Sprayable fiber reinforced hydraulically setting mortars exhibit strain hardening behavior, and comprise hydraulically setting cement, less than 4 weight percent matrix interactive fibers, a non-Newtonian additive, a superplasticizer, optionally a viscosity control agent, aggregate, and further additives. The ductile composites can be prepared by spraying in thicknesses higher than conventional sprayable mortars.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to sprayable, fiber-reinforced cementitious compositions which harden to form cementitious composites which exhibit strain hardening behavior.
2. Background Art
Sprayable cementitious compositions are known. Such compositions generally consist of a hydraulic cement such as Portland cement, a filler such as sand, water, and additives. The wet mortar is sprayed onto surfaces through a nozzle, to which it is conveyed by a pump, for example a spiral pump. Such conventional sprayable cement has noted disadvantages, however, in particular, substantially no ductility. In tension, only a very low percentage of strain can be tolerated before failure. Thus, such concrete is not suitable for applications where the concrete is expected to carry tensile loads, and even stresses caused by temperature changes can weaken the structure dramatically.
Sprayable cementitious materials, such as a concrete or mortar, can be defined as cementitious materials conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity from a nozzle into place. The rheological properties of the fresh mix in the wet spray processing are obviously crucial. The fresh mix should be moderately deformable, i.e., pumpable under the pumping and conveying pressure, so it will efficiently move through the hose to the nozzle. Once it is sprayed onto the surface of the substrates, however, it adhere to the substrate and remain cohesive without composite ingredient segregation.
Spray applications of fresh cementitious materials mix is regarded as beneficial for the repair of infrastructures such as bridges, culverts, underground structures, and other aged structures as well as for ground support such as a tunnel lining systems. Moreover wet process spray application has a number of advantages over cast, hand-applied, and dry spray processes, including the reduction or elimination of formwork, faster and more efficient construction, and reduction of environmental problems associated with heavy dust. For success of remedial work or ground support construction, the ductile performance of hardened cementitious materials is of great importance since many infrastructure deterioration problems and failures can be traced back to the cracking and brittle nature of cementitious materials. However, as indicated previously, conventional sprayable concrete or mortar lacks ductility.
In FIG. 1, the difference between brittle, quasi-brittle, and strain-hardening (ductile) behavior under uniaxial tensile load is portrayed schematically. In all three, tensile stress initially increases rapidly with strain, as shown in portion 1 of the portrayal. For brittle materials, catastrophic failure occurs, at relatively low strain, as shown by portion 2 of the Figure. In quasi-brittle behavior, a rapid decrease in stress with increasing strain also occurs, but limited and decreasing tensile strength is maintained for some period of increasing deformation (3). This deformation is localized in the form of a crack opening. In strain-hardening behavior, above a certain condition of stress/strain, tensile strength increases with increasing strain (4). Ultimately, failure will also occur, but at a much higher value of strain.
While the fracture toughness of sprayable concrete or mortar is significantly improved by fiber reinforcement, most fiber-reinforced sprayable concrete or mortar still exhibits quasi-brittle post-peak tension-softening behavior under tensile load where the load decreases with the increase of crack opening. The tensile strain capacity therefore remains low, about the same as that of normal concrete, i.e. about 0.01%. Significant efforts have been made to convert this quasi-brittle behavior of fiber reinforced concrete to ductile strain-hardening behavior resembling ductile metal. In most instances, the approach is to increase the volume fraction of fiber as much as possible. As the fiber content exceeds a certain value, typically 4–10% depending on fiber type and interfacial properties, conventional fiber reinforced concrete may exhibit moderate strain-hardening behavior. High volume fraction of fiber, however, results in considerable workability problem. Fiber dispersion becomes difficult because of high viscosity of the mix due to the presence of high surface area of the fibers and the mechanical interaction between the fibers, along with the difficulties in handling and placing. Moreover, the fibers in sprayable fiber reinforced concrete act as obstacles during conveyance through the pump and hose, resulting in excess pumping pressure. Thus, the fiber volume fraction is limited not only by workability considerations but also by pumpability considerations. While continuous fibers have been used in concrete to attain strain-hardening, the fabrication techniques utilized are totally incompatible with spray processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,528 discloses non-air-entraining mixes comprising Portland cement and a styrene-butadiene polymer. Considerable improvement in compressive strength is obtained. However, elongation at break is low and no strain-hardening behavior is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,327 discloses sprayable concrete wherein sprayability is enhanced by incorporation of naphthalene sulfonate/formaldehyde condensates, setting of which may be accelerated by addition of alkali silicates or highly dispersed silica. The concrete is stated to exhibit superior adhesion to surfaces, but no indication of any improved strength properties or tensile ductility are disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,487 discloses sprayable concrete prepared from Portland cement, a ground sulfoaluminous clinker, calcium sulfate, aggregate, and small quantities of stainless steel fibers. The concrete is suitable for coating welds on sections of concrete-coated steel piping for transport of oil from off-shore oil platforms. The compositions are resistant to impact damage, but there is no disclosure of strength properties or tensile ductility.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,671 discloses sprayable compositions which include micro-silica pretreated with selected liquids to improve rebound properties of sprayed cement, particularly dry sprayed cement. Neither strength properties nor tensile ductility are discussed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,819 discloses the use of phosphoric acid derivatives as stabilizers or "retarders" for use in sprayable cement compositions. No use of fiber reinforcement is disclosed, nor are any strength properties or tensile ductility discussed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,681 discloses sprayable concrete to which polyoxyalkylene and β-naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates are added as slump modifiers. No fibrous reinforcement is employed, and strength properties and tensile ductility are not disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,386 discloses sprayable two-component concrete mixes where a first reactive additive is added to the base concrete mix, optionally with steel and polypropylene fibers, and a second reactive component is mixed in at the point of spraying. The concrete remains pumpable and sprayable due to keeping the additives initially separate, but allowing them to react independent of the concrete mass. The process is complex, and no improvements in strength properties or tensile ductility are disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,712 discloses complex concrete mixtures which are suitable for spraying, and offer rapid setting and high early compressive strength. The mixtures contain gypsum and high aluminous content, preferably ground sulfo-aluminate clinker. The compositions are stated to provide properties similar to Portland cement-based compositions while offering decreased rebound. No mention of tensile ductility is made.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,537 discloses use of special polypropylene copolymer fibers which fibrillate during admixture to concrete mixes to provide concrete with enhanced impact resistance and flexural strength. However, improvement in uniaxial tensile strength or tensile ductility are not disclosed.

Sprayable, strain-hardening cementitious compositions

The Regents of the University of Michigan


A forward-mounted fluid-dispensing boom on a fire-fighting vehicle that can move between a retracted position and a fully extended position directly in front of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to fire-fighting vehicles having fluid discharge assemblies thereon and in particular to a fire-fighting vehicle that has a bumper-mounted fluid nozzle assembly pivotally mounted on the outer end of an extensible fluid-carrying boom and that can be mounted on the forward end of the vehicle in substantially the center of the forward end for selectively receiving fluid and being movable between a first retracted position and a second fully extended position in front of the vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
There are many different types of fire-fighting equipment such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,245, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, in which an aerial lift is used with a vehicle for positioning a fluid nozzle on the outer end of an upper boom that is coupled at its inner end to the outer end of a lower boom. The lower boom can be selectively raised and lowered in a plane from and above the horizontal and rotated about a vertical axis. The advantage of the aerial lift disclosed therein is that the assembly has an upper boom that can be tilted or pivoted toward the ground as well as being pivotable upwardly. Further, it has a nozzle assembly on the outer end of the upper boom which can be pivoted both in the vertical plane and rotated in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane. Thus, with the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,245, an operator of the vehicle having the aerial lift thereon can drive towards the fire and position the booms and nozzle in any position advantageous to ejecting fire-fighting chemicals on the blaze. In the vehicle there is a control console that has a first joystick for positioning the booms in a vertical plane and a second joystick for positioning the nozzle in both the vertical and the horizontal planes.
There are many instances in the fighting of fires where it would not be required to have such a complicated and large and expensive boom system when a shorter boom system mounted directly in front of the vehicle and in view of the operator could be retracted or extended very quickly. Such a boom could have the nozzle assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,245, which is pivotable both in the vertical plane and in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane.


