2 ml of MeOH and 20 mg of Pearlman's catalyst and hydrogen gas added by balloon. The mixture was stirred at 25° for 3 hours. Filtered and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. 144 mg of (9a) was recovered as a white solid. Yield=98%. MS: m/z 477.5 (M + ); 1 H NMR: (CD 3 OD, δ, 400 MHz) 7.56 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.61 (dd, J=6 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 3.54 (q, J=7 Hz, 3H), 2.86 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.85-1.55 (m, 4H), 1.46 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.43-1.19 (m, 15H), 0.99 (dd, J=7 Hz, 6H). The following compounds were prepare by the methods described in Example 1: EXAMPLE 2 N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-octyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide (9b) MS: m/z 448.8 (M 30 ); 1 H NMR: (CD 3 OD, δ, 400 MHz) 7.55 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.64 (dd, J=6 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 3.62 (q, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.86-1.64 (m, 4 H), 1.49 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.32 (m, 1H), 1.22 (m, 12 H), 1.00 (dd, J=7 Hz, 6H), 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H). Elem. anal. Calcd. for C 25 H 41 N 3 O 4 +0.55 H 2 O: C, 65.63; H, 9.27; N, 9.18. Found: C, 65.58; H, 9.38; N, 9.22. EXAMPLE 3 N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-octyl)]glycine-(L)-Arginine, N-phenylamide (9c) MS: m/z 491 (M+); 1 H NMR: (CD 3 OD, δ, 400 MHz) 7.56 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (dd, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (dd, J=5 Hz, 1H), 3.38 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 3.23 (m, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.94-1.63 (m, 4 H), 1.34 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.31 (m, 2H), 1.23 (m, 12 H), 0.85 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H). Elem. anal. Calcd. for C 25 H 41 N 6 O 4 +1.20 H 2 0: C, 58.73; H, 8.56. Found: C, 58.89; H, 8.35. EXAMPLE 4 N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(9-aminononyl)]glycine-(L)-Arginine, N-phenylamide (9d) MS: m/z 520 (M+); 1 H NMR: (CD 3 OD, δ, 400 MHz) 7.56 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (dd, J=5 Hz, 1H), 3.17 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 3.22 (q, J=7 Hz, 3H), 3.12 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 2.72 (t, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.96-1.64 (m, 4H), 1.51 (m, 2H), 1.39-1.26 (m, 17H). Elem. anal. Calcd. for C 26 H 45 N 7 O 4 +1.55 H 2 O: C, 57.03; N, 17.90. Found: C, 57.20; N, 17.38. EXAMPLE 5 N-[1(R)-carboxyethyl]-α-(S)-(n-decyl)]glycine-(L)-Leucine, N-phenylamide (9e) MS: m/z 476 (M+); 1 H NMR: (CD 3 OD, δ, 400 MHz) 7.55 (d, J=7 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (dd, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (dd, J=8 Hz, 1H), 4.64 (dd, J=6 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (t, J=7 Hz, 1H), 3.62 (q, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.86 (dt, J=8 Hz, 2H), 1.72 (dd, 2H), 1.49 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H), 1.36 (m, 1H), 1.22 ppm (m, 16H), 1.00 (dd, J=7 Hz, 6H), 0.88 (t, J=7 Hz, 3H ). Elem. anal. Calcd. for C 27 H 45 N 3 O 4 +0.80 H 2 O: C, 66.17; H, 9.58; N, 8.57. Found: C, 66.21; H, 8.96; N, 8.53. __________________________________________________________________________# SEQUENCE LISTING- (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:- (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 2- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1:- Arg Pro Lys Pro Leu Ala Phe Trp1 5- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#acids (A) LENGTH: 8 amino (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:- Xaa Pro Leu Gly Leu Trp Ala Arg1 5__________________________________________________________________________

Novel N-carboxyalkylpeptidyl compounds represented by the formula ##STR1## which are found to be useful inhibitors of matrix metalloendoproteinases which degrade major components of articular cartilage and basement membranes causing degenerative diseases such as arthritis, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration and the like, and certain cancers, are described.

This is a continuation-in-part patent application of Ser. No. 09/780,801 filed Feb. 9, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,843 by the same inventor. BACKGROUND 1. Field of Invention This invention relates to methods and devices used for removing accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint filters, specifically to reusable devices and methods for their manufacture, wherein such devices comprise a mitt made of soft lint-attracting fabric and optionally having a ridge-like bound seam to aid in lint collection, in combination with a storage pouch that has easily opening upper and lower ends, each of which can be independently opened and closed for the prompt addition or removal of clothes dryer lint from the pouch. Also, the mitt is preferably attached to the pouch through a side opening in the pouch material near to its upper end, so that when the upper end is opened, a hand can be inserted into the mitt to temporarily extend the mitt beyond the upper end of the pouch for use of an optional protruding, bound, ridge-like seam on the mitt extending at a minimum over the fingers containing, as well as the soft lint-attracting mitt fabric itself, to neatly and efficiently retrieve accumulated lint from a clothes dryer lint filter with minimal lint fragment dispersal, and also to securely hold onto the removed lint during its transport to the pouch and subsequent transfer of the collected lint into the pouch with minimal mess. Without the mitt, fingernails and fingertips of the person removing the lint are typically used to separate accumulated lint from a clothes dryer lint filter, which often causes direct fingernail contact with the lint filter and fingernail damage, as well as for small fragments of the accumulated lint to be left behind on the filter, to collect under the fingernails used for lint filter cleaning, or to break away from the main body of retrieved lint and become dispersed into the room within which the dryer is located. Since accumulated lint is easily gathered into a compact mass by the protruding bound seam of the mitt, when it is used, and lint fragments are attracted to its soft fabric, the present invention helps to quickly separate the accumulated lint from a clothes dryer filter, remove more lint in less time than an uncovered hand attempting to perform the same task, and remove the lint with less damage to fingernails and chipping of fingernail polish that would otherwise occur when fingertips alone are used as the main tool for separating the accumulated lint from a clothes dryer filter. At any time after lint collection, the pouch of the present invention can be easily emptied of lint by placing the pouch over a convenient waste container, opening the pouch's lower end, and letting gravity assist in the downward movement of lint into the waste container. Between uses, magnets are employed to attach the pouch to the outside surface of the clothes dryer housing, so that it remains conveniently accessible to those having the responsibility to remove and dispose of accumulated lint resulting from the clothes dryer operation. Also, the mitt preferably has two opposed thumbs so that it is available for immediate right-handed and left-handed use without accommodation. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by residents, as well as professional cleaning service personnel, to facilitate the repetitive task of removing accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint filters that is necessary to promote safe use of clothes dryers in homes, school dormitories, assisted living facilities, apartment complexes, and other residence facilities. The device could also have commercial applications, such as but not limited to, use in public laundromats, other commercial cleaning establishments, and the laundries of hotels, motels, nursing homes, and hospitals, as well as the laundry facilities of companies providing uniform rentals. 2. Description of Prior Art Routine use and laundering of woven and knit fabrics, particularly cotton fabrics in clothing and linens, creates lint. As a result of the rubbing of one part of a fabric against another during use, as well as other forms of fabric contact with various objects encountered during use, threads employed to knit and weave fabrics can become broken. Subsequently when the fabrics are machine laundered and dried, broken fiber fragments are separated from the fabric and thereafter become accumulated in the form of lint on the respective lint filters of washers and dryers. Additional surface debris clinging to the fabrics prior to laundering, such as carpet fibers and pet hair, will also become separated from the fabrics during the cleaning process and deposited on the washer or dryer lint filters as part of the accumulated lint. To allow for efficient, sanitary, and safe operation of the washers and dryers used, accumulated lint needs to be periodically removed from the respective filters. Much of the coarse lint generated during a mechanized cleaning process is removed during the washing phase, as long as the washing machine tub is not overloaded and the items in the tub can be adequately rinsed. This coarse lint is usually damp and generally poses little fire hazard threat. However, as clothes dryer lint is dry and generally comprised of smaller dimensioned particulate matter, if it is not frequently removed from clothes dryer lint filters, it will create a fire hazard risk. Further, since laundering merely sanitizes fabrics and does not remove all microbes from them, accumulated lint also will contain microbes, with more microbes being present when washers are so overloaded that clothes are not properly allowed to circulate during wash and rinse cycles. Therefore, complete and thorough removal of lint from washer and dryer lint filters, also helps to promote a more sanitary laundering result. When fingertips alone are used, lint removal from clothes dryer lint filters is an untidy process. Fragments of lint tend to cling to the filter even after multiple attempts are made to remove it, with other fragments sticking to the hand attempting to remove it or becoming readily dispersed as a fine dust into the area immediately surrounding the dryer. Several passes of the fingertips across a clothes dryer lint filter are also usually required to remove the bulk of the accumulated lint attached to it, unless a thick mat of accumulated lint has been allowed to amass in the filter. Although a thicker mat is often more readily removed without fragmentation and lint dispersal, it is undesirable to allow lint to accumulate into a thick mat as doing so tends to pose a greater fire hazard risk. Other disadvantages of fingertip lint removal are that fragments of lint can cling to the hand employed to retrieve it and also collect under fingernails, requiring additional time to clean them. Lint removal with unprotected fingers also leads to fingernail breakage and fingernail polish chipped through direct contact of the fingernails with the lint filter. The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages by offering an alternative lint removal process that is faster, more efficient, neater, safer, and promotes a more sanitary operation, with less lint remaining attached to the filter and less fragmented lint particles being dispersed into the air in the immediate vicinity of the dryer, as well as a less damaging result for the fingernails and/or fingernail polish of the person removing the lint. No device is known that has all of the advantages of the present invention. SUMMARY OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES The primary object of this invention is to provide alternative methods for the manufacture of reusable devices that will efficiently remove and temporarily store accumulated dryer lint from clothes dryer lint filters. It is a further object of this invention to provide methods for manufacturing reusable lint-removing devices that allow for rapid and thorough cleaning of clothes dryer lint collection filters. It is also an object of this invention to provide methods for manufacturing reusable clothes dryer lint-removal devices that are durable and easy to use. It is a further object of this invention to provide methods for manufacturing reusable lint-removal devices that can be rapidly and easily emptied of accumulated lint. A further object of this invention is to provide methods for manufacturing reusable clothes dryer lint-removal devices that can be stored between uses in the immediate vicinity of the dryer so as to be made easily accessible to a person needing to perform the lint removal task. It is also an object of this invention to provide methods for manufacturing reusable lint-removal devices that minimize the risk of damage to fingernails and fingernail polish during clothes dryer lint filter cleaning. It is a further object of this invention to provide methods for manufacturing reusable lint-removal devices that can be cost effectively manufactured for widespread distribution and use. As described herein, properly manufactured and used, the present invention would enable rapid, thorough, and neat removal of lint from clothes dryer filters. Since the mitt of the present invention is attached to a lint storage pouch, dryer lint removed by the mitt can be immediately transferred to the pouch after collection, while the mitt is still near to the clothes dryer filter, thereby eliminating the need for uncovered transport of fragmented lint particles to a remote waste container that otherwise tends to result in the dispersal of at least a portion of those fragments into the area immediately surrounding a clothes dryer. Further, although not critical, the embodiment of the present invention mitt preferred for high volume use in a home or use by a group of people living in a dormitory or apartment complex, would be manufactured with a protruding bound seam that helps to roll the lint into a compact mass as the mitt is drawn across a clothes dryer filter, instead of buckling and/or fractionating portions of the accumulated lint into easily dispersed fragments, as tends to happen when exposed fingertips and fingernails are used to separate the lint from a filter. The bound seam is also helpful for filters having lint collection surfaces with a deeper basket-like configuration. For less frequent household use or with lint filters having a flatter configuration, the bound seam can be omitted, or made smaller in size, leaving the soft mitt material as the primary means of avoiding lint fragmentation during lint collection process. Also, particularly when protected by a protruding bound seam, the fingernails of the person removing the lint would not be placed at risk for damage, as they would not come in direct contact with the lint filter. In addition, any lint fragments dislodged from the clothes dryer filter while the bulk of the lint is being rolled into a compact mass, would tend to be immediately attracted to the soft material of the mitt and cling to it, minimizing the amount of lint becoming dispersed as a fine dust into the air immediately surrounding the dryer. When a clothes dryer lint filter is regularly cleaned, the present invention mitt tends to remove nearly all of the accumulated lint thereon in one pass of the mitt across the filter, multiple passes of the mitt being only anticipated for an unusually heavy deposit of lint, such as that expected during the laundering of new towels or blankets. The multiple-part magnetic closure in the upper end of the pouch of the present invention makes it easy to open, for rapid mitt extension beyond the upper perimeter of the pouch and prompt gathering of lint from clothes dryer filters. Once the mitt is placed back inside the pouch, the magnetic closure can be quickly used to seal the pouch and prevent lint dispersal while the pouch is being transported back to its storage position on the outer surface of a clothes dryer housing, where it would remain conveniently situated for subsequent uses. If the size of the magnets used for upper end closure is adequate, those magnets can also provide a means for attachment of the pouch to the dryer housing. Should smaller closure magnets be used for the upper end, or a larger and heavier pouch be desired for commercial or large resident facility use, one or more additional magnets can be connected to the back of the pouch and used for dryer housing attachment. The lint holding capacity of the pouch would be made to accommodate multiple lint filter cleanings in the contemplated application, before emptying is required, preferably containing the lint from at least eight to ten routine dryer cycles. Then, to dispose of the accumulated lint which has been transported in the pouch to a location remote from the dryer, the lint would be emptied into an appropriate waste container by simply opening the lower end of the pouch over the open upper end of the waste container and letting gravity do most of the work in causing the downward release of lint directly into the waste container. Slight shaking of the pouch might be required to release all of the collected lint, even though pouch material having a smooth inner surface would typically be used. In this way the placement of collected lint into an open container adjacent to the dryer is avoided, a practice that only allows for more of the finer lint fragments to become dispersed into the air surrounding the dryer each time a new quantity of lint or other discarded objects are added to the waste container. The lower end of the pouch can be manufactured for closure by any easily-opened closure means, to include but not be limited to buttons, buttonholes, large snaps, hook and pile types of fasteners, magnets, zippers, spring-biased two-part handbag frame closures, crocheted frogs, and any combination thereof. The pouch preferably would be made from a lightweight durable material, such as nylon, so that it, the attached mitt, and a maximum contemplated quantity of accumulated lint can easily be supported by magnetic means against the outer surface of a dryer housing. It is also preferred that the pouch be manufactured from a material to which the accumulated lint does not readily adhere. Further, although not critical, it is preferred that the pouch, the mitt, and the bottom and top pouch closures, all be manufactured from washable materials. It is considered within the scope of the present invention for the pouch to have a lining when a pouch fabric is chosen for its surface decoration instead of its functional advantages, even though for weight considerations a lining is generally not preferred. Since the present invention has few parts to assemble, and different bottom closures are contemplated to accommodate user preference and price point considerations, the present invention could be cost effectively manufactured for widespread use. Different methods of manufacture may also include different orders of assembling the various components used. The description herein provides the preferred embodiments of the present invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the methods used for manufacturing different alternative embodiments of the present invention that remove accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint collection filters. For example, variations in the length and width of the lint containing pouch; the number of magnets attached to the pouch; the size, configuration, and location of the side opening in the pouch to which the mitt is attached; the type of stitching used to make a bound seam in the mitt; the length and width dimensions of the mitt; the number of thumbs made in the mitt; the means of closure used for the lower end of the pouch; and the perimeter and thickness dimensions, as well as the configuration, of the magnets used for closure of the upper end of the pouch; other than those shown and described herein may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of a fully manufactured first preferred embodiment of the present invention having a lint storage pouch with upper and lower closures, and a mitt attached to a side opening in the lint storage pouch so that the opening allows for insertion of a hand into the mitt for use, the mitt being shown in broken lines to indicate its typical downwardly extending stored position within the pouch. FIG. 2 is a back view of a fully manufactured first preferred embodiment having a lint storage pouch with upper and lower closures, a mitt positioned within the lint storage pouch, and a horizontally extending magnetic strip attached to the back of the pouch for use in attachment of the lint storage pouch to the side wall or door of a clothes dryer housing. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled mitt used in the first preferred embodiment, the mitt having two thumb members for immediate left-handed and right-handed use without accommodation and a protruding bound perimeter seam connecting the front and back halves of the mitt together, with a lower opening available for use in the insertion of a hand. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one possible configuration of the magnetic closure means used in the first preferred embodiment to close the top opening in the lint storage pouch, as well as a possible configuration for the magnetic attachment means for the lint storage pouch to the outer surface of a clothes dryer housing. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a two-part handbag frame style closure means for sealing and securing the bottom end of the lint storage pouch of the first preferred embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mitt of the first preferred embodiment inserted within an opening in the front panel of the lint storage pouch and ready for stitched attachment to the front panel. FIG. 7 is a back view of the front panel of the first preferred embodiment prior to folding and stitching of the top and bottom ends, or side seams, of the front panel with unnumbered top and bottom arrows showing the direction of folding. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mitt of the first preferred embodiment fully manufactured and extending beyond the top edges of the lint storage pouch in a position of lint collection use. FIG. 9 is a front view of the fully manufactured first preferred embodiment showing transfer of collected lint from the mitt into the bottom of the lint storage pouch. FIG. 10 is a front view showing collected lint being emptied from the lint storage pouch of the fully manufactured first preferred embodiment into an independent waste container having a wide top opening. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a person using the fully manufactured first preferred embodiment to collect accumulated lint from a clothes dryer lint filter. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fully manufactured first preferred embodiment attached to the door of a clothes dryer housing with the mitt being shown in broken lines within the pouch in its typical stored position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fully manufactured first preferred embodiment attached to the outside surface of a clothes dryer in a position that is easily accessible for use. FIG. 14 is a front view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the bottom closure of the lint storage pouch consisting of identical numbers of buttons and frogs, the enlarged loop of each frog engaging a different one of the buttons, and the top end closure means for the lint storage pouch consisting of several small magnets each isolated in a separate pocket-like compartment and positioned for engagement with an opposing closure magnet. FIG. 15 is an enlargement of one possible configuration of a frog used in the second preferred embodiment and having an enlarged stretchable loop adapted to fit securely around a selected size of button. FIG. 16 is a front view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention having a bottom end closure consisting of several spaced-apart buttons and buttonholes that are in opposing positions for engagement with one another. FIG. 17 is a front view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention having a bottom closure consisting of several spaced-apart two-part snaps. FIG. 18 is a front view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention having a hook-and-pile type of bottom end closure means. FIG. 19 is a front view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention having a bottom end zipper closure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 show a fully manufactured first preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention having a front pouch panel 4 a , a back pouch panel 4 b , a substantially horizontally extending connective opening 6 laterally centered through front pouch panel 4 a , no similar opening 6 through back pouch panel 4 b , and a mitt 14 connected to front pouch panel 4 a in such a way as to seal opening 6 and make the interior of mitt 14 accessible through opening 6 . In addition, FIG. 1 shows front pouch panel 4 a in first preferred embodiment 2 having an upper end with a front top edge 8 a , a lower end with a front bottom edge 10 a , two substantially horizontally extending rows of stitching 12 between front top edge 8 a and front bottom edge 10 a , an elongated front magnetic strip 16 a adjacent to front top edge 8 a , an elongated handbag frame front member 18 a connected on its opposing ends to hinges 20 and positioned adjacent to bottom front edge 10 a , and mitt 14 having two opposed thumb members, identified by the number 22 in FIG. 3 . FIG. 1 also shows one row of stitching 12 being positioned above mitt 14 and adjacent to, although below, elongated front magnetic strip 16 a , as well as a second row of stitching 12 being positioned below mitt 14 and adjacent to, although above, handbag frame elongated front member 18 a . FIG. 2 further shows back pouch panel 4 b in first preferred embodiment 2 having an upper end with a top back edge 8 b , a lower end with a back bottom edge 10 b , two horizontally extending rows of stitching 12 between top back edge 8 b and back bottom edge 10 b , an elongated back magnetic strip 16 b positioned adjacent to top back edge 8 b , and an elongated handbag frame back member 18 b connected on its opposing ends to hinges 20 , as well as an additional elongated back magnetic strip 16 c attached to back pouch panel 4 b between elongated back magnetic strip 18 b and mitt 14 , and in a horizontally extending orientation that is substantially parallel to top back edge 8 b . FIG. 2 also shows one row of stitching 12 being positioned above mitt 14 and adjacent to the lower edge of elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , and a second row of stitching 12 being positioned below mitt 14 and adjacent to the upper edge of handbag frame back member 18 b . Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pouch being made from two pouch components, front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , it is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention for the pouch to be made from one larger piece of fabric having the approximate combined dimension of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , with only one stitched longitudinal seam, such as seam 28 shown in FIG. 7, instead of two seams 28 , or for the present invention to have a pouch made from tubular material requiring no longitudinal seams 28 . In FIG. 1, stitching 12 is shown in two places on front pouch panel 4 a , to assist in sealing hidden elongated front magnetic strip 16 a within a hemmed enclosure or pocket adjacent to front top edge 8 a and hidden handbag frame front member 18 a within an independent hemmed enclosure or pocket adjacent to bottom front edge 10 a , and unless otherwise restricted by stitching or other means, elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and handbag frame front member 18 a would be able to slide freely within its respective hemmed enclosure or pocket. Should a smaller front magnetic strip 16 a than is shown in FIG. 1 be used for weight or cost considerations, then it would be expected for additional vertically extending rows of stitching 12 to be placed at a spaced-apart distance from the side edges of front pouch panel 4 a and adjacent to the opposite ends of front magnetic strip 16 a to restrict its lateral movement for optimal engagement with opposing back magnetic strip 16 b , which would also be restricted in lateral movement by similar stitching 12 . In addition, in FIG. 2, stitching 12 is shown in two places on back pouch panel 4 b , to assist in sealing hidden elongated back magnetic strip 16 b within a hemmed enclosure or pocket adjacent to top back edge 8 b , and to seal hidden handbag frame back member 18 b within a hemmed enclosure or pocket adjacent to bottom back edge 10 b , and unless otherwise restricted by additional stitching (not shown), elongated back magnetic strip 16 b and handbag frame back member 18 b would be able to slide freely within its respective hemmed enclosure/pocket. Depending upon the order of the construction steps used during manufacture of first preferred embodiment 2 and whether stitching 12 is applied prior to or following the joining of longitudinal seams 28 shown in FIG. 7, the stitching 12 employed adjacent to front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b could comprise a continuous filament of thread, or be independently applied prior to the joining of front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b . Similarly, the stitching 12 employed adjacent to bottom front edge 10 a and bottom back edge 10 b could comprise a continuous filament of thread, or be independently applied prior to the joining of front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b . Although not shown, additional stitching 12 could be optionally applied as top stitching, adjacent to front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b , as well as bottom front edge 10 a and bottom back edge 10 b , to further restrict movement of elongated front magnetic strip 16 a , elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , handbag frame front member 18 a , and handbag frame back member 18 b within their respective hemmed enclosures, or for use as decorative accent. Also, although not shown, stitching 12 would be preferably used to laterally join front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b at seam line 28 as shown in FIG. 7 . Additional stitching 12 used in a top-stitched position can optionally be employed on or adjacent to the longitudinal seam line 28 shown in FIG. 7 to add strength to the seams 28 joining front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b in first preferred embodiment 2. Depending upon whether the manufacturing step of using stitching 12 to form the hemmed enclosures or pockets in the opposing ends of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b is performed prior to that of joining front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b at their respective lateral edges, apertures can be left in the hemmed enclosures or pockets, on the inside of the pouch, between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b for the insertion of elongated front magnetic strip 16 a , elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , handbag frame front member 18 a , and handbag frame back member 18 b , as well as the end-to-end connection of handbag frame front member 18 a to handbag frame back member 18 b with hinges 20 on each of their respective ends. Also, although not shown, once the respective closure structures are in place, stitching 12 can be optionally used to seal such apertures, if desired. Otherwise, apertures (not shown) can remain so that the closure structures of elongated front magnetic strip 16 a , elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , handbag frame front member 18 a , and handbag frame back member 18 b can be readily removed for desired laundering of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . Although handbag frame front member 18 a and handbag frame back member 18 b are used to close the lower end of the pouch 4 formed by lateral connection of front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b , other types of easily opening lower end closure are also considered within the scope of the present invention, such as but not limited to the buttons 62 and frogs 64 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the buttons 62 and buttonholes 66 shown in FIG. 16, the two-part snaps 68 a and 68 b shown in FIG. 17, the hook-and-pile types of fasteners with hook members 70 a and pile members 70 b shown in FIG. 18, the zipper 72 shown in FIG. 19, or opposing magnets, such as elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or several pairs of smaller magnets 60 , as shown in FIG. 14. A greater or lesser number of end closures than is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 , 14 , 16 , 17 , and 18 can be used to secure bottom front edge 10 a to bottom back edge 10 b , as long as a sufficient number are present for successful collected lint 46 containment, and the number used does not involve unneeded expense. Combinations of different end closures can be optionally used for securing the upper or lower ends of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b to one another for aesthetic/design purposes, as long as the combination used retains the ability for being readily opened and closed. FIGS. 1 and 2 also show mitt 14 having two opposed thumb members, identified by the number 22 in FIG. 3 . Although two opposed thumb members 22 are preferred for immediate left-handed and right-handed use without accommodation, it is also considered within the scope of the present invention for mitt 14 to have only one thumb member 22 , or no thumb members 22 . Further when one or two opposed thumb members 22 are used, the person employing it for removal of accumulated lint, such as lint 46 in FIGS. 9 and 10, as shown in FIG. 8, can place a thumb on hand 44 in one thumb member 22 , with the remaining fingers on hand 44 all being positioned together within the finger containing member of mitt 14 , shown by the number 24 in FIG. 3, or in the alternative the smallest finger may be positioned within the remaining thumb member 22 (not shown). Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is also contemplated for the open end of mitt 14 , shown in FIG. 3 by the number 32 , to be attached to front pouch panel 4 a by a threaded connection similar to stitching 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the combined cut edges of mitt 14 and opening 6 being positioned within the interior of the pouch formed by the joining of front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b when mitt 14 is in a ready-to-use configuration. Although opening 6 is shown having an elongated configuration with rounded ends, such a configuration is not critical to first embodiment 2 , and it is also contemplated for the configuration of opening 6 to have other configurations, such as but not limited to that of an ellipse, rectangle, or circle. Manufacturing considerations as to the labor cost in cutting opening 6 through front pouch panel 4 a and stitching mitt 14 to opening 6 would affect the choice of configuration used for opening 6 . FIG. 1 also shows opening 6 positioned longitudinally approximately one-half the distance between the center of front pouch panel 4 a and the stitching 12 adjacent to front top edge 8 a . Also, although such longitudinal positioning of opening 6 on front pouch panel 4 a is preferred, it is not critical to the present invention and opening 6 might be differently positioned for embodiments having a longer front pouch panel 4 a , as well as those having a larger lint-holding capacity. For example, an embodiment with a longer front pouch panel 4 a could have a longitudinally centered opening 6 , elongated front magnetic strips 16 a and elongated back magnetic strips 16 b securing both the upper and lower ends of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b to one another, and a mitt 14 with a single thumb secured to opening 6 whereby front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b can be stored in an upright or inverted position for use, depending upon whether the person employing the present invention for lint removal would prefer right-handed or left-handed use. FIGS. 1 and 2 shows front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b each having a substantially rectangular configuration. Although not limited thereto, a rectangular configuration is preferred so that the inside surfaces of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b do not impede the downward movement of lint 46 toward lower front end 10 a and lower front end 10 b . A rectangular configuration, instead of a tapering configuration, also facilitates employment of the present invention in upright or inverted positions for equally effective right-handed and left-handed use. Further, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b having substantially the same length and width dimensions. However, it is also contemplated for back pouch panel 4 b to be longer in length dimension than front pouch panel 4 a , depending on bottom closure means used, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 14-18. Although both front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , as well as mitt 14 , could be made from many types of material or fabric, and have linings (not shown) if needed, in first preferred embodiment 2 it is preferred that front pouch panel 4 a , back pouch panel 4 b , and mitt 14 be made from washable materials or fabrics. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, mitt 14 would be made from a soft, stretchable, knitted, lint-adhering cotton fabric, and front pouch panel 4 a , and back pouch panel 4 b would each be made from a fabric with a slick, non-adhering surface, such as nylon, to which lint 46 would not easily become affixed. Use of first preferred embodiment 2 for rapid, thorough, efficient, and neat removal of lint 46 from a clothes dryer filter 50 , would involve placement of a hand, such as hand 44 in FIG. 8, through opening 6 and into mitt 14 . Typically, all of the fingers of hand 44 would be placed into finger containing member 24 and the thumb of hand 44 would be placed into one of the thumb members 22 of mitt 14 . If first preferred embodiment 2 is attached to the housing of a clothes dryer, such as dryer 52 in FIG. 12 or 13 , back pouch panel 4 b could be removed from dryer 52 prior to insertion of hand 44 into mitt 14 , or after insertion of hand 44 into mitt 14 at the user's preference. Once hand 44 is positioned within mitt 14 , front top edge 8 a is separated from top back edge 8 b to place the upper end of first preferred embodiment 2 in an opened position so that mitt 14 can be extended beyond front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b for collection of lint 46 , as shown in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two-part magnetic closure means 16 , comprised of elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , in the upper end of first preferred embodiment 2 allows for easy opening of the upper end, rapid mitt 14 extension, and uninhibited prompt gathering of lint 46 . The fingers of hand 44 , when inside mitt 14 , would stretch a mitt 14 made from stretchable fabric as hand 44 is bent to gather lint 46 to remove it from lint filter 50 , further assisting the protruding ridge-like bound seam 26 in the gathering of lint 46 without fragmentation. Once mitt 14 is withdrawn back between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , the magnetic closure means 16 can be quickly used to seal the pouch made from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , and prevent dispersal of lint 46 while the pouch is being transported back to its storage position against the outer surface of a clothes dryer housing 52 , where it can remain conveniently situated for subsequent uses. If the size of the magnets 16 a and 16 b used for upper end closure is adequate to uphold the weight of front pouch panel 4 a , back pouch panel 4 b , mitt 14 , and lint 46 , magnets 16 a and 16 b can also provide the means for attachment of the pouch to dryer 52 . Should smaller closure magnets, such as small magnets 60 in FIG. 14, be desired for closure of the upper end, or a larger pouch be desired for commercial or large resident facility use, one or more additional magnets 16 c can be added to back pouch panel 4 b , as shown in FIG. 2 . The lint holding capacity of the pouch would be adequate for multiple lint filter 50 cleanings in the contemplated application, before emptying is required. Assuming three to five loads of laundry are washed and dried every day in a household laundry room or small apartment laundry facility, it is contemplated that the lint holding capacity of first preferred embodiment 2 would be sufficiently large for the accumulated lint 46 typically left behind in a dryer filter, such as dryer filter 50 in FIG. 11, over a minimum period of two to three days. For busier laundry facilities, lint holding capacity may be sufficient for pouch emptying only once or twice in a day. To empty the pouch formed from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b and dispose of accumulated lint 46 , with its upper and lower ends in closed positions the present invention would be transported to an appropriate waste container 48 in a location remote from dryer 52 . Once positioned immediately above the wide upper opening of a waste container 48 , the lower end of the pouch would simply be opened to let gravity do most of the work in causing the downward release of lint 46 into waste container 48 . Should any lint 46 remain in the pouch after initial opening of the lower end, the pouch can be gently shaken to separate any residual lint 46 from the pouch. In this way the placement of lint 46 into an open waste container (not shown) adjacent to dryer 52 is avoided, a practice that only allows for more of the finer fragments of lint 46 to become dispersed into the air surrounding dryer 52 each time a new quantity of lint 46 or other discarded objects (not shown) are added to the container, promoting the risk of fire hazard in and around dryer 52 instead of reducing it. Once the desired amount of lint 46 is removed from the pouch, the lower end of the pouch can again be placed into its closed position and transported back to dryer 52 whereby the pouch can then be reattached to the housing of dryer 52 in an orientation easily accessible for future use. A variety of easily-opened closure means are contemplated for the lower end of the pouch formed from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , such as but not limited to buttons 62 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, large snaps 68 as shown in FIG. 17, hook and pile types of fasteners 70 as shown in FIG. 18, magnets 16 or 60 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 respectively, a zipper 72 as shown in FIG. 19, a spring-biased two-part handbag frame style of closure 78 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, crocheted frogs 64 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, and any combination thereof. Some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention require that back pouch panel 4 b be slightly longer than front pouch panel 4 a , so that back pouch panel 4 b folds up over the bottom portion of front pouch panel 4 a during closure for successful lint containment. It is preferred that front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b be manufactured from a lightweight durable material, such as nylon, so that the pouch formed therefrom, as well as attached mitt 14 and a maximum contemplated quantity of accumulated lint 46 , can easily be supported by magnets 16 or 60 against the outer surface of a dryer housing 52 . It is also preferred that the pouch made from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b be constructed from a material with a slick surface to which accumulated lint 46 does not readily adhere. Further, although not critical, it is preferred that the pouch and mitt 14 be made from washable materials, and that mitt 14 be manufactured from soft, lint-adhering, stretchable, knit material. Although not shown, it is considered within the scope of the present invention for the pouch made from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b to have a lining when a pouch fabric is chosen for its surface decoration instead of its functional advantages. However, a lining is generally not preferred where the added weight of a lining would increase the cost of magnetic support. Since the preferred embodiments of the present invention have few parts to assemble, and different bottom closures are contemplated to accommodate user preference and price point considerations, the present invention can be cost effectively manufactured for different targeted markets and widespread use. Although the dimensions of components in the present invention could vary and should not be limited hereto, the following dimensions are provided as an example of some of the dimensions more commonly used in the most preferred embodiment. It is contemplated for front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b in present invention 2 to each have a stitched length dimension of approximately sixteen inches, and a stitched width dimension of approximately eleven inches. The side seams 28 between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b would typically have a width dimension between one-half inch and three-fourths of an inch. In the alternative, when one large piece of fabric having the combined dimension of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b is used to form the needed pouch, a single longitudinal seam 28 would be used instead of opposing side seams 28 . The horizontally extending stitching 12 adjacent to front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b would be at spaced-apart distances therefrom of approximately one inch. Also, the front handbag closure frame 18 a and the back handbag closure frame 18 b that are respectively placed in the enclosed pockets between front bottom edge 10 a and stitching 12 , and back bottom edge 10 b and stitching 12 , would have a maximum width dimension of approximately one-half inch. The horizontally extending stitching 12 adjacent to front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b would be at spaced-apart distances therefrom of approximately one-and-one-half inches. Also, the elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and the elongated back magnetic strip 16 b that are respectively placed in the enclosed pockets between front top edge 8 a and stitching 12 , and top back edge 8 b and stitching 12 , would have a maximum width dimension of approximately one inch. In place of elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , the closure means for securing front top edge 8 a to top back edge 8 b could comprise six disk-shaped magnets, such as those shown in FIG. 14 by the number 60 , each having the cross-sectional configuration of a circle with an approximate diameter dimension between three-fourths of an inch and one inch, as well as a thickness dimension of approximately one-fourth of an inch. Two opposing sets of the disk-shaped magnets 60 would be placed approximately one-and-one-fourth inches to one-and-one-half inches from the side seams connecting front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b , with the third set of disk-shaped magnets 60 being approximately centered between the side seams 28 connecting front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b . Although not shown, magnets having other cross-sectional configurations could also be used. Further, opening 6 would be approximately five inches in length, with approximately three inches of front pouch panel 4 a present on both sides of opening 6 . Also, in the most preferred embodiment, opening 6 would be positioned between approximately one inch and three inches from the horizontally extending stitching 12 adjacent to front top edge 8 a . In addition, for most purposes mitt 14 would have a maximum length dimension of approximately eight inches to nine inches, with thumb members 22 extending to an approximate maximum distance of five inches from opening 6 . Also in the most preferred embodiment finger-containing member 24 would have a non-stretched width dimension of approximately four-and-one-half inches. FIG. 3 shows mitt 14 of first preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention having two opposed thumb members 22 and a central finger containing member 24 therebetween for use in covering the three middle fingers of the hand 44 shown in FIG. 8, or all four fingers of the person using it to remove lint 46 from a dryer lint filter 50 , such as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. Although FIG. 3 shows two thumb members 22 , it is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention for mitt 14 to have only one thumb member 22 , or no thumb members 22 and only a large finger containing member 24 for the entire hand 44 shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 3 also shows mitt 14 having a bottom opening 32 , an inside surface 30 , seam lines 28 , and a ridge-like bound seam 26 on its entire perimeter edge except for that surrounding bottom opening 32 . It is through seam line 28 that mitt 14 becomes attached to opening 6 during manufacture of the present invention. Although such construction is not critical, bound seam 26 in first preferred embodiment 2 would contain the cut edges of two opposing pieces of soft, stretchable, lint-attracting knit fabric, such as cotton, overcast or bound with thread, the detail of which is not shown in FIG. 3 . Although not limited thereto and not shown, and provided herein as only one example of use, a buttonhole stitch could be used to secure the cut edges of bound seam 26 so that it is sufficiently bulky and upstanding to form a ridge and be effective, as well as efficient, in gathering accumulated lint 46 from the lint filter 50 of a clothes dryer 52 and rolling it into an accumulated mass with little or no fragmentation. During such gathering of lint 46 , it is expected that hand 44 inserted into mitt 14 , as shown in FIG. 8, would stretch mitt 14 as the fingers on hand 44 fold around lint 46 to help contain it during transport. Further, and although not limited thereto, it is contemplated for protruding ridge-like bound seam 26 to have a preferred minimum width dimension of approximately one-eight of an inch, and a preferred maximum width dimension of approximately one-fourth of an inch. Opposed thumb members 22 allow for immediate left-handed and right-handed use without accommodation, although immediate left-handed and right-handed use can also be achieved with a longer rectangular pouch, mitt 14 with one or no thumb members 22 , and a longitudinally centered opening 6 that in combination allow for equally convenient upright and inverted positioning of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , allowing its user the choice of preferred orientation. Since mitt 14 is directly attached to opening 6 , the removed dryer lint 46 can be immediately transferred to the pouch formed from back pouch panel 4 b and front pouch panel 4 a after its collection, while mitt 14 is closely positioned to the clothes dryer filter 50 . Thus, there would be no uncovered transport of fragmented particles of lint 46 to a remote waste container, such as waste container 48 shown in FIG. 11, that otherwise tends to result in the dispersal of at least a portion of dry, wispy, lightweight lint 46 into the area immediately surrounding a clothes dryer 52 . Further, although not critical, when mitt 14 is manufactured from soft, lint-adhering material, the ridge-like bound seam 26 of mitt 14 tends to roll lint 46 into a compact mass as mitt 14 is drawn across a clothes dryer filter 50 , instead of buckling and/or fractionating portions of the accumulated lint 46 into easily dispersed fragments, as tends to happen when uncovered fingernails and fingertips are used to separate lint 46 from filter 50 . Also, since the fingernails of the person removing lint 46 are covered by mitt 14 when preferred embodiment 2 is used, fingernails do not come in direct contact with filter 50 and are not placed at risk for damage. In addition, any fragments of lint 46 dislodged from filter 50 while the bulk of lint 46 is being rolled into a compact mass, would tend to be immediately attracted to the soft material of mitt 14 and cling to it, minimizing the amount of lint 46 becoming dispersed as a fine dust into the air immediately surrounding dryer 52 . When a clothes dryer lint filter 50 is regularly cleaned, the present invention mitt 14 tends to remove nearly all of the accumulated lint 46 thereon in one pass of mitt 14 across filter 50 . Multiple passes of mitt 14 are only anticipated for an unusually heavy deposit of lint 46 , such as that expected during the laundering of new towels or blankets (not shown). FIG. 4 shows one possible configuration of the magnetic strips 16 a and 16 b , as well as additional magnetic strips 16 c , used in first preferred embodiment 2 . Magnetic strips 16 similar to that shown in FIG. 4 can be used to close front top edge 8 a against top back edge 8 b , as shown by 16 a and 16 b in FIGS. 1 and 2. A magnetic strip 16 similar to that shown in FIG. 4 can also be attached to the outside surface of back pouch panel 4 b , as shown in FIG. 2 by the number 16 c , to help attach first preferred embodiment 2 to the outside surface of a dryer 52 , as shown in FIG. 11, or to the door 54 of a dryer 52 , as shown in FIG. 12 . The length, width, and thickness dimensions of magnetic strip 16 is not critical, and would vary according to the weight of the material used for front pouch panel 4 a , back pouch panel 4 b , and mitt 14 , as well and the lint-holding capacity of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b when joined together and sealed at upper and lower ends with easily opening closures, such as handbag frame front member 18 a and handbag frame back member 18 b . However, as the size of magnetic strip 16 employed during manufacture is increased, it must be taken into consideration that the manufacturing cost is also increased. Although not limited thereto, magnetic strips 16 made from ferromagnetic materials are preferred, due to their inexpensive cost and widespread availability. FIG. 5 shows the two-part handbag frame style closure 78 used in first preferred embodiment 2 for closing back bottom edge 10 b against front bottom edge 10 a . In the alternative, lower end closures can include but are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 14-19, or magnetic closures such as the smaller disk-like magnets 60 shown in FIG. 14 for upper end closure, or the magnetic strips 16 a and 16 b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as upper end closures. FIG. 5 shows two-part handbag frame style closure 78 having an elongated handbag frame back member 18 b , an elongated handbag frame front member 18 a , two hinges 20 with a different hinge 20 connecting handbag frame back member 18 b to handbag frame front member 18 a on each of their respective ends, and several inner support members 76 used to prevent inadvertent crimping or creasing of the flexible material from which handbag frame back member 18 b and handbag frame front member 18 a are manufactured, and any resulting interference from such crimping or creasing that might otherwise prevent their proper operation. When handbag frame back member 18 b is connected to handbag frame front member 18 a with hinges 20 , handbag frame back member 18 b and handbag frame front member 18 a are each movable relative to the other between at least one openable position and a fully closed position, each being normally biased into the closed position. However, when handbag frame front member 18 a is forced away from handbag frame back member 18 b , both can remain separated from the other until an outside closing force is applied to handbag frame front member 18 a , handbag frame back member 18 b , or both. At least one intermediate opened position is also possible between handbag frame front member 18 a and handbag frame back member 18 , although not considered critical. When handbag frame front member 18 a and handbag frame back member 18 b are inserted within the lower pockets formed in front pouch member 4 a and back pouch member 4 b , respectively, it is contemplated that apertures (not shown) can remain in the lower pockets after manufacture, adjacent to hinges 20 , so that hinges 20 can be disassembled for the removal of handbag frame front member 18 a and handbag frame back member 18 b from front pouch member 4 a , back pouch member 4 b , and mitt 14 , prior to laundering. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the positioning of mitt 14 immediately prior to attachment of mitt 14 to the opening 6 in front pouch panel 4 a . If the cut edges of the material from which mitt 14 is manufactured are subject to easy unraveling or fray, mitt 14 can be turned inside-out so that bound seam 26 is located in a reversed position where it will remain between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b during use. For ease of manufacture, it is contemplated for mitt 14 to be connected to front pouch panel 4 a , prior to front pouch panel 4 a being attached to back pouch panel 4 b at side seams 28 . However, it is optional whether side seam lines 28 in front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b would be connected prior to, or after, the forming of end pockets via the folding and stitching of top cut edge 36 and bottom cut edge 38 against adjacent portions of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . FIG. 6 provides an enlarged view of opening 6 and the open end 32 of mitt 14 , with opposing protruding bound seams 26 facing one another. Both FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show opening 6 having a more circular perimeter dimension than previously shown in FIG. 1, the configuration of opening 6 being a function, labor cost, or design consideration, or combination of several such considerations. FIGS. 6 and 7 also both show seam lines 28 around opening 6 and on mitt 14 adjacent to its open end 32 , being aligned for later connection with stitching, such as stitching 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 further shows the front pouch panel 4 a of first embodiment 2 prior to folding and stitching. As shown by the uppermost unnumbered arrow, top cut edge 36 can be folded at fold line 34 , then folded again at front top edge 8 a prior to being secured in place with stitching 12 (not shown in FIG. 7, but shown in FIG. 1) to form a hemmed enclosure or pocket for elongated front magnetic strip 16 a . Stitching 12 can be attached with either the front surface or the back surface of front pouch panel 4 a facing in an upward position. Similarly, and as shown by an opposing unnumbered lower arrow, bottom cut edge 38 can be folded at fold line 34 , then folded again at front bottom edge 10 a prior to being secured in place with stitching 12 (not shown in FIG. 7, but shown in FIG. 1) to form a hemmed enclosure or pocket for elongated back magnetic strip 16 b . If the type of stitching 12 used is configured to encase top cut edge 36 and bottom cut edge 38 to prevent fraying thereof, the step of folding at top and bottom fold lines 34 can be omitted during the formation of hemmed enclosures or pockets for elongated front magnetic strip 16 a and elongated back magnetic strip 16 b , thus saving some material expense. FIG. 7 further shows the side cut edges 40 of front pouch panel 4 a , as well as the side seam lines 28 used for connecting front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b . Once front pouch panel 4 a is connected to back pouch panel 4 b at side seam lines 28 , the cut edges 40 of fabric adjacent to seam lines 28 in either or both front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b can be bound to prevent unraveling or fray, or if subject to fray the type of stitching 12 used to connect seam lines 28 in FIG. 7 can be selected so that side cut edges 40 become overcast by stitching 12 as stitching 12 is applied. The number 30 in both FIGS. 6 and 7 identifies the lines indicating the back fabric surfaces of both mitt 14 and front pouch panel 4 a . Thus, as, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when hand 44 is placed within mitt 14 , hand 44 would come into contact with the back fabric surface of mitt 14 , while the front fabric surface of mitt 14 would be used to collect lint 46 , and protruding bound seam 26 if present would be formed into the front surface of mitt 14 . It is also contemplated for the reverse to be within the scope of the present invention, so that when the back fabric surface 30 of the material used to make mitt 14 is more lint-adhering and suitable for collection of lint 46 , mitt 14 can be attached to front pouch panel 4 a so that the back fabric surface 30 of mitt 14 is used for lint collection and the front fabric surface of the material used to make mitt 14 would be the fabric surface in direct contact with hand 44 . FIG. 7 shows the protruding bound seam 26 of mitt 14 positioned inside mitt 14 during the connection of mitt 14 to front pouch panel 4 a . However, reverse positioning of mitt 14 is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Once attachment of mitt 14 to front pouch panel 4 a is complete, mitt 14 would be pushed through opening 6 against the back fabric surface 30 of front pouch panel 4 a for use, wherein the lint-gathering bound seam 26 of mitt 14 , if present for use as an additional lint gathering means, would be in an exposed position ready for service. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show mitt 14 in first preferred embodiment 2 , respectively, in a position extending beyond front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b for the collection of dryer lint 46 , in a position drawn back below front top edge 8 a for release of lint 46 into the pouch formed from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , and in a downwardly facing non-active position while front bottom edge 10 a is separated from back bottom edge 10 b to allow transfer of lint 46 to a separate waste disposal container 48 remote from dryer 52 . FIG. 8 shows a human arm 42 inserted through opening 6 , with the hand 44 connected thereto positioned within mitt 14 . Although all four fingers on hand 44 are positioned within the central finger containing member of mitt 14 , identified by the number 24 in FIG. 3, and the thumb on hand 44 is placed within one of the thumb members 22 of mitt 14 , identified by the number 22 in FIG. 3, mitt 14 could also be used with the thumb on hand 44 positioned within finger containing member 24 with the fingers on hand 44 , or with at least one of the fingers on hand 44 placed into the thumb member 22 shown unused in FIG. 8 . The use of second thumb member 22 would therefore remain a choice of the user, and probably would be preferred only by those having larger hands. Horizontally extending stitching 12 adjacent to front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 , as well as adjacent to front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b , helps to keep the potentially unraveling top and bottom cut edges 36 and 38 of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b from interfering with the extension and withdrawal of mitt 14 , or interfering with the downward movement of lint 46 once front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b are separated from one another, during repeated use of first preferred embodiment 2 . Although not critical, during the extension of mitt 14 beyond front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 , as well as during use of mitt 14 to collect lint 46 , it is contemplated that front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b would remain secured tightly against one another. FIG. 9 shows mitt 14 after lint collection, and when mitt 14 is already withdrawn below front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 b , in a downwardly hanging position between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . Arm 42 is still inserted through opening 6 , with mitt 14 having a substantially open and planar configuration that allows collected lint 46 to fall into the bottom of the pouch created by the joining of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . When hand 44 is still within mitt 14 and lint 46 is being transferred from mitt 14 to the interior space between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , it is contemplated for front top edge 8 a to be in either an opened position, or a closed position against top back edge 8 b and secured thereto by elongated front magnetic strip 16 a being firmly positioned against elongated back magnetic strip 16 b (not shown in FIG. 9 ). However, front bottom edge 10 a would necessarily be in a closed position against back bottom edge 10 b to keep collected lint 46 between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . To empty lint 46 from first preferred embodiment 2 , FIG. 10 shows first preferred embodiment 2 positioned above a waste container 48 having a wide top opening, with handbag frame front member 18 a separated from handbag frame back member 18 b so as to maintain front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b in positions separated from one another. Although front top edge 8 a would usually be in a closed position against top back edge 8 b , secured together by elongated front magnetic member 16 a and elongated back magnetic member 16 b (not shown in FIG. 10 ), such closure is not critical. If magnetic closures 16 were used to secure the bottom edges of front pouch panel 4 a and bottom pouch panel 4 b to one another in place of handbag frame front member 18 a separated from handbag frame back member 18 b , the person removing lint 46 would probably hold front pouch panel 4 a and bottom pouch panel 4 b adjacent to front bottom edge 10 a and back bottom edge 10 b to maintain handbag frame front member 18 a in a separated position from handbag frame back member 18 b until the gravity-assisted lint emptying process was complete. FIG. 10 shows the horizontally extending stitching 12 that helps to form the enclosures or pockets within front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b for handbag frame front member 18 a , handbag frame back member 18 b , elongated front magnetic member 16 a and elongated back magnetic member 16 b (not shown in FIG. 10 ). After all collected and temporarily stored lint 46 is emptied from first preferred embodiment 2 into waste container 48 , front bottom edge 10 a can be again placed in a closed position against back bottom edge 10 b , and first preferred embodiment 2 attached to the housing of a clothes dryer, such as clothes dryer 52 shown in FIGS. 11-13, so that it can remain readily accessible for subsequent uses. FIG. 11 shows a person 56 using mitt 14 to clean a clothes dryer filter 50 , while FIGS. 12 and 13 show first preferred embodiment 2 being conveniently stored in a position attached to the outer surface of clothes dryer 52 . Although not limited thereto, first preferred embodiment 2 would be attached to clothes dryer 52 so that opening 6 faces away from clothes dryer 52 , making it easy for person 56 shown in FIG. 11 to rapidly insert hand 44 into mitt 14 even before preferred embodiment 2 is separated from clothes dryer 52 for use. FIG. 11 shows person 56 having one arm 42 inserted through opening 6 in front pouch panel 4 a , and mitt 14 extended beyond one end of front pouch panel 4 a . While bending over to access lint filter 50 , with filter 50 remaining in its usable position within clothes dryer 52 , person 56 employs mitt 14 to easily and quickly gather the lint 46 (not shown in FIG. 11) that has collected upon filter 50 during use of clothes dryer 52 . In some instances the collecting surface of lint filter 50 is only accessible by removing filter 50 from clothes dryer 52 . However, when lint 46 can be removed with lint filter 50 remaining in its usable position, it would be the choice of the person 56 attempting to remove lint 46 as to whether to separate lint filter 50 from clothes dryer 52 prior to the lint filter 50 cleaning process. Typically, one pass of mitt 14 over the lint collecting surface of filter 50 is sufficient for removal of lint 46 from filter 50 , due to the soft material used to make mitt 14 which causes fragments of lint 46 to be attracted to mitt 14 and adhere to it during the lint removal process, as well as the effectiveness of ridge-like bound seam 26 (shown in FIG. 3) on mitt 14 being able to roll lint 46 into a compact mass when a bound seam 26 is used. FIG. 12 shows first preferred embodiment 2 being attached to a dryer door 54 , and FIG. 13 shows first preferred embodiment 2 being attached to the right side of a clothes dryer housing 52 , both in positions readily accessible for convenient use by person 56 . Although not shown, first preferred embodiment 2 could also be attached to the left side of dryer housing 52 , or placed upon the top of dryer housing 52 . Thus, when person 56 approaches clothes dryer 52 with the intent of removing lint 46 from filter 50 , person 56 can optionally grip first preferred embodiment 2 with one or two hands, separate first preferred embodiment 2 from clothes dryer 52 , and then insert one arm 42 through opening 6 , followed by separation of the top edges 8 a and 8 b of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b from one another, and extension of mitt 14 beyond front top edge 8 a and top back edge 8 to prepare mitt 14 for lint collection use. In the alternative, and in a more efficiently flowing motion, it is also contemplated for person 56 to use the attachment of first preferred embodiment 2 to clothes dryer 52 as an anchoring point to steady first preferred embodiment 2 while arm 42 is inserted through opening 6 , after which first preferred embodiment 2 would be separated from clothes dryer 52 , separation of the top edges 8 a and 8 b of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b from one another, and mitt 14 being extended into an exposed position for use. FIGS. 14-19 show examples of some of the various alternative closures also contemplated for use in securing front bottom edge 10 a to back bottom edge 10 b . However, the means used to secure front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b are not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1-2, 4 - 5 , and 9 - 19 , and can include any number of easily opened, secure multiple-part fasteners or combination thereof. FIG. 14 shows a second preferred embodiment 58 of the present invention having a bottom closure consisting of several buttons 62 and several crocheted frogs 64 . Also, the top closure of second preferred embodiment 58 consists of several small magnets 60 , instead of opposing elongated magnetic strips 16 . In many of the embodiments shown in FIG. 14-19, back pouch panel 4 b is slightly longer than front pouch panel 4 a , to allow back pouch panel 4 b to fold over the bottom portion of front pouch panel 4 a to provide bottom pouch closure. Although not shown in FIGS. 16-18, one or more additional rows of horizontally extending stitching 12 could be placed adjacent to the juxtaposed bottom edges of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b to further secure them after the present invention is turned inside-out following the application of stitching 12 to side seam lines 28 . FIG. 15 shows an enlargement of one possible configuration of frog 64 having an enlarged upper loop 74 adapted to fit around the perimeter edge of the buttons 62 selected for use. Since frogs 64 are typically crocheted, upper loop 74 would be expected to exhibit some stretching capability. FIG. 16 shows a first alternative bottom closure contemplated for first preferred embodiment 2 and second preferred embodiment 58 , consisting of several buttons 62 and buttonholes 66 . FIG. 17 shows a second alternative bottom closure contemplated for first preferred embodiment 2 and second preferred embodiment 58 , consisting of several two-part snaps, comprising snap members 68 a and 68 b . FIG. 18 shows a third alternative bottom closure contemplated for first preferred embodiment 2 and second preferred embodiment 58 , consisting of several two-part rectangular-shaped fasteners each comprising a hook member 70 a and a pile member 70 b . The number, size and perimeter configuration of hook members 70 a and pile members 70 b is not critical as long as they provide for secure closure of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . However, in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, hook members 70 a would be attached to front pouch panel 4 a and pile members 70 b attached to back pouch panel 4 b where they would not be in direct contact with lint 46 , as downwardly moving lint 46 being emptied from front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b would have a greater likelihood of becoming attached to hook members 70 a than pile members 70 b . FIG. 19 shows a fourth alternative bottom closure contemplated for first preferred embodiment 2 and second preferred embodiment 58 , consisting of a zipper 72 extending substantially the full width of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b . Although in FIG. 19 the bottom end of back pouch panel 4 b may appear to be longer than front pouch panel 4 a , both have the same approximate length dimension and the curvature shown is for illustrative purposes only so that zipper 72 is not hidden from view. Although for maximum efficiency in emptying the pouch of collected lint 46 , zipper 72 should extend substantially across front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b , such extension is not critical. Further, although not critical, for ease of installation it is generally preferred for zipper 72 to be attached between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b prior to the joining of front pouch panel 4 a to back pouch panel 4 b at side seams 28 . Manufacture of the present invention is not limited to the joining of front pouch panel 4 a to an equally dimensioned back panel 4 b . In the alternative a single piece of material approximately twice the width of front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b can be utilized, with one longitudinally extending seam being formed, either as a side seam 28 or a back seam (not shown). For color contrast and other decorative interest, front pouch panel 4 a could also be significantly narrower than back pouch panel 4 b , with back pouch panel 4 b wrapping around to create lateral portions of the present invention's front surface, whereby the two longitudinally extending seam lines 28 would be visible on either side of opening 6 . Thus, a narrow front pouch panel 4 a could be made from a fabric having a solid color, while back pouch panel 4 b is made from a fabric having a flowered or other decorative pattern to give the front surface of the present invention a three-panel look. In the alternative, the solid color/decorative design contrast between front pouch panel 4 a and back pouch panel 4 b could also be reversed to present a three-panel look with a central panel having a flowered or other decorative design. Labor cost would be taken into consideration and compared to the marketing advantages of such designs. As a further alternative, it is also contemplated for the pouch of the present invention to be made from a tubular material requiring no longitudinally extending seams 28 . If only one longitudinally extending seam is required, it would generally be preferred for the step of folding over and otherwise protecting the top cut edge 36 and the bottom cut edge 38 from unraveling or fraying to follow the step of creating the longitudinally extending seam 28 .

A reusable device, and alternative methods of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and unfragmented removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. Each embodiment comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. It also comprises magnetic means for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use by homeowners and cleaning services to facilitate the repetitive task of removing accumulated lint from clothes dryer lint filters needed to promote safe use of clothes dryers in homes, school dormitories, apartment complexes, and other residence facilities, as well as in laundromats, other commercial cleaning establishments, hotel laundries, hospital laundries, and the laundry facilities of uniform rental services.

