An electrochemical energy storage device comprising a primary positive electrode, a negative electrode, and one or more ionic conductors. The ionic conductors ionically connect the primary positive electrode with the negative electrode. The primary positive electrode comprises carbon dioxide (CO2) and a means for electrochemically reducing the CO2. This means for electrochemically reducing the CO2 comprises a conductive primary current collector, contacting the CO2, whereby the CO2 is reduced upon the primary current collector during discharge. The primary current collector comprises a material to which CO2 and the ionic conductors are essentially non-corrosive. The electrochemical energy storage device uses CO2 as an electroactive species in that the CO2 is electrochemically reduced during discharge to enable the release of electrical energy from the device.

Efficient energy storage is one of the most important challenges on the way to building an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuel resources. Current implementations of electrochemical energy storage devices, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, use a variety of electroactive species. Common examples include lead-acid (Pb and H2SO4), nickel-cadmium (NiOOH and Cd), nickel-zinc (NiOOH and Zn), lithium-ion (various Li compounds), and nickel-metal hydride (NiOOH and various intermetallic compounds).
Metal-air batteries, and more specifically lithium-air batteries, are thought of as key enablers of electric vehicles, largely because of their very high energy densities. However, currently, metal-air batteries are unable to meet the conditions required for practical vehicle applications. Existing lithium-air battery designs are plagued with lithium oxide (Li2O) and lithium peroxide (Li2O2) clogging the pores of the air-electrode, thus limiting discharging capacity. Additionally, moisture or nitrogen from the air may cause hazardous reactions. Furthermore, lithium-air batteries suffer from unproven recharge capability, limited lithium resources, and environmentally hazardous construction.
The electrolytes utilized in electrochemical energy storage devices are also significant to device performance. Typical electrolytic solutions consist of ion-forming solutes dissolved in water or organic solvents. Many of these electrolytes are toxic or flammable, further adding to the hazards of device construction, use, and disposal. U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,117 attempts to address these problems by suggesting the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent. Although successfully applying supercritical CO2 as a solvent, U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,117 requires another electroactive species, stressing that the supercritical CO2 is virtually inert, and does not react with other elements in the electrochemical cell.
These implementations suffer from a variety of disadvantages, including low energy density; harmful environmental impact in construction, use, and disposal; inefficiency in charging or discharging; and safety hazards during use, including risk of fire or explosion if misused or punctured.

Electrochemical energy storage device based on carbon dioxide as electroactive species


Embodiments relate to a system, program product, and method for use and an artificial intelligence (AI) platform to identify and analyze physical forces related to sensory input. A sensor operatively coupled to an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is activated. An initial position of the IMU responsive to the sensor activation is captured and movement of the IMU from the initial position is recognized. A comparison is preformed, where the captured initial position is compared to a second position which is correlated with the recognized movement. A score based on the performed comparison is determined and a diagnostic assessment based on the performed comparison and determined score is created. The diagnostic assessment is converted to feedback, where the conversion utilizes real-time communication of an instruction of a second movement position of the IMU. Receipt of the feedback physically conveys a manifestation of the feedback to the apparatus.

The present embodiments relate to incorporating real-time feedback with a motion diagnostic tool. More specifically, the embodiments relate to an artificial intelligence platform to incorporate sensory input and output for an interactive physical exercise experience.
Physical activity comes in different forms and takes place in different venues. Similarly, physical activity may be controlled or uncontrolled. It is understood that controlled physical therapy may be in the form of self-induced exercise regimen, or may be overseen by a trainer or physical therapist. Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative health that uses specifically designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities. Patients may participate in physical therapy for various reasons, including post-surgery, or healing from an injury. Similarly, as our population ages, physical therapy is needed for our aging population to maintain a controlled environment of physical activity.
Most patients that receive physical therapy have specific goals to achieve through the therapy. At the same time, health insurance may require that specific goals be met within a defined period of time. The most obvious way to measure physical therapy progress for the patient is to track pain and mobility leaves as the therapy progresses. At the same time, outcome data empowers physical therapists to effectively prove their value and clinical level performance. There are tools available to measure physical activity, such as how many steps were walked in a period of time, or how many miles were walked, etc. These tools are limited to measurement of distance with respect to time.
There are advantages that may be attached to these exercise tracking tools. However, like most tools, they have their drawbacks. Many of these drawbacks can be attributed to limited feedback. More specifically, these tools are relatively one-dimensional with respect to the data tracking and associated feedback.

