The present invention provides a gas pressurized separation system to strip a product gas from a liquid stream and yield a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas. The system comprises a gas pressurized stripping apparatus, such as a column, with at least one first inlet allowing flow of one or more liquid streams in a first direction and at least one second inlet allowing flow of one or more high pressure gas streams in a second direction, to strip the product gas into the high pressure gas stream and yield through at least one outlet a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas; and two or more heat supplying apparatuses provided at different locations along the column. Processes for separating a product gas from a gaseous mixture to yield a high pressure gaseous effluent containing the product gas, utilize the gas pressurized separation system described above.

CO2 capture from utility flue gas is the most expensive step in an integrated carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) process. The current commercial state of the art of capture technology utilizes amine-based absorption technology. A typical, conventional process 10 using an absorption column 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Raw flue gas 14 enters the absorption column 12 and clean flue gas 16 exits as described below. A CO2-lean solution 18 enters into an absorption column 12 from the top and flows downward. By contacting the flue gas countercurrent, the solution absorbs most of the CO2 in the flue gas in the absorption column 12 and produces a CO2-rich solution exiting at 20. The CO2-rich solution goes through pump 22 and in line 24 goes through heat exchanger 26. After exchanging heat with the CO2-lean solution from the bottom of the stripping column 30, or stripper, the rich solution in line 28 enters the stripper 30 from the top and flows downwards. CO2 in the rich solution is stripped out by water vapor flowing upward. The heat required to strip the absorbed CO2 is entirely provided by water vapor. Line 44 provides pulls water/steam from the stripper 30 to be supplied to a reboiler 46 at the bottom of the stripper 30 with associated steam line 46. The heated water vapor from the reboiler 46 is supplied to the bottom of the stripper 30 through line 50. The CO2-lean solution in line 32 from the bottom of the stripper 30 goes through pump 34 and to the cross heat exchanger 26 through line 36. The CO2-lean solution from the stripper 30 exits heat exchanger 26 in line 38 and is then further cooled in cooling unit 40 before it enters the absorber in line 18 and the cycle repeats. Make-up solvent (amine) may be added through line 42 into the lean solution. The stripped CO2 exits the stripper 30 at the top in line 52 extending through cooler 56, having return line 58, with CO2 leaving through line 60.
A conventional absorption/stripping process is energy intensive. The heat requirement in the stripper consists of three components:Qtotal=Qsensible+Qreaction+Qstripping  (1)
Here Qreaction is the heat of reaction (also called heat of absorption), which is the same as the heat released during absorption in the absorption column; Qsensible is the sensible heat, which is the heat required to heat the CO2-rich solution from its temperature entering the stripper to the temperature of CO2-lean solution leaving the reboiler; and Qstripping is the stripping heat, that is, the heat required to generate the water vapor coming out from the top of the stripper. Each component can be calculated by the following respective equations:
                              Q          Sensible                =                                                            C                p                                                          (                                                      T                    lean                                    -                                      T                    feed                                                  )                                                    Δ                                                                                Loading                                =                                    H              Lean                        -                          H              Rich                                                          (        2        )                                          Q          reaction                =                  Δ                                                                          H            reaction                                              (        3        )                                          Q          stripping                =                                            (                                                P                                      H                                                                                2                                        O                                                                    P                                      CO                                                                                2                                                              )                                      Top                                                                                of                                                                                the                                                                                stripper                                ×          Δ                                                                          H                          H                                                                                2                            O                                                          (        4        )            Here,□Loading is the CO2 difference per kg in solution between lean and rich;Cp is the heat capacity of the solution in kJ/kg solution;□Hreaction and □HH2O are the heat of reaction and heat of vaporization of water, respectively;TA and TS are the absorption and stripping temperatures, respectively;TLean and Tfeed are the temperature of lean solution from the stripper and the temperature of the rich solution to the stripper (after cross heat exchanger);HLean and HRich are the enthalpy of the lean solution and the rich solution;PH2O and PCO2 are the partial pressures of water and CO2 respectively; andR is the gas constant.
When monoethanolamine (MEA) is used as solvent, the Qsensible, Qreaction, and Qstripping for the amine-based absorption processes are roughly 480, 800, and 270 Btu/lb CO2 respectively, with a total of around 1550 Btu/lb CO2.
There are several fundamental disadvantages to the conventional stripping processes, including: (a) The operating pressure of the stripper is determined by vapor pressure of the CO2-lean solution in the reboiler, which in turn is determined by composition of lean solution and the reboiler temperature. In order to increase the operating pressure the temperature in the reboiler has to be raised, which is often limited by the stability of the amine solvents. The reboiler temperature in a conventional stripper is typically at 120° C. and the operating pressure is thus limited at around 28 psia, (b) Heat required for CO2 stripping is entirely provided by water vapor generated in the reboiler. Thus, water vapor is used not only as stripping gas but also as a heat carrier. Due to the dual functions of steam PH2O and PCO2 in the stripper from bottom to top are all correlated with each other, (c) Due to the low operating pressure (˜28 psia) of the stripper (thus low pressure of CO2 product), a large amount of compression work is required to compress the CO2 product to a pipeline transportation-ready pressure (∞2250 psia).
As noted above, current state-of-the-art technology for CO2 separation from post-combustion flue gas uses amine-based absorption processes. However, all amine-based absorption processes use steam as the heat carrying medium and stripping gas and thus the operating pressure of the stripper is determined by the reboiler temperature. Recent attempts to overcome the drawbacks of conventional systems include using a non-steam stripping gas into the stripping system. One would expect that the added stripping gas should be easily separated from CO2 and aqueous solution; organic vapors are therefore ideal selections. For example, in one study, an organic compound (hexane) was added into the stripping system to increase the pressure of the stripper. However, no external heat sources except heat from the reboiler were added to the stripping column and as a result, the temperature distribution within the stripper is coupled. Therefore, the energy performance of hexane stripping system was even worse than the conventional stripping system.
Others have addressed carbon dioxide recovery in a variety of applications including U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002-0081256 to Chakravarti, Shrikar, et al. discloses carbon dioxide recovery at high pressure which (A) providing a gaseous feed stream comprising carbon dioxide, wherein the pressure of said feed stream is up to 30 psia; (B) preferentially absorbing carbon dioxide from said feed stream into a liquid absorbent fluid to form a carbon dioxide enriched liquid absorbent stream; (C) in any sequence or simultaneously, pressurizing said carbon dioxide enriched liquid absorbent stream to a pressure sufficient to enable the stream to reach the top of the stripper at a pressure of 35 psia or greater, and heating the carbon dioxide enriched liquid absorbent stream to obtain a heated carbon dioxide enriched liquid absorbent stream; and (D) stripping carbon dioxide from said carbon dioxide enriched liquid absorbent stream in a stripper operating at a pressure of 35 psia or greater and recovering from said stripper a gaseous carbon dioxide product stream having a pressure of 35 psia or greater. In another aspect of this process, the stripped liquid absorbent fluid from the stripper is recycled to step (B).
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002-0026779 to Chakravarti, Shrikar, et al. discloses a system for recovering absorbate such as carbon dioxide from an oxygen containing mixture wherein carbon dioxide is concentrated in an alkanolamine containing absorption fluid, oxygen is separated from the absorption fluid, the resulting fluid is heated, and carbon dioxide is steam stripped from the absorption fluid and recovered.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002-0132864 to Searle, Ronald G., discloses a method for recovering carbon dioxide from an ethylene oxide production process and using the recovered carbon dioxide as a carbon source for methanol synthesis. More specifically, carbon dioxide recovered from an ethylene oxide production process is used to produce a syngas stream. The syngas stream is then used to produce methanol.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004-0123737 to Filippi, Ermanno, et al. discloses a process for the separation and recovery of carbon dioxide from waste gases produced by combustible oxidation is described comprising the steps of feeding a flow of waste gas to a gas semipermeable material, separating a gaseous flow comprising high concentrated carbon dioxide from said flow of waste gas through said gas semipermeable material, and employing at least a portion of said gaseous flow comprising high concentrated carbon dioxide as feed raw material in an industrial production plant and/or stockpiling at least a portion of said gaseous flow comprising carbon dioxide.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004-0253159 to Hakka, Leo E., et al. discloses process for recovering CO2 from a feed gas stream comprises treating the feed gas stream with a regenerated absorbent comprising at least one tertiary amine absorbent having a pKa for the amino function of from about 6.5 to about 9 in the presence of an oxidation inhibitor to obtain a CO2 rich stream and subsequently treating the CO2 rich stream to obtain the regenerated absorbent and a CO2 rich product stream. The feed gas stream may also include SO2 and/or NOx.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-0132884 to Hakka, Leo E., et al. discloses a method of making a product gas mixture comprising providing a first gas mixture, contacting the first gas mixture with a lean absorber liquid at a first pressure and absorbing a portion of the first gas mixture in the lean absorber liquid to provide a rich absorber liquid and a non-absorbed residual gas, pressurizing the rich absorber liquid provide a pressurized rich absorber liquid, stripping the pressurized rich absorber liquid with a stripping gas at a second pressure greater than the first pressure to provide a pressurized lean absorber liquid and the product gas mixture, and reducing the pressure of the pressurized lean absorber liquid to provide the lean absorber liquid at the first pressure.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0204425 to Kamijo, Takashi, et al. discloses an apparatus and a method for recovering CO2 are provided in which energy efficiency is improved. The apparatus for recovering CO2 includes a flow path for returning extracted, temperature risen semi-lean solution into a regeneration tower wherein at least a part of the semi-lean solution obtained by removing a partial CO2 from a rich solution infused in a regeneration tower from an upper part of the regeneration tower is extracted, raised its temperature by heat exchanging with a high-temperature waste gas in a gas duct of an industrial facility such as a boiler, and then returned into the regeneration tower.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006-0248890 to Iijima, Masaki, et al. discloses a carbon dioxide recovery system capable of suppressing reduction in turbine output at the time of regenerating an absorption liquid with carbon dioxide absorbed therein, a power generation system using the carbon dioxide recovery system, and a method for these systems. The carbon dioxide recovery system includes a carbon dioxide absorption tower which absorbs and removes carbon dioxide from a combustion exhaust gas of a boiler by an absorption liquid; and a regeneration tower which heats and regenerates a loaded absorption liquid with carbon dioxide absorbed therein, is characterized in that the regeneration tower is provided with plural loaded absorption liquid heating means in multiple stages, which heat the loaded absorption liquid and remove carbon dioxide in the load absorption liquid, in that a turbine driven and rotated by steam of the boiler is provided with plural lines which extract plural kinds of steam with different pressures from the turbine and which supply the plural kinds of steam to the plural loaded absorption liquid heating means as their heating sources, and in that the plural lines are connected to make the pressure of supplied steam increased from a preceding stage of the plural loaded absorption liquid heating means to a post stage of the plural loaded absorption liquid heating means.