An oxygen-absorbing composition, device, and method for oxygen scavenging in a low moisture environment are provided. The present invention provides an oxygen absorbing composition which includes an oxygen reducing agent, water, a carrier, an electrolyte salt, and a humectant salt, which may be the same as the electrolyte salt, present in an amount sufficient to reduce the water activity of the composition to below 0.6. Also included are methods of using the composition.

Oxygen is typically detrimental to food and pharmaceuticals. There are, therefore, many technologies in existence to reduce oxygen in food, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic product storage environments, such as plastic containers, pouches, cases, bottles and the like. But the need to limit oxygen exposure is not limited to just these applications. Many products can have longer shelf-lifes if oxygen is diminished, including paints and other consumer goods.
One technique that has recently been the subject of development involves the placement of oxygen absorbing packages into the product package to protect against spoilage, loss of potency, or other loss of value due to oxidation of the product. These packages themselves contain oxygen absorbers, or scavengers, and are added into or constructed into sealed packages. The sealed containers having the oxygen scavenging packages within them have been used to lengthen shelf-life of many products. Some examples of this include preserving oils from rancidity, foods from developing mold and bacteria growth, pharmaceuticals from loss of potency, sensitive diagnostic products from oxidation, electronics from corrosion and archives and artifacts from yellowing and embrittlement.
The typical oxygen absorber depends upon oxidation of iron or similar metal to reduce oxygen. Other techniques include the use of chemical or biochemical methods but these are typically limited in application by relatively low capacity, low rate of reaction, and higher cost.
Metal-based oxygen absorbers function by oxidizing the metal while reducing oxygen to the oxide form. It is an electrolytic reaction which requires moisture and an electrolyte in order to proceed. This reaction occurs readily in a high water activity environment such as Aw=0.8-1.0, but slows considerably below Aw=0.8. This is fine for the storage and preservation of products which tolerate a heightened moisture environment, but is not acceptable where such is not the case.
An improved oxygen-absorbing composition or system would allow for oxygen scavenging in a relatively low moisture environment.

Low water activity oxygen scavenger and methods of using


In a distributed computer system with cluster architecture, a number of service requests are redirected from a first instance of the cluster to a second instance of the cluster for execution. A software patch is applied to one or more software components running on an application server node of the first instance of the cluster. A number of service requests are redirected from the second instance of the cluster to the first instance of the cluster for execution. The software patch is applied on the one or more software components running on an application server node of the second instance of the cluster. A number of new service requests are directed to the upgraded second instance of the cluster for processing.

Distributed computer systems typically include a number of separate hardware and software nodes connected by a network. Each separate node runs software to process various operations as required by the users of the system. Usually, a number of nodes of a distributed computer system execute user requests in parallel. Such architecture gives several advantages of the distributed computer systems over the standalone computer systems. One of the advantages is continuity of operations or resilience. If one of the nodes fails, the user requests are handled by the rest of the nodes of the distributed computer system. Another advantage is scalability. The number of nodes of a distributed computer system could be easily increased or decreased as required by the operative load of the system in different periods.
The resilience and scalability of distributed computer systems makes them very popular for providing various enterprise services. Distributed computer systems are also applied for running mission critical business applications. In recent years, enterprise services and all online computer services in general have become an area of high competition. Accordingly, the requirements for the operability of the computer systems are very strong especially with respect to continuity of operations.
Distributed computer systems, as any other computer system, exit operational mode in the periods for installing or applying software upgrades. During its lifecycle, a distributed computer system is regularly upgraded for multiple reasons, e.g. found bugs, inefficient processing, statutory changes, etc. The downtime that is caused by the installation of software harms user satisfaction, especially for mission critical enterprise applications. On the other hand, prolonging the periods between software upgrades could raise issues with the functionality of a mission critical system.
The increasing complexity of the computer systems require shorter periods between upgrades. On the other hand, the competition and the growing user demands require minimizing downtime periods. However, there is still no robust and universal solution that allows installation of software upgrades on distributed systems with no downtime.

Zero downtime mechanism for software upgrade of a distributed computer system


An absorbent material and method for making same comprising a fiber web, including a fiber blend comprising from about 50 to about 75 weight percent of a fiber having fineness less than about 3 denier and from about 25 to about 50 weight percent of a fiber having fineness ranging from about 3 to about 5 denier wherein the fiber web is bound together by fiber bundles transverse to the plane of the web. The fiber blend may further comprise from about 3 to about 7 percent by weight of a fiber having fineness greater than about 5 denier. The fibers comprising the fiber blend may be entirely hydrophobic, or the about 3 to about 5 denier fiber may be hydrophilic. The absorbent material exhibits a high degree of absorption and fluid retention and does not wet back even under compression. The transverse fiber bundles formed during the mechanical bonding of the web function as wicks for transferring fluid from the surface of the material to the inner portion of the material. The fiber bundles also act as support structures resisting compression and maintaining void space and absorbent surface area within the material, even when wet. The material is reusable and is strong enough to withstand numerous washings. The material is useful as a component of reusable absorbent products further comprising an outer layer or body-side layer. The outer layer may be fluid impermeable, gas permeable or both.

This invention generally relates to an absorbent material, and more particularly concerns an absorbent material for use in reusable adsorbent articles for the absorption of body fluids as in medical or hygienic absorbents, for example in incontinence products, surgical dressings and sanitary products.
Absorbent materials are commonly characterized by their capacity to absorb large quantities of fluid per unit weight of material. A high degree of fluid retention is also advantageous, so that absorbed fluid is not easily released when the product is subjected to external pressure, a phenomenon known as "wetting back." Wetting back occurs when pressure is exerted onto an absorbent material wherein fluids absorbed in the material flow back to and re-wet the surface of the material. Where an absorbent material exhibits a high degree of fluid retention and no wetting back, the moisture stays trapped within the absorbent material and does not again contact the user.
Generally, absorbent materials exhibiting a high absorbent capacity are available as disposable products. Disposable products have heretofore proven capable of trapping fluids within the material and away from the user with no "wetting back." The effect is the user stays dry even after fluid is released.
Reusable absorbent materials commonly comprise textile fabrics due to the requirement that the materials must be washed and dried between uses. Reusable absorbent products have in the past been unremarkable in terms of their absorbent capacity. It is true that absorbent materials including hydrophilic fibers tend to absorb a lot of fluid. However, when fluid is absorbed by and wets fabric comprising hydrophilic fibers, there arises a tendency in hydrophilic fibers to lose strength and collapse causing the fabric to mat down. Void space in the fabric is thereby lost, reducing thickness and limiting the further amount of fluid which can be absorbed. Thus, even though the use of hydrophilic fibers enhances absorbency, absorbent materials including hydrophilic fibers tend to have less than optimum absorbency due to wet collapse.
Because of the proclivity of reusable absorbent materials to wet collapse, reusable absorbent materials tend to wet back, especially under compression. Since absorbed fluid may be forced out of reusable absorbent material by pressure, reusable absorbent products have been unable to produce a stay-dry effect with no wetting back.
Further, reusable absorbent products have proven to be uncomfortable. When a material comprising textile fabrics gets wet it stays wet throughout its entire thickness so that if a user wearing an incontinence garment releases fluid, the wet fabric stays against the user's skin.
Hence reusable absorbent products have heretofore not been accepted as a satisfactory replacement for disposable absorbent products.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a reusable absorbent material exhibiting a high degree of absorbency for removing fluid from the surface of the absorbent material and away from the user's skin. The material must move the liquid rapidly and permanently away from the surface with no wetting back thereby providing a dry surface against the user. The reusable absorbent material having this stay-dry effect must also be easy to manufacture.

Absorbent material and method for making same


The present disclosure relates to a system and method for optimizing switching of a DRAM bus using LLC. An embodiment of the disclosure includes sending a first type request from a first type queue to the second memory via the memory bus if a direction setting of the memory bus is in a first direction corresponding to the first type request, decrementing a current direction credit count by a first type transaction decrement value, if the decremented current direction credit count is greater than zero, sending another first type request to the second memory via the memory bus and decrementing the current direction credit count again by the first type transaction decrement value, and if the decremented current direction credit count is zero, switching the direction setting of the memory bus to a second direction and resetting the current direction credit count to a second type initial value.

