In general, in one aspect, the description includes a method of responding to storage access requests. The method includes defining at least one write area and at least one read-only area, receiving a write request specifying a first address that resides within the at least one read-only area, determining a second address in the write address area, and storing data associating the first address with the second address.

The storage capacities of data storage systems have grown enormously. For example, EMC Corporation""s Symmetrix(copyright) data storage system can offer storage measured in Terabytes. To offer this storage, a Symmetrix(copyright) system pools a collection of physical disks (also referred to as xe2x80x9cspindlesxe2x80x9d).
Each physical disk can respond to a limited number of I/O (Input/Output) operations (e.g., read and write requests) in a given time period. The number of I/O operations a physical disk can handle is often measured in IOPS (Input/Output operations per second). To respond to I/O requests quickly and conserve IOPS, many systems use a high-speed cache (pronounced xe2x80x9ccashxe2x80x9d). For example, a cache can store copies of data also stored on a physical disk. If the system can respond to a request using a copy of data stored in the cache instead of retrieving data from the physical disk, the system has both reduced response time and reduced the I/O burden of the physical disks.
A cache can also speed responses to write requests. For example, the Symmetrix(copyright) system can store write requests in a cache and defer storage of the information to a physical disk until later. Thus, a host requesting the write operation receives fast confirmation of the write operation from the storage system even though the write operation has not yet completed.
In general, in one aspect, the description includes a method of responding to storage access requests. The method includes defining at least one write area and at least one read-only area, receiving a write request specifying a first address that resides within the at least one read-only area, determining a second address in the write address area, and storing data associating the first address with the second address.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method may further include storing information included in the write request at the second address. Determining the second address may include determining the next sequential address of a write area. The method may further include receiving a read request specifying the first address, accessing the data associating the first address and the second address, and requesting information stored at the second address. The method may further include redefining the write area and read area to form at least one new write area and at least one new read area where at least a portion of the new read-only area occupies an area previously occupied by the write area. The method may further include defining a third area for storing a copy of at least one of the read-only areas, copying data stored in at least one of the read-only areas into the third area, and collecting free blocks of the third area.
In general, in another aspect, the description includes a computer program product, disposed on a computer readable medium, for responding to storage access requests. The computer program includes instructions for causing a processor to define at least one write area and at least one read-only area, receive a write request specifying a first address that resides within the at least one read-only area, determine a second address in the write address area, and store data associating the first address with the second address.
In general, in another aspect, the description includes a method of managing storage. The method includes defining a read-only storage area, a write storage area, and a first garbage storage area. The method also includes repeatedly redirecting write requests for an address within the read-only storage area to the write area, collecting free space in the garbage storage area, and defining a new read-only storage area, a new write storage area, and a new garbage storage area such that the new read-only area includes the previously defined write area and the new write area includes collected free space in the new garbage storage area.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method may further include copying data stored in the new read-only storage area to the new garbage storage area. The storage areas may be physical storage areas. The write requests may specify a physical address.
In general, in another aspect, the description includes a system for handling I/O (Input/Output) requests. The system includes a collection of storage disks and a block table associating addresses specified by the I/O requests with addresses of the storage disk. The block table also defines at least one read-only area of the storage disks, at least one write area of the storage disks, and at least one third area of the storage disks. The system also includes instructions for causing a processor to process a read request by accessing the block table to determine the storage disk address associated with the-address specified by the request. The system also includes-instructions for causing a processor to process a write request that specifies a storage disk address corresponding to the at least one read-only area of the storage disks by determining a next location in the at least one write area and storing information in the block table that associates the location in the at least one write area with the storage disk address specified by the write request.
Advantages will become apparent in view of the following description, including the figures and the claims.

Systems and methods for handling storage access requests


A device for providing a comfortable resting surface for the arm of an automobile driver or passenger who would like to rest their arm on the lower surface of the window opening when the window is open. This surface is frequently uncomfortable or awkward to rest an arm upon due to factors such as heat and/or surface irregularities. The arm rest includes a padded arm resting portion on which the user places his or her arm. The arm rest is useable on any vehicle, and is attached on an inner wall beneath a window opening. It may then be folded into place for use by the user. The arm rest is easily positioned for use and, should the user be the vehicle operator, it does not require the use of both hands or other awkward maneuvers to place it in the appropriate position for use, thus minimizing distraction to the driver and the risks involved therewith. Further, the arm rest is inexpensive to manufacture and is made of easily cleaned materials. A storage compartment is also provided within the arm resting portion for the convenient storage of small items.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to devices which enable the user to comfortably rest his or her arm on the upper edge of a car door when the window has been rolled down. The device prevents the user's arm from being burned by the metal of the door, which is frequently quite hot in the summer after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and also provides a soft, cushioned surface rather than a hard, uneven surface. Specifically, this invention relates to an arm rest, including a storage pouch or pocket, foldable between a storage position, an intercept position and a use position. Further, this invention relates to a device which may be used as described above on a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks and boats. Additionally, this invention relates to a device which provides a storage compartment therein providing an additional location for stowing small items within the vehicle.
2. Background Information
It is common practice among many automobile riders, both drivers and passengers, to open the window of the vehicle nearest them when the weather is pleasant in order to enjoy the outside air and the benefits of improved ventilation. Many of these riders also find resting an arm on the surface at the lower edge of the window opening a comfortable position as they drive or ride along. Unfortunately, features of this surface may indeed create a great deal of discomfort to the arm resting thereon. For example, if the sun has been shining directly on the exposed metal surfaces adjacent to the lower edge of the window opening, the metal generally becomes quite hot to the touch, which is at best extremely uncomfortable. Further, this arm rest surface may be very irregular, with uncomfortable, hard edges protruding into the arm of the rider. These hard, uneven edges may be from the upper part of the window itself, which may not have fully recessed into the door or window storage compartment; from the chrome trim that is frequently found along the outer edge of the window opening; or from the rubber gasket that is frequently used to keep dirt and moisture out of the window storage compartment.
Many earlier attempts have been made to provide the automobile rider with a comfortable surface on which to rest his or her arm. As early as June 19, 1928, U.S. Pat. No. 1,674,205 issued to Johnson describing an arm rest that was fixedly attached to the inner surface of the vehicle adjacent the edge of the window opening. The arm rest consisted of an upholstered rest plate which rotated about a metal hinge between an internal use/storage position and an external use position. However, when the rider's arm was no longer using the arm rest after using it in the external use position, the arm rest would remain in that position, continuing to be unnecessarily exposed to dirt and other elements, allowing the fabric of the arm rest to become increasingly dirty and unattractive. Further, the metal hinge was prone to rusting should the hinge become wet during rain. The rusty hinge would then inhibit the function and usefulness of the arm rest.
Other prior art armrest devices would removably attach to the door by means of an insert or series of inserts which fit into the upper portion of the window storage compartment between the inner surface of the window and the inner edge of the window frame. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,695,549 issued to Hausler on Dec. 18, 1928, 1,760,450 issued to Taylor on May 27, 1930, and 2,670,235 issued to Susil on Feb. 23, 1954 illustrate devices of this type. The Hausler and Taylor devices, however, only provided an armrest on the inside of the car door for the cars which did not otherwise have one built in, as is standard in many cars currently produced. The Susil reference does provide an arm rest for the surface of the window opening and utilizes fabric hinges, but does not return to an intercept or engagement position after the user's arm is removed therefrom and allows the arm rest to remain exposed to the elements, becoming unnecessarily dirty. Further, the device must be removed when not in use and the window is closed because the hinged portion of the arm rest would otherwise project into the passenger compartment. Finally, as with the other prior art references, there is no storage pouch or pocket provided by this device.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,462,768 issued to Ortleb on Feb. 22, 1949 also illustrates an arm rest with a window opening insert, but does not take up space in the passenger compartment when not in use as does the Susil device. Nevertheless, the Ortleb device does not provide any padding for the resting of the user's arm, providing instead only a relatively thin layer of plastic or other fabric on which to rest the arm.
Applicant has also developed a prior version of an automobile arm rest, identified in copending design Pat. application Ser. No. 101,557 filed Sept. 28, 1987, which includes the window compartment insert found in certain of the prior art patents described above. Applicant's earlier version includes a rigid frame for holding an interior arm rest in place. However, the rigid frame, although covered by a protective layer of fabric to minimize discomfort and the possibility of damage to the surface of the automobile, is subject to bending in the event of mishandling, rendering the device less useful and more awkward to handle. The device provides a foldable arm protection portion which protects the arm as it rests on the lower edge of the window opening, the arm protection portion being difficult to place in the use position. In the event that the user should be the driver, the user must either remove his right hand from the steering wheel to position his left arm for use of the arm rest, or the user must maneuver about in her seat in order to attain a position in which the arm rest may be placed in the use position by us of the left hand only. In either event, the driver runs at least a slight risk of losing control of the car. Applicant's earlier version also lacks any storage means within the arm rest.
Yet another version developed by Applicant includes a padded arm protection portion attached to the inner wall of a vehicle just beneath a window opening by a reattachable means such a VELCRO. This arm rest version rotates between exterior and interior positions.
With this background in mind, a portable automobile arm rest which is easy to use and easy to clean has been developed.