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to prior U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/224,136, filed Aug. 10, 2000, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to the handling of syringes, and is particularly apt for use in automated syringe handling operations, such as syringe filling, labeling and capping operations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Each year countless syringes are used throughout the world by the healthcare industry for the administration of liquid medications to humans and animals with hypodermic needles or infusion catheters, as well as for delivery of oral and topical medications. Some medications provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers are prepared, stored, and shipped as powders, crystals, or some other solid form due to the lack of stability in solution. These medications are then reconstituted with liquid, such as water or some other suitable liquid solvent. For one or several administrations of a medication, the manual filling of the syringes with reconstituted liquid medication is a small chore. However, larger health care institutions often administer medications in syringes to hundreds of patients per day, thus requiring the rather large chore of filling hundreds of syringes with medications and labeling each filled syringe to show the contents, strength, and fill dates, usually under the direction of a qualified pharmacist. Healthcare providers have found that preparing (e.g. filling and labeling) the quantities of syringes needed has many efficiencies and other advantages when it is done in batches. [0004] In the later regard, batch preparation may be particularly preferred for syringes carrying medications that are not stable in liquid form and are therefore frozen after preparation to maintain acceptable stability. Further, the task of maintaining sterility in the transfer of liquid from containers provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers to pre-sterilized syringes may be enhanced by batch completion in controlled environments. Also, safety and overall reliability may improve when syringes are prepared in batches by pharmacy personnel or others who are dedicated to and well-trained for the task. [0005] Currently, syringe preparation typically entails a number of separate operations with individual syringe handling. For example, systems used today fill syringes with dispensing pumps that are capable of delivering exact quantities of fluids but that require individual handling of each syringe. Peristaltic pumps that can be accurately calibrated, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,347, are often used. In such arrangements, The syringe caps are packaged so that sterility can be maintained in the capping procedure. The caps are located in trays where each cap is positioned so that the person doing the filling can manually place the tip of the syringe into the cap without touching or holding the cap. Labeling of the syringes has been done using a label dispenser similar to those used for applying pricing labels to grocery or other similar products. [0006] With smaller syringes there are sometimes problems with getting sufficient label information on the syringe without covering over the syringe graduations or blocking the view of the medication. To overcome this, the labels are often applied by hand with the label wrapped around the syringe with most of the label extending from the syringe to form a flag. [0007] Silicone lubricants are used in syringe manufacturing to provide lubrication for lowering the frictional force in movement of the syringe plunger. These silicone lubricants have a characteristic of migrating over all surfaces. Often, this migration causes difficulties in getting pressure sensitive labels to stay in place. This has caused users to use a clear plastic tape to wrap completely around the syringe and the label. [0008] Efforts to automate hospital or clinic-based syringe preparation have been made, but most systems have automated only portions of the process and still require human intervention during critical stages of the process. In one such system, caps are pre-positioned in a cartridge holder. The syringes are also provided in a cartridge where each syringe is oriented. The machine to perform the filling and capping function requires an operator to load the cartridges of caps and syringes. The filling is done with a calibrated peristaltic pump. The machine fills each syringe and places a cap. The labeling is done separately by a labeling machine that is commercially available. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In view of the foregoing, a broad objective of the present invention is to provide a method, system and apparatus for enhanced syringe handling. A closely related objective is to facilitate automated syringe handling for various operations, such as syringe filling, labeling and capping. [0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a syringe handling approach that facilitates the maintenance of sterility. [0011] An additional objective of the present invention is to provide an improved syringe filling and capping approach. [0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved approach for syringe labeling. [0013] In addressing one or more of the above objectives, the present inventors have recognized that significant benefits may be realized by interconnecting multiple syringe bodies to facilitate handling of the same. More particularly, such interconnection allows multiple syringes to be commonly oriented for packaging and/or automated preparation operations. [0014] In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of syringe bodies, e.g. each comprising a barrel, and a belt fixedly connected to (e.g. adhered to or shrink-wrapped upon) each of the syringe bodies. Each syringe body may further include a plunger at least partially disposed in an open end of the barrel and a removable cap disposed on a dispensing end of the barrel. Of importance, the belt is provided to both interconnect the plurality of syringe bodies and position the same in a predetermined orientation. [0015] In the later regard, and by way of primary example, the dispensing ends of the syringe body barrels may be oriented to extend in a common direction. In addition, the barrels of adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies may be disposed in side-by-side, series relation. Further, the belt may be provided to define a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such spacing preferably being equidistance throughout a given assembly to accommodate ready positioning in holders adapted for automated operations, as will be further described. [0016] To facilitate handling, production and packaging, the belt may be of a pliable construction. Further, the belt may be advantageously constructed for ready separation in automated labeling operations, as described hereinbelow. In this regard, it is advantageous for the belt to be of a predetermined length between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies, such predetermined length defining belt segments that are sufficient for the placement of contents information thereupon(e.g. via the application of a label thereto or direct printing thereupon). [0017] Preferably, the belt is interconnected to each of the syringe body barrels. In this regard, the barrels maybe of a common length, wherein the belt is fixedly connected to the barrels along a common portion of the length of each. In addition, the belt may advantageously be of a width that exceeds a majority of a length of each of the barrels. Further, the belt may comprise a first portion that extends between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies, and a second portion that extends about at least a portion of each of the syringe body barrels. Preferably, the second portion adhesively engages the syringe body barrels and may be substantially transparent to facilitate observation of the volumetric contents within and markings on the syringe barrels. [0018] In one approach, the belt may be defined by opposing layers adjoined in face-to-face relation between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies and wrapped about opposing sides of the barrels of each of the syringe bodies. At least one of the opposing layers may be substantially transparent to allow for visual determination of volumetric contents and amount. As may be appreciated, a clear pliable plastic material may be utilized for easy and low-cost construction of the belt. [0019] As noted, each syringe body of the inventive apparatus may typically include a plunger and cap. In this regard, the barrel, inserted plunger and applied cap may preferably be assembled under low bioburden environment conditions, such as a class 100,000 or lower clean room. Further, and of importance, the plurality of interconnected syringe bodies should preferably be packaged (e.g. in a shipment container) and thereafter sterilized (e.g. via gamma radiation) to achieve terminal sterilization. [0020] To facilitate the maintenance of a clean internal volume, yet allow for syringe filling, the caps utilized on syringe bodies should preferably engage dispensing ends of the barrels in a mating fashion. By way of primary example, each cap may include an inner member matingly positionable within or about a fluid port of the barrel dispensing end, and an outer member matingly positionable about an outer flange of the barrel dispensing end. [0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for producing an assembly of syringe bodies. The inventive method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined relative orientation, and disposing opposing layers of material about opposing sides of the syringe bodies and in face-to-face relation between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. As may be appreciated, the inventive method defines an assembly comprising a belt that interconnects and orients a plurality of syringe bodies to facilitate handling as previously described. [0022] In an additional more general aspect of the present invention, an overall method and apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodies is provided. Such method comprises the steps of positioning a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, and interconnecting a belt to each of the plurality of syringe bodies in said predetermined orientation. The method may further comprise the step of positioning the plurality of syringe bodies into a plurality of holders for at least one production operation. To facilitate such positioning, the belt may advantageously define a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, wherein the holders are separated by a distance that corresponds with the predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. Further, where the belt is constructed of a pliable material, the method may include the step of successively suspending, or hanging, adjacent ones of the syringe bodies so as to position the same for receipt by a holder. [0023] Numerous automated production operations may be facilitated by the disclosed handling method, wherein the holders may be moved along a predetermined path during such operations. Of particular note, one or all of the following production operations may be automated utilizing the invention: [0024] filling the plurality of syringe bodies with a predetermined fluid (e.g. reconstituted medication); [0025] uncapping and/or recapping the plurality of syringe bodies in conjunction with filling; and [0026] labeling the plurality of the syringe bodies to indicate the contents thereof. [0027] Each of these production operations will be further described hereinbelow. [0028] In relation to the inventive apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodies, it should be appreciated that it is particularly advantageous for the syringe bodies to be interconnected in series by a belt in a predetermined orientation and with a predetermined spacing therebetween. In the latter regard, the inventive apparatus may comprise a plurality of holders for holding the of syringe bodies, such holders being separated by a distance corresponding with the predetermined spacing. [0029] The apparatus may further include a drive for moving the holders along a predetermined path. In this regard, the holders may be oriented so as to locate adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies in substantial parallel relation, wherein the dispensing and opposing ends of the syringe bodies extend outwardly from and in a common orientation relative to the predetermined path. In turn, at least one workstation may be provided having a support member disposed to move towards and away from the dispensing ends of the syringe bodies. By way of primary example, such workstations may be provided for automated filling and/or automated cap removal/replacement, free from manual handling requirements. [0030] Further, one or more workstations may be provided with a support member disposed to move towards and away from an outward facing surface of the belt at locations between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. Such workstations may provide for automated separation of the belt between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies and/or automated printing of contents information on belt segments located between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. [0031] In a further aspect of the present invention a method and apparatus is provided for filling syringe bodies. In the inventive method, the filling of each syringe body entails the step of holding the syringe body in at least one holder and the further steps of removing a cap from, filling and replacing the cap back on the syringe body during the holding step. As may be appreciated, completion of the removing, filling and replacing steps while the syringe body is being held by at least one holder yields a significant handling advantage in that manual manipulation of a syringe body may be avoided. [0032] The filling method may further include, for each syringe body, the steps of placing the cap on the dispensing end of the syringe body prior to the holding step, and packaging the syringe body in a container (e.g. for bulk shipment with other syringe bodies) and unpackaging the syringe body from the container after the placing step and prior to the holding step. Such sequencing allows for cap placement and packaging in a production location, followed by shipment to a remote location for unpackaging and completion of the filling method. Further in this regard, the method may include the important step of sterilizing syringe bodies after packaging (e.g. at the production facility prior to shipment). [0033] Additionally, the method may comprise the step of interconnecting a belt to the plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation. Preferably, such interconnection occurs prior to the packaging and sterilization steps. [0034] In conjunction with the removal and replacement of each of the caps, such steps may include, for each of the syringe bodies, the further steps of retainably engaging the cap in a retainer and moving at least one of the retainer and the holder to affect relative movement between the cap and the dispensing end of the syringe body. Further in this regard, such retainable engagement may be completed by, moving the holder for a syringe along a predetermined path so as to insert the cap in the retainer. [0035] In conjunction with noted filling step, the method may further provide for the interconnection of a fluid supply member with a dispensing end of the syringe body and for the flow of fluid into the syringe body through the interconnected fluid supply member. In one embodiment, such steps as well as the cap removal and cap replacement steps, may be completed with the syringe body held at a single location. In such embodiment the retainer, and fluid supply member may be interconnected for tandem forward/rearward and sideways movement. In another embodiment, the cap removal and cap replacement steps may be completed with a syringe body held at a first location, while the filling step may be completed at a second location. Such an approach only requires forward/rearward tandem movement of the retainer and fluid supply member. [0036] Of note, the inventive filling method and apparatus may also provide for sensing of the position of a syringe body plunger during fluid filling. In this regard, optical sensing, pressure sensing or the like may be utilized, wherein a sense signal may be provided that reflects the fluid volume within a syringe as it is filled. In turn, the sense signal may be employed to terminate the flow of fluid at a predetermined amount. In another approach, a predetermined amount of fluid may be drawn into each syringe body via controlled retraction of the associated plunger. [0037] As may be appreciated, the inventive apparatus for filling a plurality of syringe bodies may include at least one, and preferably a plurality of holders for holding a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation. Further, the apparatus may include a retainer for retainably engaging the cap of a syringe body, wherein the cap may be selectively removed and replaced by the retainer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a fluid supply member disposed for selective fluid interconnection with a dispensing end of the syringe body. [0038] To facilitate automated operations, the inventive apparatus may further comprise a driven support member for moving the holder(s) along a predetermined path. Additionally, one or more driven support members may be provided for moving the retainer towards/away from the dispensing end(s) of each syringe body and/or for moving the fluid supply member towards and away from the dispensing end(s) of each syringe body. [0039] In yet additional aspect of the present invention, an inventive method and apparatus are provided for labeling a plurality of syringe bodies. The inventive method includes the steps of interconnecting a belt to a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, and placing contents-related information on belt segments interconnected to each of the syringe bodies. The method further includes the step of separating the belt between each of said plurality of syringe bodies to define an interconnected flap (e.g. corresponding with the belt segments) on each of the syringe bodies. [0040] In conjunction with the inventive labeling method, the separating step may provide for severing, or cutting the belt between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies. Alternatively, the separating step may entail relative displacement of adjacent ones of the syringe bodies so as to achieve separation along perforation lines or the like. [0041] With respect to the step of placing contents-related information on each given belt segment, such step may entail the printing of information on a label and fixation of such label to a belt segment. Alternatively, this step may simply be completed via printing of the contents-related information directly on a given belt segment. [0042] In either case, the contents-related information may comprise one or more of the following types of information: [0043] information regarding the fluid contained in a given syringe body; [0044] information regarding fluid fill date for each given syringe body; [0045] information regarding the volumetric fluid content of each given syringe body; [0046] information comprising a product code corresponding with the contents of a given syringe body; [0047] information regarding the lot or batch number corresponding with each given syringe body; and [0048] information regarding storage and/or handling instructions for each given syringe body. [0049] As may be appreciated, such information may be provided in an alphanumeric or coded fashion. In the later regard, at least some of the information may be embodied in a bar code format to allow for optical scanning. [0050] In further relation to the inventive labeling method, the interconnected syringe bodies may be packaged in a container, sterilized and unpackaged from the container prior to the separating and contents-information placement steps. As may be appreciated, such sequencing provides for the interconnection, packaging and sterilization of syringe bodies at a production location, and the unpackaging, separation and labeling of the syringe bodies at another location (e.g. at a location where the syringe bodies are filled with liquid medication). [0051] The inventive labeling apparatus is particularly adaptd for use with a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected by belt, as described above, and may include a plurality of holders and a labeling member for placing contents-related information on belt segments extending between the syringe bodies. The apparatus may further include a separation member for separating the belt between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies, wherein a different belt segment in the form of a flap is interconnected with each one of the plurality of syringe bodies. To facilitate operation of the separation member and labeling member, each of such members may be provided with driven support members that may be selectively actuated to such members towards and away from the belt segments. [0052] As may be appreciated, various ones of the inventive aspects noted hereinabove may be combined to yield an inventive system for handling a plurality of syringe bodies, including a system that facilitates automated labeling and filling operations. The automated filling operations may further provide for automated cap removal replacement. [0053] These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the description that follows and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and figures or may be learned by practicing the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0054] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and together with the descriptions serve to explain the principles of the invention. [0055] [0055]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a labeled, filled, and capped syringe with a label substrate and label attached according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0056] [0056]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a plurality of sterile capped syringes mounted in a belt or band for automated labeling and/or cap removal, fluid filling, and cap replacement according to one embodiment of this invention; [0057] [0057]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus and process for mounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to one embodiment of this invention; [0058] [0058]FIG. 4 is diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus and process for mounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to another embodiment of this invention; [0059] [0059]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a labeling and filling apparatus of one embodiment of this invention; [0060] [0060]FIGS. 6 a through 6 e comprise diagrammatic plan views of the syringe-filling station on the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 5 wherein a sequence of component positions are shown that correspond to and illustrate sequential steps of cap removal, fluid filling, and cap replacement operation. [0061] [0061]FIGS. 7 a and 7 b comprise isometric assembly and exploded views, respectively, of a labeling and filling apparatus of the embodiment corresponding with FIGS. 5 and 6 a - e; [0062] [0062]FIGS. 8 a - 8 d comprise isometric views of the syringe-filling station of the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein a sequence of component positions are shown that correspond with and illustrate the sequential steps of cap removal, fluid filling, and cap replacement operations. [0063] [0063]FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a labeling and filling apparatus according to another embodiment of this invention; [0064] [0064]FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a syringe-filling station of the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 9; and [0065] [0065]FIGS. 11 a - 11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of syringe handling operations at the filling-station of the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. [0066] [0066]FIGS. 12 a - 12 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of a syringe cap employable in one embodiment of the syringe shown in FIG. 1. [0067] [0067]FIGS. 13 a - 13 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of a syringe cap employable in another embodiment of the syringe shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0068] A capped syringe S that has been labeled and filled according to one embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 1. A cap C covers and protects the sterility of the dispensing luer tip (concealed from view in FIG. 1 by the cap C). Since the barrel B of the syringe S is full in FIG. 1, the plunger P is extended longitudinally. A flap or substrate 10 for a label 12 is provided by two strips of adhesive tape 14 , 16 , both of which are wrapped around and adhered to respectively opposite sides of the barrel B and adhered to each other in face-to-face relation in extensions 18 , 20 of the adhesive tape 14 , 16 that extend in diametrically opposite directions from the barrel B. It is preferred, but not necessary, that at least one of the adhesive tapes 14 , 16 be transparent so that the graduation marks G that are on most conventional syringes as well as the plunger piston (not shown) in FIG. 1) can be seen through the adhesive tape. [0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the label 12 is a printed sheet that has been adhered to the panel extension 20 of the substrate 10 . However, the label could also be provided in other ways according to this invention. For example, but not for limitation, the printed information could be printed directly on one or both of the adhesive tapes 14 , 16 . Such printing, if placed on a transparent tape 14 , 16 would preferably not be enough to mask the graduation marks G. Another option could be to make one of the tapes, such as tape 14 opaque, perhaps with label information on it, but make the other tape 16 transparent so as not to mask or hide the graduation marks G. For another possibility, a sheet label similar to label 12 could be sandwiched between the two adhesive tapes 14 , 16 . [0070] As mentioned above, a significant feature of this invention is having a plurality of sterile, capped syringes S mounted in spaced apart relation to each other in a band or belt 30 , as shown in FIG. 2, for handling the syringes S in automated preparation operations. For example, belt 30 may be employed for pulling the syringes S into and preferably at least partially through a labeling and/or filling apparatus and process, as will be described in more detail below. The band or belt 30 can be made with the two elongated adhesive tapes 15 , 16 that were described above and which can be cut to separate the syringes S into individual syringes S with the label substrate 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and as will be described in more detail below. [0071] Before proceeding, reference is now made to FIGS. 12 a - 12 c and FIGS. 13 a - 13 c which illustrate alternate embodiments of caps C employable with syringes S of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the caps C of the two embodiments each include a cylindrical outer member 500 for matingly engaging the outer flange provided at the dispensing end of the barrel B of the syringe S. In the FIG. 12 a - 12 c embodiment, a cylindrical inner member 502 is also provided for matingly receiving the fluid port provided at the dispensing end of barrel B of syringe S. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 a - 13 c a central pin-like inner member 504 is provided for mating insertion into the fluid port provided at the dispensing end of the barrel B of syringe S. Of further note, internal locating legs 506 are provided in the embodiment of FIG. 13 a - 13 c for retentively engaging the fluid port of barrel B. As may be appreciated, the embodiments of FIG. 12 a - 12 c and FIG. 13 a - 13 c both provide for isolation of the contents of syringe S. [0072] There are many ways by which the plurality of syringes S can be mounted in the band or belt 30 shown in FIG. 2, and this invention is not limited to any one of such ways of doing so. However, for purposes of example, but not for limitation, one method and apparatus for mounting multiple syringes S into a band or belt 30 is shown in FIG. 3. As one tape strip, e.g., tape strip 16 , is unwound from a roll 32 , as indicated by arrows 34 , 36 , it is threaded around the periphery 38 of a syringe mounting wheel 40 , which rotates as indicated by arrow 42 . A pair of rims (only one rim 44 of the pair can be seen in the elevation view of FIG. 2) extend radially outward beyond each side of the periphery 38 , and each of the rims 44 has a plurality of notches 46 in equal, angularly spaced relation to each other around the periphery 38 . As the wheel 40 rotates, preferably capped, empty syringes S are placed serially into the notches 46 , as indicated by arrows 48 , where they contact the adhesive side of the tape strip 16 . [0073] As the wheel 40 rotates, as indicated by the arrow 42 , it carries the syringes S in the notches 46 and in contact with the tape strip 16 to a position where the syringes S come into contact with the adhesive side of the other tape strip 14 , which is simultaneously being unwound from a roll 50 as indicated by arrows 52 , 54 , 56 . An idler wheel 58 positions the tape strip 14 in relation to the wheel 40 so that it contacts the syringes S mounted in the notches 46 . Therefore, the tapes strips 14 , 16 get adhered to diametrically opposite sides of the syringes S. In this regard, a contact plate 67 may also be provided to insure engagement between tape strip 14 and syringes. [0074] As the syringes S, which are adhered to tape strips 14 , 16 emerge from the wheel 40 , they are captured by notches 60 in a press wheel 62 that rotates, as indicated by arrow 64 , to press the tape strips 14 , 16 to each other between the syringes S. Press wheel 62 may be provided for driven rotation, wherein such driven rotation effects rotation of the tape rolls 32 and 50 , as well as rotation of syringe mounting wheel 40 as the tape strips 14 , 16 are pulled around press wheel 62 with syringes S secured therebetween. A rotatable pressing block 63 is juxtaposed to the press wheel 62 so that the tape strips 14 , 16 run between the press wheel 62 and the rotatable pressing block 63 . The pressing block 63 may be configured to present a plurality of semicircular surfaces that are spaced to be in opposing relation to notches 60 . Thus, the press wheel 62 and the pressing block 63 cooperate to press and adhere the tape strips 14 , 16 tightly together and around the circumference of each syringe S. The pressing block 63 is preferably yieldably biased by a spring-loaded pivot arm 65 or some other bias system to press the pressing block 63 toward the press wheel 62 . [0075] After disengaging from press wheel 62 , the belt 30 with the syringes S mounted therein are fed as indicated by arrow 66 into a bin or bag 68 . Alternatively, the belt 30 with syringes S could be fed directly into a labeling and/or filling apparatus, which will be described below. [0076] In general, the syringes S are positioned in the band or belt 30 in a common orientation, i.e., with luers of all the syringes S on the same side of the band 30 . The notches 46 in the wheel 40 are spaced uniformly around the rim 44 , so the syringes S in the resulting band 30 are spaced equidistantly apart. The caps C can be placed on the syringes S either before, while, or after the syringes S are mounted in the band 30 . The band 30 of syringes S can then be fan folded or rolled and placed in the plastic bag 68 , which can be closed and/or sealed to protect sterility. The package or bag 68 of banded syringes 30 can then be sterilized by any of a variety of standard sterilization processes, for example by gamma radiation. The sterilized packages 68 of sterilized, banded syringes S, usually in quantities of about 200 to 1,000 syringes S per package 68 , are shipped to users, such as hospitals or other health care institutions, who will label and/or fill and re-cap the syringes S for use within an acceptable time after filling. [0077] [0077]FIG. 4 illustrates another method and apparatus embodiment for mounting multiple syringes S into a band or belt 30 . In this embodiment a syringe feed-wheel 203 is driven synchronously with tape feed wheels 240 and 262 to form a band 30 of interconnected syringes S. More particularly, tape feed wheels 240 and 262 are driven to pull adhesive tapes 16 and 14 about idler wheels 215 and 258 from tape rolls 232 and 250 , respectively. Tensioning devices 211 and 215 are provided to establish a desired amount of tension along tape strips 16 and 14 as they are fed to tape feed wheels 240 and 262 , respectively. [0078] As shown by FIG. 4, a vibrating track 201 is provided to advance syringes S for sequential loading into notches 205 of the syringe feed wheel 203 . In turn, the syringe feed-wheel 203 is located immediately adjacent to the tape feed-wheel 240 so that notches 246 of the tape feed-wheel and notches 205 of the syringe feed-wheel 240 are disposed in opposing relation. As such, it can be seen that tape 16 will be pressed into notches 246 on one side of syringes S to achieve conformal interconnection therewith. Further in this regard, a pneumatic position and tension control device 207 is provided to enhance the interconnection between syringes S and tape 16 . Device 207 includes a mount lever arm 207 a interconnected to the syringe feed-wheel 203 , and a pneumatic cylinder 207 b for locating the arm 207 a and syringe feed-wheel 203 as appropriate so that syringes S apply a predetermined, desired amount of force against tape 16 . [0079] After interconnection of one side of syringes S to adhesive tape 16 , the FIG. 4 embodiment provides for the interconnection of adhesive tape 14 to the other side of syringes S. More particularly, tape feed-wheel 262 is driven synchronously with and positioned relative to tape feed-wheel 240 so that notches 260 are in aligned relation with notches 246 to capture syringes S between adhesive tape strips 14 and 16 . Concomitantly, tape 14 is pressed about the syringes S to complete band 30 . [0080] As further shown in FIG. 4, a pneumatic position and tension control device 209 is provided at the tape feed-wheel 262 . Device 209 includes a mount lever arm 209 a and a pneumatic cylinder 209 b for locating the tape feed-wheel 262 as appropriate to establish the desired amount of force applied by syringes S to tape strip 16 . [0081] Referring now to the diagrammatic elevation view of the labeling and filling apparatus 70 in FIG. 5, a band 30 of syringes S is pulled from the bag 68 by a sprocket wheel or drum 72 and rotated to positions where the band 30 is cut to form the label substrates 10 (see FIG. 1), and, if the substrates are not already labeled, to attach labels 12 to the substrates 10 , and to remove the caps C, fill the syringes S with the desired medication, and replace the caps C. [0082] In FIG. 5, if the bands 30 do not already have labels, the user will prepare a quantity of labels 12 and mount them to feed into a labeling station 80 . The labels can be prepared in any suitable manner, for example, using a standard computer label printer, and the quantity of labels 12 prepared can correspond to the number of syringes S to be filled with medication that matches the labels 12 . The user also prepares the liquid medication 91 in a container 92 , which the user connects to a suitable fluid control system, such as conventional peristaltic pump 93 or other suitable syringe filling, fluid metering, or handling system. The medication will be conveyed via a suitable tube 94 or other conduit to the syringe filling station 90 , which will be explained in more detail below. The volume of medication to be pumped into each syringe S can be set and controlled in any of a variety of ways. For example, the pump 93 can be actuated to initiate a fill and deactuated when the syringe has been filled with the desired volume of medication, as will be described in more detail below. [0083] With continuing reference primarily to FIG. 5, the sprocket drum 72 has a plurality of notches 74 in equal, angularly-spaced relation to each other around the circumference of the drum 72 . The notches 74 are large enough to receive and retain a syringe S, and they are spaced apart from each other the same distance as the spacing between the syringes S in the band 30 . Therefore, when at least one of the syringes S in the band 30 is positioned in an appropriate notch 74 , rotation of the drum 72 , as indicated by arrow 75 , will cause the band 30 to pull successive syringes S in the band 30 out of the bag 68 and into the labeling and filling apparatus 70 . Suitable guides, for example, guides 76 , 77 , 78 , can be used to hold the syringes S in the notches 74 as the drum 72 rotates and carries the syringes S through the cutting station 100 , labeling station 80 , and filling station 90 . [0084] It is appropriate to mention at this point that the sequential order of cutting, labeling, and filling is not critical to the invention, and these operations can be performed in any sequential order or even simultaneously, depending on how one wishes to mount the appropriate equipment, as would be within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once the principles of this invention are understood. However, the convenient sequence of cutting, labeling, and filling will be used for purposes of this description of the invention. The drum 72 can be driven to rotate, as indicated by arrow 75 , and to stop with syringes S positioned appropriately for the cutting, labeling, and filling operations at the respective stations 100 , 80 , 90 by any appropriate drive and control system as is well within the capability of persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, with a stepper motor (not shown) connected to appropriate motor control devices (not shown). A control panel (not shown) connected to the stepper motor can be set up for use by an operator to either jog the drum 72 through incremental steps and/or jog the cutting station 100 , labeling station 80 , or filling station 90 through their respective operations or to initiate continuous automatic operation. [0085] At the cutting station 100 , an actuator 101 drives a knife blade 102 as indicated by arrow 103 to cut and sever the band 30 to disconnect the syringes S from each other and to leave the resulting band segments or flaps connected to each syringe S to form individual label substrates 10 for each syringe S. The knife blade 102 is preferably serrated and a slot 104 in the drum in alignment with the knife blade 102 facilitate sure, complete cuts. Any suitable actuator 101 can be used, such as a rotary drive motor, solenoid, or the like. A sheath (not shown) can be provided to cover the blade 102 when it is not cutting. An optical or other sensor (not shown) can be positioned adjacent the drum 72 where the syringes S are first engaged by notches 74 to detect whether any syringes S have missing caps. A signal from the sensor in response to a missing cap could actuate and alarm and/or shut down the apparatus to prevent an uncapped syringe S from being labeled and filled. [0086] For the syringe S that has advanced to the labeling station 80 , a labeler device 81 , moving as indicated by arrow 82 , affixes a label 12 to the substrate 10 . The labeler device 81 can be any of a variety of known label apparatus that transfer labels 12 from a strip 83 to an object, or it could be some other device, such as printer apparatus that prints the label directly onto the flap substrate 10 , or some combination of such apparatus, as would be within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of this invention. An optical sensor (not shown) is used to detect whether a label has been affixed to the substrate 10 at the label station 80 . A microprocessor (not shown) can be used to keep count of labels properly affixed and/or activate an alarm and/or shut down the apparatus 70 if a label is not detected on a substrate where a label is supposed to be affixed. [0087] For a syringe S that has advanced to the fill station 90 , the cap C (not shown in FIG. 5) is removed by a cap handling apparatus 110 , then a liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is connected to the luer (not shown in FIG. 5) of the syringe S to dispense liquid medication into the syringe S, and the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or control apparatus) is actuated to move the medication 91 from the container 92 into the syringe S. When the syringe S is filled with the desired volume of fluid, as sensed, for example, by a proximity sensor that senses the corresponding desired position of the plunger P (not shown in FIG. 4) of the syringe S, the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or control apparatus) is deactuated. Then, the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is disconnected from the syringe S, and the cap handling apparatus 100 is moved into position to replace the cap C (not shown in FIG. 5) onto the luer (not shown in FIG. 4) of the syringe S. The cap handling apparatus 110 and the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 are mounted on a cammed shuttle 130 , which moves laterally in two axes, as indicated by arrow 131 in the plane of the paper and by arrow 132 perpendicular to the plane of the paper, to accomplish the cap removal, fill, and cap replacement functions described above. While these functions could be performed by myriad other devices and combinations of devices, as would be within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of this invention, an example cammed shuttle 130 , cap handling apparatus 110 , and liquid dispensing apparatus 120 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail below. [0088] After the syringes S leave the fill station 90 , they are allowed to drop individually out of the sprocket drum 72 and, for example, into a basket 150 or other receptacle. At this stage, the syringes S are labeled, filled, and ready for use, as shown in FIG. 1. [0089] Referring now to FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, and 6 e in combination with FIG. 5, the cammed shuttle 130 is driven by a motor, such as a stepper motor 133 , which rotates a slotted cam lever or crank arm 134 mounted on the drive shaft 135 of the motor 133 . A driver block 136 has a slide pin or a cam roll (concealed from view) extending in one direction into the slotted race groove 137 of the cam lever or crank arm 134 and another cam follow pin or cam roll 138 extending in the opposite direction into a U-shaped cam slot 139 in a stationary cam block 140 . Therefore, as the stepper motor 133 rotates, for example as shown by arrow 141 in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c, the cam lever 134 causes the cam follower pin or cam roll 138 extending from the driver block 136 to follow the U-shaped path of the cam slot 139 , which moves the two slide shafts 142 , 143 extending laterally from driver block 136 as well as the connecting block 144 at the distal ends of slide shafts 142 , 143 to move simultaneously in the same U-shaped motion pattern. The two slide shafts 142 , 143 extend slidably through two holes 145 , 146 in a pillow block 147 , which is mounted slidably on two support rods 148 , 149 . The support rods 148 , 149 are mounted in two stationary anchor blocks 150 , 151 and extend slidably through two holes 152 , 153 in pillow block 147 , which are perpendicular to, but vertically offset from, holes 145 , 146 . Thus, as the stepper motor 133 drives the driver block 136 through the U-shaped pattern of cam slot 139 , the pillow block 147 slides laterally on support rods 148 , 149 as indicated by arrow 154 , while the slide shafts 142 , 143 slide longitudinally in pillow block 147 as indicated by arrow 155 . As a result, the connector block 144 and cammed shuttle 130 also move both laterally and longitudinally as indicated by arrows 131 , 132 in the same U-shape pattern as the U-shaped cam slot 139 to remove the cap C from the syringe S, connect the syringe S to a nozzle 121 in the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 to fill the syringe S, disconnect the nozzle 121 , and replace the cap C, as will be described in more detail below. Suitable bushing or bearings can be used to enhance the sliding movement of the shafts 142 , 143 and support rods 148 , 149 in the pillow block 147 . [0090] Referring now to FIG. 6 a in combination with FIG. 4, the drum 72 has moved a syringe S to the filling station 90 , where it stops for the cap removal, fill, and cap replacement operation. The syringe S is shown in FIG. 6 a positioned in a notch 74 with a label 12 affixed to the substrate 10 . As the drum 72 moved the syringe S to the position shown in FIG. 6 a, the cap C was moved into a set of jaws 160 , which is aligned longitudinally with the syringe S when the slotted cam lever 134 is stopped in the position shown in FIG. 6 a and the drum 72 stops the syringe S in the filling station 90 . A cap gripper 161 , such as resilient spring steel, presses against the cap C in jaws 160 to capture and retain the cap C in the jaws 160 . Again, optical sensors (not shown) or other suitable sensors and/or control devices or methods can be used to stop the drum 72 when the syringe S is positioned with the cap C captured in the jaws 160 as would be understood by persons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of this invention. Then, the motor 133 is actuated to rotate the slotted cam lever 134 as indicated by arrow 141 in FIG. 6 b, which extends the slide shafts 142 , 143 , as indicated by arrow 156 , as the pillow block 147 slides to the right on support rods 148 , 149 , as indicated by arrow 157 . As a result, the cammed shuttle 130 moves the jaws 160 with the cap C away from the syringe S, thereby removing the cap C from the syringe S and leaving the luer L of the syringe S exposed and open, as shown in FIG. 6 b. Again, the gripper 161 described above retains the cap C in the jaws 160 when the cap C is removed from the luer L. [0091] Continued rotation of the cam lever 134 as indicated by the arrow 141 in FIG. 5 c translates the pillow block 147 still farther to the right on support rods 148 , 149 , as indicated by arrow 157 in FIG. 6 c, until the longitudinal axis 122 of the fill connector or nozzle 121 aligns with the longitudinal axis 123 of syringe S, then retracts the slide shafts 142 , 143 , as indicated by arrow 158 , to position the nozzle 121 on luer L of the syringe S. At that position of the cammed shuttle 130 , the motor 133 is deactuated, so the nozzle 121 stays on the luer L while the pump 93 (FIG. 5) is actuated to pump liquid medication 91 from the container 92 to fill the syringe S. The fill connector or nozzle 121 is preferably mounted on the cammed shuttle 130 by a spring-loaded slide (not shown) or similar yieldable, resilient mounting to apply an appropriate, uniform force to the nozzle 121 as it is being forced by the cammed shuttle 130 onto the luer L of the syringe S. This motion to remove the cap C and place the fill connector or nozzle 121 on the syringe S can be accomplished in approximately 250 milliseconds with this mechanism. The U-shaped cam slot 139 provides a straight, longitudinal pull of the cap C in alignment with the longitudinal axis 123 of the syringe S and a corresponding straight, longitudinal push to attach the nozzle 121 to the luer L. [0092] As best seen in FIG. 6 d, the plunger P of the syringe S is pushed outwardly by the liquid medication that is pumped into the syringe S. When the syringe S has been filled with the desired volume of liquid medication, the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S is stopped. The flow can be measured and stopped in a variety of ways, such as flow meters, valves, known pump displacement, and the like, as would be within the knowledge and capabilities of persons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of this invention. However, a particularly novel and innovative way of controlling the fill volume according to this invention is to use a sensor 124 to detect when the plunger P has been pushed out to a predetermined extent that corresponds to the fill volume desired, as illustrated in FIG. 6 d a myriad of sensors could be used for this function, such as a capacitive proximity sensor, optical sensor, microswitch, and the like. Upon sensing the desired extension of the plunger P, a signal from the sensor 124 can be used to shut off the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S. A suitable signal control circuit, for example, a microprocessor and/or relay, (not shown) to shut off the pump 93 or to close some control valve (not shown) is well within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of this invention. As shown in FIG. 6 d, the sensor 124 can be mounted on an adjustable base 125 with a scale 126 and pointer 127 to correlate adjustable physical position of the sensor with the desired fill volume. [0093] When the desired fill volume has been reached and detected, as explained above, a signal from the sensor 124 is used to deactuate the pump 93 . A preferred, albeit not essential, pump 93 is a peristaltic pump, such as, for example, a model 099 Repeater Pump, manufactured by Baxa Corporation, of Englewood, Colo., which can be reversed momentarily to take the fluid pressure off the tubing 94 and syringe S to minimize, if not prevent, dripping of the liquid medication when the nozzle 121 is detached from the luer L. Then, the motor 133 is actuated to rotate the cam lever 132 in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow 159 in FIG. 6 e, to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L of the syringe S and move the jaws 60 and cap C back into longitudinal alignment with the axis 123 of the syringe S for replacing the cap C on the syringe S. Specifically, as the cam lever 134 rotates, as shown by arrow 159 , the cammed shuttle 130 moves back through the U-shaped pattern defined by the U-shaped cam slot 139 . First, the slide shafts 142 , 143 are extended as indicated by arrow 171 to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L of syringe S. Then the cammed shuttle is moved in an arc as indicated by arrow 172 to align the cap C in jaws 160 with the longitudinal axis 123 of the syringe S. Finally, the slide shafts 142 , 143 are retracted again, as indicated by arrow 173 , to push the cap C back onto the syringe S. The cap handling apparatus 110 can be mounted by a spring-loaded slide (not shown) or some other yieldable, resilient structure, if desired, to ensure a uniform pressure application to the cap C as it is being pushed by the cammed shuttle 130 back onto the syringe S. [0094] At this position, shown in FIG. 6 e, the fill is completed, and the drum 72 can be rotated again to move the cap C out of the jaws 160 and to move the next syringe S in the sequence into the jaws 160 for a repeat of the cap removal, fill, and cap replacement sequence described above on the next syringe S in the drum 72 . At the next position after the filling station 90 , a sensor (not shown), such as an optical sensor, is used to determine if the cap C is placed correctly back on the syringe S. If it is not placed correctly, the apparatus is stopped and/or an alarm is sounded in response to a signal from the sensor indicating that the cap C is not replaced. After that cap-check position, the drum moves the syringe to a point where hold down or guide tracks end, thereby freeing the syringe S to drop out of the drum 72 and into a chute (not shown) that guides the labeled, filled, and recapped syringe S into the holding basket 150 . [0095] The control system (not shown) can utilize signals from the sensors to record number of syringes S filled, program the number of doses desired and automatically stop when that number of syringes S are filled, record the number of doses actually pumped, record the number of doses or syringes in the basket 150 and keep track of rejected labels or syringes. Other functions can also be provided. [0096] Referring now to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, the labeling and filling apparatus embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 a - 6 e is further illustrated in a production implementation. Of note, the labeling and filling apparatus 70 is shown in a compact table top arrangement that may be readily positioned in a sterile environment, e.g. within a sterile area having an appropriate exhaust hood. As will be recognized, the apparatus 70 includes a cutting station 100 , labeling station 80 and filling station 90 . [0097] The drum 72 may be driven in a clockwise direction by a step motor 301 , wherein syringes S are positioned into the notches 74 for sequential feeding to the work stations 80 , 90 and 100 . At cutting station 100 , an actuator 101 in the form of a stepper motor may be utilized. In particular, the actuator 101 may be controlled to turn a crank 303 having a cam follower 305 that is located in a slot 307 on a mount block 309 for cutting blade 102 . The block 309 is supported on rails 311 , wherein driven rotation of the crank 303 effects linear travel of the cutting blade 102 towards and away from the drum 72 and a belt 30 with syringes S carried thereby. The operation of actuator 101 may be timed in relation to the stepped movement of drum 72 so that belt 30 is cut into belt segments 10 of a consistent width by cutting blade 102 . [0098] At labeling station 80 , the labeling device 81 may include a stepper motor 315 to which a shaft 317 is interconnected for driven eccentric motion. That is, upon actuation stepper motor 315 may drive shaft 317 through an arc from a first position to a second position. By way of example, the first position may be as illustrated in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, wherein the labeling device 81 is located in a down position for label placement. Upon eccentric motion of the shaft 317 to a second position, shaft 317 will engage the labeling device 81 causing the cantilevered end thereof to cock upwards about a stationary shaft 319 . As may be appreciated, the operation of stepper motor 315 is timed in relation to the stepped movement of drum 72 to affect label placement on the belt segments 10 between adjacent syringes S. [0099] Referring now to FIGS. 8 a - 8 d, operation of the filling station 80 shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b will be further described. In FIG. 8 a a syringe S has advanced to the filling station 90 with a cap C inserted into cap handling apparatus 110 . As illustrated, syringe S has an interconnected belt segment on flap 10 with a label 12 adhered thereto. [0100] As next shown in FIG. 8 b, it can be seen that filling station 90 has retracted away from drum 72 so as to remove cap C from the dispensing end of the syringe S. As previously noted, such retraction is achieved by activating stepper motor 133 to rotate cam lever 134 , thereby causing driver block 136 , slide shafts 142 , 143 , connecting block 144 and shuttle 130 to move along a first straight leg portion of U-shaped motion pattern. [0101] In the later regard, FIG. 8 c shows the filling station 90 immediately after cam lever 134 has moved through the curved portion of the U-shaped motion pattern. In this position it can be seen that the nozzle 121 of the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is aligned with the dispensing end of the syringe S. As such, and as seen in FIG. 8 d, further movement of the filling station 90 along the second straight leg portion of the U-shaped motion pattern causes the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 to linearly advance towards syringe S, wherein the nozzle 121 engages and fluidly interconnects with the dispensing end of the syringe S. Upon reaching the FIG. 8 d position, filling station 90 may be controlled so that fluid is injected through nozzle 121 into the syringe S. As further shown in FIG. 8 d, fluid has filled the syringe S to displace the plunger P into contact with the sensor 124 . At this point, a sensor signal is transmitted to terminate the filling of syringe S. Thereafter, stepper motor 133 may again rotate cam lever 134 through the U-shaped motion pattern to reposition cap C back onto the dispensing end of the syringe S. [0102] As noted above, the filling and labeling apparatus 70 is only one embodiment of the present invention. Numerous other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. By way of example, reference is now made to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a - 11 f, which illustrate an alternate embodiment. [0103] In this embodiment a drum 472 is driven in a counter-clock wise direction, wherein a band 430 of syringes S pulled in series into the notches 474 for preparation operations. In the later regard, the band 430 is suspended from the drum 472 to facilitate aligned, side-by-side positioning of the syringes S in notches 474 . As schematically shown in FIG. 9, the syringes S are sequentially advanced through filling station 490 , labeling station 480 and cutting station 400 . Thereafter, the separated syringes S may be directed into a container (not shown) via a chute 500 . The operation of labeling station 480 and cutting station 400 may be analogous to the operations of the labeling station 80 and cutting station 100 described above in relation to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6 a - 6 b. In contrast to that embodiment, however, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a - 11 h may implement a different approach at filling station 490 . [0104] In the modified operation shown in FIG. 9, a syringe is first positioned at location I for cap removal, then located at a second position II for filling, followed by location back at work location I for cap replacement. To facilitate an understanding of such approach, the labeling station 480 and cutting station 400 are not presented in FIG. 10. As best shown by FIG. 10, filling station 490 includes a cap handling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensing apparatus 420 . As will be appreciated, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is interconnectable to a reservoir (not shown) containing a fluid for filling syringes S. Of note, both the cap handling apparatus 41 and liquid dispensing apparatus 420 are mounted on a common support member 430 . Support member 430 may be interconnected to a stepper motor (not shown) acutatable to affect linear travel of the cap handling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensing apparatus 420 towards and away from the drum 472 . Such linear travel, together with the rotation of drum 472 are the only required motions for cap removal, filling and cap replacement. Such operations will now be further described with reference to FIGS. 11 a - 11 h. [0105] [0105]FIGS. 11 a - 11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of filling station 490 from a rearward perspective relative to the isometric front view shown in FIG. 10. Before proceeding, it should be noted that the filling station 490 shown in FIGS. 11 a - 11 h further includes a syringe flange retention track 492 and a plunger flange retention member 494 . As will be further described, the plunger flange retention number 494 is selectively retractable relative to retention track 492 so that fluid may be drawn from liquid dispensing apparatus 420 to fill syringes S. In this regard, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may include a valve to control the passage/stoppage of fluid therethrough. By way of example, such valve may comprise an actuatable roller. [0106] With particular reference to FIG. 11 a, a syringe S is shown in the first location I shown in FIG. 9 wherein Cap C has been inserted in the cap handling apparatus 410 for retention thereby. Concomitantly, a flange on syringe S has been inserted and advanced within the retention track 492 . Next, and as shown in FIG. 11 b, cap handling apparatus 410 has been retracted from the syringe S with cap C retained thereby. As will be appreciated, such retraction may be affected via linear driven travel of the support member 430 shown in FIG. 10. [0107] [0107]FIG. 11 c shows the syringe S moved to the location II shown in FIG. 9. More particularly, drum 472 may be rotated clockwise to affect such positioning, wherein the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is aligned with the dispensing end of the syringe S. Then, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be advanced into engagement with the dispensing end of syringe S as shown in FIG. 11 d. Again, such linear travel may be affected via movement of support member 430 . Of note, both FIGS. 11 c and 11 d show the plunger P being positioned in the retention member 494 . [0108] In this regard, and referring now to FIG. 11 e, retention member 494 may be provided for driven retraction away from syringe S (e.g. via an unshown stepper motor), with the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus 420 opened so as to draw fluid through liquid dispensing apparatus 420 into the syringe S. As may be appreciated, the amount, or length, of retraction of retention member 494 may be precisely controlled to achieve a preset filling volume. When the desired volume has been reached, the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be closed. Where an actuatable roller is utilized, the roller may be positioned to pinch off a fluid conduit to back up the fluid a desired amount, thereby bringing the fluid pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure. After filling, the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be withdrawn from the dispensing end of the syringe S as shown in FIG. 11 f. Again, such linear travel may be affected by controlled retraction of the support member 430 . [0109] Thereafter, syringe S may return to location I via counter-clockwise rotation of drum 472 , as shown in FIG. 11 g. Finally, cap C may be replaced onto the dispensing end of the syringe S via advancement of the cap handling apparatus 410 on support member 430 . The syringe S may then be advanced for further operations at the labeling station 480 and cutting station 400 shown in FIG. 9. [0110] The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired limit the invention to the exact construction and process shown and described above. Accordingly, resort may be made to all suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within a scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow. The words “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.

An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/428,007, filed Nov. 21, 2002, entitled MULTI-SENSORY PLEASANT LIP GLOSS. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to an improved lip gloss composition capable of providing visual pleasure to the user and to observers, as well as providing gustatory, olfactory, and tactile pleasure to the user, and to a method of providing visual, gustatory, olfactory, and tactile pleasure to a person by applying such a composition to the person's lips. [0003] The application of color to a person's lips in order to increase the visual contrast between the lips and the adjacent facial skin has been known since ancient times. The range of colors used for the purpose has expanded beyond traditional pink, red, beige and brown shades to nearly the entire spectral range. Incorporation of scents into lip gloss compositions has traditionally been carried out to mask harsh or irritating odors of certain ingredients in these compositions. The present inventors have not found a record of deliberate addition of flavor or other taste modifying agent to colored lip gloss. [0004] To be acceptable to users, a lip gloss composition must have a consistency and degree of uniformity that permits easy application to the user's lips, and maintain that consistency and uniformity substantially without objectionable change in properties such as phase separation, thickening, or color change during a possibly extensive period of time in commercial channels before being purchased by the user and a further period while being gradually used up. For convenience such a composition is termed stable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a stable lip gloss composition that overcomes the deficiencies of compositions of this type available at the time of this application, and that pleases the user's senses of sight, taste, smell, and touch while pleasing onlookers' sense of sight also by its intense color. [0006] In accordance with this invention, therefore, there is provided a stable lip gloss composition consisting essentially of at least one lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms that is liquid at 25° C., an effective bodying amount of at least one organic bodying agent having a solubility in the fatty ester of at least 1 percent by weight at 25° C., an amount effective in imparting a pleasant odor of at least one odorant, an amount effective in imparting a pleasant taste of at least one flavorant, and an amount of at least one colorant imparting an intense color to the composition. [0007] The term “stable” is used to indicate that the composition retains its physical integrity and therapeutic effectiveness for a minimum of six months when kept at a temperature in the range of 5° C. to 40° C. including different temperatures within that range. [0008] The term “consisting essentially of” is used in its art-recognized meaning to indicate that the composition is open to the inclusion of unstated other ingredients only to the extent that such other ingredients do not materially affect the desirable and beneficial properties of the defined composition. Major amounts of water, for example, are excluded as likely to cause phase separation and other manifestations of instability in the composition of the invention, while small amounts of water as may be present as a result of exposure to humidity can be tolerated. [0009] The term “intense color” is used to indicate that, unlike previously available flavored lip gloss compositions, the full-bodied lipstick-like color of the composition as supplied maintains its intensity when applied to the user's skin, for example when rubbed on the user's hand. Previously available flavored lip gloss compositions lose color when tested in this manner. [0010] The term “lower alkyl” is used to refer to alkyl groups having one to four carbon atoms. [0011] The consistency of the composition of the invention is controlled to be sufficiently flowable for ease in packaging and removing from a container, ease in application to the user's lips while minimizing the tendency to smudge or migrate from the lips to other areas of the user's skin. The composition can be thixotropic. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0012] In the composition of the invention, the concentration of lower alkyl ester is in the range of 10-80 grams per 100 grams of the composition, preferably 25-65 grams per 100 grams; the concentration of bodying agent is in the range of 3-60 grams per 100 grams of the composition, preferably 15-35 grams per 100 grams; the concentration of odorant is in the range of 0.0002-2 grams per 100 grams of the composition, preferably 0.0005-0.5 grams per 100 grams; the concentration of flavorant is in the range of 0.0002-2 grams per 100 grams of the composition, preferably 0.0005-0.5 grams per 100 grams; and the concentration of colorant is in the range of 0.0002-2 grams per 100 grams of the composition, preferably 0.001-1 grams per 100 grams. [0013] The lower alkyl fatty acid ester, bodying agent, odorant and flavorant ingredients of the composition can be combined with little or no other material present into a concentrate suitable for facilitating the subsequent compounding with colorant to provide a variety of formulations presenting the composition of this invention. Such concentrates can conveniently include 10-80 parts by weight of lower alkyl fatty acid ester, 3-60 parts by weight of bodying agent, 0.0005-3 parts by weight of odorant, and 0.0005-3 parts by weight of flavorant [0014] The lower alkyl ester of fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms according to the invention can be, for example, a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and isobutyl ester of isostearic, lauric, linoleic, myristic, oleic, palmitic, ricinoleic and stearic acid and mixtures thereof. Ester mixtures resulting from the alcoholysis of natural triglyceride fats and oils and the esterification of commercially available fatty acid mixtures are particularly suitable. Preferred esters include methyl esters of soybean oil fatty acids (so-called methyl soyate), methyl oleate, butyl stearate, and ethyl esters of coconut fatty acids. Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are particularly preferred. [0015] The organic bodying agent present in the composition of the invention in an amount effective to adjust the consistency and viscosity of the composition when dissolved therein can be a crystalline solid, a waxy solid, an amorphous solid, or a viscous liquid. Chemically the bodying agent can be a long chain aliphatic amide, ester, hydrocarbon, or ketone having at least 30 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, illustrated by stearamide, ethylenebis (stearamide), hydrogenated castor oil, butylenes glycol ester of montan wax acids, hydrogenated tallow mixed monoglycerides and diglycerides, ozokerite mineral wax, petrolatum, polybutene (viscous liquid resulting from catalytic polymerization of an isobutylene-rich butane stream) and di-n-heptadecyl ketone. Ozokerite, petrolatum and polybutene are particularly preferred. [0016] The colorant present in the composition of the invention contributes to the desired appearance according to prevailing esthetics at any given time as well as to the consistency of the composition. Colorants are available to impart any desired color as well as special effects such as iridescence, pearlescence, and shimmer. Preferred colorants are particulate solids with minimal solubility or no solubility in the liquid phase of the composition, and can include D&C Red #6 Barium Lake, D&C Red #7. Calcium Lake, FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, Titnanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Silica, Carmine Red, Ferric Ferrocyanide and mixtures thereof. The colorant is preferably finely ground to a maximum particle size of 325 mesh before blending into the composition or predispersed in a portion of the liquid phase. Commercially available colorant dispersions can be used to advantage. [0017] Dispersion of colorant in the liquid phase of the composition can be assisted by addition of small amounts of special components known as surfactants that inhibit or delay the separation of the phases. Useful surfactants can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or zwitterionic. Many representatives of each type are known and commercially available. Particularly preferred surfactants include sodium, potassium, and triethanolamine salts of oleic and stearic acids (which can be prepared in situ by including in the formulation suitable sodium, potassium and amine bases along with the desired acids), dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, glycerol monooleate, glycerol monostearate, sorbitan sesquioleate and ethoxylated sorbitan esters such as Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 65 and Polysorbate 80. The amount of surfactant when used is a small fraction of the amount of liquid phase, preferably in the range from 0.1 grams to 10 grams per 100 grams of liquid phase. [0018] The colorant, odorant, and flavorant ingredients of the composition of the invention can be selected independently according to the effect desired. Natural fruit flavors can be combined with the colors naturally associated with the particular fruit, such as grape flavor in a purple colored composition and cherry flavor in a red composition, but fanciful combinations of taste and color departing from the natural associations can be provided as desired. [0019] Antioxidants and preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, di-coco-dimethylammonium chloride, dilauryl thiodipropionate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and tocopherol can be included as needed. Such antioxidants and preservatives when present typically do not exceed 1% by weight of the composition and preferably occur within a range of 0.0001 to 0.3% by weight. [0020] The odorant in the composition of this invention can be any odorant imparting perceptible and pleasant odor characteristic to the composition during its useful life, and can be natural or synthetic in origin. Suitable natural and synthetic odorant substances include those compiled by the US Food and Drug Administration in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 172.510 and 172.515 respectively, whether there classified for regulatory purposes as odorants or as flavorants. Particularly suitable odorants include basil, bergamot, cilantro, citrus, jasmine, lemongrass, menthol, musk, pine oil, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, thyme, and vanilla, and mixtures thereof. Sources of fruity or sweet odor are particularly preferred. [0021] The flavorant in the composition of this invention can be any flavorant imparting perceptible and pleasant bitter, refreshing, sour, spicy or sweet flavor characteristic to the composition during its useful life, and can be natural or synthetic in origin. Suitable natural and synthetic flavorant substances include those compiled by the US Food and Drug Administration in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 172.510 and 172.515 respectively, whether there classified for regulatory purposes as odorants or as flavorants. An appropriate amount of a single substance can serve as flavorant, odorant, or both. Particularly suitable flavorants include almond, blueberry, cappuccino, cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, coconut, coffee, grape, orange, pineapple, tea, vanilla, watermelon, natural and artificial sweeteners, as well as extracts, concentrates, and mixtures thereof. [0022] Oxidation inhibitor and/or ultraviolet absorber when present can be odorless and tasteless or possess an agreeable odor and/or taste. Suitable oxidation inhibitors include Vitamin C ascorbic acid, its salts and esters, and Vitamin E tocopherol as natural prototypes of the category, as well as the vitamin-inactive isomer erythorbic acid, oxy-acids of phosphorus such as phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acid, aliphatic hydroxypolycarboxylic acids such as citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, EDTA and its sodium and calcium salts, and alkyl-substituted phenols such as BHT, BHA, thymol, carvacrol, 4,4′-butylidenebis(2-t-butyl-5-methylphenol), 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl)butane and 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid and its esters with C1-C18 monohydric alcohols or 2-6 functional polyhydric alcohols. Suitable ultraviolet absorbers absorb radiation in the range of wavelengths from about 270 nm to about 400 nm and include salicylic acid esters, 2-hydroxy-4-alkoxybenzophenones, and substituted derivatives of 2 (2′-hydroxy-5′-alkylphenyl) benzotriazole. When present, the proportion of oxidation inhibitor and/or ultraviolet absorber is generally in the range from 0.001% to 0.5 by weight, preferably from 0.005% to 0.1% by weight of the composition. [0023] In addition to the essential fatty acid alkyl ester, bodying agent, odorant, flavorant, and colorant components, the composition of the invention can include d such adjuvants as are helpful for convenient preparation, stabilization, dispensing and application of the composition. [0024] Compositions according to this invention can be prepared by conventional procedures. To minimize contamination from the growth of microorganisms, sterilized equipment is preferably used. Once blended, the composition can be packaged and stored in any suitable container inert to the contents including aluminum, glass, stainless steel, and solvent resistant plastics including polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, and ABS polymer. Storage is preferably in a cool place away from strong light. Continued sterility can be assured by conventional techniques including aseptic packaging and post-sterilization in the final package by electron beam exposure. [0025] In use, compositions according to this invention are applied to the user's lips in any suitable manner. To illustrate, the composition can be presented to the user in a cylindrical container whose diameter and length approximate the dimensions of a human finger and that is fitted with a closure carrying an applicator having a rod reaching nearly to the bottom of the container and terminating in a brush, a wand component or applicator, so as to deliver at a time enough composition to be brushed or painted on one of the user's lips. EXAMPLE A Preparation of Colorant Dispersions [0026] Three grams of each colorant shown below are dispersed in a mixture of 2 grams sorbitan sesquioleate with 45 grams isopropyl palmitate by agitation at 30° C. until a smooth dispersion is obtained. Dispersion No. Colorant I D & C Red #6 Barium Lake II D & C Red #7 Calcium Lake III F D & C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake IV Titanium Dioxide V Red and Yellow Iron Oxides (3:1 Mixture) VI Mica VII Bismuth Oxychloride VIII Silica IX Carmine Red X Ferric Ferrocyanide EXAMPLES 1-11 Preparation of Stable Lip Gloss Compositions According to the Invention [0027] Mixtures are prepared of isopropyl myristate and/or isopropyl palmitate lower alkyl fatty acid ester, petrolatum, polybutene, and/or ozokerite wax organic binder, flavorant and odorant and auxiliary ingredients as shown below, and are combined with one or more colorant dispersions of Example A above in the amounts shown, the ingredients identified as flavors serving both as flavorant and as odorant. All parts are by weight. Each resulting composition is packaged in clear glass tubes fitted with an applicator and holding about 25 grams each. Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Isopropyl palmitate 50 — 20 60 50 — 20 60 50 Isopropyl myristate — 50 20 — — 50 20 — — Petrolatum 22 7 10 7 22 7 10 7 22 Polybutene 4 14 16 — 4 14 16 — 4 Ozokerite Wax 4 14 7 23 4 14 7 23 4 Almond flavor 0.02 — — — — — — — — Blueberry flavor = 0.02 — — — — — — — Cappuccino flavor — — 0.02 — — — — — — Cherry flavor — — — 0.02 — — — — — Coconut flavor — — — — 0.02 — — — — Grape flavor — — — — — 0.02 — — — Milk Chocolate flavor — — — — — — 0.02 — — Orange sorbet flavor — — — — — — — 0.02 — Pineapple flavor — — — — — — — — 0.02 Color Dispersion I — — — 5 — 3 — 4 — Color Dispersion III — — — = 2 — — 2 7 Color Dispersion IV 1 — 3 — 4 — 1 — — Color Dispersion V 5 4 5 — — Color Dispersion VIII — — — 2 1 — 2 — — Color Dispersion X — — — — — 3 — — — Sorbitan sesquioleate — — — 0.5 — — 0.5 — — Methyl paraben preservative 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 BHA antioxidant 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 Example 10 11 Isopropyl palmitate 50 — Isopropyl myristate — 50 Petrolatum 22 7 Polybutene 4 14 Ozokerite Wax 4 14 Red Raspberry flavor 0.02 — Watermelon flavor = 0.02 Color Dispersion II 5 — Color Dispersion IV — 3 Color Dispersion VI — 3 Color Dispersion VII — 2 Color Dispersion IX — 2 Sorbitan sesquioleate — 0.5 Methyl paraben preservative 0.01 0.01 BHA antioxidant 0.005 0.005 [0028] Each of the above compositions is tested for stability by inspecting a sample applied to a person's hand for color intensity when freshly made and again after aging for six months. [0029] The foregoing description is intended as illustrative and is not to be taken as limiting. Still other variations within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the claims are possible and will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art.