A cache memory (or simply "cache") is a relatively small and fast storage system incorporated either inside or close to a processor or between a processor and a main memory which can be realized by and referred to as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). A cache may store instructions or data, which can be quickly accessed and supplied to the processor compared to a relatively slow access time for retrieving the same information from the main memory. Data from the much larger but slower main memory is staged into the cache typically in units of transfer called "lines" or cachelines.
When a request to read data stored in memory is issued by the processor, the cache is checked to determine whether or not the data is already present in the cache. If the data being requested is stored in the cache, the cache provides the data to the processor and main memory does not have to be accessed. If the requested data is not stored in the cache, the requested data has to be fetched directly from main memory. The data from main memory is provided to the processor in response to the request and also stored in the cache in case the same data is requested again. As such, the cache is used to store frequently accessed information and improves the processor performance by delivering requested information faster than accesses to main memory. The cache may also be used to store data which is predicted to be accessed in the future, such as data related to or spatially stored proximate to data that has been fetched from main memory. The cache may also be used to store updated data which is to be written back to the main memory.
With the proliferation of mobile devices such as cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, and mobile computing devices including laptop devices, increasing requirements for high level computing and power consumption management have led to further integration of several distinct processing aspects into a single microprocessor unit—or system on a chip—including graphics processing, wireless communications processing, and image processing. The deeper level of integration has increased the bandwidth and power requirements of the LLC since more and more processes are required to use the LLC.
Last Level Caches (LLC) have long been employed in system on chip (SOC) implementations to reduce memory latency and reduce system power through the use of spatial and temporal locality. With the proliferation of mobile devices such as cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, and mobile computing devices including laptop devices, increasing requirements for high level computing and power consumption management have led to further integration of several distinct processing aspects into a single microprocessor unit—or system on a chip—including graphics processing, wireless communications processing, and image processing. The deeper level of integration has increased the bandwidth and power requirements of the LLC since more and more processes are required to use the LLC.
LLCs are typically directly attached to the memory controller (MC) which directly controls the main memory or DRAM chips. DRAM bandwidth is a precious resource that mobile SOC tries to optimize. More efficient usage of the DRAM bandwidth allows the system designer to use lower frequency or lower power DRAM chips.

System and method for optimizing DRAM bus switching using LLC


A laser irradiation tip has a main body and a tip end portion. The main body is connected with a handpiece and irradiating therapeutic laser with high absorbability in water. The tip end portion being connected with the main body. The main body of the laser irradiation tip has an optical fiber for guiding the therapeutic laser, a water flow path, and an air flow path in a parallel manner. The tip end portion of the laser irradiation tip has a connection portion with the main body, a water guide path communicated with the water flow path of the main body, an air guide path communicated with the air flow path of the main body, a fiber guide portion capable of inserting a tip side portion of the optical fiber, and a mixing chamber of water and air.

Recently, a laser treatment apparatus has been widely used in the field of dental examination. The laser treatment apparatus basically comprises a laser generation apparatus, an optical guiding device for guiding laser beam, a handpiece connected with the tip end of the optical guiding device, and a laser irradiation tip mounted on the tip end of the handpiece. The laser generation apparatus of the laser treatment apparatus can use several kinds of laser generation apparatus for generating laser such as Er:YAG laser, carbon dioxide laser, Nd:YAG laser, semiconductor laser. Er:YAG laser with high absorbability in water has been used these days, wherein a spray mechanism is attached for spraying mixed mist of water and air on a laser irradiation region taking advantage of absorbability in water. The laser treatment apparatus having the spray mechanism of mixed mist of water and air is disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 to 4.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a dental treatment apparatus for removing matter from the surface of teeth by pulsed laser in which a liquid layer of 10 to 100 micrometers in thickness is formed on teeth. Patent Literature 2 discloses a laser treatment apparatus which is provided with a handpiece for irradiating Er:YAG laser and sprays mixed fluid of liquid and gas to a patient to be irradiated with laser from a position behind an output end of laser. Patent Literature 3 discloses a laser treatment apparatus which avoids extra laser absorption by setting timing of spraying mixed mist of water and air at the time of irradiating laser pulse. The paragraph [0004] in Patent Literature 4 discloses an optical cutter (laser treatment apparatus) for irradiating Nd:YAG laser on an affected area in which water and air are mixed in a mixing chamber provided around a fiber conduit pipe for laser irradiation and delivered along the conduit pipe via a mesh screen. Patent Literature 4 discloses that a program is provided for adjusting size and speed of liquid particles in such a manner that electromagnetic energy is absorbed by damp air and/or atomized fluid particles to impart disruptive forces to skin (referring to FIG. 5).
Patent Literature 5 discloses an apparatus for removing dental caries by laser having a delivery device for supplying cooling water to an irradiation area with laser, not for spraying mixed mist of water and air.

Laser irradiation tip, laser irradiation handpiece, laser treatment apparatus, and laser irradiation tip end member


An image forming apparatus feeds a recording sheet from a sheet feed roller, clamps the recording sheet between an image carrier and a transfer roller, transfers a toner image to the recording sheet from the image carrier while conveying the recording sheet, and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording sheet. Recording sheets are stacked on an elevating plate. An elevating plate swinging mechanism vertically swings the elevating plate. A rotation drive mechanism rotates the sheet feed roller in synchronism with the elevating plate swinging mechanism. A recording sheet detector detects a leading edge of each recording sheet fed from the sheet feed roller. A conveyance controller measures sheet feed time from starting a sheet feed operation to detecting the leading edge of the recording sheet. Based on the measured sheet feed time, the conveyance controller sets a sheet feed start timing of a next recording sheet.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
Discussion of the Background
A conventional image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeder on which a plurality of recording sheets are stacked. The recording sheets stacked on the sheet feeder are drawn out to a conveyance path inside of the apparatus by a sheet feed roller and conveyed to a transfer roller by a plurality of conveyance roller pairs (see Japanese Patent No. 3885869). As typically exemplified by the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3885869, the sheet feeder of the conventional image forming apparatus includes a swingable elevating plate (stacking support). The elevating plate on which recording sheets are stacked is swung vertically by drive means to bring the uppermost recording sheet into contact with the sheet feed roller.
The contents of Japanese Patent No. 3885869 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
In the conventional image forming apparatus, the elevating plate is moved vertically by rotation of gears, and consequently, the speed of the vertical movement is low. Therefore, when the rotation of the sheet feed roller and the vertical movement of the elevating plate are executed by the same drive source, a sheet feed timing by the sheet feed roller varies depending on an amount of recording sheets stacked on the elevating plate (height of recording sheets mounted on the elevating plate). Moreover, in recent years, there has been a demand for reducing an image forming apparatus in size, and there has been proposed an image forming apparatus without conveyance roller pairs between a sheet feed roller and a transfer roller. In the case of such an image forming apparatus having no conveyance roller pairs between the sheet feed roller and the transfer roller, the sheet feed timing may vary depending on an amount of recording sheets stacked on the elevating plate. Then, positions of transfer of toner images to recording sheets differ to hinder acquisition of stable images.
In view of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus to directly convey a recording sheet from a sheet feed roller to a transfer roller in order to stabilize the conveyance of the recording sheet without increasing the number of component parts.


A stretcher includes a first actuator coupled to a head section and a second actuator coupled to a thigh section. A set of buttons accessible to a patient carried by the stretcher are coupled to motors that drive the respective first and second actuators. The buttons are pressed to move the thigh section through a full range of motion and to move the head section through a limited range of motion. A switch inaccessible to the patient is pressed to move the head section through a full range of motion. Lockout switches are provided for disabling the buttons and the switch. A first hand crank is coupled to the first actuator and is manually rotated to move the head section through the full range of motion. A second hand crank is coupled to the second actuator and is manually rotated to move the thigh section through the full range of motion. A CPR release handle is provided for quickly lowering the head section to the lowered position without the use of the buttons, switch, or first hand crank.