International Business Machines Corporation


An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on an optical disc. A pickup reads the information, and a track buffer memory temporarily accumulates the information therein. A control micro computer start reproducing the information. Then, the computer stops reproducing while accumulating the information in the memory when stop of the reproduction is requested from an external portion during the reproduction. Further, the computer outputs the information accumulated in the memory to resume reproducing it.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information reproducing apparatus and an information reproducing method, and more particularly relates to an information reproducing apparatus and an information reproducing method for carrying out a reproduction control in which the reproduction is stopped in accordance with a command from an external portion during reproduction of information from an information record medium, and after that, the reproduction is resumed.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing an information recorded on an optical disc such as CD (Compact Disc) has been generalized.
As the optical disc that has been generalized in recent years, there is DVD on which a video information and an audio information corresponding to about one movie are recorded. In the information reproducing apparatus for reproducing the information from the DVD, the information read from the DVD is once stored in a buffer memory referred to as a track buffer memory. Then, a necessary amount of the information is outputted to a decoder to carry out a decoding process, so that the information is reproduced.
On the other hand, conventionally, there is a reproducing manner referred to as a continuation reproduction, in which the reproduction is stopped in accordance with a command from an external portion during the reproduction of information from the optical disc. Then, the reproduction is resumed from information following the stopped information.
When the continuation reproduction is carried out in the information reproducing apparatus for the DVD, the reproduction is stopped after a record position (address information) on the DVD of last information out of the information that is actually reproduced and outputted as an image or a sound is stored. Then, a new information is read from the stored record position at the time of resumption of reproduction, so that it is decoded to resume the reproduction.
In the conventional continuation reproduction, the information accumulated in the track buffer memory is perfectly erased at the time of stop of the reproduction. Then, the information read from the record position is newly accumulated at the time of the resumption of the reproduction, so that it is outputted to the decoder for the decoding processing.
However, according to the continuation reproduction method in the conventional information reproducing apparatus, at the time of the resumption of the reproduction, the stored record position is retrieved on the DVD. Then, the information is read from the retrieved record position. Moreover, the read information is accumulated in the track buffer memory. After its accumulation amount becomes equal to a predetermined accumulation amount, the decoding/reproducing processing is started to output the actual image or sound. Thus, this results in a problem that it takes a long time to actually output the image or the sound after a user indicates the resumption of the reproduction.
The present invention is proposed in view of the above mentioned problems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an information reproducing apparatus and an information reproducing method which after stop of reproduction of information, when the reproduction is resumed from information following information outputted at the time of the stop, an actual information can be quickly outputted to resume the reproduction.
The above object of the present invention can be achieved by an information reproducing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The information reproducing apparatus is provided with: a reading device for reading reproduction information recorded in an information record medium; a buffering device for temporarily accumulating the read reproduction information therein and outputting it; and a reproduction controlling device for stopping reproducing the reproduction information while maintaining the reproduction information in the buffering device when a command indicative of stop of reproduction is requested from an external portion during the reproduction of the reproduction information, and outputting the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device to resume reproducing it when a command indicative of resumption of the reproduction is requested from the external portion.
According to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reading device reads reproduction information recorded in the information record medium. Then, the buffering device temporarily accumulates the read reproduction information therein and outputs it to the reproduction controlling device. The reproduction controlling device start reproducing the reproduction information. However, when the command indicative of the stop of the reproduction is requested from the external portion during the reproduction of the reproduction information, the reproduction controlling device stops reproducing the reproduction information while maintaining the reproduction information in the buffering device. Further, when the command indicative of the resumption of the reproduction is requested from the external portion, the reproduction controlling device outputs the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device to resume reproducing it.
Therefore, when the reproduction of the reproduction information is resumed, reproduction information following the reproduction information outputted at the time of the stop of the reproduction can be quickly outputted to resume the reproduction.
In one aspect of the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a monitoring device monitors an accumulation amount of the reproduction information in the buffering device. Further, the reproduction controlling device stops reading the reproduction information from the information record medium when the accumulation amount of the reproduction information reaches a reference accumulation amount after the stop is indicated, in case where the accumulation amount in the buffering device is less than the reference accumulation amount when the stop of the reproduction is indicated, the reference accumulation amount predetermined on the basis of an output of the reproduction information from the buffering device at the time of the resumption of the reproduction.
According to this aspect, if the stop of the reproduction is indicated when the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is less than the reference accumulation amount, the operation for reading the reproduction information is stopped after the accumulation amount is increased to the reference accumulation amount. Thus, it is possible to reserve the accumulation amount of the reproduction information necessary for the first output when the reproduction is resumed. Hence, the output of the reproduction information is never disconnected at the time of the reproduction.
In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus, a stop information outputting device outputs predetermined stop information to the external portion during the stop of the reproduction. Further, the reproduction controlling device starts outputting the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device to the external portion instead of the stop information when a servo control required to read the reproduction information from the information record medium can be resumed at the time of resumption of the reproduction of the reproduction information.
According to this aspect, the output of the accumulated reproduction information is started instead of the stop information, prior to the actual start of the servo control. Thus, the reproduction information can be outputted further quickly when the reproduction is resumed.
In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus, the reproduction controlling device starts outputting the reproduction information when a servo control required to read the reproduction information from the information record medium can be resumed if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information in the buffering device is less than the reference accumulation amount, and starts outputting the reproduction information before the servo control can be resumed if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is equal to or greater than the reference accumulation amount.
According to this aspect, if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is less than the reference accumulation amount, the output of the accumulated reproduction information is started instead of the stop information when the servo control can be resumed. Also, if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is equal to or greater than the reference accumulation amount, the output of the accumulated information is started instead of the stop information before the servo control can be resumed. Thus, it is possible to resume outputting the information further quickly while preventing the reproduction information from stopping.
In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus, a decoder decodes the reproduction information outputted from the buffering device. Then, a record position of the reproduction information on the information record medium, which is completely decoded by the decoder when the stop of the reproduction is indicated, is stored in a non-volatile storage device. Further, the reproduction controlling device resumes reading the reproduction information from the stored record position and then resume reproducing the reproduction information, if a supply of an electric power source to the information reproducing apparatus is cut off for the duration from the time when the stop of the reproduction is indicated to the time when the resumption of the reproduction is indicated.
According to this aspect, even if the supply of the electric power source to the information reproducing apparatus is cut off for the duration from the time when the stop of the reproduction is indicated to the time when the resumption of the reproduction is indicated, the reproduction can be resumed from the reproduction information following the reproduction information reproduced at the time of the stop.
In another aspect of the information reproducing apparatus, the information record medium is an optical disc.
According to this aspect, when the reproduction is resumed after the stop of the reproduction of the reproduction information from the optical disc, it is possible to quickly start the output of the reproduction information to resume the reproduction of the reproduction information.
The above object of the present invention can be achieved by an information reproducing method in accordance with the present invention. The information reproducing method is provided with the processes of: reading reproduction information recorded in an information record medium; temporarily accumulating the read reproduction information in a buffering device; stopping reproducing the reproduction information while maintaining the reproduction information in the buffering device when a command indicative of stop of reproduction is requested from an external portion during the reproduction of the reproduction information; and outputting the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device to resume reproducing it when a command indicative of resumption of the reproduction is requested from the external portion.
According to the information reproducing method of the present invention, the reproduction information recorded in the information record medium is read and temporarily accumulated in the buffering device. Then, it is reproduced. However, when the command indicative of the stop of the reproduction is requested from the external portion during the reproduction of the reproduction information, the reproduction is stopped while the reproduction information is maintained in the buffering device. Also, when the command indicative of the resumption of the reproduction is requested from the external portion, the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device is outputted and the reproduction is resumed.
Therefore, when the reproduction of the reproduction information is resumed, reproduction information following the reproduction information outputted at the time of the stop of the reproduction can be quickly outputted to resume the reproduction.
In one aspect of the information reproducing method, an accumulation amount of the reproduction information in the buffering device is monitored. Then, the reading of the reproduction information from the information record medium is stopped when the accumulation amount in the buffering device is less than a reference accumulation amount after the stop of the reproduction is indicated, in case where the accumulation amount of the reproduction information reaches the reference accumulation amount when the stop of the reproduction is indicated. The reference accumulation amount is predetermined on the basis of an output of the reproduction information from the buffering device at the time of the resumption of the reproduction.
According to this aspect, when the resumption of the reproduction is indicated after the stop of the reproduction of the reproduction information, it is possible to reduce the time until the output of the information is actually resumed.
In another aspect of the information reproducing method, predetermined stop information is outputted to the external portion during the stop of the reproduction. Then, outputting the reproduction information accumulated in the buffering device to the external portion is started instead of the stop information when a servo control required to read the reproduction information from the information record medium can be resumed at the time of resumption of the reproduction of the reproduction information.
According to this aspect, if the stop of the reproduction is indicated when the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is less than the reference accumulation amount, the operation for reading the reproduction information is stopped after the accumulation amount is increased to the reference accumulation amount. Thus, it is possible to reserve the accumulation amount of the reproduction information necessary for the first output when the reproduction is resumed. Hence, the output of the reproduction information is never disconnected at the time of the reproduction.
In another aspect of the information reproducing method, the process of starting outputting the reproduction information starts outputting the reproduction information when a servo control required to read the reproduction information from the information record medium can be resumed if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information in the buffering device is less than the reference accumulation amount, and starts outputting the reproduction information before the servo control can be resumed if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is equal to or greater than the reference accumulation amount.
According to this aspect, if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is less than the reference accumulation amount, the output of the accumulated reproduction information is started instead of the stop information when the servo control can be resumed. Also, if the accumulation amount of the reproduction information is equal to or greater than the reference accumulation amount, the output of the accumulated information is started instead of the stop information before the servo control can be resumed. Thus, it is possible to resume outputting the information further quickly while preventing the reproduction information from stopping.
In another aspect of the information reproducing method, the reproduction information outputted from the buffering device is decoded. Then, a record position of the reproduction information on the information record medium is stored in a non-volatile storage device. The reproduction information is completely decoded when the stop of the reproduction is indicated. Further, if a supply of an electric power source to the information reproducing apparatus is cut off for the duration from the time when the stop of the reproduction is indicated to the time when the resumption of the reproduction is indicated, reading the reproduction information from the stored record position is resumed, and then reproducing the reproduction information is resumed.
According to this aspect, even if the supply of the electric power source to the information reproducing apparatus is cut off for the duration from the time when the stop of the reproduction is indicated to the time when the resumption of the reproduction is indicated, the reproduction can be resumed from the reproduction information following the reproduction information reproduced at the time of the stop.
In another aspect of the information reproducing method, the information record medium is an optical disc.
According to this aspect, when the reproduction is resumed after the stop of the reproduction of the reproduction information from the optical disc, it is possible to quickly start the output of the reproduction information to resume the reproduction of the reproduction information.

Information reproducing apparatus and information reproducing method


A method for comparing the variable reactivity of multiple, differentially mutated copies of 16S subsequences found in a number of ribosomal RNA operons of a single bacterial cell is described. The application of this method for distinguishing between closely related organisms, such as the genera Escherichia and Shigella, and between species of Shigella including S. boydii, S. dysenteriae, S. flexneri, and S. sonnei using nucleic acid probes is also presented.