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0028774 to Rochelle, Gary discloses a process for regeneration of an aqueous solution from an acid gas process wherein an acid gas such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, or a mixture thereof is removed from gaseous streams using aqueous absorption and stripping processes. By replacing the conventional stripper used to regenerate the aqueous solvent and capture the acid gas with a multipressure stripper (51) that combines acid gas compression with stripping, less energy is consumed. The multipressure stripper is a multistage flash (52, 55, 59) in which the total vapor flow from each stage is compressed and fed to the bottom of the previous flash stage at a higher pressure. In this process, the heat in the water content of the vapor exiting each stage is utilized at a higher pressure in the previous stage. The described stripping process generates the acid gas at a higher pressure without operating the stripper at a higher temperature, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the system.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0148068 to Burgers, Kenneth L, et al. discloses an alkanolamine absorbent solution useful in recovering carbon dioxide from feed gas streams is reclaimed by subjecting it to vaporization in two or more stages under decreasing pressures.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0148069 to Chakravarti, Shrikar, et al. discloses a system in which carbon dioxide is recovered in concentrated form from a gas feed stream also containing oxygen by absorbing carbon dioxide and oxygen into an amine solution that also contains another organic component, removing oxygen, and recovering carbon dioxide from the absorbent.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0227355 to Menzel, Johannes discloses a method for displacing acid gas constituents from natural gas to acid gas removal installations equipped with Claus installations with free capacities. To this end: a portion of the acid gas is removed from a first flow of natural gas containing acid gas; the acid gas removed from the first flow of natural gas is fed to at least one other acid gas removal installation, whereby this feeding results in the acid gas removed from the first flow of natural gas being mixed with at least one second flow of natural gas with which it is transported to at least one other acid gas removal installation. The removal of the acid gas contained in the first flow of natural gas is preferably carried out by means of an absorption method during which the portion of the acid gas to be removed is washed out from the first flow of natural gas by means of a regenerated non-chemically acting absorbing medium. The loaded absorbing medium is subsequently heated, and the heated absorbing medium is fed to the top of a desorption column. An at least partially-purified flow of natural gas serving as stripping gas is fed to the bottom of this desorption column, and the stripping gas, together with the desorbed acid gas, is admixed to a second flow of natural gas.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0283813 to Iijima, Masaki, et al. discloses a CO2 recovery system which includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A regeneration heater heats lean solution that accumulates near a bottom portion of the regeneration tower with saturated steam thereby producing steam condensate from the saturated steam. A steam-condensate heat exchanger heats the rich solution conveyed from the absorption tower to the regeneration tower with the steam condensate. See also U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008-0056972; 2008-0223215; and 2009-0193970 to Iijima, Masaki, et al.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0016868 to Ochs, Thomas L., et al. discloses a method of reducing pollutants exhausted into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels. The disclosed process removes nitrogen from air for combustion, separates the solid combustion products from the gases and vapors and can capture the entire vapor/gas stream for sequestration leaving near-zero emissions.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0072752 to Kumar, Ravi discloses a vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes and apparatus to recover carbon dioxide having a purity of approximately 90 mole % from streams containing at least carbon dioxide and hydrogen (e.g., syngas). The feed to the carbon dioxide VPSA unit can be at super ambient pressure. The carbon dioxide VPSA unit produces three streams, a hydrogen-enriched stream, a hydrogen-depleted stream and a carbon dioxide product stream. The recovered carbon dioxide can be further upgraded, sequestered or used in applications such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0159937 to Ouimet, Michel a., et al. discloses that "it has surprisingly been determined that using selected amines, a [Carbon Dioxide] capture process may be conducted using substantially reduced energy input."
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008-0286189 to Find, Rasmus, et al. discloses a method for recovery of high purity carbon dioxide, which is substantially free of nitrogen oxides. This reference also discloses a plant for recovery of said high purity carbon dioxide comprising an absorption column, a flash column, a stripper column, and a purification unit.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0202410 to Kawatra, Surendra K., et al. discloses a process for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide that would otherwise enter the atmosphere and contribute to global warming and other problems. CO2 capture is accomplished by reacting carbon dioxide in flue gas with an alkali metal carbonate, or a metal oxide, particularly containing an alkaline earth metal or iron, to form a carbonate salt. A preferred carbonate for CO2 capture is a dilute aqueous solution of additive-free (NA2CO3). Other carbonates include (K2CO3) or other metal ion that can produce both a carbonate and a bicarbonate salt.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0211447 to Lichtfers, Ute, et al. discloses a process for the recovery of carbon dioxide, which includes: (a) an absorption step of bringing a carbon dioxide-containing gaseous feed stream into gas-liquid contact with an absorbing fluid, whereby at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the gaseous stream is absorbed into the absorbing fluid to produce (i) a refined gaseous stream having a reduced carbon dioxide content and (ii) an carbon dioxide-rich absorbing fluid; and (b) a regeneration step of treating the carbon dioxide-rich absorbing fluid at a pressure of greater than 3 bar (absolute pressure) so as to liberate carbon dioxide and regenerate a carbon dioxide-lean absorbing fluid which is recycled for use in the absorption step, in which the absorbing fluid is an aqueous amine solution containing a tertiary aliphatic alkanol amine and an effective amount of a carbon dioxide absorption promoter, the tertiary aliphatic alkanol amine showing little decomposition under specified conditions of temperature and pressure under co-existence with carbon dioxide.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0235822 to Anand, Ashok K., et al discloses a CO2 system having an acid gas removal system to selectively remove CO2 from shifted syngas, the acid gas removal system including at least one stage, e.g. a flash tank, for CO2 removal from an input stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent, the method of recovering CO2 in the acid gas removal system including: elevating a pressure of the stream of dissolved carbon dioxide in physical solvent; and elevating the temperature of the pressurized stream upstream of at least one CO2 removal stage.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-00037521 to Vakil, Tarun D., et al discloses a new steam reformer unit design, an hydrogen PSA unit design, a hydrogen/nitrogen enrichment unit design, and processing scheme application. The discussed result of these innovations allegedly results in re-allocating most of the total hydrogen plant CO2 emissions load to high pressure syngas stream exiting the water gas shift reactor while minimizing the CO2 emissions load from the reformer furnace flue gas.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-0005966 to Wibberley, Louis discloses a CO2 capture method in which at an absorber station, CO2 is absorbed from a gas stream into a suitable solvent whereby to convert the solvent into a CO2-enriched medium, which is conveyed to a desorber station, typically nearer to a solar energy field than to the absorber station. Working fluid, heated in the solar energy field by insulation, is employed to effect desorption of CO2 from the CO2-enriched medium, whereby to produce separate CO2 and regenerated solvent streams. The regenerated solvent stream is recycled to the absorber station. The CO2-enriched medium and/or the regenerated solvent stream may be selectively accumulated so as to respectively optimize the timing and rate of absorption and desorption of CO2 and/or to provide storage of solar energy.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-0024476 to Shah, Minish M., et al discloses a carbon dioxide recovery process in which carbon dioxide-containing gas such as flue gas and a carbon dioxide-rich stream are compressed and the combined streams are then treated to desorb moisture onto adsorbent beds and then subjected to subambient-temperature processing to produce a carbon dioxide product stream and a vent stream. The vent stream is treated to produce a carbon dioxide-depleted stream which can be used to desorb moisture from the beds, and a carbon dioxide-rich stream which is combined with the carbon dioxide-containing gas.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-0083696 to Hoang-Dinh, Viep et al discloses a method for treating a gas mixture containing acid gases comprising: contacting the gas mixture with an absorbing solution, by means of which a de-acidified gas mixture and an absorbing solution loaded with acid gases may be obtained; and regenerating the absorbing solution loaded with acid gases; wherein the regeneration comprises the following steps: passing the absorbing solution into a first regenerator at a first pressure; and then passing the absorbing solution into a second regenerator at a second pressure, less than the first pressure; and compressing the gases from the second regenerator and recycling the thereby compressed gases to the first regenerator, subsequent to passing into the second regenerator, passing the absorbing solution into a third regenerator at a third pressure less than the second pressure; and compressing the gases from the third regenerator and recycling the thereby compressed gases to the second regenerator; and wherein at least a portion of the gases from the second and/or the third regenerator is drawn off in order to provide a gas mixture rich in hydrogen sulfide and at least a portion of the gases from the first regenerator is drawn off in order to provide a gas mixture rich in carbon dioxide.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-0107872 to Bethell, Warwick James discloses a process and apparatus for treating a biogas stream. The treatment is both to increase methane content and reduce H2S content, said process comprising at least, (i) taking a biogas stream having both a methane and carbon dioxide content and including an H2S content, (ii) scrubbing the stream (with or without prior modification, e.g. any one or more of compression, partition, stripping, flashing, recycle in part, etc.), (iii) drying the wet stream from step (ii) stream, and (iv) removing H2S from step (iii) stream to a level below 0.005%.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011-0192191 to Timminns, Cyril et al discloses a process for at least partly regenerating a first absorption solvent stream, at high pressure, and loaded with a dissolved gaseous component X; comprising the following steps: contacting a feed gas stream with a lean second absorption solvent stream thereby producing a rich second solvent stream and a stripping gas stream that has a lower concentration of X than said feed gas stream; heating at least part of said rich second solvent stream by up to 100° C. before or during contacting it with a part of said stripping gas stream to produce a regenerated second solvent stream; and regenerating the loaded first solvent stream by contacting this stream with a further part of said stripping gas stream to yield a regenerated first solvent stream.
The above identified patent publications are helpful for identifying certain concepts known in the art and are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally relevant and incorporated herein by reference is U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,662 disclosing a method of making a product gas mixture comprising providing a first gas mixture, contacting the first gas mixture with a lean absorber liquid at a first pressure and absorbing a portion of the first gas mixture in the lean absorber liquid to provide a rich absorber liquid and a non-absorbed residual gas, pressurizing the rich absorber liquid provide a pressurized rich absorber liquid, stripping the pressurized rich absorber liquid with a stripping gas at a second pressure greater than the first pressure to provide a pressurized lean absorber liquid and the product gas mixture, and reducing the pressure of the pressurized lean absorber liquid to provide the lean absorber liquid at the first pressure.
It would be desirable to develop a separation system and separation processes that overcome issues of the prior art systems and reduce the energy consumption of a separation process significantly.