The present invention relates to a stretcher for use in a hospital or other health care facility, and particularly to a procedural stretcher including an articulated patient support having a movable section that can be moved by a drive mechanism. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stretcher having a drive mechanism including both an automatic mechanized drive assembly and a manual hand-operated drive assembly, each of which operate to move the movable section of the patient support.
Stretchers for transporting a patient in a hospital or other health care facility from one location to another are well known. Conventional stretchers may include an articulated patient-support deck having sections that can be adjusted to adjust the position of the patient. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,808 to Hines and 4,629,242 to Schrager, each of which discloses a patient support deck having a movable head section.
Many stretchers having movable patient-support sections include hand-operated assemblies that can be manually operated to adjust the position of the patient-support sections. For example, each of the Hines '808 patent and the Schrager '242 patent discloses a stretcher having a shaft coupled to a movable patient-support section and a hand crank for rotating the shaft to adjust the position of the movable patient-support section.
Hospital beds are generally less mobile than stretchers and typically are not used to transport patients between locations, but rather remain at a single location during use when a patient rests on the bed. Hospital beds may also be provided with articulated patient supports having sections that can be adjusted to place the patient resting on the bed in a variety of positions. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,444,880 to Weismiller et al.; 4,751,754 to Bailey et al.; 4,559,655 to Peck; and 3,436,769 to Burst; all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and see also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,423,097 to Brule et al. and 4,545,084 to Peterson. Each of these references discloses a hospital bed having articulated head, seat, thigh, and foot sections, at least one of which can be moved to adjust the position of the patient.
Some hospital beds having articulated patient-support sections have manual hand-operated assemblies that can be operated to adjust the position of the movable sections and some have mechanized assemblies that can be actuated to adjust the position of the movable sections. For example, each of the Brule et al. '097 patent and the Peterson '084 patent discloses a hospital bed having a manually rotated hand crank to raise and lower the movable sections of the bed. See also the Weismiller et al. '880 patent, the Bailey et al. '754 patent, the Peck '655 patent, and the Burst '769 patent which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and see U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,657 to Bartley et al, each of which discloses a hospital bed having an electric motor that can be activated to raise and lower the movable sections of the bed.
Hospital beds having mechanized assemblies that adjust the movable sections may include patient control buttons that are accessible by the patient for actuating the mechanized assemblies to adjust the positions of the sections to a desired position. In addition, such hospital beds may include limit switches to limit the ranges of motion of designated sections and lockout switches that can be activated by a caregiver to deactivate the patient control buttons. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,044,286 to Adams et al. and 3,913,153 to Adams et al., both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and both of which disclose the use of a limit switch limiting the movement of the movable sections and a lockout switch that can be moved to a position preventing an electric motor from being actuated by the patient control buttons.
Hospital beds having a movable head section may include a manually operated quick-release handle for rapidly lowering the head section, for example, when a patient goes into cardiac arrest, so that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be administered to the patient. See, for example, the Weismiller et al. '880 patent, the Peck '655 patent, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,116 to Borders et al., all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and see U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,657 to Bartley et al. Each of these references discloses a mechanism that can be actuated to rapidly lower the head section to a flat position.
What is desired is a stretcher having a drive mechanism including both a mechanized drive and a hand-operated drive, each of which can be used to adjust the same movable section of the patient-support deck. The mechanized drive should be usable to move the movable section when the stretcher is generally stationary and receiving power from an external power source. The hand-operated drive should be manually actuatable to move the movable section both when the stretcher is connected to the external power source and when the stretcher is disconnected from the external power source. Such a stretcher should also include patient control buttons accessible by the patient to actuate the mechanized drive and caregiver control switches accessible by a caregiver to actuate the mechanized drive. Additionally, the stretcher should include hand cranks that are accessible by the caregiver to manually actuate the hand-operated drive. The stretcher should also include a CPR mechanism having a CPR release handle that, when actuated, allows a head section of a patient-support deck to quickly lower to a generally horizontal table position.
According to the present invention, a stretcher is provided having a frame and a patient-support deck mounted on the frame. The patient-support deck includes longitudinally spaced-apart sections. At least one of the sections is a movable section that is coupled to the frame for pivoting movement relative to the other deck sections between a raised position and a lowered position through an intermediate position therebetween. The stretcher includes a drive mechanism that, when actuated, moves the movable section relative to the other deck sections. The drive mechanism is coupled to the frame and coupled to the movable section.
The drive mechanism includes a hand-operated drive for moving the movable section between the raised position and the lowered position and a mechanized drive for moving the movable section between the raised position and the lowered position. Control buttons are coupled to the mechanized drive and the control buttons are engageable to activate the mechanized drive to lower the movable section from the raised position to the lowered position and to raise the movable section from the lowered position only to the intermediate position. The control buttons are configured so that the mechanized drive does not activate to move the movable section from the intermediate position toward the raised position in response to engagement of the control buttons.
In preferred embodiments, the stretcher includes a frame and a patient-support deck having articulated head, seat, thigh, and foot sections mounted to the frame. The thigh section is coupled to the frame for pivoting movement between a raised position raising the knees of the patient and a lowered position. A thigh section actuator that extends and retracts is coupled to the thigh section and to the frame. The thigh section actuator moves the thigh section between the raised position and the lowered position.
The head section is coupled to the frame for pivoting movement and is infinitely positionable between a generally vertical raised position and a generally horizontal lowered position through an intermediate position therebetween. A head section actuator that extends and retracts is coupled to the head section and to the frame. The actuator moves the head section between the raised position and the lowered position. However, movement of the head section relative to the thigh section is limited under certain circumstances to limit the extent to which the patient can close the angle defined between the head section and the thigh section. In addition, a CPR mechanism having a release handle is coupled to the head section actuator so that when the release handle is actuated, the head section quickly moves to the lowered position.
A head section motor is coupled to the head section actuator to drive the head section actuator and a thigh section motor is coupled to the thigh section actuator to drive the thigh section actuator. Patient control buttons are mounted on a side guard rail and coupled to each motor so that patient control buttons can be pressed to activate the motors. Caregiver control switches are mounted on the frame of the stretcher at a foot end of the stretcher away from the patient but accessible by the caregiver attending to the patient and are coupled to at least one of the motors so that caregiver control switches can be actuated to activate at least one of the motors. In addition, a pair of hand cranks are mounted on the frame of the stretcher at the foot end of the stretcher. One hand crank can be manually rotated to drive the head section actuator to move the head section between the raised and lowered positions and the other hand crank can be manually rotated to drive the thigh section actuator to move the thigh section between the raised and lowered positions.
The patient control buttons can be pressed to operate the motors to drive the actuators and move the thigh section between the raised and lowered positions, move the head section from the raised position to the lowered position, and move the head section from the lowered position to the intermediate position. However, the patient control buttons are configured so that the patient control buttons do not operate the motors to move the head section toward the raised position past the intermediate position. Thus, the extent to which the patient control buttons can be used to activate the head section motor to move the head section toward the raised position, closing the angle between the head section and the thigh section, is limited.
The caregiver control switches operate the head section motor to move the head section to desired positions within the full range of motion of the head section between the raised and lowered positions. Additionally, the hand cranks also operate the head and thigh section actuators to move the head and thigh sections to desired positions within the full range of motion of the head and thigh sections.
Thus, the head and thigh section motors provide a mechanized drive to drive the actuators and adjust the position of the head and thigh sections, respectively. In addition, the hand cranks provide a hand-operated drive to drive the actuators and adjust the position of the head and thigh sections. The caregiver can use both the mechanized drive and the hand-operated drive to adjust the position of the head and thigh sections through the full range of motion of the head and thigh sections. The patient can use only the mechanized drive to adjust the position of the head and thigh sections and can only raise the head section up to the intermediate position. However, the patient can use the mechanized drive to lower the head section from any position down to the lowered position when the stretcher receives power from an external power source.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.


The invention relates to a method for transmitting data streams where transmission/reception devices (LTU, NTU) deactivated to a standby state are activated by performing a warm start sequence, with transmission line parameters being determined (S103) using an exchange-end transmission/reception device (LTU) following provision of a subscriber-end transmitted signal, transmission line parameters being determined (S104) using a subscriber-end transmission/reception device (NTU) following provision of an exchange-end transmitted signal, echo cancelation being realigned (S105) using a subscriber-end transmission/reception device (NTU) following provision of a subscriber-end transmitted signal, and/or echo cancelation being realigned (S106) using an exchange-end transmission/reception device (LTU) following provision of an exchange-end transmitted signal.

With transmission methods using copper lines, there is the problem of transferring exchange-end transmission/reception devices and subscriber-end transmission/reception devices connected via at least one data transmission path from a deactivated state or from a standby state to an activated state, this operation being referred to below as a "warm start".
xDSL technologies involve various types of use/carrier methods for line-conducted data stream transmission from an exchange to a subscriber end.
By way of example, the following DSL (DSL=Digital Subscriber Line) methods are used:                (i) ADSL: asymmetric DSL,        (ii) VDSL: Very High Data Rate DSL,        (iii) SDSL: Symmetrical Single Pair DSL (DSL with a symmetrical single pair line), and        (iv) S(H)DSL: (SDSL at a high data rate).
These transmission methods using the at least one data transmission path are based on exchange-end transmission/reception devices and subscriber-end transmission/reception devices, the problem being that both transmission/reception devices need to be transferred to an energy saving mode, or need to be deactivated, for energy saving reasons.
To change from an energy saving mode or a standby mode to an operating mode, the deactivated transmission/reception devices need to be reactivated using a warm start sequence.
In this context, it can be assumed that a first warm start sequence has been preceded by a "cold start", where data transmission has been activated on a line.
The exchange-end transmission/reception devices and the subscriber-end transmission/reception devices adapt themselves in this case to the parameters or properties of the line in the data transmission path.
Disadvantageously, this operation typically takes at least 30 seconds, which means that a warm start, which comprises a warm start sequence and requires much shorter time periods for activation, is absolutely essential. In this context, all subsequent activation operations require that knowledge of the properties of the line in the data transmission path be put into practice in a fraction of the aforementioned time (30 seconds).
All of these activation operations are referred to as "warm starts". Internationally standardized warm start sequences exist for ISDN-U interfaces, for example, as described in the literature reference:
"ETSI TS 102 080, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) basic rate access, Third Edition, November 1998" and in the literature reference:
"ANSI T1.601-1988, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), ANSI, September 1988".
For xDSL, particularly for S(H)DSL methods, various methods are known which all have serious drawbacks for existing transmission/reception devices. Such methods are described in the literature references
"Infineon, "SDSL Warm Start Capability", ETSI-Meeting TM6 Amsterdam, December 1999, 994t51a0";
"Adtran, "Warm Start Considerations", ETSI-Meeting TM6 Amsterdam, December 1999, 994t59a0"; "Infineon, Adtran, "SDSL Warm Start", Helsinki, May 2000, 002t25a1";
"Infineon "Warmstart Wake-up tones" ETSI-Meeting TM6 Vienna September 2000, 003t42a0";
"Conexant Systems "Warm start wake up signals" ETSI-Meeting TM6 Monterey, November 2000, 00t24a0";
"Conexant Systems "M-Sequence based line probe signals for both keep-alive and warmstart wake-up signals" ETSI-Meeting TM6 Sophia Antipolis, February 2001, 011t25a0"; and
"Infineon, "warmstart-Sequence", ETSI-Meeting TM6 Ghent, May 2001"; "Infineon "Warmstart wake-up tones", Ghent, May 2001".
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart in block form to illustrate a method for transmitting data streams in accordance with the prior art. Following a start step S100, subscriber-end activation is effected in a subscriber-end activation step S101. The subscriber-end activation provokes exchange-end activation, which is performed in an exchange-end activation step. This is conventionally followed by subscriber-end synchronization (step S107) and finally exchange-end synchronization (step S108): after steps S101-S108, a data stream can be transmitted in a data stream transmission step S111. Following data stream transmission, the procedure is stopped (step S112).
A main drawback of conventional methods for transmitting data streams where transmission/reception devices can be deactivated to a standby state is that, before synchronization or before a specific warm start, a known far end signal needs to be provided in order to detect a change in the far end signal as a consequence of a change in properties of a line in the at least one data transmission path since activation last occurred.
By way of example, interference such as temperature fluctuations or changes in air humidity has a disadvantageous effect on line properties and can alter the line properties in an unforeseeable manner.
Another drawback of known methods is that transmission/reception devices are available which require a time period without a far end signal before synchronization, in order to adapt themselves to a change in an echo in their own transmitted signal, which is also caused, inter alia, by a change in line properties in the at least one data transmission path.
Disadvantageously, a fixed warm start sequence in the exchange-end transmission/reception devices and in the subscriber-end transmission/reception devices would mean a high level of complexity and would lengthen a warm start sequence unnecessarily, resulting not only in an increase in costs but also in a reduction in the specific advantages of a warm start.