This invention relates to a method for distinguishing among bacteria within the same taxonomic group based on the reactivity of specific 16S subsequences found within the ribosomal operons of the organisms, using probes during hybridization under conditions of increasing severity (stringency). Hybridization is the process whereby two strands of nucleic acid can interact and, if sufficiently matched in sequence, form a double-stranded structure. By the term probe is meant a marked, single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to the nucleic acid sequences to be detected (target sequences). The use of this method of operon analysis for distinguishing the genera Escherichia from Shigella and for distinguishing among species of Shigella is demonstrated together with nucleic acid probes needed for conducting the analyses.
The terms xe2x80x9cEscherichia coli,xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9cShigella boydii,xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9cShigella dysenteriae,xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9cShigella flexneri,xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cShigella sonneixe2x80x9d refer to the bacteria classified as such in Bergey""s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, 8th Edition, R. D. Buchanan and N. E. Gibbons, Eds., William and Wilkins, 1974, pp. 290-339. Unless specified otherwise the term Shigella will refer collectively to the four species mentioned above.
Detection of Shigella is important for medical diagnosis, public health surveillance, food safety, and other applications. Cases of Shigella, which must be identified by species, are required to be reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks the incidence and prevalence of Shigella in every state in the United States and in the District of Columbia. Current methods of detection are neither simple, straightforward, nor absolute (J. J. Farmer, III and M. T. Kelly, Enterobacteriaceae, in A. Balows, Ed, Fifth Edition, Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Washington, D.C., American Society for Microbiology, 1991.)
Suspected colonies usually are grown on both MacConkey agar and xylose-lysine-deoxycholate agar. Colonies of Shigella missed on one medium may show up on the other. Many laboratories also use Hektoen enteric agar. Enrichment of less than optimum cultures may require GN broth. Selenite broth may be useful for isolating S. sonnei. Suspected colonies of Shigella require confirmation by culture on other types of growth media such as triple sugar iron or Kliger iron agar slants. Colonies that show an alkaline/acid reaction with no H2S or gas then must be screened further by serological analysis with antisera in order to identify each of the species of Shigella.
Even with these procedures, differentiating strains of Shigella from Escherichia coli has proved to be one of the most difficult problems for a clinical microbiology laboratory. Recommended guidelines are complicated by exceptions related to one or more Shigella species. The difficulties inherent in distinguishing these organisms often forces investigators to depend merely on the fact that two Shigella species (S. boydii and S. flexneri) are not as prevalent in the United States, although a significant number of cases do occur, as are the other two species in order to help solidify their diagnoses. Still, the guidelines conclude with the realization that no definitive rules on the identification of Shigella isolates can be made and complete biochemical and serological typing must be done in each instance.
It is yet another aspect of the invention to avoid the disadvantages associated with the traditional culturing and serological identification techniques and to employ nucleic acid probes to distinguish Escherichia coli from Shigella and to identify each of its four associated species.
Efforts to circumvent the difficult, expensive, and time-consuming procedures with a simple yet rapid molecular procedure for differentiating the genus Shigella from the genus Escherichia and for separately identifying each of the four individual species of Shigella has also proved difficult. This has been attributed, in particular, to the very close relatedness of E. coli and all four Shigella species by DNA-DNA hybridization (J. J. Farmer, III and M. T. Kelly, Enterobacteriaceae, in A. Balows, Ed, Fifth Edition, Manual of Clinical Microbiology, Washington, D.C., American Society for Microbiology, 1991.)
Kyriaki Parados and Janice McCarty (U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,481) have identified a set of nucleic acid probes for detection of the genus Shigella and/or E. coli (EIBC) based on specific chromosomal sequences and fragments of Shigella. These probes can neither distinguish between E. coli and Shigella nor can they separately distinguish between one species of Shigella and another. In addition, the relatively large probes (approximately 40 nucleotides each) require hybridization overnight followed by exposure for 15 hours to x-ray film to produce autoradiographs.
Alessio Fasano, Myron M. Levine, James P. Nataro, and Fernando Noriega (U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,380) targeted the enterotoxins of Shigella flexneri2a and produced antibodies to the same, which might be useful primarily for the identification of S. flexneri. Kyriaki Parodos, Hsien-Yeh Hsu, Daid Sobell, Janice M. McCarty, and David J. Lane (U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,565) devised probes capable of hybridizing to rRNA of both E. coli and Shigella species but unable to discriminate among them. Phillippe Sansonetti, Catherine Boileau and Hxc3xa9lxc3xa8ne D""Hauteville (U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,364) targeted the 140 MDalton virulence plasmid of S. flexneri. Their probes are relatively large, ranging in size from about 11.5 kbases to 27 kbases, and identify only combined strains of Shigella and E. coli carrying the virulence plasmid. Long-term hybridization (overnight) is followed by 6 hours of exposure to produce autoradiographs.
A subsequence of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) or its gene presents a potential target for separate identification of E. coli and each of the four species of Shigella through hybridization with appropriate DNA or RNA probes. Portions of rRNA have been found not to be conserved among diverse bacterial species, making them potential hybridization targets for distinguishing between one taxonomic group and another. David E. Kohne (U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,984) discusses such a method for detecting and quantitating organisms. But Kohne does not provide the teaching necessary to make Shigella species-specific probes.
Furthermore, Kohne does not teach how to distinguish among very closely related organisms using probes where a subsequence of a rRNA subunit or rRNA subunit gene is not specific to the taxonomic group (qualitative difference) but rather occurs as multiple but slightly differentiated copies in different proportions among multiple operons for the RNA genes (quantitative difference). An operon is defined as a group of contiguous genes that are coordinately regulated by controlling elements. Nor does Kohne teach the use of probes of sequence specific neither to genus nor species or other taxonomic grouping.
The E. coli chromosome is circular and contains seven operons for rRNA (FIG. 1). A typical rRNA (rrn) operon contains two promoters and genes for 16S, 23S, and 5S rRNA and a single 4S tRNA gene (FIG. 2). When analyzed, the 16S genes of the different E. coli rrn operons have been found to have regions where the sequences have been altered through mutations (Table 1). In some operons the mutations are the same in one particular region and in other operons they are different. Other organisms such as Shigella may either have a different number of operons, different types of operons, a different proportion of a particular mutation in one or more of its operons, one or more mutations in its operons distinct from E. coli or all of these possibilities.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the ribosomal RNA operon on the E. coli chromosome. Each line marks the relative positions of one of the seven rrn operons found on the E. coli chromosome.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a ribosomal RNA operon.
The number of possible potential combinations suggests that hybridization of rrn operon subunit probes specific for 16S does not detect subsequences specific to a taxonomic unit but instead detects a variable number of a targeted mutation within the operons, the number and variability of which may differ from one closely related organism to another. Thus, the rrn operon subsequences for 16S not only exhibit phylogenetic variability between organisms but variability even within a given genus and species of a single organism.
Sequencing of 16S genes in rrn operons does not necessarily clarify the variability seen. The entire process of preparing a plasmid vector containing ligated genetic material from rrn operon 16S genes in order to conduct the sequencing studies fails generally to select either for a specific operon or for a single bacterial cell containing a vector carrying a single rrn operon. DNA representing the rrn operon 16S subsequences, for example, prepared from Shigella is amplified in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using universal primers that are unlikely to discriminate between subsequences from one operon and another. Competent cells carrying the ligated vector are then selected for large-scale cloning. A colony of cells, rather than a single cell or cell clone, is chosen.
In all cases of selection for the sequencing process, heterogenous rrn operon material rather than homogenous rrn operon nucleic acid may be obtained. The resulting genetic sequences may either then represent a broad consensus sequence from all the possible rrn operon subsequences or a skewed sequence representing some but not all of the rrn operons and their different subsequences. This makes it very difficult to predict from the rrn sequences which probe subsequences are most likely to differentiate between one taxonomic group and another.
Hybridization refers to the process whereby sequence-specific, base-paired duplexes from any combination of nucleic acid fragments are formed. A useful measure of the stability of a DNA duplex or an RNA-DNA hybrid is the melting temperature or Tm, which refers to the temperature at which the strands are half dissociated or denatured. Complexity refers to the total length of different sequences present in a sample of nucleic acid. Reassociation is the process of joining together by typical base pairing the two fully separated complementary sequences. Complementary refers to rules of base pairing enunciated by Erwin Chargaff whereby an adenine base pairs with its thymine complement and a guanine base pairs with its cytosine complement.
Hybridization reactions are usually done in a buffered, aqueous medium that may contain other additives. Additives may include detergent, salts, polymers, and blocking agents. The stringency of the hybridization medium may be controlled by temperature, salt concentration, probe concentration, probe length, time, and other factors. The rate of reassociation of two simple DNA strands with complementary sequences and no significant sequence repetition is easily described by practical kinetic equations such as (1) and (2) given below.
H=(1+kCot)xe2x88x921xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
where H=fraction of DNA not bound to hydroxyapatite, k=observed rate constant, Co=original concentration of nucleotides, and t=time in seconds. Hydroxyapatite is used to distinguish single-stranded DNA from double-stranded DNA.
S=(1+kCot)xe2x88x920.44xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
where S=fraction of nucleotides remaining unpaired based on the use of nuclease S1 to differentiate single and double-stranded DNA.
The kinetics describing the rate of reassociation for complex genomes with sequence repetition is more difficult, particularly if bound to a filter or other surface such as an optic fiber. Although bacteria have relatively simple genomes compared to higher organisms, the repetition and multiplicity of the rrn operons in bacteria make their hybridization reactivity difficult to predict. For example, as stringency is increased, sequences that are not perfectly complementary should become less stable. The extent of hybridization of a probe to a given bacterial genome, therefore, might be expected to decrease with increasing temperature if there were some mismatching of bases or, at best, stay the same if there was perfect complementarity.
Stringency washes are usually performed at 3-5xc2x0 C. below the Tm of the perfectly matched probe when differentiation from mismatched sequences is required. The Wallace rule (R. B. Wallace and C. G. Miyada, Methods in Enzymology 152:438, 1990) can be used as follows to calculate the Tm for a probe in order to set the temperature conditions necessary to avoid mismatched sequences:
Tm=(4xc3x97 number of G+C bases)+(2xc3x97 number of A+T bases)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
However, when the Tm is calculated in this matter for each of the probes of the present invention, it is found to be more than 5xc2x0 below the actual Tm as measured in 1 M NaCl. This discrepancy further complicates a determination of stringency for rrn operon analysis. The method of the present invention provides conditions for hybridization of the probes that exceeds the calculated Tm and ensures that stringent conditions are being employed.
Previous studies have shown that a bell-shaped curve describes the relationship between the rate of hybridization and the temperature of incubation for formation of well-matched hybrids (Margaret L. M. Anderson and Bryan D. Young, Quantitative Filter Hybridization, in Roy J. Britten and Eric H. Davidson, Nucleic Acid Hybridization, Academic Press, 1985). The curves show a low relative rate of reassociation of perfectly matched sequences at either end (xe2x88x9250xc2x0 C. below the Tm and at the Tm) of the bell curve and a maximal rate of reassociation at xe2x88x9220xc2x0 C. below the Tm. The rate of reassociation for mismatched sequences falls to zero at xe2x88x9220xc2x0 C. below the Tm.
Such studies do not teach the hybridization reactivity seen when the probes of the present invention directed toward rrn operon 16S subsequences are hybridized at temperatures above their calculated Tm. The studies do not generally predict a loss of hybridization reactivity at temperature a few degrees below the measured Tm followed by a reappearance of hybridization reactivity as the temperature approaches the measured Tm of the probe. This phenomenon is seen, however, for some but not all of the probes used to test E. coli and the Shigella species reported herein. The reactivity of these particular probes with bacterial genomes have neither been previously disclosed or discussed.
The present invention also provides a method for organizing the complexity of probe reactivity with E. coli and Shigella organisms into a hierarchical flow diagram for identifying one or more of these closely related organisms when present in a sample.
In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a diagnostic kit for screening a test sample for the presence of Shigella species or E. coli. Such a kit would contain a nucleic acid probe having specificity for a species specific or genus specific nucleotide.