A temperature measuring, algae cleaning and feeding system which includes a thermometer mounted on one side of a first support. At least one first magnet is mounted on an opposite side of the first support. The opposite side of the first support is adapted to engage the outer surface of a first wall of the aquarium. At least one second magnet is mounted on one side of the second support. A scrub pad for removing algae is mounted on the opposite side of the second support, the opposite side of the second support being adapted to engage the inner surface of the first wall of the aquarium opposite the first support such that the first and second magnets attract each other to thereby attach the first and second supports to the first wall of the aquarium. A fish feeding dispenser is mounted on the opposite side of the second support.

The present invention relates generally to aquariums and, more particularly, to temperature measuring, algae cleaning and feeding systems for aquariums.
Among the most important factors in proper maintenance of aquariums is proper monitoring and control of tank temperature; cleaning of the tank, particularly cleaning of the tank to remove algae; and proper feeding of the fish. Control of temperature is important because fish are cold-blooded creatures, they cannot create their own body temperature, and therefore the water around them will give their body heat to maintain a correct metabolism. Fish originate from all corners of the globe, in different parts of the world the fish will live in different temperature scales. They can tolerate a slight variance from the natural water temperature, but beyond that the fish will start to suffer which in turn will induce stress in the fish; this can then lead to fatalities in the aquarium as the fishes immune system will start to break down and bacterial infections can start to attack the fish
There are a number of ways to control algae: 1) changing about 10% of the water each week; 2) use algae eating fish or snails; 3) add live plants—plants higher on the evolutionary hierarchy will compete with the algae for nutrients and thus will limit algae growth; 4) limit light; and 5) use of an ultraviolet sterilizer. When all else fails the algae has to be removed by hand. This means scraping the glass with algae scrapers.
Fish foods are engineered to provide a complete and balanced diet for the fish and are available in a variety of forms: floating pellets, sinking pellets, granules, tablets, and flakes.                Flakes are the most common type of processed foods, and are available in a very wide variety. Some flakes are engineered to provide the nutritional requirements of specific varieties or species of fish, and others are designed to counter nutritional imbalances, while still others are balanced to enhance color or growth or to encourage spawning.        Pellets are available in forms that are denser or lighter than water. This allows the fish to feed in a more natural way—if the right pellet is provided. Some fish prefer to feed off the bottom of the tank while others prefer to feed off the surface. Like flakes, pelleted foods are available in many varieties, each with a specific purpose.        Granules are like very small, hard flakes or tiny pellets. Currently only a limited variety of fish food granules are available, usually engineered for the general nutritional needs of small community fish.        Tablets are really just large flat pellets. Most tablets are of a sinking variety, but there are some that are engineered to adhere to the side of the aquarium so that you may observe your fish feeding. Most of the sinking tablets are engineered to provide for the nutritional needs of scavengers and bottom feeders.
The differences in types of food as well the levels in the tank at which different fish swim and feed requires novel approaches to feeding the fish. It is also important that any food delivery system be able to provide a variety of foods. Variety in the diet reduces the chance of any nutritional shortcomings of one or more of the selected foods becoming a health or longevity problem for the fish. Providing a variety of foods will also reduce the chances that fish lose interest in the foods that they are offered.

Temperature measuring, algae cleaning and feeding systems for aquariums


Debug information records associated with a weak function of the program are obtained. In response to receipt of an instruction of setting a breakpoint for the weak function in the program, breakpoint addresses corresponding one-to-one with each of the at least one debug information record are obtained. In response to the program being executed to a set breakpoint associated with the weak function, an address to which a program counter of the program points is obtained. A breakpoint address matching the address to which the program counter of the program points is obtained. A mark for the matching breakpoint address is set. In response to receipt of the instruction of setting a breakpoint for the weak function in the program again, a debug information record corresponding to the matching breakpoint address according to the at least one debug information record with the mark being set is obtained.

One or more aspects of the present invention relate to program debugging, and more specifically, to a program debugger and program debugging.
Generally speaking, many programs each is typically composed of a header file (e.g., a header file extension in the C++ language is .h) and a definition file. The header file may serve as a carrier file containing class definitions, functionality functions, and data interface declarations and is mainly used for saving declarations for a program and playing a descriptive role. The definition file is used for saving implementations for a program. Usually, a program's header file contains defined class files, and one class contains class member variables and class member functions.
A program written in an object-oriented programming language that requires compiling and linking to form an executable file experiences the following steps from writing to final running. Firstly, a programmer writes a source program, and then, the programmer compiles the source program using a compiler, translating the source program into an object program in a binary form, wherein the compiling is conducted with a source program file as a unit. One application program might have several source files, therefore several object files or object programs, such as files with the extension of .o will be generated separately by the compiling. Next, the programmer uses a linker or binder to link all object programs resulting from the compiling of one program, system's library files and other information provided by the system to form an executable binary file, such as an .exe file. Finally, the programmer may run the resulting executable binary file, thereby obtaining a running result.
When a header file not only declares a class member function but also defines its implementation, and a compiler compiles a source file containing this header file and calling the member function, the compiler marks this function as a weak symbol (or referred to as a weak function) in a corresponding object file so as to allow multiple source files to call this class member function; otherwise, when a linker links them together, the linker will report an error. For weak functions corresponding to a same function name in multiple object files, the linker selects only one of them as an actually called function when perform the linking. Some linkers remove redundant weak function entities, while others retain all weak function entities. If the implementation of a member function of a class is defined within the class member body, then the member function is usually processed by the compiler into an inline function. However, the linker has to retain multiple weak function entities in order to realize function pointer calling.
A debugger is a tool that can be used for debugging an executable file with debug information, and its main functions are to maintain the program running, view information during the program running, such as register information, stack information, variable information, memory information, etc., and modify a program execution flow. To accomplish these functions, first of all, a running program needs to trigger a breakpoint and then stop. The breakpoint comprises a line number breakpoint and a function breakpoint. When setting a breakpoint, the debugger needs the debug information, which mainly comprises line number entities and debug information entities (DIE, which may take the format of dwarf) describing functions, variables and calling relationships, etc. and the debug information is generated during compiling and assembling.
Since there will be multiple debug information entities and corresponding line number entities for multiple weak functions, although some linkers relocate the debug information and others do not process the debug information, the debug information corresponding to a final executable file will retain debug information entities and corresponding line number entities for multiple weak functions. Then a problem arises: when a debugger sets breakpoints for these class member functions, the debugger has to find the debug information entities of all weak functions and set multiple breakpoints, or when a debugger sets line number breakpoints for class member function entities defined within a header file, the debugger also needs to find all line number entities and set multiple breakpoints. If there are 1000 or more files containing such a header file in a program, the debugger has to find 1000 or more debug information entities or line number entities and set 1000 or more breakpoints. When setting the same breakpoint again, the debugger repeats the effort to find 1000 or more debug information entities or line number entities and set multiple breakpoints.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A keyboard includes a main board and at least one key structure positioned on the main board. The key structure includes a key switch and a key cap. The key cap is combined with the key switch. The key switch includes a key base and a shaft movably positioned on the key base. The keycap includes a main body and a cushion member. The main body is positioned on the shaft of the key switch. The main body is spaced apart from the contact surface of the key base. The main body is moved forward and backward relative to the key base with movement of the shaft. The cushion member is positioned at one side of the main body facing the contact surface. While the main body is moved to the contact surface, the cushion member abuts on the contact surface, so as to avoid the main body from hitting the key base directly, and hence minimizing the noise that is produced by the moving parts.

1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates to a key cap, key structure and a keyboard and, more particularly, to a key cap, a key structure with key in mechanistic model, and a keyboard with the key structures.
2. Related Art
Keyboards have become the dominant peripheral device for inputting words, symbols and numbers. In addition to computers, consumer electronics or large factory machines are also equipped with key structures that allow for input in order to operate these machines.
Overtime keyboards have evolved in their designs and functions. For example, there are foldable keyboards, thin film keyboards, waterproof keyboards and keyboards with backlight. More common keyboards are divided into two types: mechanistic model and the thin film model.
The structure of keys in mechanistic model includes (1) key cap, (2) key base, and (3) a shaft. The structure also includes other equipment located inside the key base such as the spring. When user presses the key cap to have it move downwardly, the key cap drives the shaft down producing the signal which the key represents. However, when the user presses the key, the spring of the cap and the downward movement of the key cap produce a noise as it crashes into the key base.
Due to this movement, the key base and the key cap sustain damage and may become inoperable overtime. Furthermore, the process also generates an unpleasant noise. The noise interferes with the work of users and may also affect others in the vicinity. Hence, it is not convenient to use this type of keyboard in a quiet environment such as an office or a library. Therefore, manufactures try to discover alternative methods in minimizing the noise of keyboards.