An improved stable lip gloss composition consisting essentially of at least one lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid having 12 to 18 carbon atoms that is liquid at 25° C., an effective bodying amount of at least one organic bodying agent having a solubility in the fatty ester of at least 1 percent by weight at 25° C., an amount effective in imparting a pleasant odor of at least one odorant, an amount effective in imparting a pleasant taste of at least one flavorant, and an effective amount of at least one colorant

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT The present invention relates to a protective plate installation structure with a clip for installing a protective plate for protecting a fuel tank with a specific distance from a fuel tank formed of a plastic. A fuel tank made of a plastic is located under a vehicle. Also, an exhaust pipe is located under or side of the fuel tank and heat is radiated therefrom. The fuel tank is located under the vehicle, so that the fuel tank may be damaged by a small rock bouncing off from a road. Accordingly, under or on a side of the fuel tank, a protective plate is installed with a clip to protect the fuel tank from the radiation heat and impact. In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a disc shape pedestal 102 is provided at an end of a clip holder 100 with a prismatic shape, and is attachable to a fuel tank 104 . A hollow portion 106 with a dented prismatic shape is provided at a center of one side surface 100 A of the clip holder 100 . An engaging opening 108 is provided at a center of the other side surface of the clip holder 100 , and a guide opening 110 is formed in a portion from the side surface 100 A to the lock opening 108 of the clip holder 100 . A clip body 112 is capable of engaging the clip holder 100 . An insertion part 114 is formed in the clip body 112 for inserting into the hollow portion 106 , and the insertion part 114 shifts in parallel to insert into the hollow portion 106 . A lockable main body 116 is provided at a center of the insertion part 114 for locking with the engaging opening 108 . When the insertion part 114 is inserted into the hollow portion 106 , the insertion part 114 is guided to the engaging opening 108 along a guide opening 110 , and is locked with the engaging opening 108 . A flat plate shape stopper 118 is formed on the main body 116 in parallel to the insertion part 114 , and both ends thereof are bent toward an opposite side of the insertion part 114 . A pair of claws 120 is formed on a tip of the main body 116 . The claws 120 penetrate through a penetration opening 122 A formed in the protective plate 122 , and engage a peripheral portion of an opening 126 A of the flat plate 126 formed in the protective plate 122 . In this state, the protective plate 122 is supported by the flat plate 126 and the stopper 118 , and the protective plate 122 is restricted to move right and left sides by an urging force of the stopper 118 . The insertion part 114 of the clip body 112 is inserted into the hollow portion 106 of the clip holder 100 in a direction perpendicular to a direction that the claws 120 on the tip of the clip body 112 engage the peripheral portion of the opening 126 A of the flat plane 126 . Accordingly, an operation is performed in two directions, thereby making workability poor. It is necessary to provide a space for the insertion part 114 to be shifted in parallel, so that the insertion part 114 of the clip body 112 is shifted in parallel and inserted in the hollow portion 106 of the clip holder 100 . It is difficult to take out the protective plate 112 for maintenance purpose. Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-16244 In view of the problems described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a protective plate installation structure wherein workability is good and it is easy to remove a protective plate when maintenance of a vehicle is required. Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a protective plate installation structure includes a base with a cylindrical shape formed of a plastic to be welded to a fuel tank formed of a plastic; a clip formed of a plastic for engaging the base; and a protective plate disposed between the clip and the base for protecting the fuel tank and having an installation opening for inserting the clip. A portion to be engaged is formed on the base, and an engaging portion is formed on one end of the clip for engaging the portion to be engaged when the clip moves along an axis of the base. An umbrella portion is formed on the other end of the clip for holding the protective plate with a receiving surface formed on one end of the base in a state that the engaging portion engages the portion to be engaged. In the first aspect of the present invention, the base with a cylindrical shape is capable of adhering to the fuel tank, and the clip is capable of engaging the base. The installation opening is formed in the protective plate for inserting the clip. The portion to be engaged is formed on the base. The engaging portion is formed on the one end of the clip. In a state that the clip is inserted into the installation opening, when the clip moves along the axis of the base, the engaging portion engages the portion to be engaged. The umbrella portion is formed on the other end of the clip, so that the protective plate is supported between the umbrella portion and the receiving surface on the one end of the base in the state that the engaging portion engages the portion to be engaged. When the clip moves along the axis of the base, the engaging portion of the clip engages the portion of the base to be engaged of the base, and the protective plate is supported between the umbrella portion of the clip and the receiving surface of the base. That is, when the protective plate is mounted on a side and under the fuel tank, an operation is performed in one direction, thereby making the operation easy. It is possible to mount the protective plate in a narrow space since the clip moves along the axis of the base. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the protective plate installation structure in the first aspect, an annular groove is provided inside an adhesion part of the base which adheres with the fuel tank, and a groove surface thereof is lowered relative to an adhesion surface of the fuel tank. In the second aspect of the present invention, the annular groove is formed inside the adhesion part of the base, and the groove surface is lowered relative to the adhesion surface. Accordingly, when a weld residue generated from the base and the fuel tank when the base is welded to the fuel tank flows inside the adhesion part of the base, the groove surface blocks the weld residue. Therefore, the weld residue does not enter an inside wall of the base, so that the weld residue does not prevent the clip from inserting when the base engages the clip. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the protective plate installation structure in one of the first and second aspects, the engaging portion includes a pair of plate pieces capable of tilting and provided on a tube of a main body of the clip, and claws formed on tips of the plate pieces. The plate pieces project from an opening formed in the umbrella portion to be capable of approaching with each other, so that the claws are disengaged from the portion to be engaged when the plate pieces approach with each other. In the third aspect of the present invention, a pair of the plate pieces is provided on the tube of the main body of the clip to be capable of tilting, and the claws are formed on the tips of the plate pieces. The opening is provided in the umbrella portion. When the plate pieces approach with each other through the opening, the claws are disengaged from the portion to be engaged. Accordingly, it is possible to remove the clip from the base for the vehicle maintenance, and it is easy to uninstall the protective plate. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the protective plate installation structure in one of the first to third aspects, the base is formed of a material same as that of a surface layer of the fuel tank. Accordingly, the base is surely welded to the surface layer of the fuel tank. As described above, in the first aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion of the clip engages the portion to be engaged of the base when the clip slides along the axis of the base, so that the protective plate is supported between the umbrella portion of the clip and the receiving part of the base. In other words, when the protective plate is installed under or on the side of the fuel tank, an operational direction is one direction. Accordingly, it is easy to operate, and it is possible to install the protective plate in a narrow space. In the second aspect of the present invention, the annular groove is formed inside the adhesion part of the base, and the groove surface is lowered relative to the adhesion surface. Accordingly, when a weld residue generated from the base and the fuel tank when the base is welded to the fuel tank flows inside the adhesion part of the base, the groove surface blocks the weld residue. Therefore, the weld residue does not enter an inside wall of the base, so that the weld residue does not prevent the clip from inserting when the base engages the clip. In the third aspect of the present invention, the clip can be easily detached from the base for the vehicle maintenance, so the protective plate is uninstalled easily. In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the base is formed of the same material as the surface layer of the fuel tank. Accordingly, the base is surely welded to the surface layer of the fuel tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective plate installation structure according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the protective plate installation structure according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the protective plate installation structure in a state that a base is welded to a fuel tank; FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are cross-sectional views of the protective plate installation structure in a state that the protective plate is attached to a base with a clip; FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are cross-sectional views of the protective plate installation structure in a state that the clip is removed from the base; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional protective plate installation structure; and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional protective plate installation structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereunder, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. An exhaust pipe is provided under or side of the plastic fuel tank located under a vehicle, and radiates radiation heat. A small rock may bounce off from a road and hit the fuel tank. For this reason, a protective plate with heat resistance and impact resistance is provided under or side of the fuel tank to protect the same from the radiation heat and impact. A surface layer of the plastic fuel tank 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is made of polyethylene, and a cylindrical shaped polyethylene base 12 is capable of adhering on the surface of the fuel tank 10 . A surface of one side of the base 12 is an adhesion part 14 to be adhered to the fuel tank 10 . The surface is melt by frictional heat from spinning, and contacts the surface of the fuel tank 10 to melt each other and solidifies. An annular groove 16 is formed inside the adhesion part 14 , and a groove surface 16 A of the annular groove is formed lower than the adhesion surface 14 A of the adhesion part 14 . The other side surface of the base 12 is a receiving surface 20 capable of contacting the protective plate 18 for protecting the fuel tank 10 . The receiving surface 20 of the base 12 has a small diameter (small diameter portion or hole 22 ), and a step 24 as a portion to be engaged is formed between the small diameter portion 22 and an inner circumference wall 12 A. A surface portion 20 A is formed on an edge of the inner circumference of the receiving surface 20 (corner portion of the receiving surface 20 of the small diameter portion 22 ). Indentation parts 26 are formed in the outer circumference wall 12 B of the base 12 along the perimeter direction with a prescribed interval in between. With the indentation parts 26 , a perimeter wall is prevented from sinking after molding, and stay parts 27 are formed between indentations 26 for strengthening the base 12 . A clip 28 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4(A) to 4 (C) is made of nylon and provided with a cylindrical shape main body 30 capable of inserting the small diameter portion 22 , so that the clip 28 can be inserted into an installation opening 18 A formed in the protective plate 18 . A pair of plate pieces 32 is provided on the main body 30 and capable of tilting relative to the main body 30 . At tips of the plate pieces 32 , claws 34 project from an outer circumference surface of the main body 30 . When the main body 30 is penetrated through the installation opening 18 A of the protective plate 18 , the claws 34 contact the installation opening 18 A and the plate pieces 32 tilt to reduce a diameter, so that the claws 34 can be penetrated through the installation opening 18 A. After the claws 34 penetrate through the installation opening 18 A, the claws 34 and the plate pieces 32 are restored. A distance between the plate pieces 32 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the installation opening 18 A. Accordingly, when the claws 34 penetrate through the installation opening 18 A and the plate pieces 32 restore, end portions of the plate pieces 32 are placed in the installation opening 18 A and capable of contacting an inner circumference edge of the installation opening 18 A. Outside faces of the plate pieces 32 become flat faces for preventing the clip 28 from rotating, and also preventing the protective plate 18 from displacing horizontally in a state that the plate pieces 32 contact the inner circumference edge of the installation opening 18 A. When the main body 30 is penetrated through the installation opening 18 A, the main body 30 can be penetrated through the small diameter portion 22 . When the claws 34 pass through the small diameter portion 22 , the claws 34 shrink in a diameter, and the plate pieces 32 tilt. After the claws 34 pass through the small diameter portion 22 , the plate pieces 32 and the claws 34 restore. In a state that the plate pieces 32 and the claws 34 restore, the upper surfaces 34 A of the claws 34 abut against the lower surface 24 A of the step 24 , so that the clip 28 engages the base 12 . Top portions of the claws 34 (not shown) have a curvature radius same as the inside diameter of the inner circumference wall 12 A of the base 12 . Accordingly, the upper surfaces 34 A of the claws 34 can evenly contact the lower surface 24 A of the step 24 over a width direction of the upper surfaces 34 A of the claws 34 . An umbrella portion 36 with a conical shape is provided on the other side of the main body 30 . As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) , the umbrella portion 36 has an end thinner than a base, so that the end elastically deforms more. In a state that the claws 34 engage the step 24 , the umbrella portion 36 supports the protective plate 18 with the receiving surface 20 , and the end portion of the umbrella 36 presses the protective plate 18 against the receiving surface 20 , thereby strongly holding the protective plate 18 . An opening 38 is formed at a middle of the umbrella 36 , and the end portions of the plate pieces 32 are exposed through the opening 38 . The opening 38 is formed as an elongated opening longer than the interval of the plate pieces 32 . Accordingly, it is possible to insert a tool such as a forceps 44 outside the plate pieces 32 . The forceps 44 moves the ends of the plate pieces 32 close together through the opening 38 , thereby tilting the plate pieces 32 . An effect of the protective plate installation according to the present invention will be described in detail next. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) , the small diameter portion 22 is provided on the receiving surface 20 of the base 12 , and the step 24 (portion to be engaged) is formed between the inner circumference wall 12 A and the small diameter portion 22 , so that the claws 34 of the clip 28 engage the step 24 . Accordingly, the claws 34 can engage any part of the step 24 in any perimeter direction, thereby improving workability. The tips of the claws 34 have a curvature radius same as an inner diameter of the inner circumference wall 12 A of the base 12 , so that the upper surfaces 34 A of the claws 34 evenly contact the lower surface 24 A of the step 24 across a width direction of the upper surfaces 34 A of the claws 34 , thereby obtaining strong engagement between the clip 28 and the base 12 . As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4(A) to 4(C) , when the clip 28 slides along the axis of the base 12 , the claws 34 engage the step 24 , so that the protective plate 18 is supported between the receiving surface 20 of the base 12 and the umbrella portion 36 . That is, when the protective plate 18 is installed on a side or under the fuel tank, an operation direction is one direction. Accordingly, the operation is easy and it is possible to install the protective plate 18 in a narrow space. As shown in FIG. 3 , the annular groove 16 is formed inside the adhesion part 14 of the base 12 , and the groove surface 16 A is lower than the adhesion surface 14 A. When the base 12 and the fuel tank 10 are welded, a weld residue 42 is formed and flows inside the adhesion part 14 of the base 12 . In this case, the groove surface 16 A blocks the weld residue 42 not to enter the inside wall 12 A of the base 12 , and not to interrupt the clip 28 from inserting. The base 12 is made of polyethylene, i.e., a same material as a surface of the fuel tank 10 . Accordingly, when the base 12 adheres with the fuel tank 10 , the surface of the base 12 and the fuel tank 10 melt in a same way, so that the base 12 can be adhered surely. The clip 28 is placed outside the protective plate 18 , i.e., a side of an exhaust pipe (not shown), and is made of nylon with high heat resistance. Nylon has lower impact resistance as compared with polyethylene, i.e., the material of the base 12 . Accordingly, when the protective plate 18 receives an excessive amount of impact, the clip 28 is broken before the base 12 . Accordingly, when the protective plate 18 receives an impact larger than a prescribed amount, the clip 28 absorbs the impact and is broken, thereby preventing the impact from transmitting to the base 12 . When the protective plate 18 receives the impact larger than the prescribed amount, the main body 30 of the clip 28 located inside the installation opening 18 A of the protective plate 18 also absorbs the impact, so that a connected portion between the umbrella 36 and the main body 20 is broken. As described above, when the protective plate 18 receives the impact larger than the prescribed amount, the clip 28 is broken, thereby preventing the impact from transmitting to the fuel tank 10 through the base 12 . The opening 38 is formed at the middle of the umbrella portion 36 , and the end portions of the plate pieces 32 are exposed through the opening 38 , so that the plate pieces 32 get close each other through the opening 38 . Accordingly, it is possible to tilt the plate pieces 32 and remove the claws 34 from the step 24 through the opening 38 , thereby removing the clip 28 from the base 12 . Therefore, the protective plate 18 can be removed easily for the vehicle maintenance. In the embodiment, the base 12 and the surface layer of the fuel tank 10 are made of polyethylene. The material is not limited thereto as far as the base 12 is securely adhered to the fuel tank 10 . The base 12 is made of polyethylene and the clip 28 is made of nylon. Alternatively, the base 12 and the clip 28 may be made of a same material as far as the base 12 has mechanical strength stronger than that of the clip 28 . The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-165755, filed on Jun. 3, 2004, is incorporated in the application. While the invention has been explained with reference to the specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

A protective plate installation structure includes a base welded to a protection member, a clip for engaging the base, and a protective plate for protecting the protection member. The base has a first engaging portion, and a receiving portion. The clip has a second engaging portion at one end for engaging the first engaging portion when the clip is moved along an axis of the base, and an umbrella portion formed at the other end thereof. The protective plate has an installation opening so that when the clip is attached to the base through the installation opening, the protective plate is held between the umbrella portion and the receiving portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates to the cleaning of equipment in which chemical mechanical planarization (“CMP”) is performed. In particular, the present invention relates to chemical compositions for cleaning CMP equipment wherein said compositions have improved cleaning performance and/or reduced hazards to the equipment, human staff and environment. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Planarization is a necessary step in the fabrication of multilayer integrated circuits (“ICs”), providing a flat, smooth surface that can be patterned and etched with the accuracy required of modem IC components. The conventional planarization technique is CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization or Polishing) known in the art and described in text books (for example, “Chemical Mechanical Planarization of Microelectronic Materials,” by Joseph M. Steigerwald, Shyam P. Murarka and Ronald J. Gutman, 1997). CMP typically makes use of a polishing pad brought into mechanical contact with the wafer to be planarized with an abrasive/reactive slurry interposed between polishing pad and wafer. Typical CMP slurries contain constituents that react chemically with the substrate to be planarized as well as constituents causing planarization by mechanical abrasion. Relative motion of the polishing pad with respect to the wafer leads to polishing of the wafer through mechanical abrasion and chemical etching. [0005] The abrasive slurry polishing materials used in CMP typically comprise an abrasive such as silica, alumina, or ceria and chemically reactive ingredients. Typically, in a practical production environment, these slurry materials cannot be entirely confined to the polishing pad and often splash onto various portions of the CMP apparatus and dry in place leading to increasing deposits of CMP slurry materials at various locations within and on the CMP apparatus itself. Deposits also tend to accumulate on the interior surfaces of delivery tubes and other means used for directing the CMP slurry to the necessary sites. As such deposits build over time, it is a common problem that portions of such slurry deposits break loose in the typical form of abrasive panicles that can fall back onto the polishing pads, wafers and/or platens. These unwanted abrasive particles dislodged from slurry deposits on the CMP apparatus are a source of concern to the CMP engineer in that they may cause, inter alia, uncontrollable wafer scratching. Additionally, some slurry polishing materials such as ferric nitrate slurries typically used for CMP of tungsten layers cause unsightly stains on CMP apparatus. Hence, slurry materials and other substances have to be periodically removed from CMP apparatus where they have been deposited. Whether the removal occurs after each pad change, once a week, once a month, or pursuant to any other maintenance schedule does not negate the fact that the apparatus eventually has to be thoroughly cleaned so that slurry and other unwanted extraneous materials are removed therefrom. [0006] Polishing slurries containing ferric nitrate Fe(NO 3 ) 3 tend to form ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH) 3 ) and ferric oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) residues that tend to precipitate within the conduits of slurry distribution systems that carry slurry to individual CMP apparatus and to specific locations within CMP equipment. These flocculent precipitates can break free, traverse through the slurry distribution system and come into contact with the wafers. Undesirable wafer scratching may result. Hence, there is a need for a cleaning composition effective for removing deposits from the interior regions of the slurry-carrying distribution systems associated with CMP apparatus. [0007] Current practice makes use of surfactant solutions for cleaning CMP apparatus. These solutions are typically not chemically designed to break off or to dissolve typical CMP residues. Thus, the residues must be scraped off with, for example, Teflon scrappers. This scraping technique is both laborious and time-consuming, and results in the generation of loose particles that may fall back onto the apparatus and eventually back onto polishing pads, wafers and/or platen. Uncontrollable wafer scratching and reduced product yields are the typical results. Examples of CMP cleaning systems including wiping operations include those commercially available from The Texwipe Company LLC of Upper Saddle River, N.J. for use in cleaning tungsten CMP slurries (TX8606 SCS) and oxide CMP slurries (TX8065 SCS). [0008] Additionally, current methods for cleaning CMP apparatus make use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) solutions and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH) solutions. Typically, concentrated HF (49%), diluted HF (1% to 10%), or a dilute solution of KOH (e.g., a 5% to 10% solution) is employed. The HF solution or KOH solution is typically sprayed onto the various surfaces of the CMP apparatus that require cleaning and subsequently rinsed with de-ionized (“DI”) water. The use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) for cleaning CMP apparatus has serious disadvantages as a result of this substance being extremely deleterious to the human bone structure if absorbed through the skin and as a result of it also being deleterious if inhaled. HF also requires special disposal methods. Thus, stringent precautions must be sustained when working with and disposing of HF. Additionally, HF fails to successfully remove some chemical stains such as ferric nitrate. Furthermore, HF can also damage the platen plates of CMP apparatus. [0009] A multiplicity of disadvantages are also associated with the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) for cleaning CMP apparatus. For one thing, KOH fails to successfully remove some chemical stains such as ferric nitrate. Additionally, KOH often leaves a residual composition of potassium, a mobile ion, on the apparatus and polishing pad that may contaminate semiconductor wafers thereby resulting in detrimental effects on the electrical performance of the device and a reduction in yield. Furthermore, KOH can also damage the platen plates and some of the material used to form shields of the CMP apparatus (typically Lexan). Although less dangerous to humans than HF, KOH is nevertheless caustic and requires care in handling and disposal. [0010] Thus, there is a need for a cleaning composition for removing unwanted deposits from CMP apparatus that ameliorates or overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art. The cleaning composition of the present invention is substantially free of HF, KOH. Furthermore, the present invention does not make use of HCl, in contrast to the work of Thurman-Gonzalez et. al. (WO 99/23688). BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] The present invention relates to chemical compositions and methods of use for cleaning CMP equipment, including the interiors of delivery conduits for carrying CMP slurry to the necessary sites. The chemical compositions of the present invention are also useful for post-CMP cleaning of the wafer itself. [0012] Three classes of cleaning compositions are described, all of which are aqueous solutions. One class operates in a preferable pH range from about 11 to about 12 and preferably contains one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more simple amines, a surfactant or sticking agent such as one or more soluble dialcohol organic compounds and one or more quaternary amines. A second class of cleaning composition operates in a preferable pH range of approximately 8.5 and contains one or more of lactic acid, citric acid and oxalic acid. A third class of compositions is acidic, having a preferable pH range from about 1.5 to about 3, preferably containing at least one oxidizing acid, at least one chelating agent, at least one sticking agent and at least one anionic surfactant. HF and KOH are substantially absent from the preferred compositions of the present invention. [0013] Some compositions of the present invention are shown to be advantageously used for cleaning the slurry distribution system of CMP apparatus. [0014] Among the advantages of the present cleaning compositions are the following: [0015] One advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they clean better than cleaning compositions based upon both HF and KOH. [0016] Another advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they are compatible with the typical plastic and metal parts of the CMP apparatus and thus are not as aggressive as HF and KOH in attacking the materials of the CMP apparatus. [0017] A further advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they are far less caustic than HF. [0018] Another advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they ameliorate environmental disposal restrictions related to HF. [0019] A further advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that, lacking compounds capable of releasing potassium ions, they do not leave a residual composition of potassium material on the apparatus as occurs with the use of KOH. [0020] Yet another advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they tend to loosen residues thereby reducing the required manual labor. In some cases, the requirement of using a tool such as a spatula for scraping off residues from CMP apparatus is eliminated. [0021] Another advantage of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention is that they typically require merely the use a sponge, which does not have to be a SCOTCH bright sponge or the like, for removing residues. This tends to eliminate scratches to the CMP apparatus caused by cleaning with much harder and grittier, sponges typically used heretofore. [0022] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to clean residue from the interior surfaces of the CMP slurry distribution system. [0023] Another advantage of the present invention is the absence of abrasives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] This application has no drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0025] Several compositions are shown to be useful in the practice of the present invention as cleaning agents for CMP equipment. These compositions can be used singly or in combination, and applied to various regions of the CMP apparatus requiring cleaning as specified herein or determined by routine experimentation on specific deposits. COMPOSITION A [0026] One composition pursuant to the present invention (“Composition A”) comprises a solution of one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more simple amines, one or more soluble dialcohol organic compounds (or other substance compatible with the composition and functioning as a surfactant or sticking agent) and one or more quaternary amines, in an aqueous solution, typically de-ionized (“DI”) water. [0027] The non-ionic surfactant should be soluble in the composition and compatible with the pH ranges of the composition. Additionally, it is important that the cloud point of the surfactant be such as not to render the surfactant unstable when used in the cleaning composition. One non-ionic surfactant found useful in the present invention is 3,5-dimethyl 1-hexyn-3-ol, the structure of which is given by the following: 3,5-dimethyl 1-hexyn-3-ol [0028] One useful commercial form of the above non-ionic surfactant is sold by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. under the tradename Surf{overscore (y)}nol® 61. Other surfactants sold under Surf{overscore (y)}nol® tradenames include mono- and di-hydroxy compounds such as 3,6-dimethyl-4-octyne-3,6-diol (Surf{overscore (y)}nol® 82), 3,6-dimethyl-4-octyne-3,6-diol on an amorphous silica carrier (Surf{overscore (y)}nol® 82S) and tetramethyl decynediol (Surf{overscore (y)}nol® 104). [0029] Monoethanolamine (MEA), or related primary amines, are useful in the practice of the present invention so long as the particular amine compound is sufficiently soluble in the cleaning composition. Other functional groups may be present at the amine end of the molecule. Examples of such additional functional groups include hydroxyl, acid or ester functionality and other amine groups (diamine, etc.) so long as the primary amine nature of the molecule is preserved. Amines having from 1 to about 8 carbons are useful in the practice of the present invention although the volatility of typical C 1 amines is a possible disadvantage. The preferable range is C 2 -C 6 , tending to offer a good balance of non-volatility and solubility in the composition. Hydroxyl functionality on the molecule is advantageous. [0030] Propylene glycol may be used as a surfactant or sticking agent in the practice of the present invention. Other such agents include dialcohol organic compounds such as ethylene glycol and the like so long as adequate solubility in the composition is present. Polymeric species such as polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide may be used so long as these polymeric species are adequately soluble in the composition and precipitation problems in the composition are absent (which is the typical situation occurring with reasonably low molecular weight species). [0031] Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is typically used to adjust the pH of the composition. The present cleaning composition may have a pH in the range from about 10 to about 12.5 although the range from about 11 to about 12 is preferred. Variations of the present composition containing greater or lesser amounts of MEA may also be used. A typical mixture for Composition A follows: Typical Composition A Proportions Solution Grams DI water 4700 Surfynol ® 61 60 Monoethanolamine (MEA) 300 (@ 100% solution) Propylene Glycol 900 Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) 4 [0032] Composition A is particularly useful for silica based slurry systems wherein the CMP apparatus is exposed to silica, water and perhaps hydrogen peroxide type of residues. [0033] Moreover, and surprisingly, it was found that the Composition A worked on a wide variety of residues including iron nitrate, alumina and silica residues and worked irrespective of whether copper polishing, tungsten polishing or silica polishing had-been performed. [0034] Furthermore, Composition A also may be used to some degree and under certain conditions for cleaning semiconductor wafers. For example, Composition A can be used to clean semiconductor wafers after they are polished. Normally, a wafer coming off a polishing apparatus is still wet and the particles disposed thereon are not dry so that Composition A can be used to remove them. Hence, Composition A can be used in both a wet and a dry environment. [0035] Preparation [0036] Normally, the Composition A is prepared by first preparing a container of DI water to which the non-ionic surfactant (typically, Surf{overscore (y)}nol® 61) is added. Then, MEA is added followed by the addition of propylene glycol. These are all liquids that they all dissolve and mix quite well simply with stirring. The pH is then measured with a pH probe and TMAH is incrementally added to obtain a final pH which is a preferably above about 11 but below about 12. These liquids are preferably continuously stirred within the container during at least the time period during which the composition is prepared. [0037] The container is typically an open-top container such as a beaker or bucket and is typically made of a plastic type of material such polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. Stainless steel containers, black iron and glass containers should be avoided. Glass containers are known in some cases to leach sodium into the solution contained therein, disadvantageous in the practice of the present invention. COMPOSITION B [0038] Another composition that was found to remove particles and metal ion contamination is comprised of DI water, oxalic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and one or more quaternary amines, choline hydroxide, tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), etc. This composition can be used to remove particles, metal oxide and other metal salt contamination from CMP apparatus and also can be employed to remove these same contaminants from wafers polished with CMP slurries. The polished wafers can include copper and tungsten. [0039] Additionally, it has been found that this Composition B is especially effective at removing iron, copper, zinc, potassium and calcium contaminates. Typical Composition B Proportions (I) Solution Grams DI water 658 Citric Acid  28 Lactic Acid  15.4 (@ 91% solution) Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide 206.2 (@ 25% solution in water) (TMAH) [0040] Typically, tetramethylammonium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of Composition B(I) to a desired final value. Composition B(I) has a pH of preferably about 8.5. Typical Composition B Proportions (II) Solution Grams DI water 2,657.90 Citric Acid 115.15 Lactic Acid 63.35 Choline (two step addition, 618 gms + 45.6 663.60 gms) [0041] Typically, choline is used to adjust the pH of Composition B (II) to a desired final value. Composition B(II) has a pH of preferably about 9.0 and is stable during storage. [0042] Preparation [0043] Composition B(II) is typically prepared as described herein., with modifications apparent to those having ordinary skills in the art. Preparation of Composition B(I) is analogous. [0044] Typically, the required amount of DI water is added to a container, noting the weight and pH of the DI water. The first addition of choline is then typically performed, preferably with simultaneous stirring for a period of time, typically approximately 10 minutes. The pH and temperature of the solution is typically noted and recorded. It is expected that the pH is greater than about 13 following this first addition of choline, and that the temperature of the solution will be slightly lower than prior to addition of the choline. Next, lactic acid is typically added (for example, about 1.8% by weight), with simultaneous stirring over a period of approximately 10 minutes. It is expected that the pH will still exceed about 13 and the temperature will increase somewhat. While stirring, citric acid is added to the solution, typically about 3.29% by weight. After about 10 minutes of stirring, a temperature rise is expected and the pH will typically drop to approximately 6.5. The second addition of choline is performed in sufficient mount to obtain the desired pH. typically a pH of 9.0 is desired although a pH of 8.5 may also be used in the production of the present compositions. Small amounts of citric acid can be added to the solution to increase the pH if the added choline reduces the pH too much, lying on the alkaline side of the desired pH. COMPOSITION C [0045] Another composition (Composition C), which is typically somewhat acidic, comprises DI water, hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN), a mild oxidizing acid in comparison with nitric acid, oxalic acid (as an agent for chelating the iron residues that may be found on CMP apparatus), and an anionic surfactant, typically DOWFAX 8292 surfactant, and propylene glycol which acts as a sticking agent so that the cleaning composition will stay in place for an effective period of time before draining off the apparatus. Additionally, and in general, DOWFAX 8292 surfactant is a sulfonic acid of a phenolic system. Furthermore, The Composition C was designed particularly to remove iron residues from the CMP apparatus and thus, the use of the HAN and oxalic acid as components thereof. [0046] Furthermore, Composition C also has utility in cleaning semiconductor wafers to some degree and under certain conditions. For example, Composition C can be used to clean semiconductor wafers after they are polished. Normally, a wafer coming off a polishing apparatus is still wet and the particles disposed thereon are not dry so that Composition C can be used to remove them. Hence, Composition C can be used in both a wet and a dry environment. Typical Composition C Proportions Solution Grams DI water 3,436.11 Hydroxylamine Nitrate (HAN) 178 (@ 82% solution) Oxalic Acid 130 DOWFAX 8292 surfactant 0.89 Propylene Glycol 660 [0047] Composition C has a general pH range from about 1 to about 4 and a preferred range from about 1.5 to about 3. [0048] Preparation [0049] Normally, Composition C is prepared by first adding DI water into a container. HAN is then added to the DI water. Next, oxalic acid is added which is then followed by the addition of the DOWFAX 8292 surfactant. Finally, propylene glycol is added. These liquids are preferably continuously stirred within the container during at least the composition preparation. [0050] The container is typically an open-top container such a beaker or bucket and is typically made of a plastic type of material such polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. Stainless steel containers, black iron and glass containers should be avoided. Glass containers are known to leach sodium into the composition. [0051] HAN is a fairly stable material and thus, substitution of a less stable material such hydrogen peroxide would be disadvantageous. Nitric acid may be used but is not expected to be as efficient as HAN. Hydrochloric acid may be used but it has the disadvantage of possibly being corrosive to portions of the CMP apparatus. Sulfuric or phosphoric acid could also perhaps be used. However, these acids are not as good as an oxidizer in dilute solutions as HAN. Moreover, the mild oxidizing acid (HAN) is preferred according to the present invention. [0052] Oxalic acid is a chelating agent and as such, any chelating material that is effectively binds iron (or other by products of the CMP process such as copper, tungsten, and iridium or other metal that might be polished) could be employed into this formulation in place of (or in addition to) oxalic acid. For example, citric acid may replace or supplement oxalic acid as chelating agent. [0053] DOWFAX is an anionic surfactant and any surfactant that has adequate solubility in this formulation and at this pH should be acceptable for use with this invention. [0054] Ethylene glycol or some other dialcohol organic compound may be used in addition to (or in place of) propylene glycol as long as the compounds are adequately soluble in the present cleaning solution. Additionally, polymer forms may be used. For example, polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide maybe used as long as the molecular weight is low enough that there will be no precipitation problems occurring in the formulation. by the introduction and use of such polymers. TYPICAL USE OF CLEANING COMPOSITIONS [0055] When a user has completed the actual wafer polishing work for a number of semiconductor wafers (CMP), or perhaps when the user is getting ready to change out or replace the polishing pad, the cleaning compositions according to the present invention are preferably sprayed onto the various surfaces of the CMP apparatus which are desired to be cleaned. The surfaces thus sprayed are then allowed to stand for a period of time (e.g. from about 10 to about 30 minutes) to loosen up the residues disposed thereon. The various surfaces of the CMP apparatus are then wiped down with, for example, a polyurethane (or PVA) pad or sponge that preferably includes disposed thereon an amount of the cleaning composition according to the present invention. The various surfaces are then thoroughly rinsed down, typically with DI water. [0056] Additionally, Composition C, which is acidic, can be used to clean and remove deposits from slurry distribution systems. Specifically, Composition C can be used to clean and remove deposits of ferric nitrate Fe(NO 3 ) 3 from distribution systems that typically include at least one slurry holding means and associated distribution conduits running to individual CMP apparatus. [0057] In use, Composition C is pumped through the distribution system in an amount to at least provide minimum pump volumes. Composition C is typically pumped through the slurry distribution system for a period of time, perhaps one or more hours, in which all the conduits or lines are essentially flushed out. Next, distilled water may be pumped through the distribution system to flush out Composition C. However, is should be noted that the distilled water step may not be necessary as a result of Composition C being acidic and having a pH and an oxidizer system that is compatible with the ferric nitrate Fe(NO 3 ) 3 slurries. That is, the ferric nitrate Fe(NO 3 ) 3 slurries will typically remain in an oxidized form when in contact with post-cleaning residual amounts of Composition C, even absent a DI rinse. Notwithstanding, it is considered preferable in the practice of the present invention to employ a final distilled water flush of the distribution system. [0058] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, given the present disclosure, modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept described herein. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific and preferred embodiments illustrated and described

The present invention relates to chemical compositions and methods of use for cleaning CMP equipment, including the interiors of delivery conduits carrying CMP slurry to the necessary sites. The chemical compositions of the present invention are also useful for post- CMP cleaning of the wafer itself. Three classes of cleaning compositions are described, all of which are aqueous solutions. One class operates in a preferable pH range from about 11 to about 12 and preferably contains one or more non-ionic surfactants, one or more simple amines, a surfactant or sticking agent such as one or more soluble dialcohol organic compounds and one or more quaternary amines. A second class of cleaning composition operates in a preferable pH range of approximately 8.5 and contains citric acid and oxalic acid. A third class of compositions is acidic, having a preferable pH range from about 1.5 to about 3, preferably containing at least one oxidizing acid, at least one chelating agent, at least one sticking agent and at least one anionic surfactant. HF and KOH are substantially absent from the preferred compositions of the present invention. Some compositions of the present invention are shown to be advantageously used for cleaning the slurry distribution system of CMP apparatus.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus using LEDs that can control the quality and the area of lighting by combining LEDs with a liquid-crystal panel. BACKGROUND ART [0002] An LED, which emits light by applying a direct voltage to a p-n junction in a compound semiconductor, has been used for home lighting as a result of the recent remarkable progress of technologies. Multi-layered p-n junctions, as well as LEDs (light-emitting diode) mounted on a board have been made it possible to use for high power lighting. An LED lighting, however, because of the structure of its light emitting part, has strong directional characteristics; therefore the use of the LED lighting was limited to downlights. Unlike conventional incandescent bulbs or florescent lamps, an LED lighting was not able to illuminate large areas of a room. It was also not able to control the quality or the area of lighting. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents [0003] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2008-28275 [0004] Patent Document 2: JP-T-2009-500232 [0005] Patent Document 3: JP-A-HEI11-353907 [0006] Patent Document 4: JP-A-HEI05-210077 [0007] Patent Document 5: JP 3913184 [0008] Patent Document 6: JP-A-2004-264549 [0009] Patent Document 7: U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,333 Non-Patent Documents [0010] Non-Patent Document 1: Richard Stevenson, “The LED's dark secret”, IEEE Spectrum, 08.09, 2009, pp. 22-27 [0011] Non-Patent Document 2: Kanji Bando, “Development of LED lighting (1)”, Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan, VOL 92, No. 6, 2008, pp. 301-306 [0012] Non-Patent Document 3: Special Feature Article “LED”, Nihon Keizei Shinbun, 08.30.2009, p. 6 [0013] Non-Patent Document 4: Jun Okazaki, Masaaki Kato, and Katsuyuki Konishi, “Present and Future of LEDs for illuminations”, Sharp Corporation Technical Report, VOL99, 8, 2009, pp. 10-16 [0014] Non-Patent Document 5: Shoji Yokota, “LED Device for Illuminations”, Sharp Corporation Technical Report, VOL99, 8, 2009, pp. 17-19 [0015] Non-Patent Document 6: Shoichi Matsumoto and Kazuyoshi Tsunoda, “Liquid Crystals—Fundamental and Applications”, Kogyo Chosakai Publishing Inc., pp 341-342 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problems to Be Solved by the Invention [0016] Conventional incandescent bulbs or florescent lamps can illuminate over a large area because of the line-emitting or surface-emitting structure. On the other hand, an LED (light-emitting diode), an extremely small chip, is a point light source. The light can be scattered by positioning reflective plates in the behind or in the surroundings of itself, or by coating inside a glass container with a diffusion paint. However, it was not able to illuminate large areas of a room. It was not possible for LEDs to change the brightness partially as required. Means to Solve the Problems [0017] In order to solve these problems, the present invention is a lighting apparatus placing a liquid-crystal panel in front of LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The directions of long and thin liquid crystal molecules are varied by an applied electric field and its characteristics to light are changed. Therefore, liquid crystals are widely used for displays. [0018] A liquid-crystal panel is made by inserting liquid crystals between two opposite electrode plates. In a typical liquid crystal material, when no voltage is applied between the electrode plates, liquid crystal molecules become parallel to the electrode plates as a result of the boundary condition. When a voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules become parallel to the electric field, namely, become vertical to the plates. Therefore, when no voltage is applied, light vertical to the liquid-crystal panel is reflected, whereas when a voltage is applied, the light is passed through. In addition, the optical refractive index of the liquid crystal is changed by the applied voltage. [0019] FIG. 1A shows the basic structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention. The lighting apparatus includes: an LED substrate 1 ; LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 ; light emitted from the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 3 ; a liquid-crystal panel 4 ; and light 5 from the liquid-crystal panel 4 . Typically, light from the liquid-crystal panel is scattered or dispersed if the structure or the constituent of the liquid-crystal panel 4 is not uniform. Effects of Invention [0020] With the LED lighting apparatus of the present invention, the distribution of illumination light from LEDs can be controlled, thereby unprecedented lighting such as concentrating, dispersing, and/or scattering light for desired areas, or illuminating with indirect lighting for an entire room is possible, improving lighting quality significantly. In addition, the conventional two lighting apparatuses will be replaced by one lighting apparatus of the present invention, and thus this invention contributes a lot to the energy-saving and environment problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0021] FIG. 1A is a sectional view of a basic structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing the detail of a basic structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 1C shows a direction of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied to a liquid-crystal panel of a lighting apparatus of the present invention. [0024] FIG. 1D shows a direction of liquid crystal molecules when a voltage is applied to a liquid-crystal panel of a lighting apparatus of the present invention. [0025] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel having functions of a concave lens is placed. [0026] FIG. 2B is a sectional views showing the detail of a structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel has microlenses having functions of a concave lens. [0027] FIG. 2C is a sectional view showing the detail of a structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel having an area of no electrode. [0028] FIG. 2D is a sectional view showing the detail of a structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel has microlenses with functions of a convex lens. [0029] FIG. 2E is a sectional view showing the detail of a structure of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel has a Fresnel structure of functions of a convex lens. [0030] FIG. 2F is a sectional view showing the detail of a structure of a lighting apparatus o of the present invention in which a liquid-crystal panel has microlenses of various functions. [0031] FIG. 3A is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention in which a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal panel is placed. [0032] FIG. 3B shows a direction of liquid crystal molecules with zero voltage applied to a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0033] FIG. 3C shows a direction of liquid crystal molecules with a voltage applied to a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal panel of the present invention. [0034] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panel sections of different functions. [0035] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panel sections of different functions alternatively. [0036] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0037] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a bulb-shaped lighting apparatus of the present invention. [0038] FIG. 8A is a sectional view of a bulb-shaped lighting apparatus placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0039] FIG. 8B is a sectional view of a bulb-shaped lighting apparatus of the present invention placing curved-surface liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0040] FIG. 9 shows a lighting apparatus for ceilings. [0041] FIG. 10A is a plan view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0042] FIG. 10A is a plan view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0043] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0044] FIG. 10C is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0045] FIG. 10D is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0046] FIG. 10E is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0047] FIG. 10F is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0048] FIG. 10G is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0049] FIG. 10H is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0050] FIG. 101 is a sectional view of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0051] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing a liquid-crystal panel slanted against a LED (light-emitting diode) substrate. [0052] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing two liquid-crystal panels slanted in opposite directions. [0053] FIG. 13A is a plan view of an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0054] FIG. 13B is a plan view of an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0055] FIG. 13C is a plan view of an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0056] FIG. 14A is a plan view of an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0057] FIG. 14B is a plan view of an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0058] FIG. 15A is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0059] FIG. 15B is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0060] FIG. 15C is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0061] FIG. 16A is a plan view of an example of an LED used in the present invention. [0062] FIG. 16B is a plan view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0063] FIG. 16C is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0064] FIG. 16D is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0065] FIG. 16E is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0066] FIG. 16F is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0067] FIG. 17A is a plan view showing an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0068] FIG. 17B is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel used in the present invention. [0069] FIG. 17C is a sectional view showing an example of an electrode of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0070] FIG. 18A shows an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0071] FIG. 18B shows an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0072] FIG. 18C shows an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0073] FIG. 18D shows an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0074] FIG. 19A explains an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0075] FIG. 19B explains an example of a voltage that is applied to the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0076] FIG. 20A is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0077] FIG. 20B is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0078] FIG. 20C is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0079] FIG. 20D is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0080] FIG. 20E is a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention placing liquid-crystal panels of different functions in layer. [0081] FIG. 21A is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0082] FIG. 21B is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0083] FIG. 21C is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0084] FIG. 21D is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0085] FIG. 21E is a sectional view an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0086] FIG. 21F is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0087] FIG. 22A is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0088] FIG. 22B is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0089] FIG. 22C is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0090] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of an example of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. [0091] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a bulb-shaped lighting apparatus of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0092] With reference to FIG. 1B , the structure of an LED lighting apparatus of the present invention is described in detail. The lighting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 which is mounted on a substrate 1 , a liquid crystal panel 4 , an LED drive circuit 12 , a remote control sensor 13 , and a liquid-crystal drive circuit 14 . The LED drive circuit 12 , the remote-control sensor 13 , and the liquid-crystal drive circuit 14 are connected to a commercial power supply 15 for domestic use. That is, the LED drive circuit and the liquid-crystal drive circuit are provided with voltages from a common commercial power supply. Transparent electrodes 42 are connected to the liquid-crystal drive circuit 14 . The LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 are connected to the LED drive circuit 12 . Embedding a human sensor in the lighting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention enables to detect automatically areas where human is present and thus to provide comfortable and energy-saving lighting. [0093] The liquid-crystal panel 4 is composed by sealing a liquid crystal material 43 between two parallel glass substrates 41 where individual electrodes 42 consisting of transparent electrical-conductive films such as ITO are provided. When several volts are applied to the electrodes 42 , the direction of liquid crystal molecules 400 is changed to vary the optical characteristics. Herein the optical characteristics include the transmittance rate, refraction rate and attenuation rate of light. [0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystal drive circuit can change the modes of optical characteristics of the liquid-crystal panel as desired. For example, light transmittance and light refraction can be varied in a desired value. [0095] The detail will be described later. Thereby illumination light from the lighting apparatus can be varied in a desired mode. Moreover, as described in detail below, according to the present invention, the form and structure of the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel can be made in various modes. It also enables light from the lighting apparatus to vary in a desired mode. [0096] The LED (light-emitting diode) 2 with a single p-n junction will be operated at several volts. Since both an LED (light-emitting diode) and a liquid-crystal panel are basically operated at several volts, thus the coherence between the electric circuits for them is considerably high. Therefore, both of the electric circuits can be integrated. [0097] Even when a plurality of LEDs (light-emitting diode) are connected in serial and/or in parallel for high output, the drive voltage will be approximately 10 to 15 volts. Also, some liquid-crystal panels operate at approximately 10 to 15 volts. Thus, coherence between LEDs and liquid-crystal panels is considerably high as electric components. [0098] With reference to FIG. 1C and 1D , the present invention is described. For a liquid-crystal panel to be used for an embodiment of this invention, nematic liquid crystals are used, and the distance between the electrodes of the panel is 4 microns. As shown in FIG. 1C , when zero volt is applied to a liquid-crystal panel to be used in an embodiment of this invention, the direction of liquid crystal molecules 400 is almost parallel to the electrode surface, resulting in not passing incident light 3 much. As shown in FIG. 1D , increase in supply voltage changes the direction of the liquid-crystal molecules 400 , and the direction of molecules becomes able to pass the light 3 and becomes almost transparent at 5 voltages. Such characteristics, however, may greatly vary depending on the treatment of a liquid-crystal substrate and on the liquid-crystal materials. [0099] At present an application of liquid crystals in wide use is a display, which can regulate the optical transmission of fine pixels from complete zero to 100 percent. In this present invention, only optical transmission, reflection, and scattering in some range for a wide area are required, thus the structure of a liquid-crystal panel is considerably simple for easy production at a low cost. [0100] FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which a liquid-crystal panel acts as a concave lens by making micro-lenses or Fresnel structures in the electrodes of a liquid-crystal panel. In this embodiment, the liquid-crystal panel 4 that acts as a lens is positioned in parallel to the LED substrate 1 and thus light of high directionality 3 from an LED (light-emitting diode) 2 is scattered to generate light such as 5 , in a wide area. A liquid-crystal panel that acts as a convex lens with the perforated structure or the Fresnel structure of the electrodes can converge the light emitted from an LED (light-emitting diode) to provide a lighting apparatus that concentrates bright light in local. [0101] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2B , a lens structure 41 A where liquid crystal panel acts as a concave lens is formed on a glass substrate 41 . In this embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2C , a region 41 B without electrode is formed on a glass substrate 41 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2D , a micro lens structure 41 C where liquid-crystal panel acts as a convex lens is formed on a glass substrate 41 . In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2E , a Fresnel lens 41 D is formed on a glass substrate 41 . [0102] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2F , a plurality of micro-lenses or Fresnel lenses are formed on a glass substrate 41 . As for these lens structure, a relatively large lens structure underneath LEDs or very small micro-lens array can be made according to the requirement. [0103] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of the present invention in which microcapsulated liquid crystals dispersed in polymer are used for the panel. At zero volt to the liquid-crystal panel, the direction of the microcapsulated liquid crystals are at random, so that the light from LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is reflected on the liquid-crystal panel 4 and scattered as light 5 , leading to indirect lighting. Liquid-crystal panels with such properties are so far used as optical blinds. [0104] With reference to FIG. 3B and 3C , the present invention is described. In a liquid-crystal panel of this present invention, the distance between the electrodes is 10 micron, and the size of a microcapsule 401 containing liquid crystals is about one microns; a plurality of the microcapsules are dispersed in polymer 402 . As shown in FIG. 3B , at zero volt, a liquid-crystal panel of this present invention blocks light from LEDs, to be scattered and reflected for indirect lighting. As shown in FIG. 3C , at 5 volts, the liquid-crystal panel passes the light from LEDs through and the panel becomes transparent to give bright lighting. [0105] In addition, a reflective liquid-crystal panel with polymer-dispersed liquid crystals used for mobile phone displays can be employed for this invention. At zero volts, it reflects and scatters light from LEDs, whereas it passes the light through at 5 volts to give brighter lighting. [0106] Moreover, a liquid-crystal panel with polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, in which electrodes are of a plurality of concentric circles under LEDs can provide lens effects caused by light diffraction. Therefore, such a liquid-crystal panel concentrates or disperses further light from LED for regulating a wide range of lighting. [0107] FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus that provides complex illumination by giving different characteristics to a liquid-crystal panel with a plurality of sections, not a uniform liquid crystal panel. In FIG. 4 , the right part of the liquid-crystal panel 4 B, consisting of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, scatters light 3 from LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as light 5 A or 5 B, whereas the left part of the liquid-crystal panel 4 A, having a function of a concave lens, passes and disperses the light from LED (light-emitting diodes) 3 as 5 C, making a left half of a room bright and a right half with indirect lighting. [0108] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the present invention in which liquid-crystal panels of different functions are alternately positioned by sectioning. This is a lighting apparatus that provides mild illumination in a large area. By regulating voltages applied to sectioned liquid-crystal panels of different functions, lighting quality in a large area can be regulated. Also, a lighting apparatus in which the same functional liquid-crystal panels are divided into a plurality of sections, it can regulate lighting quality by regulating individual sections. [0109] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of liquid crystals of different functions are positioned in layers. The first liquid-crystal panel 4 B is a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal panel and the second liquid-crystal panel 4 A is a liquid-crystal panel having a function of a concave lens. When a voltage is applied to the first liquid-crystal panel, it will be transparent to light, and an appropriately dispersed lighting can be provided by regulating a voltage to the second liquid-crystal panel. Also, reducing the voltage or applying zero volt to the first liquid-crystal panel, indirect lighting can be obtained. [0110] FIG. 7 shows an application of the present invention to a bulb-shaped LED lamp that is recently on market. A liquid-crystal panel 4 having a function of a concave lens is positioned away from the light-emitting substrate 1 of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) array 2 in the glass container 6 . By regulating voltage to the liquid-crystal panel, spreading light 5 can be obtained. [0111] FIG. 8A illustrates a similar bulb-shaped LED lamp of an embodiment of the present invention in which two liquid-crystal panels 4 A and 4 B of different characteristics are layered. The structure of FIG. 6 is applied to a bulb shaped LED lamp, thereby various types of lighting can be obtained. For a bulb-shaped lamp of FIG. 8B , two liquid-crystal panels 4 A and 4 A of different characteristics are layered. In this embodiment of the present invention, however, liquid panels 4 A and 4 B are curved in the same shapes of the bulb. That is, the liquid panels 4 A and 4 B have hemispheric shape. [0112] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a lighting apparatus of the present invention that is installed on a ceiling. Light of high directionality 3 from LEDs (light-emitting diode) 2 mounted on a hemicylinder substrate I inside a cover 8 is regulated to mild light 5 by a hemicylinder liquid-crystal panel 4 positioned in front of the LEDs 2 . This hemicylinder liquid-crystal panel can be easily produced using a liquid-crystal film. [0113] In the examples of FIG. 9 and FIG. 8B , a curved liquid-crystal film panel is used. For such liquid-crystal panels, a plastic substrate may be used instead of a glass substrate. [0114] FIG. 10A is a plan view of a liquid-crystal panel of the present invention that scatters light by forming a mesh electrode (consisting of electrode section 42 A and non-electrode section 42 B), not using a micro-lens described in the embodiment 1, to cause nonuniformity in an electric field distribution and to generate regular variation in the optical properties of the liquid-crystal. [0115] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the liquid panel shown in FIG. 10A . The size of the non-electrode section 42 is L, and the distance between two electrodes 42 A and 42 B is d. In FIG. 10B , the non-electrode section 41 B of size L is formed on the electrode 42 A on the top side. On the other hand, the bottom side electrode 42 B is evenly formed on the glass substrate 41 . FIGS. 10C to 10F show examples for various ratios of Lid: size L of non-electrode section 41 B to size d between two electrodes 42 A and 42 B. [0116] In the examples in FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D , size d between two electrodes 42 A and 42 B is comparatively larger and equivalent to size L. In FIG. 10C , voltage to be applied between two electrodes is V=0. In this case, light 3 from an LED (light emitting diodes) is mostly reflected and partially transmitted to be scattered, thereby a room becomes dark. In FIG. 10D , when voltage V=V is applied between the two electrodes, light 3 from an LED (light emitting diodes) is transmitted where electrodes are built, and it is mostly reflected and partially transmitted where the electrodes are not built, thereby the room is bright by indirect lighting due to the transmitted light and the reflected light. [0117] In the examples of FIG. 10E and FIG. 10F , the size d between two electrodes 42 A and 42 B is comparatively smaller and sufficiently smaller than the size L. In FIG. 10E , voltage between the two electrodes is V=0. In this case, most light from LEDs (light emitting diodes) reflects, thereby the room becomes dark. In FIG. 10F , voltage V=V is applied between the two electrodes. Light 3 from LEDs (light emitting diodes) is transmitted where electrodes are built, and is reflected where the electrodes are not built, thereby the room will becomes bright by indirect lighting due to the transmitted light and the reflected light. [0118] FIG. 10G to FIG. 10I show examples in which two electrodes 42 A and 42 B are completely formed and non-electrode section is not provided. In these examples the gap between the electrodes is narrow in a partial region of a single electrode of either 42 A or 42 B, and the gap size d between the electrodes is normal in other regions. Therefore, in these examples, a region of narrow gap between two electrodes is provided instead of a section of no electrode. The size of the region of narrow gap d between the two electrodes is L. [0119] In the examples of FIG. 10G and FIG. 10H , each of two electrodes 42 A and 42 B is evenly provided on the internal surface of the glass substrate 41 . However, one of the glass substrates 41 is partly thicker. In the area 41 E where the thickness of the glass substrate 41 is greater, the thickness of liquid-crystal 43 and the gap between two electrodes are smaller. [0120] In FIG. 10G , voltage to be applied between two electrodes is V=0. In this case, most light 3 from an LED (light emitting diode) reflects, thereby a room becomes dark. In FIG. 10H , voltage V=V 0 is applied between the two electrodes. Then, most light 3 from an LED (light emitting diode) is transmitted in the area where the gap between electrodes is narrow, thereby a room is bright by indirect lighting due to the transmitted light and the reflected light. [0121] In the example of FIG. 10I , an electrode 42 A of upper side is formed on the internal surface of the glass substrate 41 of the top side, whereas an electrode 42 B is formed in the interior of a glass substrate 42 of the bottom side. The thickness of the two substrates and the thickness of the liquid-crystal 43 inserted between them are constant, but the gap between the two electrodes is not constant. In this case, when voltage V=0 is applied between the two electrodes, most light 3 from LED (light emitting diodes) is transmitted in the area where the gap between the electrodes is narrow, thereby a room becomes bright by indirect lighting due to the transmitted light and the reflected light. [0122] In a liquid-crystal panel which has a function as a lens, as is already described, a lens with such a distinctive distance of focal points as is shown in prior art references is not needed. It may function as an indefinite light focus or diffusion. Therefore, as in an embodiment of the present invention, nonuniform structure of electrodes causes a nonuniform electric field. As a result, optical properties such as the refractive index of liquid-crystal materials become ununiform to cause light convergence or diffusion. [0123] FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the present invention wherein a liquid-crystal panel is tilted against the LED (light-emitting diode) substrate. By tilting the liquid-crystal panel, light 3 from an LED (light-emitting diode) reflects on the surface of the liquid-crystal panel 4 as lights 5 A. Also the transmitted light becomes lights as 5 B and is scattered as lights 5 C. Light 3 from an LED (light-emitting diode) spreads in an extremely large area to illuminate a space effectively. [0124] FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the present invention wherein each of the two liquid-crystal panels 4 A and 4 B are tilted in different directions, thereby wide-area illumination is possible by balancing the right and left spaces. Furthermore, with a plurality of such liquid-crystal panels, a great variety of lighting is made possible by controlling electric signals for individual liquid-crystal panels. [0125] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C , show other forms of an embodiment shown in FIG. 10A , in which examples of the various forms of the electrode structure are shown. These electrode structures include an electrode section 42 A and a non-electrode section 41 B. The electrodes of this example can be obtained by first evenly forming transparent electrodes on a glass substrate and then eliminating them in sections with given forms. The non-electrode section 41 B can have a form of a circle, a triangle, or others of various sizes. The pattern of the transparent electrodes can be produced by means of known lithography technologies. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can be positioned as desired; for example, LEDs (light-emitting diode) can be positioned immediately above a circular non-electrode section 41 B of relatively large size. [0126] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B further show the examples of electrode structures in various forms. These electrode structures individually include a single electrode section 42 A and a single non-electrode section 41 B. The electrode of this example can be obtained by forming a transparent electrode in the area in given form on a glass substrate. The positioning LEDs (light-emitting diodes) directly above the area of relatively large electrode section 42 A is favorable. [0127] With reference to FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C , the detail of electrode structures will be described. A liquid-crystal panel 4 is composed of two parallel glass substrates 41 provided with a single electrode 42 A and a single electrode 42 B made of a transparent conductive film such as ITO, wherein a liquid crystal material 43 is sealed. [0128] In these examples, an electrode 42 A on the top side and an electrode 42 B on the bottom side are control electrode and common electrode respectively. The control electrode 42 A on the top side includes a plurality of electrodes that are separated one another. That is, the common electrode 42 A is separated by the non-electrode section 41 B. Of a plurality of control electrodes 42 A, a desired voltage is applied between a given electrode and the common electrode 42 B on the bottom side. [0129] In the example of FIG. 15A , a common electrode 42 B is evenly formed in the internal surface of a glass substrate 41 on the bottom side. In the example of FIG. 15B , a common electrode 42 B and a control electrode 42 A have the same form and both are positioned on the corresponding places. In the example of FIG. 15C , a common electrode 42 B and a control electrode 42 A have the same form and both are positioned on different places each other. As described in these examples, the relative position of a common electrode 42 B and a control electrode 42 A can be freely set. [0130] The electrodes that are shown in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C and FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B are control electrodes, but a common electrode corresponding to the control electrodes can be arbitrarily positioned. Provided that control electrodes are arbitrarily positioned, the relative positional relation between a common electrode 42 B and a control electrode 42 A varies a direction of liquid crystal molecules, resulting in changing the light intensity and the characteristics of transmitted light. [0131] FIG. 16A shows the plan structure of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 mounted on a substrate 1 . FIG. 16B shows the form of a control electrode of a liquid-crystal panel that is positioned under these LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 . The control electrodes 42 A consists of an inside circular section 42 A- 1 and an outside ring section 42 A- 2 . The circular section and the ring section, which are separated from each other via a non-electrode section 41 B, are independently supplied with a voltage. [0132] With reference to FIG. 16C and FIG. 16F , the operation of the LED lighting apparatus shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B is described. FIG. 16C shows the sectional structure of the LED (light-emitting diode) 2 mounted on the substrate 1 . FIG. 16D to FIG. 16F show the sectional structures of the LED (light-emitting diode) 2 that is mounted on the substrate 1 , and the liquid-crystal panel 4 . [0133] FIG. 16D shows the case of zero volt applied. Light from an LED (light-emitting diode) 2 is scattered by the liquid-crystal panel and it almost never passes through. FIG. 16E shows the case of voltage applied to both a circular section 42 A- 1 and a ring section 42 A- 2 of a control electrode, wherein light from an LED (light-emitting diode) 2 passes through the liquid-crystal panel. FIG. 16F shows the case when voltage is applied to a circular section 42 A- 1 and zero volt is applied to a ring section 42 A- 2 . Light from an LED (light-emitting diode) 2 is passed through the circular section 42 A- 1 and is scattered in the ring section 42 A- 2 . [0134] FIG. 17A shows LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 that are mounted on a substrate 1 . The LEDs 2 are positioned in ring. FIG. 17B shows the case when zero volt is applied and light from LEDs is scattered on the liquid-crystal panel. FIG. 17C shows the case an applied voltage is not zero and light from LEDs is passed through the liquid-crystal panel. [0135] FIG. 18A shows voltages to be applied to a normal liquid-crystal panel. In a liquid-crystal panel to be used in a display device, positive and negative voltages are alternately applied. FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C show the examples of voltages that are applied to a liquid-crystal panel to be used in an LED lighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, a positive voltage is applied for time t v and then zero volt is applied for time t 0 . Next a negative voltage is applied for time t v and zero voltage is applied for time t o . These applications are repeated. A number of applications of positive voltages in one second is hereafter called “frequency”. Frequency can be from several tens to several hundred cycles. [0136] The ratio of time that either a positive or a negative voltage is applied to a single cycle T is called “duty”. For example, the duty is 1 in FIG. 18A ; 0.5 in FIG. 18B ; and 0.2 in FIG. 18C . Setting certain values of duty and frequency enables a lighting apparatus to emit a desired amount of light. FIG. 18D shows when zero volt is applied. Light from LEDs is scattered by a liquid-crystal panel. [0137] FIG. 19A shows a relationship between a voltage to be applied to a liquid-crystal panel and the amount of light transmitted. When the voltage is V 0 , the light transmitted is very small, whereas when the voltage is increased to V M , the light transmitted increases. When the voltage is greater than V S the light transmitted becomes maximum. [0138] FIG. 19B shows an example of voltage applied to a liquid-crystal panel of the lighting apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, a positive voltage V H is applied for time t H and a positive voltage V L for time t L . Next a negative voltage V H is applied for time t H and a negative voltage V L is applied for time t L . These applications are repeated. One cycle is given by time (t H +t L )×2. V H and V L can be of any values. High voltage V H can be V S in FIG. 19A and low voltage V L can be V 0 or V M in FIG. 19A . Thus, this case, most of the light from LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 is passed through for a time t H and the light from LEDs (light-emitting diodes) is partly passed through and the most of the light is scattered for time t L . The explanation is made on a case that the transparency of liquid-crystal panel is changed with the change of applied voltage. In general, controlling an applied voltage varies the optical characteristics of liquid crystal. Herein the optical characteristics include light transmission rate, light refraction rate, and light attenuation rate. In the present invention, controlling an applied voltage varies the optical characteristics of liquid crystal in a desired mode, thereby illumination light from an LED lighting apparatus can be varied in a desired mode. [0139] The explanation is made with reference to FIG. 19A and FIG. 20A to FIG. 20E . FIG. 6 shows an example of two layered liquid-crystal panels. In these embodiments, the liquid-crystal panel has a similar structure to the layered two panels. The liquid-crystal panel of the present embodiment also has three parallel glass substrates 411 , 412 , and 413 . On the interior surface of the glass substrate 411 on the top, a first control electrode 421 is formed; on the both sides of the glass substrate 412 in the middle, common electrodes 422 and 423 are formed; and on the interior surface of the glass substrate 413 on the bottom, a second control electrode is formed. Between these three parallel glass substrates, liquid crystals 431 and 432 are individually sealed. [0140] The first liquid-crystal panel is composed of the first control electrode 421 and the common electrode 422 , and the second liquid-crystal panel is composed of the second control electrode 424 and the common electrode 423 . Voltage to the first liquid-crystal panel is V 1 , and voltage to the second liquid-crystal panel is V 2 . [0141] FIG. 20B shows the case when both applied voltages to two liquid-crystal panels are zero, where V 1 =V 2 =0. In this case, most of the light 3 from the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 is reflected and is scattered. FIG. 20C shows the case that voltage V 1 applied to the first liquid-crystal panel is V 1 =V S and voltage applied to the second liquid-crystal panel is either V 2 =0 or V 0 . In this case, most of the light 3 from the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 is passed through the first liquid-crystal panel and most of the passed light is reflect on the second liquid-crystal panel and is scattered. [0142] FIG. 20D show the case when V M volts are applied to two liquid crystal panels individually. That is, V 1 =V 2 =V M . In this case, about half of the light 3 from the LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 2 passes through the first liquid-crystal panel, and half of the light that have passed through passes through the second liquid-crystal panel. Thus, changing each of the voltages applied to the two liquid-crystal panels can provide desired illuminating light. [0143] FIG. 20E further shows a different example of a layered liquid-crystal panel of the present invention. In the liquid-crystal panel of this example, the control electrodes shown in FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C are used. Compared with the example shown in FIG. 20A , the first control electrode 421 and the second control electrode 422 are of separate type. The control electrodes 421 and 423 are separated into a plurality of electrodes by non-electrode sections 411 B and 413 B respectively; thereby a voltage can be independently applied to each of the electrodes. [0144] FIG. 21A shows the sectional structure of a different example of a liquid-crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel of this example comprises two glass substrates 41 and liquid crystals 43 that are sealed between the two glass substrates. Space between the glass substrates 41 is divided into a plurality of areas by separators 44 . In each area different liquid crystal 43 is sealed. Either the common electrode 421 or the control electrodes 422 is provided on the internal surface of the glass substrates 41 . One of the control electrodes is provided for each area. FIG. 21B shows a plan structure of the control electrodes of this example. A desired voltage is applied between a given one of the plurality of electrodes and the common electrode 421 . In the liquid crystal panels shown in FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C , only a single type of liquid crystal panel can be used. However, in the liquid-crystal panel of this example, different types of liquid crystal can be used. FIG. 21C shows a plan structure of the liquid-crystal panel of this example. The liquid-crystal panel of this example has functions equivalent to those of the plane combination of different panels. In the example of FIG. 21B , the liquid-crystal panel has functions equivalent to those of different liquid-crystal panels array in stripe. In the example of FIG. 21C the liquid-crystal panel has functions equivalent to those of different liquid-crystal panel array in tile. [0145] FIG. 21D to FIG. 21F are other examples of a liquid-crystal panel unit to be embedded in the liquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 21B or FIG. 21C . In these examples, liquid-crystal panels with different structures of the control electrodes are combined. In the examples of FIG. 21D and FIG. 21E the control electrodes on the top have the Fresnel structure, whereas in the example of FIG. 21F a normal plain electrode is used. In the examples of FIG. 21D and FIG. 21E , the direction of the Fresnel lenses are different from each other. Embedding these liquid-crystal panels, individual liquid-crystal panels 4 A and 4 B in FIG. 21C can provides desired illuminating light. [0146] With reference to FIG. 22A to FIG. 22C , further different examples of the liquid crystal-panel of the present invention are described. FIG. 22A shows a sectional structure of the liquid-crystal of this example. The liquid crystal panel of this example can be similar to the panel of FIG. 21A . In this example, the guest-host liquid crystal 43 is used. Pigments which have different absorption colours are added to the guest-hot liquid crystal 43 . That is, in this example the guest-host liquid crystal 43 to which different pigments are added is used instead of different types of liquid crystal. In FIG. 22B liquid crystals that provide light of one of three pigment colors: red, green, and blue are combined. The first liquid crystal 431 provides red light, the second liquid crystal 432 green light, and the third liquid crystal 433 blue light. FIG. 22C , thus, shows a plan structure of the liquid-crystal panels that provides light of one of the three pigment colours: red, green, and blue. [0147] FIG. 23 shows an example of a lattice-shaped liquid-crystal panel. In the liquid-crystal panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of either square liquid-crystal panels or rectangular liquid-crystal panels are arrayed. As shown in FIG. 23 , the space between the two substrates is divided into a plurality of regions by a separator 44 . Control electrode 423 is placed on each region. A plurality of square liquid-crystal panels or rectangular liquid-crystal panels are formed herewith. The size of a single liquid-crystal panel consisting of the liquid-crystal panel in the present invention can be very small, for example, it can be less than 1 cm such as several millimeters. [0148] FIG. 24 shows that either of the liquid-crystal panels shown in FIG. 21A or in FIG. 22A is applied to the bulb-type LED lamp of FIG. 7 . Desired voltages can be independently applied to each panel. [0149] Several embodiments of the present invention are described above; however, the present invention is not limited to them. Therefore, those skilled in the art can easily understand that the present invention can be applied widely within the scope of the invention claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0150] An LED lighting apparatus of the present invention is industrially easy-producible and in wide demand including home and offices, so its industrial value is very high. In particular, liquid-crystal panels for displays require highly sophisticated technologies such as alignment for polarizing plates and liquid crystal substrates. A liquid-crystal panel of the present invention, however, does not necessarily require such polarizing plates or alignment, and its manufacturing is extremely easy. Therefore, the LED lighting apparatus can be produced at low cost for higher potential popularization. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS [0151] 1 : LED (light-emitting diode) substrate, 2 : LED (light-emitting diode), 3 : light from LED (light-emitting diode), 4 , 4 A, and 4 B: liquid-crystal panel, 5 , 5 A, 5 B, 5 C: light from liquid-crystal panel, 6 : glass container of a light bulb, 7 : base of a light bulb, 8 : cover, 13 : remote-control sensor, 14 : liquid-crystal drive circuit, 12 : LED drive circuit, 15 : commercial power supply, 41 : glass substrate, 42 : transparent electrode, 43 : liquid crystal, 41 A: convex lens section, 41 B: hole, 41 C: concave lens section, 41 D: Fresnel lens section, 400 : liquid crystal molecule, 401 : microcapsule