Methods for identifying species or Shigella and E. coli using operon sequence analysis


A banknote processing device where banknotes are stopped at a predetermined position of a stacker guide without being deformed. Braking means (4) is provided at a portion of a stacker guide (3), and the braking means (4) has a rolling body (7) producing a braking force in the advance direction of an inserted banknote without folding the banknote.

In recent years, banknotes, such as the ¥2000 banknote, which have a length different from those of the banknotes already issued have been issued, and in order to cope with such a situation, i.e., in order to meet the need for handling the above-mentioned plurality of types of banknote which have different lengths with a banknote processing device, a variety of banknote processing devices which have been adapted to accommodate those banknotes having different lengths in the same stacker have been proposed.
For such a banknote processing device which accommodates banknotes having different lengths in the same stacker, it is necessary that, in order to avoid a banknote accommodated in the stacker bulging toward the slit side in the stacker guide, thereby colliding with a banknote subsequently transferred, resulting in occurrence of a paper jam, the trailing edge of a banknote transferred along the slit in the stacker guide be stopped at a predetermined position where it is engaged with the drooping prevention lever.
However, even if it is intended that, after feeding a banknote into the stacker guide, the trailing edge of the banknote is stopped at a predetermined position of the stacker guide, the stopping position of the trailing edge of banknotes having different lengths may vary.
For example, the trailing edge of the banknote having the greatest length among the banknotes handled can be relatively positively stopped at the position where it is engaged with the drooping prevention lever, on the basis of the relationship between the length of the stacker guide and the disposed location of the drooping prevention lever, however, in the case of a banknote having a shorter length, the trailing edge of that banknote may not be stopped at a predetermined position of the stacker guide, i.e., may pass the lower end of the drooping prevention lever, being stopped at a position where it is not engaged with the drooping prevention lever, which may result in occurrence of the above-mentioned paper jam.
Then, conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-163702, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-216209, and Laid-Open No. 2003-91763, has been taken a measure of disposing braking means comprised of a stepped portion for folding the edges of the inserted banknote in the direction of the width in order to increase the friction force to be applied to the transferred banknote in a part of the stacker guide that is at a downstream location in the stacker guide, or a part of a pressure plate for transferring the banknote from the stacker guide to the inside of the stacker, and causing this braking means to exert a braking force to the advance of the banknote transferred into the stacker guide in order to positively stop a banknote with a shorter length as well at the position where it is engaged with the drooping prevention lever.


A cremated remains remembrance system including a vase, an urn, a vase lid and a decorative ring. The vase has an opening formed therein. The vase has a first attachment mechanism. The urn in which cremated remains are placed. The urn may be placed at least partially in the vase opening. The vase lid is capable of engaging the first attachment mechanism to substantially close the vase opening. The decorative ring has an opening extending therethrough. The decorative ring is capable of engaging the first attachment mechanism to substantially cover the first attachment mechanism when the urn is not in the vase opening and the vase lid is not attached to the vase.

Many different frame constructions, depositories, memorial holders and columbarium storage systems have been devised for the interment of human cremated remains for memorialization purposes. Memorial urns have been designed for storing the cremated remains in a repository structure, such as a columbarium or within an individual's residence. Alternatively, cremated remains are placed in a garden at a crematoria, cemetery, or spread at sea or on land at a particular location. In such an instance, a burial urn is not necessary. Placing cremated remains in a garden at a crematorium or cemetery does not allow the cremated remains to be contained in any type of receptacle. This method does not provide a way to preserve the integrity of the cremated remains.
However, there has always been a demand for unique or different ways of memorializing a deceased person. None of these moralizing structures have involved the ability to arrange cinerary urns of individuals, couples or family members in a multi-urn burial container. A burial container is a container that houses the cinerary urns. The burial container maybe eliminated if a burial vault structure is required, which intern will house the cinerary urns.
In the funeral industry cremation has become an accepted option for the interment of human remains. Currently, it is the custom that human remains may be stored in an urn, placed in a columbarium, scattered at a designated location or buried under customary policies or applicable statutes.
In recent years many religions, including various Christian faiths have changed their position on cremation from historically discouragement to acceptance due to the growing reality of cost and space considerations for traditional cemetery burials.
While the church has modified its position and has allowed Christians to select cremation as an option, many still choose the burial of cremated remains as a means of complying with traditional Christian preferences.
Currently, some of the challenges incurred with the burial of cremated human remains are: First, it is very expensive since a burial plot must be purchased. Secondly, one does not generally have total control of the deceased's remains or the preferred burial site location or arrangement. Thirdly, one cannot with certainty, provide interment with a spouse, partner, children, parent or other loved one (cherished person). Finally, one cannot generally relocate the deceased's remains, at a future date, if so desired.


A dispersion of one or more additives to be used in the processing of olefin polymers or copolymers, said dispersion comprising nonextruded particles of olefin polymers containing at least two immiscible polyolefinic phases and having internal voids partially or totally filled by the said additive or additives.