A method includes combining at least two separate user information packets into a transmission packet by an information-processing unit, wherein the information-processing unit saves power by eliminating at least one power up cycle and one power down cycle by transmitting the transmission packet.

A capacity of a wireless communications network (e.g. a number of communication devices that may be supported by the network) is generally determined by an acceptable bit error rate (BER), an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio of the communications devices operating within the network, and the type of service (data rate) required by the communication devices. These parameters are often affected by such factors as the amount of noise and interference within the network, multi-paths, distance between the communication device and a transmitting base station, and the transmission power of the communications device.
One technique to increase the number of communication devices that may operate within the network is to allow the individual communications devices to determine the acceptable communications parameters, such as a desired quality of service (QoS), required for a particular transmission of information. For example, the communications device may request a connection to a base station that permits an information transfer rate of 100 kilo bits/second and a maximum time delay of 10 milliseconds in between information packets.
Different kinds of information are transferred through the communications network. Users are aware to varying degrees of a "delay" associated with the transmission of information, as the information, traverses from a first point to a second point within the communications network. Thus, a variety of levels of QoS are provided within the communications network.
Conversational class known in the art as telephony speech is performed between peers of live users. This class of information transfer is subject to human perception because of the real time characteristic inherent in a conversation between human users. Thus, the transfer delay needs to be low because of the conversational nature of this scheme. The limit for acceptable delay is given by the human perception of video and audio conversation. Failure to provide a low enough delay will result in an unacceptable lack of quality. Thus conversational class transmissions have the most stringent requirements for QoS time delay.
Streaming class refers to the transmission of information that occurs when a user is looking at or listening to a real time video or audio broadcast. This is a one way transport of information. It is important that the time alignment between entities (i.e. samples, packets) in the broadcast stream be preserved, however, the streaming class transmission does not have a QoS requirement for a low time delay as does the conversational class.
Interactive class describes the situation that occurs when a user, either machine or human, is requesting information from equipment at a remote site. Some examples of human interaction with the equipment at the remote site are: web browsing, data base retrieval, and server access. Round trip delay time is a key attribute of this type of information transfer. Interactive class information transfer is characterized by the request response pattern of the user, thus the QoS delay requirement is important, approaching the kind of delays users find acceptable with conversational class information transfer.
Background class information transfer occurs when information is sent or received in the background, typically by a computer. Examples of this type of information transfer are E-mails, downloads of data bases, etc. Background transfer of information is characterized by the fact that the destination is not expecting the information within a certain time. Background class information transfer is, in general, time insensitive. However, when multiple classes of information transfer are initiated by a user, such as conversational class and background class (E-mail), it is possible for a large delay in background class information transfer to be perceived as annoying by the user.
In many cases the communication devices are mobile and are powered by a battery. The battery will operate for a finite time before needing to be recharged. What is needed therefore, is a way of extending battery life by reducing the power required to transmit information from the communication device within the constraints imposed by QoS requirements on the transfer of information.

Reducing power consumption in packet based networks with Quality of Service (QoS) features


A capnography module for a patient monitoring system includes a hardware switching mechanism and a software mechanism for switching the capnography module automatically between a mainstream monitoring mode and a sidestream monitoring mode. The hardware switching mechanism along with software detection is capable of detecting the connection of a mainstream capnography sensor and a sidestream sampling line and generates flags to notify the software switching mechanism which sensor or line is connected. The software switching mechanism notifies a controller board in the module which monitoring system is available and the controller board operates the module in the respective mode. The capnography module also includes a connector latching mechanism for securing the mainstream capnography sensor to the module and preventing accidental disconnection.

A patient monitoring system is an electronic medical system that measures a patient's various vital signs, collects and processes all measurements as data, and then displays the data graphically and/or numerically on a viewing screen. Graphical data is displayed continuously as data channels on a time axis (waveforms). Patient monitoring systems are positioned near hospital beds, typically in critical care units, where they continually monitor patient status via measuring devices attached to the patient and can be viewed by hospital personnel. Some patient monitoring systems can only be viewed on a local display, whereas others can be joined to a network and thereby display data at other locations, such as central monitoring or nurses' stations.
Portable patient monitoring systems are available for use by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. These systems typically include a defibrillator along with the monitor. Other portable units, such as Holter monitors, are worn by patients for a particular time period and then returned to the physician for evaluation of the measured and collected data. Current patient monitoring systems are able to measure and display a variety of vital signs, including, pulse oximetry (SpO2), electrocardiograph (ECG), invasive blood pressure (IBP), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), electroencephalograph (EEG), body temperature, cardiac output, capnography (CO2), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), bispectral index (BISx), and respiration. Patient monitoring systems are capable of measuring and displaying maximum, minimum, and average values and frequencies, such as pulse and respiratory rates. Data collected can be transmitted through fixed wire connections or wireless data communication. Power to patient monitoring systems can be supplied through a main power line or by batteries.
Current patient monitoring systems typically include a capnography module. Capnography is the monitoring of the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in a patient's respiratory gases. Capnography is used typically during anesthesia and in intensive care units. CO2 levels determined via capnography are used to monitor a patient's physiologic status and to assess the adequacy of ventilation during anesthesia. Capnography typically measures end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), which is the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide at the end of a patient's exhalation, minimum carbon dioxide (MinCO2), and respiratory rate. Capnography includes mainstream capnography and sidestream capnography. Mainstream capnography measures CO2 levels via an in-line infrared sensor connected directly to the airway between an endotracheal tube and a breathing circuit. Sidestream capnography involves the collection of airway gas samples from the breathing circuit. CO2 levels are then measured by an infrared sensor located in a remote monitoring unit.
While current capnography modules are effective in monitoring the CO2 levels in patient respiratory gases, they are not without their drawbacks. For example, current capnography modules capable of both mainstream and sidestream monitoring require manual switching between the two analyzers. Manual switching between mainstream and sidestream monitoring often includes temporarily removing power from the module and/or rebooting the host interface capnography module. This can be time consuming and can result in a short period during which CO2 levels are not monitored. Therefore, a need exists for a capnography module capable of both mainstream and sidestream monitoring wherein switching between the two analyzers is accomplished automatically without loss of power or module rebooting.

Capnography module with automatic switching between mainstream and sidestream monitoring


A method and apparatus for processing credit card transactions over the Internet includes an application program interface (API) that converts a simple ASCII transaction message from the merchant to the message spec required by the transaction processor. The API also encrypts the transaction message so that the transaction is secure over the Internet and manages the message traffic between the merchant and transaction processor. In a second preferred embodiment, a merchant sends a simple ASCII transaction message via a SSL (secure sockets layer) Internet connection. In preferred embodiments, redundant connections are set up between the merchant and the transaction processor, allowing a transaction to continue being processed if one of the connections fails.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to the field of electronic payment processing, and more particularly to improved gateways through which transaction processing networks can be reached.
2. Related Art
There are primarily two ways for a merchant to get credit card transaction data to a transaction processor (either a bank computer or a third party aggregator): dial-up or leased line. The dial-up world is well established and offers the quickest out-of-the-box solution. Merchants purchase or lease a point-of-sale (POS) terminal such as those sold by VERIFONE and dial a 1-800 number for transaction processing. Recently, personal computers (PCs) have made inroads into this area by making available enhanced capabilities and functions. However, such PC-based terminals are still limited to "dial-up" connectivity to a processor's network—thus forcing them to emulate a POS terminal.
The second option for a merchant wishing to process credit card transactions is to lease a dedicated circuit into the transaction processor's network. Such a lease may cost between $500 and $800 per month or more, depending upon the telecommunications carrier. This option requires a merchant to obtain the message specification (the "message spec") from the transaction processor, write and update custom software to adhere to the message spec, and certify their custom code on the processor's network. This can be time consuming and expensive, but some merchants are willing to go through this effort for two reasons. First, it allows them to develop a custom solution to fit their individual needs. Second, the typical transaction time is reduced to 3-4 seconds because the set-up time associated with 'modem training' is eliminated.
What is needed is a solution that combines the strengths and eliminates the weaknesses of these two options. More specifically, what is needed is a method and apparatus for processing credit card transactions that eliminates the delay associated with 'modem training' without requiring the expense associated with a dedicated circuit connecting a merchant to a transaction processor and/or writing software to conform to a transaction processor's message spec.