Gas pressurized separation column and process to generate a high pressure product gas


A search unit 11 presents a Web search result report to a client terminal 20. A theme space construction unit 12 updates theme information within a theme information DB 13 by a user-acquired information feedback from the client terminal 20, and performs a Web search to construct a theme space. The search unit 11 includes an exhaustivity calculation unit that calculates exhaustivity being a ratio of a user-acquired part to a part of an entire target theme. Moreover, the search unit 11 includes a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between a “user-acquired” range when a user has acquired target Web pages and a user-acquired range before that, and a relevance calculation unit that calculates relevance of the target Web pages to the target theme.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information filtering apparatus, and more particularly, to an information filtering apparatus for collecting and filtering information relating to a specific theme from the Web and the like, exhaustively and efficiently.
2. Description of the Related Art
A great variety of information exists on the Web, and it requires a great amount of time and effort on the part of a user to filter and collect information that satisfies his/her request from such information. Conventionally, it has been proposed to reduce the burden of information collecting work by using the history of a user's past information filtering or by contriving a technique for filtering information.
Patent Literature 1 proposes a learning apparatus that automatically learns individual user preferences for information provided from electronic information media and the like, from a user's actual evaluation values, and preferentially presents information suitable for individual users by use of the learning result.
Non-Patent Literature 1 proposes a method for filtering information required by a user by repeating, for document collections, a process of clustering at a system side, selection at a user side, then integration and clustering at the system side, and selection at the user side, such as a system clustering document collection based on the content, and a user selecting a cluster, the system integrating and re-clustering the selected content, and the user selecting a cluster.    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. H09-54780    Non-Patent Literature 1: Douglass R. Cutting, David R. Karger, Jan O. Pedersen, and John W. Tukey, "Scatter/Gather: A Cluster-based Approach to Browsing Large Document Collections," Proc. of the 15th Annual International ACM SIGIR Conference on Research and Development in Information Retrieval, pp. 318-329, 1992.
The learning apparatus of Patent Literature 1 is for eliminating the necessity of considering what preference a user has for his/her required information so as to allow easy selection of the information required by the user from a plurality of pieces of information. However, there exist on the Web a large number of pages with overlapping content. In the learning apparatus of Patent Literature 1, this has not been taken into consideration, and therefore when information is collected from the Web by use of this apparatus, a large number of information including pages with overlapping content is to be presented. Because the user must finally browse the large number of information to select required information, there is a problem that the burden of information collecting work on the user increases with an increasing number of information to be presented.
According to the method of Non-Patent Literature 1, a user can filter similar documents by using clustering in the system and select required information. However, in this method as well, as in the learning apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, the existence of documents with overlapping content has not been taken into consideration, and therefore, there is a problem that the burden on the user in final information filtering increases with an increasing number of documents.


A lightweight bicycle frame having improved rear fork rigidity constructed by attaching the front section of a left and a right subassembly each having a "C" shaped cross-section and each being the mirror image of each other to which is attached to the rear section of the connected subassemblies to form the rear fork of the frame a third subassembly substantially in the form of an oval folded about its minor axis approximately 160 to 166 degrees which provides improved rigidity to said rear fork and a front fork similarly constructed from two "C" shaped subassemblies which are connected to each other at a tap section thereof to which is attached at a lower section thereof a third "U" shaped subassembly which provides further lightweightness to the bicycle assembled from said front fork.

This invention relates to a novel bicycle frame and the method of constructing the bicycle frame.
It is highly desirable to produce a bicycle having a frame that is both rigid and lightweight. Rigidity prevents bending of the frame during cycling. It is desirable to eliminate since bending of the frame because it causes a loss of pedal energy. A lightweight bicycle is highly desirable especially in racing bicycles since less energy is required to propel a lightweight bicycle. The present invention provides a preferred frame and front fork for a bicycle having both low weight and front and rear fork rigidity. This invention is also directed to the method for constructing said bicycle frame and front fork.
This invention is directed to a lightweight rigid bicycle frame comprising left and right subassemblies which are the mirror image of each other; each subassembly has a "C" shaped cross-section; each subassembly has a forward end and a rear end; and the left subassembly is attached to the right subassembly at the forward ends thereof to form the frame having a front section and a rear section comprising:
(a) a head tube; PA1 (b) a crank housing; PA1 (c) a rear fork; PA1 (d) a top hollow member having a front end and a rear end wherein said front end is attached to the head tube; PA1 (e) a down hollow member having a forward and a rear end wherein said forward end is attached to the head tube; and PA1 (f) a seat down hollow member having a top end and a bottom end wherein said top end is attached to the rear end of the top hollow member and the bottom end is attached to the crank housing; the rear section of the frame consisting of the rear end of said left and right subassemblies which are separated from each other to form a cavity to which is inserted and attached a rear subassembly having a "C" shaped cross-section and which is in the shape of an oval folded about its minor axis to form said rear fork of the frame comprising:
(i) two seatstay hollow members each having a forward end and a rear end wherein the forward ends are attached to the top of the seat down hollow member; and PA2 (ii) two chainstay hollow members each having a forward end and a rear end wherein the forward ends are attached to the crank housing and the rear end of one of the chainstay hollow members is attached to the rear end of the other chainstay hollow member.
This invention is further directed to a lightweight front bicycle fork similarly formed from left and right subassemblies attached at the top ends to form a tubular section of the fork which fits into the head tube of the bicycle wherein the bottom portions of the left and right subassemblies form a cavity to which is attached a "U" shaped subassembly. The front fork of this invention is lightweight and rigid.

Lightweight bicycle with improved front and rear wheel fork and method of constructing same


An improved fluid level verification apparatus with an integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments. The preferred light source is a light emitting diode (LED). A second embodiment of the integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments is applied to a fluid reservoir tank.