The present invention concerns dispersions and concentrates of additives, which can be used in processing polymers, particularly olefin polymers. It is known that in order to obtain better dispersion of additives in the finished polymeric products, and optimize the properties imparted to said finished products, it is preferable, and sometime necessary, to add the additives to the polymer in form of suitably prepared dispersions or concentrates.
Said dispersions or concentrates are generally obtained by dispersing from relatively low to high concentrations of the additives in materials which are compatible with the polymer materials constituting the finished products. In order to obtain the best usage economy, the concentrates should contain the highest possible quantity of additive while allowing an effective dispersion of the additive to be reached when said concentrates are diluted in polymer materials to obtain the finished products. For this purpose, the solution most commonly used in the art consists of coextruding the additive with a polymer compatible with the polymer materials which constitute the finished product, thus obtaining a concentrate in the form of pellets.
Said pellets are prepared in such a way that they can be used directly in the polymer processing plants.
On the other hand, in the field of olefin polymerization are taking hold, at the present time, some processes by which one can produce polymer particles in regular form, particularly spheroidal ones, and with a controlled particle size distribution.
Said polymer particles, because of their high flowability and absence of fines, can be used directly in the polymer processing plants and represent an economical alternative to the use of pellets. Further, single screw extruders are not designed to handle liquid or low melting additives. Above a concentration of 5-7 weight % of an additive a screw slipping occurs, which leads to a variable quality and a low yield in extruder production.
Moreover, one must remember that extrusion often leads to degradation, and therefore loss, of some of the additive used in preparing concentrates. Therefore, the need for additive dispersions and concentrates obtained directly from the above mentioned polymer particles, thus eliminating the extrusion stage, is strongly felt.
Said dispersions and concentrates should satisfy the typical requirements established in the relevant art, in particular:
1) high additive content in the case of concentrates;
2) ability of producing good dispersion of the additives when the concentrates are diluted in the polymer to be processed;
3) possibility of being used directly in the polymer transformation plants;
4) good storage stability and resistance to damage during transport and processing.
Useful solutions to this problem have been already disclosed in published European patent applications EP 290 149 and EP 459 208 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,231,119 and 5,326,962. All these solutions have in common the fact of using polymer particles substantially consisting of a single polymer phase, selected from homopolymers and copolymers. Moreover, the said homopolymers and copolymers are characterized by a relatively high degree of crystallinity, and consequently, relatively high levels of melting temperature and heat of fusion, which limit their ability of producing good dispersions by mixing the concentrates with other polymers in the molten state. This problem can become dramatical when the said concentrates of the prior art are added to polymers with different crystalline structures or low degrees of crystallinity, as the compatibility between the two kinds of polymers (i.e. the polymer present in the concentrate and the polymer mixed with the concentrate) can become even very low.
Obviously, another limit of the said solutions is that generally the crystalline polymers are rigid and lack softness, so that they would adversely affect the mechanical properties of the polymers mixed with the concentrate, when flexibility and softness are desired.
Therefore it would be useful and desirable to obtain dispersions and concentrates from polymer particles containing two or more different polymeric phases, in order to optimize their compatibility with a large range of polymers, both in terms of miscibility and mechanical properties. This effect could be achieved to the maximum level by using the so called xe2x80x9cpolymer alloysxe2x80x9d wherein the polymer phases are very finely and homogeneously dispersed, thus generating a polymer material which behaves, from many respects, as a single-phase polymer having intermediate properties between its components.
However in the prior art there is no appreciation of the possibility of preparing nonextruded dispersions and concentrates by using these kinds of polymer materials. In fact such polymer materials are generally prepared by sequential polymerization processes, wherein the various polymer phases are caused to grow and accumulate on the polymer particles produced in the preceding polymerization step(s), so that it is common belief that the subsequently added polymer phases tend to cover the surface and fill the voids of the growing polymer particle, thereby reducing drastically the presence of pores and cracks. Actually, the so obtained polymer particles show a relatively smooth surface.
However it has now been found that when such polymer materials are prepared by using certain kinds of polymerization catalysts, preferably carrying out one or more polymerization steps in gas phase, the resulting particles, even if having a rather smooth surface, result to be permeable to liquid additives due to the presence of through-going channels, making it possible for said liquid additives to penetrate inside the particles and fill, partially or totally, the internal voids that are present in such particles as another effect caused by the use of the said polmerization catalyst.
The only document known to the applicant wherein nonextruded polymer particles with an internal cavity are disclosed, is U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,225. However such document, even if suggesting the use of such particles for dispersing liquid additives, does not disclose or suggest how to produce dispersions or concentrates on polyolefin particles containing two or more different polymeric phases.
The distinction between dispersion and concentrate is purely based on the amount of dispersed additive. While the term xe2x80x9cdispersionxe2x80x9d is used here to define materials wherein the dispersed additive content is comprised in a wide range, indicatively from 0.5% up to 25% by weight, the term xe2x80x9cconcentratexe2x80x9d is used to define dispersions preferably containing at least 5% by weight of dispersed additive.
The object of the present invention, therefore, is to obtain a dispersion of one or more additives, in particular liquid or low melting additives, to be used in the processing of olefin polymers or copolymers, said dispersion comprising nonextruded particles of olefin polymers containing at least two immiscible polyolefinic phases and having internal voids partially or totally filled by the said additive or additives, wherein the amount of additive or additives present in the said internal voids is from 0.5 to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the dispersion.
A more specific object of the present invention is to obtain such dispersion in form of a concentrate of one or more additives, in particular liquid or low melting additives, to be used in the processing of olefin polymers or copolymers, said concentrate comprising nonextruded particles of olefin polymers containing at least two immiscible polyolefinic phases and having internal voids partially or totally filled by the said additive or additives, wherein the amount of additive or additives present in the said internal voids is from 5 to 25% by weight, preferably from 10 to 20% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the concentrate.
Nonextruded particles as used herein means as-polymerized particles not subjected to processing or treatments after polymerization. They can be however subjected to the typical treatments usually employed to inactivate the catalyst residues and wash the polymer, like steam treatments.
The said olefin polymer particles constitute the matrix of the dispersion or concentrate, as they contain the additives in the previously specified amounts. They are preferably spherical or spheroidal particles. Their average particle size and particle size distribution are preferably in the same ranges as defined hereinafter for the final dispersions or concentrates. In fact such features are substantially maintained unaltered from the polymer particles to the concentrates obtained from them.
As the said polymer particles are obtainable as a direct product of polymerization, and the polymerization conditions in different points of the polymerization reactor and at different times along the polymerization run are subject to slight fluctuations, the structure of the single particles can vary in terms of shape and volume of the internal voids, so that the content of additives can be different from particle to particle. However when the amount of additive present in the dispersion or concentrate is determined by weighting a significative sample (for instance not less than 0.5 g of dispersion or concentrate), the above said amounts of additive are found.
For xe2x80x9cinternal voidsxe2x80x9d it is meant that such voids are substantially closed inside the polymer particles, except that they communicate with the surface of the particle via through-going channels, in particular pores and/or cracks. Such channels are permeable to liquids and make it possible to fill the internal voids.
The presence of voids in the polymer particles is also revealed by the fact that, before being filled with the additives, such particles show an average pore volume and surface area, measured with the instrument xe2x80x9cPorosimeter 2000xe2x80x9d, using the software xe2x80x9cMilestone 2000xe2x80x9d (both from C. Erba Instruments), generally falling in the following ranges:
pore volume: 100-500 mm3/g;
surface area: 0.1-10 m2/g.
The shape of such voids, in particular the fact that they are internal voids in the previously defined sense, becomes immediately evident when the polymer particles are sectioned and subjected to microscopical inspection.
From particle to particle, the voids can result to be made up of a single cavity, (approximately in the center of the particle), and/or interconnected systems of cavities randomly, radially or concentrically distributed inside the particle. An example is shown in FIG. 1, which is a SEM picture of a sectioned particle having diameter of about 2.5 mm. Thanks to the said structure of the polymer particles, the dispersions and concentrates obtained from them result to be substantially dry on the surface and highly flowable, even when the additive is liquid at room temperature. Therefore the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention are substantially free from swollen and liquid layers on their outside surface, as demonstrated by the fact that they are highly flowable and suitable to be handled in conventional apparatuses for feeding polymers into processing plants.
For xe2x80x9cimmiscible phasesxe2x80x9d it is meant that it is possible to detect, for instance by microscopy, a continuous or discontinuous interface between such phases.
The said interface can be continuous when the concerned phases form a coxe2x80x94continuous structure, while it is discontinuous when the phases are dispersed in separate domains.
As previously said, the best overall properties are obtained when the polymer particles constituting the matrix of the dispersion or concentrate is made of or comprises a polymer alloy.
The polymer alloys are generally characterized by the fact that, after at least one stage of processing in the molten state (for instance extrusion, injection molding), the immiscible phases are capable of constituting a coxe2x80x94continuous structure, or a structure where the dispersed immiscible phases are in form of particles (domains) with an average particle size smaller than 5 xcexcm, preferably smaller than 2 xcexcm, or a coxe2x80x94continuous structure containing also the said domains.
In the nonextruded polymer particles the immiscible phases can constitute relatively larger domains.
Preferred values of particle size, size distribution and flowability for the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention are:
average particle size: 500-7000 microns;
particle size distribution:  greater than 95% by weight between 1000-4000 microns;
flowabilty 5-20 sec.
Flowability is the time needed for 100 g of polymer particles to flow through a funnel with an outlet hole of 1.27 cm in diameter, the walls of which are inclined of 20xc2x0 with respect to the vertical direction.
When the olefin polymer particles used as the matrix of the dispersion or concentrate are spherical or spheroidal (which is a preferred case), the dispersions or concentrates result to be in form of spherical or spheroidal form as well.
Generally, the olefin polymers that can constitute the immiscible polyolefinic phases in the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention are polymers or copolymers, and their mixtures, of Rxe2x80x94CHxe2x95x90CH2 olefins where R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl radical, or an aryl (in particular phenyl) radical. Particularly preferred are the following polymers:
a) isotactic, mainly isotactic or atactic propylene homopolymers, the isotatactic homopolymers having preferably an isotactic index higher than 80;
b) crystalline copolymers of propylene with ethylene and/or C4-C10 xcex1-olefins of the above formula, where R is a C2-C8 alkyl or an aryl (in particular phenyl) radical, such. as for example 1-butene, 1-bexene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, wherein the total comonomer content ranges from 0.05% to 20% by weight, or mixtures of said copolymers with isotactic or mainly isotactic propylene homopolymers;
c) elastomeric copolymers of ethylene with propylene and/or a C4-C10 xcex1-olefin of the said formula, generally containing from 20 to 80% by weight of ethylene, and optionally containing minor quantities (indicatively, from 0.5 to 15% by weight) of a diene, such as butadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, ethylidene-norbornene;
d) homopolymers and coplymers of ethylene, in particular HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE;
e) styrene polymers.
Preferred values of Melt Flow Rate (MFR, according to norm ISO 1238L) and xylene soluble intrinsic viscosity [xcex7] for the said olefin polymers and their mixtures are:
MFR: 0.05-3000 g/10 min.;
Xylene soluble intrinsic viscosity [xcex7]:0.5-7.5 dl/g.
In the olefin polymer particles used as the matrix of the dispersion or concentrate the total quantity of polymerized ethylene, when present, is preferably from 15% to 35% by weight, more preferably from 20 to 35% by weight.
Preferred examples of olefin polymers constituting the matrix of the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention are the heterophasic compositions comprising, in parts by weight:
A) 10-60, preferably 10-50 and more preferably 20-40 of homopolymer of propylene with isotactic index greater than 80, preferably from 85 to 98, or of a copolymer of propylene with ethylene, or a CH2xe2x95x90CHR xcex1-olefin where R is a 2-8 carbon alkyl radical or a combination thereof, which copolymer contains over 85%, preferably from 90 to 99% by weight of propylene, and has an isotactic index higher than 80;
B) 0-40, preferably 0-30, more preferably 2-15, of a copolymer fraction containing ethylene, insoluble in xylene at room temperature (about 23xc2x0 C.);
C) 30-80, preferably 30-70, more preferably 40-70, of a copolymer fraction of ethylene and (i) propylene or (ii) another CH2xe2x95x90CHR xcex1-olefin, where R is a 2-8 carbon alkyl radical, or (iii) a combination thereof, optionally with minor amounts of a diene (such as butadiene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, ethylidene-norbornene), containing from 20 to 80% by weight, preferably 25-75%, more preferably 25-70% by weight of ethylene, said fraction being also soluble in xylene at room temperature.