Method for transmitting data streams, and warm start sequence for S(H)DSL transmission/reception devices


Digital image processing apparatus for interpolating a digital input image into an interpolated output image, in one embodiment of the invention, comprises an input buffer (12) for accommodating pixel data of the input image and a coefficient buffer (14) for storing precalculated interpolation weighting coefficients prior to real time image interpolation. The coefficient buffer (14) comprises a first memory segment (22) for containing a set of precalculated sharp interpolating weighting coefficients obtained by using a sharp interpolating algorithm, a second memory segment (24) for containing a set of precalculated soft weighting coefficients obtained by using a soft interpolating algorithm and a third memory segment (26) for containing a set of precalculated weighting coefficients representative of a predetermined characteristic of the input image, such as contrast or density. The processing apparatus further comprises interpolation logic (16) for calculating a sharp interpolated output image pixel, a soft interpolated output image pixel, and a value for the image characteristic, using the input pixel data and the precalculated weighting coefficients, and an algorithm implementation controller (18) for calculating a resultant output pixel by combining the sharp and soft interpolated pixel values as a function of the image characteristic.

A major problem with any interpolation algorithm which produces a sharp result, i.e. cubic or higher polynomial, or a digital filter design, is that objectionable `ringing`, overshoot and undershoot will occur on high contrast edges in the image. Some degree of overshoot and undershoot is required on lower contrast edges to produce a visually pleasing result but this will produce objectionable `ringing` on a high contrast edge.
The `ringing` can be reduced by various methods. For example, a digital filter design using linear programming can be used to obtain a compromise between a sharp cut-off filter, to obtain a sharp image, and a certain amount of `ringing`. However, since it is a compromise, reducing ringing on a high contrast edge will lead to subjectively less pleasing results in lower contrast areas of an image, i.e. the image will be less sharp overall.
Methods by which different interpolation algorithms can be used during an interpolation process have been suggested. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,693 describes interpolation hardware including a manually operated switch for switching between different available interpolation algorithms depending on the kind of image to be interpolated. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,752 describes a system which incorporates a control unit which monitors the content of the input data and switches between interpolation kernels in an attempt to provide optimum interpolation for different types of image content. With this method, certain corrective measures need to be taken in order to compensate for the use of either the one or the other algorithm.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a continuum of interpolated output images ranging from relatively sharp at one end of the continuum to relatively soft at the other end so that the user has the ability to select any degree of sharpness (or softness) in interpolated output images within limits imposed by a predefined set of interpolation algorithm coefficients.
It is a further object of the invention to provide local image content adaptability to allow a user to specify or select the degree of sharpness (or softness) in the interpolated output image based upon local image characteristics, such as density and contrast.
In this specification the terms sharp and soft are used as direct opposites; i.e. 100% sharpness equals softness and vice versa. Furthermore the terms "soft" and "smooth" are used synonymously.

Method and apparatus for adaptively interpolating a digital image


A holder having at least one magnetizable body surrounded by a coil is demagnetized by passing through the coil a succession of groups of pulses. The pulses of each group are of the same polarity and the polarity of each group of pulses is opposite that of the preceding group while the current of the pulses of each group is less than that of the pulses of the preceding group. Each group has 2 to 8 identical pulses and the pulses are formed by clipping an incoming alternating-current line voltage.

A permanent-magnet holding plate or mandrel is known for use in a machine shop to hold a workpiece while it is being machined. Such a holding plate can be set up so that it can be permanently magnetized and so that it can also be thoroughly demagnetized. Thus the holder is magnetized before or after a workpiece is positioned on it, and after the machining operation it is demagnetized to allow the finished workpiece to be separated from the holder.
More specifically such a magnet plate has high-induction magnets with a weak coercive field, typically aluminum-nickel-cobalt compounds that are surrounded by electrical coils and capped by ferrous pole pieces. Such a plate is activated so that it can magnetically hold a workpiece by passing an electrical current through the coils to permanently magnetize the magnets. During the machining operation the permanent magnetization serves to hold the workpiece in place. Once the machining operation is completed a current is passed through the coils so as to demagnetize the magnets, allowing the workpiece to be separated from the holder.
A first type of such electropermanent magnetic plate has the array of magnets covered by a pole plate and each magnet is surrounded by a respective coil of enamel-coated copper wire of very fine gauge and having a great number of turns. It takes between 0.8 sec and 1.0 sec of energization of the coils by direct current of a predetermined polarity to magnetize the magnets. Demagnetization is effected by passing about a dozen pulses of oppositely polarized current through the magnets over about 10 sec.
Such a system is very expensive, principally because in addition to the pole plate which costs about 30% of the total cost of the unit the coils are expensive. In addition here the bobbins are sealed underneath the pole plate.
In another known type of such a permanent-magnet holder each magnet is surrounded by a simple coil comprising only a few--six to ten --turns of copper wire with PVC insulation, the individual wires having a section between 1.5 and 6 mm.sup.2. Such magnets are magnetized and discharged by currents obtained by discharging banks of condensers in about 3 to 5 millisec at a current of about 500 amp which is about the maximum one can get from the condensers.
While this type of magnetic holder is itself fairly cheap to manufacture, the supply circuit is relatively expensive principally because of the condensers. In addition such an arrangement is slow, taking 20 to 30 sec to demagnetize the holder, a time that is unacceptably long in today's rapid industrial processes.
It has been suggested to try to combine the best of these two types of holders by eliminating the pole plate in a system with fine-wire coils. The coils are potted in epoxy to protect them. The power supply for such a system is simple and inexpensive, and magnetization and demagnetization are relatively quick.
More particularly in this hybrid system the feed circuit comprises thyristors which are fed alternating line current and which are tripped so that they feed to the magnets three pulses of the same sign for magnetization. For demagnetization the thyristors are set to operate degressively and send positive and negative pulses through the coils.
While the feed circuit is fairly simple, making the holding plate is quite difficult. The fine-wire coils are expensive to produce as is the potting since the surfaces of the pieces must be abraded so the potting will adhere. The potting itself is normally done under vacuum so it is an expensive procedure. In addition several feed circuits must be provided for a large-area holding plate.