The present invention relates generally to devices that illuminate fluid level verification gauges which are operable to measure the amount of fluid present in a fluid container such as a tank, machine, or other article of manufacture and more specifically, devices where the source of illumination is integrated with the fluid level gauge as a single unit and activated by a sensor that detects movement such as the presence of a person. Alternatively, the present invention relates generally to devices that illuminate fluid reservoirs which are operative to dispense fluids, such as lubricants to a machine or article of manufacture. Again, more specifically devices where the source of illumination is integrated with the fluid reservoir as a single unit and activated by a sensor that detects movement such as the presence of a person.
Fluid level verification devices are known in the art. A fluid level verification device provides for an inspection tube having an interior conduit dimensioned to create an interference fit with an o-ring used to hermetically seal the inspection tube to one or more end members. A more common fluid level verification device in the art provides for an inspection tube whereby both ends incorporate grooving and o-rings that seal with opposing end members to isolate the inspection tube from the environment. A fluid level verification device in the art may also provide for an external shield positioned about the inspection tube to protect it from damage.
Illuminating a fluid level verification apparatus is also known in the art. For example, the prior art describes a lighting assembly that aids in the visual indication of the fluid level in a container by utilizing fiber optic light cables in combination with a gas filled light source to illuminate the transparent fluid level indication viewing window. Another fluid level verification apparatus in the prior art provides for a separate backlighting illumination apparatus that attaches to sight glasses that indicate fluid level or flow. Yet another fluid level verification apparatus in the prior art provides a liquid level gauge having a chamber connected to a tank containing a liquid, a transparent member in the wall of the chamber, a light transmitting transparent rod extending through the chamber, and a light source shining rays of light into the rod from the exterior.
In addition, at present there are a variety of reservoirs for containing and dispensing fluids, such as lubricants. One common prior art reservoir uses a cylindrical or rectangular container with a screw on top cover. Another uses a cylindrical or rectangular container with a screw on bottom cover. In both instances, the containers may be made from glass or plastic. Another typical prior art reservoir utilizes a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a cylindrical body and a centrally located tie rod to secure the end plates to each end of the cylindrical body. It is critical that these reservoirs have sufficient levels of liquid, such as a lubricant within the reservoir and that these reservoirs are refilled before reaching an empty condition.
Prior art has successfully introduced the ability to verify the fluid level in fluid level gauges and reservoirs in dark or dimly lit environments through various illumination devices. However, although some of the prior art contemplates sources of illumination that are integral to the fluid level gauge, no integral sources of illumination are coupled with a sensor that actives the source of illumination by the detection of motion or another non-contact means. The current sources of illumination embodied in the prior art require either indefinite activation of a light source or activation through a manual switching mechanism. Therefore, a need exists for a fluid level verification apparatus with an integral source of illumination coupled with an activating sensor that detects the presence of a foreign body or movement.

Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source


A present invention is intended to provide a semiconductor device having a structure in which devices are formed in a thin layer (18) of silicon carbide having reduced crystal faults on a silicon substrate (2). A silicon dioxide layer (4) is formed on the semiconductor substrate (2) (FIG. 2A). The silicon dioxide layer (4) is then provided with openings (14) (FIG. 2D). Silicon carbide is grown from the openings until it covers the insulating layer to thereby form a silicon carbide crystal layer (16) (FIG. 3A). The silicon carbide crystal layer (16) is then covered by a SOG layer 20 over the whole surface and subjected to anisotropic etching, whereby a thin layer of silicon carbide is left on the substrate (2) (FIG. 3C). Semiconductor circuit devices are formed in this thin layer (18). Since the layer (18) is grown laterally and has almost uniform plane orientation, it can provide a semiconductor device formed therein with superior electrical characteristics.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing semiconductor devices and, more particularly, to a method for manufacturing a thin layer of silicon carbide having a high degree of crystallinity with reduced crystal faults on a silicon substrate.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Epitaxial growth carried out on a silicon substrate is a technique used to obtain a silicon carbide crystal layer. The silicon carbide crystal layer obtained in this way is then used to form semiconductor devices therein. A manufacturing method for such a semiconductor device is described below.
First, a thin layer of a silicon substrate 2 is provided. Then the temperature of silicon substrate 2 is increased to the approximate range of 1100.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. The silicon substrate is placed in a mixture consisting of hydrogen gas serving as carrier gas and a few percent of a source gas (for example, SiH.sub.4, SiH.sub.6 or SiH.sub.2 CL.sub.6), whereby a silicon carbide crystal layer 3 is epitaxially grown on the silicon substrate 2, as shown in FIG. 1. Changing the concentration of the source gas serves to control thickness of the silicon carbide crystal layer 3. The silicon carbide crystal layer 3 thus obtained is used to form semiconductor devices (not shown) therein.
However, the conventional technique described above suffers from certain drawbacks. It is by heteroepitaxial growth that the silicon carbide crystal layer 3 is formed onto the silicon substrate 2. Consequently, there are differences between the silicon substrate 2 and the silicon carbide crystal layer 3 with regard to the lattice constant, the thermal expansion coefficient and chemical binding. As a result, the silicon carbide crystal layer 3 formed thereby has crystal faults, above all, stacking faults. These faults deteriorate the electrical characteristics of circuit devices formed in the silicon carbide crystal layer 3 and cause problems for its application as a semiconductor circuit.

Thin silicon carbide layer on an insulating layer

H01L
310312
ICL H01L
ICL H01L
ICL H01L
ICL H01L
ICL H01L
ICL H01L


A method is provided of determining a heat treatment to apply to a structural member so as to modify the deformation behavior of the structural member when subjected to an applied stress. The method includes first simulating the deformation behavior of the structural member when subjected to the applied stress. The effect of at least one heat treatment upon a part of the structural member is then simulated so as to determine a heat treatment to apply to the part of the structural member so as to produce a modified deformation behavior.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of determining a heat treatment to apply to a structural member, in particular to modify the deformation behavior of the member. The invention also relates to impact protection members when heat treated, so as to modify their deformation behavior.
In a vehicle crash situation, energy absorbing structures experience large variations in the local stresses and strains. While some regions of a member need to withstand high stresses, other areas are required to accommodate high strains in order to avoid problems of brittle fracture. The particular alloy, for example an aluminium alloy, that is chosen for the structure should be selected with both of these criteria in mind.
Increasing the gauge thickness in the product will normally satisfy the stress requirements but not without imposing a weight limitation. Quite often, high strength alloys are not suitable in crash absorbing products due to their limited ability to withstand high strains in exposed regions of the part. Traditionally, the solution to this problem is to select a more ductile alloy with less yield strength. This again brings back the problem of insufficient strength of the structure, which must be compensated for by increasing the gauge thickness.
When designing automotive parts, due attention must be given to the deformation behavior of the structure when it is submitted to high stresses or strains, for example during an accident. In particular, the front and rear bumper beams represent particularly exposed regions, and large efforts are put in controlling the deformation behavior of these regions. The more energy that can be absorbed in the outer part of the structure, the less damage is caused to the remaining internal part of the structure of the vehicle.
When constructing bumper beams, different methods are used in order to control the deformation behavior. For example, the use of tilted partitions and non-uniform plate thicknesses makes it possible to attain favorable deformation behaviors. Such physical geometrical features are, however, demanding and expensive to produce. Great effort is therefore directed at the construction of the simplest possible structure, which also exhibits the best possible deformation behavior.
2. Description of the Related Art
One example of a composite bumper of this kind is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,355 which discloses a bumper section which is integrally molded with lugs. The bumper section and lugs each contain elongated reinforcement fibers. The energy of a crash is absorbed, at least in part, by the deformation of the lugs.
To enhance the effectiveness of bumper beams, crash boxes have been introduced between the inner vehicle structure and the external structure. When the forces on a crash box exceed certain critical values, the crash box deforms and thereby absorbs energy.
As is the case for bumper beams, the deformation behavior of a crash box during an impact is critical. If the crash box resists too high a stress, its impact absorbing capacity will occur after damage is done to the vehicle structure. If there are protrusions or holes in the side walls of the crash box, they will generate local zones of high stress concentration. The possibility of local crack propagation in these zones is increased due to the stress concentration. Cracking changes the deformation behavior of the crash box, and the ability to absorb energy by deformation is reduced when extensive cracking occurs.
One method of improving the ductility in a bearing member for a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,207. The bearing member is subjected to a heat treatment to change the mechanical properties of the material from which the bearing member is constructed. As a result, the deformation behavior of the material is improved.
There is, therefore, a desire to provide an improved method of modifying the deformation behavior in such structural members, the goal being to achieve a fast and low cost method that is versatile in its applicability to different types of structural members.