Light from an LED (light-emitting diodes) has strong directional characteristics; therefore, lighting over large area, as well as control of the quality or the distribution of lighting was impossible. Placing a liquid-crystal panel in front of an LED (light-emitting diodes) enables to control light from the LED and the quality or the distribution of lighting.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of international patent application PCT/EP2011/074291, filed on Dec. 30, 2011 designating the U.S., which international patent application has was published in English and claims priority to European patent application EP 11 151 571.4, filed on Jan. 20, 2011. The entire contents of these priority applications are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel fucosyltransferase and its applications. Many (glyco)proteins, (glyco)lipids or oligosaccharides require the presence of particular fucosylated structures, in order to exhibit a particular biological activity. E.g., many intercellular recognition mechanisms require a fucosylated oligosaccharide: e.g., in order to be bound by cell adhesion molecules, such as L-selectin, specific cell structures have to comprise fucosylated carbohydrates. Another example for fucosylated structures having a biological function are structures that form the AB0 blood group system. Furthermore, therapeutic (glyco)proteins represent the fastest growing class of pharmaceutical reagents, whereby their pharmacokinetic properties and stability are/is ascribed to their glycans. Due to their complex nature and inherent chemical properties, the chemical synthesis of glycoconjugates is a major challenge and associated with substantial difficulties. Unlike proteins and nucleic acids, for which automated synthesizers are commercially available, glycans—and let alone glycoconjugates—cannot (yet) be synthesized using a general commercial system. Apart from the requirement to control stereochemistry, the formation of specific linkages remains difficult. In view of the complexness associated with the chemical or the combined enzymatic/chemical synthesis of glycoconjugates, recent approaches have used glycosyltransferases to enzymatically synthesize (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids comprising oligosaccharide residues. Fucosyltransferases, which belong to enzyme family of glycosyltransferases, are widely expressed in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants and bacteria. They catalyze the transfer of a fucose residue from a donor, generally guanosine-diphosphate fucose (GDP-fucose) to an acceptor, which include oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids. The thus fucosylated acceptor substrates are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes. Based on the site of fucose addition, fucosyltransferases are classified into alpha-1,2-, alpha-1,3/4- and O-fucosyltransferases. Several alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferases have been identified, e.g. in the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli , in mammals, Caenorhabditis elegans and Schistosoma mansoni , as well as in plants. Most of these enzymes can either not be expressed in an active form in bacterial systems, or cannot use lactose as an acceptor. In mammals, GDP-Fucose is synthesized in the cytoplasm through de novo synthesis and salvage pathway. With the de novo synthesis, GDP-mannose is converted to GDP-fucose via two enzymes, whilst the salvage pathway utilizes the free cytosolic fucose as substrate. In the cell, GDP-fucose becomes concentrated in vesicles and is recognized by fucosyltransferases as a donor substrate. However, the heterologous functional expression of eukaryotic glycosyltransferases, and in particular fucosyltransferases proved difficult in prokaryotic expression systems. Mammalian and in particular human oligosaccharides such as HMOs are not known from prokaryotic sources, thus making the discovery of glycosyltransferases making these oligosaccharides extremely unlikely. Since the biological activity of many commercially important oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids depends upon the presence of particular fucose residues, there is a need in the state of the art to efficiently synthesize or produce glycoconjugates that have the desired oligosaccharide residue(s). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide for tools and methods by means of which fucosylated substrates can be produced in an efficient, time- and cost saving way, which yields high amounts of the desired substrate. According to the invention, this object is solved, inter alia, by the provision of a polynucleotide, which can be, e.g., isolated, recombinant or synthetic, encoding a polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity and comprising a sequence or consisting of a sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID No. 1 of the attached sequence listing; b) a nucleic acid sequence complementary to SEQ ID No. 1; c) nucleic acid sequences which hybridize under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequences defined in a) and b) or their complementary strands. SEQUENCE LISTING The Sequence Listing is submitted as an ASCII text file 7291-90210-01_Sequence_Listing.txt, Jul. 19, 2013, 7.85 KB], which is incorporated by reference herein. The polynucleotide according to the invention (see SEQ ID No. 1) represents a fucosyltransferase of the species Escherichia coli serogroup O126. The newly identified fucosyltransferase has surprising effects since by using them reactions can be performed which are not naturally occurring in the source organism: Within the scope of the present invention it has been found that the above identified alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase is able to use lactose as substrate and is able to produce fucosylated oligosaccharides, in particular 2′-fucosyllactose. Up to date, none of the known alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferases isolated from bacteria has been shown to use lactose as a natural substrate for the production of fucosyllactose. Thus, the suitability of the newly identified fucosyltransferase to be used for producing fucosylated oligosaccharides is highly surprising, and, thus, its use represents an excellent tool to easily, efficiently and cost-saving produce, e.g., human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as fucosyllactose. Today, more than 80 compounds, belonging to HMOs, have been structurally characterized; they represent a class of complex oligosaccharides that function as prebiotics. Additionally, the structural homology of HMO to epithelial epitopes accounts for protective properties against bacterial pathogens. Within the infants gastrointestinal tract, HMOs selectively nourish the growth of selected bacteria strains and are, thus, priming the development of a unique gut microbiota in breast milk-fed infants. Since until now, the structural complexity of these oligosaccharides has hindered their synthetic production, the main source for HMOs is still human milk. Thus, there is a need for readily and easily obtainable HMOs, which can be provided by using the—surprisingly suitable—fucosyltransferase presented herein. According to the present invention, the term “polynucleotide(s)” generally refers to any polyribonucleotide or polydeoxyribonucleotide, which may be unmodified RNA or DNA or modified RNA or DNA. “Polynucleotide(s)” include, without limitation, single- and double-stranded DNA, DNA that is a mixture of single- and double-stranded regions or single-, double- and triple-stranded regions, single- and double-stranded RNA, and RNA that is mixture of single- and double-stranded regions, hybrid molecules comprising DNA and RNA that may be single-stranded or, more typically, double-stranded, or triple-stranded regions, or a mixture of single- and double-stranded regions. In addition, “polynucleotide” as used herein refers to triple-stranded regions comprising RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA. The strands in such regions may be from the same molecule or from different molecules. The regions may include all of one or more of the molecules, but more typically involve only a region of some of the molecules. One of the molecules of a triple-helical region often is an oligonucleotide. As used herein, the term “polynucleotide(s)” also includes DNAs or RNAs as described above that contain one or more modified bases. Thus, DNAs or RNAs with backbones modified for stability or for other reasons are “polynucleotide(s)” as that term is intended herein. Moreover, DNAs or RNAs comprising unusual bases, such as inosine, or modified bases, such as tritylated bases, to name just two examples, are polynucleotides as the term is used herein. It will be appreciated that a great variety of modifications have been made to DNA and RNA that serve many useful purposes known to those of skill in the art. The term “polynucleotide(s)” as it is employed herein embraces such chemically, enzymatically or metabolically modified forms of polynucleotides, as well as the chemical forms of DNA and RNA characteristic of viruses and cells, including, for example, simple and complex cells. Also, “Polynucleotide(s)” also embraces short polynucleotides often referred to as oligonucleotide(s). “Polypeptide(s)” refers to any peptide or protein comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds or modified peptide bonds. “Polypeptide(s)” refers to both short chains, commonly referred to as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers and to longer chains generally referred to as proteins. Polypeptides may contain amino acids other than the 20 gene encoded amino acids. “Polypeptide(s)” include those modified either by natural processes, such as processing and other post-translational modifications, but also by chemical modification techniques. Such modifications are well described in basic texts and in more detailed monographs, as well as in a voluminous research literature, and they are well known to those of skill in the art. It will be appreciated that the same type of modification may be present in the same or varying degree at several sites in a given polypeptide. Also, a given polypeptide may contain many types of modifications. Modifications can occur anywhere in a polypeptide, including the peptide backbone, the amino acid side-chains, and the amino or carboxyl termini. Modifications include, for example, acetylation, acylation, ADP-ribosylation, amidation, covalent attachment of flavin, covalent attachment of a heme moiety, covalent attachment of a nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, covalent attachment of a lipid or lipid derivative, covalent attachment of phosphatidylinositol, cross-linking, cyclization, disulfide bond formation, demethylation, formation of covalent cross-links, formation of pyroglutamate, formylation, gamma-carboxylation, glycosylation, GPI anchor formation, hydroxylation, iodination, methylation, myristoylation, oxidation, proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, prenylation, racemization, lipid attachment, sulfation, gamma-carboxylation of glutamic acid residues, hydroxylation and ADP-ribosylation, selenoylation, transfer-RNA mediated addition of amino acids to proteins, such as arginylation, and ubiquitination. Polypeptides may be branched or cyclic, with or without branching. Cyclic, branched and branched circular polypeptides may result from post-translational natural processes and may be made by entirely synthetic methods, as well. “Isolated” means altered “by the hand of man” from its natural state, i.e., if it occurs in nature, it has been changed or removed from its original environment, or both. For example, a polynucleotide or a polypeptide naturally present in a living organism is not “isolated,” but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is “isolated”, as the term is employed herein. Similarly, a “synthetic” sequence, as the term is used herein, means any sequence that has been generated synthetically and not directly isolated from a natural source. “Recombinant” means genetically engineered DNA prepared by transplanting or splicing genes from one species into the cells of a host organism of a different species. Such DNA becomes part of the host's genetic makeup and is replicated. The term “polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide” as used herein encompasses polynucleotides that include the sequence encoding the polypeptide of the invention, particularly an alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase having the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID No. 2. The term also encompasses polynucleotides that include a single continuous region or discontinuous regions encoding the polypeptide (for example, interrupted by integrated phage or an insertion sequence or editing) together with additional regions that also may contain coding and/or non-coding sequences. “Variant(s)” as the term is used herein, is a polynucleotide or polypeptide that differs from a reference polynucleotide or polypeptide, respectively, but retains essential properties. A typical variant of a polynucleotide differs in nucleotide sequence from another, reference polynucleotide. Changes in the nucleotide sequence of the variant may or may not alter the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoded by the reference polynucleotide. Nucleotide changes may result in amino acid substitutions, additions, deletions, fusions and truncations in the polypeptide encoded by the reference sequence, as discussed below. A typical variant of a polypeptide differs in amino acid sequence from another, reference polypeptide. Generally, differences are limited so that the sequences of the reference polypeptide and the variant are closely similar overall and, in many regions, identical. A variant and reference polypeptide may differ in amino acid sequence by one or more substitutions, additions, deletions in any combination. A substituted or inserted amino acid residue may or may not be one encoded by the genetic code. A variant of a polynucleotide or polypeptide may be a naturally occurring such as an allelic variant, or it may be a variant that is not known to occur naturally. Non-naturally occurring variants of polynucleotides and polypeptides may be made by mutagenesis techniques, by direct synthesis, and by other recombinant methods known to the persons skilled in the art. The terms “alpha-1,2-fucosyltranferase” or “fucosyltransferase” or a nucleic acid/polynucleotide encoding an “alpha-1,2-fucosyltranferase” or “fucosyltransferase” refer to a glycosyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of fucose from a donor substrate, for example, GDP-fucose, to an acceptor molecule in an alpha-1,2-linkage. The acceptor molecule can be a carbohydrate, an oligosaccharide, a protein or glycoprotein, or a lipid or glycolipid, and can be, e.g., N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, galactose, fucose, sialic acid, glucose, lactose or any combination thereof. Within the scope of the present invention, also nucleic acid/polynucleotide and polypeptide polymorphic variants, alleles, mutants, and interspecies homologs are comprised by those terms, that have an amino acid sequence that has greater than about 60% amino acid sequence identity, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, preferably 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity, preferably over a region of at least about 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, or more amino acids, to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid from SEQ ID No. 1, or the amino acid sequence from SEQ ID No. 2. Additionally, the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide may be altered by additions or deletions of peptide sequences in order to modify its activity. For example, polypeptide sequences may be fused to the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide in order to effectuate additional enzymatic activity. Alternatively, amino acids may be deleted to remove or modify the activity of the protein. The protein may be modified to lack alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase enzymatic activity but yet retain its structural three-dimensional structure. Such modification would be useful in the development of antibodies against alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide. In addition, alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene products may include proteins or polypeptides that represent functionally equivalent gene products. Such an equivalent alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene product may contain deletions, additions or substitutions of amino acid residues within the amino acid sequence encoded by the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene sequence described above, but which results in a silent change, thus producing a functionally equivalent alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene product. Amino acid substitutions may be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues involved. For example, nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine; planar neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine, and histidine; and negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Within the context of this invention, “functionally equivalent”, as used herein, refers to a polypeptide capable of exhibiting a substantially similar in vivo activity as the endogenous alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene product encoded by the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene sequence described above, as judged by any of a number of criteria, including but not limited to antigenicity, i.e., the ability to bind to an anti-alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase antibody, immunogenicity, i.e., the ability to generate an antibody which is capable of binding an alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase protein or polypeptide, as well as enzymatic activity. Included within the scope of the invention are alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase proteins, polypeptides, and derivatives (including fragments) which are differentially modified during or after translation. Furthermore, non-classical amino acids or chemical amino acid analogs can be introduced as a substitution or addition into the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide sequence. The alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide may be produced by recombinant DNA technology using techniques well known in the art. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct expression vectors containing alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase coding sequences and appropriate transcriptional translational control signals. These methods include, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination. See, for example, the techniques described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989). “Oligosaccharide” as the term is used herein and as generally understood in the state of the art, refers to a saccharide polymer containing a small number, typically three to ten, of simple sugars, i.e. monosaccharides. According to another aspect of the invention, a vector is provided, containing a nucleic acid sequence as given above encoding a polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to control sequences recognized by a host cell transformed with the vector. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vector is an expression vector, and, according to another aspect of the invention, the vector can be present in the form of a plasmid, cosmid, phage, liposome, or virus. Also, the invention relates to host cells, containing a sequence consisting of the polynucleotide according to the invention and as described above, wherein the sequence is a sequence foreign to the host cell and wherein the sequence is integrated in the genome of the host cell. Thereby, “foreign to the host cell” means, that the sequence is not naturally occurring in said host cell, i.e. the sequence is heterologous with respect to the host cell. The heterologous sequence may be stably introduced, e.g. by transfection, transformation, or transduction, into the genome of the host cell, wherein techniques may be applied which will depend on the host cell the sequence is to be introduced. Various techniques are known to a person skilled in the art and are, e.g., disclosed in Sambrook et al., 1989, supra. Thus, the host cell the heterologous sequence has been introduced in, will produce the heterologous protein the polynucleotide according to the invention is coding for. For recombinant production, host cells can be genetically engineered to incorporate expression systems or portions thereof or polynucleotides of the invention. Introduction of a polynucleotide into the host cell can be effected by methods described in many standard laboratory manuals, such as Davis et al., Basic Methods in Molecular Biology, (1986), and Sambrook et al., 1989, supra. Thus, the polynucleotide according to the invention, may, e.g., be comprised in a vector which is to be stably transformed/transfected into host cells. In the vector, the polynucleotide of the invention is under control of an, e.g., inducible promoter, so that the expression of the gene/polynucleotide can be specifically targeted, and, if desired, the gene may be overexpressed in that way. A great variety of expression systems can be used to produce the polypeptides of the invention. Such vectors include, among others, chromosomal, episomal and virus-derived vectors, e.g., vectors derived from bacterial plasmids, from bacteriophage, from transposons, from yeast episomes, from insertion elements, from yeast chromosomal elements, from viruses, and vectors derived from combinations thereof, such as those derived from plasmid and bacteriophage genetic elements, such as cosmids and phagemids. The expression system constructs may contain control regions that regulate as well as engender expression. Generally, any system or vector suitable to maintain, propagate or express polynucleotides and/or to express a polypeptide in a host may be used for expression in this regard. The appropriate DNA sequence may be inserted into the expression system by any of a variety of well-known and routine techniques, such as, for example, those set forth in Sambrook et al., see above. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an isolated polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No.: 2; (b) an amino acid sequence of an allelic variant of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2, wherein said allelic variant is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the opposite strand of a nucleic acid molecule shown in SEQ ID No. 1; (c) an amino acid sequence of an ortholog of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2, wherein said ortholog is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the opposite strand of a nucleic acid molecule shown in SEQ ID No. 1; and (d) a fragment of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 2, wherein said fragment comprises at least 10 contiguous amino acids, and wherein said fragment has an alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity. The term “stringent conditions” refers to conditions under which a probe will hybridize to its target subsequence, but to no other sequences. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 15 C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target sequence hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium. Exemplary stringent hybridization conditions can be as following: 50% formamide, 5×SSC, and 1% SDS, incubating at 42 C, or, 5×SSC, 1% SDS, incubating at 65 C, with wash in 0.2×SSC, and 0.1% SDS at 65 C. Also, the invention refers to a host cell containing a vector as defined above, or containing the polynucleotide according to the invention as a heterologous sequence introduced in the host cell's genome, and in particular a host cell which is selected from the group consisting of fungi including yeast, bacteria, insect, animal and plant cells. It is particularly preferred if the host cell is an Escherichia coli cell. As used herein, the term “host cell” is presently defined as a cell which has been transformed or transfected, or is capable of transformation or transfection by an exogenous polynucleotide sequence. A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized to express the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene coding sequence of the invention. Such host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding sequence of interest may be produced and subsequently purified, but also represent cells which, when transformed or transfected with the appropriate nucleotide coding sequence, exhibit the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene product of the invention in situ. A number of suitable expression systems and hosts can, e.g., be found in WO/0026383 and EP 1 243 647, which deal with an alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase from Helicobacter pylori , the publication of which is explicitly referred to herewith. According to another aspect of the invention, the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity is adapted to the codon usage of the respective cell. The invention further relates to the use of a polynucleotide, the vector, or of the polypeptide according to the invention, respectively, for the production of a fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid. Thereby, according to one aspect of the use, the production of said fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid is performed by means of a heterologous or homologous expression of the polynucleotide encoding the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase. According to another aspect of the use, the fucosylated oligosaccharide is an oligosaccharide known from human milk, such as 2′-fucosyllactose. The invention also relates to a method for producing fucosylated oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids, comprising the steps of: a. providing a polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity according to the invention, b. contacting the polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity of step a. with a mixture comprising a donor substrate comprising a fucose residue, and an acceptor substrate comprising a mono- or oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid under conditions where the polypeptide catalyzes the transfer of a fucose residue from the donor substrate to the acceptor substrate, thereby producing a fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid. According to the invention, the method for producing fucosylated oligosaccharides may be performed in a cell-free system or in a system containing cells. The substrates are allowed to react with the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide for a sufficient time and under sufficient conditions to allow formation of the enzymatic product. It is to be understood, that these conditions will vary depending upon the amounts and purity of the substrate and enzyme, whether the system is a cell-free or cellular based system. These variables will be easily adjusted by those skilled in the art. In cell-free systems, the polypeptide according to the invention, the acceptor substrate(s), donor substrate(s) and, as the case may be, other reaction mixture ingredients, including other glycosyltransferases and accessory enzymes are combined by admixture in an aqueous reaction medium. The enzymes can be utilized free in solution, or they can be bound or immobilized to a support such as a polymer and the substrates may be added to the support. The support may be, e.g., packed in a column. Cell containing systems for the synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides may include recombinantly modified host cells. Thus, the invention also relates to a method for producing fucosylated oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids, comprising the steps of: a. growing, under suitable nutrient conditions permissive for the production of the fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid, and permissive for the expression of a polypeptide with alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity, a host cell as described above; b. providing, simultaneously or subsequently to step a., a donor substrate comprising a fucose residue and an acceptor substrate comprising an oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid, so that the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase expressed in said host cell catalyzes the transfer of a fucose residue from the donor substrate to the acceptor substrate, thereby producing a fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid; and c. isolating said fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid from the host cell or the medium of its growth. In the method according to the invention, the donor substrate may be GDP-fucose. It is particularly preferred if the donor substrate is GDP-fucose. According to one aspect of the invention, the acceptor substrate is selected from N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetyllactosamine, galactose, fucose, sialic acid, glucose, lactose or any combination thereof. In particular, lactose is preferred as acceptor substrate. The term “substrate”, as used herein, means any material or combinations of different materials that may be acted upon by the polypeptide of the invention to give rise to fucosylated oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins or (glyco)lipids. The substrates are allowed to react with the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase polypeptide for a sufficient time and under sufficient conditions to allow formation of the enzymatic product. These conditions will vary depending upon the amounts and purity of the substrate and enzyme, whether the system is a cell-free or cellular based system. These variables will be easily adjusted by those skilled in the art. According to one aspect of the method according to the invention, the donor substrate is provided in step b. by means of having it produced within the host cell. In doing so, an enzyme converting, e.g., fucose, which is to be added to the host cell, to GDP-fucose is simultaneously expressed in the host cell. This enzyme may be, e.g., a bifunctional fucose kinase/fucose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase, like Fkp from Bacteroides fragilis , or the combination of one separate fucose kinase together with one separate fucose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase like they are known from several species including Homo sapiens, Sus scrofa and Rattus norvegicus. Alternatively, in step b., the donor substrate may be added to the culture medium/the host cells or be produced by the cells own metabolism. In yet a further embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising the following steps a) growing, host cells transformed or transfected to comprise a nucleic acid sequence selected from i) SEQ ID No. 1 from the enclosed sequence listing, ii) a nucleic acid sequence complementary to SEQ ID No. 1, and iii) nucleic acid sequences which hybridize under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid sequences defined in i) and ii) or their complementary strands, under suitable nutrient conditions so that the nucleic acid sequence selected from i), ii) and iii) are being expressed as a peptide having alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity; b) providing, simultaneously or subsequently to step a., a donor substrate comprising a fucose residue and an acceptor substrate comprising an oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid, so that the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase expressed in said host cell catalyzes the transfer of a fucose residue from the donor substrate to the acceptor substrate, thereby producing a fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein or (glyco)lipid; and c) isolating said fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid from the host cell or the medium of its growth. In the methods according to the invention, the peptide which is expressed in the host cell, displays alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase activity and, thus, transfers a fucose residue from a donor, e.g. guanosine-diphosphate fucose (GDP-fucose), to an acceptor, which include oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and (glyco)lipids. In that way, the thus fucosylated acceptor substrate may be used as food additive, for the supplementation of baby food, or as either therapeutically or pharmaceutically active compound. With the novel methods, fucosylated products can easily and effectively be provided, without the need for complicated, time and cost consuming synthetic processes. As used herein, the term “isolating” means harvesting, collecting or separating from the gene expression system the product produced by the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase according to the invention. Accordingly, the invention also relates to the fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid obtained by the methods according to the invention, as well as to the use of a polynucleotide, the vector or the polypeptide as described above for the production of fucosylated oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins and/or (glyco)lipids. According to yet another embodiment, the production of said fucosylated oligosaccharide, (glyco)protein and/or (glyco)lipid is performed by means of a heterologous or homologous (over)expression of the polynucleotide encoding the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described above and below are those well known and commonly employed in the art. Standard techniques are used for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis. Generally, enzymatic reactions and purification steps are performed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The invention also covers fragments of the polynucleotide sequences disclosed therein. Further advantages follow from the description of the embodiments and the attached drawings. It goes without saying that the abovementioned features and the features which are still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combinations, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description. In the figures: FIG. 1A shows the DNA and the amino acid sequence of the gene coding for alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase WbgL from E. coli O126; FIG. 1B shows the vector map of pET22bHIS6PropwbgL, i.e. codon optimized gene wbgL from Escherichia coli O126 encoding the new alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase WbgL cloned into pET22b(+) (Novagen, Darmstadt, Germany, via BamHI/XhoI) to which 18 bp coding for an N-terminal His-Tag and 621 bp from the propeptide of Staphylococcus hyicus lipase were added previously via NdeI/BamHI (description see below); FIG. 1C shows the vector map of pACYC-wbgL, i.e. codon optimized gene wbgL from Escherichia coli O126 encoding the new alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase WbgL cloned into pACYCDuet-1 (Novagen via NcoI/BamHI); FIG. 2 shows the chromatogram of WbgL purification by IMAC Ni 2+− NTA Sepharose column (blue: absorption at 280 nm, red: conductivity; fractions containing His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL eluting from the column are called IMAC pool); FIG. 3 shows SDS-PAGE analysis of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL expression in crude extract and insoluble fractions of E. coli JM109(DE3) pET22bHIS6PropwbgL as well as in wash fractions of purification of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL and of purified His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL; FIG. 4 shows detection of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL on an immunoblot using a monoclonal anti-His 6 -antibody conjugated to horse radish peroxidase (HRP) (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) after incubation with DAB substrate (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany); FIG. 5 shows the continuous photometric assay of purified His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL with 0.4 mM GDP-β- L -fucose and 5 mM lactose in which activity can be detected by decrease of absorption at 340 nm caused by oxidation of NADH; FIG. 6 shows detection of 2′-fucosyllactose production from WbgL reaction by HPAEC-PAD at start of reaction where no 2′ fucosyllactose is present (A); and 2′-fucosyllactose produced after 1 hour of WbgL reaction with 2 mM GDP-beta-L-fucose and 5 mM lactose (B); FIG. 7 shows the analysis of reaction mixture started with 2 mM GDP-fucose and 5 mM lactose and WbgL by capillary electrophoresis at the beginning of the reaction where only GDP-β- L -fucose can be detected (A); and after 16 hours of reaction where only guanosine as degradation product of GDP released by WbgL activity can be detected (B); FIG. 8 shows relative activity of WbgL at different pH values (pH 6.8 to 8.4) in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer; FIG. 9 shows the increase of 2′-fucosyllactose concentration as measured in a WbgL reaction started with 2 mM GDP-beta-L-fucose and 5 mM lactose at different time points during 16 hours of reaction process; FIG. 10 shows HPLC chromatogram; separation by Phenomenex Rezex RCM Ca2+ column with water as eluent (0.6 ml/min for 30 minutes at 80° C.) and detection by refractive index detector (Shimadzu, Germany) (A); and the HPLC chromatogram; separation by Reprosil Carbohydrate column, 5 μm, 250×4.6 mm, with acetonitrile/water (68:32) as eluent (1.4 ml/min for 20 minutes at 35° C.; detection by refractive index detector (Shimadzu, Germany)) (B); FIG. 11 shows the NMR spectrum of 2′-fucosyllactose produced by WbgL. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Example Cloning of the Gene For cytoplasmatic expression of the putative alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase WbgL the expression vector pET22b(+) (Novagen, Darmstadt, Germany) was modified. Therefore, the pelB leader sequence leading to periplasmatic expression in E. coli was cut off using the restriction enzymes NdeI and BamHI. The propeptide gene sequence (SEQ ID No. 3) of the lipase of S. hyicus (Sauerzapfe, B., D. J. Namdjou, et al. (2008): “Characterization of recombinant fusion constructs of human beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 and the lipase pre-propeptide from Staphylococcus hyicus.” Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic 50(2-4): 128-140) was amplified from the plasmid pLGalTΔ38 using the primers 5′-CATATGCACCACCACCACCACCACAATGATTCGACAACACAAACAACGAC-3′ (SEQ ID No. 5) and 3′-GGATCCGTATGGTTTTTTGTCGCTCGCTTG-5′ (SEQ ID No. 6), and fused to the modified pET22b vector resulting in vector pET22bHIS6Prop. The resulting vector was digested by BamHI and XhoI. The gene coding for putative alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase WbgL from E. coli O126 was synthesized by Geneart (Regensburg, Germany) including the restriction sites BamHI and XhoI. Ligation into the vector pET22bHIS6Prop gave the expression vector pETHIS6PropwbgL (see FIG. 1A ), which produces His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL (513 amino acids) in the cytoplasm of E. coli after induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). Alternatively, gene wbgL was cloned via NcoI/BamHI into vector pACYCDuet-1 (Novagen, Darmstadt, Germany) after amplification using primers 5′-GATCACCATGGGCAGCATTATTCGTCTGCAGGGTGGTC-3′ (SEQ ID No. 7) and 5′-GATCAGGATCCTTAGCAGCTGCTATGTTTATCAACGTTGATCC-3′ (SEQ ID No. 8), to yield vector pACYC-wbgL (see FIG. 1B ). For propagation of plasmids E. coli Nova Blue (Novagen, Darmstadt, Germany) or E. coli TOP10 (Invitrogen, Darmstadt, Germany) and for expression of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL E. coli JM109(DE3) (Promega®, Madison, USA) were used. Cultivation and Expression of Fucosyltransferases Transformants were grown in 100 ml Erlenmeyer flasks containing 20 ml LB medium with 100 μg/mL ampicillin and incubated overnight at 37° C. and 130 rpm. For protein production cells were grown in 5 L Erlenmeyer flasks with 1000 mL TB-medium at 37° C. and 80 rpm. The induction of the lacZ promoter was carried out by adding IPTG to a final concentration of 0.1 mM to the cultures (OD 600 =0.6-0.8). Incubation was continued for 20 h at 25° C. and the cells were finally harvested by centrifugation. Enzyme Purification A 40% (w/w) cell suspension of the E. coli cells in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.6 was disrupted by sonication (4×15 s). After centrifugation (15000 rpm, 30 min) the pellets were preserved for the analysis of the production of inclusion bodies by SDS-PAGE. The crude extract (15 mL) was loaded on an IMAC column (0.8 cm 2 ×10 cm, 1.5 mL/min) using Ni 2+− NTA sepharose (Qiagen®, Hilden, Germany), which was previously equilibrated with 100 mL 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6 (buffer A). After a washing step with buffer B containing 0.3 M NaCl and 20 mM imidazole proteins were eluted by a concentration of 300 mM imidazole in buffer C (50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6, 0.3 M NaCl and 300 mM imidazole). All fractions were analysed for protein concentration and assayed for enzyme activity. All fractions containing active soluble WbgL from elution with buffer C were pooled and the resulting solution was called IMAC pool (see FIG. 2 ). SDS-PAGE and Detection Via Western Blot Expression of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL was monitored by SDS-PAGE and Western-blot. Therefore SDS-PAGE analysis was performed with 10% acrylamide gels casted according to the gel casting instructions of Invitrogen® (Invitrogen®, Paisley, UK). Protein samples (40 μg) were loaded onto each slot of the gel. Prestained Protein Ladder PageRuler™ (Fermentas®, Vilnius, Lithuania) was used for the determination of the molecular mass. The protein gels were stained with Coomassie Blue (see FIG. 3 ). An immunoblot was performed using a specific anti-His 6 -antibody in order to detect His 6 PropWbgL. Therefore samples of cell debris of E. coli JM109(DE3), crude extract and IMAC fractions of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL were separated on SDS-PAGE gels and transferred onto PVDF membranes by the NuPAGE Western transfer protocol (BioRad, München, Germany). Membranes were blocked with 3% BSA in TBS buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl, pH 7.2). A monoclonal anti-His 6 -antibody conjugated to horse radish peroxidase (HRP) (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) was used for specific binding. After a washing step with TBS buffer containing 0.1% Tween 20 the blots were incubated with DAB substrate (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and the HRP reaction was stopped by removal of the solution and addition of distilled water (see FIG. 4 ). Activity Assays Enzyme activities of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL in the crude extract and IMAC fractions were determined by a photometric assay and HPAEC-PAD analysis of 2′ fucosyllactose. The photometric assay was performed using the pyruvate kinase/lactate dehydrogenase system for the detection of released GDP (Barratt, D. H., L. Barber, et al. (2001). “Multiple, distinct isoforms of sucrose synthase in pea.” Plant Physiology 127(2): 655-664.). The reaction mixture for the microtiter plate assay contained 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6, 2 mM GDP-beta-L-fucose, 5 mM Lactose, 1 mM phosphoenolpyruvate, 1 mM DTT, 0.25 mM NADH, 2 mM MnCl 2 , 5 U pyruvate kinase, and 5 U lactate dehydrogenase in a total volume of 250 μl. The reaction was started by addition of 100 μl enzyme solution and followed at 340 nm at 30° C. Control experiments for the detection of side activities were done without acceptor substrate lactose (see FIG. 5 ). Enzyme activity was also determined by HPAEC-PAD analysis for detection of 2′-fucosyllactose. The assay solution contained 2 mM GDP-β- L -fucose, 5 mM lactose, 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6 with 2 mM MnCl 2 , 1 mM DTT, 1 U alkaline phosphatase in a total volume of 175 μl and was incubated at 30° C. after the addition of 175 μl crude extract and purified enzyme solution. The reaction was stopped by heating for 5 min at 95° C. at different time points where the conversion rate was linear. The centrifuged samples were analysed by Dionex HPAEC-PAD (Dionex Corporation, Sunnyvale, Calif., USA) on CarboPac PA1 column using Chromeleon™ 6.40 Software. The elution was carried out with 50 mM NaOH at 30° C. (flow rate 1 mL/min, 50 μL injection volume). The concentration of the generated trisaccharide 2′-fucosyllactose was determined by a standard calibration curve with commercially available 2′-fucosyllactose and used for subsequent calculation of enzyme activity (see FIG. 6 ). For both, HPAEC-PAD and photometric assays, 1 U of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL is the amount of enzyme which produces 1 μmol product (GDP or 2′-fucosyllactose) per minute under standard assay conditions. GDP-beta-L-fucose and its consumption was analysed by capillary electrophoresis on a P/ACE MDQ apparatus from Beckman Coulter (Krefeld, Germany), equipped with a UV detector. The samples for the determination of the activated donor substrate GDP-beta-L-fucose were stopped by heating (95° C.) for 5 min and centrifuged for 10 min at 15000 rpm (Rotina 35R, Hettich, Tuttlingen, Germany). The detection was accomplished on an untreated fused-silica capillary (I.D. 75 mm, 57 cm total capillary length, 50 cm to the detector) with 50 mM Na 2 B 4 O 7 ×10 H 2 O/64 mM boric acid buffer, pH 8.9. Conditions for migration and detection were 25 kV (23 mA) at 25.8° C. and UV detection at 254 nm, respectively. Samples were injected by pressure (5.0 sec at 0.5 psi in the forward direction) (see FIG. 7 ). The identities of GDP-beta-L-fucose and the generated guanosine were confirmed with commercially available substrates. pH Optimum and Metal Ion Dependency To study the optimal pH value for the activity of recombinant His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL, assays were performed at different pH values of a 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer ranging from pH 6.8 to 8.4. Optimal pH value was 7.6 (see. FIG. 8 ). Addition of metal ions Mn 2+ to standard assays allowed to investigate the metal ion dependency. All samples were analyzed HAPAEC-PAD as described above. It was shown, that the enzyme was not dependent on Mn 2+ ions. Kinetic Analysis The kinetic constants of His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL for the acceptor substrate lactose and the donor substrate GDP-beta-L-fucose were derived from initial rate analysis at a variable substrate concentrations using the photometric assay described above. GDP-beta-L-fucose was varied from 0.02 mM to 4 mM at a constant concentration of 10 mM lactose and lactose was altered from 0.05 to 40 mM at a constant concentration of 2 mM GDP-beta-L-fucose. All data were determined by non linear-regression analysis according to the Michaelis-Menten equation using the Sigma Plot 10 software (SPSS Science Software GmbH, Erkrath, Germany). TABLE 1 Kinetic constants of recombinant alpha-1,2- fucosyltransferase His6-Propeptide-WbgL Km value Vmax Vmax/Km Substrate [mM] [mU/mg] [mU*mg −1 *mM −1 ] R 2 Lactose 5.3 170 32 0.9935 GDP-Fucose 0.27 167 618 0.9907 Acceptor Substrate Spectrum Studies The substrate spectrum of recombinant His 6 -Propeptide-WbgL was analysed by HPAEC-PAD according to activity assay described above. Instead of 5 mM lactose different acceptor substrates were tested to determine the relative activity compared to lactose. TABLE 2 Acceptor spectrum of alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase His6-Propeptide-WbgL Substrate Relative activity [%] Lactose 100 Lactulose 124 LacNAc Typ I 28 LacNAc Typ II 95 D-Galactose 71 3-Fucosyllactose 0 β-Benzyl-Lactose 50 D-GalNAc 0 D-GalNH 2 0 LacDiNAc 0 Production of Fucosylated Compounds Cells E. coli BL21(DE3) ΔlacZ pDEST14-fkp pCOLA-lacY-fucP were transformed with pACYCDuet-1 carrying the appropriate fucosyltransferase gene. Colonies were grown on 2YT plates with the appropriate antibiotics. 5 ml over night cultures (2YT with antibiotics) were grown of each strain and from this cultures 15 ml mineral medium each were inoculated to 1%. Cells were grown using glycerol as carbon source and at OD600=0.5 were induced with 0.1 mM IPTG and 40 mM lactose and 30 mM fucose were added. Cultures were incubated at 30° C. and 120 rpm. Production of 2′-fucosyllactose was monitored HPLC analysis. The comparison of the amount of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) produced by expression of FucT2 from Helicobacter pylori compared to the expression of WbgL from Escherichia coli O126 is shown in the following table 1: TABLE 3 Comparison of the amount of 2′-fucosyllactose yield using alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferases FucT2 from Helicobacter pylori and WbgL from Escherichia coli O126 Fucosyltransferase Yield 2′-FL [mM] without (negative control) 0.00 FucT2 ( Helicobacter pylori ) 2.01 WbgL ( Escherichia coli O126) 4.05 As can be seen from table 1, the amount of the fucosylated product 2′-fucosyllactose was significantly higher when using the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase according to the invention, i.e. WbgL from Escherichia coli O126, compared to the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase FucT2 from Helicobacter pylori , which is state of the art. Purification of the Fucosylation Product 2′-fucosyllactose produced as described above was purified in several steps. First step was the purification by adsorption on activated charcoal. Culture supernatant from the production step was applied to a bed of activated charcoal. Flow-through was collected and analyzed, but no remaining 2′-fucosyllactose was detected. For removal of unspecifically bound medium compounds such as e.g. salts and amino acids the bed was washed with distilled water (no 2′-FL in flow-through). 2′-FL and remaining lactose and fucose were then eluted with 96% ethanol. Ethanol was subsequently evaporated in a rotary evaporator and the residue filtrated via 10 kDa crossflow module (Microdyn Nadir, Germany). Remaining salts were removed by electrodialysation and thereafter endotoxins were removed by filtration using a cross-flow module (Pall, Germany). 2′-FL was then separated from lactose and fucose in gram scale using gel permeation chromatography material Biogel P-2 (BioRad, Germany) packed into a 520 mm×428 mm glass column with frit. Purification of 2′-FL was monitored by thin layer chromatography. Fractions containing only 2′-fucosyllactose were pooled and freeze-dried. Confirmation of the Identity of the Product Purified 2′-fucosyllactose produced using the fucosyltransferase presented in this invention was analyzed by 1 H-NMR (see FIG. 11 ). The resulting spectrum was consistent with the spectrum received for 2′-FL standard (Dextra, Reading, UK). In addition to that, different HPLC methods were applied to verify the identity of the resulting 2′-FL. HPAEC-PAD was applied as described above. Other methods were the separation using Phenomenex Rezex RCM Ca2+ column with water as eluent (0.6 ml/min for 30 minutes at 80° C.; detection by refractive index detector (Shimadzu, Germany)) (see FIG. 10A ) and separation using Reprosil Carbohydrate, 5 μm, 250×4.6 mm, with acetonitrile/water (68:32) as eluent (1.4 ml/min for 20 minutes at 35° C.; detection by refractive index detector (Shimadzu, Germany)) (see FIG. 10B ).

The present invention relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences from Escherichia coli serogroup O126, coding for/representing a novel alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase. The invention also provides uses and methods for using the alpha-1,2-fucosyltransferase to generate fucosylated products, such as oligosaccharides, (glyco)proteins, or (glyco)lipids, in particular oligosaccharides found in human milk, such as 2′-fucosyllactose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Smooth floor coverings have ancient origins. In the Bronze Age (1600-1000 BC) water-worn pebbles were laid as floorings in Crete and also on the Greek mainland. The Greeks, refining this technique between the sixth and the fourth centuries BC, installed decorative pebble mosaics. Such mosaics were also made from marble, serpentine alabaster, some forms of granite, and other stones suitably polished. Timber flooring, originally used in rough form for a strictly functional purpose, was eventually made into smooth boards, and was later used decoratively in the parquetry designs. In recent times, the use of finished wood floors has declined in favor of linoleum, asbestos tile, vinyl tile floor tile and carpeting, due to the ease of maintaining all of these materials and due to the soft warm feeling underfoot of the last-named. The warm and luxurious appearance of finished wood flooring has been recognized and is still recognized among those who appreciate quality construction and fine building materials. There have been attempts to make floor coverings of synthetic materials such as plastic which resemble wood but these have generally been inadequate for one or more reasons. For example, some wear poorly due to the inability of the material selected to withstand the punishment inflicted by normal walking traffic and any of a variety of activities normally carried on on the floor of the home or commercial building. Others merely resemble wood, appearing even to the casual observer as being a wood simulation. Attempts have been made to make smooth-surfaced flooring materials more resilient underfoot to give a more luxurious, comfortable feel but these attempts have been inadequate due to the deficiencies in physical properties of the materials selected. For example, many rubbery materials contain fillers which interact with materials present in the atmosphere such as moisture, causing undesirable buckling and distortion. This situation would create a tripping hazard which would be intolerable if such an item were used to cover floors, especially where water is commonly present, for example, on walkways near the entrances of buildings. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention provides a unique, aesthetically attractive functional resilient wood replication which can be employed as a floor covering material and which avoids problems described above. The replication of the invention is provided by a resilient, elastomeric polyurethane base having a molded textured wood-grain surface which is coated with wood stain to resemble wood and overcoated with a clear, tough, abrasion-resistant, flexible, water-resistant polyurethane protective coating. The preferred configuration of the resilient wood replication of the invention is a floor tile having two mating ends and two parallel sides and a surface configuration having a wood-grain appearance of a plurality of parqueted natural wood pieces. One mating end of the tile has a male end portion and the opposite end is a complimentary female end portion such that a multiplicity of the tiles can be applied to a floor with the tiles mated together to provide an integral parquet floor design with the actual lines between separate tiles being virtually indistinguishable to the casual observer. The resilient wood replication of the invention has a unique feel when walked upon which may be likened to walking on a layer of soft resilient rubber, providing an extremely comfortable surface underfoot. Additionally, the unique product of the invention has the warm and luxurious look of wood, it being virtually indistinguishable from real wood, yet much easier to apply and maintain. Moreover, the product of the invention is not subject to problems normally present with wood, such as being sensitive to water which causes wood to expand, contract, crack and discolor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Understanding of the invention will be facilitated by referring to the accompanying drawing wherein: FIG. 1 is a plane view of one embodiment of the resilient wood replication of the invention in the form of a floor tile; and FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the article of FIG. 1 taken at line 2--2. PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As depicted in FIG. 2, the resilient wood replication of the invention is formed of a thick resilient elastomeric polyurethane base 20 having a molded textured wood-grain surface 21 which is coated with wood stain 22 and overcoated with a clear, tough, abrasion-resistant, flexible polyurethane protective coating 23. A preferred embodiment of the resilient wood replication of the invention is a floor tile, most preferably in the shape shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the preferred floor tile has parallel sides 10 and 11 and mating ends. The preferred mating end has male portion 12 which resembles an arrowhead with a complementary female portion 13. This configuration is arrived at by forming the tile which is an integral structure appearing as having a set of pieces arranged with two crossed diagonal pickets, triangular pieces between two opposed spaces formed by the cross configuration of the pickets, and a square piece 18 in another space of the cross, with the remaining space being capable of accommodating that triangular part of square piece 18 which protrudes beyond the generally square shape of the main body of the tile. Each picket is pointed on its ends to provide 90° angles which form the corners of the tile where these pieces terminate. One picket appears to be bisected by and have its midportion interrupted by the other picket. Each of the pickets may be divided along on its longitudinal axis as shown in FIG. 1 to give the design more interesting lines, providing picket parts 14 and 15 along one diagonal and picket parts 16 and 17 along the other diagonal. Square shaped piece 18 lies with one side adjacent piece 14 and an adjacent side abutting piece 17 to complete the male end of the tile, exposing edges 19 and 30 to provide end 12. Each of the triangles which fit within the opposed spaces of the triangular spaces within the crossed picket configuration may also be divided, to provide more design detail, by a line perpendicular to their hypotenuse providing equal smaller triangles 31 and 32 and 33 and 34, respectively. The pieces preferably do not fit immediately adjacent to one another but are separated by a small depression 35 which may be stained the darker color than the remaining surface of the tile. Preferably the wood-grain pattern in the pieces runs in the longitudinal direction where the pieces are elongate (e.g., pieces 14, 15, 16 and 17), with the grain of the remaining pieces preferably running as shown in FIG. 1. Such an arrangement of the wood grain in parquet tile is well known in the art of wood parquet flooring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The polyurethane material forming the elastomeric base of the wood replication of the invention is initially liquid and capable of being cured to a product which is flexible, durable and tough, fairly resilient, and water-resistant. (By water-resistant is meant the material should not undergo any appreciable dimensional changes upon immersion in water.) This material should also, in the liquid state, have the ability of filling fine depressions in a mold, and be capable of nearly perfectly reproducing a counterpart of the mold's surface on its surface upon curing. Suitable cured polyurethane elastomer compositions for use in the article of the invention will have an elongation of at least 50%, preferably from 90% to 150% and a tensile strength of at least about 100 psi, preferably from 120 to 700 as measured by ASTM D-412. To provide the proper feel underfoot, the polyurethane elastomer should preferably have a hardness value within the range of about 20 to 90 Shore A durometer. The polyurethane elastomer composition should also be resistant to permanent deformation at temperatures in the range of about -30° C. to +70° C. to retain its desired shape. Compressive strength as measured by ASTM D-575 Method A should preferably range from 150-4000 psi at 50% deflection. Tear strength as measured by ASTM test D-624 preferably exceeds 20 lbs. per inch thickness. The elastomeric layer has a minimum thickness of 30 mils to provide the necessary resilience and supporting surface for use as a floor tile. Typical thicknesses for this base layer will be on the order of 100 to 250 mils for floor covering applications. Other shaped articles as hereinafter described may have a thicker elastomeric base layer. A preferred polyurethane elastomer material for this purpose may be formed by a pourable reaction mixture of poly(oxypropylene) polyol and an organic polyisocyanate with a suitable crosslinking catalyst. Pourable reaction mixtures of poly(oxyalkylene) polyol and organic polyisocyanate which harden from a liquid state to a solid elastomeric state under ambient temperatures and pressures may be readily formed by mixing approximately equivalent quantities, i.e., 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1, of organic, and preferably aromatic, polyisocyanate, and polymeric poly(oxyalkylene) polyol, and preferably 1,2-propylene oxide derived polyols. The reaction mixtures are preferably reacted in the presence of a suitable polyol-soluble metal catalyst for the reactants so that the reaction proceeds at ambient temperatures with great rapidity, e.g., one hour or less from a liquid to a substantially completely reacted solid state. A number of soluble metal compounds have been found to catalyze such reaction mixtures under ambient conditions as for example, organo-tin compounds, lead salts of carboxylic acids, mercuric compounds, a combination of a calcium or lead salt of a carboxylic acid, such as calcium or lead octoate, an ionizable monoorgano-mercuric compound, such as phenyl mercuric acetate, and lead oxide. The total amount of the catalyst should not be less than about 0.1% of the reaction mixture, and, to hasten the setting-up of hardening time desired, may be adjusted upwardly to about 3%; or to such higher percentage as desired before the accelerating effect is lost or undesirable side effects become apparent. For the elastomer to form as a tough, wear and abrasion resistant rubbery product, some trifunctionality may be desired to facilitate cross-linking of the reactants as well as chain extension thereof. This is readily accomplished by including some triisocyanate or triol or both in the reaction mixture. Thus, for example, when the reaction mixture is comprised essentially of an aromatic diisocyanate and polypropylene glycol a certain amount of trifunctionality can be built in very readily by pre-reacting from 5% to 15% of a triol such as trimethylol propane with the aromatic diisocyanate to form some triisocyanate or by including as part of the monomer charge for making the starting polymeric polyol from about 5% to 15% of a triol such as trimethylol propane, glycerine or the like. The resulting hardened product is a result of the one stage continuous reaction of this reaction mixture. The elastomeric composition may contain up to about 75% by weight of a finely divided inert inorganic filler to reduce cost. The fillers should be selected to be inert in an elastomeric composition in the environment selected for use for the ultimate article. For example, a resilient wood replication containing a moisture-sensitive filler would be unacceptable because, in some instances, such moisture susceptibility may cause the article to swell or increase in size, causing it to buckle where it is in a confined location such as an inlaid floor covering. The fillers are finely divided, i.e., are in the form of powders or powder-like substances with the particles in very fine size ranges, smaller than about 100 microns and generally less than about 10 microns. Preferred fillers include silica, dried calcium carbonate and the like. The molded wood-grain surface of the base layer is provided by casting the liquid polyurethane precursor in a suitable mold which has a negative pattern corresponding the wood-grain desired. For this purpose, flexible molds made of RTV silicone rubber have been found to be especially suitable. Such molds may be prepared by pouring liquid silicone polymer into a suitable vessel containing a wood original, curing the polymer, and removing the wood. The stain employed to provide the color or pigmentation to the textured surface of the elastomeric base of the article of the invention may be either the penetrating type or the wiping type. Such stains are water- or solvent-soluble dyes, or chemically reactive agents which normally color wood. These materials have been found to also color the polyurethane compositions forming the elastomeric base layer of the article of the invention. Such stains typically are formed of synthetic or naturally occurring chemical compounds in a liquid vehicle which may also contain a small amount of binder. Dyeing type stains are not preferred because they stain polyurethane elastomer poorly, staining its surface a monotone rather than providing the contrasting tones that one would expect from wood. The penetrating type stain typically contains a liquid vehicle organic or aqueous solvent, pigment and a polymeric material such as nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose or an acrylate binder. Such penetrating stains are painted on the surface and permitted to dry by evaporation of the vehicle and require no curing of the polymeric binder. Wiping stains on the other hand contain a drying oil base and pigment in a liquid vehicle. Typically, the drying oil base is linseed oil or an alkyd oil. As the name applies, the wiping type stain usually does not penetrate, but it is applied and remains on the surface much in the same manner as paint. Upon exposure, the liquid vehicle of the wiping stain evaporates, if one is used, and the drying oil polymerizes to form a non-tacky pigmented polymeric layer on the surface of the article being stained. Such stains typically will produce stained articles according to the invention in colors such as walnut, cherry, mahogany, pecan and the like. Virtually any desired color may be produced by the selection of the appropriately pigmented stain. Unlike when staining wood, the product of the invention stains quite uniformly because there are no areas on the surface of the elastomeric base which are more porous than other areas, as is typically found in wood. Some stain formulations which have been found to be especially suitable include that sold under the trade identification "Natural Walnut 46-506" by the Elliot Paint and Varnish Company of Chicago, Illinois, "American Walnut Stain" by the Colony Paints Division of Conchem Company, Inc., "Spiced Walnut, Blondit Wood Finish" by James B. Day and Company and "American Walnut 640.00, Penchrome" by the O'Brien Corporation. The polyurethane protective coating covering the wood-grain textured surface of the article of the invention is formed of a polymeric material which has good adhesion to the stained surface of the polymeric elastomer even under high stress, multiple flexing use, is highly abrasion resistant, flexible, transparent, water resistant and tough. For this purpose, the polyurethane forming this coating should have an elongation of from about 200 to 600% and a tensile strength of at least about 1500 psi. The thickness of the polyurethane protective coating should be no less than 1 mil to provide the proper protection for the surface of the elastomeric base. Typical thickness for this layer will vary within the range from about 2 mils to about 20 mils. The protective coating may be applied in a thickness sufficient to obviate any surface roughness on the texture surface of the elastomer base. This may be desired where a completely smooth floor covering is desired, for ease of cleaning. An especially useful polyurethane protective coating may be formed of a prepolymer prepared by reacting poly(oxypropylene) glycol, poly(oxypropylene) triol and polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate and reacting this prepolymer in the presence of moisture with an amine-terminated polyether hydrofuran. Other useful polyurethane protective coating formulations include the following commercially available materials: (1) elastomeric polyurethane lacquer available from the Spencer Kellogg Company under the trade designation "DV 1666";(2) polyurethane elastomer adhesive composition available from the Spencer Kellogg Company under the trade designation "XP 2519"; and (3) polyurethane elastomeric lacquer composition sold under the trade designation "Permuthane" by the Beatrice Chemical Company. Some commercially available polyurethane compositions which have been found to be unacceptable include the following: (1) polyurethane composition sold by Spencer Kellogg Company under the trade designation "M 21"; and (2) polyurethane composition sold by the Spencer Kellogg Company under the trade designation "M 22". The latter two compositions wrinkled the surface of the resilient wood replication article when it was subjected to stress. While the general tenor of the foregoing has been to indicate utility of the resilient wood replication of the invention as being useful as a floor tile, the article of the invention, appropriately shaped, is useful for any of a wide variety of purposes. For example, the article of the invention may be shaped in the form of casings for windows or doors, baseboard molding, floor planking, wall covering, chair rails, decorative parts, picture frames, and the like. Modifications may be made in any of the articles mentioned above without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the floor tile may be coated with pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive on its bottom side for ease of mounting and designs other than those described for the floor tile may be also employed. The floor tile may also be fitted with a foam backing to give it even more resilience or it may be made using a foamed polyurethane elastomer as a base. The invention is further illustrated by reference to the following examples, in which all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise noted. EXAMPLE 1 A wood original was prepared by cutting pieces of 3/4 inch thick oak in shapes substantially the same as those comprising the tile shown in FIG. 1 and permanently adhering them to a plywood backing in the arrangement shown in FIG. 1. The surface of the oak was brushed with a rotary wire brush to enhance the wood grain. Wooden strips 9/16 inch thick and 1/2 inch wide were then fastened to the plywood backing to form a continuous ridge adjacent the peripheral edge of the wood original, and additional wooden strips 1 inch thick and 1/2 inch wide were fastened to the plywood adjacent the aforementioned ridge to form the outer edges of a mold cavity to retain curable liquid silicone material which would be cured to form the flexible mold. The mold was then prepared by pouring sufficient room temperature vulcanizable (RTV) silicone resin sold under the trade designation "Silastic" J RTV to fill the cavity and completely cover the wood original, permitting the silicone liquid resin to cure for approximately 24 hours at room temperature and then separating the silicone rubber mold from the wood original. Several molds were prepared in this manner and attached end to end on an endless belt. The liquid polyurethane precursor material which on curing would form the polyurethane elastomer base was prepared of the following ingredients: ______________________________________Part AIngredients Parts______________________________________Polypropylene glycol having a molecularweight of 2000 31.8SiO.sub.2 filler having a particle size onthe average of 2.8 microns 67.3Phenyl mercuric acetate catalyst 0.15Butylated hydroxy toluene (sold underthe trade designation "Ionol") 0.10TiO.sub.2 pigment 0.65______________________________________ ______________________________________Part BIngredients (per 100 parts Part A)Polyphenylene polyisocyanate having anequivalent weight of 135 (sold underthe trade designation "Mondur" MRS) 5.3______________________________________ The Part A ingredients were blended in a paddle mixer for approximately one hour to form a homogenous mixture which was degassed to remove entrapped air and moisture and then pumped into a mixing head where the Part B ingredient was added with additional mixing. The resultant mixture was then pumped into an extruding head fitted with a die having a 20 inch wide rectangular extrusion orifice capable of filling the molds to a thickness of about 185 mils. The filled molds were then passed through a forced air oven heated at about 120° C. for a dwell time of about 10-20 minutes to cure the polyurethane elastomer. The cured elastomer had a Shore A hardness of 81, a tensile strength of 373 psi, a 132% elongation at break, and a tear strength of 66 lbs. per inch thickness. The cured elastomer shape was removed from the mold, and then conveyed wood-grain-textured-surface down into a dip coater station where a soya alkyd resin based walnut stain was applied, the excess stain wiped from the stained surface and the resultant stain coating dried at about 120° C. for 5 to 10 minutes. The dried stained textured surface was then passed through a curtain coating station to provide a dry coating weight of from 4 to 8 mils of a polyurethane protective coating. The curtain coater was that manufactured by the Gasway Division of the Wolverine Pentromix Inc. of Chicago, Illinois. The polyurethane protective coating formulation consisted of the following ingredients: Polyurethane Protective Coating Formulation ______________________________________Part AIngredient Parts______________________________________Solvent - a narrow range of mid- to highboiling hydrocarbons having 94% aromaticand 4% aliphatic constituents with a100° C. flash point 49.Polytetramethylene ether diol having amolecular weight of 1000 17.Poly(oxypropylene) triol having amolecular weight of 450 1.5Glycol mono-acetate (approx.) 7.Polyvinyl chloride powder flattening agent(sold under the trade designation"Marvinol" 53) 2.3Sodium silicate (sold under the tradedesignation "Syloid" 244)4.8Bentonite Clay thickening agent (soldunder the trade designation "Bentone" 34) 0.8Dibutyl tin dilaurate 0.031,1,1 Trichloroethane 6.7 ______________________________________Part BAmine-terminated polyether hydrofuransolution 21.3% solids in toluene(sold under the trade designation"EPX" polymer solution) 54.Solvent - described in Part A 43.Triethylene diamine 1.3Dibutyl tin dilaurate 1.3______________________________________ The dried polyurethane protective coating had an elongation of 300-350% and a tensile strength of 4600 psi. Wear resistance evaluation of this cured polyurethane composition, determined by use of a "Taber" abrader device Model 503-1 according to ASTM D1242, resulted in a weight loss of range 6-13.0 mg after 5000 cycles with a load of 1 kg, this being a superior result as compared to other commercially available floor covering materials. The backside of the resultant coated composite was ground to a uniform flat surface and thickness of 150 mils to produce a finished floor tile. Examples 2-7 show other useful polyurethane elastomer base formulations. EXAMPLE 2 ______________________________________Part AIngredient Parts______________________________________Poly(oxypropylene) glycol having amolecular weight of 2000 30SiO.sub.2 (2.8 micron average particle size) 65Phenyl mercuric acetate catalyst 0.14Butylated hydroxy toluene (sold underthe trade designation "Ionol") 0.095______________________________________ ______________________________________Part BIngredient Parts______________________________________Polyphenylene polyisocyanate having anequivalent weight of 135 (sold underthe trade designation "Mondur" MRS) 4.8______________________________________ EXAMPLE 3 Same as Example 2 but substituting the SiO 2 with an equal weight of calcium carbonate having a particle size less than 75 microns and a mean particle size of 12 microns. EXAMPLE 4 ______________________________________Part AIngredient Parts______________________________________Poly(oxypropylene) glycol having amolecular weight of 2000 51SiO.sub.2 (2.8 micron average particle size) 40Phenyl mercuric acetate 0.14______________________________________ ______________________________________Part BIngredient Parts______________________________________Polyphenylene polyisocyanate having anequivalent weight of 135 "Mondur"Mondur[ MRS) 8.7______________________________________ EXAMPLE 5 Same as Example No. 4 but substituting the SiO 2 with an equal weight of calcium carbonate described in Example 3. EXAMPLE 6 ______________________________________Part AIngredient Parts______________________________________Poly(oxypropylene glycol having amolecular weight of 2000 16.3Poly(oxypropylene triol having amolecular weight of 1500 13.2Butylated hydroxy toluene 0.2Phenyl mercuric acetate 0.17SiO.sub.2 (2.8 micron average particle size) 62.86______________________________________ ______________________________________Part BIngredient Parts______________________________________Toluene diisocyanate 7.23______________________________________ EXAMPLE 7 Same as Example No. 6 but substituting the SiO 2 with an equal weight of CaCO 2 described in Example 3.

