Digital Holographic Interference Microscope

Digital holographic interference microscope (DHIM) is intended for investigation of transparent micro-objects, 3D imaging of cells and measuring of their parameters. The DHIM allows to investigate changing of cells morphology under the influence of different natural and artificial factors.

The principle of work of the microscope is based on holographic methods, interferometry and digital processing of information. The microscope allows to obtain interferograms of micro-objects with resolution (about 1 mkm) using industrial He-Ne laser with wavelength 0,63 mkm. Images and interferograms of micro-objects are passed to a computer where 3D images of the micro-objects are reconstructed.

The main advantages HIM application in comparison with known analogs (the measuring holographic microscope MHM-1 developed in Scientific Research Institute of Optical Measurements, Moscow, Russia; the holographic microscope, developed in Central Optics Laboratory, Poland) are the possibility of reconstructing 3D images of native cells of biological objects in dynamics; its compactness and universality that allow to use the microscope both for scientific investigations and in medical practice.

With the aid of the microscope, a number of experiments on investigation of human and animal blood erythrocyte shapes changing under influence of different factors were carried out. Influence of these damaging factors results in changing of properties and structures of cells membranes , and this results in changing of cells shapes.

The investigations carried out with the aid of HIM have proved that erythrocyte morphology is an important parameter reflecting the general state of a living organism and the level of its response to different damaging natural and artificial factors. So, the HIM can be used in conjunction with other know methods for effective medical diagnostics.

Specifications of HIM:

• A laser wavelength - 0,63 mkm
• minimum size of objects under study - 2 mkm;
• resolution - 1 mkm;
• sizes - 300 x 450 x 250 mm.

Main microscope units are prohibited by authors' certificates (a.c. USSR # 1513413, G 03 H 1/04, Patent of Ukraine # 14570 A, G05 D3/00), we have Ukrainian State Agency for Copyright certificate establishing authors' copyright for HIM (PA #2097 dated 18.06.89.).

KHARKOV NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Address; KNU, 4, Svoboda sq., Kharkov, 61077, Ukraine
tel.+ 38 057 707-53-17, fax +380572 17-20-46
E-mail; Vladimyr.P.Titar@univer.kharkov.ua



PARKOMAT GIVATI (Patented)

Modular Computerised Parking System

THE PARKOMAT is a unique automated parking system that enables maximal use of valuable space in providing solutions to the parking needs of the 21st. Century.

As the 20th. Century draws to a close the emerging trend in most central business districts (CBD) is one of a diminishing number of vacant plots available for parking by about 12% per annum coupled with an increasing number of motor vehicles entering the CBD - (an increase of about 8% per annum). The result is congestion and chaos! The exhaust fumes ruin the ecology and hundreds of thousands of work hours are lost in endless traffic jams and the never-ending search for the available parking space.

THE PARKOMAT is one of an increasing number of mechanical and automated solutions to alleviate the congestion described above. THE PARKOMAT is one of the solutions but its unique features may make it the only solution in certain cases. Its' uniqueness makes it the most exciting innovation in an industry characterised by growing needs and booming projections.

The unique features of THE PARKOMAT can be summarised as follows:

• THE PARKOMAT is completely modular and can therefore be adapted to fit any size or shape of plot.
• THE PARKOMAT's modularity enables it to be enlarged or reduced according to changing needs as a LEGO like system.
• THE PARKOMAT has an independent lift (elevator) for each column and an independent carrier for each row - thus maximising the speed of parking and retrieval. This feature also limits the potential problems that may be caused by temporary technical breakdowns. 2
• THE PARKOMAT's unique features allow over 90% of the land area to be exploited as compared to 50%, maximum 67% with most other comparable systems.
• THE PARKOMAT has a uniquely designed lift that enables the carriers to pass through the lift shaft when the lift is not on the specific floor. This adds to the flexibility of THE PARKOMAT as it enables the lift to be positioned at any point in the row.
• THE PARKOMAT is completely computerised enabling any combination of planning decisions to be implemented.
• THE PARKOMAT is comprised of steel columns and bars and can therefore be dismantled and reassembled should the parking lot be needed to be moved as a result of building decisions or changes in the parking requirements in a particular area.
• THE PARKOMAT has a minimum of moving parts making it a maintenance dream. The limited number of moving parts is easily replaceable once the computer has pointed to the exact area and type of problem.
• THE PARKOMAT is not limited in height or width and can be planned to reduce congestion by the addition of lifts and/or points of entrance and exit as each column is totally independent.

The Parkomat in Comparison to Alternate Parking Systems

The PARKOMAT can be compared to both conventional parking systems and mechanical parking systems.

Conventional parking systems will normally include ramp type parking, where the car ascends circular ramps in order to arrive at the floor where parking is available. In this conventional type of parking building, provision has to be made for the following:

• up and down ramps;
• avenues on each floor for cars to manoeuvre in and out of parking spaces;
• passenger elevators and steps;
• air ventilation and lighting;
• air extractors to extract carbon monoxide.

Other conventional systems will include valet parking, where cars are parked without leaving space between them, and where attendants have to move the cars consistently in order to release a specific car. Systems using elevators to raise the car to the particular floor avoid the need for ramps, but maintain the need for attendants to sit in the car, in the elevator, and park it on the floor on which there is space.

Normally the space per parking on average in these systems is between 30-36 meters. There are instances where there is a central ramp that allows for slower entrance and exit, in which case, average space could reduce to 26-30 meters.