Demagnetizable electropermanent magnetic holder


A dual etch process for forming an air bearing slider design with three etch depths. For one embodiment the first etch forms the leading and trailing step regions and the second etch forms the lateral step regions. The combination of the first and second etches form the negative pressure region.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to air bearing sliders for use in disk drives, and more particularly, to air bearing sliders that are less sensitive to mask misalignments.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional magnetic disk drives refer to information storage devices that store data on at least one rotatable magnetic media (or disk) having concentric data tracks. Conventional disk drives include a spindle on which the disks are mounted, a spindle motor that spins the disks when the drive is in operation, one or more read/write heads that perform the actual reading and writing of data, a second motor that positions the read/write heads over the disks, and controller circuitry that synchronizes read/write activities and transfers information to and from the computer or data processing system. A read/write head may include a magnetic transducer (also referred to as a read/write transducer) for reading and writing data on the various tracks. The read/write transducer is typically mounted or integrally formed on an air bearing slider. The air bearing slider supports the read/write transducer above the recording media and adjacent to the data tracks during reading and writing operations of the drive.
In magnetic recording technology, it is continually desired to improve the areal density at which information can be recorded and reliably read. One factor that limits the recording density of a magnetic disk drive is the distance between the read/write transducer and the magnetic media. This distance is often referred to as the "fly height" of the air bearing slider. As the area density of the magnetic media is increased, smaller fly heights are required so that the read/write transducer can distinguish between the magnetic fields emanating from closely spaced regions on the magnetic media. Accordingly, air bearing sliders are typically designed to fly the air bearing slider as close as possible to the magnetic media while avoiding physical impact with the magnetic media.
Various factors are known to affect the fly height of an air bearing slider. For example, the fly height of an air bearing slider is affected as the actuator arm is moved radially across the disk to access the various data tracks. This is due to differences in linear velocity of the disk at differing radii between the inner-diameter (ID) and the outer-diameter (OD) of the disk. Additionally, an air bearing slider may experience changes in fly height due to variations in skew, roll, and crown of the air bearing slider. The altitude sensitivity of an air bearing slider may also affect the fly height. As the altitude increases, the fly height drops corresponding to the drop in atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, variations in the physical characteristics of an air bearing slider that results from manufacturing tolerances may also affect the fly height. For example, the misalignment of masks used to form the various surfaces may vary the physical characteristics of the air bearing slider.
One prior art air bearing slider is a negative pressure air bearing slider having two etch depths formed by a two step etching process, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates an air bearing slider 100 having a support structure 140 (also referred to as a slider body), a first etch surface including a leading step region 120 and a trailing step region 121, a second etch surface including a negative pressure region 150, and an air bearing surface including leading pads 130 and 131 and a trailing pad 132. The depth of each etch surface is measured from the air bearing surface of air bearing slider 100.
The leading step region 120 and trailing step region 121 are formed by a first etch and therefore referred to as the first etch surface. The first etch may be a shallow etch of about 0.11 microns. The leading step region 120 has two side rails that are joined together at leading edge 141 of slider body 140 and extend toward trailing edge 142 of slider body 140.
The pocket defined by the two side rails of leading step region 120 is referred to as negative pressure region 150 and is formed by a second etch. The second etch may be optimized anywhere between 0.5 microns and 5.0 microns to minimize the altitude sensitivity of air bearing slider 100. Typically, the second etch depth refers to the first etch depth plus a delta value such that the area defined as the second etch surface is actually etched during the first and second etch steps. Although this prior art approach reduces the altitude sensitivity of air bearing slider 100, it does not reduce mask misalignment sensitivities of air bearing slider 100 that may also affect the flying height.
Another prior art approach uses a three step etching process to form three etch surfaces. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a three etch depth air bearing slider. According to FIGS. 2A-2B, the air bearing slider includes four transverse pressure contour (TPC) pads 222 and a negative pressure pad 226. The TPC pads 222 are defined by a face 234 for creating a gas bearing effect, a generally U-shaped TPC section 228 including a constant depth step bearing along each side edge 236 of face 234 and a constant depth step along leading edge 238 forming a converging compression inlet 232. Thus, the gas bearing contour of TPC pad 222 is defined by two parallel planes created by two different etch steps with a slight off-set.
The negative pressure pad 226 is defined by a substantially planar surface which contains a recess 240 open at the trailing end 225. The negative pressure pad 226 may also include one or more bearing faces 242 at a height approximately that of faces 234 and TPC pads 222 for creating a gas bearing effect. Recess 240 is open along the trailing edge 241; that is, substantially ambient.
The ambient pressure reservoir 230 defines a cavity 244 having a depth and configuration sufficient to maintain substantial ambient pressure in the cavity during movement of the disk. Furthermore, ambient pressure reservoir 230 includes a non-tapered (non-stepped, non-convex) inlet along a leading edge 223 so as to inhibit the generation of gas bearing effects created by compression of inlet gas.
In order to ensure cavity 244 creates an ambient pressure reservoir 230, cavity 244 must be etched deep enough to ensure ambient pressure. According to this slider design, the etch steps used to form the U-shaped TPC section 228 and recess 240, alone or in combination, are not deep enough to form cavity 244. Thus, the prior art design shown in FIGS. 2A-2B requires three etch steps to form the three etch surfaces. One drawback of this slider design is that an air bearing slider manufactured with a three step etching process is more costly to manufacture than the same slider if manufactured with a two step etching process.

Dual etch step process for making a three etch depth air bearing slider

International Business Machines Corporation


A printer ink composition containing a triphenylmethane dye or a lake pigment derived therefrom as a coloring agent, including as the coloring agent a triphenylmethane dye having general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an aryl group, R.sup.5 is an aryl group, X.sup.- is a counter ion, and ring A or ring B may be substituted by one or more substituents, provided that at least one group among R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is not methyl and in the case that R.sup.5 is p-dimethylaminophenyl, at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and at least one of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are not methyl; or a lake pigment derived therefrom, in order to prevent the formation of Michler's ketone. The ink composition is used for printing media for printer such as fabric ink ribbon, ink roll, ink-retaining element, thermal transfer ink ribbon, and pressure-sensitive transfer ink ribbon.

The printer liquid ink is composed of a coloring agent and a liquid vehicle and used in printing media for impact type selective printers such as a typewriter using type set and a wire dot printer. Such printing media include, for instance, a fabric ink ribbon using a nylon woven cloth or the like as a ribbon material, and an ink roll or an ink-retaining element for supplying an ink to a fabric ink ribbon, types, etc.
The printer solid ink is composed of a coloring agent and a solid vehicle. The ink includes a heat transferable solid ink which is softened or melted upon heating to be transferred, and a pressure-sensitive transferable solid ink which is transferred upon being subjected to a pressure. The former is used in printing media for thermal transfer type selective printers equipped with a head such as a heating head, a laser head or a head for supplying electric current. The latter is used in printing media for impact type selective printers such as a typewriter using type set and a wire dot printer.
Such printing media include, for instance, a one-time thermal transfer ink ribbon wherein a homogeneous layer of a heat transferable solid ink is formed on a film foundation; a multi-usable thermal transfer ink ribbon wherein on a foundation is formed a porous layer containing a heat transferable solid ink or a heat transferable solid ink layer containing a barrier material; and a one-time pressure-sensitive transfer ink ribbon wherein a homogeneous layer of a pressure-sensitive transferable ink composition is formed on a film foundation.
Heretofore, this type of ink composition uses such triphenylmethane dyes as mentioned below, as a main component of the coloring agent thereof. The reason is that the dyes have a high tinting strength or that the dissolution or dispersion of the dyes into a vehicle can be made ready by converting them to bases. ##STR2##
In the above, Y.sup.- represents a counter ion. The ion Y.sup.- widely used is residues of organic acids such as oleic acid.
There are also used lake pigments derived from the above-mentioned triphenylmethane dyes, including C.I. Pigment Green 4 (C.I. 42000:2), C.I. Pigment Violet 39 (C.I. 42555:2), C.I. Pigment Violet 3 (C.I. 42535:2) and C.I. Pigment Violet 27 (C.I. 42535:3).
However, the above-mentioned triphenylmethane dyes and the lake pigments thereof undergo oxidation decomposition with the passage of time to change to Michler's ketone mentioned below. The Michler's ketone has a carcinogenesis (see "Bioassay of Michler's Ketone for Possible Carcinogenicity", National Cancer Institute Carcinogenesis Technical Report Series, No. 181, 1979, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Public Health Service National Institute of Health). ##STR3##
Therefore, in the case of using an ink containing the above-mentioned triphenylmethane dye or the lake pigment thereof as a coloring agent, there is the danger that Michler's ketone is incorporated into a human body to become a carcinogen due to contact of the human body with an ink or printed matters obtained using the ink in the preparation of the ink, the production of printing media, the storage of the printing media, printing with using the printing media, or thereafter, or due to the sublimatiom or volatilization of Michler's ketone formed by the oxidation decomposition.
Recently, from the viewpoint of saving of resources, there is the tendency that waste paper is regenerated to be used again. However, when printed matters contain the triphenylmethane dye or the lake pigment thereof, or Michler's ketone derived therefrom, the paper regenerated therefrom inevitably contains carcinogen.
In view of the above-mentioned, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid or solid ink composition for a printer which does not possess carcinogenesis and is safe in spite of using a triphenylmethane dye or a lake pigment derived therefrom.