Method of determining a heat treatment and member so treated


A printing method and a printing system are provided in which a fast printing speed is achieved, a variety of ultraviolet curable inks can be used, and excellent transfer properties to a printing object can be achieved. First, print processing is performed, thereby printing an image on a transfer pad, next, provisional curing processing is performed, thereby provisionally curing an ultraviolet curable ink applied to the transfer pad, next, transfer processing is performed, thereby transferring the ultraviolet curable ink landed on the transfer pad to a printing object, and next, final curing processing is performed, thereby performing final curing of the ultraviolet curable ink transferred to the printing object. In this way, transfer printing of an image to the printing object can be performed by a single transfer. In addition, if the transfer printing is finished, cleaning processing is performed, thereby cleaning the transfer pad.

In the past, as a method of performing printing on the surface of a resin product, a metal product, or the like, pad printing has been known. In the pad printing, printing is performed as follows. First, after an ink is applied onto an intaglio plate with a printing pattern carved therein, the ink is pushed into the printing pattern of the intaglio plate by using a blade or the like and the ink on places other than the inside of the printing pattern is removed. Subsequently, a transfer pad having elasticity is pressed against the intaglio plate from above, so that the ink in the printing pattern is transferred to the transfer pad. Thereafter, the transfer pad with the printing pattern transferred thereto is pressed against a printing object, so that the ink forming the printing pattern is transferred to the printing object, whereby printing is performed.
Further, as a printing method on a printing object having a curved surface, a method is disclosed in which printing is directly performed on a planar original plate by an ink jet system, a viscosity increasing treatment is performed on the ink on the planar original plate, the ink is transferred from the planar original plate to a soft pad having a curved surface of a shape approximately similar to that of the printing curved surface of the printing object, and the soft pad is brought into contact with the printing surface of the printing object, so that transfer and fixing are performed (refer to PTL 1).
In addition, in recent years, a method has been disclosed in which an ultraviolet curable ink image is printed on a planar original plate by ink jet, UV irradiation is performed on the ultraviolet curable ink image, thereby making the ultraviolet curable ink image be in a half-dry state, the ultraviolet curable ink image in the half-dry state is transferred to the surface of an elastic blanket, the ultraviolet curable ink image transferred to the elastic blanket is offset-printed to a printing object, and the offset-printed ultraviolet curable ink image is dried and fixed (refer to PTL 2).


The invention concerns a solid state memory, comprising multiple logical units. The solid state memory contains an internal buffer for temporarily storing the incoming data steam before the incoming data are programmed to at least one page. The internal buffer keeps data that are not yet programmed in case a switch from one logical unit to another is performed. A method for operating such a device is presented.

Such devices are known from US patent publication US2008/0183949, which describes a method for programming a flash memory. Programming within this context is understood by a person skilled in the art as writing or storing bits in the flash memory cells. Programming data on a flash memory is done by programming data of one page at one time. If not enough data is provided at the end of the data stream to program a full page, the page programmed at the end of the data stream is only partially filled. If the data stream to be programmed continues later on, there is a partially filled page between other fully filled pages. This can be regarded as insufficient. A better solution is provided by reading out again the partially filled data page and completing the data with data later provided to be written and then programming a full data page to the flash memory. Partially filled pages are reduced at the cost of additional read and programming cycles.
US patent publication US2006/0136656 describes a block as the minimum erasable unit of a flash memory. It further describes the problem of partially filled pages which cannot be erased easily because the minimum erasable unit is not a page but a block. Thus, the flash memory is worn down unnecessarily.
The effect of partially filled pages also arises when a switching operation between two logical units is performed. When a switch from a first logical unit to a second logical unit is performed, the data left in an input buffer is programmed to the first logical unit and after that the switching to the second logical unit is made. If later on data are programmed to the first logical unit, a new page is used for programming the data and thus, partially used pages arise in the logical unit.
According to the Open NAND Flash Interface Specification (ONFI), writing data to a NAND Flash device is done by issuing a PROGRAM PAGE command with the corresponding logical unit number (LUN), block address and page address to the target. Afterwards data of a complete memory page, usually multiple kilobytes, is written to the page register of the selected logical unit. When a full page is written to the page register, the logical unit starts to program the data to its memory array. During programming, the logical unit is busy and the next page can be written to the logical units' page register after programming of the first page is finished. After a complete page has been written to the page register and the page program has been started, the other logical units of the target could be selected and used. The ONFI specification provides also a possibility to program partial pages, but that would implicate additional programming times and the reachable bandwidth would decrease.
The following programming instructions are defined according to the ONFI specification:                PAGE PROGRAM: Data is written to the data register and programming starts after the data phase has finished.        PAGE CACHE PROGRAM: Data is written to the data register and after the data phase is finished, the content of the data register is copied to the cache register and programming starts.        PAGE PROGRAM INTERLEAVED: Data is written to multiple data registers of one LUN and programming starts when the last data register is filled.
The known page program flow is used to write a complete data page to the page register of the NAND device and to start the programming to the memory array. Each procedure causes a number of state switches of the target state machine and the logical unit state machine. The state switches of the state machines in dependence of the procedure are shown below:
ProcedureTarget State SequenceLUN State SequenceWrite Command 80hT_IdleL_Idleto NAND device−> T_Cmd_Decode−> T_PP_Execute−> T_PP_AddrWaitWrite LUN-, block-T_PP_AddrWaitL_Idleand page-address−> T_PP_Addr−>L_Idle_TargetRequestto NAND device−> T_PP_LUN_Execute −> L_ PP Execute−> T_PP_LUN_DataWait−> L_PP_Addr−> L_PP_WaitForDataWrite completeT_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForDatadata page to NAND−> T_PP_LUN_ DataPass−> L_PP_AcceptDatadevice−> T_PP_LUN DataWait−> L_PP_WaitForDataWrite Command 10hT_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForDatato NAND device−> T_PP_Cmd_Pass−> L_PP_Prog−> T_Idle−> L_PP_ProgWait−> L_PP_Sts−> L_Idle
Interleaved operations enable to issue multiple commands of the same type to different blocks of the same logical unit. The known interleaved page program flow is used to write complete data pages to multiple independent page registers of a logical unit and to start the programming to the memory array when all registers are filled.
ProcedureTarget State Sequence LUN State SequenceWrite Command T_IdleL_Idle80h to NAND −> T_Cmd_Decodedevice−> T_PP_Execute−> T_PP_AddrWaitWrite LUN-, block- T_PP_AddrWaitL_Idleand page-address−> T_PP_Addr−> L_Idle_TargetRequestto NAND device−> T_PP_LUN_Execute−> L_PP_Execute−> T_PP_LUN_DataWait−> L_PP_Addr−> L_PP_WaitForDataWrite completeT_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForDatadata page to −> T_PP_LUN_DataPass−> L_PP_AcceptDataNAND device−> T_PP_LUN_DataWait−> L_PP_WaitForDataWrite Command T_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForData11h to NAND −> T_PP_Cmd_Pass−> L_PP_Ilvdevice−> T_PP_IlvWait−> L_PP_Ilv_WaitWrite Command T_PP_IlvWaitL_PP_Ilv_Wait80h* to NAND −> T_PP_AddrWaitdeviceWrite LUN-, block-T_PP_AddrWaitL_PP_Ilv_Waitand page-address−> T_PP_Addr−> L_PP_Addrto NAND device−> T_PP_LUN_Execute−> L_PP_WaitForData−> T_PP_LUN_DataWaitWrite completeT_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForDatadata page to NAND−> T_PP_LUN_DataPass−> L_PP_AcceptDatadevice−> T_PP_LUN_DataWait−> L_PP_WaitForDataWrite Command T_PP_LUN_DataWaitL_PP_WaitForData10h to NAND −> T_PP_Cmd_Pass−> L_PP_Progdevice−> T_Idle−> L_PP_ProgWait−> L_PP_Sts−> L_Idle*The address cycles for the program operation of state 'T_PP_IlvWait' is intended to have a different interleaved block address than the one issued in the preceding program operation.
If data of two independent sources are recorded in independent LUNs of a target, one of the above described processes is first issued to the first LUN for the first independent source and after finishing the writing process, one of the above described processes is issued to the second LUN for writing the data of the second independent source to the second LUN.
When independent concurrent streams should be recorded to a flash device, it is advantageous to write the different streams to different logical units. The file management is easier with such a regular strategy and the full bandwidth of a logical unit is guaranteed for recording of an incoming data stream. If data of the streams arrive in blocks of smaller size than the page size, there is a need to cache data of each stream in a cache arranged outside of the flash device and to write it to the NAND Flash device, when a full page for one logical unit is ready to be programmed. Depending on the amount of streams and logical units, a lot of cache memory is needed outside the memory device, while the available page register inside the device remains unused.

Solid state memory with reduced number of partially filled pages


Disclosed are examples of a method, a wearable device and a system enabling authentication of a user of a payment account or completion of a purchase transaction via signals generated by the wearable device. A process may include a wearable device generating a modulated signal using an encryption algorithm. The modulated signal may contain authentication information related to the wearable device including a cryptographic authentication message. The modulated signal is output to a biological medium interface of the wearable device that is coupled to a biological medium of a wearer of the wearable device. The biological medium is operable to conduct the modulated signal. A receiving device processes including decrypting and demodulating the modulated signal received from the biological medium. Using the demodulated signal, the authentication information transmitted from the wearable device is obtained. Based on the obtained authentication information, a transaction may be authorized, or a user authenticated.