Gateway to transaction processing network


The invention provides a bandgap voltage reference circuit that is adapted to provide a ΔVbe of sufficiently large value that no amplification is required, and therefore any offset contribution is not gained. Using a stacked arrangement of three pairs of transistors, the invention reduces the requirement for multiple resistors within a circuit and can therefore minimise errors due to resistor matching and value. Internally provided circuitry for reducing voltage curvature is provided with the result that a circuit having low offset sensitivity and curvature correction is provided.

A bandgap voltage reference circuit is based on addition of two voltages having equal and opposite temperature coefficients, TC. The first voltage is abase-emitter voltage of a forward biased bipolar transistor. This voltage has anegative TC of about −2.2 mV/°C. and is usually denoted as a Complementary to Absolute Temperature, or CTAT, voltage. The second voltage, which is a Proportional to Absolute Temperature, or PTAT, voltage, is formed by amplifying the voltage difference (ΔVbe) of two forward biased base-emitter junctions of bipolar transistors operating at different current densities. More information on bandgap voltage reference circuits including examples of prior art methodologies can be found in, for example, co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/375,593 of Stefan Marinca as filed on 27 Feb. 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
It will be understood that for a pair of bipolar transistors operating at collector current densities in a ratio of 1:50 ΔVbe is on the order of about 100 mV at room temperature. As a CTAT voltage is typically of the order of about 700 mV it will be appreciated that the ΔVbe needs to be amplified by a factor of about 5, in order to balance the CTAT voltage. However this amplification of the ΔVbe voltage has the effect of introducing offset voltages into the PTAT voltage and as a result the reference voltage precision may be affected. These errors are greater when the circuitry is implemented using CMOS processes as opposed to similar circuits implemented using bipolar techniques. Such difference in performance can be traced to the fact that in simple CMOS processes only parasitic bipolar transistors are available and amplifiers based on MOS transistors have larger input voltage offsets.
FIG. 1 is an example of a conventional CMOS implemented bandgap voltage reference. Three pMOS transistors M1, M2 and M3 are provided, each having the same aspect ratio of width/length (W/L). First and second bipolar transistors Q1 and Q2 are provided, with transistor Q2 having a larger emitter area as compared to Q1. As a result, transistors Q1 and Q2 operate at different current densities (the emitter currents are the same for both). An amplifier A1, which is coupled to both transistors Q1 and Q2 keeps the two input levels at the same value and as a result a voltage, ΔVbe, is developed across a resistor r1. ΔVbe is of the formΔVbe=(kT/q)(ln(n))  (1)where    k is the Boltzmann constant,    q is the charge on the electron,    T is the operating temperature in degrees Kelvin, and    n is the collector current density ratio of the two bipolar transistors.
The voltage reference Vref provided by the circuit can be determined as the base-emitter voltage of Q3 plus the voltage drop over r2:Vref=VbeQ3+(r2/r1)(ΔVbe)  (2)
The scale value of r2/r1 is chosen to be about 5, and as a result the amplifier offset voltage is also amplified by a factor of about 6, as the input offset voltage is amplified to the output by a factor of 1+r2/r1. It will therefore be understood that for each 1 mV input voltage offset, an error of about 6 mV is reflected into the bandgap reference. One way to reduce this offset sensitivity is to stack the bipolar transistors. The stacking is however limited by the available headroom-most circuits have to operate from an available 2.6V supply voltage and as a result the number of stacks is typically limited to 2 or 3. Therefore, although it is known to stack transistors at the input to the amplifier so as to generate a multiple value of ΔVbe, as this is generated across the resistor at the input to the amplifier there is still an offset contribution that is amplified by the circuitry.
A further source of error in bandgap voltage reference circuits can be traced to resistor mismatch. As will be evident from an examination of the terms in equation (2), any error in the resistor ratio is directly translated into the reference voltage. It would therefore be desirable to minimize this source of error.
Yet another source of error can be traced to what is commonly called "curvature". This is a second-order error component. In a bipolar transistor, the base-emitter voltage biased at a PTAT collector current can be given by:
                                          V            be                                          (            T            )                          =                                            V              G0                                                  (                              1                -                                  T                                      T                    0                                                              )                                +                                    V              be0                                                  T                              T                0                                              -                                    (                              σ                -                1                            )                                                  kT              q                                                  ln                                            (                                  T                                      T                    0                                                  )                                                                        (        3        )            where:    Vbe(T) is the temperature dependence of the base-emitter voltage for the bipolar transistor at operating temperature T,    Vbe0 is the base-emitter voltage for the bipolar transistor at a reference temperature,    VG0 is the bandgap voltage or base-emitter voltage at 0° K,    T0 is the reference temperature, and    σ is the saturation current temperature exponent.
The last (i.e., third) term of equation (3) contributes the curvature, and ideally would be minimized.
An example of an implementation of a bandgap circuit in an environment having low operational voltages is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,987 assigned to Infineon Technologies, AG. This patent describes the use of lateral transistors for generating a first partial current which has a first temperature dependence. These lateral transistors form an asymmetric input pair of an amplifier and their collector currents drive a second pair of MOS transistors. Due to the coupling of the lateral transistors to the MOS transistors, it is necessary for the MOS transistors to operate at low threshold voltages, which requires implementation using special CMOS processes. Additionally, the circuit requires the use of multiple resistors, the resistors requiring matching therebetween. Although this circuit is advantageous in environments having only low operational voltages available, it is not suitable for all applications as the requirements for the resistor matching and implementation of the MOS transistors is arduous.
An example of an implementation of a bandgap reference circuit that is specifically designed to reduce the number of resistors utilized is given in U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,209 of Gregoire, Jr. This describes a bandgap reference circuit utilizing multiple PTAT sources coupled in series to generate a final PTAT voltage. A current biased base-emitter region of a bipolar transistor is coupled between the final PTAT voltage and an output terminal of the bandgap voltage reference so as to add the base-emitter voltage, to the final PTAT voltage thereby generating a stable voltage reference. Although this approach enables a reduction in the resistor ratio traditionally used in bandgap circuits, it suffers from a number of drawbacks. As the circuit does not provide for curvature correction, it is necessary to generate a large ΔVbe (PTAT) in order to balance the base-emitter voltage (CTAT). Gregoire, Jr. '209 achieves this balancing by using a two-stage architecture as shown in FIG. 5 of the patent. The required PTAT voltage is provided by the combination of an initial PTAT source, referenced as block 510, and a terminal PTAT source, referenced as block 530, both including amplifiers. Due to the configuration of the circuitry, the second amplifier requires a high headroom environment to operate effectively as its two inputs have a common voltage which is about 3ΔVbe (approximately 330 mV at room temperature) compared to that of the first amplifier. This limits the applications where this bandgap voltage reference can be utilized. Secondly, the requirement for two amplifiers increases the area required and the power supply needed on a die for implementation of such a circuit. Furthermore, as there is no curvature correction provided to the reference the precision of the reference voltage provided is limited. Additionally, as two amplifiers are used the contribution to offset and noise is increased.
There is therefore a need to provide a bandgap voltage reference circuit having reduced sensitivity to voltage offset and adapted to provide for a correction of voltage curvature. There is a further need to provide a circuit having less dependency on the effect of resistor matching or individual values. It is also desirable to provide a bandgap reference circuit that can be used as a temperature sensor, i.e., is sensitive to temperature fluctuations.


For producing synthesis gas by autothermal reformation of gaseous, liquid and/or solid fuels, the fuel is reacted with an oxidizing agent in a reaction space at a pressure of 10 to 120 bar and a reaction space temperature of 800 to 2,000° C. to obtain synthesis gas, wherein the oxidizing agent is introduced centrally in the upper region of the reaction space and wherein a flame is formed in the reaction space. The oxidizing agent is introduced into the reaction space separate from the fuel.