A method of orienting a femoral head member of an implant relative to an acetabular member positioned in the acetabulum including implanting a femoral stem of an implant within an intramedullary canal of a femur, inserting an acetabular member in the acetabulum, positioning a femoral head member of the implant at least partially in the acetabular member with the femoral head member including a curved articulating surface and a plurality of indicia on the curved articulating surface, and orienting the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member and generally aligning one of the indicia on the curved articulating surface with an alignment feature of the acetabular member to signify an orientation of the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member.

1. Field
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of implanting a hip prosthesis and more particularly to a system and method of determining prosthesis orientation using indicia.
2. Related Art
Trialing during prosthesis implantation is generally essential in joint arthroplasty. Trialing steps ensure proper placement and function as well as assess range of motion and stability. In some cases, for example, in hip arthroplasty, an acetabular shell component needs to be implanted before trialing can begin. Likewise, other instances such as in knee arthroplasty, a tibial tray component needs to be implanted before trialing can begin.
In total hip arthroplasty, an acetabulum is normally prepared by reaming or other methods, and may require the use of cages or augments in cases of significant bone loss, degeneration, or deformity. An appropriately sized acetabular shell component is impacted, cemented, screwed, or otherwise affixed to a prepared acetabulum and a trial insert liner is attached. A femoral component which articulates with the trial insert liner is provided to the femur, and trial reduction begins. In some cases such as hip resurfacing, a trial liner may be eliminated.
Correct orientation of an acetabular shell component may differ between patients. However, it has generally been accepted that for a population majority, the longitudinal apex axis of a properly aligned acetabular shell component is generally inclined between about 40 and 50 degrees in abduction, normally about 45 degrees in abduction, and between about 20 and 30 degrees in anteversion, normally about 25 degrees in anteversion. Correct orientation of a femoral neck component may differ between patients. However, it has generally been accepted that for a population majority, a properly aligned femoral neck is generally inclined between about 35 and 45 degrees in abduction, normally about 41 degrees in abduction (i.e., 41 degrees above horizontal), and between about 10 and 20 degrees in anteversion, normally about 15 degrees in anteversion.
Due to the nature of hip arthroplasty, it is sometimes difficult to verify correct placement of an installed acetabular shell component intraoperatively. If an acetabular shell is misaligned prior to impacting, cementing, screwing, or otherwise affixing it to a prepared acetabulum, any subsequent trialing procedures and/or final implantation of the prosthesis may be compromised. Misalignment of an acetabular shell component may reduce articulation surface area, thereby adversely affecting postoperative performance, function, wear rate, range of motion, and joint stability.
Therefore, it is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a simple and effective way to reduce the occurrence of misaligned acetabular components intraoperatively.
Conventionally, acetabular shell component alignment has been addressed intraoperatively using fluoroscopy and crude positioning instruments. These methods, while effective, require additional resources, personnel, additional instruments, and/or expensive machinery.
To this end, a surgeon may use fluoroscopic means to visually determine any gross misalignments during surgery. However, precise orientation angles of the acetabular shell component cannot be readily determined from fluoroscopic imaging. Alternatively, a surgeon may orient an impactor handle such that it is in longitudinal alignment with a corner of the operating room in order to achieve an approximate insertion angle of 45 degrees abduction and 25 degrees anteversion. Even more alternatively, some orthopaedic manufacturers provide alignment guides which may be used with impactor handles during acetabular shell component installation. Such alignment guides generally comprise what is referred in the art as an "X-bar," "T-bar" or the like. A bar in the shape of an "X" protrudes from an impactor configured to install an acetabular shell component. The bar is attached to the impactor at predetermined orientation angle. With a patient lying in a predetermined position, the impactor is oriented such that the X-bar is parallel to the ceiling, floor, and/or table, and/or such that each extension of the "X" points to a corner of the square operating room. These methods, while effective, do not provide a finely calibrated visual feel-good device to a surgeon.
Indicia have been used on femoral heads to indicate a particular orthopaedic manufacturer, size, offset, or product SKU number. However, most indicia are generally found in the lip area or at the bottom of a tapered recess within the femoral heads and not located on an articulating surface.
Femoral head trial components of the prior art sometimes comprise a solid color indicative of a particular size or offset for a particular trial femoral head component. However, it is believed that such indicia are not configured to determine a spatial orientation of an acetabular shell component. Nor do such indicia comprise multiple colors on a single trial femoral head component.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,549 to Oh discloses an acetabular cup positioner of the prior art which utilizes a plurality of bar projections on an acetabular shell component impactor, the plurality of projections being configured for orientation purposes.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,111 to Roche, a means for orientating an acetabular shell component comprises two threaded holes (66) and a threaded rod (64) with indicator ends (62). The rod (64), when placed in one of the holes (66), assists with positioning an acetabular shell component in a proper abduction angle. The rod (64), when placed in another of the holes (66), assists with positioning an acetabular shell component in a proper anteversion angle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,394 to Bertuch, Jr., U.S. Des. Pat. No. D331,461 to Lester, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,403 to Petersen et al., further disclose prior art methods for positioning an acetabular shell component and associated apparatus.
In FIG. 49 of U.S. Published Patent Application US2007/0123908 published on May 31, 2007, and assigned Ser. No. 11/541,184, there is described an instrument which may include indicia or marks that can assist in the proper angular orientation of the modular components.
U.S. Published Patent Applications US2004/0122439 published on Jun. 24, 2004, and assigned Ser. No. 10/327,187 and US2004/0122440 published on Jun. 24, 2004, and assigned Ser. No. 10/327,527 describe placing indicia on first and second segments for determining the relative position of the first segment with respect to the second segment.
In U.S. Published Patent Application US2006/0058886 published on Mar. 16, 2006, and assigned Ser. No. 11/225,754, there is described an alignment trial system for a hip prosthesis comprising an interlocking trial femoral prosthesis and a trial acetabular cup prosthesis, wherein indicia is included to identify the engagement formation that is suitable for use in the right side and that which is suitable for use in the left side.
U.S. Published Patent Application US2004/0015238 published on Jan. 22, 2004, and assigned Ser. No. 10/346,316 describes providing a shroud for a femoral neck having indicia thereon for alignment purposes.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,002,581, 5,135,529, and 5,201,882 to Paxson et al. are drawn to a modular hip joint prosthesis comprising indicia adjacent to a connection portion, and a stem bearing one or more markings alignable with the indicia to indicate to a surgeon the relative rotational alignment between a trochanteral module and the stem.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,324 to Campana et al. discloses alignment indicia on a protruding lip of a femoral component for rotational alignment purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,581 to Heimke et al. discloses indicia means for measuring the depth of penetration for a hip bone preparation tool.
All of the above-referenced U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications are incorporated by reference as though fully described herein.

Method of mapping femoral head for acetabular prosthesis alignment


The exhaust air from a paint-spray or lacquer spray booth is cleaned after passing through the grate bottom thereof directly to a wet electrostatic filter. The air which is sprayed with atomized water immediately before entering the wet electrostatic filter is partly recirculated after passing through the latter while the water containing the paint and lacquer particles is cleaned and recycled as well.