In such compositions, the component (A) constitutes one immiscible phase, and components (B) and (C) can be separated into two immiscible phases or form together a single immiscible phase. The said compositions are preferably in form of polymer alloy, in the previously defined sense.
The total quantity of copolymerized ethylene is preferably from 15% to 35% by weight, more preferably from 20 to 35% by weight.
Component (B) is preferably a copolymer of ethylene with the same xcex1-olefins present in (C). Preferably the amount of ethylene in (B) is of 40% or 50% by weight or more, in particular 80% by weight or more.
Said compositions, moreover, have a flexural modulus of less than 1000 MPa, preferably less than 700 MPa, generally from 20 to 500 MPa.
The diene, when present, is typically in an amount of from 0.5 to 10% by weight with respect to the weight of (B)+(C).
The additives to be added to the matrix to obtain the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention should be liquid at room temperature or at a temperature lower than the melting or softening point of the olefin polymer constituting at least one of the phases (preferably at least one continuous phase) in the matrix. Preferably the additives should be liquid at a temperature at least 20xc2x0 C. lower than the melting or softening point of at lest one of the said phases.
It is however to be considered that also additives which, in pure state, are not liquid at such temperatures can be used, as they can be added in form of solutions or eutectic mixtures with other additives or substances that can act as solvents or produce mixtures having a lower melting point.
In alternative, such additives, in particular process coadiuvants and modifiers, colors, may be dispersed in form of fine particles in a liquid carrier to give a suspension. The carriers generally contain surfactants to disperse the additive, diluents to control viscosity, and various other substances to aid compatibility in various resins and reduce settling. Preferably the average size of the said particles in the suspension is equal to or higher than 1 xcexcm.
The term xe2x80x9cadditivexe2x80x9d is meant to embrace any substance that can be added to a base polymer to modify its structure and/or properties, therefore any distinction between additives and other substances generally added to polymers is not valid in the case of the present invention. Examples of such additives are hereinafter given.
1) Stabilizers.
Specific examples of stabilizers are:
antacids, such as sodium lactate (concentrate aqueous solution) and epoxidized soybean oil;
light and thermal stabilizers, such as hindered amines, oligomeric polysiloxane hindered amines, low basicity N-methyl or N-alkyl hindered amines, for instance polymethylpropyl 3-oxy-[4(2,2,6,6tetramethyl) piperidinyl]siloxane or bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6,tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate or N-butyl-2,2,6,6-teramethyl-4-piperidinamine or 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetra methylpiperidine;
antioxidants, such as phenols and phosphites, for instance polydialkylsiloxanes containing siloxy units having pendant sterically hindered phenols, or tri(nonyl phenyl) phosphite or octyl diphenyl phosphite;
thermal stabilizers such as thioesters and thioethers, for instance pentaerythrityl hexylthiopropionate or dilauryl thiodipropionate;
2) Processing coadiuvants and modifiers.
Specific examples are:
lubricant and antistatic agents, as for example glyceryl monostearate, waxes and paraffin oils and ethoxylated amines;
molecular weight and rheology modifiers, such as peroxides (for instance dicumylperoxide; tert. Butylcumylperoxide; di(tert.butylperoxy isopropyl)benzene; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert.butylperoxy)hexane; di(tert.butyl)peroxide; 3,3,6,6,9,9,-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5-tetraoxa cyclononane);
coupling and crosslinking agents, such as maleic anhydride and vinyl trimethoxy silane; amino silanes; bifunctional polysulfidic organosilanes; organic titanates;
silicone oils and other silicon based additives; such as polydimethylsiloxanes or modified amino, epoxy or methacrylate polydimethylsiloxanes;
plasticizers, for instance hydrocarbon oils, poly-xcex1-olefin oligomes, esters, phosphates, that are incorporated into thermoplastic blends composition to improve flexibility, low temperature properties, sealing, processability and other properties; in particular, aromatic, naphthenic and paraffinic oils; xcex1-alkene oligomers liquid at room temperature; liquide adipates, tallates, sebacates, oleates, glutarates, trimellitates, citrates; 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate and triaryl phosphate ester;
anti-fogging and antistatic agents (for example sorbitan esters, glycerol esters, glycerol fatty acid esters, alkyl sulphonates, penta-erytritol esters, ethoxylated synthetic amines, polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate, glycerol oleate);
crosslinking coagents such triallylcyanurate, triallylisocyanurate, triallylphosphate, triallyltrimellitate, diallylphthalate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, liquid polybutadiene, isophoronmaleammic acid (IPM);
dyes and liquid colour pastes.
The nonextruded particles of olefin polymers to be used in the preparation of the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention can be prepared by sequential polymerization in at least two polymerization steps. Such polymerization is carried out in the presence of stereospecific Ziegler-Natta catalysts. An essential component of said catalysts is a solid catalyst component comprising a titanium compound having at least one titanium-halogen bond, and an electron-donor compound, both supported on a magnesium halide in active form. Another essential component (co-catalyst) is an organoaluminum compound, such as an aluminum alkyl compound.
An external donor is optionally added.
The solid catalyst components used in said catalysts comprise, as electron-donors (internal donors), compounds selected from the group consisting of ethers, ketones, lactones, compounds containing N, P and/or S atoms, and esters of mono- and dicarboxylic acids. Particularly suitable electron-donor compounds are phthalic acid esters, such as diisobutyl, dioctyl, diphenyl and benzylbutyl phthalate.
Other particularly suitable electron-donor compounds are 1,3-diethers of formula:
wherein RI and RII are the same or different and are C1-C18 alkyl, C3-C18 cycloalkyl or C7-C18 aryl radicals; RIII and RIV are the same or different and are C1-C4 alkyl radicals; or are the 1,3-diethers in which the carbon atom in position 2 belongs to a cyclic or polycyclic structure made up of 5, 6, or 7 carbon atoms, or of 5-n or 6-nxe2x80x2 carbon atoms, and respectively n nitrogen atoms and nxe2x80x2 heteroatoms. selected from the group consisting of N, O, S and Si, where n is 1 or 2 and nxe2x80x2 is 1, 2, or 3, said structure containing two or three unsaturations (cyclopolyenic structure), and optionally being condensed with other cyclic structures, or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl radicals; cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl radicals and halogens, or being condensed with other cyclic structures and substituted with one or more of the above mentioned substituents that can also be bonded to the condensed cyclic structures; one or more of the above mentioned alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl radicals and the condensed cyclic structures optionally containing one or more heteroatoms as substitutes for carbon or hydrogen atoms, or both.
Ethers of this type are described in published European patent applications 361493 and 728769.
Representative examples of said dieters are 2-methyl-2-isopropyl-1,3-dimethoxypropane, 2,2-diisobutyl-1,3-dimethoxypropane, 2-isopropyl-2-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethoxypropane, 2-isopropyl-2-isoamyl-1,3-dimethoxypropane, 9,9-bis (methoxymethyl) fluorene.
In the solid catalyst component the titanium compound, expressed as Ti, is generally present in an amount from 0.5 to 10% by weight. The quantity of electron-donor compound which remains fixed on the solid catalyst component generally is 5 to 20% by moles with respect to the magnesium dihalide.
The titanium compounds which can be used for the preparation of the solid catalyst component are the halides and the halogen alcoholates of titanium. Titanium tetrachloride is the preferred compound.
The active form of magnesium halide in the solid catalyst component can be recognized by the fact that in the X-ray spectrum of the catalyst component the maximum intensity reflection appearing in the spectrum of the nonactivated magnesium halide (having a surface area smaller than 3 m2/g) is no longer present, but in its place there is a halo with the maximum intensity shifted with respect to the position of the maximum intensity reflection of the nonactivated magnesium dihalide, or by the fact that the maximum intensity reflection shows a width at half-peak at least 30% greater than the one of the maximum intensity reflection which appears in the spectrum of the nonactivated magnesium halide. The most active forms are those where the above mentioned halo appears in the X-ray spectrum of the solid catalyst component.
Among magnesium halides, the magnesium chloride is preferred. In the case of the most active forms of magnesium chloride, the X-ray spectrum of the solid catalyst component shows a halo instead of the reflection which in the spectrum of the nonactivated chloride appears at 2.56 xc3x85.
The Al-alkyl compounds used as co-catalysts comprise the Al-trialkyls, such as Al-triethyl, Al-triisobutyl, Al-tri-n-butyl, and linear or cyclic Al-alkyl compounds containing two or more Al atoms bonded to each other by way of 0 or N atoms, or SO4 or SO3 groups.
The Al-alkyl compound is generally used in such a quantity that the Al/Ti ratio be from 1 to 1000.
The electron-donor compounds that can be used as external donors include aromatic acid esters such as alkyl benzoates, and in particular silicon compounds containing at least one Sixe2x80x94OR bond, where R is a hydrocarbon radical.
Examples of silicon compounds are (tert-butyl)2 Si (OCH3)2, (cyclohexyl) (methyl) Si (OCH3)2, (phenyl)2 Si (OCH3)2 and (cyclopentyl)2 Si (OCH3)2. 1,3-diethers having the formulae described above can also be used advantageously. If the internal donor is one of these dieters, the external donors can be omitted.
In order to obtain the compositions of the invention in flowable spherical particles having the said internal voids and permeability, it is critical that the solid catalyst component present the following properties:
surface area less than 100 m2/g, preferably from 50 to 80 m2/g;
porosity: from 0.25 to 0.4 cc/g;
both surface area and porosity being determined with the B.E.T. method (for instance by using a SORPTOMATIC 1800-C. Erba).
The catalyst component can be prepared, for example, with the following methods.
A magnesium chloride adduct with alcohols, containing generally 3 moles alcohol per mole MgCl2, is obtained in spherical particles by emulsifying the adduct, in the molten state, in an inert hydrocarbon liquid immiscible with the adduct, and then cooling the emulsion very quickly in order to cause a solidification of the adduct in spherical particle form.
The particles then undergo a partial dealcoholation by way of a heating cycle at temperatures from 50xc2x0 C. and 130xc2x0 C., which brings the alcohol content from 3 to 1-1.5 moles per mole MgCl2.
The adduct is then suspended in cold TiCl4 (typically at 0xc2x0 C.), at a concentration of 40-50 g/l, and then brought to 80-135xc2x0 C. where it is maintained for 1-2 hours.
An electron-donor compound is added to the TiCl4.
The excess TiCl4 is separated hot by way of filtration or sedimentation, and the treatment with TiCl4 and, optionally, with the electron-donor compound, is repeated one or more times; afterwards, the solid is washed with an inert solvent (for example, heptane or hexane) and then dried.
The catalyst component thus obtained presents the following characteristics:
surface area less than 100 m2/g, preferably from 50 to 80 m2/g;
porosity: from 0.25 to 0.4 cc/g;
a pore volume distribution wherein more than 50% of the total volume of said pores have a radius greater than 100 xc3x85;
X-ray spectrum: presence of halo with maximum intensity at 2xcex6 angles from 33.5xc2x0 and 35xc2x0, and where there is no reflection at 2xcex6=14.95xc2x0.
Examples of these catalyst components and of heterophasic compositions prepared by using them in sequential polymerization are reported in European published patent applications 395083, 400333 and 472946.
As previously said, the polymerization process can be carried out in at least two sequential steps, wherein the polyolefinic phases are prepared in separate subsequent steps, operating in each step, except the first step, in the presence of the polymer formed and the catalyst used in the preceding step. The catalyst is generally added only in the first step, however its activity is such that it is still active for all the subsequent step(s).
The regulation of the molecular weight is carried out by using known regulators, hydrogen in particular.
By properly dosing the concentration of the molecular weight regulator in the relevant steps, the previously described MFR and [xcex7] values are obtained.
The whole polymerization process, which can be continuous or batch, is carried out following known techniques and operating in liquid phase, in the presence or not of inert diluent, or in gas phase, or by mixed liquid-gas techniques. It is preferable to operate in gas phase. Generally there is no need for intermediate steps except for the degassing of unreacted monomers.
Reaction time, pressure and temperature relative to each step are not critical, however it is best if the temperature is from 20 to 100xc2x0 C. The pressure can be atmospheric or higher.
The catalysts can be pre-contacted with small amounts of olefins (prepolymerization).
Depending on the physical state of the substances which are used as additives, one can use different variations in the preparation process of the concentrates.
If one uses liquid substances at room temperature, they can be added as such or with adequate diluents to the polymer particles constituting the matrix of the dispersions and concentrates.
If one uses substances which melt at temperatures lower than the melting or softening point of at least one of the polymer phases which make up the matrix of the dispersions and concentrates, said substances can be added in the molten state.
It is preferable to use materials which are liquid or when melted have a viscosity lower than 10 P.
In any case, the concentrates of the present invention can be prepared very simply, by feeding the matrix polymer particles and at least one additive in normal mixers for powders, and mixing for the desired residence time.
The preferred mixers are those having a velocity from about 150 rpm (for mixers with an internal volume of about 130 liters), up to 500 rpm (for mixers with a smaller internal volume of up to about 10 liters) which are thermoregulated. The use of thermoregulated mixers is particularly recommended in order to optimize and control the viscosity of the liquids and the meltable substances.
Normally, in order to obtain the dispersions and concentrates of the present invention with the best results, residence times in the mixers of a few minutes are sufficient.
The preparation of the dispersions and concentrates can be continuous or discontinuous.
The mixers are equipped with spray-feeders for the liquids, and hopper-feeders for the solids. The substances which can be fed in the molten state are normally melted in autoclaves under nitrogen.
With the processes described above it is possible to obtain concentrates with yields up to 100% with respect to the additives.
The following examples are given to illustrate and not limit the present invention.