Resilient wood replication especially suited for use as floor covering is provided by a thick resilient elastomeric polyurethane base having a wood-stained molded textured wood-grain surface which is overcoated with a clear, tough, abrasion-resistant, flexible, water-resistant polyurethane protective coating. A preferred configuration of the resilient wood replication is a floor tile having opposed mating ends and two parallel sides and a surface configuration having a grain appearance of a plurality of parqueted natural wood pieces. A multiplicity of the tiles can be applied to the floor with complimentary ends fitted together to provide a continuous mass of tile having the actual lines between separate tiles virtually indistinguishable to the casual observer.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY The present application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/719,705, filed Dec. 19, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND 1. Field This invention relates to cryptographic systems. 2. Description of Related Art Encrypting documents to be exchanged often requires the difficult task of keeping track of and managing encryption software and sets of encryption and decryption keys. Typically a user must first obtain a set of keys as well as complex encryption software and then know which keys to use in encrypting and decrypting information. Often a user may spend a large amount of time managing encrypting and decrypting information. A user may forget which keys to use or how to use the encryption/decryption software if the user has not used the application recently. A user may likewise lose or forget where the necessary keys are stored. Further, the encrypted information and/or keys may be transferred on various unsecured media between processing devices or systems that may allow for interception of keys and encrypted information. This interception of the keys and/or encrypted information may lead to the unauthorized decryption of encrypted information. For public systems, authentication and certification of publicly available keys requires additional effort to prevent passive theft of data and tampering with data during transmission and storage. Also, it may be difficult to remove authorization or permissions for particular users to decrypt encrypted information. If encrypted information is being transferred to multiple users at various processing devices and then one user should no longer be permitted access to the information, new encryption/decryption software and/or keys may have to be sent to all the other users in order to make sure that the disallowed user is not likely to obtain the information. This is typically only possible with public, two-way systems. Most document encryption sharing systems (that are not public) are one-way. Once a user has access, they generally always have access. There is generally no way to revoke a user's permission in RSA methods or other similar cryptography methods. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a system to receive and provide data objects between object owners and permitted viewers, and to encrypt and decrypt them for selected users permitted access to data objects by the data object's owner according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a software architecture of encryption/decryption software 102 and database 102 a illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A-C illustrates keys created and used in user login, encrypting and decrypting data objects according to an embodiment. FIGS. 4A-B are flow charts illustrating a method of encrypting and decrypting data objects according to an embodiment. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure a particular embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Secure exchange of files and documents can become unmanageable when the number of people and documents grow and permissions to view vary from document to document and individual to individual. Using encryption keys to serve the dual roles of keeping data objects secure and controlling individual access to them limits the complexity of the networks that can be practically managed. It may become impractical to manage all of the keys and updates that occur as the number of people, documents, and permissions grow. Another issues that arises is increased demand for storage caused by a proliferation of document versions. If documents are encrypted and then sent to many people, revisions can require multiple versions to accumulate for each person involved. In addition, managing the document sharing process becomes increasingly difficult with the proliferation of revisions and versions. Encrypting documents to be exchanged doesn't necessarily provide privacy or security. For example, if decryption keys are stolen, the encrypted documents or data objects can be read. Embodiments of the present invention separates managing data objects and controlling permission to access them from the transparent methods that encrypt and decrypt data objects to keep them secure. Embodiments transparently create and maintain encryption of data objects consistent with permissions (to access) even as they vary. By using encryption just to prevent non-authorized viewing of any data object, this embodiment eliminates the need for users to expend any additional effort to have secure exchanges. A public system for secure document exchange is provided in an embodiment. Host data object owners create Forums that include people or guests (permitted viewers), data objects (such as documents), and visual presentations that allow effortless control and management of permissions to access data objects. A host data object owner can deliver to and obtain permission to view data objects from any other user in the Forum. A guest data object owner can only deliver to and receive data objects from the Forum host. In an embodiment, an encryption method symmetrically protects access permission from host, or data object owner to guest, or permitted viewer, and from guest to host. All of the Forums in which a user is a host or a guest are accessed via a single login and a single password. Hosts completely control what data objects and what guest users are in a Forum, and which data objects can be accessed by which guests. Guests get all documents delivered to and decrypted for them in their guest Forum (passively without any additional effort) and hosts get documents delivered to and decrypted for them in their Forum without additional effort. A transparent system, processing device, computer program and method encrypts an owner's data object, initiated by the owner's password. Transparent decrypted access to each user (dynamically) in which the data object owner permits to access the data object is provided via a unique path exclusively activated by each permitted viewer's single password. Owners provide data objects, such as a word-processing file, that are transparently encrypted using an object key unique to that object. Each object key is then wrapped with each owner's master key. Each owner's master key is wrapped with a key that is never stored, and can be dynamically created from that owner's password. A data object owner may selectively permit permitted viewers to access a data object. To honor changeable permissions and provide decrypted access as appropriate, encrypted data objects are stored with paired keys. Permitted viewers are given decrypted access to data objects via the object key wrapped by a duplicable key (called the paired key), through a process activated by their password upon their request to access it. All owners and permitted viewers are not aware that the data objects have been stored as encrypted data objects, or that the data objects have been decrypted for viewing through the use of encryption keys. All owners and permitted viewers also do not have to manage or maintain the keys used for encryption and decryption; they only need to manage and maintain their single password, entered once at each login, to view any and all documents they own or are permitted to view. In an embodiment, decryption requires a data object owner (or permitted viewers) to login and re-enter their password in order to derive a key used in decrypting stored encrypted data objects. The data object owner and permitted viewers' passwords are not stored anywhere after being temporally stored to derive the key used in decrypting decrypted data objects. Consequently, if anyone gains unauthorized access to the stored encrypted data objects, since the essential passwords to decrypt the encrypted data objects are not available, there is generally no way to decrypt the encrypted data objects in an embodiment. In an embodiment, a method receives information indicating user identification and their single password from a first user. A data object is received and encrypted using an (unique, randomly generated) object key. Later when permission is granted to a permitted viewer, the object key is wrapped with a duplicable key generated using the private key of the data object owner and the public key of the specific permitted viewer, obtaining a paired key (a different paired key is similarly created for each additional permitted viewer). The encrypted data object is stored with the paired key(s). Later when a permitted viewer makes a request to access the data object the appropriate paired key is unwrapped with a duplicate key, computed from the private key of the permitted viewer and the public key of the data object owner (only when the permitted viewer requests to access the data object in an embodiment), obtaining the object key. The object key is used to decrypt the data object, and the permitted viewer has the decrypted object available for viewing. In another embodiment, a method performed by a processing device includes receiving the user identifier for a data object owner and the password associated with the user identifier. A master key, a private key and a public key are associated with the owner and a private key and a public key is associated with a permitted viewer. The private key of the owner is wrapped with the master key of the owner. The private key of the permitted viewer is wrapped with the master key of the permitted viewer. The master key of the owner is wrapped with a key derived from the password of the owner. A data object key is generated. A data object is encrypted with the data object key to obtain an encrypted data object. A duplicable key is created from the private key of the owner (that has been unwrapped using the master key that has been unwrapped with a key derived from the password of the data object owner) and the public key of the permitted viewer. The data object key is wrapped with that duplicable key to obtain a paired key. The encrypted data object and the paired key are then stored. In an embodiment, the method further includes associating a public key with the owner and a private key with a permitted viewer. A duplicate key is obtained from the public key of the owner and the private key of the permitted viewer (that has been unwrapped using the master key of the permitted viewer unwrapped with a key derived from the password of the permitted viewer). The paired key is unwrapped by the duplicate key, producing the object key. The encrypted data object is decrypted using the object key but not until it is accessed by the permitted viewer. In still another embodiment, a computer program, encoded on a computer readable medium, performs operations comprising storing a master, a private and public key associated with each user. The private keys of each user are wrapped with the master key that is wrapped with a key derived from the password of each user. When a user uploads a data object the unique data object key is generated. A data object is encrypted with the unique data object key to obtain an encrypted data object. Each duplicable key is produced from the appropriate private key of the data object owner (that has been unwrapped with the master key that has been unwrapped with the key derived from the password of the data object owner) and appropriate public key of each permitted viewer. The data object key is wrapped with each duplicable key to obtain each paired key. The encrypted data object is stored with the paired key. A duplicate key is calculated from the public key of the data object owner and the private key of each permitted viewer. In an embodiment, the managing of permissions to access encrypted data objects by viewers includes removing one or more paired keys from a user database. In still another embodiment, a system to decrypt a data object comprises at least one storage device and at least one processor. At least one storage device stores an encrypted data object, paired key, wrapped master key for a data object owner, wrapped private key for a data object owner, public key for a data object owner, wrapped master key for a permitted viewer, wrapped private key for a permitted viewer, public key for a permitted viewer, and session information all users. At least one storage device stores executable machine-readable instructions for controlling the processor. Then at least one processor is operative with the executable machine readable instructions to: receive a data object owner identification and password; wrap and unwrap the master key of the data object owner with a key derived from the password of the owner; wrap and unwrap the master key of the data object owner with the session cookie; wrap and unwrap the private key of the data object owner with the master key of the owner; generate a data object key; encrypt the data object with the data object key to obtain the encrypted data object; create a duplicable key from the private key of the data object owner and the public key of the permitted viewer; wrap and unwrap the master key of the permitted viewer with the session cookie; wrap the data object key with the duplicable key to obtain the paired key; receive a permitted viewer identification and password; wrap and unwrap the master key of the permitted viewer with a key derived from the password of the permitted viewer; wrap and unwrap the private key of the permitted viewer with the master key of the permitted viewer; calculate a duplicate key from the public key of the data object owner and the private key of the permitted viewer; unwrap the paired key with the duplicate key to obtain the object key; and decrypt the encrypted data object using the object key. FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 to receive and provide data objects between object owners and permitted viewers, and to encrypt and decrypt them for selected users permitted access to data objects by the data object's owner according to an embodiment. Data object owner processing device 105 uploads data object 112 to an Encryption/Decryption (E/D) processing device 101 via Internet 104 . E/D processing device 101 along with E/D software 102 encrypts data object 112 using a process initiated by password 111 entered by data object owner 106 . The encrypted data object 110 (an encrypted version of data object 112 ) is then stored along with an associated paired key 114 for a particular permitted viewer, as described in detail below, in storage device 103 . In an embodiment, communication between E/D processing device 101 and data object processing device 105 and permitted viewer processing device 107 are protected with industry standard technology. In an embodiment, this protection can be SSL (secure socket layer) or TLS (transport layer security), as defined in RFC 2246, RFC 4346, RFC 2818, and RFC 5246. Data object owner 106 is not aware that data object 112 has been encrypted; only that it has been stored. The encryption process is transparent to all data object owners and permitted viewers. Data object owner 106 did not have to interact in the encryption process (other than entering the password 111 and uploading or transferring data object 112 to E/D processing device 101 ). Data object owner 106 does not have to maintain or keep track of one or more keys used in encryption of data object 112 or other data objects. Similarly, data object owner 106 does not have to initiate or run encryption or decryption software for a selected permitted viewer 108 to view a decrypted data object 109 . Data object owner 106 merely grants permission to permitted viewer 108 to produce a decrypted data object 109 (or data object 112 that was originally transferred from data object owner processing device 105 to E/D processing device 101 ) from permitted viewer processing device 107 . When permission is granted, permitted viewer 108 views decrypted data object 109 from permitted viewer processing device 107 . Upon a request from permitted viewer processing device 107 , using a process initiated by permitted viewer's password 113 , E/D processing device 101 and E/D software 102 to decrypt encrypted data object 110 stored in storage device 103 and provide decrypted data object 109 to permitted viewer processing device 107 via Internet 104 . Similar to data object owner 106 , permitted viewer 108 does not have to maintain or keep track of one or more keys used in decryption of encrypted data object 110 or other permitted data objects. Similarly, permitted viewer 108 does not have initiate or run decryption software to view a decrypted data object 109 . Permitted viewer 108 is not aware that they are viewing a decrypted data object in an embodiment. In an embodiment, E/D processing device 101 , E/D software 102 and storage device 103 stores a plurality of encrypted data objects for a plurality of respective data object owner 106 , and a plurality of paired keys 114 (a paired key 114 per encrypted data object 110 per permitted viewer 108 ). Each data object owner 106 then may provide permission to access the decrypted data objects 109 to one or more selected permitted viewers. In an embodiment, E/D processing device 101 , E/D software 102 delivers to each user their system that may be accessed by them in order to store encrypted data objects and view decrypted data objects. In an embodiment, Asynchronous JavaScript and Extensible Markup Language (XML) (also known as AJAX) is used to transfer information between data object processing device 105 /permitted viewer processing device 107 (clients) and E/D processing device 101 (server). AJAX are interrelated web development methods or software used on a client processing device to create asynchronous web applications. With AJAX, web applications on a client can send data to, and retrieve data from, a server processing device asynchronously (in the background) without interfering with the display and behavior of the existing page. Data can be retrieved using the XMLHttpRequest object. In an embodiment, XML is replaced with JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). In further embodiments, the requests are not asynchronous. In an embodiment, AJAX is a group of methods or software. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) can be used in combination to mark up and style information. The Document Object Model (DOM) is accessed with JavaScript to dynamically display, and to allow the user to interact with the information presented. JavaScript and the XMLHttpRequest object provide a method for exchanging data asynchronously between browser on the client and server to avoid full page reloads. In embodiments, a data object may be a document, text, data, database, chart, word processing file, spreadsheet, e-mail message, text message, image, graphics file, backup file, archive file, compressed file, temporary file, printer file, executable software program, script, binary file, audio file, animation file, game file, application, video, music, movie, computer language, web page and equivalents thereof, singly or in combination. In an embodiment, processing devices 101 , 105 and 107 are coupled to and communicate by way of Internet 104 . In embodiments, system 100 may have far greater or fewer processing devices. In embodiments, a processing device may represent multiple hardware components or a network of distributed processing devices or hardware components. Processing devices may be coupled to Internet 104 by way of a wired or wireless connection, singly or in combination. In an embodiment, processing devices 101 , 105 and 107 are general purpose computers. In embodiments, a processing device may include one or more of a mainframe computer, server, laptop computer, hand-held computer/pad, personal digital assistant, a telephone, a cellular telephone, email device, an information appliance, or an equivalent. In an embodiment, a processing device includes at least one integrated circuit processor that executes machine readable instructions (software programs) stored on an internal or external storage device. For convenience and in order to clearly describe embodiments, data objects are described herein as being transferred or accessed by processing devices; however, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that a processing device as well as associated software transfers data objects or allows access to data objects. In an embodiment, a data object such as a HTML document may be accessible from E/D processing device 101 via Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), a protocol that transfers information from a processing device to another processing device in response to a request. An HTTPS request is included in a TCP/IP message/packet. In particular, a HTTPS request is nested inside TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) messages which are contained in IP (Internet Protocol) messages which contain information about the destination processing device, the originating processing device the ports the message belongs, and the lifespan of the message. While an embodiment uses the TCP/IP message/packet protocol, other protocol embodiments may be similarly used for generating similar requests and/or messages between processing devices. In an embodiment, one or more processing devices in system 100 include an HTML-compatible browser to view HTML web pages. In an embodiment, a browser accepts cookies or data stored in a browser from E/D processing device 101 . In an embodiment, decrypted HTML documents are provided from at least E/D processing device 101 to processing devices 105 and 107 in response to a request. HTML provides basic document formatting and allows “links” or “hyperlinks” to other processing devices (or servers) and files. A link such as a URL has a specific syntax that identifies a network path to a server for defining a network connection. Embedded hyperlinks on a given web page can be used to find information related to the given web page. By clicking on a hyperlink in one web page, the user can display another related web page; data object or even invoke a related software program. I. Software Architecture FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a software architecture of E/D software 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A illustrates software components of software 102 that may be executed on E/D processing device 101 , shown in FIG. 1 , to provide and store encrypted data objects and decrypt data objects. In an embodiment, E/D software 102 includes machine/computer readable or executable instructions. In an embodiment, software 102 is stored in an article of manufacture, such as a computer readable medium that may be removable from or included in a processing device. For example, software 102 may be stored in a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, or Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) as illustrated in FIG. 1 , Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or other readable or writeable data storage devices or technologies, singly or in combination. In alternate embodiments, software 102 may be transferred by an electronic signal or downloaded by way of the Internet using wired and/or wireless connections. In embodiments, FIG. 2A illustrates software components that may include a software program, software object, software function, software subroutine, software method, software instance or a code fragment, singly or in combination. In embodiments, software components illustrated in FIG. 2A have at least functions described in detail below. A. User Interface 200 User Interface 200 is responsible for providing a user interface for users as data object owner and permitted viewers. In an embodiment, user interface 200 provides a login page for all users (data object owners and permitted viewers) to enter their unique user identifier and password. User interface 200 may also provide a method to access data objects that may be represented by icons or links that may be “clicked on” by users to access and view decrypted data objects. User interface 200 also provides an interface to a data object owner that allows the data object owner to add, remove and change permissions for which permitted viewers may view or not view particular data objects. Through user interface 200 , permitted viewers are allowed access to encrypted data objects by the data object owners. B. Key Management 201 Key Management 201 is responsible for creating and assigning a unique set of master, public, and private keys for each user. Key Management 201 is also responsible for dynamically maintaining a data object key ring of object keys used to encrypt data objects. Key Management 201 is also responsible for creating private, public and paired keys used by permitted viewers to decrypt data objects. In an embodiment, a private key should contain the dataset (a, g, p), where a is a randomly generated number that is an appropriate length, g is the generator and p is a safe prime of appropriate length. In an embodiment, g is always 2. In an embodiment, prime numbers are computed in advance, as it may take a considerable amount of time to find a suitable prime number. In an embodiment, a private key is wrapped with the user's master key and stored in database 102 a. In an embodiment, a respective public key should contain the dataset (A, g, p), where A=(g a mod p), and the values for g and p are the same as the private key. In an embodiment, a public key is not wrapped or encrypted, and stored in database 102 a. Key management 201 also is responsible for creating and maintaining an object key ring for each data object owner. The object key ring includes the object keys to the respective encrypted data objects owned by a data object owner. Each object key is wrapped with the user's master key as described in detail below (Key Wrapping 202 and as illustrated in FIG. 3B ) and stored in database 102 a , as illustrated in FIG. 2B . As illustrated in FIG. 3C , a data object owner will have a private key 305 and public key 304 assigned while the permitted viewer will have a private key 355 and public key 354 . Encrypted object 392 has a corresponding object key 394 . FIG. 2B also illustrates how each data object owner, such as data object owner 1 , and permitted viewer, such as Alice, has respective public and private keys stored in record 230 of database 102 a . A permitted viewer will be able to access or view a decrypted version of encrypted data object 392 (or object 391 ) using duplicate key 356 and paired key 393 described in detail below. To allow a permitted viewer to access an encrypted data object 392 , first a duplicable key 306 is created. In an embodiment, a duplicable key 306 is created by combining private key 305 of the data object owner and public key 354 of the permitted viewer, as described in detail below (Diffie-Hellman 210 ). The g and p of the permitted viewer are used when creating the duplicable key 306 . Next, a paired key is created, such as paired key 393 illustrated in FIG. 3C . This is accomplished by wrapping a data object key 394 with the duplicable key 306 as the KEK. This creates a paired key 393 that is paired to a specific encrypted data object 392 for a specific permitted viewer. In an embodiment, a paired key 393 is stored with the encrypted data object 392 in database 102 A (illustrated as encrypted object 241 and paired key 242 ). Once a paired key 393 is stored with an encrypted data object 392 , the permitted viewer, upon request to decrypt data object 392 , initiates the calculation of the duplicate key 356 to unwrap the paired key 393 and decrypt the encrypted data object 392 . The g and p of the permitted viewer are used when creating the duplicate key 356 . When the data object owner's public key 304 is unreadable or cannot be accessed, the duplicate key 356 cannot be calculated, paired key 393 cannot be unwrapped, and encrypted data object 392 cannot be decrypted by the permitted viewer 108 requests′. In an embodiment, a permitted viewer's ability to view a decrypted data object is revoked by denying the previously permitted viewer object key 394 through the process of erasing paired key 393 . C. Key Wrapping 202 Key Wrapping 202 is responsible for encapsulating (or encrypting) cryptographic key information or keys. In an embodiment, keys are wrapped using the AES Key Wrap Algorithm defined by RFC 3394, which provides authenticated encryption of AES keys. In an embodiment, this has the benefit of not needing additional verification that a key was decrypted correctly. D. Key Derivation from User Password 203 Key Derivation from user Password (or Key Derivation) 203 is responsible for deriving a key from a user's password (either a data object owner or permitted viewer) that will be used as a Key Encryption Key (KEK). In an embodiment, a Password Based Key Derivation Function 2 (PBKDF2) software in section 5.2 of RFC 2898 is used to obtain the derived key (PDK or PBKDF2 key). As illustrated by FIG. 3A , the data object owner enters a password 301 , which is used by PBKDF2 software to obtain PDK (derived key) 302 . Similarly, the permitted viewer enters a password 351 which is used by a PBKDF2 software to obtain PDK 352 . Using PBKDF2 is necessary, because a typical user password lacks enough entropy to adequately protect a static private key. There are two basic mechanisms to help mitigate this. One is using a salt. A salt is just a random number added to and stored alongside the password. A salt makes it difficult to pre-compute all the possible password combinations (i.e. rainbow tables). The second mechanism is called key stretching. Key stretching adds a variable computation requirement to validate a password or in other words how many iterations of PBKDF2 software is performed. PBKDF2 software uses both mechanisms. i. Passwords Encryption described herein is dependent on each user's unique password being input to PBKDF2 software to generate a PDK that wraps and unwraps the user's unique master key. To help protect the confidentiality of the user's master key, the PDK is not stored anywhere in an embodiment. The unique user PDK is generated each time a user presents their password at login in, and is used exactly once per login to unwrap the user's master key and rewrap their master key with a session key in an embodiment as described in Verification/Authentication 209 . When generating derived keys, the goal is to make the computation sufficiently expensive that dictionary attacks are impractical. The salt value used should be equal to the length of the output of the generated key (e.g. 256-bit salt for a 256-bit key). The number of iterations used should such that it takes between 400 ms and 800 ms to validate a password in an embodiment, and should be occasionally incremented as computing power increases. ii. Key Check Values (KCVs) Using a PDK to wrap keys presents a challenge for authentication as described in Verification/Authentication 209 described below. While an unwrapped key can be validated when the PDK encrypting key is available (at first log in), because the PDK is not stored anywhere in an embodiment, it cannot be referenced to authenticate subsequent requests. However, a key check value (KCV) calculated with a PDK may be alternatively used for authentication in an embodiment, such as KCV 310 and KCV 360 illustrated in FIG. 3A . A KCV can be derived by slightly modifying the PBKDF2 algorithm defined in RFC 2898 as illustrated in Table I below. Both the PDK and KCV are created identically until the next to last iteration. At the next to last iteration, the intermediate value is padded with four octets of zeros, hashed with the pseudorandom function as normal and saved as the KCV. Because of the properties of hash functions, the KCV is independent of the PDK in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the following test vectors are used to validate KCV generation in conjunction with the test vectors from RFC 6070: DK=0c60c80f961f0e71f3a9b524af6012062fe037a6 (single iteration) KCV=0c60c80f961f0e71f3a9b524af6012062fe037a6 DK=ea6c014dc72d6f8ccdled92ace1d41 f0d8de8957 KCV=6b953bc49cc3167061a73b892237a8f157a973b3 DK=4b007901b765489abead49d926f721d065a429c1 KCV=8a5b81c16473b935359f47040e720e7c25284b3c DK=eefe3d61cd4da4e4e9945b3d6ba2158c2634e984 KCV=5d58e036cfe7e26a5bb30c7ceb9b5c7c8521c068 DK=3d2eec4fe41c849680c8d83662c0e44a8b291a964cf2f07038 KCV=910f619d8b1432ff013e9bb8ea5d145fadae7e5548e3ddae68 DK=56fa6aa75548099dcc37d7f03425e0c3 KCV=7d2296d995aab6f12f6d02b98d3f0068 As can be seen above, the test vector for the single iteration has the same PDK and KCV. This is because with a single iteration, there is no previous intermediate value to create a different hash value. iii. Modified PBKDF2 Algorithm to Define a KCV In an embodiment, the PBKDF2 software, defined in RFC 2898, is modified as shown below Table I. The underlined code section in Table I show a modification that define a KCV that provides the ability to validate a password without storing the password itself, or the key that results from the password. TABLE I sub pbkdf2 {  my($pass, $salt, $iter, $len, $prf) = @_;  my($key, $kcv, $block, $u, $ui, $i); $key = $kcv = q{ };  for ($block = 1; length($key) < $len; $block++) {   $u = $ui = &$prf($salt . pack(‘N’, $block), $pass);   for ($i = 1; $i < $iter; $i++) {     if ($i == ($iter - 1)) {      $kcv .= &$prf($u . pack(‘N’, 0). $pass);     }    $ui = &$prf($ui, $pass);    $u {circumflex over ( )} = $ui;   }    $kcv .= $u if $iter == 1;   $key .= $u;  }  return substr($key, 0, $len), substr($kcv, 0, $len); } E. Encryption 204 Encryption 204 is responsible for encrypting data objects. In an embodiment, each data object, such as an uploaded data file, is encrypted via AES in counter (CTR) mode with a 64-bit nonce (the data object id), a 64-bit counter and a randomly generated 128-bit cipher key. In CTR mode, reusing a key and nonce should be avoided by making sure a nonce is only used once or by making the key randomly generated. Having a randomly generated key and a unique data object id further enhances security. In an embodiment, CTR mode is preferred as it is capable of random access within the key stream, and can be implemented in parallel. This is particularly useful with large data objects, making it possible to decrypt an arbitrary byte range without having to decrypt the entire data object, and the ability to scale performance of encryption and decryption. F. Database Storage/Retrieval 205 Database storage/retrieval 205 is responsible for storing and retrieving data, such as (but not limited to) user information, user public/private keys, key chains, paired keys, and session information from database 102 A. G. Object (File) Management 206 Object (file) management 206 is responsible for managing encrypted data objects. In an embodiment, Object management 206 associates data objects with their respective data object owners and paired keys (which permit access to permitted viewers). H. Key Unwrapping 207 Key Unwrapping 207 is responsible for unwrapping a wrapped key. In an embodiment, a wrapped key is unwrapped using the AES Key Unwrap Algorithm as defined by RFC 3394. In an embodiment, this has the benefit of not needing additional verification that a key was decrypted correctly. I. Decryption 208 Decryption 208 is responsible for decrypting data objects. In an embodiment, an encrypted data object is decrypted via AES in counter (CTR) mode with a 64-bit nonce (the data object id), a 64-bit counter and the appropriate 128-bit cipher key. J. Verification/Authentication 209 Verification/Authentication 209 is responsible for verifying whether a password and user identifier entered by a user is valid and authenticating a user's request. To authenticate the user identifier and password, the derived KCV of the received password is compared with the user's stored KCV. In an embodiment, the PDKs 302 / 352 and KCVs 310 / 360 are derived from the user's passwords 111 / 113 as illustrated in FIG. 3A , and compared with the stored KCVs (a KCV for data object owner 1 and Alice, a permitted viewer) from record 230 as illustrated in FIG. 2B . In an embodiment, key derivation 203 and database storage/retrieval 205 performs these functions. In an embodiment, the PDKs 302 / 352 are used to unwrap the users master keys 308 / 358 . In an embodiment, key unwrapping 207 performs this function. The unwrapping of the user's master key provides additional verification beyond the initial verification of the user's KCV. In an embodiment, the user's master keys 308 / 358 are wrapped with a randomly generated session cookies 312 / 362 to provide session keys 311 / 361 that are stored in the session table 239 as illustrated in FIG. 2B . The session keys 311 / 361 are used by the user for subsequent requests without the need to re-enter the user's passwords 301 / 351 . In an embodiment, session cookies 312 / 362 are stored or set in the user's processing device 105 / 107 so that they may be used to unwrap a stored session key to obtain a master key in subsequent user requests. K. Diffie-Hellman key agreement 210 Diffie-Hellman 210 is responsible for creating the duplicable keys 306 used in the creation of paired keys 393 as illustrated in FIG. 3C . Diffie-Hellman 210 is also responsible for creating the duplicate keys 356 used to unwrap paired keys 393 as illustrated in FIG. 3C . In an embodiment, public key 305 of a data object owner and private key 354 of a permitted viewer are used with the Diffie-Hellman key agreement protocol defined by section 2.1 of RFC2631 to create the duplicable key 306 . In an embodiment, public key 304 of data object owner and private key of permitted viewer 355 are used with the same Diffie-Hellman key agreement protocol to create the duplicate key 356 . Table II below describes the differences between duplicate and duplicable keys in an embodiment: TABLE II Duplicable Item designation FIG. 3C - Item 306 Used on behalf of? Data object owner What operation? Key wrap What are inputs? Private - Data object owner Public - Permitted Viewer Duplicate Item designation FIG. 3C - item 356 Used on behalf of? Permitted viewer What operation? Key unwrap What are inputs? Private - Permitted Viewer Public - Data object owner When a user logs in to a website provided by E/D processing device 101 , their login name and password are verified, a session is created, their master key is unwrapped and a number of cookies are set to allow them to authenticate subsequent requests, as illustrated in FIG. 3A . FIG. 2B illustrates a user database or database 102 a according to an embodiment. In order to avoid obscuring descriptions of embodiments, only some of the information stored in database 102 a is illustrated in FIG. 2B . One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other information not illustrated is also stored in database 102 a. In an embodiment, user data is stored in database 102 a in the form of a data structure. In an embodiment, a data structure includes one or more records, with each record having one or more contiguous fields to store information. Each field may include one or more bits of information. In an embodiment, database 102 a includes respective records for respective data object owners. In an embodiment, database 102 a also includes respective records for respective permitted viewers. For example, record 230 illustrates storing information related to “Data object owner 1” in the first field of record 230 . For each data object owner or permitted viewer, various fields in the record may include, but are not limited to, associated information such as a KCV, data object owner public keys, data object owner private keys, data object owner's permitted users (or identifiers), permitted user public keys, permitted user private keys, encrypted data object keys and paired keys. In an embodiment, a field may include an identifier or address to such information. In alternate embodiments, other data structures and other information may be stored in database 102 a . In an embodiment, database 102 a includes session table 231 . FIGS. 4A-B are flow charts to illustrate a method 400 of encrypting a data object and a method 450 of decrypting a data object. In an embodiment, FIGS. 4A-B illustrate the operation of system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, FIGS. 4A-B illustrate logic boxes or steps for performing specific functions. In alternate embodiments, more or fewer logic blocks or steps are used. In an embodiment, a logic block or step may represent at least partial execution of a software component as well as execution of a hardware/processor operation or user operation, singly or in combination. For example, many logic blocks in FIGS. 4A-B represent the execution of software components illustrated in FIG. 2A by E/D processing device 101 shown in FIG. 1 . Method 400 begins by receiving a user identifier and password as illustrated by logic blocks 401 and 402 . For example, data object owner 106 enters their user identifier and password 111 into object owner processing device 105 for a website provided by E/D processing device 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, user interface 200 provides a login web page for a user to enter their assigned user identifier and user created password 111 . User interface 200 along with E/D processing device 101 then receives the entered user identifier and password 111 . In an embodiment, a user's associated master, private, and public keys along with other associated information are created/assigned and stored in database 102 a when a user creates an account or at first login. For example, a data object owner and permitted viewer's assigned master keys are encrypted using their entered passwords by key derivation 203 and their private keys are wrapped with their master keys and then the wrapped keys stored in database 102 a in an embodiment. Conversely, assigned/created public keys are stored in database 102 a but not encrypted in an embodiment. Logic block 403 illustrates verifying and authenticating a user when they login or request a service. In an embodiment, Verification/Authentication 209 performs this function as described herein. The user is authenticated by comparing KCV 310 (as illustrated in FIG. 3A ) to the stored KCV in database 102 a , and further authenticated by unwrapping wrapped master key 308 with PDK 302 and checking the integrity of the unwrap process (as defined in Key unwrapping 207 ). When a user is not verified or authenticated, control transitions to logic block 410 where the user is denied access and notified. Method 400 then ends. When a user is verified and authenticated, wrapped master key 308 is unwrapped with PDK 302 yielding master key 303 , session cookie 312 is generated, master key 303 is wrapped with session cookie 312 yielding session key 311 , session key 311 is stored in session table 239 , and session cookie 312 is delivered to a processing device of the user for subsequent requests. Control then passes to logic block 404 . Logic block 404 illustrates unwrapping the data object owner's master key and appropriate private keys with the session key 312 and session cookie 311 , as illustrated in FIG. 3B . In an embodiment, the session cookie 312 is received from data object owner processing device 105 by E/D processing device 101 , session cookie 312 is used to unwrap the session key 311 yielding data object owner's master key 303 , and the data object owner's master key 303 is used to unwrap the appropriate private key 305 as illustrated in FIG. 3C . In an embodiment, E/D processing device 101 and key unwrapping 207 performs this function. In another embodiment, if during execution of logic block 404 the appropriate private and/or public keys have not been created/assigned, the private and/or public keys are created during the creation of the duplicable key as detailed (logic block 407 ) below. Logic block 405 illustrates a user providing a data object to be encrypted and stored. In an embodiment, data object owner 106 downloads or transfers a data object 112 to be encrypted by E/D processing device 101 and E/D software 102 after data object owner 106 is verified and authenticated. Further, in an embodiment, the data object 112 , once delivered to E/D processing device 101 , is encrypted with a randomly generated object key 394 , and stored in storage device 103 as encrypted data object 392 as illustrated in FIG. 3A . In an embodiment, encryption 204 performs this function. In an embodiment, encrypted data objects and keys are stored in database 102 a for associated data object owners. FIG. 3C illustrates encrypted data object 392 with object key 394 . In an alternate embodiment, data object 112 was previously downloaded, encrypted and stored in database 102 a , as illustrated in FIG. 3B . Logic block 407 illustrates creating a duplicable key between a data object owner and a permitted viewer, such as duplicable key 306 illustrated in FIG. 3C , from a data object owner private key 305 and a permitted viewer public key 354 . In an embodiment, key management 201 and Diffie-Hellman 210 performs this function. In another embodiment, additional public and private keys are created/assigned and stored in database 102 a when required for the creation of duplicable keys. For example, before data object owner 106 creates duplicable key 306 ; private key 305 must be created/assigned and stored in database 102 a if it does not previously exist. In an embodiment, Key management 201 performs this function. Logic block 408 illustrates wrapping a data object key with a duplicable key as the KEK, such as object key 394 and paired key 393 illustrated in FIG. 3C . This creates a key that is paired between a specific data object owner and specific permitted viewer for a specific data object. In an embodiment, key-wrapping 202 performs this function. Logic block 409 illustrates associating the paired key with the encrypted data object. In an embodiment, database storage/retrieval 205 and/or object management 206 stores the paired key with encrypted data object in database 102 a . Method 400 then ends. FIG. 4B illustrates method 450 for providing a data object that was encrypted by method 400 to a permitted viewer in an embodiment. In an embodiment, method 450 is performed after method 400 . Logic blocks 451 and 452 receive a permitted viewer's identifier and password similarly as described above for logic blocks 401 and 402 . Also similar to above, logic block 453 and 460 verify, authenticate and notify a permitted viewer similar to logic blocks 403 and 410 . Also, similar to logic block 404 , logic block 454 illustrates unwrapping the permitted viewer's keys as illustrated in FIG. 3A . Logic block 455 illustrates providing a permitted viewer that has been verified and authenticated with possible encrypted data objects to view. In an embodiment, user interface 200 and database storage/retrieval 205 provide a permitted viewer with lists of icons and/or links to respective encrypted data objects that have been provided by a data object owner to view and/or access. In an embodiment, permitted viewer 208 selects a data object to view using user interface 200 , the request is sent through Internet 104 and received and processed by E/D device 101 . Logic block 456 illustrates calculating a duplicate key from the data object owner public key and the permitted viewer private key. In an embodiment, key management 201 performs this function. In an embodiment, the permitted viewer's master key 353 is used to decrypt the permitted viewer's private key 355 . In an embodiment, key unwrapping 207 performs this function. In an embodiment, duplicate key 356 is created through the use of the permitted viewer's private key 355 , and the data object owner's public key 304 . In an embodiment, Diffie-Hellman 210 performs this function. Logic block 457 illustrates unwrapping the paired key that has been associated with the selected encrypted data object with the duplicate key 356 , as illustrated in FIG. 3C , that was calculated in logic block 456 . In an embodiment, key unwrapping 207 performs this function. Logic block 458 illustrates decrypting the selected encrypted data object using the paired key, such as paired key 292 shown in FIG. 3C . In an embodiment, decryption 208 performs this function. Logic block 459 illustrates providing the selected decrypted object to a permitted viewer, such as decrypted data object 109 (or object 391 shown in FIG. 3C ) to permitted viewer 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 . In an embodiment, user interface 200 performs this function. Method 450 then ends. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, methods 400 and 450 may be repeated numerous times for numerous data object owners and permitted viewers. Although illustrative embodiments are shown and described herein, many variations and modifications are possible which remain within the concept, scope, and spirit of the claims, and these variations would become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art after perusal of this application. Section headings are for descriptive purposes only and shall not limit embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

A cryptographic system makes everyday data objects, such as a document or conversation, unreadable to anyone other than the owner or those currently having permission to access the data objects. The cryptographic system is transparent by requiring no additional effort on the part of any user in the encryption/decryption process other than entering a user identifier and password. Each document is encrypted with a unique encryption key. Changes to data object access permissions are immediately honored and enforced by enabling or disabling access to certain decryption keys. Decryption of data objects requires information known only to the owner of the data object or those permitted to access the data object. This decryption information is not stored anywhere in the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera of the type which is provided with a flash device whose light emitting portion is received in the camera and which is prepared for flashlight photographing when the light emitting portion is popped up or protruded from the camera. 2. Description of the Prior Art A camera provided with a flash device whose light emitting portion is received within the camera body or in the front part thereof is well known in the art. Before exposure, the brightness of an object to be taken at that time is measured. When the result of the measurement indicates the need for illuminating the object by the flash device, flashlight photographing is performed using the flash device. It is also known to provide the above mentioned type of camera with a mechanism for automatically popping up the light emitting portion to a position suitable for flashlight photographing. When the need for flashlight is detected, the mechanism is actuated to prepare the camera and its flash device for flashlight photographing. Such arrangement is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Application for Utility Model Patent laid open No. 27,622/1979. However, the prior art technique involves some problems. As a matter of course, the power source of the flash device is consumed with time and the source voltage may drop to a level insufficient for flashlight photographing. Even in such case, the pop-up mechanism according to the prior art is necessarily actuated so long as the brightness of the object is low. Therefore, although the source voltage in truth has dropped to a level insufficient for flashlight photographing, the light emitting portion is popped up, which will lead the operator erroneously to conclude that flashlight photographing is possible. Another drawback of the prior arrangement disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese patent publication is found in that there is used a normally releasing type of electromagnet to control the pop-up of the light emitting portion. The light emitting portion of the flash device is normally locked in the position received in the camera. When the electromagnet is excited, it draws an unlocking member to allow the light emitting portion to pop out from the camera. Since a normally releasing type of electromagnet is used to draw the unlocking member which is normally apart from the magnet, a large amount of electric power is consumed to actuate the unlocking member. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a general object of the invention to improve the above mentioned type of camera which is provided with a flash device and which is prepared for flashlight photographing when the light emitting portion of the flash device is automatically popped up from the camera. According to the invention, there is provided such arrangement which inhibits the light emitting portion from popping up when the source voltage has dropped to a level insufficient for flashlight photographing even if the brightness of the object is low. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a normally attracting type of electromagnet is used which enables substantial reduction in the consumption of electric power in the apparatus. Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a form of control circuit used in a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mechanism for popping up the light emitting portion of the flash device to be controlled by the circuit shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the essential part of the pop-up mechanism, the light emitting portion being in the position received in the camera; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the light emitting portion in the position popped up; and FIG. 5 shows another form of the control circuit according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a control circuit for controlling the pop-up motion of the light emitting portion of a flash device as well as the exposure of the camera. A power source switch 1 is connected with a power source 2. The source switch is so formed as to be closed in the first half of a stroke for pushing down the shutter releasing button of the camera. In link with a complete push-down of the shutter releasing button, a change-over switch 3 is switched over from terminal 3b to 3a. A photo-electric element 5 is, in the shown embodiment, CdS. A resistance 4 is connected in series with the photo-electric element 5. Also, series connected with the element 5 is a switch 6 for controlling the discharge of a capacitor 7. The switch 6 is interlocked for closing with the wind-up motion of film and shutter of the camera and is interlocked for opening with a motion which takes place immediately before an exposure in connection with the shutter releasing operation. For example, the switch 6 is interlocked for opening with the start of running of the opening blade of the shutter. Switches 14 and 51 are interlocked with the motion of a lever 29 shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinafter. 12 is a selection switch which is manually connected to any selected one of terminals 12a, 12b and 12c. 13 is a magnet provided to control the pop-up of the light emitting portion. The magnet 13 has an iron core of permanent magnet and is formed in such manner that the attraction force of the permanent magnet is in force during the time that no current is being applied to its coil but the attraction force is cancelled by a magnetic force excited in the opposite direction to that of the permanent magnet when current is applied to the coil. Another magnet 11 serves to control the exposure time. When excited, the magnet 11 releases the closing blade of the shutter from locking means and allows the shutter closing blade to start running. The manner of operation of the above described apparatus is as follows: (1) Natural light photographing--when the brightness of object is sufficiently high: The operator pushes down the shutter button. As soon as the shutter button is halfway down, the power source switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 is closed so that the voltage of the power source 2 is applied to the control circuit. In this position, switch 51 is opened and switch 6 is closed. Since the brightness of object is high, the intensity of the incident light upon the photo-electric element, CdS 5 is high. Therefore, the resistance of CdS is reduced accordingly. Also, in this position, since the change-over switch 3 is in connection with terminal 3b, a divided voltage of the source voltage by the resistor 4 and the CdS 5 in the state of low resistance is applied to the non-inversion input of a comparator 8 which is receiving, at its other input, a voltage from a reference voltage source 53. Because of the low resistance of CdS 5, the divided voltage applied to the non-inversion input of the comparator 8 is lower than that of the reference voltage source. Therefore, the output from the comparator 8 is at a low level. Consequently, the magnet 13 is not excited and the attraction is in force although the selection switch 12 is in connection with terminal 12a and switch 14 is closed at that time. Further pushing the shutter button down to the end of a full stroke causes the opening blade of the shutter to start running. Interlocked with the running of the shutter opening blade, the discharging switch 6 is opened and also the change-over switch 3 is switched over from terminal 3b to 3a, for example, in link with the complete push-down of the shutter button. Since the switch 3 is now connected to 3a, the timing capacitor 7 is charged through CdS 5. In a time corresponding to the resistance of CdS 5 which is in turn determined depending on the brightness of the object, the voltage charged on the capacitor 7 reaches the voltage level of the reference voltage source 10. At that time point, the output from a comparator 9 is turned to a High level to excite the shutter controlling magnet 11. Thus, the shutter closing blade starts running to perform an automatic exposure. After completing the exposure, the operator releases his hold of the shutter button. Thereby the source switch 1 is opened and the change-over switch 3 is switched over to 3b. In link with a motion for winding up the film, the discharging switch 6 is closed and the condenser is short-circuited. Therefore, the capacitor 7 is discharged and the apparatus is returned to its starting position ready for the next photographing. (2) Flashlight photographing--when the brightness of object is low and the source voltage is sufficiently high: Similarly to the above case (1), the source switch 1 is closed when the operator pushes down the shutter button to the middle of its stroke. However, since the brightness of object is low in this case, the CdS 5 is in the state of high resistance and therefore the input to the non-inversion input terminal of the comparator 8 is higher than that to the inversion terminal of the comparator. Consequently, the output from the comparator is at a High level. The magnet 13 is excited and its attraction force thereby becomes lost. FIGS. 2 through 4 show a pop-up mechanism for a light emitting portion 26 to be driven by the control circuit shown in FIG. 1. In the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting portion 26 is received within the camera and locked in that position. When the magnet 13 is excited and the attraction force acting on an iron lever 20 is removed under the condition described above, the lever 20 is rotated about a pivot 20b counter-clockwise, as viewed in the drawing of FIG. 2, by the biasing force of a spring 21. As the lever 20 rotates counter-clockwise, its free end portion 20a pushes against the lower portion 22c of a locking lever 22 so as to urge the latter to rotate counter-clockwise about a pin 22d. By this counter-clockwise rotation of the locking lever 22, a locking pin 27 is disengaged from the engaging portion 22a of the lever 22. As a result, a guide plate 24 is allowed to move upward under the biasing force of a spring 25. Thus, the light emitting portion 26 is popped up or protruded from the camera body. FIG. 4 shows the position of the pop-up mechanism after the light emitting portion 26 has popped out. Since the locking pin 27 also moves upward together with the guide plate 24 during the above pop-up motion, a resetting lever 28 is allowed to rotate clockwise by a distance determined by a tapered cutout edge 28a of the lever 28. As the resetting lever 28 rotates clockwise, a switching lever 29 moves leftward, as viewed in the drawing of FIG. 2, under the action of a biasing spring 30. Interlocked with this movement of the lever 29, the switch 14 is opened to terminate excitation the magnet 13, and at the same time the switch 51 is closed. Also, the tapered edge 28b of the resetting lever 28 pushes the free end portion 20a of the iron lever 20 to rotate the latter clockwise as viewed on the drawing of FIG. 2. Thus, the iron level 20 is brought into contact with the magnet 13. Since, at this time, the magnet 13 has an attraction force resulting from the permanent magnet, the iron lever 20 is held in the position by the attraction of the magnet 13. When the shutter button has been pushed down completely to the end of its stroke, the shutter opening blade starts running which causes the switch 6 to open and the change-over switch 3 turn over from terminal 3b to 3a. Since, as previously noted, the movement of the switching lever 29 has closed the switch 51, the capacitor 7 is charged through the parallel circuit composed of CdS 5 and resistor 52. As soon as the level of charged voltage on the capacitor 7 reaches the voltage level of the reference voltage source 53, the level of the output from comparator 9 becomes High and the shutter controlling magnet 11 is excited. This allows the closing blade of shutter to start running to complete an exposure. In the case that the brightness of the object is high, the charge current to the capacitor 7 depends primarily upon the current flowing through CdS 5 which is low in resistance at that time. On the contrary, in the case that the brightness of the object is low and the resistance of CdS 5 is high, the capacitor 7 is charged primarily with the current flowing through the resistor 52. In this manner, the time required for charging the capacitor 7 up to the voltage level of the reference voltage source 10 can be set always within a determined length of time. Namely, the charging time never exceeds the determined limit. The flash device including the light emitting portion 26 contains a capacitor known per se for storing flashing energy. The capacitor is precharged at the step of preparing the camera for taking a picture through suitable means such as a switch which is actuated at the preparing step. The flash device is so formed as to flash light only after it has been popped up and simultaneously with the excitation of the shutter controlling magnet 11. More particularly, in the first half course of the shutter button push-down movement, CdS 5 and comparator 8 detect that the prevailing brightness of the object at that time is low. In response to the detection, the light emitting portion 26 is popped up from the camera body in the manner described above. After popping up and at the completion of pushing down the shutter button over the remaining half course, the shutter controlling magnet 11 is excited to start the shutter closing blade running. In synchronism with the running of the shutter closing blade, the light emitting portion 26 flashes light. In this condition, however, it should be noted that for mechanical reasons there is some time lag from the excitation of the magnet 11 to the start of running of the shutter closing blade. Therefore, in practice, the shutter closing blade will start running after flashing of the light emitting portion 26. After performing an exposure, the operator releases the shutter button and winds up the film. By this operation, the control circuit shown in FIG. 1 is automatically returned to its starting position in the manner described above. Push-down of the light emitting portion 26 after a flashlight photographing causes the locking pin 27 to move down along the sloped edges 22b and 28a of the locking lever 22 and the resetting lever 28 while rotating the levers 22 and 28 counter-clockwise. Finally, the locking pin 27 engages in the engaging portion 22a of the locking lever 22. Thus, the light emitting portion 26 is received in that camera body and held in the position. At this time, the rotation of the resetting lever 28 causes the switching lever 29 to slide rightward. In link with the movement of the switching lever, the switch 14 is closed and switch 51 is opened (this is the position shown in FIG. 1). (3) Flashlight photographing--when the brightness of object is low and the source voltage has dropped: When the brightness of object is low, the resistance value of CdS 5 is high. In this case, as described above, the level of output from the comparator 8 becomes High so long as the source voltage is sufficiently high. However, if the source voltage has dropped, then the input voltage to the non-inversion terminal of the comparator 8 that is a divided voltage from the source voltage, can not be higher than the voltage of the reference voltage source 53 however high the resistance of CdS 5 may be. The voltage level of the reference voltage 53 is so preset that when the source voltage has dropped to a level lower than the voltage level necessary for flashlight photographing, the divided input voltage to the non-inversion terminal of the comparator may never be higher than the reference voltage. Therefore, in this case, the output from the comparator 8 can not be High. Since the output from the comparator 8 remains Low, the magnet 13 is not excited and therefore the light emitting portion 26 is not popped up. Also, switch 51 remains open. By completely pushing down the shutter button, the switch 3 is connected to the terminal 3a and the shutter opening blade starts running. Interlocked with the running of the opening blade, the switch 6 is opened and the capacitor 7 is charged through CdS 5. After the laps of a time determined in dependence upon the brightness of the object, the level of the output from the comparator 9 becomes High to excite the shutter controlling magnet 11. The shutter closing blade starts running to perform an automatically controlled exposure. After exposure, the pressure on the shutter button is removed and the film is wound up. In link with the motion, the control circuit shown in FIG. 1 is returned to its starting position. In this manner, if the source voltage has dropped to a level at which flashlight photographing is no longer possible, the apparatus inhibits the operation of flashlight photographing even for an object of low brightness. Instead, photographing of such object is executed in accordance with the exposure control proper to natural light. Of course, in the case of natural light exposure control a relatively long exposure time is automatically set for an object of low brightness. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable that a signal be displayed within the finder of camera to inform the operator of an occurrence of unfavourable state or the shutter button be locked. There may be also such case where the operator wishes to pop up the light emitting portion 26 and to carry out a flashlight photographing regardless of the brightness of the object and the drop of source voltage. In such case, the flashlight photographing is made possible by connecting the selection switch 12 to the terminal 12a. Since the switch 14 is closed, the pop-up controlling magnet 13 is excited to pop up the light emitting portion 26. Thus, the camera is brought into a position ready for flashlight photographing. Also, it is possible to inhibit the excitation of the magnet 13 at all times independently of the brightness of the object. In this case, the selection switch 12 is connected to the terminal 12c so as to always allow natural light photographing. In the above embodiment, the voltage of the power source 2 has been shown to be directly applied to the circuit part composed of resistor 4, CdS 5 and capacitor 7 connected in series. However, as a modification of the embodiment, there may be provided a constant voltage circuit between the series connected circuit part and the power source 2. FIG. 5 shows such a modification as a second embodiment of the invention. The control circuit shown in FIG. 5 includes a constant voltage circuit 102 interposed between the above said circuit part and the power source 2 so as always to apply to the circuit part a constant voltage. With this arrangement, the detecting circuit including comparator 8 and reference voltage source 53 serves to detect only the information relating to the brightness of the object. To detect whether the voltage of power source 2 is sufficient or not for operating the flash device, a separate detecting circuit is required. To this end, the control circuit shown in FIG. 5 includes additional comparator 103 and reference voltage source 104 connected between voltages sources so as to constitute a second detecting circuit. The comparator 103 has a High level output when the source voltage is sufficiently high. The output from the comparator 103 is applied to one input terminal of AND-gate 105 provided between the aforementioned comparator 8 and magnet 13. The AND-gate 105 produces an output of High level to excite the magnet 13 only when it receives High level output (the brightness of object is low) from the comparator 8 and High level output (the source voltage is sufficient) from the other comparator 103. In all other cases, AND-gate 105 produces an output of Low level and therefore the magnet 13 can not be excited. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

An improved operating device for a camera provided with a flash device which cooperates with the camera for flashlight photographing when the light emitting portion is brought to a position above the camera and suitable for flashlight photographing and with an operation device for bringing the light emitting portion to said position for flashlight photographing. The improved operation device comprises, a detecting circuit which produces an output when the brightness of the object is lower than a predetermined value; operation apparatus for receiving the output from the detecting circuit and bringing the light emitting portion to the position for flashlight photographing; and a detecting system for detecting the output voltage from a power source of the flash device and inhibiting said operation apparatus from operating when said detected source voltage is lower than the value necessary for flashlight photographing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a woofer module, and more particularly, to a removable woofer module of a portable computer. 2. Description of the Prior Art Recently, multimedia technology becomes so popular that a user can interact with a computer system to efficiently access variety of desired audio data and image data. Therefore, how to make a portable computer providing the user with amazing audio effects has become a key concern for computer manufacturers. Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a diagram of a first prior art portable computer 10 . The portable computer 10 has a housing 12 and a plurality of speakers 14 a , 14 b , 14 c . The speakers 14 a , 14 b respectively correspond to a left channel and a right channel for generating stereo sound. In addition, the speaker 14 c is a woofer used to generate low-frequency signals. To make output signals generated by the speaker 14 c to have lower frequencies, the portable computer 10 has to comprise a cavity for resonating the output signals generated from the speaker 14 c . Only the existing spare space inside the interior of the portable computer 10 can be utilized to install the speaker 14 c in conjunction with the required resonating cavity. In addition, the speaker 14 c is fixed in the portable computer 10 at a predetermined location, that is, the speaker 14 c is not designed to be a removable module. When the speaker is in unused state, the occupied space cannot be freed for other purposes. Please refer to FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second prior art portable computer 20 . FIG. 3 is a diagram of a power module 26 shown in FIG. 2 . The portable computer 20 has a housing 22 , which is also referred to as a first housing, two speakers 23 a , 23 b , two expansion slots 24 a , 24 b , a hard-disk drive 25 , and a power module 26 (batteries for example). The expansion slots 24 a , 24 b are respectively used to install expansion devices such as the hard-disk drive 25 and the power module 26 . Two speakers 23 a , 23 b respectively correspond to a left channel and a right channel for generating stereo sound. The power module 26 is installed in the expansion slot 24 b and is removable from the expansion slot 24 b . The power module 26 not only provides the portable computer 20 with a predetermined voltage used to power the portable computer 20 , but also provides a function for outputting low-frequency signals. As shown in FIG. 3, the power module 26 includes a battery device 28 and a woofer 30 . The battery device 28 is used to output the predetermined voltage, and the woofer 30 is used to output the low-frequency signal. There is a cavity located inside the housing of the power module 26 for the purpose of resonating the low-frequency signals generated from the woofer 30 . Though the module design of woofer 30 couple with battery device 28 is efficient, but the power capacity provided by the battery device 28 is greatly reduced because of the additional woofer 30 in the power module 26 . In other words, the battery life of the portable computer 20 is shortened due to the reduced power capacity. In addition, the cavity for resonating the signals is too narrow to make the signals have lower frequencies. It is noteworthy that the low-frequency signals outputted from the woofer 30 would generate noticeable vibration. The prior art portable computer 20 does not provide any devices to lessen or isolate the vibrations. When a hard-disk drive or an optical disk drive accesses the data, the data access operation is prone to be influenced by the vibrations causing the access to be corrupted or stopped. In addition, the vibrations make a disturbing noise while the user is using the portable computer. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is therefore a primary objective of the claimed invention to provide a removable woofer module with shock-absorbing ability to solve the above-mentioned problem. According to the claimed invention, a portable computer comprises a first housing having an expansion slot and a woofer module installed in the expansion slot for generating a low-frequency signal. The woofer module is removable from the expansion slot, and the woofer module comprises a second housing, a speaker unit positioned in the second housing for generating the low-frequency signal, a predetermined room positioned in the second housing for resonating the low-frequency signal, and a bass reflex duct positioned in the second housing. The bass reflex duct is used to connect an output vent of the predetermined room and an output vent of the second housing so that the low-frequency signal is outputted from the output vent of the second housing. The claimed invention not only provides the portable computer with low-frequency signals, but also protects the portable computer from being disturbed by the vibration caused by the low-frequency signals. 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 diagram of a first prior art portable computer. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second prior art portable computer. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a power module shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a woofer module according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view of the woofer module shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the woofer module shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a woofer module according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view of a woofer module shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the woofer module shown in FIG. 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION Please refer to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a woofer module according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view of the woofer module 40 shown in FIG. 4 . FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the woofer module 40 shown in FIG. 4 . The woofer module 40 has a housing 42 , which is also referred to as a second housing, a speaker unit 44 , and a bass reflex duct 46 . The housing 42 has a top cover 42 a and a bottom cover 42 b , and a cavity is formed inside the housing 42 . When the speaker unit 44 generates a low-frequency signal, the low-frequency signal resonates in the predetermined cavity 48 between the speaker unit 44 and the bass reflex duct 46 . An air pressure surge is induced from the low-frequency signal to push the air inside the woofer module 40 and generates airflow so that the airflow enters the bass reflex duct 46 via an output vent 50 of the predetermined cavity 48 . In the end, the airflow is outputted from the woofer module 40 thru the output vent 52 . Based on the prior art of bass reflex principle, the low frequency extension of the woofer module 40 can be increased via bass reflex duct 46 . In addition, the woofer module 40 is installed onto a chassis 54 , which is also referred to as a third housing. The size of the chassis 54 corresponds to that of the expansion slot 24 a or 24 b shown in FIG. 2 . The woofer module 40 installed on the chasis 54 is inserted into the expansion slot 24 a or 24 b so that the woofer module 40 is electrically connected to the portable computer 20 . As mentioned before, the vibrations and noise occur when the speaker unit 44 generates the low-frequency signals. If the vibrations are transferred to the portable computer 20 , some internal devices may not operate properly. The present embodiment, therefore, uses rubber rings 56 a , 56 b or other shock-absorbing materials to prevent the vibrations, which are generated from the woofer module 40 , from being transferred to the chassis 54 . Because the chassis 54 and the expansion slot 24 a or 24 b are connected and fixed through a screw 58 and a corresponding hole 59 , if the vibrations generated from the woofer module 40 transmit to the chassis 54 , the vibrations are further transmitted to the whole portable computer 20 through the screw 58 and the corresponding hole 59 . Therefore, when a screw 60 fastens the woofer module 40 and the chassis 54 together via a corresponding hole 61 , two enclosed rubber rings 56 a , 56 b are used to absorb vibrations generated from the woofer module 40 . The disturbance caused by the vibrations is filtered out by the rubber rings 56 a , 56 b without affecting the chassis 54 . In addition, the base reflect duct 46 has a connector 62 compatible to the interface of expansion slot 24 a or 24 b . For example, the portable computer 20 provides the speaker unit 44 with an appropriate, voltage via a PCMCIA interface. Please refer to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 . FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a woofer module according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top view of a woofer module 70 shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the woofer module 70 shown in FIG. 7 . The woofer module 70 has a housing 72 , a speaker unit 74 , and a bass reflect duct 76 . The housing 72 has a top cover 72 a and a bottom cover 72 b , and a cavity is formed inside the housing 72 . A screw 73 is used to fasten the top cover 72 a and the bottom cover 72 b . When the speaker unit 74 generates the low-frequency signals, the low-frequency signals resonate in a predetermined cavity 78 between the speaker unit 74 and the bass reflect conduct 76 . An air pressure surge is induced from the low-frequency signal to push the air inside the woofer module 70 and generates airflow so that the airflow enters the bass reflex duct 76 via an output vent 79 of the predetermined cavity 78 . In the end, the airflow is outputted from the woofer module 70 thru the output vent 80 . Based on the bass reflex principle, the low frequency extension of the woofer module 70 can be increased via bass reflex duct 76 . In addition, the woofer module 70 has a connector 82 compatible to the interface of expansion slot 24 a or 24 b . The portable computer 20 , therefore, provides the speaker unit 74 with an appropriate voltage via the interface. As mentioned before, the chassis 54 and the expansion slot 24 a or 24 b are connected and fastened through a screw 58 and a corresponding hole 59 . In the present embodiment, the woofer module 70 is not installed onto a chassis 54 as shown in FIG. 4 . In order to make the screw 84 , which pierces housing of the portable computer 20 , fasten the corresponding hole 86 located at the bottom cover 72 b successfully, the housing 72 has a protruded portion 88 positioned under the bass reflect duct 76 , and the hole 86 is positioned on the protruded portion 88 . The screw 84 , therefore, is capable of fastening the woofer module 70 and the corresponding expansion slot 24 a or 24 b with the help of the protruded portion 88 . In other words, the protruded portion 88 takes the place of the chassis 54 shown in FIG. 4 to contact the expansion slot 24 a or 24 b so that the screw 84 works normally without the chassis 54 . Please note that the housing 72 , in the preferred embodiment, has a narrow portion corresponding a location where the bass reflect duct 76 is connected to the output vent 79 of the predetermined cavity 78 . It is obvious that the predetermined cavity 78 and the bass reflect ducts 76 are connected through part of the housing 72 surrounding the output vent 79 . Because a cross-section area of the narrow portion is inevitably small, and has a great flexibility accordingly, the vibrations generated from the speaker unit 74 are alleviated. As mentioned above, the hole 86 is positioned on the protruded portion 88 , and the protruded portion 88 is located under the bass reflect duct 76 . When the bass reflect duct 76 alleviates vibrations from the speaker unit 74 , the shocks, which pass through the screw 84 and the corresponding hole 86 , are simultaneously alleviated without disturbing the whole portable computer 20 . In contrast to the prior art, the claimed invention provides a removable woofer module that is compatible with an expansion slot positioned in a portable computer. The woofer module has a bass reflect duct used to increase the low frequency extension of the woofer module. In addition, the first embodiment of the claimed woofer module discloses a shock-absorbing apparatus such as a rubber ring for alleviating the vibrations transmitted to the expansion slot. The portable computer is protected against the shocks. As a result, the portable computer works properly. The second embodiment of the claimed woofer module discloses a flexible and narrow portion connecting the bass reflect duct and a resonance cavity so that the shocks are alleviated without affecting operation of the portable computer. To sum up, the claimed invention not only provides the portable computer with low-frequency signals, but also protects the portable computer from being disturbed by the vibrancies induced by the low-frequency signals. The claimed woofer module is capable of sharing the same expansion slot with other removable modules such as a floppy disk drive or a secondary hard-disk drive so that the utilization of limited spare space in the portable computer is more flexible. 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.

A woofer module is used for outputting alow-frequency audio signal, and can be inserted into and removed from anexpansion slot of a portable computer. The woofer module has a housing, a speaker unit positioned inside the housing for generating the audio signal, a predetermined space positioned inside the housing for resonating the audio signal, and a bass reflex duct positioned inside the housing which is connected to an output vent of the predetermined space and an output vent of the housing for transmitting the audio signal from the output vent of the housing to an ambientenvironment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to an electrical switching arrangement and more particularly, to a lever switch arrangement for a turn signal switch or direction indicating switch, or the like which is installed on a steering shaft of a motor vehicle or the like. Generally, in the lever switch arrangements of the above described type, since the position of the control lever is altered at each operation thereof, it is required that the lever switch arrangement include some means for clearly indicating the operating positions of the control lever, especially at night, for improvement of the operability. However, lever switch arrangements conventionally used for such purpose generally have a rather complicated structure, requiring a large number of parts, and consequent high cost, and have not necessarily been satisfactory from the viewpoints of reliability and efficient operation, and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an essential object of the present invention is to provide a lever switch arrangement for use in a motor vehicle, in which positions of a control lever are clearly indicated by illumination for improved operability, particularly at night, while the illumination of the control lever positions is also utilized to display the functions of the switch members incorporated in the control lever, thereby providing an easily used construction. Another important object of the present invention is to provide a lever switch arrangement of the above described type which has a simple construction and functions stably and with high reliability, and can be readily manufactured at low cost. In accomplishing these and other objects and features of the present invention, there is provided a lever switch arrangement for use in a motor vehicle or the like, which comprises a base member i.e. a column body to be secured around a steering shaft of the motor vehicle, a control lever pivotally connected to the base member for operating switch means provided in the base member, a light transmitting member provided at an operating end of the control lever for transmitting light emitted from a light source, for example, in the form of a light emitting diode, a further switch means provided in the control lever, an operating member provided on the control lever for operating said further switch means and capable of being slidingly displaced for operation, for example, by a finger between one position where the operating member overlaps a predetermined portion of the light transmitting member for hiding the predetermined portion so that it is not visible to the operator and the other position where the predetermined portion of the light transmitting member is exposed, and a display portion provided at said predetermined portion of the light transmitting member for indicating the functioning of said further switch member for displaying functioning of said another switch means provided in the control lever. By the arrangement according to the present invention as described above, there is provided an improved lever switch arrangement having a simple construction and high reliability, with substantial elimination of disadvantages inherent in the conventional arrangements of this kind. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which; FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a lever switch arrangement according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the lever switch arrangement of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the lever switch arrangement of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line IV--IV in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing on an enlarged scale, a cord holding structure employed in the arrangement of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side sectional view of a control lever employed in the arrangement of FIG. 1, showing switch members incorporated therein in the ON state, and FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the control lever of FIG. 6. Before the description of the present invention proceeds, it is to be noted that like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views of the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, there is shown, in FIGS. 1 to 3, a lever switch arrangement according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, which generally includes a column body 1 as a base member to be fitted onto a steering column (not shown) of a motor vehicle which extends through an opening 2 formed at the central portion, and a control lever 5 pivotally mounted on the column body 1 for movements in a horizontal direction in a vehicle (i.e. in a vertical direction in FIG. 1) and a vertical direction in a vehicle (i.e. in a vertical direction in FIG. 2) in a manner as described hereinbelow. The column body 1 is provided with a hollow stud or shaft 3 which extends upwardly therefrom, and around which a bracket 4 is pivotally mounted, and the control lever 5 is pivotally connected, at its one end, to said bracket 4 through an axis 6. The bracket 4 has, in a semi-circular peripheral edge portion, a groove 4a extending along said peripheral edge portion as is most clearly seen in FIG. 4, and resilient claw pieces 1a extending upwardly from the column body 1, fit into the groove 4a to prevent undesirable rising of the bracket 4. In the above arrangement, rotation of the control lever 5 in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 is for producing, for example, a headlamp dimmer operation at a time of passing another vehicle, and the lever 5 is held in either a low beam position H L or a high beam position H U by a detent mechanism 7 for appropriately energizing head lamps (not shown), while the control lever 5 is also arranged to be automatically returned to the H L position after being moved from said position to the passing position H P . On the other hand, when the lever 5 is operated in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 (i.e. in the horizontal direction in FIG. 2), it is rotated about the shaft 3 together with the bracket 4, which rotation is for producing operation of turn direction indicating lamps at the time of rightward or leftward turning of the motor vehicle, and the control lever 5 is adapted to be maintained, by a detent mechanism 7, at any one of a neutral position P N , a right turn indicating position P R and a left turn indicating position P L shown in FIG. 1. In the column body 1, there are provided a dimmer switch 8 which is actuated in association with the dimmer operation of the control lever 5, and a turn signal switch (not shown) which is actuated in association with the direction indicating operation of the said lever 5. The control lever 5 has a hollow interior open at its under side, which is normally closed by a cover 9 secured to the lever 5, for example, by a set screw S or the like. In the space in the hollow interior of the control lever 5, there is fixedly mounted an insulator 10 having, at its one end adjacent to the operating end portion of the lever 5, a light source, for example, a light emitting diode 11. The lever 5 has, in its upper surface adjacent to the operating end portion thereof, an opening 13, in which a lens 12 is fitted, and in the under face of the lens 12 is a semi-spherical recess 12a for covering the light emitting diode 11, while a V-shaped groove 12b is formed at the central portion in the upper face of said lens 12. Onto the upper face of the lens 12, there is further applied a light transmitting member 14 which is, for example, a translucent plastic sheet colored a predetermined color or shade of color, and marked, on its upper face, with indicia denoting the switches to be actuated by the lever 5, for example, a mark 15 in the shape of a headlamp indicating the dimmer switch and arrows 16 representing the turn signal switch. In the space within the control lever 5, there is further provided a main switch 17 for a constant speed running device (not shown) of the motor vehicle, and which includes a holder 19 guided for a sliding movement within an elongated opening 18 in the upper face of the control lever 5, a movable contact 20 fixed to the holder 19, and a stationary contact 21 secured to the insulator 10. The switch 17 is provided with a detent mechanism 22 therefor, which may have a known construction including concave and convex surfaces 23 formed in the insulator 10, and a detent ball 25 urged against the concave and convex surfaces 23 by a compression spring 24 provided in the holder 19. The holder 19 is maintained at either an OFF position as shown in FIG. 2 or an ON position illustrated in FIG. 6. A generally flat plate-like operating member 26 of an opaque material is connected to the holder 19 form one unit, for example by fitting a projection extending downwardly from the lower surface of the operating member 26 into a corresponding recess formed in the upper face of the holder 19, while a raised portion 26a of generally inverted U-shape cross section is formed adjacent to the right end portion of the operating member 26 for applying a finger thereto during operation thereof. The operating member 26 as described above is arranged to overlap a predetermined portion of the light transmitting member 14, i.e. the left end portion thereof as shown in FIG. 1 when the holder 19 is in the OFF position, and to expose said left end portion when the holder 19 is moved into the ON position. Meanwhile, the left end portion 27 of the light transmitting member 14 in FIG. 1 overlapped by the operating member 26 is colored different from the color or with a different shade of the same color as the light transmitting member 14 so as to serve as a display portion for displaying the ON condition of the switch 17. Alternatively a different colored piece can be placed on the light transmitting member at this point as shown in FIG. 6. In a portion near the raised portion 26a on the operating member 26, and corresponding to the display portion 27, is another lens 28 having a color different from or a different shade from that of the display portion 27. A cable 29 extends into the space within the control shaft 5 and is suitably secured, at its one end, to terminal means which in turn is connected to the light emitting diode 11 and the contacts 20 and 21 (actual connection not shown) to supply power to diode 11 and contact leads to contact 20 and 21, while the cable extending out of the lever 5 extends along the outer periphery of the projecting portion 5a extending downwardly in approximately an inverted L-shape from the base end of the lever 5, and is held by a pair of holding pieces 5b integral with the projecting portion 5a and extending in alternately different directions therefrom as shown in FIG. 5. By the above arrangement, when small lamps such as tail lamps or parking lamps are lit, or head lamps are lit at the same time as the small lamps, power is supplied to the light emitting diode 11 and it is energized for being illuminated, and thus, the light transmitting member 14 receives light from the light emitting diode 11 through the lens 12 and allows the light to pass therethrough, and accordingly, the light transmitting member 14 is brightly illuminated for indicating the position of the operating end of the control lever 5. In the above case, if the holder 19 of the switch 17 is located in the OFF position, the driver can readily ensure that the switch 17 is in the OFF state, because the operating member 26 overlaps the leftward end portion of the light transmitting member 14 for hiding the display portion 27. Meanwhile, since the light transmitted through the leftwards end portion of the light transmitting member 14 is further transmitted through the lens 28 of the operating member 26, the lens 28 is brightly illuminated for indicating of the position of the raised portion 26a of said operating member 26. Upon sliding the operating member 26 towards the left in FIGS. 1 and 2 for setting the switch 17 to the ON state, the leftwards end portion of the light transmitting member 14 is exposed and the display portion 27 is exposed, and thus, the driver can readily see that the switch 17 is in the ON state by observing the display portion 27. It should be noted here that, in the foregoing embodiment, the dimmer switch 8, and the like described as provided in the column body 1 may be replaced, for example, by a wiper control switch or the like, while the switch 17 described as accommodated in the control lever 5 may also be replaced by a main switch for the small lamps or head lamps, or the, if desired. As is clear from the foregoing description, with the lever switch of the present invention, since the light transmitting member is brightly illuminated for indication of positions of the operating end of the control lever in cases where motor vehicles are driven at night, the operating positions of the control lever can be determined by visual examination, which facilitates operation of the vehicle, while because of the provision of the display portion for displaying the state of the switch incorporated in the control lever which is provided at the portion of the light transmitting member which in overlapped by the operating member for actuating said switch, upon actuation of said switch in the control lever by operation of the operating member, the display portion is exposed, and thus, it becomes possible also to display the state of the switch accommodated in the control lever by utilization of the light source for the lever position indication, thereby improving and making compact the structure of the lever switch arrangement. Although the present invention has been fully described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted here that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.