Printer ink composition and printing medium using the same


An improved fuel delivery and injection system for a small watercraft engine reduces the heat effects within an enclosed engine compartment upon various components of the engine and upon the fuel within the fuel system. The fuel system integrates a fuel pump within a fuel tank at a location which minimizes the effects of watercraft leaning. The inlet of the fuel pump desirably corresponds, in the lateral direction, with a position of an inlet to the jet pump unit. In this position, the pump is less likely to draw air as the watercraft maneuvers. The fuel lines also are arranged within the engine to minimize the effect of engine heat produced by the exhaust system on the fuel delivery lines. The arrangement of the fuel pump and fuel delivery lines consequently improves the consistency of the fuel/air ratio within the fuel charge produced by the engine as less air and vapor delivered to the fuel injectors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to watercrafts, and in particular to the adaptation of a small watercraft with an engine that includes a fuel delivery and injection system.
2. Description of Related Art
Personal watercrafts have become popular in recent years. This type of watercraft is sporting in nature; it turns swiftly, is easily maneuverable, and accelerates quickly. Personal watercraft today commonly carrier one rider and one or two passengers.
A relatively small hull of the personal watercraft defines an engine compartment below a rider's area. An internal combustion engine frequently lies within the engine compartment in front of a tunnel formed on the underside of the watercraft hull. The internal combustion engine commonly powers a jet propulsion device located within the tunnel. An impeller shaft commonly extends between the engine and the propulsion device for this purpose.
Personal watercrafts often employ an in-line, multi-cylinder, crankcase compression, two-cycle engine. The engine conventionally lies within the engine compartment with the in-line cylinders aligned along a longitudinal axis of the watercraft hull (in the bow to stern direction).
A dedicated carburetor usually supplies fuel to each cylinder of the engine. Because of the sporting nature of the watercraft and the tendency for frequent, abrupt directional changes of the watercraft when used, prior personal watercraft engine employ floatless-type carburetors. A fuel system used with the floatless-type carburetors continuously supplies fuel from a fuel tank to the carburetors while returning excess fuel to the fuel tank.
Though floatless carburetors improve fuel delivery to the engine's intake, prior fuel supply systems have not been so immune to abrupt directional changes. The fuel pick-up port in the fuel tank often is exposed to air when the watercraft leans in a turn, especially when the fuel level within the tank is low. Air in the fuel line produces a number of adverse affects. The fuel/air ratio of the charge delivered to the engine cylinders is reduced which results in poor engine performance. Air in the fuel line also can destroy the fuel pump's prime, as well as cause some fuel pumps to run hotter and damage the pump either immediately or over time (i.e., reduce the pump's durability).
Carburetored engines also tend to produce a fuel charge of a less than accurate fuel/air ratio. Consequently, engine performance is not optimized under all running conditions and greater pollutants can result.


Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of cooling tubes located within the CFB in a plurality of staggered rows. One embodiment employs a plurality of stacked, slip fit elements having apertures which accept the cooling tubes. The slip fit elements cooperate with one another to form a collecting channel, typically U-shaped, which separates particles from flue gases conveyed across the particle separators. Shiplap joints in between the individual slip fit elements prevent gas and solids from leaking therebetween and allow for thermal expansion. Alternatively, the impact type particle separators include cooling tubes connected to one another to form a unitary structure. Pin studs welded to the cooling tubes and covered with a coating of refractory; ceramic tiles; metal or ceramic spray coatings; metal or ceramic castings; weld overlay; and/or shields provide erosion resistance.

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers and, in particular, to improved impact type particle separator constructions comprised of fluid-cooled tubes.
CFB boiler systems are known and used in the production of steam for industrial processes and/or electric power generation. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,799,593, 4,992,085, and 4,891,052 to Belin et al.; 5,809,940 to James et al.; 5,378,253 and 5,435,820 to Daum et al.; and 5,343,830 to Alexander et al. In CFB reactors, reacting and non-reacting solids are entrained within the reactor enclosure by the upward gas flow which carries solids to the exit at the upper portion of the reactor where the solids are separated by impact type particle separators. The impact type particle separators are placed in staggered arrays to present a path which may be navigated by the gas stream, but not the entrained particles. The collected solids are returned to the bottom of the reactor. One CFB boiler arrangement uses a plurality of impact type particle separators (or concave impingement members or U-beams) at the furnace exit to separate particles from the flue gas. While these separators can have a variety of configurations, they are commonly referred to as U-beams because they most often have a U-shaped configuration in cross-section.
When applied to a CFB boiler, a plurality of such impact type particle separators are supported within the furnace enclosure and extend vertically in at least two rows across the furnace exit opening, with collected particles falling unobstructed and unchanneled underneath the collecting members along the rear enclosure wall. The gap between each adjacent pair of U-beams in one row is aligned with a U-beam in a preceding or following row of U-beams to present a tortuous path for the flue gas/solids to navigate. The U-beams in each row collect and remove particles from the flow of flue gas/solids, while the flue gas stream continues to flow around and through the U-beam array.
These types of collection elements are generally relatively long in comparison to their width and depth. The shape of the collection elements is usually dictated by two considerations: namely, the collection efficiency of the U-beams themselves and the ability of the U-beams to be self-supporting. When these elements are used, they are generally placed at the furnace exit and not cooled. Their placement at the furnace outlet is to protect the downstream heating surfaces from erosion by solid particles. Thus, the U-beams are exposed to the high temperatures of the flowing stream of flue gas/solids, and the materials used for the U-beams must be sufficiently temperature resistant to provide adequate support and resistance to damage.
Long, self-supporting stainless steel plate channels have been successfully used in CFB boilers for the primary solids collector, but the xe2x80x9ccreepxe2x80x9d strength of the commercially available and suitable alloys limits the length of the collection elements. By breaking up the long collection channel into short segments, the required strength of each short segment is much less than for the long channel due to the series of intermittent supports and the small amount of weight of any individual segment or element.
Methods of making collection elements which are cooled or supported off a cooled structure have usually included collection plates welded to water cooled support tubes. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,378,253 and 5,435,820 to Daum et al. However, welding to the cooling tubes increases the opportunity for tube leaks to occur at the welds.
In addition, under this known design structure, the collection element is cooled asymmetrically due to the proximity of the cooled tube or tubes to only some portion of the shaped collection channel segment or element. Thus, the plate forming the collection elements will tend to distort due to the differential expansion of the cooler areas in comparison to the hotter portions of the collection elements.
In addition, it is necessary to protect the tubes themselves from erosion caused by the impacting solids entrained within the solid/gas flow. This protection requires the use of tube shields made of stainless steel or ceramic which must be used along the entire height of the collector, which adds further cost.
The present invention comprises various arrangements of fluid-cooled tubes which are used to form impact type particle separators, commonly in a U-shape, but which can also be formed into W-, E-, V- or other shapes. Such impact type particle separators find particular use in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers or reactors.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is drawn to an apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertical, impact type particle separators located within the CFB. The impact type particle separators are adjacently positioned and horizontally spaced from one another in a plurality of staggered rows. Each impact type particle separator includes a plurality of vertical cooling tubes for conveying a cooling medium therethrough. A plurality of slip fit elements having apertures which accept and surround the cooling tubes are provided, the plurality of slip fit elements cooperating with one another to form a collecting channel along a length of the cooling tubes formed by side walls and a back wall. The side walls and back wall have a plurality of separate vertically aligned segments extending longitudinally along the height of the impact type particle separator, each vertically aligned segment being connected at its ends to an adjacent segment.
Another aspect of the present invention is drawn to an apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertical, impact type particle separators located within the CFB. The impact type particle separators are adjacently positioned and horizontally spaced from one another in at least two staggered rows. Each impact type particle separator includes a plurality of vertical cooling tubes for conveying a cooling medium therethrough. The plurality of cooling tubes forming an individual impact type particle separator are attached or connected to one another by intermediate tube alignment plate or bar welded at least intermittently inbetween and along the adjacent cooling tubes to form a unitary structure. A plurality of pin studs may be welded to the tubes, and then covered with a coating of refractory. Other erosion resistant mechanisms, such as tiles, metal or ceramic spray coatings, metal or ceramic castings, weld overlay, and shields, may be employed.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific benefits attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

Cooled tubes arranged to form impact type particle separators


A method of handling signaling and data transmission for machine-type communication (MTC) for a core network in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The core network includes at least one of a network control node, a data base and a network gateway node. The method includes the network gateway node selectively performing trigger suppression operation on at least a trigger request from a MTC server according to whether the core network is congested or overloaded, wherein each of the at least a trigger request is used to trigger at least an MTC application on a MTC device, wherein the trigger suppression operation is performed according to a trigger suppression setting received from the network control node.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method utilized in a mobile communication environment, and more particularly, to a method of handling machine-type communication (MTC) in a mobile communication environment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Machine-type communication (MTC) is one type of data communication including one or more entities not requiring human interactions. That is, the MTC refers to the concept of communication based on a network such as the existing GERAN, UMTS, long-term evolution (LTE), or the like used by a machine device instead of a mobile station (MS) used by a user. The machine device used in the MTC can be called an MTC device. There are various MTC devices such as a vending machine, a machine of measuring a water level at a dam, etc. That is, the MTC is widely applicable in various fields. The MTC device has features different from that of a typical MS. Therefore, a service optimized to the MTC may differ from a service optimized to human-to-human communication. In comparison with a current mobile network communication service, the MTC can be characterized as a different market scenario, data communication, less costs and efforts, a potentially great number of MSs for communication, wide service areas, low traffic per MS, etc.
Meanwhile, the number of MTC devices is expected to be much greater than the number of legacy devices, and a probability of performing operations of the plurality of MTC devices simultaneously is high due to a feature of a typical machine-to-machine (M2M) service. M2M communication (also referred to as "machine-type communications" or "MTC") may be used in a variety of areas. In the area of security, M2M communication may be used in surveillance systems, in backup of telephone landlines, in the control of physical accesses (e.g. to buildings), and in car/driver security. In the area of tracking and tracing, M2M communication may be used for fleet management, order management, Pay As You Drive (PAYD) applications, asset tracking, navigation, traffic information applications, road tolling, traffic optimization, and steering. In the area of payment systems, M2M communication may be used in point of sales, vending machines, customer loyalty applications, and gaming machines. In healthcare, M2M communication may be used for remotely monitoring vital signs, supporting the elderly or handicapped, in web access telemedicine points, and in remote diagnostics. In the area of remote maintenance/control, M2M communication may be used in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, lighting, pumps, valves, elevator control, vending machine control, and vehicle diagnostics. In the area of metering, M2M communication may be used in applications related to power, gas, water, heating, grid control, and industrial metering. Additionally, M2M communication based on machine type communication (MTC) technology may be used in areas such as customer service.
M2M communications may take advantage of deployed wireless networks based on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced), and/or other technologies such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) or those developed by the Institute for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and 3GPP2. M2M communications may use networks based on these technologies to deliver business solutions in a cost-effective manner. In a circumstance involving ubiquitous deployment of wireless networks, the availability of the wireless networks may facilitate and/or encourage the deployment and use of M2M devices. Additionally, further enhancements to these technologies may provide additional opportunities for the deployment of M2M-based solutions.
To receive services, e.g. evolved packet system (EPS) services, the UE needs to register with the network. During a registration procedure, e.g. attach procedure, the UE may first send an "ATTACH REQUEST" message to a network entity (e.g. MME). The "ATTACH REQUEST" message includes an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), which is stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card inside the mobile device, e.g. UE. Because the IMSI uniquely addresses each subscriber, it is seen as critical information from a security point of view and its transmission clearly has to be avoided as much as possible. By spying on and monitoring the IMSI, eavesdropper may track a subscriber's location, movement, and activities. So the network allocates a temporary UE identity, for example a system architecture evolution (SAE) temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), to the UE and renews it frequently in order to reduce the use of IMSI.
According to 3GPP TS 23.401, the network applies non-access stratum (NAS) level congestion control to avoid NAS signaling overload from massive UEs accessing the network in which the MME/serving GPRS support node (SGSN) provides a back-off timer to a requesting UE. When the back-off timer is running, the requesting UE is restricted from requesting subsequent EPS Mobility Management (EMM)/EPS Session Management (ESM) NAS signaling messages until the back-off timer expires.
In the prior art, the network lacks of a back-off status management mechanism for a back-off UE in which a back-off timer is running. For example, when the MTC server sends a trigger request message to the back-off UE, the network (e.g. MME/SGSN or HSS/HLR) would handle the trigger request message based on the EMM/EPS Connection Management (ECM) status of the back-off UE (i.e. a MTC device corresponding to the MTC server). The network may send trigger request message to the back-off UE or queue the trigger request message when the NAS level congestion control is applied. However, the MTC server does not get any response for the result of the trigger request message, such that the trigger request message is kept queued in the network. Network resources would be wasted and other trigger request messages for other non-back-off UEs may be delayed due to the queued trigger request message. Furthermore, if there is a validity timer in the trigger request message as indicated in 3GPP TR 23.888, the trigger request message would be invalid due to expiration of the validity timer, and the MTC server would occupy the network resource to resend the trigger request message.
A Device Trigger Delivery Gateway could be a standalone physical entity or a functional entity. At least one Device Trigger Delivery Gateway is owned by and deployed in a HPLMN that supports the MTC device trigger feature for subscribed devices. The DT-GW is deployed on the boundary between the HPLMN and the public Internet. Alternatively, the DT-GW is owned and operated by a 3rd party on behalf of the HPLMN and/or deployed in the public Internet. In which case, a secure tunnelling mechanism between the DT-GW and the HPLMN is utilized.
The MTC server sends a trigger indication request to the appropriate DT-GW encapsulated in an IP packet. The trigger indication request could contain pertinent information needed to route the trigger (e.g. device subscriber identity, trigger command/arguments, relevant device location information, security parameters, etc.). When a trigger indication is received from a submitting node (e.g. an authorized MTC server or IWK function on behalf of the MTC server), the DT-GW should first authorize the received request; making sure it originated from a trusted MTC server and is targeted for a device for which the MTC server is authorized to trigger. The next step is for the DT-GW to determine the reachability of the MTC device. Per the requirements specified in clause 5.8 of 3GPP documentation TS 22.368b.1.1, a trigger-able MTC device can be received in the detached state, in the attached state without a publically routable PDP context/PDN connection and in the attached state with a publically routable PDP context/PDN connection.
When the MTC server sends trigger request for the target MTC device to the network, e.g. HSS/HLR or DT-GW/MTC-IWF, the network may not be able to process the trigger request due to network congestion. However due to lacking of network congestion information, it is still not clear how the network, e.g. HSS/HLR or DT-GW, suppresses the received trigger request or incoming trigger requests when network is congested.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of handling signaling and data transmission for machine-type communication


A method for operating a fermentation plant with at least one digester (1) that is supplied with a substrate (1a). The substrate (1a) is percolated using a percolate (2a) from a percolate container (2) and biogas that is generated via the percolation process in the digester (1) or/and in the percolate container (2) is drawn off. The drawn off biogas is treated in a biogas treatment device (3) and the CO2-containing exhaust gas that is generated during the treatment is introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4), for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1). Alternatively CO2-containing biogas that was generated in an additional digester (1) in a different fermentation process can be introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4) for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1). The CO2-containing purge gas is supplied to the digester (1) such that the CO2-containing purge gas is forced to pass through the substrate (1a) dislodging any trapped biogas.

In typical fermentation methods, a percolate flows through a substrate in a fermentation digester and is collected primarily at the bottom of the digester, returned to a percolate container and from there can be fed to the digester again. This creates methane-containing biogas in the digester and also in the percolate container, said biogas being discharged from the digester and/or the percolate container and fed to a biogas treatment system to increase the methane concentration. With biogas treatment, the biogas to be obtained is separated from other undesired components and is supplied for further use. Among other things, the treatment produces a significant amount of CO2 gas.
To supply the biogas at the end of the process from the digester to the biogas treatment system, the biogas-containing volume above the substrate must be purged after the fermentation process using purge gas in order to eliminate the biogas from the volume. EP 1 997 875 A1 discloses the use of CO2-containing gas from the treatment system for this purpose.
The fermentation process also generates a considerable amount of biogas, which is, however, "trapped" in the substrate itself. This is released during substance handling or reprocessing of the digistate. Thus, the released biogas portions, in particular methane, are not recovered and enter uncontrolled into the atmosphere.

Method and device for operating a fermentation plant


A syringe assembly specifically designed to dispense high viscosity material. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel into which the high viscosity material is placed. A piston assembly is introduced into the syringe barrel. The piston assembly creates a seal against the interior of the syringe barrel that is impervious to the high viscosity material but is not impervious to the passage of air. Consequently, as the piston assembly is advanced into the syringe barrel, any trapped air is permitted to exit the syringe barrel without passing through the high viscosity material. The piston assembly also contains a shaped piston head that stresses the high viscosity material as it is displaced through the syringe barrel. By stressing the high viscosity material in the syringe barrel before it is dispensed, air bubbles and gaps contained within the material can be greatly reduced. Consequently, as the high viscosity material is dispensed from the syringe assembly, a homogenous mix is produced that contains very few air bubbles and gaps.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to syringes of the type having a syringe barrel and a piston assembly that travels within the syringe barrel, whereby the advancement of the piston assembly in the syringe barrel displaces material from within the syringe barrel and causes that material to be dispensed.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Syringes are used in a wide variety of applications. As a result, the prior art is replete with a large variety of syringe configurations. Hand held syringes are primarily used for dispensing material in a controlled and confined manner. Common uses of syringes include dispensing medications through a needle, dispensing equal parts of epoxy glue onto a surface and dispensing narrow lines of frosting onto a cake. Typically, most prior art syringes function in the same manner regardless to the material they are used to dispense. A prior art syringe typically has a syringe barrel into which the material to be dispensed is held. A piston assembly is positioned at one end of the syringe barrel. The piston assembly is advanced into the syringe barrel by the application of a manual force. As the piston assembly advances within the syringe barrel, the material within the syringe barrel is displaced. This causes the material to be dispensed from a dispensing port present at the far end of the syringe barrel.
To ensure that material within a syringe barrel does not leak past the advancing piston assembly, the piston assembly typically is designed to seal against the interior of the syringe barrel. A common design for a piston assembly is to make a piston head from an elastomeric material in a shape that is slightly wider at points than is the interior of the syringe barrel. When the piston head is placed within the syringe barrel, the oversized sections of the piston head are compressed and seal against the syringe barrel. The seal created by the piston head is typically both air and fluid impervious.
There are two primary ways to fill a syringe barrel with the material that will be eventually dispensed. For low viscosity material, such as water based medical solutions, the material can be drawn into the syringe barrel by retreating the piston assembly in the syringe barrel and creating a negative pressure in the syringe barrel. However, for higher viscosity materials that do not flow under the force of their own weight, such as epoxy, silicone and similar materials, the creation of a negative pressure in the syringe barrel is insufficient to draw the material into the syringe barrel. Rather, for higher viscosity materials, the piston assembly must be removed. The high viscosity material is then filled into the syringe barrel through the piston port. Once filled with a desired amount of high viscosity material, the piston assembly is reintroduced into the syringe barrel, wherein the piston assembly is used to displace the material through the syringe barrel and out the dispensing port.
As material is filled into a syringe barrel, the material becomes mixed with air. Do to the high viscosity of the material, the air may become entrapped within the material. Furthermore, as the piston assembly is reintroduced into the syringe barrel, the air becomes trapped within the syringe barrel in between the piston assembly and the material to be dispensed. As the high viscosity material is displaced through the dispensing port of the syringe barrel, the material mixes with the trapped air. As a result, the material exiting the syringe barrel may contain numerous air bubbles and gaps caused by larger pockets of air.
One specific application that uses a syringe filled with a high viscosity material is in the field of earpiece modeling. In the process of earpiece modeling, a highly viscous impression material is injected onto the opening of the ear using a syringe. The material is allowed to cure in the ear and is then removed. Once removed, the cured impression material can be used to create a hearing aid ear piece of the appropriate size and shape. A problem that occurs in the prior art is that if air becomes entrapped in the impression material while inside the syringe barrel, then the air may cause bubbles and gaps in the final impression that require that the ear impression either be reformed or repaired prior to its use in making a hearing aid.
A need therefore exists in the art for a syringe device that is capable of dispensing a highly viscous material without having air becoming entrapped within the viscous material. Such a need is satisfied by the present invention as described and claimed below.