All of the above systems have a disadvantage compared to the PARKOMAT (and other mechanical parking systems) with regard to the following:

• less efficient exploitation of ground area;
• higher labour costs for attendants;
• environmental pollution;
• minimum area required to erect such parking garages;
• the inability to move the parking garage to other sites without losing most of the investment;
• the speed of parking and retrieval.

Mechanical parking was introduced many decades ago, but it has only really taken off in significant quantities in the Far East. These systems, by and large, have the following disadvantages compared to the Parkomat:

• as they have many moving parts, maintenance requirements are stringent and potentially expensive;
• should any part of the mechanical parking garage breakdown, the entire parking will be inoperative;
• whilst they may, in certain circumstances, be more efficient if height is a limiting feature, they are less efficient in terms of the exploitation of the ground area - using a maximum of 67%-70% of the ground area.
• the speed of parking and/or retrieving cars. As most of these systems will have only one entrance/exit for two rows or columns compared to the PARKOMAT's separate entrance/exit (at least one) for each column, the speed of parking and/or retrieval of these other systems will be slower than that of the PARKOMAT. This is compounded by the fact that with the PARKOMAT, each Carrier on each floor operates independently and it is therefore possible to park a number of cars simultaneously.

Comparison to Other Systems

The Parkomat works on the principle that each "car parking row" has its own lift. Each floor has its own carrying mechanism within each "car parking row". The system works by cars being taken above the parked cars on that floor to the computer designated spot.

Automatic Parking is being introduced in central urban areas where the cost of land is high and where the need to solve traffic and Parking problems is acute.

THE PARKOMAT is designed to meet and solve problems that the competitors cannot.

In many studies of the comparable costs of parking systems, insufficient weight is given to one of the most important factors, which is the cost of expensive central urban land.

THE PARKOMAT is particularly competitive in the following situations:

• Where the cost of land is high;
• Where the ability to fully exploit building percentages is dependent upon the standard requirements for parking spaces as determined by city planning statutes;
• Where the plot is too narrow to allow effective usage of any other parking system. For example, if the cars are to be parked lengthways, the plot can be as narrow as 3.7 meters. If, on the other hand, the cars are to be parked widthways, 7 meters will be sufficient.
• Where the plot is long, the greater the length, the greater the number of parking spaces sharing in the cost of the carrier;
• Where flexibility is needed because of traffic flow demands requiring the placement of the entrances and the exits according to flexible constellations;
• Where there is the possibility of building higher buildings, whether by increasing the number of floors under the ground, or by being allowed to build a greater number of floors above the ground and upon streets and Rails;
• Where it is necessary after a period of time to move THE PARKOMAT to another site because of decisions to exploit the existing site for other building needs. Or, be exploited underground for the new building, on that site.
• Where it is necessary to add additional floors and/or columns as demand increases. Only PARKOMAT modularity allows this advantage. The Parkomat allows the Lifts to be placed anywhere in the row, and this allows maximum usage of all sites. The fact that the system allows for the parking of cars lengthways and/or width wise compound the modularity feature, which is so advantageous. This system is also the only system, which can be operated in a radius, and also which can allow accommodation for the topography of any site.
• As the Carrier is hydraulic, both for the carrying, lifting and lowering, security systems allow great savings in the weight of the system. This is important where the weight factor is significant, in addition to the factor of high reliability and low maintenance charges and requirements. In practice, there will be no mechanical maintenance & service.
• Where the shape of the land requires building in a radius.

The difference between the two systems is great in the following respects (based on large cars):

Attribute	Automatic Warehouse or Tower System	Parkomat
Entrances/Exits	One only for two parking rows	At least one for each parking row
Minimum width if cars parked sideways	Approximately 14 meters for one parking rows – 21 for two.	Approximately 7 meters for each parking row
In case of Mechanical Break Down	The whole Parking Lot is paralysed	Only the specific Row or Floor is paralysed
Maintenance Requirements	Extensive – Many moving Parts	Minimal
Flexibility	Nil – There is a fixed Format	Maximal - "Lego-like" Can be expanded contracted, planned with different constellations on each floor
Place of elevator	Fixed	Anywhere in the row in accordance with planning and traffic flow requirements
Radius	Impossible	Possible
Speed	No car can be retrieved before the previous car is driven out	Each carrier on each floor is independent and there are at least 50% more exits in comparison
Advertised Rate of Retrieval	140 seconds per car	90 seconds per car
Price per Parking Space	Average to our knowledge $10,000 - $20,000	Average $10,000 but the price can vary between $6,000 - $16,000 depending on the length of the row

In summary, the major advantages of the Parkomat are:

• The ecological advantage, as the cars do not travel in THE PARKOMAT.
• The fact that it can be dismantled and moved to alternate locations.
• Car delivery time is far faster than other systems.
• Zero accidents.
• No waste of time when you park your car - no need to drive up the ramps and look for an open space.
• Maximal usage of land and space.
• Flexibility and Modularity. Fully screwed erected no welding on site.
• Competitive Costing comparable with the cost of conventional parking garages.
• Each parking row operates independently with at least one Lobby/Lift & turn table for each row.
• Each row can be shorter or longer than the others solving asymmetric plots maximum parking spaces. (the only one).
• Absolute security. No one has access to the car whilst it is parked.
• Double Purpose usage Computerized Parking and/or heavy goods storage.

NO DANGER of theft of car or possessions from the inside of the car

N0 DANGER of violence to the driver or robbery

NO DANGER of the car being hit by a driver or other party, like banging into columns, walls or other cars.

NO DANGER to the driver as he/she is not in the car when the lift is moving.

NO DANGER of air pollution

NO DANGER of damage to people in the event of a fire, act of nature, physical violence etc.