This disclosure is directed to an improved lever switch arrangement for use in a motor vehicle and the like, in which positions of a control lever are clearly indicated through illumination particularly at night for improved operability, while the illumination of the control lever positions is also utilized to display the state of functionings of switch members incorporated in the control lever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital color copying machine, and more particularly, to a digital color copying machine capable of performing a test mode for making a color adjustment. 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional digital color copying machine comprises a reading section for reading an image of a document by using a color image sensor and converting the image of the document into image data for printing, and an electrophotographic printer section for printing an image of the document on a copying paper according to the image data. In cases where that plural color images are to be superimposed on a copying paper, the document is read out repeatedly by the reading section, and each color image is printed on the same copying paper by the printer section in the order of respective colors predetermined. The reading section comprises a masking circuit for generating a color-corrected signal corresponding to printing characteristics of the printer section. Generally speaking, it is difficult for the masking process circuit to minimize the color difference between the real document and the copy thereof with respect to all the colors contained therein. Therefore, in a case where a copy is further copied as a document, the color tone of the secondary copy may be considerably different from that of the original document. However, in the range of a limited color tone, if a better color balance adjustment is performed, the variation of the color tone can be minimized. Conventionally, the color balance adjustment is performed by referring to a copy obtained in a certain color balance in a manner of so-called cut and try. In this case, the scanning operation of the document is repeated a number of times equal to the product of the number of times of the color balance operation needed for obtaining a desired color copy and the number of the printing colors, and therefore, the color balance operation is time consuming and laborious. The inventors of the present invention have proposed a color adjustment selecting method (referred to as a mosaic monitor method hereinafter) for decreasing time and cost required for the color correction in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 321,405. In this mosaic monitor method, a part of a document (referred to as a specific area hereinafter) including a partial image, for example, the face of a person, for which the operator makes the color reproduction very particularly, is set by a specific area setting means, and then, image data of the specific area is stored in an image memory means. Next, the color adjustment is made for the image data read out from the image memory means with predetermined various color correction levels, and then, those image data are printed at different positions of the same copying paper in a mosaic-like pattern. Thereafter, the operator selects an image having a color balance nearest to that of the document or an image having a color balance desirable for the operator among plural images of the specific area (referred to as mosaic monitor images hereinafter) which have been reproduced with different color balances, respectively. Thereafter, a copy of the whole area of document is produced based on the color correction level of the mosaic monitor image selected. Thus, a copy of document having a desirable color tone can be obtained easily. However, in the digital color copying machine of this type, in the case of determining an image having the most desirable color tone among the mosaic monitor images, the operator often wavers in the determination thereof, therefore, it may take a long time to determine an image having the most desirable color tone. In this case, if another operator wishes to produce a copy of another document, the mosaic monitor mode must be cleared so that the program flow returns to the normal copying operation mode. Thereafter, when the operator wishes to perform the mosaic monitor mode so as to select an image having a desirable color tone, the operator must newly set various kinds of setting conditions such as the area setting for setting a specific area on the document again, resulting in inconvenience to the operator who performs the mosaic monitor mode. In order to avoid the above inconvenience, if the normal copying operation is inhibited for the other operators until an image having a desirable color tone is selected, the inconvenience is caused to the other operators since they can perform the normal copying operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An essential object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine comprising a test mode for making a color adjustment which is capable of performing a normal copying operation if an image having a desirable color tone has not been selected during a predetermined time period. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine comprising a test mode for making a color adjustment which is capable of performing the test mode without setting copying conditions even after clearing the test mode. A further object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine comprising a test mode for making a color adjustment which is capable of inhibiting the selection of the test mode after copying conditions have been stored in a memory so as to prevent the copying conditions from being replaced by other copying conditions. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine comprising a test mode for making a color adjustment which is capable of clearing copying conditions stored in a memory when the clearing operation of the copying conditions is instructed in the case where an image having a desirable color tone is not selected. In order to accomplish the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, a digital color copying machine is provided comprising: image reading means for scanning an original document image and generating image data; color correcting means for making a color correction for said image data with a color tone; image forming means for forming the original document image on a recording medium in response to the image data color-corrected by said color correcting means; mode selecting means for selecting a test mode; area indicating means for indicating a partial area of the original document image; memory means for storing a collection of the image data corresponding to the partial area indicated by said area indicating means; test image signal generating means for reading out said collection of the image data stored in said memory means and applying it to said color correcting means repeatedly and respectively making the color correction with different color tones for plural collections of the image data applied repeatedly, thereby generating plural a test image signal when the test mode is selected by said mode selecting means; first control means for controlling the drive of said image forming means according to the test image signal generated by said test image signal generating means and forming plural test images of the indicated partial area for which the color correction is made with different color tones respectively on a recording medium; image selecting means for selecting any one of plural test images formed by said first control means; second control means for controlling said color correcting means so as to make the color correction for the entire original document image with a color tone with which the color correction is made for one of plural test image selected by said image selecting means, and producing a copy of the entire original document image; and canceling means for canceling the test mode selected by said mode selecting means if one of the plural test images has not been selected selecting means during a predetermined time period since plural test images are formed by said first control means. According to another aspect of the present invention, a digital color copying machine is provided comprising: image reading means for scanning an original document image and generating image data; color correcting means for making the color correction for said image data generated by said image reading means; image forming means for forming the original document image on a recording medium in response to the image data generated by said color correcting means; mode selecting means for selecting a test mode; area indicating means for indicating any part of the original document image; memory means for selectively storing image data corresponding to the part indicated by said area indicating means from the image data generated by said image reading means; test image signal generating means for reading out the image data stored in said memory means and applying it to said color correcting means repeatedly and making the color correction with different color tones for the image data applied repeatedly, thereby generating a test image signal when the test mode is selected by said mode selecting means; first control means for controlling the drive of said image forming means according to the test image signal generated by said test image generating means and forming plural test images on a recording medium; image selecting means for selecting any one of plural test images; second control means for controlling said color correcting means so as to make the color correction for the entire original document image with a color tone with which the color correction is made for one of plural test images selected by said image selecting means, and producing a copy of the entire original document image having the selected color tone; storing means for storing copying conditions to be used in the test mode and canceling the test mode selected by the mode selecting means so as to defer the selection of the image selecting means if one of plural test images has not been selected by said image selecting means during a predetermined time period since plural test images are formed by said first control means; and restoring means for restoring said copying conditions stored by said storing means so as to enable said image selecting means to select any one of plural test images. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a digital color copying machine is provided which further comprises inhibiting means for inhibiting the selection of said mode selecting means after said storing means has stored said copying conditions. According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a digital color copying machine is provided which further comprises instruction inputting means for inputting an instruction for clearing said copying conditions stored by said storing means; and clearing means for clearing said copying conditions stored by said storing means when the instruction is input by said instruction inputting means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of a digital color copying machine of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a signal processing section shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an action of the signal processing section shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an operation panel of the digital color copying machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a front view of a display section of the operation panel shown in FIG. 4 upon setting a specific area thereon; FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a CPU and peripheral input and output units in the digital color copying machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a front view of an output format of a mosaic monitor image displayed on the display selection shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a color tone setting circuit shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an image memory circuit shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a main flow of a mosaic monitor mode of the digital color copying machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an initial setting process shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a front view of an image of an initial mode displayed on the display section shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an image register process shown in FIG. 10; FIGS. 14a and 14b are flow charts of a mosaic monitor image printing process shown in FIG. 10; and FIGS. 15a and 15b are flow charts of an interruption process of the digital color copying machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A digital color copying machine of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in the order of the following items, with reference to the attached drawings. (1) Composition of the digital color copying machine (2) Action of mosaic monitor and color correction adjustment function (3) Color tone setting circuit (4) Image memory circuit (5) Storing mode setting values to be set in the mosaic monitor mode and selecting an image having a desirable color balance (6) Control flow in the mosaic monitor mode The present invention particularly relates to the description of the above paragraph (5). (1) Composition of the digital color copying machine A digital color copying machine of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention comprises a reading section 100 for reading an image of a document using an image sensor and converting the image of the document into image data, and a printer section 200 for printing the image corresponding to the image data on a copying paper using the electrophotographic process. In the copy machine, a multi-color copy is obtained by repeating an image reading process by the image reading section 100 and an image forming process by the printer section 200 with respect to each of the printing colors. That is, the reading section 100 reads the image of the document corresponding to respective colors of yellow, magenta and cyan, respectively, and outputs respective color image data to the printer section 200. The printer section 200 forms respective color images according to respective color image data outputted from the reading section 100. Thus, respective color images are superimposed on a copying paper so as to form a color image. FIG. 1 shows the whole composition of the digital color copying machine of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a scanner 10 comprises an exposure lamp 12 for illuminating the document, a rod lens array 13 for condensing the light reflected from the document, and a CCD color image sensor 14 for converting the condensed light into an electrical signal. The scanner 10 is moved in a direction indicated by an arrow A by a motor 11 upon reading the document so as to scan the document set on a platen 15. The image of the document illuminated by a light source is converted into multi-level analogue electric signals of red color, green color and blue color by the CCD color image sensor 14. The analogue electric signals outputted from the CCD color image sensor 14 are converted into binary image data corresponding to each of a red color image, a green color image and a blue color image of the document, and individual color image data are stored in a buffer memory 30. Referring to FIG. 2, a print head 31 comprises an LD driving circuit 32 and a semiconductor laser (LD) 33. The LD driving circuit 32 drives the semiconductor laser 33 according to the image data read out from the buffer memory 30. Referring back to FIG. 1, a laser beam generated from the semiconductor laser 33 is swept in the axial direction of a photoconductive drum 41 by an optical means (not shown) such as a polygon mirror, and is projected onto the surface of the rotating photoconductive drum 41 through a reflection mirror 37. Then, the image of the document is formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 41. Before the photoconductive drum 41 is projected by the above laser beam, it is illuminated by an eraser lamp 42, is electrified by a corona charger 43, and furthermore, is illuminated by an eraser lamp 44. Thereafter, the above laser beam is projected onto the surface of the photoconductive drum 41 so as to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. After either one of an yellow color toner developing unit 45a, a magenta color toner developing unit 45b, a cyan color toner developing unit 45c and a black color toner developing unit 45d is activated, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 41 is developed into a visible toner image. The developed visible toner image is transferred onto a copying paper which is wound around a transfer drum 51. The image forming process is repeated with respect to four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan and black) so as to form a color image on a copying paper wound around the transfer drum 51. The scanner 10 is driven in synchronism with the rotations of the photoconductive drum 41 and the transfer drum 51 in the image forming process. Thereafter, a separating nail member 47 is enabled so that the copying paper is separated from the transfer drum 41, and thereafter, the copying paper is fixed by a fixing unit 48 and is discharged to a paper discharging tray 49. It is to be noted that the copying paper is fed from a paper cassette 50, and the edge of the copying paper is chucked by a chucking mechanism 52 which is arranged around the transfer drum 51 so as to prevent an image from being shifted upon transferring the toner image thereon. FIG. 2 shows a signal processing section 20 for processing the analogue electric signals outputted from the CCD color image sensor 14 so as to output the binary image signals corresponding to the electric signals. Referring to FIG. 2, in the normal image forming process, the analogue image signals outputted from the CCD color image sensor 14 are converted into electric signals corresponding to the density of the image by a logarithmic amplifier 21, and the electric signal outputted from the amplifier 21 is converted into multi-level digital data by an analogue to digital converter (referred to as an A/D converter hereinafter) 22. A shading correction is performed with respect to individual image data of red color, green color and blue color by a shading correction circuit 23. In a mosaic monitor mode (MMM) as described later, the image data outputted from the shading correction circuit 23 is stored in an image memory circuit 1. On the other hand, in a normal print mode for forming a normal color image on a copying paper, the image memory circuit 1 is disabled, and the image data outputted from the shading correction circuit 23 is directly to a masking circuit 24. Respective image data of red color, green color and blue color are processed in parallel in the above data processing. Thereafter, the masking circuit 24 generates image data of one printing color of yellow color, magenta color, cyan color and black color from the image data of red color, green color and blue color according to the characteristics of the printing toner designated, wherein the printing color is determined in response to a control signal input from a CPU 25. The masking circuit 24 comprises a back ground color rejecting circuit for rejecting color data on a back ground surface of the image to be processed, and a black color data generating circuit for generating black color data upon scanning black color image. In the case that the color balance is to be altered in the mosaic monitor mode and the normal print mode, the color tone setting circuit 2 performs the color correction for the image data outputted from the masking circuit 24, and outputs the corrected image data to a magnification varying circuit 26. On the other hand, in the case that the color balance is kept unchanged, the color tone setting circuit 2 is disabled, and therefore, the color correction is not performed. Then, the image data outputted from the masking circuit 24 is directly sent to the magnification varying circuit 26. The magnification varying circuit 26 electrically processes the image data outputted from the masking circuit 24 or the color tone setting circuit 2 so as to vary the magnification of the image in the main scan direction by a well known manner, and output the generated image data to a half tone processing circuit 27. On the other hand, the magnification in the subscan direction is varied by varying the velocity of the scanner 10 for scanning the document. The half tone processing circuit 27 binarizes the image data outputted from the magnification varying circuit 26 so as to generate the binary pseudo half tone signals and store them in the buffer memory 30. The LD driving circuit 32 drives the semiconductor laser 33 so as to generate a laser beam according to the pseudo half tone signals outputted from the buffer memory 30. On the other hand, a clock generator 28 generates a horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and a clock signal CKA for synchronizing the reading action of the CCD color image sensor 14 with the image data processing of respective circuits of the signal processing section 20. Furthermore, a subscan clock generator 29 for varying the magnification generates a subscan clock for varying the magnification which is an interruption signal for outputting to the image memory circuit 1 in accordance with a control signal outputted from the CPU 25. The composition of the CPU 25 and the peripheral input and output units will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the image data which is processed in the signal processing section 20. Referring to FIG. 3, the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and the clock signal CKA are generated by the clock generator 28, and the CCD color image sensor 14 outputs the image data of red color, green color and blue color in serial in synchronism with the clock signal CKA. In FIG. 3, the numerals indicated in the individual image data denote addresses in the main scan direction. Every time the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync is generated, the line n in the main scan direction is renewed. Then, the scanner 10 is moved in the subscan direction by a unit distance. The digital color copying machine of the present preferred embodiment comprises a color correction function which is performed in the mosaic monitor mode, and a superimposing function for superimposing one image on another image. In order to perform the above functions, a memory for storing image data is required. Since there are a number of image processing common to both the above functions, both of the image memory circuit 1 for storing image data and the color tone setting circuit 2 are used and are controlled by the CPU 25 upon performing the above functions. It is to be noted that the detailed description of the superimposing function is omitted therein since the superimposing function is disclosed in the other U.S. applications applied by the present applicant and is well known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 4 shows an operation panel 70 arranged on the main body of the copying machine. Referring to FIG. 4, on the operation panel 70, there are arranged a print start key 71 for starting the copying operation, an interruption key 72 for instructing an interruption copying operation, a clear stop key 73, an all reset key 74, a set of ten keys 75, a set key 76, a cancel key 77, various kinds of function keys 78 to 81, jog dials 82 and 83 for setting the areas which are described later, a liquid crystal display section 84 for displaying the image of the document so as to set the above areas and displaying various kinds of messages. The function keys 78, 79, 80 and 81 are selecting keys for selecting the mosaic monitor mode and a superimposing mode, a density correction key, and a mosaic monitor mode memory read key, respectively. It is to be noted that the all reset key 74 is also used for clearing data stored in a mode memory 36. In the mosaic monitor mode described later in detail, the areas such as specific area etc. are set as follows. For example, in the case of setting the specific area, as shown in FIG. 5, a document is set on the platen 15, and a preparatory scan is performed by the scanner 10, and then, the image of the document is roughly displayed on the document area ED of the display section 84 of the operation panel 70. As shown in FIG. 5, the intersection between a longitudinal instructing line LPX and a lateral instructing line LPY corresponds to the center of the square specific area EA. When the jog dials 82 and 83 are rotated, the instructing lines LPX and LPY are moved in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction, respectively. Therefore, the specific area EA is set by rotating the jog dials 82 and 83, and the set key 76 is pushed down, so that the specific area is set. The CPU 25 controls not only the action of the image processing section 20 but also the action of the operation panel 70 and the printing operation, as shown in FIG. 6. The CPU 25 is connected to a ROM 35, a mode memory 36 of a RAM, a RAM 37 used as a working area for the CPU 25 and an operation panel input and output port circuit 38. The mode memory 36 stores data to be processed in the mosaic monitor mode upon automatically clearing the mosaic monitor mode, as described in detail later. Further, the operation panel input and output port circuit 38 is connected to various kinds of keys 71 to 83 of the operation panel 70 and the display section 84 thereof. Furthermore, the CPU 25 receives a time up signal outputted from a timer (T) 40 when the timer (T) 40 counts a predetermined time as described in detail later. The CPU 25 is connected to a paper sensor 54 and a toner sensor 55 which are used for controlling the copying operation through an input and output port circuit 39, and a thermal sensor 56 for measuring the temperature within the copying machine through the input and output port circuit 39 and an analogue to digital converter 57. Furthermore, the CPU 25 drives a motor 59 used for the copying operation through a driver 58. (2) Action of mosaic monitor and color correction adjustment function The mosaic monitor is performed by the image memory circuit 1 for storing the image data of the specific area EA and the color tone setting circuit 2 for performing the color correction in a printing process. The mosaic monitor mode is selected when the function key 78 of the operation panel 70 is pushed down. The mosaic monitor is to make various color corrections for the image of the specific area EA set by the operator and print images of the specific area EA having different color balances (referred to as mosaic monitor images hereinafter) on the same copying paper. Therefore, an image having a desirable color balance can be selected by observing the mosaic monitor images. That is, when the operator selects an image having a desirable color balance among the mosaic monitor images by operating a key on the operation panel 70, the color adjustment coefficients for the color adjustment of the selected image are automatically set, and thereafter, the printing operation is performed by using the selected color adjustment coefficients. In the mosaic monitor mode, first of all, a specific area EA for which the color adjustment is made (for example, an area indicated by oblique lines) is set with looking at the image of the document displayed on the display section 84 of the operation panel 70 which has been obtained in the above preparatory scan process. When the specific area EA is set, the image memory circuit 1 stores only image data I corresponding to the specific area EA in a RAM 401 shown in FIG. 10. It is to be noted that the upper limit of the size of the specific area EA is predetermined according to the memory capacity of the RAM 401. Thereafter, the color tone setting circuit 2 performs various kinds of color correction for the image data I which is outputted from the image memory circuit 1 and is converted into the image data of printing color so as to generate printing image data I'=kI (k=Ky, Km, Kc), wherein the coefficients Ky, Km and Kc are the color adjustment coefficients k for yellow color, magenta color and cyan color, respectively. FIG. 7 shows one example of the output format of the printing image data I'. Referring to FIG. 7, three kinds of color adjustment coefficient Ky=y i , Km=m i and Kc=c i (i=0, 1, 2) are used for three colors of cyan color (c), yellow magenta color (m) and yellow color (y), and then, 27 kinds of images (3×3×3=27) are outputted. The color adjustment coefficients c 1 , m 1 and y 1 represent standard values of cyan, magenta and yellow colors, respectively, the color adjustment coefficients c 0 , m 0 and y 0 represent values each of which is a product of the standard value and a predetermined factor smaller than one, and the color adjustment coefficients c 2 , m 2 and y 2 represent values of cyan, magenta and yellow colors, each of which is a product of the standard value and another predetermined factor larger than one. The operator selects a suitable color tone among the 27 kinds of mosaic monitor image GM shown in FIG. 7, and then, the process of the mosaic monitor mode is completed. In the case where the operator specifies a desirable color tone from the mosaic monitor image GM, for example, the function keys 78 to 81 are operated according to a message displayed on the display section 84 of the operation panel 70 so as to select one image from the mosaic images GM, and thereafter, the color balance for processing an image is specified. Otherwise, after making the image block shown in FIG. 7 display on the display section 84, the function keys 78 to 81 and the ten key 75 may be operated so as to select one of the mosaic images GM, and then, a desirable color balance may be selected. Next, the image of the document is read out again by the reading section 100, and then, the image having the set color tone is printed by the printer section 200. (3) Color tone setting circuit FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the color tone setting circuit 2. The color tone setting circuit 2 is arranged at the next step of the masking circuit 24, and makes the color adjustment in the mosaic monitor mode. The masking circuit 24 converts respective image data of red color, green color and blue color into image data Y, M, C and K for printing which correspond to respective printing colors of yellow color, magenta color, cyan color and black color, and outputs the converted image data to the color tone setting circuit 2. The well known conversion equation for converting the original image data R, G and B into the printing image data Y, M and C is expressed as follows: ##EQU1## Respective conversion coefficients a 00 to a 22 are predetermined at proper values according to the theory and the result of the experiment so that the color image reflecting that of the original document faithfully can be obtained. In the color adjustment of the color tone setting circuit 2, the following multiplications are performed for respective image data Y, M and C calculated by the above calculation in order to obtain adjusted printing image data Y 1 , M 1 and C 1 . Y.sub.1 =K.sub.y ×Y, M.sub.1 =K.sub.m ×M, C.sub.1 =K.sub.c ×C, wherein K y is the color adjustment coefficient of yellow color, Km is the color adjustment coefficient of magenta color, and Kc is the color adjustment coefficient of cyan color. It is to be noted that the printing image data K of black color is outputted for a picture element only when all the respective image data of yellow color, magenta color and cyan color are outputted since it is not necessary to make the color adjustment. In the mosaic monitor mode, different sets of color adjustment coefficients are applied to respective blocks shown in FIG. 7. That is, the reading area designated by the coordinates P 0 (x 0 , y 0 ) and P 1 (x 1 , y 1 ) is divided into 27 blocks of three rows in the main scan direction X and nine columns in the subscan direction Y, and different sets of color adjustment coefficients are set at respective blocks. In this case, the color adjustment coefficient Ky of yellow color does not vary in the subscan direction Y, however, the coefficient Ky varies in the main scan direction X so that three kinds of coefficients y 0 , y 1 and y 2 are set at the three blocks in the main scan direction X, respectively. The color adjustment coefficient Km of magenta color does not vary in the main scan direction X, however, the coefficient Km varies in the subscan direction Y in the order of m 0 , m 1 , m 2 , m 0 , m 1 , . . . every block. The color adjustment coefficient Kc of cyan color does not vary in the main scan direction X, however, the coefficient Kc varies in the subscan direction Y every three blocks in the order of c 0 , c 1 and c 2 . Therefore, the color tone setting circuit 2 sets the color adjustment coefficients for every block of the mosaic monitor image as described above, for respective printing image data Y, M and C in the mosaic monitor mode, and outputs the adjusted printing image data to the magnification varying circuit 26. Referring to FIG. 8, a multiplexer 301 calculates the aforementioned printing image data Y 1 , M 1 and C 1 by using the above equations from the image data Y, M and C input from the masking circuit 24, and outputs the printing image data Y 1 , M 1 and C 1 to the half tone process circuit 27. There is provided a latch circuit 305 comprised of three latches 302, 303 and 304 for respectively latching respective three coefficients in the main scan direction X in the mosaic monitor mode, which are input from the CPU 25. Three coefficients latched in the latch circuit 305 correspond to three blocks in the main scan direction X, respectively. Every time a subscan clock signal for varying the magnification is input to the CPU 25 as the interruption signal, the CPU 25 performs an interruption process shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, and the CPU 25 outputs a latch signal to the color tone setting circuit 2 every block in the subscan direction Y so as to make the latches 302, 303 and 304 latch respective new three coefficients for the next three blocks in the subscan direction Y. The reason why the above latch circuit 305 comprised of three latches 302, 303 and 304 are provided is that the alteration period of the above coefficients in the main scan direction is relatively shorter than the operation period of the CPU 25, and it is difficult for the CPU 25 to set the above coefficients in the latches 302, 303 and 304 in real time. It is to be noted that, in the case of n kinds of color adjustment coefficients, n latches may be provided in parallel. The image memory circuit 1 outputs an overflow signal X 0 (See FIG. 9) in the main scan direction generated upon reading out the image data stored in an image memory 401 to a first selecting signal generator 311. Every time the first selecting signal generator 311 receives the overflow signal X 0 , i.e., every block of the mosaic monitor image, the first selecting signal generator 311 outputs a signal S21 to a selector 306 through a selector 312 so that the selector 306 connects the multiplier 301 selectively to respective latches 302 to 304. In the mosaic monitor mode, the selector 312 outputs the signal S21 input from the first selecting signal generator 311 to the selector 306. In accordance with the signal S21, the selector 306 sends one of the respective coefficients latched in the latches 302 to 304 of the latch 305 to the multiplier 301 selectively every block. On the other hand, the image memory circuit 1 outputs an overflow signal Y 0 (See FIG. 9) in the subscan direction generated upon reading out the image data stored in the image memory 401 to the selector 313. In the mosaic monitor mode, the selector 313 outputs the overflow signal Y 0 to the latch circuit 305. In accordance with the overflow signal Y 0 , the latches 302 to 304 latch a set of color adjustment coefficients input from the CPU 25 so as to renew them. That is, as soon as the blocks to be processed are changed in the subscan direction to the next blocks, the set of color adjustment coefficients are altered. In the mosaic monitor mode, when the operator selects a desirable set of color adjustment coefficients, the selected set of color adjustment coefficients may be set in the latch 302, and may be outputted to the multiplier 301. In the superimposing mode, the selector 312 outputs a signal input from the second selecting signal generator 314 to the selector 306 so that the color tone of the area on which an image is superimposed can be different from that of the other area. Since this is well known to those skilled in the art, the description thereof is omitted therein. (4) Image memory circuit FIG. 9 shows the image memory circuit 1 for storing an image of a specific area EA of a document (referred to as a registered image hereinafter) in the mosaic monitor mode, and for reading out the registered image to be printed on any specific position of a copying paper in order to print the registered image as the mosaic monitor image. Referring to FIG. 9, the RAM 401 is provided for storing image data of the specific area EA. A selector 421 selects either one of the image data which is processed with the shading correction in the shading correction circuit 23 and white data input from the shading correction circuit 23 in accordance with the mosaic read signal input from the shading correction circuit 23, and outputs the selected data to the RAM 401 and a selector 446 through a three-state buffer amplifier 422. The output terminal of three-state buffer amplifier 422 is made a high impedance state only when the registered image is read out from the RAM 401 (i.e., OE="1") upon printing the mosaic monitor image, and in the other cases, i.e., when the mosaic monitor image is not printed in the mosaic monitor mode, the three-state buffer amplifier 422 outputs white data. Furthermore, when image data of a specific area EA of a document is stored in the RAM 401 in the mosaic monitor mode, the three-state buffer amplifier 422 outputs the image data to the RAM 401. In the mosaic monitor mode, in order to make a color adjustment for the registered image data, the image data is stored in the RAM 401 temporarily by using the selector 446 and the three-state buffer amplifier 422 before the processes performed by the circuits 24, 25, 26 and 27. After the image data is read out from the RAM 401, various kinds of color adjustments are made for the mosaic monitor image, and the color-adjusted mosaic monitor image is printed on a copying paper. A write area judgment circuit 402 judges whether or not the image data read by the reading section 100 is within a write area in the main scan direction X and in the subscan direction Y in accordance with write area setting signals in the main scan direction X and in the subscan direction Y which are input from the CPU 25. When the image data read by the reading section 100 is within the above write area, the write area judgment circuit 402 outputs Low level signals WEX and WEY to inverted input terminals of an AND gate 407 and a write address generating counter 403. The AND gate 407 outputs the clock signal CKA to a write enable terminal WE of the RAM 401 in accordance with the Low level signals WEX and WEY, so as to store the image data in the RAM 401. Similarly, a read area judgment circuit 408 judges whether or not the image data read by the reading section 100 is within a read area in the main scan direction X and in the subscan direction Y in accordance with read area setting signals in the main scan direction X and in the subscan direction Y which are input from the CPU 25. When the image data read by the reading section 100 is within the above read area, the read area judgment circuit 408 outputs Low level signals REX and REY to inverted input terminals of an AND gate 405 and a read address generating counter 409. The above read area is predetermined according to the output format. In accordance with Low level signals REX and REY, the AND gate 405 outputs a read signal W/R to an output enable terminal OE of the RAM 401 through an inverter 423, i.e., a Low level signal is input to the output enable terminal OE of the RAM 401 so that the reading operation of the RAM 401 is enabled. The write address generating counter 403 generates a write address for storing image data in the RAM 401 in accordance with the clock signal CKA, the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync, and the above signals WEX and WEY, and outputs the generated write address to the address terminal of the RAM 401 through a selector 404. Similarly, the read address generating counter 409 generates a read address for reading out image data stored in the RAM 401 in accordance with the clock signal CKA, the subscan clock signal, and the above signals REX and REY, and outputs the generated read address to the address terminal of the RAM 401 through the selector 404. The above selector 404 selectively outputs either the write address or the read address to the address terminal of the RAM 401 in accordance with the write/read signal W/R. It is to be noted that both the write address and the read address are generated as an address of one dimension by a multiplier (not shown) based on an address in the main scan direction X and an address in the subscan direction Y generated by the write address generating counter 403 and the read address generating counter 409, respectively. The selector 446 and the AND gate 448 are provided to output white data on the area of the superimposing image upon printing the image of the document in the superimposing mode. The detailed description of the selector 446 and the AND gate 448 is omitted since they are not the subject matter of the present invention. Except for the case that a trimming signal is outputted in the superimposing mode, the selector 446 selectively outputs either a signal outputted from the three-state buffer amplifier 442 or a signal outputted from the RAM 401. The action of the image memory circuit 1 will be described below in detail. In the case that the registered image is stored in the RAM 401, when the operator specifies a specific area EA of a document using the jog dials 82 and 83 as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 25 calculates the coordinate (x 0 , y 0 ) of the top right edge of the specific area EA and the coordinate (x 1 , y 1 ) of the bottom left edge thereof in order to determine the ranges of the specific area EA in the main scan direction X and the subscan direction Y, and outputs the above calculated coordinates (x 0 , y 0 ) and (x 1 , y 1 ) as the write area setting signal for representing the write area in the main scan direction X and the subscan direction Y to an X section 402a and a Y section 402b of the write area judgment circuit 402, respectively. The X section 402a and the Y section 402b of the write area judgment circuit 402 count the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and the clock signal CKA when the image edge signal is input thereto, and judges whether or not the counting value is within the write area setting area. Then, when the counting value x in the main scan direction X of the X section 402a is within the range from the value x 0 to the value x 1 , i.e., x 0 ≦x≦x 1 , the X section 402a outputs a Low level signal WEX to the X section 403a of the write address generating counter 403. When the counting value y in the subscan direction Y of the Y section 402b is within the range from the value y 0 to the value y 1 , i.e., y 0 ≦y≦y 1 , the Y section 402b outputs a Low level signal WEY to the Y section 403b of the write address generating counter 403. When the write address generating counter 403 judges that the counting values x and y are within the write area, the counter 403 generates a write address and outputs it to the address terminal of the RAM 401 through the selector 404. That is, the X section 403a of the write address generating counter 403 counts the clock signal CKA when the Low level signal WEX is input thereto, and generates the counting value as the address in the main scan direction X. The address generated by the X section 403a is cleared in accordance with the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync. Furthermore, the Y section 403b of the write address generating counter 403 counts the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync when the Low level signal WEY is input thereto, and generates the counting value as the address in the subscan direction Y. The addresses generated by the X section 403a and the Y section 403b are cleared in accordance with the image edge signal which is generated by the CPU 25. The write address generating counter 403 comprises a multiplier (not shown) and an adder (not shown) for calculating addresses of one dimension, each of which is a product of the address in the main scan direction X generated by the X section 403a and the address in the subscan direction Y generated by the Y section 403b. In the case where the address of one dimension is generated by the write address generating counter 403 and the image data are stored in the RAM 401, the data hold signal is set at a Low level, and the write/read signal W/R is set at a Low level. Then, in accordance with a selecting signal input through the AND gate 405, the selector 404 outputs the address input from the write address generating counter 403 to the address terminal of the RAM 401. Also, the clock signal CKA is input to the write enable terminal WE of the RAM 401 through the inverter 406 and the AND gate 407 so as to allow the image data to be stored in the RAM 401. Furthermore, since the write/read signal W/R is set at a Low level as described above, the Low level write/read signal W/R is input to the disable terminal of the buffer amplifier 422 through the AND gate 405, the buffer amplifier 422 is enabled only on the condition that image data of a document is stored in the RAM 401, i.e., the Low level signals REX and REY are outputted from the read area judgment circuit 408 to the AND gate 405, and then, the buffer amplifier 422 outputs the image data to the data terminal of the RAM 401. Then, only the image data of the area which the write area judgment circuit 402 judges within the specific area in the main scan direction X and in the subscan direction Y can be stored in the RAM 401. When the image data of the above area has been stored in the RAM 401 completely, the CPU 25 outputs the High level data hold signal to the write enable signal WE of the RAM 401 through the AND gate 407 so as to inhibit the write operation of the RAM 401, resulting in that the image data is held by the RAM 401. It is necessary to read out the image data stored in the RAM 401 so as to print mosaic monitor images at the specific read area in the output format shown in FIG. 7. The composition of the circuit for reading out the image data is substantially the same as that of the circuit for storing the image data. The setting values, which can be judged within the range of the specific read area on the condition that x 0 ≦x≦x 1 and y 0 ≦y≦y 1 , are preset by the CPU 25 in the X section 408a and the Y section 408b of the read area judgment circuit 408 for judging a read area on a copying wherein x 0 and y 0 are an X-coordinate and a Y-paper, coordinate of the top left edge of the specific read area, respectively, and x 1 and y 1 are an X-coordinate and a Y-coordinate of the bottom right edge thereof, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7. After the image edge signal is input to the read area judgment circuit 408 when the document is scanned, the read area judgment circuit 408 counts the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync and the clock signal CKA, and also judges whether or not the counting values thereof are within the range of the specific read area. Then, when the counting value in the main scan direction X is within the range of the specific read area, the X section 408a of the read area judgment circuit 408 outputs the Low level signal REX to the X section 409a of the read address generating counter 409. When the counting value in the subscan direction Y is within the range of the specific read area, the Y section 408b of the read area judgment circuit 408 outputs the Low level signal REY to the Y section 409b of the read address generating counter 409. When the read area judgment circuit 408 judges that the image data read by the reading section 100 is within the read area, i.e., the Low signals REX and REY are input to the read address generating counter 409, the read address generating counter 409 generates the read address, and outputs the generated read address to the address terminal of the RAM 401 through the selector 404 since the High write/read signal W/R is input to the selector 404 upon reading out the image data stored in the RAM 401. That is, the X section 409a of the read address generating counter 409 counts the clock signal CKA when the Low signal REX is input thereto, and generates the address in the main scan direction X. The address generated by the X section 409a is cleared in accordance with the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync. Furthermore, the Y section 409b of the read address generating counter 409 counts the subscan clock signal input from the subscan clock generator 29 when the Low level signal REY is input thereto, and generates the address in the subscan direction. The Y section 409b counts the subscan clock signal in place of the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync in order to vary the magnification. It is to be noted that the address generated by the Y section 409b is cleared in accordance with the image edge signal generated by the CPU 25. In the read address generating counter 409, the product of the address in the main scan direction X generated by the X section 409a and the address in the subscan direction Y generated by the Y section 409b are calculated by a multiplier (not shown) and an adder (not shown), and the calculated product is outputted as the address of one dimension to the RAM 401 through the selector 404. The image data read out from the RAM 401 is sent to the masking process circuit 24 through the selector 446. Then, of course, the read address counter 409 generates the address larger than the maximum address of the RAM 401, however, in this case, the X and Y sections 409a and 409b thereof output an overflow signal X.sub.) and an overflow signal Y 0 to the color tone setting circuit 2, respectively, every time the counting values of the X and Y sections 409a and 409b thereof become larger than the maximum counting values thereof, and then, the X and Y sections 409a and 409b start to count the values from the initial values again. The overflow signals X 0 and Y 0 are used for printing a plurality of images respectively having different color tones when the images are arranged in the horizontal direction in the mosaic monitor mode. Furthermore, since the write/read signal W/R becomes a High level upon reading out the image data stored in the RAM 401, the Low rite/read signal W/R is input to the output enable terminal OE of the RAM 401 through the AND gate 405 and the inverter 423, and then, the image data stored in the RAM 401 can be read out in the read area, i.e., in the case of REX="Low" and REY="Low". On the other hand, since the low write/read signal WR is input to the three-state buffer amplifier 422 through the AND gate 405 in the case of REX="Low" and REY="Low", the output terminal of the three-state buffer amplifier 422 becomes a High impedance state, and then, the output terminal of the buffer amplifier 422 is separated from the data terminal of the RAM 401. Furthermore, when image data stored in the RAM 401 can be read out, i.e., OE="Low", the selector 446 selects the image data read out from the RAM 401 in accordance with the trimming control signal input through the AND gate 448. On the other hand, in the other cases, since it is necessary to read out the image data stored in the RAM 401 so as to print the image of the image data in the output format shown in FIG. 7, the selector 446 selects white data in order to print white color image in the area of the copying paper other than the area where the image of the image data is printed as described above. Then, the coordinates, for which the difference between the magnification upon reading out an image of a document and the magnification upon printing the image of the image data stored in the RAM 401 have been taken into consideration, are set in the X and Y sections 408a and 408b of the read area judgment circuit 408, respectively. It is to be noted that the period of the subscan clock signal for varying the magnification is varied according to the magnification upon reading out an image of a document. In the case that the images of 3×9 blocks are printed as shown in FIG. 7, the image data is read out from the RAM 401 in a following manner. That is, the image data of the same line is read out in the main scan direction X three times, and after the image data is completely read out in the subscan direction Y over the whole area, the image data is read out in the main scan direction from the top line again. When the X and Y sections 408a and 408b of the read area judgment circuit 408 for judging the read area on a copying paper output the Low signals REX and REY to the X and Y sections 409a and 409b of the read address generating counter 409, respectively, the X and Y sections 409a and 409b generate the address, and the image data stored in the generated address is read out and is sent to the masking circuit 24 through the selector 446. The CPU 25 sets setting values in the X section 408a which can judge that the counting value x is in the range of the read area if x 0 ≦x≦x 1 , and also the CPU 25 sets setting values in the Y section 408b which can judge that the counting value y is in the range of the read area if y 0 ≦y≦y 1 . When the counting value of the read address generating counter 409 becomes larger than the value which is the maximum size (=(x 1 -x 0 )/3) of one block, the read address generating counter 409 outputs the overflow signal X 0 , and starts to count the value from an initial value again, and then, the image data of the same horizontal line is read out. The above process is repeated three times. When the Y section 409b of the read address generating counter 409 counts the value (y 1 -y 0 )/9 in the subscan direction, three blocks of image data have been read out completely, and then, the Y section 409b outputs the overflow signal Y 0 . Thus, three images are printed in the horizontal direction on a copying paper. The printing operation of three images printed in the horizontal direction is repeated in the subscan direction nine times, and then, the mosaic monitor image comprised of 27 blocks (=3×9) of images has been completely printed on the copying paper. Since different color adjustment coefficients are set at respective blocks of the mosaic monitor image in accordance with the overflow signals X 0 and Y 0 as shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, respective images for which different color adjustments are made are printed on the copying paper. (5) Storing mode setting values to be set in the mosaic monitor mode and selecting an image having a desirable color balance. In the present preferred embodiment, when mode setting values to be set in the mosaic monitor mode such as the size of copying paper, the magnification, the density, the color adjustment level etc. are stored in the memory, new selection of the mosaic monitor mode is inhibited. In the case of canceling the mosaic monitor mode without selecting an image having a desirable color balance, the data stored in the mode memory 36 shown in FIG. 6 is cleared. In the mosaic monitor mode of the present preferred embodiment, when an image having a desirable color balance is not selected even after a constant time such as one minute has been passed after the mosaic monitor image has been printed on the copying paper, respective setting values to be set in the mosaic monitor mode are automatically stored in the mode memory 36 shown in FIG. 6, and then, the program flow returns to the initial mode of the digital color copying machine. In order to execute the above process, the time (T) 40 is provided as shown in FIG. 6. When the CPU 25 outputs the mosaic monitor image, the timer (T) 40 is made to start to count the value at step S54 of FIG. 14a. Thereafter, when the time (T) 40 has counted a predetermined value, the mode setting values of the mosaic monitor mode are automatically stored in the mode memory 36 at step S76 of FIG. 14b, and then, the program flow returns to the initial mode at step S78 of FIG. 14b. The mode setting values (referred to as mode data hereinafter) to be stored in the mode memory 36 are as follows: (a) The size of the copying paper--A3 (b) The magnification--equal magnification (c) The number of copies--one copy (d) The selecting state of the mosaic monitor mode--selected (e) The density level--standard value (f) The color adjustment standard levels--5, 5 and 5 (g) The color mode--full color mode The above color adjustment levels are respectively set at, for example, integer values in the range from one to nine corresponding to the color adjustment coefficients of respective colors. When an image having a desirable color balance is determined from the mosaic monitor image, the operator presses the mosaic monitor mode memory read key 81 of the operation panel 70. Then, in the initial setting process (step S1 of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11), the data stored in the mode memory 36 are read out at step S12 of FIG. 11, the program flow returns to the state when the mosaic monitor image has been printed on the copying paper. Therefore, the operator can select an image having a desirable color balance from the mosaic monitor image soon. On the other hand, in order to judge whether or not the mode data is stored in the mode memory 36, there is provided a mosaic monitor mode (MMM) memory flag. When the mosaic monitor mode is selected, it is judged according to the mosaic monitor mode memory flag whether or not the mode data is stored in the mode memory 36. When it is judged that the mode data is stored in the mode memory 36, new selection of the mosaic monitor mode is inhibited. Then, the mode data stored in the mode memory 36 is kept as they are so as to be protected, and the image data of the selected image has been stored in the RAM 401. Therefore, as soon as the image to be printed on the copying paper is selected, the selected image having the desirable color balance which has been set already can be printed on the copying paper. After printing the mosaic monitor image on the copying paper, the operator may judge that it is not necessary to execute another process, i.e., it is not necessary to select an image having a desirable color balance from the mosaic monitor image. In this case, such a simple operation that the mosaic monitor mode memory read key 81 and the all reset key 74 are pressed sequentially leads to clear the mode data stored in the mode memory 36 at steps S11, S15 and S16 of FIG. 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to do a complicated operation such as a useless selection of an image having a desirable color balance. In the present preferred embodiment, when the timer (T) 40 counts the predetermined value after printing the mosaic monitor image on the copying paper, the mode data to be set in the mosaic monitor mode are stored in the mode memory 36. However, the present invention is limited to this. There may be provided an instruction key for instructing to store the mode setting values in the mode memory 36. In this case, for example, when the operator judges whether or not it takes a long time to select a desirable image to be printed on the copying paper, he presses the above instruction key so as to store the mode data in the mode memory 36, and then, the normal copying operation etc. can be performed. Furthermore, the mode data to be set in the mosaic monitor mode may be stored in the mode memory 36 when a main switch (not shown) of the digital color copying machine is turned off after printing the mosaic monitor image on the copying paper. Furthermore, when another key is pressed or the main switch is turned off in place of pressing the all reset key 74, the mode data stored in the mode memory 36 may be cleared. (6) Control flow in mosaic monitor mode FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a main flow of the mosaic monitor mode and the superimposing mode performed by the CPU 25 for controlling the digital color copying machine. When the main switch is turned on so that power is supplied to the digital color copying machine, the CPU 25 and the peripheral units thereof are intialized. First of all, the initial setting process is performed at step S1 of FIG. 10 (See FIGS. 11 and 12). Namely, as the condition for the copying operation such as the number of prints, the magnification, the size of the copying paper, an initial condition such as one print, the equal magnification, a mode for automatically selecting the size of the copying paper is set and a standard value is set as the density, and then, the copying operation can be performed. Furthermore, the mosaic monitor mode etc. can be selected. Thus, the initial mode is set. Thereafter, various kinds of processes are performed as follows. When the mosaic monitor mode is selected, an image register process is required (Yes at step S2), and also it is required to print the mosaic monitor image (Yes at step S4). When the superimposing mode is selected, the image register process is required (Yes at step S2), and also it is required to print one image superimposed on another image in the superimposing mode (Yes at step S6). If the image register process is required (Yes at step S2), the image register process shown in FIG. 13 is performed at step S3. "The image register" is to store the image data of the specified area in the RAM 401. In the above image register process, an image of a document is read by the reading section 100, and the read image is displayed on the display section 84. Thereafter, a specific area EA is set by using the jog dials 82 and 83, and the set key 76, and the address of the specific area EA is outputted to the write area adjustment circuit 402. If it is required to print the mosaic monitor image on a copying paper (Yes at step S4), the mosaic monitor image printing process shown in FIG. 14 is performed at step S5. In the mosaic monitor printing process, the image data stored in the RAM 401 is read out, and various kinds of color adjustments are made for the read image data, and thereafter, the mosaic monitor image comprised of the images for which the above color adjustments are made is displayed on the display section 84. Then, the copying condition such as the number of prints, the magnification etc. is reset to a predetermined initial state, and the level of the density adjustment is set at a standard level. Thereafter, the operator selects an image having a desirable color tone from the mosaic monitor image displayed on the display section 84, and presses the print start key 71 of the operation panel 70 in order to request a copying operation (Yes at step S8). Then, the copying operation is started at step S9, and when the copying operation is completed (Yes at step S10), the image having the selected color balance is printed on the copying paper. When it is required to print one image superimposed on another image in the superimposing mode (Yes at step S6), the superimposing printing setting process is performed at step S7. Namely, after checking whether or not the registered image is stored in the RAM 401, the registered image stored therein is read out. Thereafter, when the copying operation is required (Yes at step S8), the copying operation is performed at steps S9 and S10 so as to print the registered image on an image of a document. If the image register is not required (No at step S2), it is not required to print the mosaic monitor image on a copying paper (No at step S4), and it is not required to print one image superimposed on another image in the superimposing mode (No at step S6), the above copying operation is performed at steps S8 to S10. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the initial setting process (step S1 of FIG. 10). In the initial setting process, as described above, as the copying conditions such as the number of prints, the magnification, the size of the copying paper etc., the predetermined initial condition such as one print, the equal magnification, the mode for automatically selecting the size of the copying paper is set and the density level is set at the predetermined standard value, and then, an image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display section 84. The detailed drawing of the image to be displayed is omitted in FIG. 12. Then, the copying operation can be performed and the mosaic monitor mode etc. can be selected. Namely, the initial mode is set. As shown in FIG. 11, when the mosaic monitor mode memory read key 81 is pressed (Yes at step S11), the mode data stored in the mode memory 36 is read out at step S12, and the data displayed on the display section 84 of the operation panel 70 immediately before storing them in the mode memory 42 temporarily is displayed thereon again at step S13, and then, the mosaic monitor mode memory flag is set at zero at step S14. Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the all reset key 74 is turned on at step S15. When the all reset key 74 is pressed, it is not necessary to perform the process after printing the mosaic monitor image, namely, a desirable image is not selected, the mode data stored in the mode memory 36 is cleared at step S16, and the initial setting process is performed again at step S1 of FIG. 10. On the other hand, when the all reset key 74 is not pressed (No at step S15), the program flow goes to step S71 of FIG. 14a. It is to be noted that, when the all reset key 74 is pressed, in the initial setting process, the image of the initial mode shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display section 84. FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the image register process of step S3 shown in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 13, first of all, it is judged at step S20 whether or not the mosaic monitor mode memory flag indicating that the mode data are stored in the mode memory 36 is set at "1". When the mosaic monitor mode memory flag is set at "1" (See step S77 of FIG. 14), such a message that "Can not print mosaic monitor image" is displayed on the display section 84 so as to warn the operator at step S23 since a desirable image must be selected. Thereafter, the program flow goes to step S35, and then, the image resister request is cleared so as not to accept a new request for the mosaic monitor mode. On the other hand, when the mosaic monitor mode memory flag is not set at "1" the program flow goes to the process of the mosaic monitor mode anew, and then, when the set key 76 of the operation panel 70 is pressed, the area setting values displayed then on the display section 84 is input to the CPU 25 so as to set the specified area at step S21. Thereafter, the other input values are set at step S22. Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the image register process is started at step S31. When the image register process is started, the coordinates of the top right edge and the bottom left edge of the area of the registered image are calculated from the area setting values having been input at step S21, and the image of the document of the specified area thereof is read out at step S32. Thereafter, the shading correction is made for the image data of the image thereof at step S33, and the corrected image data is stored in the RAM 401 at step S34. Thereafter, the image register request is cleared at step S35, and the program flow returns. On the other hand, when the image register is not started (No at step S31), the program flow goes to step S35 directly, and then, the image register request is cleared at step S35, and the program flow returns. FIGS. 14a and 14b are flow charts of the mosaic monitor image printing process (step S5 of FIG. 10). Referring to FIG. 14a, first of all, the image data stored in the specified area of the RAM 401 is read out at step S51, and then, the color adjustment coefficients y i , m i and c i are outputted to the color tone setting circuit 2 so that the color adjustment is made for the image data by the color tone setting circuit 2 at step S52, and the mosaic monitor image is printed on the copying paper at step S53. Thereafter, the timer (T) 40 is started to count the value at step S54. In the present preferred embodiment, when the timer (T) 40 counts a time of one minute, the timer (T) 40 outputs the time up signal to the CPU 25. Thereafter, it is judged at step S55 whether or not the timer (T) 40 counts the time of one minute, namely, the CPU 25 receives the time up signal. When the time up signal is not received by the CPU 25 (No at step S55), it is judged whether or not the operator selects a desirable image (block image) from the mosaic monitor image at step S71. When a desirable image is selected, the color adjustment coefficients Ky, Km and Kc are set depending on the selected image at step S72 as described in the above paragraph (b) of the present preferred embodiment. Thereafter, it is judged whether or not the print start key 71 is pressed so as to request the copying operation at step S73. When the print start key 71 is pressed, the document starts to be scanned, and the copying operation is started with making the color adjustment for the image data under the condition of the color adjustment coefficients yi, mi and ci at step S74. Thereafter, the copying operation is performed until the copying operation is completed at step S75, and the request of the mosaic monitor printing process is cleared at step S79, the program flow returns. Furthermore, when the print start key 71 is not pressed (No at step S73) and the mosaic monitor selecting key 78 is pressed (Yes at step S80), the program flow returns to the main routine and the mosaic monitor printing process is performed again. In the color adjustment of this mosaic monitor printing process, standard coefficients c 1 , m 1 and y 1 are respectively set at the color adjustment coefficients Ky, Km and Kc which are selected at step S71, and the color adjustment coefficients are altered by using the adjustment value a 0 as follows: y.sub.0 ←y.sub.1 -a.sub.0 y.sub.2 ←y.sub.1 +a.sub.0 m.sub.0 ←m.sub.1 -a.sub.0 m.sub.2 ←m.sub.1 +a.sub.0 c.sub.0 ←c.sub.1 -a.sub.0 c.sub.2 ←c.sub.1 +a.sub.0 On the other hand, when the time of one minute has passed without selecting the mosaic monitor image (Yes at step S55), the mode data regarding the mode of the digital color copying machine which is set at present is stored in the mode memory 36 at step S76. The mode data to be stored in the mode memory 36 are as follows: (a) The size of the copying paper--A3 (b) The magnification--equal magnification (c) The number of copies--one copy (d) The selecting state of the mosaic monitor mode--selected (e) The density level--standard value (f) The color adjustment standard levels--5, 5 and 5 (g) The color mode--full color mode The above color adjustment levels are respectively set at, for example, integer values in the range from one to nine corresponding to the color adjustment coefficients of respective colors. For example, if the color adjustment standard coefficients c 1 , m 1 and y 1 are 5, 5 and 5, respectively, the coefficients c 0 , m 0 and y 0 become 4, 4 and 4, respectively. The color adjustment standard levels to be stored are standard coefficients c 1 , m 1 and y 1 upon printing the mosaic monitor image on the copying paper. In the initial setting process, respective color adjustment standard levels are set at 5, 5 and 5. However, as shown in the process of step S80, in the second or more time process of the mosaic monitor mode, the color adjustment levels which are applied to the selected image are stored as the color adjustment standard levels, respectively. Furthermore, the color adjustment levels can be altered by operating the function keys 78 to 81 of the operation panel 70. Thereafter, the mosaic monitor mode memory flag is set at "1" at step S77 so as to indicate that the mode data are stored in the mode memory 36 or to indicate a waiting state for selection of a desirable image, and then, it is inhibited to newly enter the mosaic monitor mode (See steps S20, S23 and S35 of FIG. 13). Thereafter, the program flow returns to the initial mode at step S78. Namely, the image of the initial mode is displayed on the display section 84 as shown in FIG. 12, and then, the process of the mosaic monitor mode is suspended and the copying operation can be performed. Furthermore, when the mosaic monitor mode memory read key 81 is pressed (Yes at step S11 of FIG. 11) after the CPU 25 receives the time up signal outputted from the timer (T) 40, the data stored in the mode memory 36 is read out at step S12, the data read out therefrom are displayed on the display section 84 and the mosaic monitor mode memory flag is set at "0" so that it is newly permitted that the mode data is stored in the mode memory 36 temporarily. When the all reset key 74 is not pressed (No at step S15), the program flow goes to step S71, and then, a desirable image can be selected. On the other hand, in the case that a desirable image is not selected, the all reset key 74 is pressed. Then, the mosaic monitor mode is cleared and the program flow returns to the initial mode. FIGS. 15a and 15b are flow charts of an interruption process for setting the color adjustment coefficients for making the color adjustment upon printing the mosaic monitor image. This interruption process is performed when the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync is input to the CPU 25 so that the operation of the CPU 25 is interrupted. In the interruption process, a counter C t1 counts a distance in the subscan direction Y from the edge of the image formed on a copying paper P shown in FIG. 7 so as to detect the print start point P 0 and the print end point P 1 of the mosaic monitor image GM. A counter Ct 2 counts a distance in the subscan direction Y so as to detect respective blocks of images of the mosaic monitor image GM. In FIG. 7, T denotes a distance in the subscan direction Y between the edge of the image and the print start point of the mosaic monitor image GM, and l denotes a distance in the subscan direction Y of one block of the images of the mosaic monitor image. Referring to FIG. 15a, first of all, the program flow goes to either one of step S301, S311, S341, S351 or S361 according to a state number at step S300. It is to be noted that the state number is set at "0" at the beginning of the print operation of the mosaic monitor image. If the state number is "0" at step S300, it is judged whether or not the scanning point of the document has passed through the edge of the image formed on the copying paper P at step S301. When the scanning point has passed through the edge of the image (Yes at step S301), the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is initialized at step S302, and the state number is set at "1" at step S303. Thereafter, the program flow goes to step S371. On the other hand, when the scanning point has not passed through the edge of the image (No at step S301), the program flow goes to step S371, directly. If the state number is "1" at step S300, it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to a value T at step S311, i.e., the scanning point reaches the position of the coordinate y 0 which is the edge of the mosaic monitor image GM. When the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value T (Yes at step S311), the program flow goes to either one of steps S313, S322 or S331 according to the color of toner supplied by the development units 45a to 45c. That is, when the color of toner is yellow (Yes at step S312), the state number is set at "2" at step S313. When the color of toner is magenta (Yes at step S321), the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is initialized at step S322, the variable i is set at "0" at step S323, and then, the state number is set at "3" at step S324. On the other hand, when the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is not equal to the value T (No at step S311), the program flow goes to step S371, directly. When the color of toner is cyan (No at step S321), the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is initialized at step S331, the variable j is set at "0" at step S332, and the state number is set at "4" at step S333. If the state number is "2" at step S300, a latch signal is outputted to the color tone setting circuit 2 at step S341 so that the values y 0 , y 1 and y 2 are latched as the coefficients 1 to 3 at the latches 302, 303 and 304, respectively, and thereafter, it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to a value (T+9 l) at step S342, i.e., the scanning point reaches the position of the coordinate y 1 which is the last edge of the mosaic monitor image GM. When the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value (T+9 l) (Yes at step S342), the state number is set at "0" at step S343, and then, the program flow goes to step S371. On the other hand, when the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is not equal to the value T+9 l) (No at step S342), the program flow goes to step S371, directly. If the state number is "3" at step 300, the value m i is set as the coefficients 1 to 3 at the latches 302 to 304 at step S351, and it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is equal to the value l, i.e., the scanning point has passed through one block of image of the mosaic monitor image GM at step 352. If the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is equal to the value l (Yes at step S352), the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is initialized at step S353, and the variable i is increased by one at step S354. Thereafter, the program flow goes to step S355. On the other hand, if the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is not equal to the value l (No at step S352), the program flow goes to step S355, directly. At step S355, it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value (T+9 l), i.e., the scanning point reaches the last edge of the mosaic monitor image. If the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value (T+9 l) (Yes at step S355), the state number is set at "0" at step S356, and the program flow goes to step S371. On the other hand, if the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is not equal to the value (T+9 l) (No at step S355), the program flow goes to step S371, directly. That is, in the process of the state number "3", the same value m i is set at the coefficients 1 to 3, and also the coefficients 1 to 3 are altered to the new value m i +1 every time the scanning point reaches the next block of image of the mosaic monitor image in the subscan direction Y. If the state number is "4" at step 300, the value Cj is set as the coefficients 1 to 3 at the latches 302 to 304 at step 361, it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is equal to a value (3 l), i.e., the scanning point has passed through three blocks of images of the mosaic monitor monitor image at step S362. If the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is equal to the value (3 l) (Yes at step S362), the counter Ct 2 is initialized at step S363, and the variable j is increased by one at step S364, and thereafter, the program flow goes to step S365. On the other hand, if the counting value of the counter Ct 2 is not equal to the value (3 l) (No at step S362), the program flow goes to step S365, directly. At step S365, it is judged whether or not the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value (T+9 l), i.e., the scanning point reaches the last edge of the mosaic monitor image at step S365. If the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is equal to the value (T+9 l) (Yes at step S365), the state number is set at "0" at step S366, and then, the program flow goes to step S371. On the other hand, if the counting value of the counter Ct 1 is not equal to the value (T+9 l) (No at step S365), the program flow goes to step S371, directly. In the above process of the state number "4", the same value Cj is set as the coefficients 1 to 3 at the latches 302 to 304, and the coefficients 1 to 3 are altered to the new value Cj+1 every time the scanning point passes through three blocks of images of the mosaic monitor image in the subscan direction Y. After respective above processes of the state numbers "1" to "4", respective counting values of the counters Ct 1 and Ct 2 are increased by one at step S371, and then, the program flow returns. When the above processes are completed, various coefficients are set at respective blocks of images corresponding to respective printing colors so that the color adjustment has been made for the mosaic monitor image. It is understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