Nonextruded dispersions and concentrates of additives on olefin polymers


An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform the steps of acquiring first pattern data representing stitches that form a first pattern and second pattern data representing stitches that form a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern being two patterns to be sewn by embroidery in mutually adjacent positions, generating, in a case where the two patterns are to be sewn on a sewing object that is formed of a soluble material, connecting data representing a connecting stitch based on the first pattern data and the second pattern data, the and generating, from the acquired first pattern data, the acquired second pattern data and the generated connecting data, embroidery data to sew the two patterns and the connecting stitch.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that is capable of generating embroidery data to sew an embroidery pattern using an embroidery sewing machine, and to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that cause an apparatus to generate the embroidery data.
A technique is known that creates a so-called openwork pattern (lace embroidery, for example). For example, a method is known in which, after performing embroidery on a mesh portion on a base fabric that melts in heat or dissolves in water, the openwork pattern is formed by melting or dissolving the base fabric in the mesh portion.

Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium


A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of an industrial food mixing bowl of, for example, a dough mixer includes a cleaning lance with a spray nozzle assembly at an end of the lance, an actuator operable to reciprocally insert and retract the lance into or out of a food mixer bowl, and a pump operable to deliver cleaning fluid under pressure over a conduit to the lance and spray nozzle assembly.

A typical food mixer, such as a dough mixer for mixing or kneading dough used in food such as bread products, biscuits or pastry, has a mixing bowl, a mixing or kneading tool that is driven to rotate within the mixing bowl, and an electric motor for driving the mixing tool. In use the dry and liquid ingredients are added to the mixing bowl and the mixer operates to mix or knead the ingredients to form dough. On completion the dough is removed from the mixing bowl.
Typically there is residual dough mixture adhered to the interior of the mixing bowl after the dough has been removed. It is necessary to clean the interior of the mixing bowl and the mixing or kneading tool before the next use. Commonly the mixing bowl is cleaned manually to hand scrape excess dough from the interior of the mixing bowl. A quantity of water is then supplied into the mixing bowl from a hose for example, the mixing bowl lid is closed and the mixer is run for up to thirty minutes. The water and dough are then tipped from the mixing bowl. During cleaning the mixer is out of operation, decreasing the production output from the mixer. Alternatively it is known for the mixer operator to scrape and then wash out the mixing bowl by hand with a hose. The water and removed dough are tipped out of the mixing bowl ready for the next batch of dough ingredients.
Both the above require the mixer operator to lean over or climb into the interior of the mixing bowl, which risks personal injury. During both of the above the area around the mixing bowl becomes wet and slippery, also creating a risk of injury to the operator.
As increasingly a higher standard of cleaning is required, to minimise the risk of any allergen build-up that would otherwise pose a hazard to consumers, the time required to acceptably clean a mixing bowl is increasing. This further increases production plant downtime.

The Trustees of the La Strada No. 2 Trust


A model management system for a building, including one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The one or more memory devices are configured to store instructions to be executed on the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to determine whether chiller fault data exists in chiller data used to generate a plurality of chiller shutdown prediction models. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a first performance evaluation value for each of the plurality of chiller shutdown prediction models using a first evaluation technique in response to a determination that chiller fault data exists in the chiller data, and generate a second performance evaluation value for each of the plurality of chiller shutdown prediction models using a second evaluation technique in response to a determination that chiller fault data does not exist in the chiller data. The one or more processors are configured to select one of the plurality of chiller shutdown prediction models based on the first performance evaluation in response to the determination that chiller fault data exists in the chiller data, and select one of the plurality of chiller shutdown prediction models based on the second performance evaluation in response to the determination that chiller fault data does not exist in the chiller data.