Wireless communication devices are becoming the prevalent devices for performing transactions and identifying a user. The ease with which a portable device or mobile device can establish a wireless connection while in a user's pants pocket, jacket pocket, or purse enables a user to enter buildings, perform transactions and authenticate themselves to systems without having to actually contact an interface.
However, the increased use of wireless communication devices, also draws the attention of less scrupulous persons who develop their own wireless devices to intercept the wireless communications to either steal identifying information or, perhaps, decrypt the signals for use to generate false signals that may be used to manipulate a wireless transaction system.
A supposed advantage of some wireless communication systems, like near-field communication (NFC), is their relatively short range, such as 5 centimeters. However, there have been descriptions of devices capable of intercepting the exchange of NFC signals from as far away as 60 centimeters. In addition, devices that utilize NFC communication require a user to take out an NFC-equipped payment card or NFC-equipped mobile device to complete the transaction or authentication. Touchpads also have difficulty because they often require a resistance or capacitance reading.
To combat eavesdropping hardware and software developers have resorted to different forms of biometrics, such as fingerprint detection, facial recognition or voice recognition. The use of biometrics, in particular, fingerprint technology effectively eliminates any chance of a surreptitious interception of an authentication signal because the fingerprint is used as the authentication means and also eliminates the need for a user to remove a device from their pocket or purse. However, even fingerprint readers may be exploited by thieves, for example, there are devices configured to overlay on a fingerprint scanner and copy of the user's fingerprint for later use by the thieves.
Transaction and authentication system developers continually innovate to maintain an advantage over those who aim to steal money and information. However, the less scrupulous persons also continue to innovate for ways to thwart the increased security devices and procedures. There is a need for a more secure system for completing transactions and authenticating identities.

Body area network facilitated authentication or payment authorization


A composition of neural tissue is made of spinal cord tissue harvested from a spinal cord of a mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested from vertebral column of the mammal. The spinal cord tissue is harvested post mortem. The mammal is one of a primate, an equine, a bovine, a porcine or other mammalian animal. The spinal cord tissue is dried or has the water content in the tissue reduced or eliminated by freeze drying or hypothermic dehydration.

Nerve damage and degenerative nerve conditions affect those suffering from these conditions tremendously, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of nerve and spinal cord damage that can vary from minor self-healing to more severe symptoms such as constant pain up to complete loss of feeling or even paralysis. When nerves are cut, complete loss of electrical signals occurs. Similarly, neurological disorders involving neural cells are common among stroke victims wherein electrical signals evidencing brain activity in regions of the brain is lost.
Degenerative conditions in the brain and the nerves generally can cause similar loss of electrical activity in these tissues.
Efforts to reduce these symptoms or to repair, regenerate and reactivate cellular functioning of damaged or degenerative conditions is a priority in medicine. To date, application of autologous cells met with only limited success. The present invention discloses induction of nerve cells without participation of viable cells.

Spinal cord tissue dehydrated and micronized


An improved hydraulic arrangement is provided for a spring support system. The arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic fluid feeder, a hydraulic accumulator, a first control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator, a second control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic reservoir as well as an automatic shut-off valve and a controller with a lifting position, a lowering position and a neutral position for the hydraulic cylinder. In order to prevent different pressure loads between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, it is suggested to equalize the pressure between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, without impairing the spring support system or the automatic shut-off valve. Accordingly, the accumulator is suitably connected to a non-return valve and to a flow restrictor or orifice.

In agricultural machines, such as telescopic loaders, wheel loaders or front loaders on tractors, it is known practice to use a hydraulic spring support system that provides spring support for the boom or the rocker in order to achieve overall improved spring suspension comfort on the vehicle, particularly during operation. To this end, the lifting side of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a hydraulic accumulator by means of an appropriate hydraulic arrangement of valves in order to provide spring support through the hydraulic accumulator. Furthermore the lowering side of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a hydraulic reservoir in order to prevent cavitation on the lowering side on one hand and to allow free movement of the piston rod during the spring support process on the other hand. To improve safety against a sudden lowering of the boom or the rocker, these spring support systems can be equipped with load holding valves or automatic shut-off valves to secure the hydraulic cylinder against ruptured hoses. However it is then necessary, in order to permit a lowering of the hydraulic cylinder, to close the reservoir connection on the lowering side of the cylinder so that sufficient pressure can be built up in order to open the load holding valve. Only after opening the load holding valve can oil flow from the lifting side of the hydraulic cylinder
In EP 1157963 A2 a spring support system is proposed for the boom of a telescopic loader, which is provided with a load holding valve or an automatic shut-off valve in order to secure the boom against lowering. In order to affect a pressurized lowering of the boom on one hand, which requires the load holding valve to be opened, and provide a spring support function also in the neutral position of the hydraulic cylinder on the other hand, a separate control valve is provided. This control valve has to be closed in order to close a connection to the reservoir established for the spring support and to be able to build up the pressure in the supply line required to open the load holding valve. In the case of the spring support system disclosed in EP 1157963 A2, however, sudden lowering of the boom may occur as a result of different pressure loads in the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator when a spring support position is engaged. Varying loads of this type can occur when the boom is loaded for example in the raised position and then the spring support position is engaged. This establishes a sudden connection, while different loads are present in the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder. For safety reasons it is therefore necessary to lower the boom completely before activating the spring support function.


The invention provides a transmission belt that can suppress lowering in transmission efficiency and has improved durability. A rubber layer adhered to core wires is formed to have a durometer hardness (shore A) of not less than 72 and not more than 85, or have a tensile stress of not less than 0.5 MPa and not more than 1.7 MPa when stretched 10% in the belt longitudinal direction at 25° C., and the rubber layer is formed to have a weight increase of 90% or less after immersed in light oil for 48 hours at 25° C. or have a weight increase of 80% or less after immersed in toluene for 48 hours at 25° C. Alternatively, the rubber layer adhered to the core wires is formed to have a storage modulus of not less than 10 MPa and not more than 50 MPa and a tan δ of not more than 0.15 as measured by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement under conditions at a static load of 3 kgf/cm2, a dynamic strain of 0.4%, a frequency of 10 Hz and a temperature of 25° C. in a tensile mode in a belt longitudinal direction.