A digital color copying machine comprising a test mode is disclosed. In the test mode, image data corresponding to a partial area of an original document indicated is stored in a RAM, and thereafter, the image data stored in the RAM is read out repeatedly, and plural test images for which the color correction is made with different color tones respectively are formed as a mosaic monitor image on a recording medium. Then, one of plural test images is selected, and a copy of document having a color tone of the selected test image is produced. The test mode is canceled if a test image has not been selected during a predetermined time period.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/976,974, filed Jan. 19, 1993 now abandoned. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for generating and storing digitalized density threshold values for the rastering of a half-tone picture original for the rastering of a half-tone picture original such as in the form of a color separation wherein at least one data storage the density threshold values of a segment of a raster are stored in dependence on a spot function as storage words. The raster may be rotated opposite a scanning direction of a recording means which scans a recording carrier along scanning lines. Boundary lines of the segment of the raster extend in the scanning direction as well as in the direction rectangular thereto. For the rastered recording of tonal value signals (picture signals) obtained by scanning of the half-tone picture original, it has been known to superimpose these tonal value signals with density threshold value signals (raster signals) of a raster rotated relative to a recording direction (German Patent Specification No. 1,901,101). The density threshold value signals, or raster signals, correspond to a density structure contents of a segment taken from the selected rotated raster, the boundary lines of which segment are arranged in the recording direction and in an advance direction orthogonal thereto. In the segment, the basic period of the structure of the rotated raster is contained once relative to each of the two-orthogonal directions. The segment in the scanning direction as well as at right angles thereto encompasses a plurality of raster points (spots) which are periodically arranged next to and above one another. This segment may also be referred to as the multiple reference cell or the supercell. As a result of the periodicity of the segment of the rotated raster, the density threshold value signals (raster signals) can periodically be repeated without any difficulties in order to be superimposed by the tonal value signals of larger picture formats, or picture segments, respectively. The raster segment may, in addition, be resolved into so many partial lines extending in the picture recording direction that upon one picture line width a plurality of such partial lines will fall. In order to perform the described prior art process, use is made of data storages in which the density threshold values of the raster segment are digitally stored. Imagined visually, the density threshold values so stored may also be referred to as density fill or threshold fill, respectively. The density threshold values are so stored in the data storages so that the required raster information is fed by previous scanning of a pattern raster and quantizing and coding of the raster signals. The digital density threshold values thus contained in the data storages serve to be retransformed for superimposition with the tonal value signals scanned line by line wisely from the picture original into analog values and to be subsequently supplied to superimposition and threshold value units. When scanning an optical picture, round, oval or rectangular point shapes are typically employed which grow from the middle. The problem on how in detail the density threshold values to be stored are suitably formed in order to so reproduce, in rastered fashion, a half-tone picture original so that the half-tone picture uniformly, or "quietly" acts over a partial surface which has the same tonal value, is not dealt with for the case that the threshold values, instead of by scanning of an optical picture, are formed fully in digital manner in accordance with a two-dimensional function. This function is also referred to as a spot function. For a fully digital generation of the density threshold values of the raster points of a multiple reference cell (supercell) in accordance with the state of the art known from practice, to start with the total number of storage words of the multiple reference cell is determined. The determination of the total number may be conducted in dependence on the raster angle, the raster width and the resolution of the system. A sorted sequence of the storage words of the multiple reference cell which depends on the spot function is then formed. The storage words of the multiple reference cell will then be assigned density threshold values in linear dependency on their position in the sorted sequence. In fact, the individual raster points (spots) of a multiple reference cell (supercell) are somewhat different insofar as the number of the storage words assigned to one raster point each varies and does not, as a rule, correspond to the nominal value resulting from the total number of the storage words of the multiple reference cell and the number of the raster points, or subcells, respectively. This leads to the consequence that in neighboring raster points, more pixels or less are set if, depending on a predetermined gray tone, a particular fraction of all the pixels assigned to the multiple reference cell is to be blackened. Thereby, the observer of the reproduced half-tone picture original receives the impression of differently large black points on a white background and, in any case if the tonal value is distinctly less than 50 percent. If on the other hand, a darker gray tone, which is distinctly over 50 percent, for instance 70 percent, is reproduced by using a multiple reference cell, for similar reasons as given above, for low gray values the impression of differently large bright spots on a black background will come up. In both cases, the reproduced half-tone picture is not quiet. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an objective of the present invention to so further develop a method for generating and storing digitalized density threshold values for the rastering of a half-tone picture original of the kind referred to in the beginning that density threshold values are generated by means of which a half-tone picture original is so rastered that the half-tone picture reproduced thereby conveys an even, or quiet, impression. This problem is solved according to the invention wherein a method is provided for generating and storing digitalized density threshold values for the rastering of a half-tone picture original. In at least one data storage, the density threshold values of a segment of a raster as storage words are stored in dependence on a spot function. In the segment, a plurality of spots (raster points) each comprising a number of storage words are periodically disposed in side-by-side relationship and one upon the other, thus forming a multiple cell (super cell). For the storage words of the data storage of the segment, a sorted sequence is determined depending on the spot function. Depending on the position of the storage word in the sorted sequence, density threshold values are assigned to the storage words of the data storage. The assignment of the density threshold values to the storage words of the data storage occur in a non-exclusive linear dependence. The method of the invention also includes the formation of the correction criterion as well as the implementation of the correction with reference to the individual spot. The solution principle more concretely includes a tonal value correction. Correction functions are stored in the function generator. Dependent on the position of the storage words in the sequence sorted according to the criterion of the spot function, the function generator determines the amount of the density threshold values to be assigned and thus defines the plurality of pixels to be blackened according to the criterion of a gray scale value. A parameter can thereby be allocated to a respective spot, i.e. to a subcell of the multiple reference cell. This parameter corresponds to an identified deviation of the actual number of storage words from the rated number of the respective spot (subcell). If the actual value is equal to the nominal value, there is no correction and the amounts of the density threshold values to be issued are proportional to the position of the storage words in the sorted sequence. Thereby, the increase of the pixels to be blackened is also proportional to the requested tonal value. If the actual value of the storage words is greater than the nominal value for the respective spot, or the subcell, respectively, higher density threshold values are distributed for storage words at the beginning of the sorted list in order to lower the increase of the pixels to be blackened for low tonal values which is referred to as undermodulation. For the identical case of a relatively great actual value of the subcell, the density threshold values are lowered in case of storage words at the end of the sorted list in order to obtain a constant number of white picture points. The latter case is referred to as overmodulation. In case of overmodulation and undermodulation, the increase of the number of pixels to be blackened proceeds, depending on the gray step or the tonal value, parallel to an ideal curve, which is true for the case that the actual value of the storage words is equal to the nominal value for the respective spot (raster point). This parallelism of the curve, particularly the straight-line sections, transferred to the function, is referred to as constant undermodulation or overmodulation, respectively. Methods including non-constant under or overmodulation might, in general, be conceivable as well. In the other case when the actual value of the storage words is relatively small, the density threshold values are lowered for positions at the beginning of the sorted sequence, and by so doing, the number of the pixels to be blackened at low tonal values is overincreased, which again is referred to as overmodulation. In contrast thereto, for the same relatively low actual value of the spots, the density threshold values are increased at the end of the sorted sequence in order to reduce the number of the pixels to be blackened at high tonal values, which is referred to as undermodulation. Tonal value correction is particularly conducted in that at one low tonal value each distinctly below 50 percent, optimization is performed on the same number of black pixels of the reproduced raster point, independently from the actual number of storage words thereof. On the other hand, at one tonal value each distinctly higher than 50 percent, optimization is made on the same number of white pixels of the raster point independently from the actual number of storage words thereof. At a tonal value of about 50 percent at which the white and the black areas are at equilibrium, no or only small corrections are made. Correction values result therefrom, which, depending on the raster point and the tonal value, more or less under or overmodulate the individual raster points. The correction values enter into the generation of the density threshold values of the super reference cell separately for each subcell. The rastering process can conventionally be performed using the stored density threshold values. This simplifies the practical introduction of the process. Between the region of the overmodulation and of the undermodulation realized by the function generator, a transition area is provided. In the latter, overmodulation and undermodulation is reduced when approaching the tonal value of 50 percent. At this tonal value of 50 percent, neither over nor undermodulation is desired. The transition area can be realized by implementing a function of a higher order. The function generator forms in the transition area a linear connection between the number of the pixels to be blackened or the corresponding density threshold values, and the sorted sequence, respectively. This connection may relatively simply be realized in the function generator. The correction stage generates the threshold values preferably in accordance with the criterion of the function areas which realize a stepwise cancell also retrieval of the under and-overmodulation. When using a spot function wherein, as is common, the spots (raster points) grow out of the middle, disturbing different sizes of white points might again occur in the reproduced half-tone pictures between the blackened raster points in that the white pixels of the raster points meeting at the corners as a rule are irregularly distributed over the corners. In practice, consequently the size of the white points varies, and the impression the reproduced picture imparts is not quiet.--As a remedy, a process is employed in case of relatively large tonal values, i.e. preferably larger than 50 percent. This so-called white correction requires a further auxiliary measure, namely the subdivision of each spot into four quadrants. In order to obtain the tonal value described in the foregoing, one square each is composed from one quadrant each of four neighboring spots, the corners of which meet. The invention will in the following be explained in more detail based on the drawing including nine figures, wherein BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a rotating multiple spot composed of two times two square spots, or raster points, disposed one upon the other and in side by side relationship, and which is arranged in the smallest comparison field at the edges of which the corners thereof are disposed; FIG. 2 shows a multiple reference cell wherein a number of rotated multiple spots are joined together; FIG. 3 shows a reduced segment as a reference area from the multiple reference cell wherein the segment in one of the two orthogonal directions, namely the height, is substantially smaller than the multiple reference cell and wherein the invention is also applicable to the reduced segment as the reference area; FIG. 4 shows a simplified portion of a structure of an apparatus for digital rastering of a half-tone picture original; FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exemplified apparatus for tonal value correction and white correction; FIG. 6 shows characteristics of a function generator as a portion of the apparatus according to FIG. 5; FIG. 7 shows the multiple spot in the smallest comparison field according to FIG. 1, wherein each spot is subdivided in four quadrants for white correction; FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for tonal value correction; and FIG. 9 shows a flow chart for white correction. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, 14 refers to a smallest comparison field, wherein n·n, where n=two, spots or raster points 15-18 are disposed in rotated fashion next to and over one another so that the total arrangement is rotated relative to the smallest comparison field. Subcells of the comparison field correspond to the spots. In the smallest comparison field, the magnitudes a and b are defined by the arrangement of the multiple spot, where a is the distance of a corner point 19 of the group of spots 15-18 to the corner 20 of the comparison field. Magnitude b is the distance oriented at right angles relative thereto between this corner 20 of the comparison field and another corner point 21 of the group of the points. A raster angle around which the group of raster points or spots 15-18 is rotated relative to the recording direction which extends parallel to two edges of the smallest comparison field is referenced 14. By the grouping of a number of spots in the smallest comparison field, as described in connection with FIG. 1 the raster angles and raster widths with an increasing number of spots can become arbitrarily fine, provided that the corners of the group of spots are always assigned, in a defined way, to one pixel each of the comparison field subdivided in pixel distances or impinging on this pixel. The number of storage words per spot varies because of a digitalization effect which is caused by the assignment of the storage words to a spot at the assumed border line thereof. The spot is assigned those storage words whose centers lie within the borderline of the spot. The actual value of the storage words in the spot results therefrom. The requirement of periodicity of the multiple reference cell 22 (supercell) assembled by means of such multiple spots normally leads to relatively large multiple reference cells since the groupings of the spots are repeated until the periodicity or the wrap-around condition, respectively, is obtained in each of the two orthogonal directions of the multiple reference cell. The reference area 23 shown in FIG. 3 constitutes a defined segment from the multiple reference cell according to FIG. 2. It can be seen that the extension of the reference area in one of the two orthogonal directions, i.e. the width, is the same as the width of the multiple reference cell, namely W-(a·a+b·b)/ggt(a,b). In the direction orthogonal thereto, i.e. the height, the extension of the reference area, however, is quite considerably reduced relative to that of the multiple reference cell, namely about ggt(a,b) where this greatest common divisor of a and b in the square pixels here assumed constitutes the width or the height, respectively, of a pixel. The displacement by which each entry is made into the reference area of FIG. 3 when scanning in the scanning line direction or in the width direction once the density threshold values have been read out from the reference area in this case amounts to 57 with a width of 65. In the direction of scanning line X (where X has not been shown in the Figure), each new X position each at which reading out of the density threshold values starts is X.sub.new =(X.sub.old ÷displacement) modulo w wherein the width w is W=(a·a+b·b)/ggt(a,b) The density threshold values for each storage word of the multiple reference cell of a spot or a raster point, respectively, are primarily predetermined by a spot function. The aspects of the present invention relate to the correction of these density threshold values determined by the spot function. In FIG. 4, the structure of a device is very simply shown, by means of which the method for the digitalized rastering of a half-tone picture original is executed by using a data storage wherein only the density threshold values of a reduced segment of a raster 23 according to FIG. 3 rotated opposite the scanning direction are stored. The device according to FIG. 4 includes as a portion of a raster image processor, means for storing signals in a bitmap 2 in dependence on a comparison result for the dark/bright control of a recording device not shown in FIG. 4. This occurs as though a multiple reference cell 22, in accordance with FIG. 2, were available as a complete segment of the raster for the comparison of tone signals of a scanned half-tone picture original to be rastered to given threshold values. In the data storage of reference area 1, density threshold values of the reference area, which represents only a reduced segment, are stored in accordance with a spot function including subsequent corrections, and are columnwise and linewise addressable. Bitmap 2 is also columnwise and linewise addressable so that individual storage locations (bits) have to be set, or not to be set, in accordance with a comparison performed in a comparator 3. For column addressing of bitmap 2 an input 4 is provided and for linewise addressing an input 7. The linewise addressing of the data storage of reference area 1 occurs at an input 9, and for displaced addressing of the reference area wherein the density threshold values of a reduced segment of the raster are stored, an input 6 is provided at data storage 1. For cycled operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, at each clock pulse a bit of bitmap 2 is addressed, on one side, and a threshold value is addressed in the data storage of the reference area on the other, which corresponds to the addressed bit. The threshold value slgnal therefore obtained at the output of data storage 1 is compared, in comparator 3, with a tone value signal on tonal value lead 13, which signal has been obtained by scanning of the half-tone picture original and, if necessary, by subsequent signal processing. The result of this comparison conducted in comparator 3 is entered, in binary form, into the bit addressed as described in the foregoing in bitmap 2, which bit therefore is set, or is not set, in accordance with the tonal value and the addressed location of the reference area. For the bright/dark control of a recording device not shown, this contents is read out from bitmap 2. The following detailed description of the method of the invention from which further features and advantages thereof can be taken starts from a reference area of the multiple reference cell according to FIG. 3 as described in the foregoing. The reference area includes n·n raster points (spots). For explanation, reference is made to two different coordinate systems which are in a determined relation relative to each other. To simplify matters, it is assumed that the two coordinates are orthogonal and include identical scalings for the two axes. The first coordinate system is that of the bitmap--compare 2 in FIG. 4. The bitmap is an image of the pixels of the reproduction device. Each bit of the bitmap has the width and the height of one unit. The axes are designated by x and y. The second coordinate system is that of the spots, wherein one spot has the width and the height 1. The axes are designated by x' and y'--compare also FIG. 7. This x', y' coordinate system as a rule is rotated about an angle β. Conversion of x,y to x',y' coordinates can be performed in accordance with the following formulas: x'=k.x. cos β+k.y. sin β y'=-k.x. sin β+k.y. cos β where the constant k is the conversion factor of a length unit of the x,y space into the x',y' space. As the coordinate of a pixel, the center thereof is taken. The coordinate of the pixel in the origin of the x,y space is therefore 0.5|0.5 rather than 0|0 as could have been expected. Furthermore, the following is determined: the desired tonal value is shown by an integer between 0 and g max , where g max is the maximum threshold value. The tonal value 0 corresponds to black (100% color) and g max corresponds to white (0% color). In order to realize the tonal value g, all bits of the bitmap whose respective values in the reference cell contains values smaller than g would be set to 1. The numerical value of the words in the reference cell, therefore, determine the sequence in which the bits have to be set for increasingly darker gray. These numerical value signals are also referred to as threshold values, and the reference cell is also referred to as a threshold value fill. One can further see that the blackening has to increase monotonously, i.e. a bit (or pixel) once set cannot be reset again for a darker tone. The value range of the threshold values results as 1 . . . g max . The number of the representable gray steps thus amounts to g max ÷1. In case of raster points (spots) including more than g max elements (pixels), threshold values occur twice, and in case of spots having less than g max elements, not all of the possible numerical values are represented, i.e. the number of the representable gray steps is smaller. In order to assure a continuous tonal increase, It is in both cases necessary that the threshold values be uniformly distributed over the address space 1 . . . g max . The threshold values are assigned in the reference cell in case of a digital realization based on a two-dimensional function (spot function) with the input parameters x' and y' normalized to the range 0 . . . 0.99. x' and y' each describe a coordinate within the area of the spot. From the function values delivered back from the spot function, the threshold values could be directly deduced. In order to safeguard a homogeneous distribution of the threshold values over the value range thereof, an intermediate step is provided. Therefore, the spot function for each element of the spot is called and the function value delivered back is entered, together with the x,y coordinate of the element, into a list. The list elements are sorted in the sequence of the function values. The threshold values of the elements entered in the sorted list result as follows: sw=m.sub.0.i+1 where sw=threshold value i=position of the element in the sorted list ##EQU1## By this, the continuous distribution of the threshold values is determined. For the multiple reference cell, the process has to be repeated for all subcells (=spots) in order to assign a threshold value to all elements of the multiple reference cell. As concerns the necessity of a tonal value correction, one should start from the fact that each spot in a multiple reference cell only in theory includes an equal number of elements. In practice, however, this number varies due to the digitalization effects of the ideal spot. One has therefore to differentiate between a nominal value and an actual value. The actual value of a spot results from counting the elements after the digitalization of the edges of the spot. The nominal value results from nominal=(a·a+b·b/(n·n) As has been explained in the foregoing, differently sized black (or white, respectively), marks in the different spots of the multiple reference cell will result at a determined tonal value from the difference between the nominal and the actual number of elements. In order to perform for levelling the black (or white, respectively) marks of the spots under and overmodulation correction generally described in the foregoing, the threshold value is generated in accordance with a function which is subdivided in three sections (function areas): 1st section for 0<i<actual value . S 1 : SW=f.sub.1 (i)+1=m.sub.nominal.i+1 where ##EQU2## 2nd section for nominal value . s 1 <i<actual value . s 2 : ##EQU3## 3rd section for actual value . s 2 <i<actual value sw=f.sub.2 (i)+1=m.sub.nominal.i+b+1 where b=m nominal .(nominal value--actual value). The values s 1 and s 2 fulfill the mathematical inequality 0<s 1 <s 2 <1 and are empirically determined. In practice, values of about 0.3 and 0.7 for s 1 and s 2 have been shown to be useful. The relationship for the 2nd section effects a continuous transition from f 1 (i) in the 1st section to f 2 (i) in the 3rd section. Using more sections or functions of higher order or different kinds of transition in the 2nd section for the purpose of a fine tuning is more complicated. In the 1st and the 3rd sections, the errors that result from deviations of the actual value of the pixels of a spot from the nominal value have been completely corrected. If the actual value of a spot deviates particularly strikingly from the nominal value, this will still be distinct in the middle 2nd section. This can be moderated in that depending on the actual value, a tolerable error is permitted in sections 1 and 3 in order to homogenize the spots in the 2nd section somewhat relative to each other. As concerns the white correction described more generally in the foregoing, the spots are additionally subdivided in quadrants which are each differently combined for tonal values from 0 to 50% and 50 to 100%. By doing so, the tonal value correction is bisected, too. For this purpose, the procedure is as follows: 1. For all quadrants of all spots of the multiple reference cell, sorted lists are prepared as have been described before. 2. For each spot of the supercell, the sorted lists (quadrant lists) of the four quadrants are collated. This is done in an additional reference list. The entries of this reference list indicate individual entries in the four different quadrant lists. The references are so distributed that they again form a (indirect) list sorted according to function values. This process can imagined such that all four quadrant lists are virtually combined to form a new list and are newly sorted. This process is referred to as "merging". Subsequently, the correction curves are determined according to the functions subdivided in section and explained in connection with the tonal value correction, and the threshold values are distributed for the first half of the elements of the reference list. Each entry in the quadrant list to which a threshold value has been assigned is marked as invalid. In this way, the threshold values for 0 through 50% are assigned. 3. Now, the threshold values for 50 through 100% have to be assigned. For this purpose, one quadrant each of four neighboring spots are merged in the way described above. Since in the above step already, half of the elements was processed, a correspondingly lower actual value is obtained which is therefore doubled before the correction curves are determined. The threshold values are generated in accordance with a slightly modified formula: ##EQU4## where f(i) constitutes the section wise defined correction curves. The higher displacement of ##EQU5## compensates the threshold values already processed in the foregoing step. In the exemplified device for the tonal value and white correction according to FIG. 5, generation of the threshold values for the multiple reference cell, which is equal to the data storage 1 of the reference area, occurs in several steps. To start with, the function value of the spot function has to be determined for each element of the multiple reference cell, and must be temporarily stored in quadrant storages 70 which contain the quadrant lists. For this purpose a process control 61 consecutively generates consecutively the possible value pairs for x=0 . . . (w-1) and y=0 . . . (h-1). The following description of the processes should be repeated for all value pairs: To x as well as to y, 0.5 is added in the beginning in adders 62, 63, in order to describe the center of the element to be processed. This value pair is then transformed in a coordinate transformer stage 64 into value pair x' and y'. Value pair x' and y' arrives, at one hand, via decimal filter stages 65, 66 which allow only after-point digits to pass, at spot function generator 67. At the output of the spot function generator, the result z of the spot function is available. On the other hand, x' and y' are employed for determining the quadrant to which the actual value pair belongs. This is done in that x' and y' are first multiplied by 2 in multipliers having modulo stages 68, 69 and are subsequently imaged by the application of modulo (2·n-) to the range 0 . . . (2·n-1), 0 . . . (2·n-1). The value pair so obtained selects the quadrant from a quadrant storage 70. Quadrant storage 70 comprises (2·n) (2·) storage blocks (quadrants). To each quadrant, a storage area is assigned, and under each address a data quartette can be stored. This quartette comprises a function value z, the value pair x/y and a validity bit v. The quadrant storage 70 includes thereafter a number counter, not shown, which stores the number of the used entries. The values z and x/y are sorted in ascending sequence for the value z into the selected quadrant, and the respective validity bit v is set. The number counter is thereafter increased by 1. The next step is to distribute the threshold values for 0=50% in the multiple reference storage. This is done in n·n cycles, where in each cycle four quadrants each of a spot are processed. In each cycle, to start with a reference list is installed in a reference storage 71. The reference storage comprises a storage area. Each element of the storage area contains a data duet: the selection number of a quadrant and the address of a data quartet within the quadrant (qindex). This is also referred to as "indirect addressing". For each data quartet in the four selected quadrants, an entry in the reference storage is generated. This is performed in that the entries in the reference storage indicate to the quadrant data quartets in a sequence sorted according to z. The number of entries in the reference storage is also identical to the number of threshold value elements (corresponding to pixels) for the spot processed in this cycle and hence to the actual value of the storage words for the parameter calculation for the correction stage. The processes in the correction stage have been described in the foregoing. The process control calculates the parameters m nominal , b, actual value . s 1 , and actual value . s 2 , and enters It into a correction stage 72 with a function generator. It is in this function generator where the actual threshold value assignment occurs. For this purpose, by vindex=0 . . . (actual value/2) one entry each is subsequently addressed in reference storage 71, and thereafter, via the contents thereof, a data quartet is addressed from a quadrant of quadrant storage 70. The x/y value pair from the data quartet, again, addresses an element of the multiple reference cell 1. vindex is also fed to correction stage 72, and at the output thereof, the threshold value is available which is assigned to the addressed element of the multiple reference cell. In addition, the validity bit v is cancelled as well. The process is repeated for vindex only up to actual value/2 since only threshold values up to 50% are assigned in this step. The functions which are realized by means of the function generator in correction stage 72 will be explained based on three corrected characteristics in FIG. 6. The characteristics constitute the connection between the index of the sorted sequence of storage words of a spot (abscissa) and the threshold value (ordinate). Curve A constitutes the ideal combination, wherein the actual value of the number of storage words of a spot is equal to the nominal value. Curve B shows the case that a spot indeed includes less storage words than corresponds to the theoretical nominal value. On the other hand, curve C constitutes the case where the actual value of the storage words of the spot is larger than the nominal value. FIG. 6 shows that for the ideal curve A, the same linear connection exists between the index in the sorted sequence and the density threshold value (that is to be assigned). As concerns the polygon C1-C3, on the other hand, the ideal curve A is followed for elements from the beginning of the sorted sequence up to actual value . S 1 in a first section C1 as a result whereof the assigned threshold values are increased, thus the number of actually blackened pixels for light gray shades is undermodulated. At the same curve C1-C3, for elements, however, from actual value . s 2 up to the end of the sorted sequence, one follows a curve in parallel to the ideal curve A which corresponds to a decrease of the threshold values, and hence an overmodulation--compare section C2. The overmodulation at C2 and the undermodulation at C1, respectively, become apparent as compared to a curve C' depicted in a broken line, which shows the connection between the index of the sorted sequence and the threshold value without correction. The undermodulated section C1 and the overmodulated section C2 are connected by an equalizing section C3. In that section, the undermodulation continuously goes back from section C1 to the position actual value/2, which also corresponds to a tonal value of 50%, where neither over nor undermodulation occurs, and subsequently increases in overmodulated fashion up to section C2. The polygon B1-B3 includes a section B1 for elements at the beginning of the sorted list where the threshold values are lower and hence more pixels are blackened (overmodulation) than without correction, as can be taken from uncorrected line B'. Section B2 constitutes a section of undermodulation. The two sections B1 and B2 are bridged by an equalizing section B3. By the process executed by means of the apparatus according to FIG. 5, when reproducing small gray shades, optimization is actually made to the same numbers of pixels to be blackened for the individual raster points (spots) 15-18 of FIG. 1; and in case of large gray shades, optimization is made to equal numbers of white (unblackened) pixels. The white partial areas (marks) are however concentrated in the corners of the raster points for the most common spot functions where the black marks grow from the middle of the raster points. This means that the white marks or points perceived by the eye are composed, in case of square raster points, of sections of four raster points. This is indicated in FIG. 7 wherein the blackened portions of the raster points are only indicated by circles 50-53 which encompass the black marks. Since now the white marks are composed of white areas of a plurality of raster points, the size of the white marks may vary even then when the numbers of the white or unset pixels have been optimized as described in the foregoing in accordance with the gray value correction in case of high tonal values for the individual raster points. In order to also eliminate these variations of the size of the white points, each raster point, or spot, respectively, is subdivided in four quadrants. In FIG. 7, the subdivision is indicated by broken lines. A central white mark thus is composed of the quadrants 54-57 of different raster points. Finally, the threshold values for 50-100% of the white correction have to be assigned. For this purpose the process described in the foregoing in connection with the tonal value correction is repeated in a somewhat modified way. The program is again performed in n·n cycles. This time however four neighboring quadrants of four neighboring spots are composed. When establishing the reference list in reference storage 71, data quartets whose validity bit v was cancelled, are not considered since for them, threshold values have already been assigned. The number of entries in the reference storage now corresponds only to half of the actual value. The actual value is number of entries in reference storage·2. When loading the correction stage parameter for correction stage 72, an offset of ##EQU6## instead of 1 is loaded in order to obtain the correct threshold values. The processes described occurring in the apparatus according to FIG. 5 are summarized for the tonal value correction for threshold values 0-50% in the flow chart according to FIG. 8, and for the white correction for threshold values 50-100% in the flow chart according to FIG. 9. It is only the contents of the blocks 73', 74', 75' in FIG. 9 which are different from the corresponding blocks 73, 74, 75 in FIG. 8. Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that I wish to include within the claims of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as reasonably come within my contribution to the art.

A method for generation and storage of digitized threshold density values for use in creating a half-tone image pattern such as in the form of color separations. The threshold density values in a sub-cell of a multiple reference cell (supercell) are stored as storage words in accordance with a spot function. A sorted sequence is determined tailored in accordance with the spot function and threshold density values are allocated to the words in accordance with position of the words in a sorted sequence. Corrections are made to the threshold density values in order to compensate for different numbers of storage words in the subcells.

DESCRIPTION In motor vehicles having piston-type internal-combustion engines in which the load control is effected by way of a controllable throttle device in the air-supply conduit, it is known to utilize the vacuum forming behind the throttle device—seen in the air flow direction—in specific operating states when the device is only partially open in order to act appropriately on “vacuum consumers” in the vehicle. The term “vacuum consumers” in the sense of the present invention encompasses, for example, an exhaust-gas recirculation system, a power brake unit, a backwash active-charcoal filter of a fuel-tank ventilation system, etc. . . . Systems for piston-type internal-combustion engines of this type, in which a bypass conduit is provided for bridging the region of the throttling device, the conduit having a bottleneck that is embodied in the manner of a Venturi tube, are known from DE-B-27 17 685 and DE-A-195 03 568. A vacuum line, which is connected to the vacuum consumer, terminates in the region of the bottleneck. Due to the pressure difference between the region of the air-supply conduit in front of the throttling device, where the pressure is high, and the region of the air-supply conduit behind the throttling device, where the pressure is low, an air current is forcibly created in the bypass conduit, which leads to a drop in the static pressure due to the increase in speed in the region of the bottleneck; this condition can then be utilized by the vacuum consumer. In piston-type internal-combustion engines in which the load control is effected by way of a variable actuation of the cylinder valves or a regulation of the mixture quality, that is, a regulation of the mixture composition, or in which the fuel is injected directly into the cylinders, the absence of a throttle valve in the air-supply conduit means that an inadequate vacuum is available to the vacuum consumers of a motor vehicle over the entire load range of the piston-type internal-combustion engine, the consumers being indispensable for the operation of the engine. To provide these vacuum consumers with a sufficient vacuum, it has been necessary to this point to generate the vacuum externally via additional vacuum pumps. Because such additional aggregates are relatively costly, and require corresponding, additional drive energy, it is the object of the invention to embody a piston-type internal-combustion engine with a throttle-free load control such that vacuum generators consuming additional drive energy can be omitted. According to the invention, this object is accomplished by a piston-type internal-combustion engine having cylinder valves that are completely variably actuatable via a valve timing, and are connected to an air-supply conduit that is provided with a device for generating a vacuum by utilizing energy components of the air flowing through the air-supply conduit, the device being equipped with controllable elements for adaptation to changes in the flow energy as dictated by operating conditions, and being connected by way of at least one vacuum line to at least one vacuum consumer. With this measure, the energy components inherent in the air flow in the air-supply conduit can be directly incorporated into the generation of the vacuum. In this device, the energy components that are utilized are, on the one hand, the flow speed of the air flowing through the air-supply conduit, which is specifically utilized through an increase in the flow speed, which correspondingly leads to a drop in the static pressure, and/or through the utilization of pulse-like pressure fluctuations that occur in the air flow in the air-supply conduit due to the periodic opening of the gas intake valves. Depending on the conditions, these fluctuations cause the pressure to exceed and fall below the ambient pressure by a “zero level.” This principle of the invention can be realized in different embodiments. In a first embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the device includes an air-supply conduit, through which air flows, and which has at least one cross-sectional bottleneck that is formed in the region of the termination of the vacuum line, and that controllable elements are provided for setting different cross-sectional bottlenecks. With such a cross-sectional bottleneck, which should have a flow contour that keeps flow losses as low as possible, and should accordingly be embodied in the manner of a Venturi tube, the speed of the air flowing in the air-supply conduit increases, which causes a drop in the static pressure in the air flow relative to the ambient pressure of the air-supply conduit. Thus, it becomes possible to make available the vacuum that is necessary, for example, for a power brake unit, with low pressure losses in the air-supply conduit, or to generate the pressure drop that is necessary for exhaust-gas recirculation and/or the backwash of an active-charcoal filter of a fuel-tank ventilation system for suctioning exhaust gas and/or fuel-containing air into the air-supply conduit via the active-charcoal filter. If the cross-sectional bottleneck is designed such that a sufficient vacuum can be generated in the air-supply conduit at low rpms, and thus with low mass currents, large flow resistances and therefore drops in power occur in the air-supply conduit at high rpms and with large mass currents. To counteract this, the cross-sectional bottleneck has a variable free flow cross section; controllable elements, which can be actuated, for example, via the valve timing, effect an adaptation to the respective operating state; and the flow resistance can be kept low for the different operating states, i.e., the different rpm ranges. One embodiment of the invention provides that the air-conduit region has at least two parallel conduits, each with a cross-sectional bottleneck, which are connected at least on the exhaust side to the air-supply conduit. The cross-sectional bottlenecks vary in size, and a controllable actuating element is provided for selective guidance of the air flow through the parallel conduits. Thus, a simple adaptation is possible for at least two different rpm ranges. For the lower rpm range, the actuating element is correspondingly actuated, and the parallel conduit having the cross-sectional bottleneck with the small flow cross section is opened, and for the upper rpm range, the parallel conduit having the cross-sectional bottleneck with the larger free flow cross section is opened, so an appropriate drop in the static pressure is assured in the region of the termination of the vacuum line for both rpm ranges, yet the flow resistances dictated by the cross-sectional bottleneck are minimized. The actuating element can be formed by a throttle valve disposed in front of the branch of the parallel conduits; this valve selectively enables one of the two parallel conduits for the air flow, but can also be set such that air flows through both parallel conduits, so three rpm ranges can be covered with two parallel conduits. For the low rpm range, the parallel conduit having the smaller flow cross section in the region of the cross-sectional bottleneck is enabled; for a middle rpm range, the other parallel conduit with the larger free flow cross section is enabled; and for an upper rpm range, the throttle valve is set such that both parallel conduits are enabled, so air can flow through them. The effected increase in the air resistance, and the associated loss of power, are maintained within acceptable limits. In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the air-conduit region having a cross-sectional bottleneck has at least one movable wall region in the region of the termination of the vacuum line for changing the free flow cross section of the cross-sectional bottleneck. The movable wall region is connected to controllable actuating elements. With this arrangement, it is possible to precisely adapt the free flow cross section in the region of the cross-sectional bottleneck, with the aid of the valve timing, for example, to the respective air-mass current flowing through the air-supply conduit, hereby maintaining a minimum vacuum. It is also possible to change the flow cross section in order to keep the flow resistance as low as possible in the region of the cross-sectional bottleneck by correspondingly adapting the free flow cross section. The term “movable wall region” in the sense of the invention covers embodiments in which the geometry of at least parts of the conduit wall is variable in the region of the cross-sectional bottleneck due to pivoting or elastic deformation. In a square or rectangular conduit cross section, for example, it suffices for the controllable actuating element to pivot, displace and/or deform only one conduit wall into the flow cross section, transversely to the flow direction, in the region of the termination of the vacuum line. In one embodiment of the wall region that limits the cross-sectional bottleneck through elastic materials, such as rubber-elastic, deformable inserts, or flexible, rotatable lamella that overlap in the circumferential direction and extend toward one another in the flow direction, or the like, it is possible to effect a practically symmetrical change in the free flow cross section relative to the termination of the vacuum line. In a further inventive modification, particularly in connection with a variable free flow cross section, it is provided that the device for utilizing pressure fluctuations in the air flowing through the air-supply conduit has a pressure rectifier, which is connected, on the one hand, to the air-supply conduit by way of the vacuum line, and, on the other hand, to the vacuum consumer, and has a shut-off valve, which only opens periodically when a vacuum exists in the air-supply conduit. This modification of the inventive principle also utilizes an inherent energy component of the air flow in the air-supply conduit. Here, however, a pressure drop due to a local increase in the flow speed of the air flow is not utilized, but rather the fact that considerable pressure fluctuations can be detected in the air-supply conduit over the entire operating range of a piston-type internal-combustion engine. These pressure fluctuations can be attributed to pulse-type pressure waves that are formed by the periodic opening and closing of the gas-intake valves. The arising pressure waves fluctuate around the value of the ambient pressure, and thus at least intermittently fall below this value. Surprisingly, it was found that falling below the ambient pressure suffices for generating a vacuum level for subordinate systems. The provided pressure rectifier with the shut-off valve ensures that a connection only exists between the air-supply conduit and the vacuum consumer if a vacuum relative to the ambient pressure is also present in the air-supply conduit. The shut-off valve can also be embodied as a check valve, so it automatically opens when a vacuum is present, and closes in the overpressure range of the present pressure wave. It is especially advantageous, however, for the shut-off valve to be connected to a controllable actuating drive. Whereas, in a conventional, spring-loaded check valve, a minimal vacuum must be present before the valve even opens, and the valve must already re-close when a vacuum is still present, a shut-off valve having a controllable actuating drive offers the advantage that the opening and closing times of the shut-off valve can be purposefully established for practically completely utilizing the time interval in which a vacuum is present in the air-supply conduit. This can be advantageous, for example, if the connected vacuum consumer is a fuel-tank ventilation system or an exhaust-gas recirculation system. In both cases, it is crucial that the shut-off valve remain open as long as possible in order to introduce a sufficient mass current into the air-supply conduit by way of the vacuum line. Accordingly, the shut-off valve is opened when the pressure wave passes through the “zero level” in the direction of an increasing vacuum, and the valve is closed shortly before the wave passes through the “zero level” again in the direction of a vacuum. Because the frequency of the pressure wave is a function of the rpm, and the above-described “zero passages” change accordingly, but the conditions in the air-supply conduit also influence the temporal course of the pressure waves, it is advantageous for the actuating drive of the shut-off valve to be controlled as a function of pressure. This can be effected, for example, by way of the valve timing, with a pressure sensor that is wired to the valve timing being disposed in the immediate vicinity of the termination of the vacuum line, by way of which sensor the opening and closing times for the shut-off valve can be signaled, and the actuating drive can be actuated accordingly via the valve timing. The invention further relates to a method for influencing the energy components of the air flowing in the air-supply conduit that are present in the form of pressure fluctuations of the vacuum generators in a piston-type internal-combustion engine, with a device for generating a vacuum, which is equipped in accordance with the aforementioned features. According to the invention, it is provided that the valve timing actuates the opening and closing times, at least of the gas-intake valves, so as to intensify the pressure fluctuations occurring periodically in the air-supply conduit due to operating conditions. This method employs the option of purposefully changing the opening and closing times of cylinder valves that can be controlled completely variably, because the variation options are only limited by the further operating capability of the piston-type internal-combustion engine. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that a pressure pulse that intensifies the vacuum component of the periodic pressure fluctuations of the air flowing in the air-supply conduit is generated by the actuation of the gas-intake valves with a “delayed intake opening.” If the gas-intake valves of the individual cylinders are opened late (SEÖ), in other words, if the piston approaches its lower dead-center position, first a distinct vacuum is created in the cylinder, so when the gas-intake valve is opened, the air is sucked from the air-supply conduit at a high flow speed. This high flow speed continues into the air-supply conduit. If the gas-intake valve is then closed, the reflux effects a certain pressure increase, but the pressure then correspondingly diminishes when the next gas-intake valve is opened late again. This causes distinct pressure waves to form in the air-supply conduit. This pressure pulsation that is superposed over the air flow in the air-supply conduit can be further intensified if, in an embodiment of the method of the invention, the overpressure. component of the periodic pressure fluctuations of the air flowing in the air-supply conduit is generated by an actuation of the gas-exhaust valves with an “early exhaust closure,” and an actuation of the gas-intake valves by the intake opening in the upper dead-center region. In this actuation, a slight overpressure is generated in the last movement phase of the piston prior to reaching upper dead center in the combustion chamber. This overpressure, as an increasing pressure shock, then builds up a pressure pulse in the opposite direction of the air flow in the air-supply conduit when the intake valve is opened; the pressure pulse subsequently decreases as the flow speed in the air-supply conduit correspondingly increases, falling considerably below the ambient pressure in the process. Because air is a compressible medium, the above-described influencing of the opening times permits the pressure fluctuations of the air flowing in the air-supply conduit to be increased by the “zero level” and, accordingly, permits an increase in the usable vacuum. The invention is described in detail below in conjunction with schematic drawings. FIG. 1 shows a four-cylinder, piston-type internal-combustion engine. FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment for a vacuum device, in the form of a Venturi bottleneck. FIG. 3 shows a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 2, with parallel conduits. FIG. 4 shows a different embodiment of the vacuum device, in the form of a pressure rectifier with a shut-off valve. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment with a controllable shut-off valve for utilizing pressure fluctuations. FIG. 6 shows the course of the pressure fluctuations in the air-supply conduit. FIG. 7 shows the course of the cylinder pressure in a “delayed intake opening.” FIG. 8 shows the course of the cylinder pressure in an “early exhaust closure.” FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a four-cylinder, piston-type internal-combustion engine 1 , which is provided with cylinder valves that can be controlled completely variably. A valve timing 2 actuates the valve drives of the cylinder valves. On the side of the exhaust gas, the individual cylinders are connected to an exhaust-gas conduit 3 . On the suction side, the individual cylinders of the piston-type internal-combustion engine 1 are connected to an air-supply conduit 4 . The air-supply conduit 4 is provided on the intake side with an air filter 5 . Because no sufficient vacuum for acting upon “vacuum consumers” is available in the air-supply conduit 4 in such a piston-type internal-combustion engine having a throttle-free load control due to the absence of a controllable throttle device for controlling the load, a separate device 6 is provided in the air-supply conduit 4 for generating a vacuum; various embodiments of the function and design of this device will be described in detail below. The device 6 for generating a vacuum is connected by way of a vacuum line 7 to vacuum consumers. As indicated schematically here, these consumers can be, for example, a power brake unit 8 , a fuel-tank ventilation system provided with an active-charcoal filter 9 , an exhaust-gas recirculation device, indicated here by the exhaust-gas recirculation valve 10 , or similar vacuum consumers. With the vacuum generated in the device 6 , it is thus possible to act upon the power brake unit with a corresponding vacuum, on the one hand, and to control the exhaust-gas recirculation valve 10 corresponding to the actuation by the valve timing 2 , on the other hand, for introducing exhaust gases into the air-supply conduit 4 from the exhaust-gas conduit by way of an exhaust-gas recirculation line 11 and the vacuum line 7 in order to meet the load requirements. A corresponding actuation of a valve 12 by way of the valve timing 2 permits the backwash of the active-charcoal filter 9 of the fuel-tank ventilation system from time to time, and the suctioning off of hydrocarbons that have deposited in the active-charcoal filter 9 and the supply of these substances to the engine by way of the combustion air. The device 6 can be connected to additional elements 13 , which are only indicated here and are explained in conjunction with FIG. 2, for altering the existing vacuum with the valve timing 2 . FIG. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of a device 6 for generating a vacuum. The device essentially comprises a cross-sectional bottleneck 14 of the air-supply conduit 4 , which is embodied in the manner of a Venturi 5 tube. The termination 7 . 1 of the vacuum line 7 is located at the narrowest point of the cross-sectional bottleneck, so a vacuum is generated by the drop in the static pressure in the flow relative to the ambient temperature, which is associated with the local increase in the flow speed of the combustion air in the air-supply conduit 4 in this region; this vacuum reaches the connected vacuum consumer by way of the vacuum line 7 . Because the free flow cross section of the cross-sectional bottleneck must be designed such that, at low rpms with a correspondingly-low flow speed, a sufficient vacuum continues to be present at the vacuum line 7 , at higher rpms this forces an increase in the flow resistance effected by the cross-sectional bottleneck; this increase can no longer be disregarded, and ultimately leads to losses of power. To remedy this, a device for changing the free flow cross section is schematically indicated in FIG. 2 . It can be formed by, for example, a wall element 15 that is provided with an actuating drive 13 , and can change the flow cross section in the region of the termination of the vacuum line 7 , so the device 13 , 15 can adapt the flow speed of the air and therefore the vacuum present at the vacuum line 7 with a low load requirement with a low flow speed, as well as with a high load requirement with a high flow speed, in the narrow point in the air-supply conduit 4 . As indicated in FIG. 2, the alteration of the free flow cross section can be effected by a wall element. It is also possible, however, to embody the segment of the air-supply conduit that forms the Venturi tube such that the entire free flow cross-section can be altered by the deformation of the wall. This can be effected, for example, by tightly inserting a rubber-elastic tube element in this region, which is correspondingly narrowed or widened by the effect of a overpressure or vacuum on the space between the tube element and the conduit wall, so the free flow cross section can be changed correspondingly in the region of the termination 7 . 1 of the vacuum line inserted axially into the cross-sectional bottleneck. In the same way, it is also possible to provide a corresponding insert in the form of a lamellar tube comprising a plurality of flexible lamella, which are respectively seated with their end sides on a ring. The rotation of the end-side rings toward one another with a simultaneous axial displacement likewise permits the alteration of the free flow cross section. It is advantageous for the adjacent lamella to extensively overlap tightly. FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the air-supply conduit 4 is divided into two parallel conduits 4 . 1 and 4 . 2 , which have a cross-sectional bottleneck 14 . 1 and 14 . 2 , respectively, into which a vacuum line 7 . 2 or 7 . 3 terminates in the described manner. In this arrangement, the cross-sectional bottlenecks 14 . 1 and 14 . 2 are fixedly preset, with the cross-sectional bottleneck 14 . 1 in the parallel conduit 4 . 1 having a larger free flow cross section than the cross-sectional bottleneck 14 . 2 in the parallel conduit 4 . 2 . If the arrangement is flowed through in the direction of the arrow 19 , an actuating element 20 , in the form of a pivoting valve, for example, is disposed in the region of the division into the two parallel conduits 4 . 1 and 4 . 2 . An actuating drive 20 . 1 can pivot this actuating element to the right or left from the illustrated center position, so air flows either through both parallel conduits 4 . 1 and 4 . 2 or alternatingly through the parallel conduit 4 . 1 or 4 . 2 . Thus, it is possible to cover three rpm ranges with air-mass throughputs of varying magnitudes in the air-supply conduit 4 with acceptable flow resistances that are effected by the cross-sectional bottlenecks 14 . 1 or 14 . 2 . FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment for a vacuum generator 6 , which harnesses pressure fluctuations in the air-supply conduit 4 for generating a vacuum. The generator essentially comprises a pressure rectifier 16 , which is disposed in the vacuum line 7 and has a flow housing 17 , in which a shut-off valve 18 , here in the form of a check valve, is disposed, the valve only opening when a vacuum is present in the air-supply conduit 4 . Because pressure fluctuations occur periodically in the air-supply conduit 4 due to the intermittent air suction of the individual cylinders of the piston-type internal-combustion engine, with the magnitude of the fluctuations varying around the dominant ambient pressure, that is, being apparent periodically as an overpressure and a vacuum in the air-supply conduit, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure rectifier 16 offers the possibility that the check valve 18 will open when a vacuum is present in the region of the termination of the vacuum line 7 into the air-supply conduit 4 , and a vacuum will correspondingly be available for the above-described vacuum consumers. As is only indicated in the drawing, it is also possible here to exert an influence by altering the flow cross section in the region of the termination of the vacuum line 7 by way of an additional device 13 , 15 , with the aid of the valve timing 2 , for influencing the vacuum present at the vacuum line 7 in addition to the effect of the pressure rectifier 16 . The described embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 can be modified such that the shut-off valve 18 is embodied as a controllable valve, as shown in FIG. 5 . The embodiment illustrated here includes a valve body 21 , which is held on a spring arm 22 . Depending on the application, the arrangement can be such that, in the closed position, the spring arm 22 presses the valve body 21 toward the termination 7 . 1 of the vacuum line 7 , which is embodied as a valve seat. For opening the valve, an electromagnet 23 is supplied with current, and attracts the spring arm 22 , which is simultaneously embodied as an armature. The electromagnet 23 is actuated such that the valve is respectively opened when a vacuum wave is present in the air-supply conduit 4 in the region of the termination 7 . 4 into the air-supply conduit 4 . As soon as this vacuum drops below a preset measure, the current supply to the electromagnet 23 is cut off, so the valve body 21 is again seated on the valve seat 7 . 1 due to the effect of the spring force of the spring arm 22 , and closes the valve. The subsequent pressure increase in the air-supply conduit supports the closing effect, which ensures that the shut-off valve only opens during a pressure drop, and the vacuum consumer is connected to the air-supply conduit 4 . The electromagnet 22 [sic] can be supplied with current by way of a corresponding control device, for example the valve timing 2 , which may detect the pressure course of the air flow by way of a pressure gauge 24 in the air-supply conduit 4 . The pressure gauge 24 should be disposed as closely as possible to the termination 7 . 2 of the overpressure line so that it can directly detect the pressure level in this region. FIG. 6 schematically shows the course of the pressure fluctuations in the air-supply conduit 4 . The “zero level” approximately corresponds to the ambient pressure, resulting in an overpressure and a vacuum that fluctuate around the line of the ambient pressure corresponding to the illustrated course. The frequency of the pressure fluctuations is a function of the number of cylinders of the relevant piston-type internal-combustion engine, and the rpm, so the representation here is dependent on the degree of the crank angle. FIG. 7 particularly shows a way of influencing the pressure course in the air-supply conduit 4 through a purposeful actuation of the cylinder valves by way of the valve timing in order to generate a vacuum with a device according to FIGS. 4 or 5 . If the respective opening time of the gas-intake valves is actuated with a “delayed intake opening ” (SEÖ), the result is the course of the internal cylinder pressure between the upper and lower dead-center positions, as shown schematically in FIG. 7 . The curve runs in the direction of the arrows. The curve region I represents the exhaust phase. When the lower dead-center position is reached, the exhaust closes (AS), while the intake remains closed. In the downward movement toward the lower dead-center position, the intake opens with a delay, for example at the illustrated time (EÖ), so the air is suctioned out of the air-supply conduit 4 at a high speed following a dramatic drop in pressure inside the cylinder when the gas-intake valve is opened. The suction phase II ends with the closing of the intake valve (ES), so the sealing phase III can begin. FIG. 8 illustrates a different method. During the exhaust phase I, the gas-exhaust valve closes before the upper dead-center position is reached, so when the intake valve is closed, a corresponding pressure increase takes place inside the cylinder. In or shortly before the upper dead-center position, the intake valve opens (EÖ), so the overpressure created inside the cylinder first decreases into the air-supply conduit 4 ; then, air is suctioned into the cylinder with a practically unchanging pressure until the intake valve closes at the time (ES), thereby ending the suction phase II. The sealing phase III is effected again after the lower dead-center position has been passed through. It ensues from the diagrams of FIGS. 7 and 8 that these measures can be implemented to exert a stronger influence on the profile of the pressure fluctuations in the air-supply conduit 4 , as schematically shown in FIG. 6, on both the overpressure side and the vacuum side, so the respective severe changes in pressure effect local, corresponding increases in the flow speed, which can be advantageously utilized in generating a vacuum.

The present invention relates to a piston-type internal combustion engine comprising gas-exchange valves which can be driven in a completely variable manner by a motor control ( 2 ) and which communicate with an air supply channel ( 4 ) provided with a device ( 6 ) for generating a negative pressure using the energy components of the air flowing through said air supply channel ( 4 ). This device is provided with means that can be driven for adaptation to the modifications in the flow energy which are inherent to the operation, and communicates with at least one negative-pressure user ( 8, 9, 10 ) through at least one negative-pressure duct ( 7 ).

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/084,228 filed on May 5, 1998. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This present invention relates to navigation systems and more particularly to a navigation system with a vehicle location display for showing a vehicle's current location and the location of the desired route. Navigation systems generally provide a recommended route from a starting point to a desired location. Generally, the starting point and desired location are selected from a large database of roads stored in a mass media storage, such as a CD ROM, which includes the roads in the area to be traveled by the user. The navigation system can be located in a personal computer or it can be installed in a vehicle. If the navigation system is installed in a vehicle, the starting point is typically the current position of the vehicle, which can be entered into the navigation system by an associated position determining system that usually includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The navigation system determines a route from the starting point to the destination utilizing an algorithm well-known to those in the art and currently in use in many navigation systems. Usually there are many potential routes between the selected starting point and the desired destination. Typical navigation systems select a recommended route based upon certain predetermined criteria including the length of the route and the estimated time of travel on the route. Depending upon the predetermined algorithm of the navigation system, the navigation system will recommend the route with the shortest total length, the lowest total time, or some weighted average of length and time. The recommended route is then displayed to the user as a map showing the starting point, desired destination and highlighting the recommended route. Preferably, if the navigation system is installed in a vehicle, the navigation system displays the current location of the vehicle and provides turn-by-turn instructions to the driver, guiding the driver to the selected destination along the recommended route. The typical navigation system provides the current vehicle location to the user by displaying either a textual guidance mode screen having a set of instructions and the current location or a guidance mode map showing the starting point, desired destination, current location and highlighting the recommended route. One disadvantage with current displays is that the present location of the vehicle and the starting point of the recommended route may not be able to be seen on the display screen at the same time. This can occur in a situation where the vehicle is moving while the route is being determined and the current position of the vehicle and the nearest point on the recommended route can no longer be in the same screen due to the current display scale. This makes it difficult for the user to proceed to the starting point of the recommended route. Some map displays permit the user to select a viewing scale to aid the driver in showing his current position in relation to the starting point of the recommended route, but this requires further input from the user while the user is en route. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle location display that automatically scales the display to show a vehicle's current location and the starting point of a recommended route on the same screen. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general terms, this invention provides a vehicle location display for a navigation system. The vehicle location display displays the current vehicle location on a display device of a navigation system in a graphical display mode. In the graphical display mode, the display displays a map having the current location of the vehicle. The navigation system includes a database of roads and a system for determining the current position of a vehicle in relation to the database. A user can select a desired destination in the database by using an input device connected to the navigation system. The navigation system also includes a system for determining a route to the destination. A display displays the route and the vehicle's current position by automatically scaling the display to include the route and the current position. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic of the navigation system of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a display showing a current location; and FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a display showing the present location and a desired route to a predetermined destination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The navigation system 20 of the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1 . The navigation system 20 includes a central processor unit (CPU) 22 connected to a display 24 , such as a high resolution LCD or flat panel display. The CPU 22 is also connected to an input device 26 such as a mouse, keyboard, key pad, or remote device. Alternatively, the display 24 can be a touch screen display. The navigation system 20 further includes a storage device 28 , such as a hard drive 28 or a CD ROM, connected to the CPU 22 . The storage device 28 contains a database including a map of all roads in the area to be traveled by the vehicle 32 and may contain the software for the CPU 22 , including the graphical user interface, route guidance, operating system, position-determining software, etc. The navigation system preferably includes position and motion determining devices, such as a GPS receiver 32 , a gyroscope 36 , a compass 38 , a wheel speed sensor 40 , and an orthogonal multiple axis accelerometer 41 all connected to the CPU (connections not shown for simplicity). Such position and motion determining devices are well known and are commercially available. The navigation system 20 determines the position of the vehicle 32 relative to the database of roads utilizing the position and motion determining devices. The driver selects a destination relative to the database of roads utilizing the user input device 26 and the display 24 . The navigation system 20 then displays turn-by-turn instructions to the driver to guide the driver to the desired destination from the resent position. Often the navigation system 20 is determining or calculating a route while the vehicle 32 is moving. In some situations, the current location of the vehicle 32 may not be near the recommended starting point of the route, such as when the vehicle is in a parking lot, on a new street, or on a small side street that is not included in the database of roads, for example. Alternatively, the recommended starting point of the route may be at a point that the vehicle has already passed. If the vehicle is not on the recommended route when the route calculation is finished, the display 24 displays a map showing the recommended route and the current vehicle position on the map. The display 24 also includes an instruction instructing the driver to proceed to the route. Since the vehicle 32 may have been moving while the route was being calculated, the current position of the vehicle and the nearest point on the recommended route may no longer be in the same screen, depending upon the current display scale, as shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 shows a vehicle's current position, indicated by the arrow, on a map scale that does not show the starting point of the recommended route. In the present invention, when the route calculation is completed, the display 24 automatically scales the display of the map, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the nearest point on a recommended route and the current position of the vehicle 32 are both shown on the display 24 . FIG. 3 shows the display 24 when the navigation system 20 has automatically scaled the display 24 to simultaneously show the vehicle's current position and the starting point of the recommended route. The current position of the vehicle is represented by the arrow and the recommended route is shown as highlighted with a thicker line. There is also a current street field 42 which displays the name of the street on which the vehicle is currently positioned. The navigation system 20 also determines a distance from the current position to the nearest point on the recommended route and displays this distance on the display 24 so the driver knows how far he is from the starting point of the route. This distance can be communicated to the driver by either or all of the following ways: by a textual display, by an audible indication, or by a graphical display. For example, the display 24 could have a distance field 44 displaying how far the vehicle 32 is from the recommended route, as shown in FIG. 3 . As previously mentioned, the navigation system 20 is often calculating the route while the vehicle 32 is moving. In this situation, the navigation system 20 first determines the current position of the vehicle with respect to the database of roads. Once the recommended route has been calculated, the navigation system 20 then determines a second position, i.e. the new current position, of the vehicle with respect to the database of roads because the vehicle has changed its location since the first position, i.e. the original current position, was determined. The display is then automatically scaled to show the new current position of the vehicle and the nearest point of the recommended route. Thus, the navigation system 20 is determining the route based on the first or original position of the vehicle when the destination was selected and is automatically scaling the display to show both the nearest point of the recommended route and the second or new current position of the vehicle. The navigation system determines the distance from the second or new current vehicle position to the route and displays this distance in the distance field 44 on the display 24 . As shown in FIG. 3, the first or original position of the vehicle when the destination was selected is shown as a dashed circle while the second or new current position is shown as the arrow. The prior location of the vehicle, shown by the dashed circle is not typically part of the display 24 but is only used to illustrate that the vehicle has changed its location from when the destination was originally selected and when the navigation system 20 has completed calculating the route. If the vehicle is moving when the route is calculated, the display 24 may have to be automatically scaled again after the initial display of the route. If the vehicle is moving away from the route, it may be necessary to zoom out after the initial display of the route in order to maintain the route on the display. Similarly, if the vehicle is moving toward the route after the initial display of the route, the display may zoom in to display the current location of the vehicle and the route. The inventive method for automatically scaling the display 24 for the navigation system 20 includes the following steps: (a) determining a first position relative to a database of roads; (b) selecting a destination in the database; (c) calculating a route to the destination in the database; (d) calculating a map scale including the route and the first position; and (e) displaying the route and the first position based on the map scale. If the recommended route and the first position are not viewable on the display at the same time, a first map scale is displayed prior to step (e) and a second map scale, different from the first map scale, is displayed during step (e). Additionally, if the vehicle 32 is moving when the destination is selected, the method includes the steps of determining a second position relative to the database, the second position being different than the first position, and calculating the map scale based on the second position. The first position is the location of the vehicle when the destination is selected and the second position is the location of the vehicle once the navigation system 20 has determined the route to the desired destination. Also, the method includes the step of determining a distance from the first position to the nearest point on the route when the vehicle is stationary or determining a distance from the second position to the nearest point on the route when the vehicle is moving. This distance is also displayed on the display 24 along with the vehicle's current position and the nearest point of the recommended route. Preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, a worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.

A navigation system is used to assist a user in proceeding from a current location to a desired destination. The navigation system includes a processor for storing a database of roads and a system for determining the current position of a vehicle in relation to the database. A user can select a desired destination in the database by using an input device which sends the selection to the processor. The navigation system determines a route to the selected destination. An output device displays the route and the vehicle's current position by automatically scaling the display to include the route and the current position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 USC §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/561,845, which was filed on Nov. 20, 2006 (U.S. Pat. No. 7,949,943 to issue May 24, 2011), which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/058,496, which was filed on Apr. 10, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,139,970 issued on Nov. 21, 2006. The disclosure of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to generating artwork or digital images with hot areas for computer program graphical user interfaces. Computer program interfaces have long provided user selectable graphics, such as buttons, as elements through which a user may interact with a computer program, to select an option or request a service from the program, for example. In network based or distributed computer program applications, the selection of an interface element in a client program on one computer may be directed to either that program or to another program, such as a server program running on a separate computer. In Internet and intranet applications, the server program typically resides on a server computer remote from the client computer and communicating with it through a network connection. One widely distributed and used class of client program is the HTML browser, such as the Netscape Navigator™ browser, available from Netscape Communications Corporation of Mountain View, Calif. Browsers typically provide support for a number of industry standard protocols, such as HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol), and industry standard formats, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). An HTML document may include links to other resources. Graphically, the simplest form of link is the URL (Universal Resource Locator) of the resource displayed in the familiar form of underlined text. Access to a resource may also be provided through an image that a user may select to request the resource. The HTML specification includes, among other elements, a MAP element and an IMG element with an ISMAP attribute for this purpose. The ISMAP element can be used to define a server side image map. When the user clicks on the image, the ISMAP attribute of the element causes the image (x, y) coordinates of location clicked to be passed to the server in a derived URL. A MAP element may be used with an IMG element to provide a client side image map. AREA elements define simple closed regions, such as polygons and circles, by their coordinates within the image. AREA elements in a MAP element can define hot spots or areas on the image and link the hot spots to URLs. A hot spot is an area of an image, which may correspond to graphic object or a section of text, that activates a function when selected. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general, in one aspect, the invention features apparatus and methods implementing a technique for creating an electronic artwork with a hot area. For a selected layer of the artwork, a non-transparent region is identified and an action is assigned to an area corresponding to the non transparent region, the action defining a function that will be activated when the area is selected. The technique is advantageous in computer application programs that composite images from layers. Advantageous implementations of the technique include one or more of the following features. The action is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The layers of the artwork are composited and the area and the action are converted to a target output format. The target output format is HTML (HyperText Markup Language). A boundary of the non transparent region is calculated and a definition of the area is calculated from the boundary. The composited artwork is written out as an image file and an HTML file is written out; the HTML file contains an image map for the area and a URL for the action, and refers to the image file. Among the advantages of the invention are one or more of the following. An image object associated with a hot spot can be edited, and the hot spot will be conformed automatically to the edited object. The content of a layer defining a hot spot can be dynamic, that is, computed from other data at the time the layers are composited, and the hot spot will be conformed automatically to the dynamic content. Multiple hot spots can easily be created in a composite artwork. The method of assigning hot spots can be added easily to any graphics application that supports layers. The regions in the artwork layer by which a hot spot is defined do not have to be visible in the final composited image. For example, a visibility attribute of a hot spot layer can be set to invisible, and the hot spot will still be generated. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of user interface elements in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for creating a hot spot in an electronic artwork in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A wide variety of systems exist by which a user, such as an artist, can generate an electronic artwork. Graphics applications-that is, computer programs designed to enable a user to manipulate data or images, or to create images from data or from a library of shapes-enable the user to produce an electronic artwork (a picture) interactively. Two such applications are Adobe® Illustrator and Adobe® Photoshop, available from Adobe Systems Incorporated of San Jose, Calif. In general, a picture can include text, images, and shapes. Many graphics applications build a final image by compositing several image layers together. The image layers may be thought of as stacked sheets of acetate, with transparent and non transparent areas. In computer programs, the color and density of the ink on the acetate sheet are generally represented by a color value and an opacity (or “alpha”) value, respectively. Each layer typically includes image data, an optional mask, and compositing controls. Typically, the image data is represented by an array of pixels, with each pixel having a color and, optionally, an opacity. Typically, too, the mask is represented by an array of pixels, with each pixel having an opacity. Alternatively, the image data or the mask or both can be defined analytically, e.g., by using shape outlines, or by other functions that map positions to color and opacity. In addition, the image data and the mask can be dynamic, i.e., computed from other data at the time the layers are composited. FIG. 1 shows in schematic form a conventional application window 102 displayed on a computer display device by the graphical user interface of a graphics application. Within the window 102 are displayed a window 104 showing a picture, and a layers palette window 106 and a layer options dialog box 108 providing information and controls in accordance with invention, by which a user can cause a hot spot to be assigned to an area of the picture. As shown in FIG. 2 , a method 200 of assigning a hot spot to an area in an electronic artwork operates in the context of a digital image (that is, a picture) of a kind that has or can have layers. Through a user interface, the user performs a group of steps (steps 202 ) to select a layer (which may involve creating a layer) (step 204 ), to assign a hot spot to the selected layer (step 206 ), to select a shape for the hot spot (step 208 ), and to select an action identifier, such as a URL, for the hot spot (step 210 ). The foregoing steps can be performed by the user through the layer options dialog box 108 ( FIG. 1 ), as follows. The user enters a name in name box 110 . This name will be one of the names NAME 1 through NAME n of the layers of the picture, which names are shown in the layers palette rows 112 - 1 through 112 - n . The name box 110 , like the shape box 116 and the URL input box 118 , can be implemented to provide pull down menus showing permissible or most recently used values. By checking check box 114 , the user indicates that the selected layer is to be used to define the area of a hot spot. In the illustrated implementation, this is done by creating an image map. The shape of the hot spot is indicated by the user in shape box 116 and the action to be associated with the hot spot is indicated in URL box 118 . In the illustrated implementation, the permitted shapes are those supported by a target HTML format, namely rectangle, circle, and polygon, and the actions supported are URLs (Uniform Resource Locators). When a hot spot has been assigned to a layer, the assigned URL is displayed with the layer name, as indicated in rows 112 - 1 and 112 - n . If no hot spot has been assigned, no URL would appear. The application associates the hot spot information—the shape and the URL—with the layer as a property of the layer. At some time, the user will instruct the application to produce a form of output that includes hot spots (step 220 , FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated implementation, in which the hot spot is an area of the picture and the target file format is HTML, this can occur when the user requests the application to show a preview of the artwork in a browser or when the user requests the application to export the artwork as an image file referred to by a generated HTML file. In response to the request, the application composites the layers of the picture, as it would have done in the absence of hot spots, and the application prepares the hot spot information for output or display, as will now be described. If the graphics application supports dynamic content in layers, the dynamic content for the layers used to define hot spots is calculated before the hot spots are calculated. In selecting a layer to define a hot spot, the user will naturally select a layer that has one or more non transparent regions in a transparent frame. The non-transparent region or regions in combination define the area of the hot spot. Each-non transparent region is converted to a perimeter boundary path to which the selected shape is fit (step 222 ). This may be done by tracing the outer boundary of each non transparent region in the layer. In one implementation, the pixels in the layer are scanned and a 1-bit deep bitmap is created for each non transparent region. For each identified non transparent region, the outer boundary is traced to create a polygon approximating the outer boundary of the region's original pixels. If shape other than a polygon is requested, the polygons are converted to the requested shape. The union of the one or more shapes formed in this way defines the area of the hot spot, which may be non-contiguous and therefore may generate multiple image maps in an HTML implementation. In one implementation, the regions are found as follows. The pixels in a copy of the layer (which may be a partial copy) are scanned in a regular fashion. When the first non-transparent pixel is found, it is given a recognizable value and is used as a seed pixel in a seed fill algorithm that is applied to find all contiguous non-transparent pixels, each of which is given the same recognizable value. In this way, the application finds a contiguous region in the layer. The bounding box of the region (the minimum rectangle that includes all pixels of the region) is calculated and stored to use in optimizing later processing. The scanning process is then resumed. When a non-transparent pixel is found, the application determines whether it is part of a region that has already been found. If it is not, it is given a different recognizable value and the process of finding the extent of the new region is repeated beginning with this new seed pixel. The process continues until all pixels have been scanned. In one implementation, any holes within a region are ignored. In an alternative implementation, a region having holes is separated to create separate regions that do not contain holes, and the shapes formed from the separate regions contribute to defining the area of the hot spot, as has been described. Having information necessary to specify a hot spot—namely one or more formed shapes and a URL (or other action request)—the application converts this information in the target output format, such as HTML (step 224 ). The application may also have to convert the composited picture to a target output format, such as GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), or PNG (Portable Network Graphics). Having both the composited picture (from step 230 ) and the hot spot information in the target output format (from step 224 ), the application can write the composited image with the hot spot information as a file, display it on a display device, or print it. In the illustrated implementation, the target output format is HTML. The invention can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Apparatus of the invention can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine readable storage device for execution by a computer processor; and method steps of the invention can be performed by a computer processor executing a program to perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and generating output. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits). Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Apparatus and methods implementing a technique for creating an electronic artwork with a hot area. For a selected layer of the artwork, a non-transparent region is identified and an action is assigned to an area corresponding to the non-transparent region, the action defining a function that will be activated when the area is selected. The technique is advantageous in computer application programs that composite images from layers and for producing HTML (HyperText Markup Language) output that refers to a corresponding composited image, where the action is a URL and the area is defined by an image map.