Synthesis gases are hydrogen-containing gas mixtures which are employed in various synthesis reactions. Examples include the methanol synthesis, the production of ammonia by the Haber-Bosch process or the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
A commonly used process for producing synthesis gases is the autothermal entrained-flow gasification of gaseous, liquid or solid fuels, as it is described for example in DE 10 2006 059 149 B4. At the head of a reactor, an ignition and pilot burner as well as rotationally symmetrically to the reactor axis three gasification burners are centrally arranged. Via the gasification burners, coal dust with oxygen and steam as gasification medium is supplied to a gasification space of the reactor, in which the fuel is converted to synthesis gas. Along with the liquid slag, the hot gasification gas leaves the gasification space and gets into a quenching space, into which water is injected for cooling raw gas and slag. The slag is deposited in the water bath and is discharged via a slag outlet. The quenched raw gas saturated with steam is withdrawn from the quenching space and cleaned in succeeding cleaning stages.
Since the fuel is directly reacted with the oxidizing agent, oxidizing agent and fuel must be supplied coaxially and coannularly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,877 A1 also describes a process and an apparatus for producing synthesis gas, wherein an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent is centrally supplied at the reactor head and introduced into the reaction space along with fuel supplied annularly around the oxidant supply, in which reaction space the fuel initially is reacted substoichiometrically. There is formed a flame which advances downwards into the reaction space. In a recirculation zone, the materials present in the flame flow back to the top. Downstream via an annular conduit, an additional stream of oxidizing agent is supplied into the reaction zone, so that a flame zone expanded further is formed.
DE 10 2006 033 441 A1 describes a reformer for a fuel cell system, in which fuel is introduced into an oxidation zone through a centrally arranged fuel supply and in addition an oxidizing agent, in particular air, is introduced via oxidant supply means provided vertically thereto. Inside the oxidation zone, a reaction of fuel and oxidizing agent takes place by combustion. The product gas obtained then enters into a downstream mixing zone, in which fuel and oxidizing agent additionally are supplied by means of a secondary fuel supply means. The product gas mixed with the additional fuel enters into a reformation zone, in which it is converted into a gas mixture rich in hydrogen by an endothermal reaction, which gas mixture is withdrawn and provided to a fuel cell stack.
The arrangement of a burner in the head of a reactor, in which the oxidizing agent and the fuel are jointly supplied to the reactor, has the disadvantage that a strong flow is formed along the reactor axis. This flow is particularly large when liquid fuels are gasified. Due to the high relative velocity of fuel and atomizing medium still inside the burner or in the succeeding reaction space, the entry momenta of the media in direction of the reaction space axis are very high. The consequence is that the residence time along the reactor axis is very short, so that either a long reactor is required or the desired degree of conversion cannot be achieved. What is also disadvantageous is the larger diameter of the burner, which due to the large number of media outlets requires a large flange at the reactor. In addition, the coannular media arrangement frequently influences the mixing of the media in a disadvantageous way. In particular in the reformation of liquids, the spray cone of the liquid droplets can be constricted by the enveloping media with this arrangement.
To avoid the resulting unfavorable residence time distribution, the use of a plurality of burners therefore has been proposed already, whose flame zones partly overlap or deflect each other in the reaction space. As a result, the technical effort for the supply of media is increased, since each burner requires at least two inlets for fuel and oxidizing agent as well as possibly moderator and cooling water connections. For the exact regulation, an additional separate measuring and regulation technique also is required. Finally, the failure probability of the reactor increases corresponding to the number of burners.

Process and reactor for producing synthesis gas

L'AIR LIQUIDE Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude


A method and apparatus which contemplates coverage control, and collateral containment of calibration media with respect to diverse electrodes in a flow-through calibration and measurement cell during storage and sensor calibration and in which the calibration media are displaced by the entry of a subsequent sample to be tested. The system is associated with a disposable cartridge insertable into a portable instrument that contains all of the electronics and other end support equipment associated with automated calibration and sample measurement.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to a self-contained, disposable cartridge-type electrochemical test cell for use with an associated test instrument having an integral temperature stabilized autogenous electrode calibration and measurement system and, more particularly, to a method and system for controlling and stabilizing the location of the calibration material with respect to the electrode system so that calibration can be accomplished automatically and thereafter displacement of the calibration medium by the sample readily accommodated.
II. Description of the Related Art
The field of diagnostic medicine is fast becoming more sophisticated and complex. The ability to make rapid or immediate diagnostic determinations characteristic of the current condition of a patient so that the proper emergency steps may be taken in a timely manner to improve or stabilize the condition of the patient, for example, during surgery or during the treatment of traumatic injury has become very important. Blood gas determinations including the partial pressures of oxygen (PO.sub.2), carbon dioxide (PCO.sub.2), acidity or alkalinity (pH) and concentration of certain electrolyte species such as potassium (K.sup.+) in the blood are examples of extremely important instantaneous indications of respiratory deficiency, efficiency of inhalation therapy, renal function and other vital bodily processes.
Blood gas determinations heretofore have been made utilizing stationary clinical laboratory instruments that have large reference electrodes and pH, CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 electrodes. The instruments must be periodically calibrated using a calibration system which is cumbersome in size and intended for use only at a specific temperature. Operation of the instrument is also generally restricted to a specific known temperature, e.g., 37.degree. C. The reference and pH electrodes must be calibrated using a liquid system. The CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 electrodes can be calibrated using either a liquid medium or a calibration gas. In addition to periodic recalibration of the instrument, control samples also need to be analyzed to ensure continued proper operation; these samples also have restrictive temperature ranges for use. The specific composition of typical liquid control or calibration fluid systems is such that the reference or known equilibrium partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide are temperature dependent and so occur only at the specific storage temperature. Operating or using a liquid-based calibration system at a temperature other than the designed temperature may introduce a decided amount of error into the readings. Gaseous CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 may also be used to calibrate CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 sensors in such instruments, but that requires the need for obtaining and for storage of cylinders of compressed gases.
A calibration and measurement system which is small and portable and that makes use of a calibration system that is temperature independent would be very desirable. Reducing the temperature dependence of the calibration system as by temperature stabilization of the amount of contained dissolved or dissociated gaseous species of interest in media for a variety of applications has been demonstrated.
In this regard, it has been found possible to create a packaged system that provides a stable concentration of a gas in a calibration medium despite changes in the temperature of the calibration medium or solvent within a reasonable range of ambient temperature. Such a system is illustrated and described in copending application Ser. No. 07/806,495 of David W. Deetz and Russell L. Morris, filed Dec. 13, 1991 and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. To the extent necessary for an understanding of the present application, material from that application may be deemed incorporated by reference herein. That temperature-independent system involves the use of an additional separate, reversible equilibrium compensating source containing an amount of the gas or gases of interest packaged along with the calibration medium. The additional source known as a "reservoir" acts in the manner of a buffer to control changes in the partial pressure of the gas or gases of interest in the atmosphere of the package including the atmosphere contacting the calibration liquid. The changes in partial pressure can be tailored to compensate for changes in the solubility of the gas or gases of interest in the calibration medium over a designed range. The system can also be used to control change in the partial pressure of a species of interest as a function of temperature change.
Both the calibration medium and the reservoir are contained in separate gas-permeable enclosures within an outer, common enclosure such that gaseous species may be readily exchanged with respect to the common atmosphere of the sealed outer enclosure but such that the media themselves do not contact each other. The reservoir equilibrium is designed to have a more sensitive temperature dependence and the enclosure of the reservoir to be more permeable to the gas(es) of interest than those of the calibration system and container in order that the reservoir system react more quickly to temperature changes and thus to dominate changes produced in the calibration container. Temperature changes which produce an increase or decrease in the partial pressure of a species of interest in the reservoir medium will cause a corresponding increase or decrease in the partial pressure of that species in the common atmosphere at a rate that will, in turn, anticipate and compensate changes in the calibration system material.
For example, the reservoir medium is designed, upon heating, to expel amounts of a gas or gases into the package atmosphere anticipating the reaction of the sample by raising the partial pressures of these gases in the common atmosphere at a somewhat faster rate than they would be lost from the calibration medium, thereby preempting the thermodynamic driving force for the gases to leave through the permeable shell of the calibration container. Conversely, if the system cools and the solubility of the gases of interest in the calibration medium increases, the reservoir acts to reverse the phenomena of the heating mode and reabsorbs the gas or gases into the reservoir medium from the package atmosphere at a somewhat faster rate than the reabsorption in the calibration medium thereby lowering the partial pressure of the gas or gases of interest in the common atmosphere to eliminate any driving force for the gas or gases of interest in the common atmosphere to permeate the calibration enclosure and dissolve in the calibration medium. This preserves the resulting concentration of each such species of interest in the calibration medium regardless of the direction of temperature change within a designed limited ambient temperature range.
Typically, the calibration medium and/or the reservoir medium are solutions of selective solvents with or without complexing agents or buffers. In the case where CO.sub.2 is the species cf interest, both the reservoir and the sample media may be aqueous solutions of CO.sub.2. A system where the sample pH is 7.4 and the reservoir is buffered to a pH of 8.6, for example, exhibits good temperature/concentration or (pCO.sub.2) stability in the 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C. range; but (pCO.sub.2) is quite temperature dependent for a reservoir pH above 9.0, or below 8.2.
It being further recognized that while the copending cross-referenced application addresses the physics and chemistry of temperature related calibration media composition stabilization and control, it remains necessary to stabilize and control the locus of the calibration media materials themselves with respect to the sensor electrode system to achieve proper electrode function and automate calibration. In this regard, it is desirable that the calibration medium or media be stored or available over one or more of the electrodes as required for automatic calibration. In addition, the calibration materials must be readily displaceable for the subsequent sample to be subjected to analysis just after calibration so that the sample and calibration media do not interfere with each other.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a disposable, self-contained automated calibration and sample testing enclosure that stabilizes the calibration material in contact with selected electrodes until calibration is concluded, yet allows easy displacement by the sample solution to be analyzed.
Another object is to provide a calibration media of a consistency commensurate with maintaining a desired location during storage and through calibration.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of flow control and storage volumes for used displaced calibration fluid.
A still further object contemplates a containment system that maintains calibration material over sensors in a disposable test cartridge used for measuring blood gases and pH, as well as other analyses.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a containment system that maintains calibration fluid over the sensors of a disposable test cartridge by the provision of a flow cell region over the sensors with flanking constrictions sufficient to contain an aqueous or other calibration fluid, yet large enough to allow blood flow.
Yet an additional object contemplates a containment system that maintains calibration material over sensors in a disposable test cartridge used for measuring blood gases and pH using both aqueous and non-aqueous calibration material solvents.
Yet still another object contemplates a containment system that maintains calibration material over sensors in a disposable test cartridge used for measuring blood gases and pH using a gel stabilized dispersion of aqueous and/or non-aqueous calibration materials.
These and other objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art who persevere through this specification in light of the drawings and claims.