A method for the detection and evaluation of the light generated in a fluorescing specimen by a short pulse laser, wherein at least a first and a second fluorophore and/or a self-fluorescing specimen are separately irradiated with different wavelengths and the specimen light is recorded in a wavelength-dependent manner with at least one nondescanned detector as reference spectrum and a separation into individual spectra is carried out during the irradiation of at least two fluorophores and/or self-fluorescing specimens simultaneously from the measured spectrum and the reference spectra through regression analysis, wherein the wavelength of the short pulse laser is advantageously changed continuously in at least one wavelength region.

a) Field of the Invention
The detection of individual fluorochromes in multiply labeled, highly light-scattering specimens was carried out heretofore through the selection of the excitation wavelengths in the visible region and through the use of corresponding emission filters.
b) Description of the Related Art
With overlapping emission spectra, the detection of emission spectra can be carried out with subsequent regression analysis (Schäfer patent). The detectors used for this purpose are generally PMTs which are located in the light path behind the scanning optics of the microscope. The penetration depth of the visible laser is sometimes severely limited depending on the specimen.
The use of a multiphoton laser for generation of fluorescence in dyed, highly light-scattering specimens also allows detection of the emission signals with filters. In so doing, fluorescent signals whose emission spectra overlap only slightly or not at all can be separated from one another. A sequential excitation of the individual fluorochromes with the required wavelength in connection with the detection of the respective signal (multitracking) is usually impossible in multiphoton microscopy since, in this method, a plurality of fluorochromes are often excited simultaneously with one wavelength because they have broader excitation spectra than in single photon excitation. With extensively overlapping emission spectra of the individual fluorochromes, the emission signals can also be detected spectroscopically in multiphoton microscopy by a PMT array with a dispersive element arranged upstream (U.S. Pat. No. 6,403,332) and can then be separated by regression analysis.
The problem in all of these methods is that fluorescent signals generated in deep areas of highly scattering specimens can only be detected to an insufficient extent.

Method for the detection of fluorescent light


The present invention related to compositions (deodorizing or not) for human and animal excrement, especially pest and livestock, comprised of acidic agents and water soluble polymers, wherein the acidic agents are base neutralizers for the ammonia and indolic amines in the excrement and the water soluble polymers are barrier forming agents for the vapor of the offensive odor producing compounds in the excrement and for slowing down the air oxidative and enzymatic nitrification of the excrement ammonia and organic nitrogen thus dispersing the attenuating nitrate concentrations in the environment. The present invention further relates to a method of applying said compositions to excrement. Said compositions may be applied to excrement in liquid form by mixing the liquid composition together with the excrement, or in the form of a spray, by spraying the composition directly onto the excrement.

Owners of animals such as pets and livestock alike face problems caused by animal excrement; its foul odor and the need to eliminate it. Human excrement, such as in out houses in camp sites and army camps, pose the same problems. National and international regulations require that materials used for treating excrement, be non toxic and friendly to the environment, in particular that they do not contribute to adding nitrates or phosphates to the water reservoir. Additional requirements of commercial deodorizing compositions are low cost, simplicity of use in and outdoors and efficient deodorizing of excrement in liquid and solid forms.
The principle targets of most existing treatment methods for preventing offensive odors of animal excrement, are ammonia and indolic amines. The common method to prevent offensive odors and retard bacterial and enzymatic decomposition is converting these compounds to their much less volatile ammonium salts by various organic and inorganic acids or their salts, as described in numerous publications.
Although acidification prevents offensive odors originating from basic ammonia and amines, it intensifies the offensive odors due to the excrement's volatile organic acids such as acetic, propionic and butyric acids, due to the stabilization of their non ionized form. Furthermore, feces of low mobility do not come into contact with the deodorizing agents which are usually absorbed or sprayed on pet's litter and hence are only partially deodorized.
Therefore, there is a need for an inexpensive, effective and environment friendly composition which will include an impermeable barrier to excrement offensive odors in addition to safe deodorizing treatment of ammonia and indolic amines.
This impermeable barrier has an additional advantage of slowing down the air oxidative and enzymatic nitrification of the excrement ammonia and organic nitrogen, leading to dispersion and attenuation of nitrate concentrations in the environment.
Of the known deodorizing formulations for pet and livestock few, if any, are of practical use.
Use is made of cross-linked polymer gels, as water absorbing materials, in compositions for treatment of pet excrement, in several patents.
Japanese patents 5269164, 3290126 and 2238834 disclose polymer gels with high water absorbing capacity for absorbing animal excretions. These gels may previously be blended with deodorant agents.
Japanese patent 63185323 discloses absorbents for deodorizing pet excrement's. Polyvinyl alcohol is used as a binder in the production of pellets comprised of water absorbing inorganic polymers, like zeolites, and water soluble inorganic salts.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,481 describes NH3 scavenging deodorant made of aliphatic polycarboxylic acids for treatment of livestock excrement.
Japanese patents 61119127 and 62153348 describe compositions for treating pet feces with a water insoluble coating to reduce odors and to enable feces to be removed by hand. These compositions, however, comprise toxic and ecologically unsafe volatile organic solvents such as acetone, methylene chloride, benzene, CFCl3 and the expensive and toxic cyanoacrylate monomer.
The present invention describes novel deodorizing compositions comprising organic acids and water soluble polymers for excrement coating, which meet the above mentioned requirements. Furthermore, the present invention overcomes the two above mentioned major limitations of offensive odor due to stabilizing the non ionized form of excrement's volatile organic acids and low mobility feces not coming in full contact with the deodorizing composition, by incorporating water soluble barrier forming agents in the deodorant composition.

Compositions for eliminating human and animal excrement smells and a method for use therein


A cover for an athletic shoe includes an elastic fabric upper member sized to snugly conformally fit over an athletic shoe covering at least the mid-foot region of a shoe upper portion and extending above and encircling the wearer's ankle. An elastic lower member extends under at least a portion of the shoe sole spanning the inboard and outboard side panels of the upper member without covering the gripping surfaces of the shoe sole. A zipper is provided in the fabric upper member to form an openable seam enabling the wearer to remove the athletic shoe and attach the cover on the wearer's foot without removing the cover from the shoe.

A variety of shoe covers have been manufactured over the years. These shoe covers generally fall into two categories: overshoes and gaiters. An example of an overshoe is rubber boots of the elastic bootie or buckle variety. An Overshoe completely covers the sole portion of a shoe and a substantial portion of the shoe upper. The overshoe is provided with a lower sole surface which, when in use, provides the gripping surface between the wearer and the ground. Gaiters, on the other hand, typically cover the ankles and a portion of the mid-sole of wearer's shoes extending upwards along the wearer's calf. Gaiters frequently have a strap which extend under the sole of the shoe forward of the heel in order to keep the gaiter from creeping up the wearer's leg. Decorative gaiters are frequently used as part of a decorative marching band uniform. Functional gaiters are used in outdoor winter sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing where the gaiter is used to cover the lace portion of the shoe and a substantial portion of the wearer's sock and lower leg.
Overshoes are typically formed of natural or synthetic rubber and, in the case of rubber booties, elastically conform to the wearer's shoe. Gaiters, on the other hand, can be formed of relatively non-elastic materials such as leather, molded plastic, heavy canvas, or woven synthetic fabric and loosely conform to the wearer's lower leg.