CROSS-REFERENCE This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/109,559, filed Nov. 23, 1998, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is related to U. S. patent application Ser. No. 60/109,572, filed of even date and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to hydroamination. In particular this invention is related to a process for the selective hydroamination of a hydrocarbon having from two to six carbons and characterized by two hydroxy groups , preferably separated by at least one or more carbons to yield a diaminoalkane. The reactants would include diols having two to four carbons, and mixtures of same. Examples could include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,3-propanediol. In the preferred embodiment this invention provides a process for the selective hydroamination of 1,3-propanediol to yield 1,3-propanediamine and its homologues in one step. Greater than 95% conversions of 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and 38% effluent concentrations of 1,3-propanediamine (PDA) are demonstrated per pass. BACKGROUND The hydroamination of commodity and specialty alcohols, aldehydes and ketones to manufacture the corresponding aliphatic amines is known in the art. The selection of a catalyst with optimal advantages has also been the focus of much research. Aliphatic amines are of considerable industrial importance and find applications in many facets of modern technology, agriculture and medicine. Lower aliphatic amines (C 1 to C 6 ) are particularly important for both the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In an article titled “Equilibrium Conditions for Amination of Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Develop., 11, 3, 333-337 (1972), Josef Pasek et al. described the influence of pressure, temperature, and initial composition on the equilibrium content of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines and unsaturated compounds. Alfons Baiker et al., in an article titled “Catalytic Amination of Long Chain Aliphatic Alcohols”, Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev., 16, 3, 261-266 (1977), indicate a preference for the use of a copper catalyst in the amination of dodecanol with dimethylamine. In Catalysis of Organic Reactions , Blackburn, D. W., ed., 1990, at Chapter 14, M. Ford et al. review the selective synthesis of mixed alkyl amines by amine-alcohol reactions over hydrogen phosphate. The amination of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones using catalysts containing nickel, copper, or both, has been also been described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,520,933; 4,153,581; 4,152,353; and 4,409,399. These patents do not appear to contemplate the selective production of diamines. The process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,336 employs catalysts comprising carbonates of copper, nickel, and cobalt, or mixtures thereof to produce amines from aliphatic alcohols or aliphatic aldehydes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,690 discloses a method of preparing amines from an alcohol, aldehyde, ketone or mixture thereof, in the presence of a catalyst containing about 1 to 20% cobalt, 75 to 95% copper, 1 to 16% of a third component selected from iron, zinc, zirconium, and mixtures thereof. The preferred embodiment demonstrates the reductive amination of MEA. U.S. Pat. No. 3,270,059 discloses the production of diaminoalkanes by passing an alkanediol, alkanolamine, alkylene oxide, or alkyleneimine along with either ammonia or an alkylamine in the presence of hydrogen and at an elevated temperature over a catalyst which contains sintered cobalt or nickel. The sintering process requires extra steps and high temperatures. From the foregoing references it appears there is a need in the art for an improved method of selectively producing shorter chain diaminoalkanes. There does not appear to be a disclosure of the amination a short chain diol, such as, for example, 1,3-propanediol to 1,3-propanediamine in one step with greater than 90% conversions of 1,3-propanediol per pass. It would be very desirable in the art if a process were available for aminating a diol which is available in large volumes. This would provide an attractive route to an added-value commodity chemical. These diamines could find large volume applications in polyamide resins as monomer/comonomers, as well as price-competitive usage in lube oils, epoxies, hot melt adhesives, and surfactants. They might also be useful in fuel additives, chelating agents, fungicides, and plastic lubricants. SUMMARY In accordance with the foregoing, there is disclosed a hydroamination process which comprises reacting a diol characterized by two to six carbons, preferably 1,3-propanediol with excess ammonia and sufficient hydrogen to stabilize a catalyst which comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt, or mixtures thereof, optionally supported, or as a bulk-metal catalyst, and optionally in the presence of one or more promoters, at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of at least 500 psig until there is substantial formation of the desired diaminoalkane. Said hydroamination exhibits good selectivity for the desired diaminoalkanes and may be conducted batchwise or in a continuous reactor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the broader aspect of this invention diaminoalkanes of two to six carbons are prepared in one step from a diol, preferably in a solvent, in the presence of excess ammonia and sufficient hydrogen to stabilize the catalyst, at a temperature of at least 150° C. and at a pressure of at least 500 psig, and separated, optionally, by fractional distillation. The amination reaction of this invention to prepare diaminoalkanes from diols in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen in one step can be represented by the following general equation (Equation I): In Equation I using, for example, a Raney nickel catalyst containing 55% Ni+a Mo promoter, greater than 95% conversion of 1,3-propanediol has been demonstrated, and 1,3-propanediamine is obtained in ca. 38% yield at 200° C. The selective amination of 1,3-propanediol yields 1,3-propanediamine (1,3-PDA) and its homologues. The specific homologues include dipropylene triamine (DPTA) and tripropylene tetramine (TPTA). All three classes of amines were identified through a combination of gc and gc-ms/ir techniques. The feedstock used in the practice of this invention comprises a diol having from two to six carbons, preferably separated by only one carbon, and mixtures of same. Examples may include ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol. The process is particularly suited to the amination of 1,3-propanediol because of its properties. For example, it is soluble in a variety of alcohols, ethers, and water. Preferably, therefore, the 1,3-propanediol is fed into the amination reactor in a suitable solvent. Solvents may include water, and functionalized hydrocarbons having up to about twenty carbons per molecule, as well as mixtures thereof. Suitable solvents would include alcohols and ethers. They may include, for example, tert-butanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. Generally, primary and secondary alcohols would not be suitable. The preferred embodiment discloses the use of an aqueous solution of 1,3-propanediol. The amount of 1,3-propanediol in the aqueous solution may be from about one to about 90%, but the preferred range is from about 20 to 80% and the use of a 25% aqueous solution is demonstrated in the examples. In the preferred embodiment, a solution of about 25% aqueous 1,3-propanediol is fed into a continuous flow reactor. In the one-step process of this invention, the reaction takes place in the presence of excess ammonia and sufficient hydrogen to stabilize the catalyst. The nitrogen source is required to be ammonia, preferably in gaseous form. The amination conditions to be utilized suitably include the use of from 5 to 200 moles of ammonia per hydroxyl equivalent of feedstock and from about 0.1 to about 100 mole equivalents of hydrogen per hydroxyl equivalent of feedstock. A suitable catalyst comprises at least one Group VIII metal, optionally on a support. Promoters may also be used. Suitable metals include cobalt, nickel, copper, and molybdenum. Particularly effective catalyst compositions in accordance with the present invention are Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, supported and bulk-metal nickel or cobalt, as well as mixtures thereof, optionally with a one or more promoters. The preferred catalysts are Raney nickel and Raney cobalt, and bulk-metal nickel or cobalt catalysts. Raney nickel and Raney cobalt are catalysts manufactured by W. R. Grace & Co. Raney nickel catalysts are composed of nickel, plus optionally copper, chromium, and molybdenum and contain, on an oxide-free basis, from about 10 to 95 wt % nickel. Raney cobalt catalysts are composed of cobalt and nickel and, optionally, they also contain molybdenum. On an oxide-free basis they may comprise about 10 to 95% cobalt. Especially preferred is a Raney nickel or cobalt catalyst containing from about 50 to 60 wt % nickel or cobalt. Said catalysts may be in many different forms, particularly granules, extrudates, and powders. In some examples the catalyst was used with one or more promoters. Suitable promoters include smaller amounts of one or more additional Group VIII metals, and metals from Group IB and VIB of the Periodic Table. This includes chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and copper. The examples demonstrate that a Mo promoter seems to be particularly effective. The catalyst may be on a support. Supports may be selected from Groups II, III, IV, or V of the Periodic Table. The preferred supports include magnesia, alumina, silica, zirconia, and titania, as well as mixtures thereof. Where a support is used, it is preferably alumina or silica. Said catalyst may also be selected from bulk-metal catalysts prepared through coprecipitation of the different metal salts, as their carbonates, etc. The nickel or cobalt bulk-metal catalysts may also contain other metals as promoters, particularly copper, chromium, and molybdenum. The nickel or cobalt content of such bulk-metal catalysts is typically 10 to 95%. The preferred metal promoter is molybdenum, present as molybdenum oxide. Using a nickel bulk-metal oxide catalyst the preferred level of molybdenum oxide promoter is from 0.1 to 4 weight %. Said catalysts may be employed in many different forms, including tablets, extrudates, powders, etc. The catalyst is preferably introduced into the reaction zone initially. The temperature for the one-step process should be at least about 150° C. A suitable range is from about 150° C. to about 250° C. The preferred range is from about 160° C. to about 240° C., and a particularly preferred range for the one-step process is from about 180° C. to about 220° C. With 1,3-propanediol as the starting alkanol, hydroamination can be safely conducted at temperatures exceeding 200° C., without excessive secondary product formation. The pressure should be at least about 500 psi. A suitable range is from about 500 psi to about 5000 psi. The preferred range is from about 1000 psi to about 3000 psi, and particularly preferred is from about 2000 to 2500 psi. When the reaction is conducted on a continuous basis using the described nickel or cobalt catalysts liquid feed rates may range from about 0.1 to 5.0 LHSV. A preferred range is from about 0.4 to 2.0 LHSV. The reaction mixture formed as a result of the hydroamination of the 1,3-propanediol may be recovered and fractionated in any suitable manner, such as by fractional distillation, to obtain unreacted feed components, by-products, and the desired 1,3-propanediamine. The products have been identified in this work by one or more of the following analytical procedures; viz, gas-liquid chromatography (gc), infrared (ir), mass spectrometry (ms), or a combination of these techniques. All temperatures are in degrees centigrade and all pressures in pound per square inch (psi). The process of the invention can be conducted in a batch, semi-continuous, or continuous manner. The examples which are discussed below were conducted in a 50 cc capacity, continuous reactor system operated in the liquid-full, plug-flow mode, and fitted with the appropriate controls. The feedstocks were aqueous, 25% 1,3-propanediol solutions unless otherwise specified. The PDO employed was a redistilled material. The LHSV was varied from 0.16 to 1.0. The preferred hydroamination took place over a range of temperatures from about 180° C. to about 220° C. In the one-step hydroamination, at a temperature of 180° C., 1,3-propanediol conversion levels are as high as 65%, and the typical effluent sample comprises about 10 to 32% 1,3-propanediamine (PDA) (ex.s 1, 2,4, 5, 6, and 8, basis gc analyses, FI detector) with dipropylenetriamine (DPTA) as a major coproduct in up to 7.2% yield. At a temperature of 200° C., 1,3-propanediol conversion levels are as high as 90%, and the typical effluent sample comprises about 30 to 38% 1,3-propanediamine (ex. 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). DPTA concentrations in these examples are as high as 12.1%. At a temperature of 220° C., 1,3-propanediol conversions are as high as 97% (ex. 4), The typical effluent sample comprises about 29 to 36% 1,3-propanediamine (ex. 1, 3, 5, and 10). DPTA concentrations are as high as 10% (ex. 10). In Example 1, Table 1, using a Raney cobalt catalyst with a Ni/Mo promoter, at 200° C., LHSV 1.0, there is a 75% conversion of 1,3-PDO and a 33% effluent concentration of 1,3-propanediamine is realized (by gc analyses using a Fl detector). With the same Raney cobalt catalyst, the 1,3-PDA plus DPTA selectivity is ca. 60%. 3-Amino-1-propanol (APO) makes up the majority of the remaining product, but some N-alkyl- and N,N-dialkyl-1,3-diaminopropanes have also been confirmed via gc-ms/ir analyses. Particularly good results are demonstrated in Example 4, Table IV, where a conversion of 1,3-propanediol of greater than 95% per pass is demonstrated at 220° C. using a 55% nickel catalyst with a Mo promoter. In the same example, a 38% concentration of 1,3-propanediamine effluent is demonstrated at 200° C. Table XII summarizes data relating to 1,3-PDA and DPTA selectivities, as well as 1,3-PDO conversion levels. As expected, lower feed rates tend to favor higher 1,3-propanediol conversion levels, lower 3-amino-1-propanol (APO) concentrations, and slightly elevated 1,3-propanediamine (PDA)+dipropylenetriamine (DPTA) selectivities. At lower temperatures, the 1,3-propanediamine+dipropylenetriamine selectivity may reach 62% when using the bulk-metal Ni catalyst of Example 6. The selected catalysts include a Raney cobalt catalyst with nickel/molybdenum promoters (ex.1 and 2), a Raney nickel catalyst (ex. 3-5 and 10-11), and a bulk-metal nickel catalyst comprising 50% nickel and 1.8% molybdenum oxide (ex. 6, 8 and 9). Conversions of>80 wt % or more and high 1,3-DAP selectivities are obtainable with the process of the present invention, such that only trace quantities of unreacted feedstock and lesser amounts of DPTA, TPTA, PDO etc. co-products are present in the reaction mixture. The 1,3-PDA, DPTA, TPTA products were separated by fractional distillation and identified through a combination of gc and gc-ms/ir techniques. Smaller quantities of 1-amino-3-propanol, and N-alkylated diamines, such as N,N-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane, N-propyl-1,3-diaminopropane, and N-ethyl-1,3-diaminopropane were also confirmed via gc-ms/ir, together with 1,3-PDO and 2(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3-dioxane, as well as certain heavier polyamines. Interestingly, there appears to be no evidence for the formation of piperazine-type derivatives during this C-3 bridge amination. By contrast, poor hydroamination of a 25% aqueous solution of 1,3-propanediol to 1,3-propanediamine was realized in ex. 12 and 13, using copper-rich and copper-cobalt catalysts of the prior art. To illustrate the process of the invention, the following examples are given. It is understood, however, that the examples are given only in the way of illustration and are not to be regarded as limiting the invention in any way. EXAMPLES A 50 cc continuous upflow reactor was employed in examples 1 to 13. The reactor was charged with the various nickel or cobalt catalysts, which are identified in each chart. The 1,3-propanediol was introduced in about a 25% to 50% aqueous solution and excess ammonia and hydrogen was passed over the catalyst bed as it was heated to 160° C. The temperature was then gradually increased to about 220 to 240° C. EXAMPLES 1-11 Examples 1-11 and Tables I through XI summarize data for the one-step process for making 1,3-propanediamine (1,3-PDA) from 1,3-propanediol. In these examples the catalyst identified in each chart was charged to the stainless-steel reactor system in an amount of 50 g, or more, as specified. The 1,3-propanediol was fed to said reactor upflow, as a 25% to 50% aqueous solution, unless otherwise specified, along with excess ammonia and controlled quantities of hydrogen. The ammonia/1,3-propanediol feed molar ratio was generally between 18 and 35. The hydrogen feed rate was 5 liters/hr. The ammonia plus 1,3-propanediol solution feed rate was 20-100 cc/hr. Operating pressure was 2300 psi. Effluent products were collected in stainless-steel bombs and analyzed by gc and gc-ms/ir techniques Solid catalysts shown to be effective 1,3-PDO amination catalysts in examples 1-11 include: Raney cobalt catalyst with nickel and molybdenum promoters (ex. 1 and 2) in granular form. Raney nickel catalysts (ex. 5) and Raney nickel with a molybdenum promoter (ex. 3, 4, and 10), also in granular form. A nickel-rich, bulk-metal catalyst containing ca. 50% nickel and 1.8% molybdenum oxide (ex. 6, 8, and 9). A Raney nickel catalyst in extruded form (ex. 1). Much lower levels of 1,3- PDO amination were realized with a standard copper chromite catalyst (75% copper oxide)—see example 7. Summary 1,3-PDA selectivity data are estimated in Table XII for the more active amination catalysts of examples 1-11, together with the corresponding 1,3-PDO conversion numbers. TABLE 1 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) EX. CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-119 Raney Co, 160 1.0 a  94 b 72.3 16.1  4.9 0.9 1.6 Grace 48% 59.5 13.8  4.0 0.6 1.3 Co + Ni/Mo,R- 2786 a 180 1.0 a 142 b 53.4 18.4 15.3 3.6 4.5 47.4 16.1 13.2 3.8 3.9 200 1.0 a 105 b 25.0 11.5 32.6 12.1  2.9 3.7 22.0 11.0 32.2 11.0  3.1 3.4 220 1.0 a 134 b 11.1  5.7 31.4 7.5 1.4 11.1  5.8 32.2 7.4 3.4 a Loaded with 50 g of Raney Co b Feed, aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE II 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 2 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-121 Raney Co, 160 0.4 b 43 75.7 9.0  4.9 1.4 2.9 Grace 48% 74.4 12.4   5.6 0.9 2.4 Co + Ni/Mo,R- 2796 a 180 0.4 b 50 52.0 12.6  10.5 6.8 3.8 6.8 49.7 12.4  10.6 7.0 3.9 6.7 200 0.4 b 53 26.3 7.9 17.6 10.9  5.8 4.8 24.0 8.4 20.3 9.9 4.8 4.2 220 0.4 b 69 17.9 5.7 19.2 7.0 3.0 2.4 20.2 6.3 22.0 7.8 3.3 2.7 230 0.4 b 45 13.6 3.2 13.8 2.7 16.3 4.6 18.9 3.2 a Loaded with 50 g of Raney Co b Feed aqueous 50% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE III 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA. (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-127 Raney Ni, 160 1.0 b 115 100.0   9.0 Grace 55% 96.0 12.4  1.4 Ni + Mo, R-3142 a 180 1.0 b 123 91.1  5.9  2.4 91.7  5.8  2.5 200 1.0   51 70.6 14.7 14.7 64.7 13.6 14.7 2.3 220 1.0 b  57 39.3 13.6 28.6 5.9 1.6 35.8 13.3 29.1 5.2 1.3 230 1.0 b 108 31.3 12.8 33.3 4.6 1.1 33.4 13.0 30.8 3.8 1.1 240 1.0 b 138 24.6 11.7 28.9 22.2 11.3 27.9 a Loaded with 50 g of Raney Ni b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE IV 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 4 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-131 Raney Ni, 200 0.16 b 20 10.4 6.0 38.0 10.4  Grace  9.9 5.0 36.8 9.7 55% Ni + Mo, R-3142 a 220 0.16 b 36  3.3 1.9 21.1 2.9  3.4 2.3 25.0 2.8 180 0.16 b 34 37.0 19.4  28.3 5.1 1.2 35.7 19.1  29.0 5.4 1.8 a Reactor loaded with 124 g of Raney Ni b Feed, aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE V 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 5 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-133 Raney Ni, 160 0.16 b 26 98.6  0.6 Grace 100.0  52% Ni, R- 5886 a 180 0.16 b 25 69.4 17.8 10.5 0.7 67.3 18.5 11.8 0.6 200 0.16 b 41 35.2 15.2 32.7 7.0 1.1 29.5 13.5 29.3 6.6 1.5 1.8 220 0.16 b 43 16.5  7.2 32.0 5.7 15.6  7.2 30.9 5.7 230 0.16 b 34 15.1  5.0 23.7 15.3  5.3 22.4 a Reactor loaded with 125 g of Raney Ni b Feed, aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE VI 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 6 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA. (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-139 Ni - 3275, 160 0.22 b 24 83.7 11.0  4.7 1/32″E 83.3 10.7  5.0 Engelhard a 180 0.22 b 41 37.1 15.7 31.3 7.2 0.6 1.7 36.4 16.0 31.9 7.1 0.6 2.0 200 0.22 b 43 23.1 10.5 30.7 5.5 1.5 20.8 10.6 31.0 4.2 0.9 220 0.22 b 40 13.7  6.8 14.5 15.6  7.6 18.1 a Reactor loaded with 89 g of Ni catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE VII 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 7 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-141 Cu-0203, 160 0.19 b 40 98.6 1/8″ T 100.0  Engelhard a 180 0.19 b 45 97.7 0.2 97.9 0.2 200 0.19 b 44 90.2 2.9 1.2 94.1 2.6 220 0.19 b 31 74.1 1.5 76.3 1.4 a Reactor loaded with 103 g of Cu catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE VIII 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 8 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-153 Ni-3275, 160 0.5 b 27 81.6 13.2  4.3 1/32″E 80.2 14.2  4.9 Engelhard a 180 0.5 b 104  48.5 22.1 23.0 3.0 1.5 48.5 22.1 23.0 3.0 1.5 200 0.5 b 99 24.7 16.2 34.3 7.6 1.5 2.3 24.9 16.3 34.5 7.7 1.5 2.4 220 0.5 b 94 22.0 15.7 22.2 2.2 1.1 22.0 15.8 22.1 2.1 230 0.5 b 57 32.9 19.6 16.4 1.1 1.0 32.8 19.5 16.2 1.1 1.1 a Reactor loaded with 85 g of Ni catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE IX 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. TIME SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 9 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (DAYS) (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA. (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-155 Ni-3275, 200 0.5 b 1 101 37.0 16.4 29.7 6.5 1.0 2.2 1/32″E 36.8 16.3 29.7 6.5 1.1 2.2 Engelhard a 200 0.5 b 2 133 45.6 23.5 22.5 3.0 1.8 45.1 23.5 22.4 3.1 2.0 200 0.5 b 3 124 54.4 24.5 15.5 1.4 1.3 54.3 24.5 15.5 1.4 1.3 200 0.5 b 4 125 58.7 24.3 12.7 0.8 0.9 57.7 24.8 12.7 0.9 1.1 200 0.5 b 5  91 63.3 23.1  9.6 0.8 63.7 23.4  9.7 0.8 220 0.5 b 6 112 43.3 23.4 14.1 1.3 1.6 42.8 23.2 14.0 1.2 1.6 220 0.5 b 7 110 55..4 24.0  9.6 1.2 55.6 24.1  9.6 1.2 220 0.5 b 8 102 68.5 21.0  5.8 68.5 21.1  5.9 a Reactor loaded with 82 g of Ni catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE X 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) %) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 10 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-161 Raney Ni, 180 0.5 b  39 69.7 19.3  9.2 Grace 60% 69.5 19.2  9.2 Ni + Mo, R-3142 a 200 0.5 b 162 30.0 16.5 32.7 9.3 2.2 2.5 30.0 16.6 32.8 9.3 2.2 2.5 220 0.5 b 142 11.1  8.1 36.2 10.0  2.3 1.4 11.2  8.1 36.2 9.9 2.4 1.4 a Reactor loaded with 125 g of Raney Ni catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE XI 1,3-PDO AMINATION CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 11 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA. (HOC 3 ) 2 NH Raney Ni, 160 0.5 b 59 94.2  3.3  1.4 Grace 94.0  3.5  1.4 3/16″E a 180 0.5 b 75 83.9 11.2  3.3 83.6 11,1  3.1 200 0.5 b 90 62.6 16.5 13.1 1.7 1.0 62.5 16.5 13.1 1.7 1.0 220 0.5 b 99 41.1 11.7 23.9 4.3 1.2 40.8 11.6 23.8 4.3 1.2 240 0.5 b 76 16.8  3.9 11.8 17.1  4.0 12.1 a Reactor loaded with 88 g of Raney Ni catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE XII Table XII summarizes data regarding product amine selectivities and 1,3-PDO conversion levels for the 1,3-propanediol hydroamination examples 1-11 AMINE SELECTIVITY(%) EX. CATALYST TEMP.(° C.) LHSV CONV.(%) 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA APO 1 Raney Co + Ni/Mo, R-2796 200 1.0  75 43 16 4 15 3 Raney Ni + Mo, R3142 230 1.0  69 48  7 <1  19 4 ″ 200 0.16 90 42 12 5  7 5 Raney Ni, R-5886 200 0.16 65 50 11 <1  23 6 Engelhard Ni, 3275 180 0.22 64 50 12 1 25 8 ″ 200 0.5  75 46 10 2 22 COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 12-13 Comparative examples 12 and 13 illustrate the one-step process for making 1,3-propanediamine from 1,3-propanediol either with a copper-rich (40-60% copper oxide) catalyst, or a copper-cobalt catalyst of the prior art. It may be seen from the data in Tables XIII and XIV that the effluent concentrations of 1,3-PDA in these examples were much lower than those reported for the catalysts of examples 1-11. These copper and copper-cobalt catalysts are judged to be poor choices for 1,3-PDO hydroamination. TABLE XIII 1,3-PDO AMINATION - COMPARATIVE CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 12 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771- Cu-0860, 180 0.25 b 50 98.6 175 1/8″ T 98.6 Engelhard a 200 0.25 b 52 92.8 1.8 1.0 91.0 1.9 1.0 220 0.25 b 44 57.6 2.6 2.2 1.0 58.1 2.6 2.2 a Reactor loaded with 79 g of Cu catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix) TABLE XIV 1,3-PDO AMINATION - COMPARATIVE CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. CONC. (%) TEMP. SAMPLE (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (NH 2 C 3 ) Ex. 13 CATALYST (° C.) LHSV (g) 1,3-PDO APO 1,3-PDA DPTA TPTA (HOC 3 ) 2 NH 23771-179 L6540-6-1 180 0.45 b 43 96.0 3.0 Cu—Co, 96.1 2.9 1/32″E Engelhard a 200 0.45 b 50 78.6 12.8 4.8 78.5 13.0 4.9 230 0.45 b 46 53.1 11.9 4.8 53.0 12.0 4.8 a Reactor loaded with 44 g of Cu—Co catalyst b Feed aqueous 25% 1,3-PDO + NH 3 (1:2 mix)

Disclosed is a process for selectively producing diaminoalkanes which comprises reacting a dihydric alcohol characterized by two to six carbons, preferably 1,3-propanediol, with excess ammonia and sufficient hydrogen to stabilize a nickel or cobalt-containing hydroamination catalyst, at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of at least 500 psig, until there is substantial formation of the desired diaminoalkane, wherein said catalyst comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt, or mixtures thereof, optionally in the presence of one or more promoters, but particularly molybdenum oxide.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/881,587, filed Jun. 14, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,734,249 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/211,856, filed Jun. 14, 2000. Subject to rights of the assignee afforded under a Small Business Innovation Research program, the U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of DOD SBIR Project N96-263 and Naval Surface Warfare Center Contract #N00178-97-C-3006 awarded by the Department of the Navy. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention pertains to a room-temperature fast-curing acrylate adhesive useful for structural applications including fiber optic connector assembly. Presently, various methods are used to affix an optical fiber in a fiber optic connector so that the fiber does not move over time and during use. Movement of the fiber is problematic due to the potential for signal loss when two connectors are in alignment. One common method of securing the optical fiber in the connector is through use of an epoxy resin. Epoxy resins, however, are typically cured at high temperature when securing fibers in the connector. This adds cost to the installation process in that ovens are needed to effect curing at a reasonable rate. Typically, the curing occurs at 120° C. for about twenty minutes. The present inventors have recognized that a need exists for an adhesive which cures at room temperature to afford stable connections. The present inventors have determined that a solution to this problem would be highly desirable. In an effort to find a solution to the problem, it was decided to investigate acrylate adhesives. Acrylate adhesives are well known. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,936, R. Edelman and W. J. Catena, describes the formulation of rapid curing two-part structural acrylate adhesives using a first part consisting of a mixture of acrylate and methacrylate monomers or oligomers, maleic acid, a hydroperoxide, and a source of ferric ions. A second part, the activator, is a substituted dihydropyridine. U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,504, L. E. Wolinski and P. D. Berezuk, describes a fast-curing acrylate adhesive comprising of an elastomer dissolved in acrylate or methacrylate monomers initiated by benzoyl peroxide that is activated with a tertiary amine in the presence of an oxidizable heavy metal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,013, P. C. Briggs, Jr. and L. C. Muschiatti, describes a room-temperature curing adhesive containing various acrylate monomers polymerized in the presence of a high amount (>20%) of either chlorosulfonated polyethylene or a mixture of chlorinated polyethylene and sulfonyl chloride. The method utilizes a peroxide as a free-radical generator, an organic salt of a transition metal as a promoter, an aldehyde-amine condensation product as an accelerator, and a tertiary amine as an initiator. These adhesives may be formed as a two-component system or as a primer system. A similar method for room-temperature cure adhesives is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,419 by G. Piestert and H. G. Gilch. However, the present inventors recognized that none of these references discloses an acrylate adhesive that cures at room temperature and is dimensionally stable under load. The present inventors recognized that a need existed for such an adhesive. SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention solves one or more of the problems and disadvantages described above. This invention provides a room-temperature fast-curing acrylate adhesive useful for structural applications including fiber optic connector assembly. The adhesive may either be a two-component system or a primer-based system in which the surfaces to be bonded are primed before the adhesive is applied. The adhesives exhibit high modulus, low water absorptivity, excellent adhesion, and high glass transition and heat deflection temperatures. The most important and unexpected characteristic of these room temperature cured acrylate adhesives is the dimensional stability of the adhesive under load and at elevated temperature. In one broad respect, this invention is a two-part adhesive system which may comprise: (a) an adhesive part A which may be comprised of: one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, an antioxidant such as of the quinone family, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters; (b) an activator part B which may be comprised of: a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, an antioxidant such as of the quinone family, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters. Each of the parts of the system is mixed to form a substantially homogeneous composition prior to use. When the two parts of this system are mixed, reaction occurs to form the resulting adhesive. That is, a reaction product forms when the two parts of the system are mixed to initiate curing. Advantageously, this curing can occur at room temperature. The reaction product (which may be referred to as the cured adhesive) resulting from the admixture of part A and part B has excellent dimensional stability and affords an excellent material to use as an adhesive for fiber optic connectors. In another respect, this invention is a primer-based adhesive system which may comprise: (a) an adhesive part A which may be comprised of: one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, an antioxidant such as of the quinone family, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters; (b) a primer part B which may be comprised of: a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, an adhesion promoter, and a solvent. In another embodiment, the primer-based adhesive system may comprise: (a) an adhesive part A which may be comprised of: one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, an antioxidant such as of the quinone family, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters; (b) a primer part B which may be comprised of: a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, and a solvent. In the primer based systems, part A and part B are each mixed prior to use. When a given surface is to be joined to another surface, the primer is first applied and the solvent allowed to evaporate. The A part is then applied onto the primed surface, whereupon the reaction is initiated to form the final adhesive product. The second surface is contacted with the adhesive before it completely cures. Normally, the second surface will be pressed against the first surface immediately after the A part is applied to the primed surface. Alternatively, the A part can be applied to the second surface and then pressed against the primed surface. The type of substrates and surfaces on which the adhesive of this invention may be used vary widely. For example, the type of surfaces that can be treated with the adhesives of this invention includes glass, ceramics, metals, and plastics. A particularly advantageous use is in the fiber optic application. In this case, for instance, the two-part system of this invention is mixed and injected into the ferrule of a connector. Then, the optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule. The ferrule is often made of metal and/or a ceramic material. The adhesive is allowed to cure, which sets the fiber in place within the connector. In another broad respect, this invention is the reaction product of each of two-part composition and the primer compositions. That is, this invention includes the reaction product (the cured adhesive) resulting from the curing of the admixture of part A and part B in the embodiments of this invention. In yet another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for adhering one surface to a second surface, which comprises applying a primer part B as described above to the first surface, allowing the solvent to evaporate so that the initiator (or activator) is on the first surface, applying the part A to the primed surface, pressing the first surface to the second surface so that the adhesive is sandwiched between the two surfaces until the adhesive is cured. Alternatively, the adhesive part A can be applied to the second surface in an area complementary to the placement of the primer part B, and then the two surfaces are pressed together so that part A and part B come into contact. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for adhering a first surface to a second surface which comprises mixing the A part and the B part of the two-part formulation described above, applying the admixture to a first surface, pressing the second surface to the first surface so that the adhesive is between the two surfaces for a time sufficient to effect curing of the adhesive. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for adhering one surface to a second surface, which comprises: applying a primer part B to the first surface, wherein the primer part B comprises a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, an adhesion promoter, and a solvent, allowing the solvent to evaporate so that the activator is on the first surface, applying a part A to the primed surface, wherein the part A comprises one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a peroxy initiator, and an antioxidant, pressing the first surface to the second surface so that the part A and part B are in contact and sandwiched between the two surfaces until the part A and part B have cured. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for adhering one surface to a second surface, which comprises: applying a primer part B to the first surface, wherein the primer part B comprises a primer part B, which comprises: a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, and a solvent, allowing the solvent to evaporate so that the activator is on the first surface, applying a part A to the primed surface, wherein the part A comprises one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, and an antioxidant, pressing the first surface to the second surface so that the part A and part B are in contact and sandwiched between the two surfaces until the part A and part B have cured. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for adhering a first surface to a second surface which comprises: mixing a part A and a part B to form an admixture, wherein the part A, which comprises: a monomer selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional acrylate monomer, a difunctional acrylate monomer, a trifunctional acrylate monomer, a monofunctional methacrylate monomer, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, a trifunctional methacrylate monomer, or a combination thereof; a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator; and an antioxidant; and wherein the part B comprises: an activator part B, which comprises: a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, an antioxidant, applying the admixture to a first surface, pressing the second surface and the first surface together so that the admixture is between the two surfaces for a time sufficient to effect curing of the admixture. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for setting an optical fiber within an optical fiber connector that includes a ferrule for insertion of the optical fiber, comprising: mixing a part A and a part B to form an admixture, wherein the part A, which comprises: a monomer selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional acrylate monomer, a difunctional acrylate monomer, a trifunctional acrylate monomer, a monofunctional methacrylate monomer, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, a trifunctional methacrylate monomer, or a combination thereof; a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator; and an antioxidant; and wherein the part B comprises: an activator part B, which comprises: a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, an antioxidant, injecting the admixture into the ferrule of a connector, inserting an optical fiber into the ferrule, and allowing the admixture to cure to thereby set the fiber in place within the connector. In another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for setting an optical fiber within an optical fiber connector that includes a ferrule for insertion of the optical fiber, comprising: applying a part B primer to the fiber, wherein the primer part B comprises a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, an adhesion promoter, and a solvent, allowing the solvent to evaporate, and subsequently injecting a part A adhesive into the ferrule, wherein the part A comprises one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, an initiator, and an antioxidant, followed by inserting the primed optical fiber into the ferrule, and allowing the part A and part B to cure to thereby set the fiber in place within the connector. In yet another broad respect, this invention is a process useful for setting an optical fiber within an optical fiber connector that includes a ferrule for insertion of the optical fiber, comprising: applying a part B primer to the fiber, wherein the primer part B comprises a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, and a solvent, allowing the solvent to evaporate, and subsequently injecting a part A adhesive into the ferrule, wherein the part A comprises one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, and an antioxidant, followed by inserting the primed optical fiber into the ferrule, and allowing the part A and part B to cure to thereby set the fiber in place within the connector. As used herein, the curing of the admixture of part A and part B forms the final adhesive product, which may also be referred to as a reaction product herein. Advantageously, the adhesive formulations described herein cure at room temperature, eliminating the need for post-curing at elevated temperature as is the standard current practice for the fiber optic connector application. The primer-based adhesive formulations are advantageously used in applications where the bond thickness of the adhesive layer is less than 5 μm, such as is found in the fiber-ferrule assembly of a fiber optic connector. The cured acrylate adhesives may have adhesion strengths ranging from 700–800 psi when subjected to lap-shear testing between two aluminum substrates as described in ASTM D1002. Water absorption for the adhesives were determined to typically be less than about 1 percent when tested for 24 hours at room temperature. The creep moduli of the acrylates at 95° C. may be greater than 100 ksi, and the heat deflection temperatures may exceed 100° C. Glass transition temperatures for the adhesives are generally greater than 90° C. Shelf lives of the adhesive formulations may be a minimum of twenty-four months at room temperature. Viscosities of the uncured adhesives generally fall within the range of from about 50 to about 4000 cps using a Brookfield viscometer at 25° C. using an LV 3 spindle. The acrylate formulations described here have outstanding dimensionally stability at elevated temperature and under load. They perform well in the fiber pushback, fiber pistoning, and static load tests for fiber optic connectors, and provide for an optical fiber movement of less than 0.2 μm (micron). The fiber pushback test consists of placing a 2 lb weight on a fiber-ferrule interface for 24 hours at 65° C., followed by comparisons of the final and baseline spherical heights of the optical fiber with respect to the ferrule endface. The fiber pistoning test examines the permanent movement of the fiber adhered inside the ferrule upon thermal cycling from −40° C. to 75° C. at a rate of 2° C./minute. The static load test consists of applying a fixed tensile load (104 grams) to an optical fiber and subjecting the assembly to 65° C. and 35% humidity for 168 hours, followed by comparisons of baseline and final endface geometries. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Two-Component Systems The monofunctional, difunctional, and trifunctional acrylate and methacrylate monomers of the adhesives may contain a wide range of one or more acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers including monofunctional monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), methacrylic acid (MA), or isobornyl methacrylate (ISBM), difunctional monomers such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM), ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate esters (BPADAE), tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM), diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDM), or diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA), and/or trifunctional monomers such as tris (2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate triacrylate (ISO TRI). In addition, the monomers may be other alkyl (such as isodecyl, butyl, methyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl, and 2-ethylhexyl) or hydroxy alkyl (such as hydroxy ethyl and hydroxy propyl) esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. The diacrylates and may also be of butyleneglycol, tetraethyleneglycol, polyethylene glycol, bisphenol A, ethoxylated bisphenol A, pentaerythritol, and the like. In the overall two-component formulation, in one embodiment, the monomer, or combination of monomers, such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate is present in any amount effective to provide an adhesive of this invention and, typically, is present in part A in an amount of from about 10 to about 99 percent based on weight. In general, the amount of difunctional methacrylate monomer (e.g., EGDM) may range from about 10 to about 80 percent based on weight, while other monomers are present in amounts ranging from about 5 to about 30 percent based on weight of the total formulation. In the two-component embodiment of this invention, in one respect, the first part A contains a difunctional methacrylate monomer such as an alkylene glycol dimethacrylate such as EGDM and propylene glycol dimethacrylate, in addition to the one or more of the additional monomers listed above. Alkylene glycol dimethacrylates are well known. The amount of the alkylene glycol dimethacrylate can vary widely. In general, an effective amount of alkylene glycol dimethacrylate (the difunctional methacrylate monomer) may be used, such as from about 10 to about 75 percent by weight in the Part A formulation. In addition, part A may also include oligomers such as hexafunctional urethane acrylate esters or aliphatic urethane esters present in amounts ranging from about 5 to about 75 percent by weight. These materials are known. They may be made by conventional methods. Additional components of part A may include thixotropes. A representative example of such thixotropic agents is fused silica (available commercially under the trade names Cabosil M5 or Aerosil R972). Part A may also include one or more adhesion promoters, such as acrylated polyester oligomers, gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and tris-(ω)-methoxyethoxy)silane. Each of these components generally comprise only a small fraction of the formulation, typically being present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight. Part A may also include a free-radical initiator, which may be either a peroxide, such as benzoyl peroxide (BPO), or a hydroperoxide, such as cumene hydroperoxide. The free-radical initiator may be present in any amount effective to effect initiation, and is generally in the range from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight of the Part A formulation. Part A of the composition may also contain an antioxidant, such as of the quinone class of compounds. Representative examples of compounds in the quinone class include hydroquinone and benzoquinone. The amount of antioxidant employed may vary widely, and in general is any amount needed to provide the desired an antioxidant effect. Typically the amount of antioxidant is an amount of from about 0.0001 to about 0.1 percent by weight, more typically is present in an amount less than about 0.02 percent by weight of the Part A formulation. Part B of the two-component system includes an alkylene glycol dimethacrylate (a difunctional methacrylate monomer) such as EGDM or propylene glycol dimethacrylate, an optional thixotrope and an antioxidant as described above, and an activator for the peroxy free-radical initiator. Alkylene glycol dimethacrylates are typically present in Part B in amounts of 5.57 to 99 percent. The activator may be a tertiary aromatic amine such as N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT), N,N-dimethylaniline (NNDMA), N,N-diethylaniline, or 4,4′-methylenebis (N,N-dimethylaniline) (MBNNDMA). The activator may be present in any effective amount, generally from about 0.5 to about 5.0 percent by weight of the Part B formulation. In one embodiment of the invention, the amounts of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate that are present in parts A and B are varied such that the volume ratio of part A to part B is approximately 1:1. Primer-Based Systems For the primer-based systems, the percentages of the adhesive formulation (Part A) ingredients fall within the ranges specified for the two-component adhesive formulations. The adhesive part A consists of a monomer mixture comprised of one or more of the monomers, as well as an oligomer (optional), a thixotrope (optional), a peroxy free-radical initiator, and an antioxidant. The activator part B (sometimes referred to in the industry as the “B-side”) includes a solvent, typically of relatively high vapor pressure. The type of solvent used may vary depending on the ingredients of the B part. A representative example of a class of solvents useful in this regard is ketones such as 2-pentanone. Other solvent classes may include hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, or other solvents capable of dissolving the components in the B part of the formulation. Generally, the amount of solvent employed is an amount sufficient to dissolve all the components of the B part. The B part may also include a small amount of an adhesion promoter, such as described herein, in an amount up to about 0.2 percent. In addition, the B part may include a tertiary amine activator (such as a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine) as previously described above. The amount of amine activator may be any effective amount, generally being from about 0.5 to about 5 percent, and in one embodiment from about 0.5 to about 3 percent. Alternatively, the primer-based system may be formulated such that the peroxy initiator is present in the primer part B of the formulation. In this method, the adhesive part A would contain one or more of the specified monomers, an oligomer (optionally), a thixotrope (optionally), an antioxidant, and the tertiary amine activator. The primer part B would then contain the peroxy initiator dissolved in a solvent with a fairly high vapor pressure. The concentration of this solution is generally about 5 to about 15 percent by weight of the peroxy initiator. The systems of this invention may include other compounds and components not specifically stated herein. The following examples are illustrative of this invention and are not intended to be limit the scope of the invention or claims hereto. Unless otherwise denoted all percentages are by weight. In the tables, “aliphatic oligomer” refers to a aliphatic urethane esters and “hexafunctional oligomer” refers to a hexafunctional urethane acrylate esters. EXAMPLE Two Part Systems This example illustrates adhesives of this invention. A two-component adhesive formulation containing an A part and a B part. The A-side (part A) of the formulation may contain the amounts of the components shown in Table 1, which include ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM), fumed silica (Cabosil-M5), N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT), and benzoquinone. The B-side (part B) of the formulation may contain the amounts of the components shown in Table 1, which include EGDM, ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate esters (BPADAE), isobornyl methacrylate (ISBM), fumed silica, benzoyl peroxide (BPO), and benzoquinone. The A part and the B part have equivalent volumes. During use, the A and B parts may be placed into a two-component cartridge with plunger that is equipped with a static mixer in order to thoroughly mix the two components as they are dispensed. Alternatively, the A and B sides may be separated by a thin membrane in a two-part plastic package. Applying pressure will break the membrane and allow mixing of the two adhesive components (the A and B parts) before the application of the adhesive to a surface. In this application method, the volumes of parts A and B need not be equivalent, but thorough mixing is important. TABLE 1 Various formulations for two-component adhesives containing the reaction product of part A and part B Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 (weight % (weight % (weight % Component of component) of component) of component) ISO TRI 12.21 0 0 BPADAE 0 22.05 4.02 EGDM 13.46 26.09 24.42 MA 8.73 19.67 15.43 MMA 15.00 29.50 0 BPO 0.25 0.56 0.79 DMPT 0.35 0.46 0.49 ISBM 0 0 53.38 Fumed silica 0 1.67 1.47 Hexafunctional 0 0 0 oligomer Aliphatic oligomer 50.0 0 0 Total 100 100 100 TABLE 2 Two-component adhesive formulation Component Weight grams Weight % Density g/cc Volume cc Part A (A side) ISO TRI 20 19.58 1.3 15.38 EGDM 21.47 21.01 1.04 20.64 MA 0 0 1.02 0 MMA 10 9.79 0.94 10.64 BPO 0 0 1.334 0 DMPT 0.7 0.68 0.937 0.747 Aliphatic 50 48.94 2.2 0 Oligomer Total 102.17 100 91.81 Part B (B Side) ISO TRI 4.42 4.52 1.3 3.4 EGDM 5.45 5.57 1.04 5.24 MA 17.46 17.85 1.02 17.12 MMA 20 20.44 0.94 21.28 BPO 0.5 0.51 1.334 0.375 DMPT 0 0 0.937 0 Aliphatic 50 51.11 1.1262 44.40 Oligomer Total 97.83 100 91.81 EXAMPLE Primer Based Systems There will now be described an adhesive formulation that contains a primer and the monomer mixture. The monomer mixture includes 7.68 g (38.8 mmol) of EGDM, 1.23 g (2.6 mmol) of BPADAE, 0.50 g (2.30 mmol) of ISBM, 0.40 g (1.7 mmol) of BPO, and 0.06 g of fumed silica. The primer was a 2:1 ratio of solvent (2-pentanone) to activator (DMPT, or other substituted amine), along with 2% of an adhesion promoting oligomer such as an acrylated polyester (tradename CN704). The primer may be applied to the surfaces to be adhered to with a variety of applicators such as a cotton swab. Once the solvent has evaporated, leaving behind the adhesion promoter and the activator, the monomer mixture may be applied dropwise to the primed surfaces, which may then be pressed together until the adhesive has cured. EXAMPLE Primer Based Systems Another primer-based formulation was prepared from an A part and a B part. The A part include 3.0 g (15.2 mmol) of EGDM, 1.5 g (7.0 mmol) of DEGDA, and 0.5 g (2.1 mmol) of DEGDM as monomers, and 0.06 g of fumed silica and 0.05 g (0.2 mmol) of an activator, 4,4′-methylenebis(N,N-dimethylaniline) (“4,4′-BMDMA”). The B part, a primer component, included 1.0 g (4.1 mmol) of benzoyl peroxide initiator dissolved into 8.0 g of solvent (2-pentanone). The primer may be applied to the surfaces to be adhered to by a variety of applicators, such as a cotton swab. The solvent is allowed to dry, leaving the peroxy initiator on the surface, and the adhesive part A may be applied to one or both of the primed surfaces. The surfaces are then pressed together for a time sufficient to allow the adhesive to cure. Another representative primer formulation is shown in the following table. TABLE 3 Primer formulation with initiator in the primer (B) side Part A (A Side) (Adhesive) Component Weight grams Weight % of A Side EGDM 6.0 58.72 DEGDM 1.0 9.78 DEGDA 3.0 29.35 4,4′-BMDMA 0.10 0.98 Fumed silica 0.12 1.17 Benzoquinone 0.0005 0.005 Part B (B Side) (Primer) Component Weight grams Weight % of B Side BPO 1.0 11.1 2-Pentanone 8.0 88.9 Further modifications and alternative embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be taken as illustrative embodiments. Equivalent elements or materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention.

This invention concerns an acrylate adhesive that cures at room temperature and has excellent dimensional stability. The adhesive may be used in applications such as for fiber optic connectors. The adhesive may be made by curing a two-part system or by use of a primer-based system. The two part system may include an adhesive part A, which may include one or more monofunctional, difunctional, or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomers, a peroxide or hydroperoxide free-radical initiator, an antioxidant, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters; and an activator part B, which may contain a N,N-disubstituted aromatic amine, a difunctional methacrylate monomer, an antioxidant, and optionally, additives such as thickeners, thixotropes, and adhesion promoters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/269,624 filed Dec. 18, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondritis dissecans and osteochondral lesion of a talus in which an ultrasonic treatment device is used. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Generally in an arthroscopic surgery, two or three of portals which are small holes are made around a joint (in a skin surface), and an arthroscope made of a hard mirror, a medical treatment device and the like are inserted through these portals. Then, in a state where the joint is filled with irrigation fluid such as saline, the surgery is carried out while confirming an image reflected in a monitor. [0006] In the arthroscopic surgery in which such a conventional medical treatment device is used, anxious problems are present in several treatments. For example, in a case where a drill or the like is used in making a bone hole, the hole is made only in an advancing direction of a drill blade, and hence in a case where the bone hole is made in the joint, an introducing direction is restricted by a position of a treatment target region. That is, in a case where a treatment target is present on the side of a side surface of a talus and the drill blade is approachable to the treatment target from a lateral side, problems do not comparatively occur, but, for example, in a case where a treatment target region 63 is present on the side of an upper surface of a talus 61 as shown in FIG. 9 , a portal is prepared above a medial malleolus 53 and a drill blade 42 of a drill 41 is to approach obliquely from above. As a result, a hole 55 is made in the medial malleolus 53 of a tibia 51 , and thus there occurs a trouble that causes damages. [0007] Additionally, as treatment tools for use in a conventional arthroscopic surgery or the like, there are a shaver that performs resection and suction of a soft tissue, a burr ablator to shave a bone, and the like. Additionally, there is an ablator in which bleeding of the soft tissue is stopped by using a radiofrequency (RF). In these tools, the bone is shaved while mechanically rotating a grinding region, whereby unevenness remains in a treated surface and it is not easy to smoothen the surface. Additionally, the treatment is carried out by using the radiofrequency, an thus there occurs an anxious trouble that causes thermal damages to a tissue of the treatment target. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion of a talus comprising: an ultrasonic probe inserting step of inserting an ultrasonic probe into a treatment target region positioned in a clearance between the talus and a medial malleolus of a cervical vertebra in a direction from tips of toes to the cervical vertebra along the clearance, the ultrasonic probe comprising a long inserting portion and a treating portion disposed on a distal side of the inserting portion and bent in a longitudinal axis direction; a cartilage removing step of removing a cartilage of the talus; a contact step of bringing a distal end of the bent treating portion into contact with a region removed in the cartilage removing step; and a drilling step of forming a bone hole in the removed region by using ultrasonic vibration at the distal end contacted in the contact step [0009] Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a constitution example of a surgical system comprising an ultrasonic treatment device to carry out an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondral lesion of a talus according to the present embodiment; [0012] FIG. 2 is a view to explain the osteochondral lesion of the talus; [0013] FIG. 3 is a view showing an appearance constitution of the ultrasonic treatment device; [0014] FIG. 4A is a view showing a behavior of cutting a cartilage with an ultrasonic curette; [0015] FIG. 4B is a view showing a constitution of a cutting portion of the ultrasonic curette; [0016] FIG. 5 is a view showing a state to remove a bone soft tissue or the like by an arthroscope and the ultrasonic treatment device which are inserted in a joint; [0017] FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where a bone hole is made in a lower bone plate of the talus from which the cartilage is peeled, with a treating portion of an ultrasonically vibrating ultrasonic probe; [0018] FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where bone holes are made to cause bleeding; [0019] FIG. 8 is a view conceptually showing a state where a cartilage region is reconstructed; [0020] FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where a hole is made in a medial malleolus with a drill blade of a drill to approach a treatment target region of an upper surface of the talus; and [0021] FIG. 10 is a flowchart to explain a procedure of the arthroscopic surgery method for the osteochondral lesion of the talus in which the ultrasonic treatment device is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0022] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, there will be described an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion of a talus in which an ultrasonic treatment device is used according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0023] According to the present embodiment, there is provided a method of treating the osteochondral lesion or osteochondritis dissecans of the talus by use of the ultrasonic treatment device. Here, the arthroscopic surgery method for the osteochondral lesion of the talus will be described as an example. In general, the osteochondral lesion of the talus is known as lesion caused by a sprain or the like when an ankle is twisted. Additionally, the osteochondritis dissecans is known as lesion which is easy to be caused to a person who repeatedly performs exercises. [0024] FIG. 2 is a view to explain the osteochondral lesion of the talus. This osteochondral lesion of the talus is usually the lesion generated in a lesioned region 64 on an inner upper surface of a talus trochlea 62 of a talus 61 that faces a tibia 51 , and most of the lesions easily occur due to chronic stress onto an ankle or after the sprain of the ankle (outer ligament lesion), and as a symptom, lack of blood flow or partial peel-off of cartilages including a joint cartilage is caused in a part of the talus 61 . [0025] FIG. 1 shows a constitution example of a surgical system comprising the ultrasonic treatment device to carry out the arthroscopic surgery method for the osteochondral lesion of the talus (or the osteochondritis dissecans) according to the present embodiment FIG. 3 is a view showing an appearance constitution of the ultrasonic treatment device. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the talus will be described as one example of a treatment target region 100 , but the region is not limited to the talus, and it is possible to easily carry out a surgery of similar lesion of another region by use of the ultrasonic treatment device. [0026] A surgical system 1 of the present embodiment is constituted of an ultrasonic treatment device 2 and an endoscope system 3 including an arthroscope 21 . [0027] The ultrasonic treatment device 2 comprises an ultrasonic wave generating section 11 that generates ultrasonic vibration by an ultrasonic vibration element (e.g., a piezoelectric element) disposed inside, an ultrasonic probe 12 that transmits the ultrasonic vibration to perform a cutting treatment of the treatment target region 100 , and an operating section 13 that drives and controls the ultrasonic wave generating section 11 to perform an on/off operation of the generation of the ultrasonic vibration. [0028] In the ultrasonic treatment device 2 of the present embodiment, treating portions having different functions are disposed on a distal side of the ultrasonic probe 12 , whereby portal preparation, cutting of the cartilage and the bone or drilling into the bone can be performed. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 , an ultrasonic trocar 15 , an ultrasonic curette 16 and an ultrasonic drilling portion 17 are used. A distal side of each of the ultrasonic curette 16 and the ultrasonic drilling portion 17 is formed into a bent shape so that a treatment can be carried out in a narrow space. [0029] As shown in FIG. 4B , the ultrasonic curette 16 includes a cutting portion 18 comprising a frustoconical hole inverted on the distal side. At an edge of an upper bottom (a portion that comes in contact with the cartilage) of a bore of the cutting portion 18 , a cutting edge (a cutting blade) 17 a is disposed. As shown in FIG. 4A , when the ultrasonically vibrated ultrasonic curette 16 is only lightly pressed against a cartilage 65 of the lesioned region 64 , the edge 17 a bites into the cartilage 65 , so that the cartilage can smoothly be cut. A cut cartilage piece 65 a is discharged from an upper opening of the cutting portion 18 to the outside together with circulating irrigation fluid. In particular, the ultrasonic vibration is utilized, and hence, as compared with a conventional treatment tool utilizing a radiofrequency, decrease of heat invasions is achieved. [0030] As the treating portion for use in drilling, there is a treating portion comprising the drilling portion 17 that bends in its middle and has a pointed tip. By ultrasonically vibrating the ultrasonic probe 12 comprising the drilling portion 17 , bone holes 33 are made to reach a subchondral bone plate or a cancellous bone, which slightly causes bleeding from the inside onto a bone surface. [0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , a distal end of the ultrasonic drilling portion 17 is bent, and hence unlike a drill, the drilling portion is not moved by giving force to a main body of the ultrasonic treatment device 2 in its longitudinal axis direction m, but the drilling portion is moved in a direction n intersecting the longitudinal axis direction. Therefore, even in the case where a joint fissure gap between the talus 6 and the tibia 51 is narrow, hole making can easily be performed when the distal end of the drilling portion 17 is only placed in the joint fissure gap. [0032] The endoscope system 3 is constituted of the arthroscope 21 made of a hard mirror that is one type of endoscope, a light source 22 that is a light source of illumination light for irradiation with the illumination light of visible light, a control section 23 that controls the whole endoscope system 3 , an input section 24 such as a keyboard or a touch panel, a display section 25 that displays surgical information including a photographed surgical situation, and a water-supply water-discharge section 26 that supplies, discharges or circulates the irrigation fluid including saline in a periphery of the talus 61 of the treatment object region 100 . [0033] In the present embodiment, the water-supply water-discharge section 26 supplies the irrigation fluid to a treatment region through the arthroscope 21 and discharges the irrigation fluid from the region through the arthroscope, but the irrigation fluid may be supplied and discharged by the ultrasonic treatment device 2 . [0034] Next, the arthroscopic surgery method for the osteochondral lesion of the talus will be described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 10 . [0035] FIG. 5 is a view showing a state to remove a bone soft tissue or the like by the arthroscope and the ultrasonic treatment device which are inserted in a joint. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where a bone hole is made in a lower bone plate of the talus from which the cartilage is peeled, with the treating portion of the ultrasonically vibrating ultrasonic probe. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the bone holes are made to cause the bleeding. FIG. 8 is a view conceptually showing a state where a cartilage region is reconstructed. FIG. 10 is a flowchart to explain a procedure of the arthroscopic surgery method for the osteochondral lesion of the talus in which the ultrasonic treatment device is used. [0036] The ultrasonic trocar 15 shown in FIG. 3 is used, and the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to a distal portion of the ultrasonic probe 12 , so that a biological tissue is coagulated and incised to form portals 31 and 32 on a front outer side and a front inner side between the talus 61 and the tibia 51 (step S 1 ). [0037] The ultrasonic trocar 15 is used for the formation of the portals 31 and 32 , so that the bleeding that is easy to occur during the formation of the portals can be inhibited, tenting can be prevented and nerves can be prevented from being damaged. It is to be noted that loads on the ultrasonic trocar 15 due to contact with the biological tissue of a treatment target by the ultrasonic vibration are noticeably decreased, which enables piercing with a small amount of the force. Additionally, the bleeding from the treatment region can be alleviated by a coagulating operation. [0038] Next, the arthroscope 21 is inserted through the portal 31 and the ultrasonic probe 12 of the ultrasonic treatment device 2 is inserted through the portal 32 (step S 2 ). [0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 5 , by using the ultrasonic curette 16 of the treating portion for the lesioned region 64 , the cartilage 65 is removed (step S 3 ). When the ultrasonic curette 16 is used, the cutting is enabled with high accuracy, and the cartilage can smoothly be cut. In particular, the ultrasonic vibration is utilized, and hence, as compared with the conventional treatment tool utilizing the radiofrequency, the decrease of the heat invasions is achieved. Additionally, not only the cartilage 65 but also the subchondral bone plate can be cut with the ultrasonic curette 16 . [0040] Afterward, as shown in FIG. 6 , by using the ultrasonic probe 12 comprising the ultrasonic drilling portion 17 as the treating portion, as shown in FIG. 7 , the bone holes 33 are formed to reach the subchondral bone plate or the cancellous bone, in the talus 61 exposed in the lesioned region 64 of the treatment region, and marrow under a cartilage tissue is stimulated, thereby causing a small amount of bleeding 34 from the bone holes 33 (step S 4 ). [0041] As shown in FIG. 8 , by stimulating marrow under the cartilage tissue (microfracture or drilling), a cartilage-like tissue (a fibrous cartilage, etc.) 35 is regenerated from the caused bleeding (step S 5 ). [0042] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic treatment device is used, the cartilage tissue is removed by using the ultrasonic curette 16 , and the small-diameter hole is directly formed in the subchondral bone plate via no medial malleolus of the tibia by using the drilling portion that is bent on its distal side, has the pointed tip and ultrasonically vibrates. Heretofore, during the drilling in the subchondral bone plate, the drill has been used as the treatment tool, and in this case, the medial malleolus of the tibia has to be pierced and the subchondral bone plate has to be reached. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the medial malleolus of the tibia is not pierced, and hence the medial malleolus can be prevented from being wastefully damaged. [0043] Additionally, unlike the conventional treatment tool in which a rotating drill blade is used, the treating portion of the ultrasonic treatment device is only fixed and ultrasonically vibrated, so that the cutting treatment can more safely be carried out without involving any peripheral tissues of the treatment target by the rotation. [0044] The ultrasonic treatment device of the present embodiment mentioned above has the following operations and effects. [0045] Firstly, the ultrasonic treatment device is not limited to a straight probe structure unlike the drill, the ultrasonic treatment device can optionally be prepared into a bent shape and prepared in accordance with a condition of the treatment target region, the device is therefore capable of easily carrying out the treatment of a region that has not been directly accessible by the conventional treatment tool, and the device is excellent in accessibility. [0046] Secondly, a shape of the treating portion of the ultrasonic probe can be thin, its thickness can be decreased, and its cross section is not limited to a round shape, unlike the drill. The shape of the treating portion of the ultrasonic probe can be selected, whereby the ultrasonic probe has various functions of the ultrasonic trocar, the ultrasonic curette, the ultrasonic drilling portion and the like. Additionally, when a shape of the ultrasonic curette is contrived to have, for example, a bore including a cutting edge or a groove, it is possible to perform not only cutting and peeling of the cartilage tissue but also cutting of the subchondral bone plate, and thus the ultrasonic probe can easily be provided with versatility. [0047] Thirdly, in the ultrasonically vibrating treatment device, an amount of the region to be cut can easily be adjusted by adjusting a degree of pressing by an operator, the cut surface can be smoothened, and a postoperative progress can suitably be obtained. Furthermore, the surface is thus cut by the ultrasonic vibration, so that thermal damages to a treated region can be decreased, the postoperative progress can suitably be obtained, and the device is excellent in less invasive properties. [0048] Fourthly, according to the ultrasonic treatment device, both the soft tissue and a hard tissue can be treated, so that replacing operations of the treating portions can be decreased, and burdens on the operator can be decreased. [0049] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. [0050] Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The therapeutic method of an arthroscopic surgery method for osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral lesion of a talus of the embodiment carries out the cutting treatment safely, without being able to avoid non-treatment target, being able to reach a treatment target region and doing damage to any peripheral tissues, when performing a treatment since an ultrasonic treatment device is used.