Transmission belts are hitherto widely used as a means of transmitting power from a driving side to a driven side, and in these days, synchronous belts, V-belts, V-ribbed belts and the like for automobiles or general industries are required to have a high load transmission capability.
In addition, a system or device has been highly integrated and hence reduced in size to meet the recent demand of saving the space, and specifically pulleys around which a transmission belt is wound are reduced in diameter, which in turn requires the transmission belt to be tolerable against large stress and strain.
Furthermore, the reduction in size of the system or device causes heating parts to be tightly packed in the system or device, which in turn causes the transmission belt to be heated to a temperature higher than ever. Thus, there is a demand for a transmission belt that is more compatible for high temperature use.
Meanwhile, for transmission belts, those having a high tensile member called as core wires embedded therein are widely used to impart tensile strength in a power transmission direction (belt longitudinal direction).
For example, in a V-ribbed belt or the like, these core wires are disposed outside of a compression rubber layer which enables frictional power transmission relative to a pulley and inside of a back-side rubber layer which acts as an outermost layer of the transmission belt.
The core wires are, for example, adhered to a rubber layer called as an adhesive rubber layer formed to have an elastic modulus generally lower than that of the compression rubber layer, and are embedded therein.
In order to satisfy high load transmission capability, strength tolerable against large stress and strain, and heat resistance compatible for high temperature use required for transmission belts, studies are recently under way to use materials having improved heat resistance, cold resistance, frictional resistance, resistance to bending deteriorates and the like for constitutional elements, such as a compression rubber layer, an adhesive rubber layer, core wires, a back-side rubber layer, and sometimes ethylene-α-olefin elastomer is sometimes used for a rubber layer of a transmission belt since it is excellent in heat resistance and cold resistance, and is obtainable at low cost and is compatible for halogen free.
For example, ethylene-propylene-diene-terpolymer (hereinafter referred also as "EPDM") or the like is used by being crosslinked by an organic peroxide.
For core wires, polyester fibers, aramid fibers, polyamide fibers or the like which are excellent in heat resistance and mechanical strength are generally used.
In order to further provide satisfied characteristics required for a transmission belt, such as high load transmission capability, mechanical strength compatible for large stress and strain, and heat resistance compatible for high temperature use, it is critical not only to use materials having improved heat resistance, cold resistance, frictional resistance, resistance to bending deteriorates for those constitutional elements, but also to improve durability of an interface between the respective constitutional elements.
Among them, it is especially critical to improve the durability of an interface between a rubber layer, such as an adhesive rubber layer to be adhered to core wires, and core wires.
The aforesaid ethylene-α-olefin elastomer, such as EPDM, usually has a lesser polarity and a lower adhesiveness than other rubbers.
Therefore, cracks may take place in an adhesive interface between a compression rubber layer and an adhesive rubber layer, or between core wires and these rubber layers in a transmission belt having a rubber layer made of ethylene-α-olefin elastomer.
An adhesive rubber layer is generally formed by using a soft rubber having such a high fluidity as to be able to be fluidized when heat pressing in molding a transmission belt and hence be securely and tightly adhered to core wires.
On the other hand, a compression rubber layer is generally formed by mixing short fibers in a rubber to have an elastic modulus much higher than that of the adhesive rubber layer from the viewpoint of preventing deformation and improving power transmission capability, of a transmission belt.
Therefore, cracks or the like are likely to take place in an adhesive interface between a compression rubber layer and an adhesive rubber layer, or between core wires and these rubber layers. In order to suppress these cracks or the like, Patent Documents 1, 2 propose that short fibers or carbon black is mixed in a rubber to have an adhesive rubber layer having a higher modulus than ever.
Patent Document 3 proposes that core wires are disposed in an interface between the compression rubber layer and the adhesive rubber layer, and the core wires are adhered to both the rubber layers, namely the compression rubber layer and the adhesive rubber layer, and the resulting product is used for a transmission belt.
Patent Document 4 proposes that an adhesive rubber layer is formed by using a rubber exhibiting a high modulus at a high temperature.
However, when core wires are adhered to a rubber layer having a high modulus in the manner as proposed in those Patent Documents, the rubber layer having a high modulus to be adhered to core wires itself may cause cracks therein.
Also, when the adhesive rubber layer is formed with a high modulus in the manner as proposed in the Patent Documents 1, 2, a problem of dynamic heat build-up of an adhesive rubber layer having such a high modulus may become significant in an actual use in which it is wound around, for example, pulley having small diameter.
Furthermore, when an adhesive rubber layer is formed with a high modulus in the manner as proposed in the Patent Documents, 1, 2, a transmission belt has a high flexural rigidity and hence causes a large hysteresis loss due to the repeated bending. Therefore, a large energy loss is caused in operation and the transmission efficiency may be lowered.
Patent Document 5 proposes that a chlorosulfonated polyethylene or hydrogenated nitrile rubber is used between a rubber layer, for which EPDM is used, and core wires. However, the adhesiveness is not satisfactorily improved in actual and therefore its proposal is hardly practicable.
Specifically, a transmission belt in which a rubber layer is formed by using ethylene-α-olefin elastomer as a base rubber, and this rubber layer and core wires are adhered to each other, has a problem that the durability of the transmission belt is improved while suppressing lowering of a transmission efficiency.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Examined Utility Model Application Publication No. Hei-1-10513
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei-10-103413
Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Sho-57-204351
Patent Document 4: Published Japanese Translation of PCT International Application (Tokuhyo) No. 2004-507679
Patent Document 5: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei-10-103417


The tracks of a railroad yard system have an access track and a plurality of switches leading to a plurality of yard tracks are lubricated by a lubricating station positioned on the access track. In addition to lubricating the tracks, lubrication nozzles are directed at the switch plates and switch points of the switches of the system. Detectors are positioned on the yard tracks to determine the speed of the cars as they roll down track and into the yard, and a computer, responsive to these detectors, control the discharge of lubricant by the lubricating station. Detectors are also positioned near each switch plate to detect when each switch plate moves, and a dispensing system dispense lubricant through the nozzle directed toward a switch plate whenever the switch plate is moved.

It is well known that the application of a lubricant to the surfaces of railroad tracks improve the rollability of railroad cars thereby significantly reducing the rate at which the tracks become worn by the wheels of the cars which move along them. Lubricating the tracks also reduces the wear to the wheels of the cars. Curves and switches are particularly subject to wear.
The cars of a train are disassembled and reassembled into new trains in a yard which has numerous parallel tracks that are accessible from the opposing ends thereof by access tracks connected by switches. The track, including curves and switches, are currently lubricated by injecting a lubricant through outlets on to the surface of the tracks.
Within the yard the cars of an incoming train are disassembled and recombined with cars from other incoming trains into a plurality of new outgoing trains, with the cars of each new train lined up on a separate track in the yard. One method is a hump yard for such purposes, where a switch engine moves a car over a hump at a speed of approximately three miles per hour. The cars are independently released on the crest of the hump and allowed to roll down the far side of the hump and across switches to tracks on which the new trains are being formed.
In a hump yard, the speed of the car as it moves along the track system is controlled by a series of retarders. A computer associated with each retarder receives information regarding the weight of the incoming car and has a sensor for determining the speed at which the car is entering the retarder. It also maintains a count of the number of cars being directed to each yard track and adjusts the application of the retarder based on the incoming speed, the wright of the approaching car and the space remaining on the yard track. Other sensors in the system follow the car's progress across the switches of this system and prohibit the premature throwing a switch along the path of a rolling railroad car. Except for weight, the retarders of a hump yard system are not responsive to the condition of an individual car or to the condition of the track.
The dispensers now being used to lubricate the tracks of a yard system have an associated detector for detecting that a car is approaching and the dispenser dispenses a fixed amount of lubricant each time a car passes. When the tracks are properly lubricated, a railroad car that does not have its brake applied and is free of defects will move along the tracks of the system at a predictable rate. In reality, however, several factors affect the amount of lubricant needed to maintain the optimum rollability of cars over the tracks. Over lubrication will cause excess lubricant to build up in the yard tracks. Excess lubricant is a hazard to railroad personnel, can cause roll out, can cause damage to the cars and the contents thereof, and contaminates the underlying ground.
Water is a natural lubricant and, therefore, a lesser amount of lubricant is needed on the tracks during rain or snow. On the other hand, rain or snow will wash some of the lubricant off the tracks leaving the tracks in need of restoration of the desired level of lubrication after the rain has ended. Cars moving along the tracks of an adequately lubricated yard system will lose speed at a predictable rate thereby allowing the orderly assembly of the cars on the yard tracks. On the other hand, the cars move more slowly along inadequately lubricated tracks, as occurs following a rain storm.
Lubricant which is dispensed on the track is picked up by the wheels of a moving railroad car and spread down the track. Once a few cars have applied lubricant to a previously under lubricated track, the cars will again begin moving at their desired speeds, after which only intermittent application of lubricant are needed to maintain adequate lubrication. It is unnecessary, therefore to apply lubricant to the tracks each time a car is released over a hump as currently done in a hump yard.
All of the foregoing problems could be reduced or eliminated by providing a means of measuring the need for lubricant on the tracks of a yard system and controlling the application of lubricant in response to the measured need. Until the present invention, the railroad industry has not had such a means for measuring the need for lubricant on the tracks of a yard system.

Apparatus and method for lubricating railroad tracks


This invention concerns novel thiazolopyrazole compounds and compositions comprising them. Methods of using these compounds for the treatment, prevention and management of various diseases and disorders are also encompassed by the invention.

Protein Kinases (PKs) are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups on tyrosine, serine and threonine residues of proteins. The phosphorylation of proteins modulates various cell activities such as cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. Abnormal PK activity has been linked to a host of disorders, ranging from relatively non-life threatening diseases such as psorisasis to extremely virulent diseases such as glioblastoma (brain cancer).
A great deal of effort has been expended in an attempt to identify ways to modulate PK activity. Examples are: biomimetic approaches using large molecules patterned on those involved in the actual cellular processes (e.g., mutant ligands (U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,849); soluble receptors and antibodies (WO 94/10202, Kendall et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci., 90: 10705-09 (1994), Kim et al., Nature, 362: 841-844 (1993)); RNA ligands (Jelinek et al., Biochemistry, 33: 10450-56); Takano et al., Mol. Bio. Cell, 4: 358A (1993); Kinsella et al., Exo. Cell Res., 199: 56-62 (1992); Wright et al., J. Cellular Phys., 152: 448-57); and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (WO 94/03427; WO 92/21660; WO 91/15495; WO 94/14808; U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,992; Mariani et al., Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res., 35: 2268 (1994)). Despite such attempts, a need still exists for effective methods of modulating PK activity.

Thiazolopyrazoles and methods of their use


A magnetic recording system includes an array of analog inputs operable to receive analog signals retrieved from a magnetic storage medium, a modulator operable to combine the analog signals to yield a frequency division multiplexed signal, a demodulator operable to yield a plurality of demodulated signals from the frequency division multiplexed signal corresponding to each channel of the array, and a joint equalizer operable to filter the plurality of demodulated signals to yield an equalized output.

In a typical magnetic storage system, digital data is stored in a series of concentric circular tracks along a storage medium. Data is written to the medium by positioning a read/write head assembly over the medium at a selected location as the storage medium is rotated, and subsequently passing a modulated electric current through the head assembly such that a corresponding magnetic flux pattern is induced in the storage medium. To retrieve the stored data, the head assembly is positioned anew over the track as the storage medium is rotated. In this position, the previously stored magnetic flux pattern induces a current in the head assembly that can be converted to the previously recorded digital data.