The art shows a development in the field of cleaning the exhaust air from paint and lacquer spray booths ranging from the description in U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,293, to more sophisticated and complex arrangements as will be described below.
In the approach of U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,293, the apparatus for the removal of paint from the exhaust air of a paint-spray booth provides below the grate-like floor of the spray booth means for bringing the exhaust air passing downwardly through into intensive contact with wash water which is recirculated. After separation of the exhaust air from the water, the paint is carried off in the wash water. The wash water is treated with chemicals to improve the washing effect and to permit the wash water to be cleaned, i.e. to allow the paint particles to be removed from the wash water.
German patent document DE-AS 21 61 198, DE-AS 24 12 988 and DE-PS 28 14 276 describe respective particles which operate under the same principle without describing in each case the wash water recirculation. In each of these documents, emphasis is placed on the shape of the apparatus which is intended to ensure intimate contact between the exhaust air and the wash water. Utilizing the techniques described in these documents, improvements in air cleaning efficiency at reduced noise levels can be obtained.
European patent 0 047 432 describes an exhaust-air scrubber as the first cleaning stage for the exhaust air and provides thorough scrubbing in this first stage. It mentions that a second cleaning stage can be provided following the first and which includes a wet electrostatic filter or precipitator supplied with a rinse liquid, the cleaned air being partially recirculated to the spray booth.
German patent DE-PS 30 42 464 describes a technique based upon the principle of reducing the energy consumption of a conventional scrubber or the principle of improving the air-cleaning efficiency for a given energy consumption. This also requires a particular shape of the scrubber housing and utilizes a constriction of special form to permit intimate contact of the wash water with the exhaust air.
Finally, mention may be made of German patent document DE-OS 35 17 392 which proposes, after the initial intensive scrubbing, a second scrubbing stage which has a constricted portion in which a water jet is atomized through a Venturi tube at the region of the smallest cross section. Downstream therefrom a separator is provided at which the water is recovered for recycling. Alternatively, a further cleaning stage is provided whereby a portion of the cleaned exhaust air is recycled to the lacquer-spray booth.
German patent DE-PS 30 42 464 describes a technique based upon the principle of reducing the energy consumption of a conventional scrubber or the principle of improving the air-cleaning efficiency for a given energy consumption. This also requires a particular shape of the scrubber housing and utilizes a constriction of special form to permit intimate contact of the wash water with the exhaust air.
Finally, mention may be made of German patent document DE-OS 35 17 392 which proposes, after the initial intensive scrubbing, a second scrubbing stage which has a constricted portion in which a water jet is atomized through a Venturi tube at the region of the smallest cross section. Downstream therefrom a separator is provided at which the water is recovered for recycling. Alternatively, a further cleaning stage is provided whereby a portion of the cleaned exhaust air is recycled to the lacquer-spray booth.
Invariably these earlier processes utilize, therefore, as the first cleaning stage, an intensive scrubbing stage in which the shape of the scrubber determines the intimacy of contact of the scrubbing liquid with the exhaust air. In some cases, such a conventional high-intensity and high-velocity scrubber is the sole air cleaning unit, while in other cases, further air-cleaning systems are provided or required. See, for example, the above-mentioned use of the wet electrostatic filter spatially separated from the scrubbing stage and rinsed with a separate flow of water.
All of these systems have disadvantages. For example, in the high-velocity scrubbers constituting the usual first or exclusive cleaning stage, a high pressure drop or loss is unavoidable because of the need for a constriction in the scrubber to ensure intense interaction of the sprayed water and the exhaust air. In addition, or as a correlative to the high-velocity and high-pressure drop, which are associated with high energy consumption, there is a high noise level. Furthermore, where the scrubber with its constriction is provided immediately below the spray booth, the presence of a constricted flow of the exhaust air downstream of the spray booth has a detrimental effect on the manner in which the air is supplied to or passes through the spray booth.
There are also disadvantages on the water side of such apparatus. For example, relatively large amounts of water must be used to ensure thorough flushing of the large funnel-shaped constriction-forming surfaces of the scrubber portion of the apparatus to thoroughly flush the surfaces. As a consequence correspondingly large units, such as settling basins or apparatus for the active separation of the lacquer particles from the wash water, must be provided. In addition, because large volumes of water must be used, correspondingly large quantities of the chemicals which may be required to treat the wash water must be employed as well. These chemicals include surface-active, flocculating, emulsion-breaking and like agents ensuring agglomeration of the paint and lacquer particles and easier separation thereof from the wash water so that wash-water cleaning is more efficient and can be effected to a higher degree.
The utilization, for example, of chemical flocculating and settling agents can permit more economical recovery of the separated paint and lacquer as well as recovery of the water-treating agents so that waste disposal and waste water treatment costs can be minimized.

Method of and apparatus for the cleaning of the exhaust air of a paint-spray or lacquer-spray booth


A long baseline interferometer antenna system and method for determining the location of an emitter. The long baseline interferometer antenna system comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, an inertial navigation system, an antenna baseline measurement system, a multi-channel receiver and a processor. The first and second antenna elements are positioned on a platform and are both configured to receive signals from the emitter. The first and second antenna elements form a long baseline antenna pair. The inertial navigation system measures the platform position and attitude; and the antenna baseline measurement system measures the antenna baseline vector between the first and second antenna elements. The multi-channel receiver measures the differential phase between antenna pairs, and the processor computes the emitter location. Additional antenna elements can be included and some can be configured as squinted beam pair and make use of amplitude difference of arrival measurements.

Multiple observer and single observer geolocation systems that monitor an emitter's signals to determine its location are known in the art. The monitoring system makes multiple observations of the emitter signal at multiple locations and measures characteristics of the received signals and processes these measurements to predict the location of the emitter. Various characteristics of the emitter's signal can be measured including angle of arrival, time of arrival, relative phase, etc. The accuracy and precision of the geolocation system is dependent on the accuracy and precision of various factors, including the emitter signal measurements, and the knowledge of the detector locations.
Multiple observer geolocation systems can make multiple observations of an emitter's signals from multiple locations simultaneously and can therefore provide nearly instantaneous geolocation of an emitter detected by the multiple observers. Multiple observer systems generally rely on time difference of arrival and/or Doppler difference of arrival measurements. However, multiple observer systems require station keeping, precision clocks and a high degree of synchronization to select the desired signal of interest.
Single observer geolocation systems do not require the precise synchronization of multiple observer systems but they require time to collect observations of the emitter signal from multiple locations. Single observer systems generally rely on angle of arrival schemes using amplitude difference of arrival, phase difference of arrival, as well as, time difference of arrival and/or Doppler difference of arrival measurements. In the past, single observer systems were generally less accurate than multiple observer systems.
A long baseline interferometer antenna system is a system in which the separation between the end elements in an array of detectors is some large number of wavelengths. The length of this separation, or the distance between end elements, is referred to as the interferometer baseline. Interferometer antenna arrays typically are sparse having only a few elements compared to a full array where the elements are typically spaced at half wavelength intervals.

Precision geolocation system and method using a long baseline interferometer antenna system


An actuating breathable material structure is disclosed and includes a supporting main body, a plurality of actuating breathable units and a plurality of micro processing chips. The supporting main body is made of a supporting matrix. The plurality of actuating breathable units and the plurality of micro processing chips are compounded and are integrally formed with the supporting matrix into one piece. By controlling the actuation of the plurality of actuating breathable units through the plurality of micro processing chips, a breathing effect resulting from gas transportation in a specific direction is performed.

For some products that require the functions of breathability and ventilation, such as some clothing or the electronic products (such as notebook), heat is generated therefrom and has to be dissipated. How to make these products have the functions of breathability and ventilation is a key aspect of the present disclosure. Therefore, how to develop an actuating breathable material structure applied to those products and having the function of gas transportation in a specific direction is the main subject of the present disclosure.


The present invention relates to a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container using a sterilant vapor such as hydrogen peroxide. The sterilant vapor is discharged through a nozzle positioned in an opening of the container and the container is then purged of the discharged sterilant using a heated gas such as sterile air. The nozzle is preferably positioned no closer than 15 mm from the bottom surface or any internal surface of the container and within ⅙ to ⅚ of the height of the container. The nozzle has a diameter no greater than one-half of the diameter of the opening of the container. When containers made of non-heat set PET are used, the temperatures of the sterilant vapor and the purge gas are preferably no greater than 160xc2x0 F.

The present invention relates to a sterilization and/or sanitization process and apparatus for containers used for aseptic packaging of products or ingredients sensitive to microbiological spoilage or contamination. The present invention is particularly useful in sterilizing or sanitizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, especially those with openings of a relatively small cross-sectional area compared to total internal surface area and those formed of non-heat set PET.
For the purposes of this disclosure, sterilization is defined as a 6 log reduction of spores of the bacteria Bacillus subtillis var. globigii, whereas sanitization is defined as a 5 log reduction of organisms that cause spoilage of high acid products (i.e., a pH of 4.6 or less), as typified by ascospores of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sanitization can be utilized for containers that are designed or used to store high acid products (e.g., juices, juice beverages, acidified products), whereas sterilization is preferably utilized for containers that are used to store low acid products (e.g., tea, coffee, dairy products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals).
Various apparatuses and methods for sterilizing or sanitizing containers are known. The known apparatuses and methods often use a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapor. After the hydrogen peroxide vapor is discharged into the container at a relatively high temperature, the residual sterilant is then purged from the container with a hot air flush at high temperatures.
However, these known apparatuses and methods are not suitable for containers made of certain materials, such as PET and, more particularly, non-heat set PET. For example, it is difficult to eliminate residual sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, not only from the surface of the PET container, but also from its polymer matrix. Upon dosing of hydrogen peroxide into a non-heat set PET container, some peroxide becomes trapped in the polymer matrix and is not readily removed with the hot air flush. Although this can be quite stable for several minutes to hours, when a fluid product is introduced into the container, the hydrogen peroxide moves from the polymer matrix into the body of the fluid product, potentially compromising federal regulations for limits on peroxide residuals.
In addition, because of the relatively low vapor pressure of hydrogen peroxide at temperatures below 250xc2x0 F., most existing sterilization processes depend on the use of a flush using large volumes of a gas that has been heated to a temperature well above 250xc2x0 F. Because non-heat set PET possesses a glass transition temperature of 163.4xc2x0 F., it is not possible to expose such containers to temperatures much above 163xc2x0 F. without risk that the containers will deform. Furthermore, the size of the opening (finish) in many containers prohibits the flow of measurably large volumes of air into and out of the containers within the short period of time required for high-speed operation.
The present invention provides an apparatus and method that can sterilize or sanitize a variety of containers in a fast, economical way.
The present invention further provides an apparatus that can sterilize or sanitize containers on a mass scale, yet occupies a relatively small area.
The present invention can effectively sterilize or sanitize PET containers without deforming the containers.
The present invention can also sterilize or sanitize PET containers leaving an amount of residual sterilant that does not exceed 0.5 mg/l in a container filled with water immediately after treatment. This value is equal to or less than the limits for sterilant residual dictated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The present invention provides a sterilization and sanitization method and apparatus for rapidly and relatively inexpensively sterilizing or sanitizing any type of standard container used for packaging of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, health enhancing products as well as traditional high and low acid foods.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor and positioning a nozzle through an opening in the container and no closer than 15 mm from any internal surface of the container that is perpendicular to a principal direction of flow of sterilant vapor through the nozzle. The method further includes the steps of discharging the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container, the container having an opening of a predetermined diameter, with a ratio of the interior surface area of the container to the cross-sectional area of the opening being at least 7.5, includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor and positioning a nozzle through the opening in the container, the nozzle having a diameter no greater than one-half the predetermined diameter of the opening of the container. The method further includes the steps of discharging the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a PET container includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor having a temperature no greater than 160xc2x0 F. and positioning a nozzle through an opening in the container. The method further includes the steps of discharging the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant with a heated gas having a temperature no greater than 160xc2x0 F., wherein the purging step is completed no longer than 30 seconds from a beginning of the discharging step.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container includes a generator of sterilant vapor, a nozzle communicating with the generator and a positioning mechanism for positioning the nozzle through an opening in the container and to a position no closer than 15 mm from any internal surface of the container that is perpendicular to the principal direction of flow of the sterilant vapor. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling discharging of the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant.
According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container, the container having an opening of a predetermined diameter, with a ratio of the interior surface area of the container to the cross-sectional area of the opening being at least 7.5, includes a generator of sterilant vapor and a nozzle communicating with the generator, the nozzle having a diameter no greater than one-half the predetermined diameter of the opening of the container. The apparatus further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the nozzle through the opening in the container and a controller for controlling discharging of the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging of the container of the discharged sterilant.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for sterilizing and/or sanitizing a PET container includes a generator of sterilant vapor having a temperature no greater than 160xc2x0 F., a nozzle communicating with the generator and a positioning mechanism for positioning the nozzle through an opening in the container. The apparatus further includes a controller for controlling discharging of the generated sterilant vapor through the nozzle and into the container and purging of the container of the discharged sterilant with a heated gas having a temperature no greater than 160xc2x0 F. The controller controls purging to be completed no longer than 30 seconds from discharging of the sterilant.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor, discharging the generated sterilant vapor into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant with heated gas. Reduction of Bacillus spores in the container by a predetermined amount X (log) is effected by satisfying the following equation:
X=(0.138xc3x97a/b)+(0.066xc3x97T1)xe2x88x92(0.00083xc3x97c/b)+(0.021xc3x97T2)+(0.008347xc3x97d)xe2x88x9211.357,
wherein
a is the mass of discharged sterilant vapor (mg),
b is the container volume (1),
c is the volume of purging gas (1),
d is the ambient relative humidity (% RH),
T1 is the temperature of the discharged sterilant vapor (xc2x0 F.), and
T2 is the temperature of the purging gas (xc2x0 F.).
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor and discharging the generated sterilant vapor into the container. The method further includes the step of purging the container of the discharged sterilant with heated gas, wherein reduction of yeast ascospores in the container by a predetermined amount Y (log) is effected by satisfying the following equation:
Y=(0.063xc3x97a/b)+(0.023xc3x97T1)xe2x88x92(0.00036xc3x97c/b)+(0.052xc3x97T2)+(0.009xc3x97d)xe2x88x923.611,
wherein
a is the mass of discharged sterilant vapor (mg),
b is the container volume (1),
c is the volume of purging gas (1),
d is the ambient relative humidity (% RH),
T1 is the temperature of the discharged sterilant vapor (xc2x0 F.), and
T2 is the temperature of the purging gas (xc2x0 F.).
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method of sterilizing and/or sanitizing a container includes the steps of generating a sterilant vapor, discharging the generated sterilant vapor into the container and purging the container of the discharged sterilant with heated gas. Reduction of the sterilant in the container to a predetermined amount Z (mg/l) is effected by satisfying the following equation:
Z=(0.030xc3x97a/b)xe2x88x92(0.043xc3x97T1)xe2x88x92(0.040xc3x97c/b)xe2x88x92(0.075xc3x97T2)+15.747,
wherein
a is the mass of discharged sterilant vapor (mg),
b is the container volume (1),
c is the volume of purging gas (1),
T1 is the temperature of the discharged sterilant vapor (xc2x0 F.), and
T2 is the temperature of the purging gas (xc2x0 F.).

High-speed, low temperature sterilization and sanitization apparatus and method


A novel pyrotechnic composition comprising nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide and oxidizer such as potassium nitrate wherein the crystalline boron phosphide is synthesized by a self-propagating high-temperature reaction. The nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide and oxidizer pyrotechnic composition unexpectedly emits smoke and green flame upon ignition.

Pyrotechnic compositions containing elemental boron or elemental phosphorus are found in critical components of ammunition and munitions. For example, amorphous elemental boron, combined with strong oxidizers such as potassium nitrate and other additives or binders has been used as a pyrotechnic igniter. Pellets composed of amorphous elemental boron, potassium nitrate, and nitrocellulose are widely used in the ignition train of medium-caliber ammunition because the rather large amount of propellant within the case cannot be ignited evenly and effectively by a primer alone. Other amorphous elemental boron-containing pyrotechnics are known in the art to produce an intense green light upon combustion, which is of use for signaling purposes on the battlefield. In addition, for many years, the U.S. Navy has used a composition containing amorphous elemental boron and barium chromate to provide precise time delays in the functioning sequences of aircraft ejection seats.
In all of these applications, the presence of elemental boron is thought to be critical. Amorphous elemental boron is known in the art as a potent pyrotechnic fuel, typically producing high reaction temperatures and both gaseous and condensed phase products. The particular physical and chemical nature of these products at the temperature they are produced, along with generally rapid combustion rates, is critical to producing the desired effect in the applications described above. For example, the green light often produced by boron-containing pyrotechnics is known to be caused by the presence of transient BO2 radicals in the flame. Other chemicals used to produce green light in pyrotechnics contain copper or barium which have undesirable environmental and toxicological properties.
Despite the widespread utility of amorphous elemental boron in pyrotechnics, this material also has several undesirable characteristics. Among the common pyrotechnic fuels, amorphous boron is one of the most expensive. The method typically used to produce it does not yield a pure material. As a fine powder usually desired for use in pyrotechnics, amorphous boron is not chemically inert at ambient temperatures. It readily oxidizes in moist air. As a result, compositions containing it are notorious for their poor aging characteristics. It is highly preferable for pyrotechnic fuels to be chemically inert at ambient temperatures, and in the presence of moisture. Compositions containing such chemically inert fuels are more likely to remain unchanged over time in storage, thus ensuring a long operable shelf life for the munitions they reside within.
Crystalline elemental boron is known to be quite chemically inert at ambient temperatures, but it is even more expensive than amorphous elemental boron and is not thought to be a practical pyrotechnic fuel. Sabatini, Poret, and Broad noted in Crystalline Boron as a Burn Rate Retardant Toward the Development of Green-Colored Handheld Signal Formulations, Journal of Energetic Materials, 2011, 29, 360-368, that a pyrotechnic composition containing crystalline elemental boron as the only boron-containing fuel could not be ignited, whereas analogues containing amorphous boron were readily ignited.
The use of elemental phosphorus in munitions also has drawbacks. Phosphorus is used to produce thick white smoke for signaling, marking targets, and screening troop movements. Although white phosphorus (WP) offers the greatest visible obscuration performance of any known substance, it presents serious hazards and logistical complications. WP is typically dispersed aerially by bursting mortar or artillery projectiles. Combustion upon contact with the atmosphere produces phosphorus oxides that are extremely hygroscopic. These oxides rapidly absorb atmospheric moisture resulting in the formation of a large and highly effective smoke screen. However, scattered WP particles do not combust instantaneously and therefore can cause collateral damage in combat as well as the contamination of domestic training ranges. Due to the pyrophoric nature of WP, smoke munitions containing this substance must be stored near a source of water so that they may be submerged if damaged.
To address some of the hazards associated with WP, smoke compositions containing red phosphorus (RP) were developed, although this approach has introduced other logistical issues. RP-based smoke compositions slowly degrade in the presence of air and trace moisture, producing acids that corrode munition components and phosphine gas that is highly toxic and flammable. The use of microencapsulated and stabilized RP slows the aging process but does not completely inhibit it. Additionally, RP-based smoke compositions are generally very sensitive to unintended ignition by impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge. Notably, the most problematic characteristics of phosphorus-based smoke munitions are caused by the white or red phosphorus itself, and not the resulting phosphoric acid aerosol produced upon combustion.
Like boron, phosphorus can exist in more crystalline and chemically inert forms. The violet and black allotropes of phosphorus are far less reactive than white or red phosphorus at ambient temperatures. However, practical methods that could be used to mass-produce these phosphorus allotropes have not been reported. And again, as with boron, it is not known whether these unreactive crystalline allotropes could serve as pyrotechnic fuels.
Smoke compositions containing hexachloroethane (HC), zinc oxide, and aluminum were developed in the 1940s. The zinc chloride formed and aerosolized upon combustion is deliquescent making the resulting cloud exceptionally large, dense, and effective for screening. Unlike most phosphorus-based smoke compositions, which burn in direct contact with the atmosphere, HC compositions are usually pressed into steel canisters. The smoke is released through small vent holes at one or both ends. HC smoke grenades are no longer used by the U.S. Army due to the acute toxicity of the smoke, which has caused accidental inhalation-related injuries and deaths. Despite a number of efforts to address this problem, less toxic alternatives with comparable efficacy remain elusive.
Given the problems associated with amorphous elemental boron and elemental phosphorus in pyrotechnics, a need exists for alternatives. It has been discovered that the use of nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide as a pyrotechnic fuel can provide the desirable pyrotechnic qualities of boron and phosphorus, without the problems associated with the use of the elements themselves. The inventive pyrotechnic compositions may be used to produce green light or smoke, with combustion properties that may tailored to suit specific pyrotechnic applications.

Pyrotechnic compositions comprising nanostructured crystalline boron phosphide and oxidizer

The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army


A power transmission apparatus for a may include a first input shaft adapted to selectively receive torque of an engine, a second input shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a third input shaft disposed in a row with the second input shaft and without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element directly connected to the third input shaft, and a third rotation element directly connected to the first input shaft, a motor/generator directly connected to the first rotation element, and a first speed output unit and a second speed output unit each adapted to convert torque input from the second input shaft or the third input shaft and output the converted torque.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle that realizes smooth start and quick shift by adding a motor/generator and a planetary gear set to an automated manual transmission and improves fuel economy by realizing regenerative braking and starts charging.
Description of Related Art
Environmentally-friendly technique of vehicles is very important technique on which survival of future motor industry is dependent. Vehicle makers are focusing on development of environmentally-friendly vehicles so as to meet environment and fuel consumption regulations.
Some examples of future vehicle technique are an electric vehicle (EV) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that use electrical energy, and double clutch transmission (DCT) that improves efficiency and convenience.
In addition, the vehicle makers promote improvement of efficiency in a power delivery system so as to meet exhaust regulation of countries and improve fuel consumption performance. In order to improve efficiency of the power delivery system, the vehicle makers are trying to put an idle stop and go (ISG) system and a regenerative braking system to practical use.
The ISG system stops an engine when a vehicle stops and restarts the engine when the vehicle begins to run. The regenerative braking system operates a generator using kinetic energy of the vehicle instead of braking the vehicle by friction when the vehicle brakes, stores electrical energy generated at this time in a battery, and reuses the electrical energy when the vehicle runs.
In addition, the hybrid electric vehicle is a vehicle using more than two power sources, and more than two power sources are combined in various ways. Typically, the hybrid electric vehicle uses a gasoline engine or a diesel engine driven by fossil fuel and a motor/generator driven by electrical energy.
In addition, one example of a transmission applied to the hybrid electric vehicle is the DCT. According to the DCT, two clutches are applied to a manual transmission layout. Therefore, efficiency and convenience may be improved.
That is, the DCT achieves odd-numbered-speeds and even-numbered-speeds alternately by using two clutches. A mechanism achieving the odd-numbered-speeds and the even-numbered-speeds alternately improves shift feel so as to solve problems of a conventional manual transmission (MT) and an automated manual transmission (AMT).
However, the DCT has such problems that clutch damage and energy loss due to clutch slip may occur when starting, safety may not be secured since backward rolling due to clutch slip occurs excessively in hill-start, shift shock may be strong compared with an automatic transmission since shift time is controlled to be short due to thermal capacity of a clutch.
The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Power transmission apparatus for hybrid electric vehicle


A skin guard apparatus including a cover in the form of a flexible sheet that comprises a first layer and a complementary second layer bonded together. The first layer is formed of a compliant material sufficient to buffer an impact, and the second layer is formed of a magnetized material. The cover may be magnetically removably attachable upon a roller to protect the roller from mill marks. Related methods of use may include the step of attaching the cover upon a roller receivable in a mill stand. The cover may have the form of a flexible sheet that includes a first layer and a complementary second layer bonded together, with the first layer comprising a compliant material configured to buffer an impact in order to protect the roller from mill marks and the second layer comprising a magnetized material. Related methods of use may include the step of mounting a second roller in the mill stand while the cover is magnetically removably received upon the first roller.

Rolling is a metalworking process in which a material is passed through one or more pairs of working rollers in order to decrease the thickness of the slab and/or metal strip. The temperature of the material determines whether the rolling process is characterized as hot rolling versus cold rolling. Both hot rolling and cold rolling processes are commonly used.
Mill stands for rolling may be arranged in a number of configurations. For example, a four-high mill stand has four rollers, two smaller working rollers and two larger back up rollers. The material is pressingly engaged between the two working rollers as the two larger backup rollers engage the working rollers to stabilize the working rollers, which may facilitate greater accuracy of, for example, the gauge, width, or finish of the resulting rolled material.
It is imperative that the surfaces of the working rollers are free of mill marks because the surfaces of the working rollers are in direct contact with the material being rolled. Mill mark, as used herein, means an imperfection in the surface of the roller such as, for example, a dent, scratch, ding, or bruise skinning means creating a mill mark in the surface of the roller, and a skinned roller has a mill mark in the surface, as used herein.
A skinned working roller may imprint the mill mark into the resulting rolled material. Thus, when a working roller becomes skinned, the skinned working roller is removed from the mill stand and replaced with an unskinned working roller that is free of mill marks. The downtime required to replace a skinned working roller may range from about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes, which adversely affects productivity, efficiency, and profit margins. A grinding process that eliminates mill marks may be used in refurbishing the skinned working roller into an unskinned working roller. Refurbishing may cost from about US $7,000 to about US $10,000 per working roller.
An unskinned working roller may be skinned during replacement, which may lead to additional costs and down time. For example, in order to replace a set of working rollers in a four high mill stand, an overhead crane is engaged with the upper working roller. The crane lifts the upper working roller from the mill stand and onto a used roller rack. The crane then lifts the lower working roller from the mill stand and onto the used roller rack.
Once the skinned working rollers are removed from the mill stand, replacement working rollers free from mill marks may be mounted to the mill stand using the crane. For example, first an unskinned lower working roller is mounted to corresponding spindles of the mill stand. Then, an elongated rigid barrier, such as a wooden board, is placed atop the lower working roller to protect the lower working roller from being skinned. Finally, the upper working roller is mounted to a corresponding spindle of the mill stand.
The rigid barrier is supposed to prevent the working rollers from touching one another during mounting of the upper working roller onto the mill stand, as such touching may result in skinning of the working rollers. However, the working rollers may be greased with oil, thus making frictional engagement between the rigid barrier and the top of the lower working roller difficult during mounting of the upper working roller onto the mill stand. The rounded surface of the lower working roller may make the placement of the rigid barrier atop the lower working roller unstable. Vibrations caused by the crane during mounting of the upper working roller may dislodge the rigid barrier thereby rendering the rigid barrier non-functional. The rigid barrier may be dislodged during mounting of the upper working roller, for example, through contact with equipment or personnel or in other ways. When dislodged, the rigid barrier may no longer function, for example, to prevent touching between the working rollers that may result in the formation of mill marks.
It is also a present practice to put a second elongated rigid barrier atop the upper working roller following mounting of the upper working roller to prevent accidental touching between the upper working roller and the back up roller that may result in mill marks. Again, such use of the second elongated rigid barrier is unsatisfactory, suffering from deficiencies similar to the above described deficiencies of the rigid barrier in conjunction with the lower working roller. The rigid barrier(s) may suffer from deficiencies other than those described, as well.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus as well as related methods of use that prevents skinning of rollers during the mounting of rollers to a mill stand.

Apparatus and methods for prevention of mill marks


It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve seat product in which the amount of hard particles added to improve the wear resistance of a valve seat of an internal combustion engine is increased, and is excellent in the mechanical strength and machinability. In order to achieve the object, an iron-based sintered alloy material for a valve seat is employed which is made to contain a first hard particle having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 20 μm and a second hard particle having an average primary particle diameter of 20 to 150 μm in a texture, wherein a particle size distribution curve measured by laser diffraction scattering analysis has N peaks (N is an integer equal to or larger than 2) and when particle diameters corresponding to the peak top positions are denoted as DT1 to DTN, a peak top particle diameter difference between neighboring DTn-1 and DTn(|DTn-1−DTn|: n is an integer equal to or larger than 2 and equal to or smaller than N) is in the range of 15 to 100 μm in at least one neighboring DTn-1 and DTn; and the total area ratio occupied by both of the first hard particle and the second hard particle constituting the mixed hard particle in the texture of the iron-based sintered alloy is 10 to 60% by area.

The valve seat is a portion serving as a valve seat for an intake valve or an exhaust valve necessary for keeping a combustion chamber airtight in contact with a valve face. Major functions of a valve seat include (1) an airtight function, i.e. prevention of a compressed gas or a combustion gas from leaking to a manifold, (2) a thermal conduction function, i.e. releasing of the heat from a valve to a cylinder head, and (3) a wear resistance function, i.e. resistant against to a collision in a valve seating and an wear in an high temperature and a high load situation. In addition, characteristics required on a valve seat include (1) low opposite aggressivility on a valve face, (2) reasonable price, and (3) easy machinability. Therefore an iron-based sintered alloy material is applied to a valve seat of an internal combustion engine to satisfy the above-mentioned functions and characteristics.
An iron-based sintered alloy material is obtained by the compression moulding in which a metal powder or the like is put into a metal mould followed by heating of the powder mould at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point, and will be subjected to a heat treatment or otherwise if required. The iron-based sintered alloy material is made advantageous by containing suitable amounts of carbon, copper, nickel and the like in addition to iron as a main component in (1) mechanical properties, wear resistance, heat resistance and the like are improved by elements mixed in order to improve wear resistance of a sintered alloy, (2) machinability of a product is improved, (3) cost reduction by improved productivity is achieved, and the else.
However, specifications required on the materials for constituting automobile parts have been made severe year by year as well as to other various machines, i.e. further improvement on mechanical characteristics, workability such as machinability and stabile productivity and reduction of manufacturing cost are required. As for a valve seat, it is not exceptional and valve seats for internal combustion engines having better characteristics than mechanical characteristics of conventional valve seats for internal combustion engines have been required.
As response to such requirements, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve seat excellent in wear resistance with made poor opposite aggressivility to a valve face in which 10 to 20% by area in area ratio of a first hard particle which is a cobalt-based intermetallic compound particle having a particle diameter of 10 to 150 μm and of a hardness equal to or higher than 500HV0.1 and less than 800HV0.1 is made to included, and 15 to 35% by area in area ratio of a second hard particle which is a cobalt-based intermetallic compound particle having a particle diameter of 10 to 150 μm and a hardness equal to or higher than 800HV0.1 and less than 1100HV0.1, and make the total area ratio occupied by the both dispersed in an iron matrix to be 25 to 55% by area.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-248234

Iron-based sintered alloy for valve seat, and valve seat for internal combustion engine


Described herein are Compounds, compositions comprising such Compounds, and the use of such Compounds and compositions as anti-viral agents. In one aspect, provided herein are methods of inhibiting viral replication using Compounds described herein or compositions thereof. In another aspect, provided herein are methods for preventing a symptom of a viral infection using a Compound, or a composition thereof. In another aspect, provided herein are methods of treating and/or managing viral infection using a compound or a composition thereof.

Viral infection and viral disease poses severe threat to human health. Governments all over the world have cooperated to combat against viral infection and viral disease. Viral diseases such as Dengue fever, influenza, hepatitis C, HIV have affected many worldwide. Unlike antibiotics, there are fewer antiviral drugs available. Unlike antibiotics, currently available antiviral agents are usually effective against only a limited number of viruses. Thus, there is an urgency in the development of a new class of antiviral agents that is effective against a broad spectrum of viruses.


A plurality of electric data signals representing parallel data bits are applied to a plurality of gates or control terminals on-off controlling optical switches, respectively. A single pulsed synchronizing signal is distributed to input terminals of the plurality of gates or the optical switches. Synchronizing signals, which have passed through gates or optical switches, which are in an ON state, among the plurality of gates or the optical switches are coupled to synchronize finally an optical signal. In this way a serial optical pulsed output signal can be obtained by utilizing optical delay in a process for distributing the synchronizing signals or a process for coupling the synchronizing signals.

The present invention relates to a parallel-serial translator, and more in detail to a device, which translates electric signals inputted in parallel into parallel-serial-translated optical signals to send them to an optical waveguide.
For a computer, and in particular for a computer called a vector computer, it is extremely important for improving the performance of the computer to raise the capacity (amount of data which can be transmitted per unit time) of a data interconnecting line disposed between a main storage and a vector processor. Since the main storage has, in general, a speed lower than that of the vector processor, in many cases, in order to increase the transmission capacity the computer is so constructed that the main storage is divided into a plurality of memory banks driven parallelly, which can be accessed independently from each other (it is called interleave). Further, the speed of the vector processor is increased every time a new model is put on the market. Therefore, an increase in the speed of memories constituting the main storage cannot follow the increase in the speed of the vector processor. For this reason, the newer the model is, the greater the number of memory banks driven in parallel is. Although the number of memory banks is about 512 at present, it is thought that increases in the future such as 1024, 2048, etc. is likely.
When the number of memory banks increases, it becomes important to reduce the size of the interconnecting line connecting the main storage with the memory banks. For example, when data signal lines, each of which has a data width of 8 bytes (64 bits), are taken out from 512 memory banks as in a vector computer indicated in FIG. 1, 32768 data signal lines are connected between the main storage and the vector processor. Even if it is supposed that the cross-section of one signal line is as small as 1 mm.sup.2, an area of about 18 cm square is required for connecting all the data signal lines. This area is almost identical to that of an LSI mounting module constituting the vector processor. In order to increase further the number of memory banks, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the interconnecting line and to decrease the size thereof. A decrease in the size of the interconnecting line is important also for locating the vector processor closely to the main storage to shorten transmission time.
For increasing the capacity of the interconnecting line and decreasing the size thereof a method is known, by which a plurality of signals are parallel-serial-translated to be transmitted through one signal line (time slice multiplexing, hereinbelow in the present specification this process is sometimes abbreviated to P/S translation) and further optical fibers are used as a transmission medium, which has a smaller diameter and a higher transmission bit rate than a coaxial cable.
As an example therefor, there is known a transmitting device for great distance communication utilizing optical fibers used in practice in the field of communication. Here, FIG. 2 shows an example of construction of a vector computer, in which data read-out from a memory bank constituting the main storage are translated into an optical serial signal by using the parallel-serial translating technique used in the field of communication, which are transmitted to a vector processing unit. In order to simplify the explanation, here it is supposed that the data width is 8 bits and only signals concerning processing for reading out main storage data are described therein. FIG. 3 shows operation timing therefor. A vector processing unit 220 transmits an access control signal responding to an address to be accessed to a predetermined memory bank. The selected memory bank 241 holds data signals 2 read-out from the memory in registers 61 to 68 by switching-over selectors 51 to 58 in synchronism with a setup signal 1 after having started processing for reading out data at predetermined addresses by using the access control signal 8 and takes out the signals one after another in synchronism with a clock signal 5 while shifting them bit by bit, which signals are converted into optical signals in an electro-optical signal converter 20 to generate an optical output signal 3. A vector processor selects optical signals sent from the memory bank, responding to predetermined addresses and then returns the optical serial signals to electric parallel signals, which are transmitted to the vector processing unit. Since it can be thought that an optical serial signal-electric parallel signal translator 232 effects reverse translation with respect to the electric parallel-optical serial signal translator indicated in FIG. 3 and therefore it can be easily analogized therefrom, explanation of the contruction and the operation thereof will be omitted.
In this construction, since an electric parallel-serial translator 6 and an electric-optical signal converter 20 incorporating shift registers 61 to 68 are added to each of the memory bank, it is necessary to decrease the size thereof.
As an example for making these shift registers 61 to 68 unnecessary, JP-A-62-10934 discloses a parallel-serial translator, which translates parallel data into serial data by utilizing transfer delay of optical data in an optical fiber. However, in JP-A-62-10934, although a construction for translating optical data inputted in parallel into serial optical data is disclosed, no concrete construction is disclosed for indicating how the parallel optical data are obtained, starting from the electric signal data inputted in parallel.
As another example, in which the transfer delay of optical data in the optical fiber is used, there is known JP-A-1-256846. However, JP-A-1-256846 discloses only a technique, by which optical packet signals coming one after another through a plurality of input lines are arranged in series in optical fibers serving as output lines by switching-over them by means of an N.times.M spatial switch and indicates no concrete construction indicating how the parallel optical data can be obtained from the electric signal data inputted in parallel.
Further, in either one of the literatures described above, no attention is paid to decreasing the size of the parallel-serial signal translator. A high speed and small size parallel-serial signal translator, i.e. electric signal-optical signal converting device, is required for utilizing optical waveguides such as optical fibers between the main storage and the vector processor and converting the electric signal data inputted in parallel into the serial optical data to transmit them.

Apparatus for converting parallel bits of an electrical data signal into serial bits of an optical data signal utilizing an optical time delay


A plug for an osmometry sample cup or vial is provided that seals the sample cup or vial to prevent significant evaporation of a sample solution in the cup or vial prior to obtaining an osmolality measurement.

Osmolality is a measurement of the concentration of solute particles in a solvent. Osmometry measurements by the method of freezing point depression are conducted by supercooling a quantity of sample solution in a container, freezing the solution, and measuring its equilibrium melting temperature via a temperature probe that is inserted into the sample solution. The equilibrium melting temperature is representative of the concentration. The integrity of the sample concentration, cleanliness of the probe and, position of the probe within the sample volume are critical to obtaining accurate measurements.
There are many different size and style sample containers available for these measurements. Most containers are small (up to 1 mL), open-top plastic cups. Closed sample cups are available, but for these, the top must be opened or removed prior to running the test. For the occasional measurement of osmometry samples, these formats work quite well. However, many laboratories process several samples at about the same time and different instruments exist on the market that allow for the staging of multiple samples. For these workflow formats, the open and conventional closed-top sample cups are problematic.
The open cup allows sample solvent to evaporate from cups that have been filled but are waiting to be tested. Evaporation of the solvent concentrates the sample solution, yielding an artificially high test result. The open cup also has the potential for allowing dust and other airborne particles to contaminate the sample. Further, open sample cups may pose a biological hazard in the event that they are spilled.
The closed-top cups address the evaporation and contamination issues, but they introduce another complication in that they require operator intervention to open the cup immediately before testing. This intervention largely eliminates the possibility of staging multiple samples in advance.
Another important aspect to osmometry measurements is cleaning of the probe between samples. If the probe is not adequately cleaned, sample residue from one test can contaminate subsequent samples (commonly known as "carryover"). The predominant cleaning method currently used is to manually wipe the sensor probe with an absorbent wipe or pad of some sort. This separate step adds complication to the instrument and for the user, and increases overall test time. It is also imperfect in that the operator can forget to do the cleaning entirely. Also, operators often use slightly different techniques to clean, resulting in operator to operator variability. Automated systems often rely on a separate cleaning fluid flush or similar approach, again adding complexity and time to the overall process and instrument.


Provided is a novel class of solid water-dispersible powders, including a plurality of water-insoluble photoinitiators in nanoparticle forms for use in water-based ink formulations.

The growing concerns over developing economic and environment friendly coatings, adhesives and printing inks has led attention towards photo-polymerization of aqueous photo-curable systems. Current methods of coating (wood/automotive) result in considerable emission of volatile organic compounds that are harmful to humans and the atmosphere. To prevent or minimize such an emission, new developments in the field focus on formulations with a low solvent content, water based paints, and IR- or UV-curing systems. Among these, developing water borne UV curing systems offers several economical productivity advantages in terms of production time (fast curing/production efficiency), energy consumed (low-temperature processing; no high energy-consuming drying ovens), stability (higher shelf life, no pot-life issues), safety (little or no use of reactive diluents, non-toxic and non-flammable water base), formulation (ease of changing viscosity, color and gloss; ease of equipment clean-up) and quality of final product (scratch and chemical resistance).
Interestingly for processing of hydrogels using 3D printing/stereolithograpy (SLA), an aqueous photo-curable system is a prerequisite. The most promising application of the three-dimensional (3D) printing in soft tissue engineering is the fabrication of hydrogel-based scaffolds with predesigned structures. Complex 3D hydrogel scaffolds with a fully interconnected structure with predefined dimensions and porosity are required for effective repair or regeneration of tissues and organs. Hydrogel based scaffolds are of specific interest to tissue engineering because they provide high water content environment enabling high-cell encapsulation densities. Among the various rapid-prototyping techniques available for 3D printing of hydrogel 3D structures, stereolithograpy (SLA) can enable fabrication of patient specific hydrogels with high speed, high resolution and computer-aided design capabilities.
In general, processing of hydrogels using SLA based 3D printing involves aqueous solution of an oligomer or reactive monomers, photo-initiator (PI) and/or cross-linking agent. The photoinitiator plays a crucial role in determining the rate of polymerization and consequently the resulting properties of the printed object and the time required for the 3D fabrication. Ideally for fabricating hydrogels with live cells mild processing conditions are desirable, avoiding heating, stirring, use of organic solvents or UV exposure. However, in the absence of highly efficient water-soluble photoinitiators, the majority of current protocols for fabricating hydrogels utilize non efficient, poorly-water soluble photoinitiators which require substantial agitation and/or heating or mixing with organic solvents to obtain clear precursor solutions.

Particulate photoinitiators and uses thereof

Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.


The present invention relates to systems and methods for parsing of a token stream for user generated content in order to prevent attacks on the user generated content. The systems and methods include a database which stores one or more whitelists, and a parser. The parser removes tokens from the token stream by comparing the tokens against the whitelist. Next, the parser validates CSS property values, encodes data within attribute values and text nodes, reconciles closing HTML tags, and coerces media tags into safe variants. The tokens removed may be any of HTML tags, HTML attributes, HTML protocols, CSS selectors and CSS properties.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for preventing malicious attacks contained within user-generated content in an online computing setting. Traditionally, sophisticated third parties like publishers produced content for users via the Internet. Increasingly, however, users are interested in more interactive experiences. These users don't merely want to consume content, they wish for more immersive, participatory experiences. Today, users are significant creators of user-generated content.
As such, user-generated content has become a rapidly expanding field. Users 110 typically create content through interacting with web applications 120 from desktop web browsers 130, mobile web browsers 140, third-party client widgets 150, third-party client libraries 160, and application programming interfaces (APIs) 170. These are the most popular mechanisms of contributing user-generated content over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Often, user-generated content may contain text (plain or localized in an international language), hypertext markup language (HTML), cascading style sheet (CSS) information, and JavaScript (JS), among other known script variants. User-generated content is delivered as strings and/or sequences of bytes to web applications 120 via a communications network 180, such as HTTP, or read from data persistence stores 190, such as databases, caches, or queues.
With the proliferation of user content, there has been an equally robust increase in the number of attacks embedded in user-generated content. These attacks enable malicious parties to gain personal (and potentially sensitive) information on users, redirect users to malicious websites, track user browsing behavior, and otherwise take advantage of users, often without them being aware of the attack.
User-generated content can contain two significant attack variants: cross-site scripting (XSS) or structured query language (SQL) injection. An XSS attack exploits security vulnerabilities found in web applications. XSS enables an attacker to inject a client-side script into web pages viewed by other users, allowing said attacker to bypass access controls. XSS is possible through malicious JS tags/attributes/protocols, CSS properties, and rich media tags. XSS attacks accounted for roughly 84% of all security vulnerabilities documented by a major security firm in 2007. XSS attacks have the ability to read and write web browser cookies (containing private user data), create web application requests on behalf of a user without acknowledgement, redirect users to malicious websites, as well as other behaviors that take advantage of a user's trust.
In contrast, SQL injection is designed to attack data-driven applications. This is accomplished by providing fragments of a SQL query into an input variable, supplied by a web application user. When the input is evaluated by the application, the tainted SQL query is executed, allowing attackers to CRUD (create, read, update, delete) information (potentially sensitive) from a database.
Currently, a number of techniques exist to reduce the danger of user-generated content attacks. The most commonly employed techniques utilize filters that attempt to prevent XSS and SQL injection attacks by using a "blacklist" to remove content. As used herein, the term "blacklist" means a source of information that enumerates a list of pre-defined attacks to be removed. The process of using the blacklist to perform transformations employs a strategy of applying heuristics via string and regex (regular expression) replacements. At runtime, this flow typically looks like:                a) Load a blacklist from disk/memory;        b) Verify the integrity of the blacklist;        c) Iterate through the blacklist while generating key/value objects as a representation of the blacklist (typically performed to avoid heavy disk reads and unnecessary computation cycles).
After the blacklist has been loaded, it can be used to remove malicious content and potential content attacks. The blacklist process is comprised of the following steps:                a) Iterate through each of the key/value objects that represent the blacklist;        b) Perform a string/regular expression replacement with each of the objects, thereby transforming the original content;        c) Return the transformed content.
Unfortunately, current methods utilizing blacklists for the filtering of content attacks in user-generated content is insufficient to prevent many of said attacks from being successful or otherwise obstruct the content. This is because blacklist-based security filtering suffers from three major drawbacks. The first drawback is that these filters are employed in an iterative model way to remove first-level attacks and completely miss nested attacks. One example is a concatenation-based attack that comes together post-blacklist filtering.
Secondly, these existing blacklist-based filters run the risk of removing fragments of content that may resemble HTML, CSS, and SQL injection but are not. The intent and fidelity of the source content therefore has the potential of being ruined.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, these filters are immediately outdated as new attack variants are discovered. The entire system is built on top of existing attack definitions and is unreactive to new attacks. Consequently, a system like this has virtually no defense against undefined and newly discovered attacks, such as "zero-day" exploits.
It is therefore apparent that an urgent need exists for improved systems and methods for preventing attacks against user-generated content. Such systems and methods enable attack prevention that are not reactive to the introduction of new attacks, and may prove to be more accurately able to prevent attacks than current systems.

Systems and methods for parsing user-generated content to prevent attacks


A post driver unit includes a frame having a quick connect attachment to a front end loader vehicle in place of a bucket or for connecting the unit to a tractor using a three point hitch. The frame supports a vertical mast for rotation on a vertical axis by fluid actuated cylinder, and the mast supports an elongated boom for pivotal movement on a horizontal axis. A fluid actuated impact driver depends directly from an outer end portion of the boom by a universally supported connector member to provide the impact driver with a vertical axis, and the boom is pivoted by a fluid actuated cylinder system which provides for rapidly raising the boom and the impact driver and lowering the boom and impact driver at a controlled slower rate. The connector member may have different lengths according to the length of the post to be driven.

This invention relates to apparatus for driving fence posts and stakes into the ground and which is supported and transported by a motor driven vehicle. Such apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,747 which issued to applicant and the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This apparatus incorporates a hydraulically actuated impact hammer or driver, and another form of post driver which uses a hydraulically actuated impact driver is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,117. In such post driving equipment or apparatus, it has been found desirable for the apparatus to be usable for driving long posts, such as eight foot posts of tubular steel as commonly used for a chain link fence and also for driving shorter posts such as five feet or six feet T-type fence posts or wood silt fence posts which commonly range between thirty-two and forty-two inches. It has also been found desirable for the apparatus to incorporate a vertical mast which may be adjusted vertically and which pivotally supports a generally horizontal boom having an outer end portion connected directly to the impact tool or driver so that the driver moves vertically directly with the boom.
When the impact tool or driver is used for driving long posts into the ground and the driver is located above a person's head, it has been found desirable to control the maximum rate of downward movement of the boom and the impact driver so that the boom and impact driver do not fall freely in the event a post breaks or buckles. When a vehicle supporting the apparatus is transversing along a grade or hill, it is also desirable for the operator of the vehicle to have remote control over rotation of the mast and boom on the axis of the mast so that the suspended impact driver may be vertically aligned over the vertical post to be driven. As used herein, the term post includes posts and stakes of different lengths and different types, such as tubular metal posts, T-type fence posts and wood stakes as commonly used for installing silt fence,

Apparatus for driving fence posts and the like