The present disclosure relates generally to chillers operating in conjunction with HVAC systems. The present disclosure relates more particularly to predicting chiller faults using models trained with machine learning and deep learning.
Chillers are often found in buildings and are components of HVAC systems. Chillers are subject to faults, which can cause unplanned shutdowns due to safety and other concerns. More specifically, chiller shutdowns may cause loss of efficiency, as well as damage to other expensive HVAC equipment during a shutdown. It is desirable to predict chiller shutdowns prior to shutdowns occurring.
Chiller faults are often unexpected and difficult to predict. Various factors may cause a chiller fault including overuse, required maintenance, safety concerns and environmental conditions, among other possible factors. With many factors capable of influencing sudden chiller faults, predicting future chiller failure is challenging.

Adaptive selection of machine learning/deep learning model with optimal hyper-parameters for anomaly detection of connected chillers


An asynchronous persistent group bonus game system, method and apparatus may have a plurality of gaming machines including a first processor and a bonus server having a second processor. The first processor may be configured to: determine when a bonus game session event is triggered, transmit a bonus game session request to the second processor, and receive an end session notification from the second processor. The second processor may be configured to execute and maintain the always-on asynchronous persistent group bonus game, receive a bonus game session request from at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, instantiate a bonus game session inside the continuous asynchronous persistent group bonus game for the at least one gaming machine, determine when an end session trigger has been triggered for the bonus game session, and transmit an end session notification to the at least one gaming machine if it is determined that the end session condition has been triggered.

Gaming machines generally require the player to place or make a wager to activate the primary game of chance. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher the award). Generally, symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to occur usually provide higher awards and/or allow the player to play a bonus game.
The bonus games usually provide an additional award to the player. The bonus games usually do not require an additional wager by the player to be activated and may generally be activated by a triggering symbol or combination played in the primary game of chance. When a bonus game is triggered, the gaming machine generally indicates this to the player through one or more visual and/or audio output devices, such as reels, lights, speakers, video screens, and the like.
In the recent years, casino games where multiple players sharing a bonus game were also introduced. Typically, five to eight slot machines surround a shared bonus screen. When the bonus game is triggered, and one or more players may optionally participate in the bonus game. However, the bonus game is short in duration (typically well less than half a minute), all eligible players must be there at the same time to participate, and the passive player(s) do not interact with each other—or with the bonus game. Thus, these group-like bonus games are solitary individual bonus games that are just happened to be played on a common platform. Without interaction with the bonus game, without interaction between players, with the brief nature of the group bonus game, and with the small number of players in a group participating simultaneously, the group-like bonus game offers no additional benefit and improvement over the single player bonus game. In fact, given an opt-in choice to participate in the group-like bonus game, eligible players normally opt-out and wait their turn so that they can play the bonus game by themselves. This defeats the purpose of the group game environment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Asynchronous persistent group bonus game


A first process to be executed by an apparatus and a second process to be executed by an apparatus to obtain a composite image by compositing a real space image with a virtual space image are determined by negotiation. The apparatus (101) transmits data necessary for executing the second process to the apparatus. The apparatus executes the second process by using the data and transmits the process result to the apparatus. The apparatus receives the process result by the apparatus and executes the first process. The apparatus displays a composite image obtained on the basis of the result of the first process or a composite image obtained on the basis of the process result and the received process result.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique of providing a composite image obtained by compositing a real space image and a virtual space image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mixed reality, i.e., so-called MR is recently known as a technology of merging a real world and a virtual world seamlessly in real time. There is an MR technology using a video see-through HMD (Head Mounted Display). An object almost matching an object observed from the pupil position of an HMD wearer is sensed by, e.g., a video camera. A CG (Computer Graphics) image is superimposed on the sensed image to generate a mixed reality image. The mixed reality image is provided to the HMD wearer.
FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of a general mixed reality system using a video see-through HMD. As shown in FIG. 29, the system includes an image processing apparatus 3002 and a video see-through HMD 3001.
As shown in FIG. 29, the video see-through HMD 3001 includes an image sensing unit 3003 that senses the outside world, a display unit 3004 that displays an MR image obtained by compositing a real space image sensed by the image sensing unit 3003 with a CG image, a three-dimensional position and orientation sensor unit 3005 to calculate the position and orientation of the viewpoint of the video see-through HMD 3001, and an I/F 3006 functioning as an interface for data communication with the image processing apparatus 3002.
The image processing apparatus 3002 generates a CG image on the basis of the sensed image and three-dimensional position and orientation information received from the video see-through HMD 3001 and generates a composite image by compositing the CG image with the sensed image. Generally, an apparatus such as a personal computer or workstation with an advanced calculation processing function and graphic display function is used as the image processing apparatus 3002.
The image sensing unit 3003 senses an observation image in the outside world which can be seen from a viewpoint almost matching that of the observer who is wearing the video see-through HMD 3001 on the head. More specifically, the image sensing unit 3003 includes two sets of image sensing elements and optical systems which respectively correspond to the right and left eyes and generate a stereoscopic image, and a DSP that executes an image process of the succeeding stage.
The display unit 3004 displays the composite image of the sensed image and CG image. The display unit 3004 also includes two sets of display devices and optical systems for the right and left eyes. A small liquid crystal device or a retina scan type device by MEMS is used as the display device.
The three-dimensional position and orientation sensor unit 3005 obtains the position and orientation information of the viewpoint of the observer. The three-dimensional position and orientation sensor unit 3005 uses a magnetic sensor or a gyro sensor (acceleration and angular velocity).
The I/F 3006 transmits a real space image sensed by-the image sensing unit 3003 and position and orientation information measured by the three-dimensional position and orientation sensor unit 3005 to the image processing apparatus 3002 and receives a composite image generated on the side of the image processing apparatus 3002. The I/F 3006 that is required to transmit an enormous quantity of data in real time uses a metal line such as a USB or IEEE1394 or an optical fiber such as GigabitEthernet.
The components of the image processing apparatus 3002 will be described next.
An I/F 3007 on the side of the image processing apparatus 3002 functions as an interface for data communication with the video see-through HMD 3001.
A position and orientation information generation unit 3008 obtains the position and orientation of the viewpoint of the observer. To do this, the position and orientation are obtained by using the position and orientation information received from the three-dimensional position and orientation sensor unit 3005. In addition, a marker in the sensed image from the video see-through HMD 3001 is extracted, and the position and orientation are corrected on the basis of the marker position.
A content DB (database) 3009 holds data to be used to display each virtual object included in a virtual space. A CG rendering unit 3010 forms a virtual space by using the data stored in the content DB 3009 and generates a virtual space image (CG image) observed from the viewpoint of the position and orientation based on the position and orientation information generated by the position and orientation information generation unit 3008.
An image composition unit 3011 generates a composite image (MR image) by compositing a CG image generated by the CG rendering unit 3010 with a sensed image received from the video see-through HMD 3001 and sends the composite image to the video see-through HMD 3001 via the I/F 3007. The display unit 3004 displays the received composite image, as described above.
With the above-described arrangement and process, the observer who wears the video see-through HMD 3001 on the head can experience, before his/her eyes, a mixed reality space obtained by merging a real space and a virtual space seamlessly in real time.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-88913 discloses a general MR technology and system configuration (FIGS. 7A and 7B; paragraph No. 0035).
However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.
To obtain a more real MR space, the resolution and tonality of the sensed image and CG image (virtual image) must be high. To display a more smooth moving image, a higher frame rate is necessary. To meet these requirements, the data amount of a sensed image and MR image dramatically increases. The transmission band to transmit/receive the data is also required to be very wide. Especially when data transmission is done by wireless communication, the transmission band is limited as compared to a wired system. It is therefore very difficult to simultaneously ensure a high resolution, a high tonality, and a high frame rate for moving image display and real-time image display with a minimum delay time.
Image processing for accurate registration is executed only on the side of the image processing apparatus, i.e., one of the apparatuses included in the system. For this reason, the load is heavy. The time required for information processing for registration mainly executed by software is also increasing. This may hinder implementation of MR that should minimize the delay.

Image processing system, image processing apparatus, image sensing apparatus, and control method thereof


A new and distinct Coreopsis plant named ‘Autumn Blush’ characterized by prolific, bicolor soft yellow and maroon daisy-type flowers on a low mounding plant with linearly lobed leaves.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct hybrid of Coreopsis and given the cultivar name 'Autumn Blush'. Coreopsis is in the family Asteraceae. This new cultivar originated from a controlled cross in a cultivated area of Coreopsis 'Limerock Ruby' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,455) mutant (a proprietary, unreleased plant) as the seed parent and Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana', an unpatented plant, as the pollen parent.