A computer system and method for allowing either a primary computer or a backup computer to access a hardware resource, depending on which computer is executing an application that needs the hardware resource. A switch is connected to the hardware resource, the primary computer and the backup computer such that in one state, the switch connects the hardware resource to the primary computer, and in another state, the switch connects the hardware resource to the backup computer. Initially, the primary computer executes the application using the hardware resource. However, when the primary computer ceases to execute the application, the switch connects the hardware resource to the backup computer, and the backup computer executes the application or copy thereof using the hardware resource.

The present invention relates generally to computer systems and deals more particularly with distributed computers that can access a common hardware resources.
Examples of (peripheral) hardware resources are CRTs, LCDs, plasma monitors, printers, modems, scanners and remote facsimile machine. Fault-tolerant and other computers often need to share or otherwise access peripheral hardware resources. In a fault-tolerant computer system, the tasks that are considered more critical for the computer system owner (for example, production tasks) are guaranteed to continue without interruption despite a failure of one of the computers. This requires redundancy of the computers and some hardware resources. A "High-availability" ("HA") computer system has less redundancy and is less costly than a "fault-tolerant" computer system, but will experience short periods of interruption due some types of failures.
A HA computer system may include a cluster of certain resources (for example, central processing units and storage devices) associated with a primary (for example, a production server) or other computer. These resources are linked to each other so that they can be moved together ("mirrored") to a back-up computer to ensure redundancy for the computer and its software applications. In the event of a failure of the primary computer, the back-up computer can take over some or all of the applications of the failed computer.
A software application, when running on the primary computer, may also use one or more peripheral hardware resources accessible to the primary computer. In order to render that software application highly available, the computer peripheral resources need to be accessible to the backup computer when the primary computer becomes unavailable.
It was known for multiple computers on a network to share a hardware resource, such as a printer of a certain type, connected to the network. (The hardware resource can also be a Remote Asynchronous Node (RAN) connected to a network via a terminal server.) When the hardware resource is connected to the network, the hardware resource and the computers are identified by respective network addresses such as IP addresses. Known software, including that in HA computer systems, can autonomously collect network devices addresses. In high availability environments, an application initially runs on a primary computer as long as the primary computer is functional, and will run on the backup computer when the primary computer fails. The application needs access to the hardware resources. Backup control software is stored in storage available to both computers. The backup computer invokes the backup control software when the primary computer fails. With this backup control software, the application on the back-up computer can access the hardware resource via the network devices. However, it is more expensive and complicated to share resources from a network than to directly attach them to a computer, and some hardware resources are designed for direct attachment, not network attachment.
Also, known HA management software cannot automatically migrate some peripheral hardware resources at the time of the take-over. For example, some hardware resources, such as local printers, display devices, modems and the like, are directly connected to the primary computer, do not have a network interface and cannot be automatically re-assigned to the back-up computer at the take-over. Thus, when a failure occurs in the primary computer, an operator has to manually disconnect these hardware resources from the primary computer and re-connect them to the back-up computer. Depending on the location of the back-up computer, this may involve transport of the hardware resources. This is burdensome and delays the operability of the backup computer.
It was known to provide every computer with its own, directly connected resources of these types; however this is expensive and requires maintenance of additional resources, even when not used. Also, some of the hardware resources are connected to other devices which complicates the takeover. For example, a hardware resource in the form of a serial multiport connects to other devices in the form of terminals, modems and the like.
Also, in some cases, a hardware resource must be available in a specific physical location, such as a display in a waiting room of a building or a printer that uses sequenced forms. In such a case, it is not viable to duplicate the hardware resource for the backup computer.
An object of the present invention is to allow a hardware resource to be accessed by two or more computers, one at a time.
Another object of the present invention is to allow a hardware resource to be accessed by two or more computers, one at a time, with comparable simplicity as a direct connection.
Another object of the present invention is to allow a hardware resource to be accessed by a primary computer when the primary computer is functional, and by a backup computer when the primary computer fails.

Access by distributed computers to a same hardware resource

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention relates to data warehouses and the ability to create and maintain data cubes of multi-dimensional data. More specifically, the invention pertains to data cube architectures that permit significant reduction of storage, exhibit very efficient retrieval and provide a very efficient incremental update of the data cubes.

On Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) provides the capability to do analysis, projections, and reporting on any number of dimensions and provide views of the data that otherwise are not easy to observe. This "slice and dice" and the "drill-up/down" of the data is critical to businesses and organizations for intelligent decision support.
Several forms of OLAP have been described: Multi-Dimensional OLAP (MOLAP), Relational OLAP (ROLAP), Desktop OLAP (DOLAP), and Integrated OLAP (IOLAP). The Multi-Dimensional OLAP uses a multi-dimensional schema to store a number of pre-compiled projections that can be accessed very fast and can perform very complex analysis on the data. The main disadvantage of Multi-Dimensional OLAP is that updates take the warehouse down for a long period, sometimes longer than the desired up time (sometimes longer than 24 hours!). Moreover, for sparse cubes (which is commonly the case) most of the cells in the multi-dimensional schema contain no data, and thus a significant amount of storage is wasted.
The Relational OLAP uses the Relational DBMS as the basis for OLAP and generates the data projections on the fly. Depending upon the size of the data warehouse, projection queries may take several hours or even days.
The Desktop OLAP uses tools for creating small "cubes" (projections) that reside on, and are displayed on, the desktop of personal computer (PC). This form of OLAP is targeted for specialized, small vertical projections of the data, which are created and updated as in Multi-Dimensional OLAP, but because of their tiny size, they can be updated efficiently.
The Integrated OLAP is a marketing scheme and is the combination of one or more of the above.
All forms of OLAP have the following three attributes in common: they offer decision support solutions; they permit the multi-dimensional viewing of data; and they allow a user to rapidly identify data ("drilling"), or to isolate subsets of data ("slicing" and "dicing"). The fundamental difference between OLAP forms concerns compromise trade-offs in space and precalculation (MOLAP & DOLAP) for speed of retrieval. This is even further applied in ROLAP systems, which add "summary tables" and special purpose indexes to increase performance. In other words, these approaches trade space and pre-calculated views and indexes for speed at the expense of update (down) time.
The data cube operator (J. Gray, A. Bosworth, A. Layman, and H. Pirahesh. Data Cube: A Relational Aggregation Operator Generalizing Group-By, Cross-Tab, and Sub-Totals. In Proc. of the 12th ICDE, pages 152–159, New Orleans, February 1996. IEEE) provided a formal framework for specifying the computation of one or more aggregate functions for all possible combinations of grouping attributes. The inherent difficulty with the cube operator is its size for both computation and storage. The number of all possible "group-bys" (subsets of data made in accordance with user provided instructions) increases exponentially with the number of the cube's dimensions (2d) and a naive store of the cube behaves in a similar way.
The problem of size is exacerbated by the fact that new applications include an increasing number of dimensions. Moreover, in many new applications, dimensions naturally form hierarchies, with the user being interested in querying the underlying data in any level of the hierarchy. In this case, the number of group-bys that need to be computed increases even more, and reaches 2H (where H is the total number of hierarchy levels) for the case of full data cubes. However, in such cases it is more often the case that only
      ∏          i      =      1        d          (          1      +              levels                          (                      dim            i                    )                      )  group-bys (where levels(dimi) is the number of hierarchy levels that the i-th dimension contains) are computed, and more specifically those group-bys that contain at most one hierarchy level from each dimension. In this case, the produced cube is called the "concatenated rollup cube". Thus, new applications cause an explosive increase in the size of the cube, and present a major problem. All methods proposed in the literature try to deal with the space problem, either by pre-computing a subset of the possible group-bys (E. Baralis, S. Paraboschi, and E. Teniente. Materialized View Selection in a Multidimensional Database. In Proc. of VLDB Conf., pages 156–165, Athens, Greece, August 1997; H. Gupta. Selections of Views to Materialize in a Data Warehouse. In Proc. of ICDT Conf., pages 98–112, Delphi, January 1997; H. Gupta, V. Harinarayan, A. Rajaraman, and J. Ullman. Index Selection for OLAP. In Proc. of ICDE Conf., pages 208–219, Burmingham, UK, April 1997; A. Shukla, P. M. Deshpande, and J. F. Naughton. Materialized View Selection for Multidimensional Datasets. In Proc. of the 24th VLDB Conf., pages 488–499, New York City, N.Y., August 1998), by estimating the values of the group-bys using approximation techniques (J. Shanmugasundaram, U. Fayyad, and P. S. Bradley. Compressed Data Cubes for OLAP Aggregate Query Approximation on Continuous Dimensions. In Proc. of the Intl. Conf. on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD99), 1999; J. S Vitter, M. Wang, and B. Iyer. Data Cube Approximation and Histograms via Wavelets. In Proc. of the 7th Intl. Conf. Information and Knowledge Management (CIKM'98), 1998), or by pre-computing only those group-bys that have a minimum support (membership) of at least N tuples (K. Beyer and R. Ramakrishnan. Bottom-Up Computation of Sparse and Iceberg CUBEs. In Proc. of the ACM SIGMOD Conf., pages 359–370, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, 1999). The larger the value for N, the smaller the number of group-bys that satisfy the minimum support condition and, therefore, the smaller the size of the resulting sub-cubes.

Dwarf cube architecture for reducing storage sizes of multidimensional data


A support frame for a window frame is provided to address the problem of unwanted entry of moisture, such as condensation, into a building in which the window frame is mounted. The support frame includes four sections of flashing. Each section of flashing has a window frame support plate that has a window frame side and building framework side. A first longitudinal wall extends from the window frame side of the support plate. One or more longitudinal stiffening box sections continuous with the plate are provided for imparting rigidity to the flashing. Two of the sections comprise sill and header flashings spaced apart at either end by the remaining two sections, which comprise jamb flashings. Joiners connect adjacent ends of the four sections.

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.
Many buildings are constructed about a timber or steel framework. The framework is typically covered with a membrane and cladding on its outer side. The cladding may be any of a number of different types. For example, it is known to use timber and also synthetic weatherboards, a single layer of brick or even rendered polystyrene foam.
Window frames are set into the building framework and usually the cladding butts up against the window frame. Given the myriad of cladding types and building construction styles the junction between the window frame and the cladding is often problematic since it varies depending on the type of window frame and the type of cladding in each construction situation.
It would be desirable if a product were provided that made for a consistent platform for window installation and which was suitable for most commonly used window types, configurations and cladding types.
In addition to the above concern, whenever a window is installed into a building wall there is a possibility that the window frame could leak.
However, the sill of the window frame should not be completely sealed as drainage must be incorporated into the sill to allow for the discharge of moisture such as condensation which may build up around the window.
It would be desirable if a product were provided that would support the frame but at the same time encourage drainage of condensation to an outside of the frame and which would present an obstacle to ingress of condensation or other moisture into the building.
It is an object of the invention to provide a product which addresses one or more of the above described problems or which is at least a commercially attractive alternative to those products that have hitherto been known in the prior art.

Flashing and joiner for window installations


Method and arrangement for providing an outlet nozzle (10) for use in a liquid fuel rocket engine. The nozzle forms a body of revolution having an axis (11) of revolution and a cross section that varies in diameter along said axis. The nozzle has a wall structure having a plurality of mutually adjacent cooling channels, helically extending substantially in parallel from the inlet end (13) of the nozzle to its outlet end (14). The nozzle includes at least two longitudinally arranged sections (10a, 10b, 10c). A shift between a positive and a negative channel angle in the transition from one section to an adjacent section balances any roll momentum generated by friction of rocket exhausts against the nozzle wall.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of outlet nozzles for use in liquid fuel rocket engines. Also, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing these nozzles. The invention is especially intended for use with respect to cooled outlet nozzles for rocket motors driven by liquid fuel.
2. Background of the Invention
During operation, a rocket nozzle is subjected to very high stresses, for example in the form of a very high temperature on its inside (on the order of magnitude of 980° F.) and a very low temperature on its outside (on the order of magnitude of 370° F.). As a result of this high thermal load, stringent requirements are placed upon the choice of material, design and manufacture of the outlet nozzle. At a minimum, the need for effective cooling of the outlet nozzle must be considered.
Cooling is provided by attaching individual lengths of tubing on the inside surface of the nozzle. The geometry of each tube is such that it must conform to the conical or parabolic shape of the nozzle. Additionally, the entire inside surface of the nozzle must be covered to prevent "hot spots" which could result in premature failure of the nozzle. Each nozzle typically has a diameter ratio from the aft or large outlet end of the nozzle relative to the forward or small inlet end of the nozzle ranging from 2:1 to 3:1.
According to a previously known method of manufacturing a cooled outlet nozzle, rectangular tubes of constant cross section made from nickel-based steel or stainless steel are utilized and arranged parallel with another, and are welded together.
The tubes are helically wound such that they form an angle of helix in relation to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, which angle increases progressively from the inlet end of the nozzle to its outlet, thereby forming a bell shaped nozzle wall. Rocket engine exhaust flowing along the inside surface of such a nozzle with helically arranged tubes results in an angled reaction force that endures a roll momentum on the rocket and which must be compensated for by some additional means. These additional means often lead to increased weight and increased flow resistance. Having long channels without any increase in cross section will also affect the coolant flow resistance negatively.

Outlet nozzle and a method for manufacturing an outlet nozzle


A method and apparatus for adjusting an oscillator in a network for correcting frequency drift is disclosed. Nodes in the network exchange time stamp messages with each other. The time stamp messages contain the time the stamp message is transmitted, node measurement value of an interval and an uncertainty value for the nodes estimation of the interval. By exchanging measurements of common intervals, nodes can determine how far their oscillators have drifted from the correct oscillating frequency.

The present invention relates to the distribution of a time and frequency reference to radio base stations. More specifically, the present invention relates to an efficient way to distribute a frequency and time reference between nodes in a packet-switched network.
In wireless communication systems, such as cellular telecommunications systems, radio base stations are typically interconnected by a packet-switched network. Radio base stations typically use a phase-lock loop, including a voltage controlled oscillator, to maintain frequency stability of the signals generated by the radio base stations. In conventional wireless systems, frequency stability of an oscillator in a radio base station is maintained using a frequency reference which is distributed to radio base stations over the packet-switched network using the pulse code modulated (PCM) reference, i.e. the frame synchronization signal in the E1/T1 transmission protocol. For a more detailed explanation of PCM reference signals, the reader should refer to U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,001 to Österling et al., which is herein expressly incorporated by reference. The use of a frequency reference ensures that the downlink signal generated by the voltage controlled oscillator is properly transmitted to a mobile terminal without interfering with other concurrently transmitted downlink signals, i.e., that the radio base station is transmitting to the mobile station over the correct frequency.
As the sophistication of networking technology increases and the cost of implementation of these networking technologies decreases, radio base stations may soon be interconnected together using newer types of networks. These newer types of networks may not necessarily contain the PCM reference which is present in the E1/T1 transmission protocol. Since these networks may not contain the PCM reference, a new method for correcting the frequency drift of base station oscillators is needed.
Conventional networking technologies use time stamp algorithms to distribute time. In TCP/IP based networks, the network time protocol is used to exchange time stamp messages between network nodes. However, the network time protocol only provides for the distribution of time and not the distribution of frequency as would be required for a radio base station. Further, the network time protocol considers all time stamp messages as equally accurate. Hence, the network time protocol does not take into consideration whether a transmitting node has a very accurate oscillator, e.g., a GPS receiver, or if the transmitting node has an inaccurate oscillator, e.g., a short-term stable free-running oscillator which has not been tuned for a long time.
In addition, the network time protocol does not allow a node to receive frequency information from one node and time information from another. Further, network time protocol is designed for time stamping on an application layer which results in large uncertainties as to the accuracy of the time stamp.
Since, radio base stations may soon be connected to each other through many other types of networks, e.g. ethernet networks, a new method for correcting the frequency drift of oscillators in radio base stations is required. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a reference frequency for radio base stations in networks which do not have a PCM reference signal. Further, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for a node in a network to determine the accuracy of its oscillator.


A vehicle garment hook assembly for use on a vehicle includes a housing mounted to a trim component on a vehicle, and a garment hook pivotally mounted to the housing and pivotal away from the housing to a use position. The garment hook assembly also includes an access aperture formed in the housing, and a cover movably coupled to the housing to cover the garment hook and access aperture in a closed position and to expose the garment hook and access aperture in an open position.

The interior of an automotive vehicle typically includes a coat hook mounted along the edge of the roof structure. Clothing, clothes hangers and the like can be hung from the coat hook to permit the hanging of articles while traveling. The coat hook may be stationary, retractable, or may be recessed into the headliner.
Additionally, often-pet owners need to transport pets, such as dogs, in their vehicle. Devices may be used which separate the driver's compartment from the cargo area to keep pets from interfering with the driver while driving. These devices can be formed of metal or aluminum, netting, straps, and can be affixed to the vehicle interior in a variety of ways.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A water heater includes a housing, an air box, and two windproof hoods. Thus, the waste gas produced by the burner is drained outward smoothly and regularly even when the air current of the ambient environment is disposed at an abnormal and unstable state, so that the water heater has an enhanced air circulation, thereby facilitating operation of the water heater. In addition, the drain pipe is protected by each of the two windproof hoods to achieve a windproof and rainproof effect.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a water heater, and more particularly to a water heater having a windproof effect.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional water heater comprises a housing, a gas burner mounted in the housing for heating the water to produce hot water for use with a user so that the user can take a bath by the hot water, and a drain pipe mounted on the housing for draining the waste gas produced by the burner outward from the housing. However, when the water heater is mounted outdoors and the air condition of the ambient environment is disposed at an unstable state, the air current of the ambient environment easily produces a downward pressure on the drain pipe so that the waste gas produced by the burner cannot be drained outward from the drain pipe and is forced to move back into the housing, thereby affecting operation of the water heater.
A conventional water heater having a ventilating device was disclosed in the Taiwanese Patent Publication No. 422324 and 581230.


The present invention provides a method for charging a secondary battery and a charger by which it can be prevented that a secondary battery is charged at very high or low temperature, and that the secondary battery is charged for a long time. Therefore, the secondary battery is prevented from being damaged, so that the lifetime can be prolonged. In this method, a generally constant current is supplied from a charging means to the secondary battery. The constant-current charging is stopped when voltage of the secondary battery has reached a peak value after passage of a predetermined time period from start of the supplying of the first current; temperature of the secondary battery has been out of a predetermined range; or a predetermined time period has passed since start of the supplying of the first current.

Secondary battery, which is mounted on, for example, a human-driving vehicle with an auxiliary power source, is recharged by means of a battery charger connected to a domestic electrical outlet. Conventionally, Ni-Cd cells or the like are used for such a secondary battery.
In the charging of the Ni-Cd battery, the battery voltage is measured for controlling the charging. After the start of the charging, the battery voltage rises increasingly, and then becomes constant. After that, the voltage of the secondary battery B rises again and peaks once before the secondarybattery B is fully charged. After the peak, the voltage-drops continuously. When it is detected that the voltage of the secondary battery B drops by .DELTA.V from the peak value, the charging is controlled to be finished.
In addition to such a measurement of the battery voltage, the charging time may be counted by a timer. In this case, the charging is finished when the voltage-drop .DELTA.V has been detected, or when a prescribed time has passed.
It is known that charging of the Ni-Cd battery is affected by temperature very much. Therefore, in charging of the battery, it is possible that the lifetime of the battery is shortened if an appropriate control is not carried out on the basis of the temperature of the battery. However, such a charging method according to the battery temperature has not yet been proposed in fact.

Method for charging secondary battery and charger therefor


A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.

Malignant tumors are often treated by surgical resection of the tumor to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Infiltration of the tumor cells into normal tissue surrounding the tumor, however, can limit the therapeutic value of surgical resection because the infiltration can be difficult or impossible to treat surgically. Radiation therapy can be used to supplement surgical resection by targeting the residual tumor margin after resection, with the goal of reducing its size or stabilizing it.
Radiation therapy can be administered through one of several methods, or a combination of methods, including external-beam radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, and permanent or temporary brachytherapy. The term "brachytherapy," as used herein, refers to radiation therapy delivered by a source of therapeutic rays inserted into the body at or near a tumor or other proliferative tissue disease site.
One interstitial brachytherapy therapy system is the Mammosite® system, provided by Hologic, Inc. of Bedford, Mass. The MammoSite system includes a catheter shaft with an inflatable balloon mounted on its distal end. A lumen extends within the catheter shaft, into the balloon. The catheter shaft is inserted into a body so that the balloon is positioned within a resected cavity. The balloon is subsequently inflated and radioactive material, for example in the form of one or more radioactive seeds, is loaded into the lumen for radiation delivery.
A typical breast brachytherapy radiation treatment plan involves insertion of the balloon by a doctor during a lumpectomy. During a series of follow up visits, a radiologists delivers radiation dosing to the patient by loading radioactive material into the balloon catheter for a determined period of time to achieve a desired dosage. The brachytherapy catheter system is removed upon completion of treatment. Although the catheter must have sufficient rigidity for insertion into the resected cavity, because the brachytherapy catheter system is left in place between treatments it is desirable that the catheter be flexible; rigid catheter designs not only cause patient discomfort but may result in undesirable torque of the balloon which results in a shift of balloon location between treatments.
In single lumen brachytherapy catheters, the lumen is generally centered within the balloon such that the balloon generates isodose profiles in the target tissue that are substantially symmetrical, similar in shape to the inflated balloon. However, symmetric dosing may not always be desirable, as the resection cavity may not be uniform or regular in shape and size. Asymmetric dosing methods, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,555 include catheters with multiple lumens, where radioactive seeds may be placed within the different lumens to achieve different dosing profiles. Methods and systems for using multiple lumens for interstitial breast brachytherapy are also described by Lubock in U.S. Patent application publication number 20070167667, and by Cutrer in U.S. Patent application publication number 20070142694.
One problem with existing multi-lumen designs is that they increase the rigidity of the catheter, concomitantly increasing patient discomfort and the occurrence of balloon movement subsequent to initial placement. It would be desirable to identify a design for multi-lumen brachytherapy device which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

Flexible multi-lumen brachytherapy device