Array-reader based magnetic recording systems with frequency division multiplexing

AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.


A liquid pump for conveying sensitive materials from a first to a second location through a main duct. The pump has a first segment through which secondary liquid flows with the materials. An inlet orifice receiving primary liquid from a plenum has a convex or Coanda surface and injects primary liquid into the main duct downstream of the first segment. The primary liquid intercepts the convex surface substantially tangentially and is turned through an angle to one more closely resembling the angle of the longitudinal axis of the pump. The first segment has a fustro-conical control surface which diverges outwardly immediately adjacent the outlet end of the first segment. The inside diameter of the outlet end of the first segment immediately before the control surface is substantially identical to the inside diameter of the second segment immediately downstream of the Coanda surface. Liquid directing vanes are positioned in the plenum just prior to the inlet orifice.

In U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 167,078, filed Mar. 11, 1988 and in continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 300,097, filed Jan. 19, 1989, there is disclosed a liquid pump used for conveying fish and other delicate commodities from a first to a second location. The pump there disclosed utilizes the "Coanda" or wall attachment effect to deflect primary liquid injected into a main duct which, if not deflected, otherwise could damage the commodities carried in the main duct by the secondary liquid. Such a pump has inherently greater efficiency due, it is believed, to not only the shear or particle collision effect between the primary liquid injected through the Coanda inlet and the secondary liquid carrying the commodities but also due to the suction effect created by the action of the primary liquid on the Coanda surface.
A further disclosure in the above-identified applications is a first segment upstream of the Coanda surface which diverges from its inlet end and which terminates at its outlet end immediately before the point of injection of the primary liquid from the Coanda orifice. The inside diameter of the outlet end of the first segment is larger than the inside diameter of the second segment downstream of and smoothly merging with the Coanda surface. Yet a further disclosure in the above-identified applications is a second segment which converges downstream from the Coanda orifice and, thereafter, diverges from the minimum inside diameter location.
The apparatus there disclosed, while found useful in some applications, was found unsatisfactory in other respects. Primarily, it was found that fish damage could occur as set out in greater detail hereafter and that the pumping efficiency of the pump was unnecessarily impaired.
The applicant believes the following explanations for the unsatisfactory operation of the liquid pump referred to above are correct. However, such explanations are given in the interests of full disclosure and subsequent events may result in different or amended explanations. Applicant, therefore, would not wish to be bound by the present explanations if they are found to be incorrect or not applicable in the future.
In prior apparatus as disclosed in the aforementioned applications, the first segment diverged smoothly from its inlet end to the outlet end located adjacent the primary liquid injection point through the orifice. The Coanda surface converged to a first inside diameter which was located downstream from the first segment. The inside diameter downstream from the first segment was smaller than the inside diameter of the outlet end of the first segment. For that reason, fishes travelling from the first segment would impact with the converging Coanda surface, thereby causing fish damage or fish kill.
A further problem in the aforementioned applications was in the area of the Coanda orifice where there is a low pressure or "suction" zone created by the primary liquid injection which impairs momentum to the secondary liquid flow and which results in an inherent improvement in efficiency over previous injection type pumps. However, since the first segment diverged, at the point of primary fluid injection there was a reduced velocity in the first segment due to the increased cross section. This reduced velocity and increased area allowed the secondary fluid to be pulled through the second segment by the Coanda effect around the perimeter of the second segment only and an undesirable no flow or reverse flow condition was allowed to exist in the center or core of the second segment. Under some conditions, the core effect would extend into the inlet end of the first section. When such core effect took place, the no flow or reverse flow core would be able to reverse and re-enter the second segment around the perimeter of the second segment due to the Coanda effect. This would satisfy the low pressure area created by the primary fluid injection over the Coanda surface. The result of allowing this core effect to take place was, therefore, a loss of secondary fluid flow and unacceptable turbulence in the area of primary injection.
Yet a further problem with the prior pump was created by the divergence of the second segment from the minimum throat diameter at the Coanda surface to the downstream end of the second segment. This divergence created a larger cross section in the second segment downstream of the Coanda surface and would not permit the effective transfer of the primary fluid momentum throughout the entire cross section of the second segment. This allowed a core of unaffected secondary fluid to exist in the center of the second segment and, under extreme conditions, to extend upstream into the first segment. Such a core resulted in unnecessary turbulence and loss of efficiency.
Yet a further problem with the prior pump related to the width of the Coanda orifice through which the primary liquid flowed. It was determined that if the width of the orifice was too narrow, not enough momentum would be transferred to the secondary liquid because the injected liquid would dissipate too easily into the secondary flow. This resulted in the backpressure allowing a core effect to occur. The core effect was water in the central core of the second segment which, literally, had little or no movement or had even reverse movement thus preventing the pumping and movement of fish.
Yet a further problem with the previous pump related to the liquid injection through the Coanda orifice from the plenum which contained the primary liquid used for injection through the orifice. As the distance from the bottom of the pump increased, the primary liquid would not flow directly radially inwardly after leaving the peripheral injection orifice but, rather, would curve downwardly when viewed from the end. This decreased the Coanda effect and, hence, the efficiency of the pump.


The invention relates to a hybrid inflator especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising an igniter (10), a combustion chamber (16) including a propellant charge (18) which is separated from the igniter (10) by a first bursting element (14) held by a bursting element holder (13), and comprising a compressed gas tank (20) filled with compressed gas and having at feast one discharge opening, the discharge opening being closed by a second bursting element (24) and the compressed gas tank (20) being fluid-communicated with the combustion chamber (16) so that the compressed gas surrounds the propellant charge (18). The invention excels by the fact that the bursting element holder (13) at least in portions delimits an ignition chamber (30) containing a booster charge (15), wherein a shock wave (SW) for opening the second bursting element (24) can be formed only when both the igniter (10) and the booster charge (15) have been ignited and, respectively, activated. The invention further deals with an airbag unit and a vehicle safety system comprising said hybrid inflator or said airbag unit. Moreover, the invention states a method of forming a shock wave within a hybrid inflator.

The invention relates to a hybrid inflator, especially for a vehicle safety system, according to the preamble of claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to an airbag unit and a vehicle safety system comprising such hybrid inflator. The invention also relates to a method of forming a shock wave within a hybrid inflator.
A hybrid inflator of the afore-mentioned type is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,108 B2. The known hybrid inflator comprises a compressed gas tank including an igniter. The igniter is partially surrounded by a cap which, upon activation of the igniter, is opened on its end face in the direction of an axial longitudinal direction. A propellant charge in a combustion chamber is arranged axially downstream of the cap. Opposed to the igniter along the longitudinal axis, a bursting disk that closes an outlet opening for gas is provided.
When the known hybrid inflator is triggered, the cap which is partially surrounding the igniter and which constitutes a first bursting element is ruptured or opened due to the increase in pressure in the igniter. In this way, a shock wave is formed which propagates centrally through a propellant charge disposed in the combustion chamber. The shock wave thus passes through the propellant charge and subsequently arrives at the bursting disk that acts as a second bursting element. The bursting disk yields to the shock wave and thus opens the outlet opening for gas. In this way, compressed gas as well as gas additionally generated by the propellant charge may exit the compressed gas tank and may fill an airbag, for example.
One drawback of the known hybrid inflator is the overall size thereof. Especially the cross-sectional diameter of the known hybrid inflator is comparatively large as the combustion chamber projects tar into the compressed gas tank. It is another drawback that relatively high pressure is necessary to break the first bursting element, namely the cap. Therefore, a highly charged igniter containing a large amount of pyrotechnical charge is necessary which requires increased safety efforts during manufacture. Finally, the selection of material for the propellant charge is limited, as the pyrotechnical charge has to be ensured to reliably cause ignition of the propellant charge in the igniter.

Hybrid inflator, airbag unit and vehicle safety system comprising such hybrid inflator as well as method of forming a shock wave


A graphic processor includes a rasterizer configured to process vertex data to generate fragment data based on a maximum depth value, a minimum depth value, and a mask bit of each pixel included in one tile, each mask bit indicating whether each pixel is drawn or not, the vertex data including three dimensional information of the pixels, a pixel shader configured to process the fragment data to generate color data, and a raster operation unit configured to convert the color data to pixel data to be displayed.

1. Technical Field
Example embodiments relate to three-dimensional (3-D) graphics, and more particularly to a graphic processor and a method of early testing visibility.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent advances in computer performance have enabled graphic systems to provide more realistic graphical images using personal computers, home video game computers, handheld devices, and the like. In such graphic systems, a number of procedures are executed to "render" or draw graphic primitives to the screen of the system. A "graphic primitive" is a basic component of a graphic picture, such as a vertex, polygon, or the like. Rendered images are formed with combinations of these graphic primitives. Many procedures may be utilized to perform 3-D graphics rendering.

Graphic processor and method of early testing visibility of pixels

KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY