The subject matter includes a system and method for providing graphical feedback visualizing forces within a joint through a range of motion of the joint. The method can comprise receiving position data, receiving force data, and generating a graphical representation based on the position data and the force data. The receiving position data can include data for at least one bone of a joint while the at least one bone is moved through a range of motion (ROM). The receiving force data can occur concurrently to receiving the position data and using one or more processors, the force data can be collected from at least one force sensor embedded within a trial prosthesis in the joint. The graphical representation can illustrate changes in the force data versus locations of the bone as it moved through the ROM.

The shoulder joint is a complex joint with the scapula, clavicle and the humerus all coming together to enable a wide range of movement, at least in a properly functioning joint. In a properly functioning shoulder joint the head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula, typically referred to as the glenoid. Articulation of the shoulder joint involves movement of the humeral head in the glenoid, with the structure of the mating surfaces and surrounding tissues providing a wide range of motion.
The shoulder joint can undergo degenerative changes caused by various issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthroplasty, vascular necrosis or bone fracture. When severe joint damage occurs and no other means of treatment is found to be effective, a total, partial, or reverse shoulder replacement or reconstruction may be necessary. Total shoulder replacements can involve a humeral prosthetic, including a stem and a head portion used to replace the natural humeral head. Total shoulder replacements will also typically involve resurfacing of the glenoid with a prosthetic implant. The glenoid implant generally will include an articulating cup shaped to receive the prosthetic humeral head. A reversal shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) involves a different set of humeral and glenoid replacement prosthetics. In a reverse shoulder the humeral component includes a cup shaped articular surface attached to a stem implanted into the humerus, while a spherical glenoid component is used to provide an articular surface for the humeral cup.
During shoulder arthroplasty surgery, the components of the prosthesis are matched with the bio-kinematics of the patient in an effort to maintain or restore a natural range of motion of a healthy shoulder joint. Patient specific instrumentation, such as Zimmer PSI (add reference), can assist a surgeon in planning and implementing a shoulder arthroplasty to restore natural bio-kinematics. However, even with the multitude of advances in prosthetic components and patient specific instrumentation, restoring a full range of motion can remain difficult, especially for a surgeon who does not regularly perform shoulder replacements.
Even current surgical standards are often vague, providing guidance such as joint tension should be 50/50 laxity or the joint should be "stable" throughout the range of motion. It is common for the current surgical standards to use un-quantified subject measures, such as if the fit is "too tight" perform any necessary soft tissue releases. Without significant experience, such guidance is of little practical use in ensuring successful outcomes.
While the above discusses issues and procedures specific to shoulder replacement procedures, discussion of the following systems, devices, methods, and instruments is also applicable for use in other joint replacement procedures, such as total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).


The charge well of a metal melting furnace is provided with an internal cavity having a circular cross section when viewed from the top, preferably a cavity of cylindrical or conical configuration, and with a peripheral exit port located tangentially with respect to said cavity at a lower level thereof for exit of molten metal into the main chamber of the furnace. An inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump brings molten metal from a hotter section of the furnace, advantageously directly from the main chamber, and has its exit port located tangentially to the periphery of the cavity at an upper level thereof, thereby creating vortical flow of molten metal within the charge well for the more rapid and efficient melting of metal chips and scraps into the molten metal therein and for circulation of hotter molten metal throughout the furnace. A head of molten metal can be created in the charge well, which advantageously has an exit port of restricted internal cross-sectional area, to assist with attainment of these objectives. A heat and flame-resistant cover may be located above the cavity and advantageously has an aperture therein for the loading of metal chips or scrap thereinto. A gravity-feed chip charger may surmount the aperture for the discharge of new metal chips or scrap into the cavity through the said aperture.

1. Field of the Invention
Metal melting in a metal-melting furnace, and particularly the use of an inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump in a metal-melting furnace in a particularly arranged combination with a charge well of the furnace having a unique interior configuration to create a vortex therein, and advantageously additional associated apparatus, to bring metal yields and melt rates to new heights. Creation of a head of molten metal in the charge well to increase the velocity at which molten metal is discharged from the charge well into the main chamber.
2. Prior Art
The state of the art regarding the introduction of metal chips into the charge well of a metal melting furnace and the conveyance of molten metal from one place to another within or out of a metal melting furnace has been fully reviewed in my prior U.S. patents, namely, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,702,768, 4,710,126, 4,721,457, 4,872,907, 5,211,744, 5,203,910, 5,403,381, 5,468,280 and 5,407,462, the disclosures of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
In particular, the employment of an inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump for moving molten metal from one place to another in a metal-melting furnace or out of a metal melting furnace has been disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,910 as well as in my U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,403,381 and 5,468,280. A heat- and flame-resistant cover for at least a substantial portion of a charge well has been disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,744. Various methods and charger means for introducing metal chips into the charge well of a metal-melting furnace have been disclosed in my prior U.S. patents, in particular a stripforming briquetter device and method in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,768, a compacting extruder method and means in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,907, and a mass flow gravity feed method and apparatus for charging metal chips into the charge well of a metal-melting furnace in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,462 as well as an improved version thereof as disclosed in my published PCT application PCT/US97/15138, published as WO98/08985 on Mar. 5, 1998.
Although the inventions of these prior patents have gone far in advancing the state of the art, including the conveyance of molten metal from one place to another in a metal melting furnace or out of the metal-melting furnace, an improvement in total efficiency is always a highly-desirable objective and one which is fulfilled admirably by the provision of the present invention whereby certain of the salient features of my prior inventions and patents are combined with a novel and unique type of charge well in a manner which overcomes previous shortcomings, and greatly improves the rate of melt of new chips or scraps especially lighter grades of scrap such as turnings and small chips, into the metal pool in the charge well, the unique combination of the various aspects and elements of the invention increasing greatly the efficiency of the operation by an astute combination of the pump, the unique inner-cavity charge well, the arrangement of the pump with respect to the inner cavity of the charge well, and advantageously also the heat- and flame-resistant cover and chip charger-preferably of the gravity feed type, all together contributing to elevate the efficiency and economy of the operation to new and previously unattainable heights as further discussed hereinafter. The creation of a head of molten metal in the charge well, as compared to the level of molten metal in the main chamber, is also desirable to increase overall efficiency, and an exit port from the charge well to the main chamber of restricted internal cross-sectional area can be advantageously employed to assist with this result.
Vortexes have been created in the metal-melting industry using mechanical stirring impellers, conventional centrifugal molten metal pumps, and in some cases an electromagnetic pump. Such vortex systems as available on the market enjoy a satisfactory reputation for high volume scrap melting and create minimal difficulties and problems, but fall far short of attaining optimum melt yields. The melt yields, using existing vortex systems, particularly when melting lighter grades of scrap such as turnings and fine chips, do not achieve a satisfactory level. This is to be expected when, as is the case with such existing systems, the molten metal both enters and leaves the charge well at approximately the same level, just above the bottom of the well. It is also to be expected when one considers the number of pounds of molten metal exposed to atmosphere over a given period of time when melting in a charge well without a cover and without any inert gas acting as an antioxidant medium positioned beneath such cover atop the molten metal in the well. Published melt yield levels when melting aluminum chips by one manufacturer who employs the vortex method is approximately 90%.
According to the present invention, using the unique vortex method of submergence created using the inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump, especially in combination with a heat- and flame-resistant cover over the charge well or over at least a substantial portion of the cavity thereof, and especially when employing a gravity-feed metal chip charger as set forth in the foregoing and hereinafter, the melt rate can be substantially increased and the metal yield can be increased to approximately 95-97%. The invention of the present application combines the novel submerged melt vortex procedure and apparatus, advantageously with cover and furnace charger, not only for submerged melting of metal chips and scraps into the molten metal pool, but also provides stirring and circulation of molten metal throughout the furnace, especially when head pressure is established or created in the charge well by providing a greater height of molten metal in the charge well than in the main chamber, which is advantageously assisted by restricting the internal cross-sectional area of the exit port from the charge well, at or near the bottom thereof, into the main chamber, e.g., so that the internal cross-sectional area of this opening or exit port is between about 1 and 20, preferably 2 and 10, times the internal cross-sectional area of the conveying conduit or conduits which bring the molten metal to the internal cavity of the charge well at or near the top thereof. The present system can be used efficiently for lighter grades of scrap such as chips and fine turnings but, with the furnace charger elevated out of position over the charge well, allows the versatility of charging all varieties of heavy grade metal scrap directly into the charge well vortex for rapid submergence thereof without the employment of a superposed metal chip or scrap furnace charger and, if desired, without the cover.
Thus, the present invention in both method and apparatus aspects, will involve the charge well having a unique interior configuration and the associated inert gas bubble-actuated molten metal pump, bringing hotter molten metal into the interior cavity of the charge well and creating the said vortex for the rapid and efficient melting of metal chips and scraps into the molten metal mass therein. The creation of the said head of molten metal in the charge well and the head pressure which it exerts assists greatly in the melting efficiency of the vortex and in the circulation of higher-temperature molten metal throughout the system.
It may also advantageously involve the employment of a heat- and flame-resistant cover over at least a portion of the surface of the molten metal contained in the interior cavity of the charge well and, with an aperture provided in the said cover, the charge well may be surmounted by a metal scrap and chip charger, preferably of the gravity feed type, for the feeding of metal scrap and chips into the interior of the cavity through the said aperture. On the other hand, with the furnace charger out of position superposed above the charge well, all varieties of aluminum or other metal scrap may be charged directly into the vortex of the inner cavity of the charge well, either through the aperture in the cover or absent the cover. When the cover is in place, the inert gas used to actuate the molten metal pump collects beneath the cover and assists greatly in preventing oxidation of the molten metal in the inner cavity of the charge well, as we have now well established in the art.

Apparatus having gas-actuated pump and charge well and method of melting metal therewith charge a well of a metal-melting furnace


A method, apparatus and system to enable a data processing device to operate while seemingly “off”. According to one embodiment, a data processing device is configured to recognize a new system state, i.e., Visual Off. On such a data processing device, when the power button is pressed, the request to turn off the device is intercepted by a module and the device is transitioned to a Visual Off state. To the user, this transition appears instantaneous. During the transition, audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and on human interactive devices (“HID devices”) coupled to the data processing device may be turned off and/or disabled. While in the Visual Off state, the device may be fully operational, or in an alternate embodiment, the device may be placed in a low power state. When the user presses the power button again to “wake up” the data processing device, the device may transition from Visual Off into an “on” state (“Visual On”), i.e., all audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and HID devices coupled to it may be turned back on and/or enabled.

Personal computer ("PC") characteristics and behavior are typically predicated on the user's presence in the vicinity of the device. For example, error messages and/or interactive questions may be displayed on the display devices coupled to the PC, with the expectation that the user is present to respond. Machines designated as servers, on the other hand, typically operate with no one in attendance. Server messages, for example, may be written to a log file accessible remotely by the server administrator. Servers are often referred to as operating "headless" since they may have no human interface device ("HID device") such as a mouse, keyboard and/or monitor attached locally.
Recently, the notion of a "digital home" has become more prevalent. At the core, the digital home vision contemplates various devices within a home (e.g., consumer electronic devices, PCs, etc.) interconnected and integrated seamlessly on a network. Within this environment, at least one device (e.g., a PC), may host and manipulate content accessible by other devices on the network. In other words, as currently contemplated, these digital home environments may include PCs that operate as servers, i.e., with the user being mostly absent. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a digital home environment within which PC 100 may act as a server that interacts with Devices 105, 110, 115, 120 and 125 on a digital home Network 150 without any user interaction. Most PC users, however, will continue to expect their PCs to behave like traditional PCs, both when the PCs are turned on and when they are turned off. Thus, for example, when a user turns off his PC, he expects the machine to power down. If powered down, however, the PC may not process any requests, i.e., it may not act as a server.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method, apparatus and system for enabling a new data processing device operating state


The technology disclosed herein provides a summary of a predicted timeline for an event that has yet to occur. In a particular implementation, a method provides identifying a first event that has yet to occur. The method further provides identifying first data objects from a plurality of data objects obtained from a plurality of information sources. The first data objects include information pertinent to the first event. The method also provides extracting first time information relevant to the first event from the first data objects, determining a confidence level for each portion of the first time information, and generating a summary of the first time information based on the confidence level for each portion of the first time information.

News sources often generate images, articles, graphs, and other similar objects that are used in providing information about a particular event. These events may include financial events, world news events, local news events, among other possible events. The objects generated may include various facts, relevant images, or other similar data that can be used in providing a reader or viewer with information about the particular event. In some cases, the event referenced in an object has not yet occurred, such as a potential product announcement/release or a potential political announcement. Information about events that have not yet occurred will sometimes include speculative information about the timing for when certain aspects of an event will take place. Different sources may indicate different speculative time information and determining which time information is most likely correct can be very difficult if not impossible for someone with access to that time information.

Predicting an event timeline for an event that has yet to occur


A toner, wherein the toner has glass transition temperature [Tg1st (toner)] of 20° C. to 50° C., where the glass transition temperature [Tg1st (toner)] is measured in a first heating in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the toner, wherein tetrahydrofuran (THF) insoluble matter of the toner has glass transition temperature [Tg2nd (THF insoluble matter)] of −40° C. to 30° C., where the glass transition temperature [Tg2nd (THF insoluble matter)] is measured in a second heating in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of the tetrahydrofuran (THF) insoluble matter, wherein the THF insoluble matter has a storage modulus at 100° C. [G′(100) (THF insoluble matter)] of 1.0×105 Pa to 1.0×107 Pa, and wherein a ratio of a storage modulus of the THF insoluble matter at 40° C. [G′(40) (THF insoluble matter)] to the storage modulus of the THF insoluble matter at 100° C. [G′(100) (THF insoluble matter)] is 3.5×10 or less.

In recent years, toners have been desired to have small particles size and hot offset resistance for giving high quality output images, low temperature fixing ability for energy saving, and heat resistant storage stability for resisting high-temperature, high-humidity environments during storage or transport after production. Particularly, low temperature fixing ability is very important quality of a toner, as power consumption for fixing occupies a large part in the power consumption for an entire image forming process.
Conventionally, toners produced by a kneading and pulverizing method have been used. The toner produced by the kneading and pulverizing method have problems that it is difficult to reduce the particle size thereof, and shapes of particles are uneven and a particle diameter distribution thereof is broad, which result in unsatisfactory quality of output images, and a large quantity of energy is required for fixing such toner. In the case where wax (i.e., a releasing agent) is added to the toner for improving fixing ability, moreover, the toner produced by the kneading and pulverizing method contains a large amount of the wax present near toner surfaces, as a kneaded product is cracked from an interface of wax during pulverizing. As a result of this, a releasing effect is exhibited, but on the other hand, the toner tends to cause toner deposition (i.e., filming) on a carrier, a photoconductor, and a blade. Therefore, such toner is not satisfactory in view of its characteristics on the whole.
To encounter the aforementioned problems associated with the kneading and pulverizing method, a production method of a toner in accordance with a polymerization method has been proposed. A toner produced by the polymerization method is easily produced as small particles, has a sharp particle diameter distribution compared to that of the toner produced by the pulverizing method, and can encapsulate a releasing agent therein. As a production method of a toner in accordance with the polymerization method, proposed is a method for producing a toner using an elongation reaction product of urethane-modified polyester as a toner binder, for the purpose of improving low temperature fixing ability, and hot offset resistance (see PTL 1).
Moreover, proposed is a production method of a toner, which is excellent in all of heat resistant storage stability, low temperature fixing ability, and hot offset resistance, as well as excellent in powder flowability and transfer ability, when a toner is produced as a small-diameter toner (see PTLs 2 and 3).
Further, disclosed is a production method of a toner having a maturing step for producing a toner binder having a stable molecular weight distribution, and achieving both low temperature fixing ability and (see PTLs 4 and 5).
However, these proposed techniques do not provide a toner having a high level of low temperature fixing ability, which has been demanded in recent years.
For the purpose of achieving a high level of low temperature fixing ability, therefore, proposed is a toner containing a resin including a crystalline polyester resin, and a releasing agent, and having a phase separation structure, where the resin and the releasing agent (e.g., wax) are incompatible to each other in the form of sea-islands (see PTL 6).
Moreover, proposed is a toner containing a crystalline polyester resin, a releasing agent, and a graft polymer (see PTL 7).
These proposed techniques can achieve low temperature fixing, as the crystalline polyester resin is rapidly melted, compared to a non-crystalline polyester resin. However, in the case of a toner containing a crystalline polyester resin, there is a problem that aggregates of the toner form in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment.
Also, although the recent demands for further improvements in qualities have required toners to be excellent not only in low temperature fixing ability and heat resistant storage stability but also in image gloss, such toners have not been obtained.
Under such circumstances, there is currently a demand for a toner excellent not only in low temperature fixing ability and heat resistant storage stability but also in image gloss.

Toner, developer, and image forming apparatus


A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for persistently increasing the overall diameter and the lumen diameter of veins in patients. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods that utilize a blood pump to increase the blood speed and wall shear stress (WSS) on the endothelium of peripheral veins for a period of time that results in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of those veins.
2. Background Information
Many patients with chronic kidney disease eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need renal replacement therapy in order to remove fluid and waste products from their body and sustain their life. Most patients with ESRD needing renal replacement therapy receive hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, blood is removed from the circulatory system, cleansed in a hemodialysis machine, and then returned to the circulatory system. Surgeons create discrete "vascular access sites" that can be used to remove and return blood rapidly from ESRD patients. While major advances have been made in the hemodialysis machines themselves and other parts of the hemodialysis process, the creation of durable and reliable vascular access sites where blood can be removed and returned to patients during hemodialysis sessions has seen only modest improvement and remains the Achilles' heel of renal replacement therapy. This often results in sickness and death for ESRD patients and places a large burden on health care providers, payers, and public assistance programs worldwide.
Hemodialysis access sites generally come in three forms: arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), arteriovenous grafts (AVG), and catheters. Each type of site is susceptible to high rates of failure and complications, as described below.
An AVF is constructed surgically by creating a direct connection between an artery and vein. A functional wrist AVF is the longest-lasting, most desirable form of hemodialysis access, with a mean patency of about 3 years. The vein leading away from the connection is called the "outflow" vein. Dilation of the outflow vein is a critical component for an AVF to "mature" and become usable. It is widely believed that the rapid flow of blood in the outflow vein created by the AVF and the WSS it exerts on the endothelium of the vein is the major factor driving vein dilation. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of patients aren't eligible for AVF placement in the wrist, usually due to inadequate vein diameter. For eligible patients where AVF placement is attempted, the site is not usable without further intervention in about 50%-60% of cases, a problem known as "maturation failure". Small vessel diameter, especially small vein diameter, has been identified as an important factor in AVF maturation failure. The rapid appearance of aggressive vein wall scarring known as "intimal hyperplasia" has also been identified as an important factor in AVF maturation failure. It is generally believed that the turbulence created by the rapid flow of blood out of the artery and into the vein is a major factor causing this vein wall scarring. Some investigators also postulate that cyclic stretching of the vein caused by the entry of pulsatile arterial blood may also play a role in the stimulation of intimal hyperplasia and outflow vein obstruction in AVF. As such, there is a teaching that rapid flow is problematic, and attempts have been made to reduce flow in hemodialysis access sites by restricting lumen diameter by banding in order to minimize failure rates. At the current time, no method exists which preserves positive effects of flow-mediated dilation while eliminating the negative effects of vein wall scarring and obstruction. Not surprisingly, a patient newly diagnosed with ESRD and in need of hemodialysis has only a 50% chance of having a functional AVF within 6 months after starting hemodialysis. Those patients without a functional AVF are forced to dialyze with more costly forms of vascular access and are at a greater risk of complications, sickness, and death.
The second type of vascular access for hemodialysis is known as an arteriovenous graft (AVG). An AVG is constructed by placing a segment of synthetic conduit between an artery and vein, usually in the arm or leg. A portion of the synthetic conduit is placed immediately under the skin and used for needle access. More patients are eligible for AVGs, since veins not visible on the skin surface can be used for outflow, and the rate of early failure is much lower than for AVFs. Unfortunately, AVG mean primary patency is only about 4-6 months, mostly because aggressive intimal hyperplasia and scarring develops rapidly in the wall of the vein near the connection with the synthetic conduit, leading to stenosis and thrombosis. Similar to the situation with AVF failure, the rapid and turbulent flow of blood created by the AVG is thought to drive intimal hyperplasia and scarring in the wall of the outflow vein, often resulting in obstruction of the AVG. Some investigators also postulate that cyclic stretching of the vein caused by the entry of pulsatile arterial blood may also play a role in the formation of intimal hyperplasia and outflow vein obstruction in AVG. Although AVGs are less desirable than AVFs, about 25% of patients dialyze with an AVG, mostly because they are not eligible to receive an AVF.
Patients who are not able to get hemodialysis through an AVF or AVG must have a large catheter inserted in the neck, chest, or leg in order to receive hemodialysis. These catheters often become infected, placing the patient at high risk for sepsis and death. Patients with catheter sepsis usually require hospitalization, removal of the catheter, insertion of a temporary catheter, treatment with IV antibiotics, and then placement of a new catheter or other type of access site when the infection has cleared. Catheters are also susceptible to obstruction by thrombus and fibrin build-up around the tip. Hemodialysis catheters have a mean patency of about 6 months and are generally the least desirable form of hemodialysis access. Although catheters are less desirable than AVFs and AVG, about 20% of patients dialyze with a catheter, mostly because they have not yet been able to receive a functional AVF or AVG, or are not eligible to receive an AVF or AVG.
The problem of hemodialysis access site failure has received more attention recently as the number of ESRD patients undergoing routine hemodialysis has increased worldwide. In 2004, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a "Fistula First" initiative to increase the use of AVFs in providing hemodialysis access for patients with end-stage renal failure. This major initiative is a response to published Medicare data showing that patients who dialyze with an AVF have reduced morbidity and mortality compared to patients with an AVG or a catheter. Costs associated with AVF patients are substantially lower than the costs associated with AVG patients in the first year of dialysis, and in subsequent years. The cost savings of a dialyzing with an AVF are even greater when compared to dialyzing with a catheter.
To be eligible for an AVF or AVG, patients must have a peripheral vein with a lumen diameter of at least 2.5 mm or 4 mm, respectively. However, there is currently no method for persistently increasing the overall diameter and lumen diameter of peripheral veins in ESRD patients who are ineligible for an AVF or AVG due to inadequate vein size. Consequently, patients with veins that are too small to attempt an AVF or AVG are forced to use less desirable forms of vascular access such as catheters. Similarly, there is currently no method of treatment for AVF maturation failure, which falls disproportionately on patients with small vein diameters. Thus, systems and methods for enlarging the overall diameter and lumen diameter of a vein prior to the creation of AVF or AVG are needed. The importance of this need is highlighted by a recent study demonstrating that ESRD patients who were forced to use less desirable forms of vascular access such as catheters had a substantially higher risk of becoming sick or dying when compared with patients who were able to use an AVF or AVG for hemodialysis.
There is also a need to persistently increase vein diameter for other patients, such as those with atherosclerotic blockage of peripheral arteries who are in need of peripheral bypass grafting. Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who have an obstruction to blood flow in the arteries of the legs often suffer from claudication, skin ulceration, and tissue ischemia and many of these patients eventually require amputation of portions of the affected limb. In some of these patients, the obstruction can be relieved to an adequate degree by balloon angioplasty or the implantation of a vascular stent. In many patients, however, the obstruction is too severe for these types of minimally invasive therapies. Therefore, surgeons will often create a bypass graft that diverts blood around the obstructed arteries and restores adequate blood flow to the affected extremity. However, many patients in need of a peripheral bypass graft cannot use their own veins as bypass conduits due to inadequate vein diameter and are forced to use synthetic conduits made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, e.g. Gore-Tex) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET, e.g. Dacron). Studies have shown that using a patient's own veins as bypass conduits results in better long term patency than using synthetic bypass conduits made from materials such as PTFE or Dacron. The use of a synthetic bypass conduit increases the risk of stenosis in the artery at the distal end of the graft and thrombosis of the entire conduit, resulting in bypass graft failure and a recurrence or worsening of symptoms. Thus, systems and methods for increasing the overall diameter and lumen diameter of veins prior to the creation of bypass grafts are needed, especially for patients who are ineligible to use their own veins for the creation of a bypass graft due to inadequate vein diameter.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for a system and method for persistently increasing the lumen diameter and overall diameter of peripheral veins so that those veins can be used for the creation of hemodialysis access sites and bypass grafts. The invention described herein addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

System and method to increase the overall diameter of veins


A secure payment method and system for payment for a product in electronic form comprises a customer's terminal and a merchant's terminal connected by a communications network. A customer uses a customer's terminal to request a product and at the customer's terminal, it is determined whether the product has previously been paid for by identifying if there is a corresponding transaction receipt stored at the customer's terminal. If there is a corresponding receipt this is transmitted with the request to the merchant's terminal. At the merchant's terminal, when the request is received, if there is an accompanying transaction receipt, the product is transmitted to the customer's terminal. If there is no accompanying transaction receipt, the transaction is recorded and a transaction receipt is generated and transmitted to the customer's terminal. A central server can be provided to aggregate transactions by periodically polling the merchant's terminal to retrieve transaction data and for periodically polling the customer's terminal to retrieve receipt data. The receipt data and the transaction data can be reconciled in order to authenticate transactions.

Online transactions between customers and merchants over the Internet are becoming increasingly more common. Such transactions can comprise the purchase of products in electronic form such as software, video, images, text, data and any other material available in electronic form that can be delivered over a network such as the Internet. The transactions can also be for conventional goods in which case the goods are delivered offline.
The problem with online transaction systems is ensuring secure payment for the purchased goods. One form of payment which has been adopted widely is payment by credit or debit cards. This method of payment is particularly suited to electronic payments over the Internet since it only requires the transmission of a credit card number. However, this method of payment has received a great deal of publicity because it fails to provide security since the customer's credit card number is exposed over the Internet to fraudsters. Although a great deal of effort has been expended in increasing the security of transactions using credit card numbers for example using encryption, digital certificates and secure communication channels (e.g. the secure socket layer), there is still an inherent weakness in that the credit card number is transmitted for payment and held by servers.
Products provided over the Internet can range greatly in price. For transactions of a threshold value e.g. a dollar or more, a credit card transaction is commercially viable. However, where purchases made over the Internet have a much lower value, the payment for individual transactions by credit card is not commercially viable because of the transaction cost charged by the credit card companies. Thus micro payment systems have been developed in order to make micro payments by customers to merchants and to aggregate micro payments to make the billing of customers e.g. by credit card commercially viable.
An example of a prior art micro payment system is the QPass system disclosed in WO 00/33221. In this system customers and merchants register for the service. The customer and merchants are interconnected over a transaction network to which is connected a payment processor. When a customer wishes to make a purchase from a merchant, they log in to the system using a user name and password. The user name used need not be unique and is selected by the user during the process of registering for the service. A unique ID is generated for the user during registration and this is stored as a cookie on the customer's computer. Thus when a user logs on and enters their user name and user ID, the cookie is read from their computer and their unique ID is compared to the user's database. Once a user has logged on, a session cookie is stored on the user's computer and this is valid for a period of time. This enables the user to enter into transactions with merchants and the transactions are recorded at the payment processor. In this way payments made by customers for goods from merchants can be aggregated and the customer can be billed by the payment processor when appropriate e.g. when the aggregate amount reaches a threshold.
Although the QPass system provides a transaction network that enables users to register and be authenticated so as to allow aggregation of micro payments, the system relies on cookies. Cookies provide a low level of security since these can be read and accessed readily. Further, this system requires a user to set their browser to enable cookies.


A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying a textual document, determining a chemical reaction within the textual document, extracting a plurality of chemical terms from the chemical reaction, creating an annotation for the chemical reaction, utilizing the plurality of chemical terms, and storing a representation of the annotation for the chemical reaction.

The present invention relates to textual analysis, and more specifically, this invention relates to performing textual analysis from a chemical reaction perspective.
The analysis of chemical components and reactions is a major component of chemical development. However, physical chemical experimentation in a wet lab is time and resource intensive, as well as potentially hazardous. There is therefore a need to minimize undue experimentation and create a comprehensive structure for textual chemical analysis.

International Business Machines Corporation


A process for converting a charge of heavy hydrocarbons containing components boiling above 1000.degree. F. to a product containing a decreased content of components boiling above 1000.degree. F. and decreased sediment content employing a NiMo catalyst having a specified pore distribution under hydroconversion conditions is disclosed. The process includes contacting the charge of heavy hydrocarbon with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst supported on alumina and containing .ltoreq.2.5 wt % of silica and bearing 2.2 to 6 wt % of a Group VIII metal oxide, 7 to 24 wt % of a Group VIB metal oxide and 0.3 to 2 wt % of a loaded phosphorus oxide, the phosphorous being loaded onto the catalyst as aqueous phosphoric acid. The catalyst also may be characterized by having a Total Surface Area of 175 to 205 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume of 0.82 to 0.98 cc/g, and a Pore Diameter Distribution wherein 29.6 to 33.0% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG., 67.0 to 70.4% of the Total Pore Volume is present as micropores of diameter less than 250 .ANG., .gtoreq.65% of the micropore volume is present as micropores of diameter .+-.25 .ANG. about a pore mode by volume of 110 to 130 .ANG., less than 0.05 cc/g of micropore volume is present in micropores with diameters less than 80 .ANG..

As is well known to those skilled in the art, it is desirable to convert heavy hydrocarbons, such as those having a boiling point above about 1000.degree. F., into lighter hydrocarbons which are characterized by higher economic value. It is desirable to treat hydrocarbon feedstocks, particularly petroleum residue, to achieve other goals including hydrodesulfurization (HDS), carbon residue reduction (CRR), and hydrodemetallation (HDM)--the latter particularly including removal of nickel compounds (HDNi) and vanadium compounds (HDV).
These processes typically employ hydrotreating catalysts with specified ranges of pores having relatively small diameters (i.e. micropores, herein defined as pores having diameters less than 250 .ANG.) and pores having relatively large diameters (i.e. macropores, herein defined as pores having diameters greater than 250 .ANG.).
One approach to developing improved catalysts for petroleum resid processing has involved enlarging the micropore diameters of essentially monomodal catalysts (having no significant macroporosities) to overcome diffusion limitations. Catalysts which are essentially monomodal with small micropore diameters and low macroporosities designed for improved petroleum resid HDS include for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,738,944; 4,652,545; 4,341,625; 4,309,278; 4,306,965; 4,297,242; 4,066,574; 4,051,021; 4,048,060 (first-stage catalyst); U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,770,617; and 3,692,698, discussed herein. Essentially monomodal catalysts with larger micropore diameters and low macroporosities designed for improved petroleum resid HDM are typified by those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,328,127; 4,082,695; 4,048,060 (second-stage catalyst); and U.S. Pat. No. 3,876,523, discussed herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,944 (Robinson et al.) discloses a catalyst composition useful in the hydrotreatment of hydrocarbon oils, the catalyst containing nickel and phosphorus and about 19-21.5% Mo (calculated as the oxide) on a porous refractory oxide, having a narrow pore size distribution wherein at least 10% of the Total Pore Volume is in pores having diameters less than 70 .ANG., at least 75% of the Total Pore Volume is in pores having diameters between 50-110 .ANG., at least 60% of the Total Pore Volume is in pores having diameters within about 20 .ANG. above and below the average pore diameter, and at most 25% of the Total Pore Volume, most preferably less than 10% of the Total Pore Volume is in pores having diameters greater than 110 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,545 (Lindsley et al.) discloses a catalyst composition useful in the hydroconversion of heavy oils, the catalyst containing 0.5-5% Ni or Co and 1.8-18% Mo (calculated as the oxides) on a porous alumina support, having 15-30% of the Ni or Co in an acid extractable form, and further characterized by having a Total Pore Volume (TPV) of 0.5-1.5 cc/g with a pore diameter distribution such that (i) at least 70% TPV is in pores having 80-120 .ANG. diameters, (ii) less than 0.03 cc/g of TPV is in pores having diameters of less than 80 .ANG., and (iii) 0.05-0.1 cc/g of TPV is in pores having diameters of greater than 120 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,625 (Tamm) discloses a process for hydrodesulfurizing a metal-containing hydrocarbon feedstock which comprises contacting the feedstock with a catalyst comprising at least one hydrogenation agent (i.e. Group VIB or Group VIII metal, or combinations thereof) on a porous support, the catalyst being further characterized by having a TPV of 0.5-1.1 cc/g with at least 70% TPV in pores having diameters of 80-150 .ANG. and less than 3% TPV in pores having diameters greater than 1000 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,278 (Sawyer) discloses a process for the hydroconversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising contacting the feedstock with hydrogen and a catalyst in a fixed bed, moving bed, ebullated bed, slurry, disperse phase, or fluidized bed reactor, where the catalyst comprises a hydrogenation component (i.e. Group VIB or Group VIII metal) on a porous support, and is further characterized by having a BET Surface Area of 250-450 m.sup.2 /g, a BET Pore Volume of 0.9-2.0 cc/g with no more than 0.05-0.20 cc/g of TPV in pores having diameters of greater than 400 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,965 (Hensley, Jr. et al.) discloses a process for the hydrotreatment of a hydrocarbon stream comprising contacting the stream with hydrogen and a catalyst, the catalyst comprising chromium, molybdenum, and at least one Group VIII metal on a porous support, further characterized by having a TPV of 0.4-0.8 cc/g with 0-50% TPV in pores having diameters smaller than 50 .ANG., 30-80% TPV in pores having diameters of 50-100 .ANG., 0-50% TPV in pores having diameters of 100-150 .ANG., and 0-20% TPV in pores having diameters greater than 150 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,242 (Hensley, Jr. et al.) discloses a two-stage process for the catalytic hydrotreatment of hydrocarbon streams containing metal and sulfur compounds, the process comprises: (i) first contacting the feedstock with hydrogen and a demetallation catalyst comprising a Group VIB and/or Group VIII metal; and (ii) thereafter reacting the effluent with a catalyst consisting essentially of at least one Group VIB metal on a porous support, and having a TPV of 0.4-0.9 cc/g and a pore size distribution such that pores having diameters of 50-80 .ANG. constitute less than 40% TPV, pores having diameters of 80-100 .ANG. constitute 15-65% TPV, pores having diameters of 100-130 .ANG.constitute 10-50% TPV, and pores having diameters of greater than 130 .ANG. less than 15% TPV.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,574 (Tamm) discloses a catalyst composition useful in the hydrodesulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing organometallic compounds, the catalyst comprising Group VIB and Group VIII metal components on a porous support, and having a TPV of 0.5-1.1 cc/g with a pore diameter distribution such that at least 70% TPV is in pores of diameters of 80-150 .ANG. and less than 3% TPV is in pores having diameters greater than 1000 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,021 (Hamner) discloses a catalytic process for the hydrodesulfurization of a hydrocarbon feed which comprises contacting the feed with hydrogen and a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a Group VIB and Group VIII metal on a porous support, having a TPV of 0.3-1.0 cc/g with a pore diameter distribution such that greater than 50% TPV is in pores of diameters of 70-160 .ANG., and pores having diameters below 70 .ANG. and above 160 .ANG. are minimized.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,060 (Riley) discloses a two-stage process for hydrodesulfurizing a heavy hydrocarbon feed which comprises: (i) contacting the feed with hydrogen and a first catalyst to produce a first hydrodesulfurized hydrocarbon product, the first catalyst comprising a Group VIB and Group VIII metal on a porous support and having a mean pore diameter of 30-60 .ANG.; and (ii) contacting the first hydrodesulfurized hydrocarbon product with hydrogen and a second catalyst under hydrodesulfurization conditions, the second catalyst comprising a Group VIB and Group VIII metal on a porous support, further characterized by having a TPV of 0.45-1.50 cc/g with 0-0.5 cc/g of TPV in pores having diameters greater than 200 .ANG., 0-0.05 cc/g of TPV in pores having diameters below 120 .ANG., and at least 75% TPV in pores having diameters .+-.10 .ANG. of a mean pore diameter of 140-190 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,617 (Riley et al.) discloses a process for the desulfurization of a petroleum hydrocarbon feed comprising contacting the feed with hydrogen and a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a Group VIB or Group VIII metal on a porous support having greater than 50% TPV in pores of 30-80 .ANG., less than 4% TPV in pores having diameters 200-2000 .ANG., and at least 3% TPV in pores having diameters greater than 2000 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,698 (Riley et al.) discloses a catalyst useful in hydroprocessing of heavy feed stocks, the catalyst comprising a mixture of Group VIB and Group VIII metals on a porous support having a pore size distribution such that a major portion of its TPV is in pores of diameters ranging from 30-80 .ANG., less than 4% TPV is in pores of diameters of 200-2000 .ANG., and at least 3% TPV is in pores of diameters greater than 2000 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,127 (Angevine et al.) discloses a catalyst composition for use in the hydrodemetallation-desulfurization of residual petroleum oils, the catalyst comprising a hydrogenating component (i.e. Group VIB or Group VIII metal, or combinations thereof) on a porous support, further characterized by having a is TPV of 0.45-1.5 cc/g with 40-75% TPV in pores having diameters of 150-200 .ANG., and up to 5% TPV in pores having diameters of greater than 500 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,695 (Rosinski et al.) discloses a catalyst for use in the demetallation and desulfurization of petroleum oils, the catalyst comprising a hydrogenating component (i.e. cobalt and molybdenum) on a porous support, and having a surface area of 110-150 m.sup.2 /g and a pore size distribution such that at least 60% of TPV is in pores having diameters of 100-200 .ANG. and not less than 5% TPV is in pores having diameters greater than 500 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 3,876,523 (Rosinski et al.) discloses a process for the demetallizing and desulfurizing of residual petroleum oil comprising contacting the oil with hydrogen and a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a Group VIB and Group VIII metal on a porous support having a pore size distribution such that greater than 60% TPV is in pores having diameters of 100-200 .ANG., at least 5% TPV is in pores having diameters greater than 500 .ANG., 10% TPV or less is in pores having diameters less than 40 .ANG., and the surface area of the catalyst is 40-150 m.sup.2 /g.
Early petroleum distillate hydrotreating catalysts generally were monomodal catalysts with very small micropore diameters (less than say 100 .ANG.) and rather broad pore size distributions. First generation petroleum resid hydrotreating catalysts were developed by introducing a large amount of macroporosity into a distillate hydrotreating catalyst pore structure to overcome the diffusion resistance of large molecules. Such catalysts, which are considered fully bimodal HDS/HDM catalysts, are typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,746,419, 4,395,328, 4,395,329, and 4,089,774, discussed herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,419 (Peck et al.) discloses an improved hydroconversion process for the hydroconversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks containing asphaltenes, metals, and sulfur compounds, which process minimizes the production of carbonaceous insoluble solids and catalyst attrition rates. Peck et al. employs a catalyst which has 0.1 to 0.3 cc/g of its pore volume in pores with diameters greater than 1,200 .ANG. and no more than 0.1 cc/g of its pore volume in pores having diameters greater than 4,000 .ANG.. The instant invention will be distinguished from Peck, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,419) in that Peck discloses only features of macropore size distribution useful for minimizing the production of carbonaceous insoluble solids and does not disclose a pore size distribution which would provide additional hydroconversion and hydrodesulfurization activities, whereas, the catalysts of the instant invention require a unique pore size distribution in order to provide additional hydroconversion of feedstock components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F. and additional hydrodesulfurization. The instant invention gives improved levels of hydroconversion of feedstock components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F., improved hydrodesulfurization, particularly improved sulfur removal from the unconverted 1000.degree. F.+ boiling point products, and reduced sediment make at the same operating conditions and allows operations at higher temperatures compared to operations with a commercial vacuum resid hydroconversion catalyst having a macropore size distribution which satisfies the requirements of Peck, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,419).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,328 (Hensley, Jr. et al.) discloses process for the hydroconversion of a hydrocarbon stream containing asphaltenes and a substantial amount of metals, comprising contacting the stream (in the presence of hydrogen) with a catalyst present in one or more fixed or ebullating beds, the catalyst comprising at least one metal which may be a Group VIB or Group VIII metal, an oxide of phosphorus, and an alumina support, where the alumina support material initially had at least 0.8 cc/g of TPV in pores having diameters of 0-1200 .ANG., at least 0.1 cc/g of TPV is in pores having diameters of 1200-50,000 .ANG., a surface area in the range of 140-190 m.sup.2 /g, and the support material was formed as a composite comprising alumina and one or more oxides of phosphorus into a shaped material and was thence heated with steam to increase the average pore diameter of the catalyst support material prior to impregnation with active metals. The instant invention is distinguished from Hensley, Jr., et al. in that the support of the instant invention does not contain one or more oxides of phosphorus, is not heated with steam to increase the average pore diameter, and requires a higher surface area of about 205-275 m.sup.2 /g and there is a much more precise definition of pore volume distribution.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,329 (Le Page et al.) discloses a hydrorefining process of a high metal-containing feedstock employing a catalyst containing alumina, a metal from group VI and a metal from the iron group, the catalyst having a Total Surface Area of 120-200 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume of 0.8-1.2 cc/g, and a Pore Diameter Distribution whereby 0-10% of the Total Pore Volume is present as micropores with diameters less than 100 .ANG., 35-60% of the Total Pore Volume is in pores with diameters of 100-600 .ANG., and 35-55% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 600 .ANG.. The instant invention is distinguished from Le Page et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,329) in that Le Page et al. requires 35-55% of the TPV in pores with a diameter >600 .ANG. and the catalysts of the instant invention have only about 21-27% of the PV in pores greater than 600 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,774 (Oleck et al.) discloses a process for the demetallation and desulfurization of a hydrocarbon oil comprising contacting the oil with hydrogen and a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a Group VIB metal and an iron group metal (i.e. iron, cobalt, or nickel) on a porous support, and having a surface area of 125-210 m.sup.2 /g and TPV of 0.4-0.65 cc/g with at least 10% TPV in pores having diameters less than 30 .ANG., at least 50% of pore volume accessible to mercury being in pores having diameters of 30-150 .ANG., and at least 16.6% of pores accessible to mercury being in pores having diameters greater than 300 .ANG.. The instant invention is distinguished from Oleck et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,774) in that Oleck et al. requires a relatively low Total Pore Volume of only 0.4-0.65 cc/g, whereas, the catalysts of the instant invention require much higher Total Pore Volumes of 0.82-0.98 cc/g.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,656, to Clark et al. discloses a hydroprocessing catalyst comprising at least one hydrogenation metal selected from the group consisting of the Group VIB metals and Group VIII metals deposited on an inorganic oxide support, said catalyst characterized by a surface area of greater than about 220 m.sup.2 /g, a pore volume of 0.23-0.31 cc/g in pores with radii greater than about 600 .ANG. (i.e., in pores with diameters greater than 1200 .ANG.), an average pore radius of about 30-70 .ANG. in pores with radii less than about 600 .ANG. (i.e., an average pore diameter of about 60-140 .ANG. in pores with diameters less than about 1200 .ANG.), and an incremental pore volume curve with a maximum at about 20-50 .ANG. radius (i.e., at about 40-100 .ANG. diameter). In the instant invention, pores having a diameter greater than 1200 .ANG. are only about 0.15-0.20 cc/g and the incremental pore volume curve has a maximum (i.e., Pore Mode) at 110-130 .ANG.. Also, reflective of the larger range of sizes of Pore Modes, the instant catalysts have much lower surface areas of 175-205 m.sup.2 /g.
A recent approach to developing improved catalysts for petroleum resid processing has involved the use of catalysts having micropore diameters intermediate between the above described monomodal HDS and HDM catalysts, as well as sufficient macroporosities so as to overcome the diffusion limitations for petroleum bottoms HDS (i. e., sulfur removal from hydrocarbon product of a hydrotreated petroleum resid having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F.) but limited macroporosities to limit poisoning of the interiors of the catalyst particles. Catalysts with micropore diameters intermediate between the above described monomodal HDS and HDM catalysts with limited macroporosities include those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,941,964, 5,047,142 and 5,399,259 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/425,971 (D# 92,030-C1-D1), now U.S. Pat. No 5,545,602, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,908, discussed herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,964 (to Texaco as assignee of Dai, et al.) discloses a process for the hydrotreatment of a sulfur- and metal-containing feed which comprises contacting said feed with hydrogen and a catalyst in a manner such that the catalyst is maintained at isothermal conditions and is exposed to a uniform quality of feed, the catalyst comprising an oxide of a Group VIII metal, an oxide of a Group VIB metal and 0-2.0 weight % of an oxide of phosphorus on a porous alumina support, having a surface area of 150-210 m.sup.2 /g and a Total Pore Volume (TPV) of 0.50-0.75 cc/g such that 70-85% TPV is in pores having diameters of 100-160 .ANG. and 5.5-22.0% TPV is in pores having diameters of greater than 250 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,142 (to Texaco as assignee of Sherwood, Jr., et al.), discloses a catalyst composition useful in the hydroprocessing of a sulfur and metal-containing feedstock comprising an oxide of nickel or cobalt and an oxide of molybdenum on a porous alumina support in such a manner that the molybdenum gradient of the catalyst has a value of less than 6.0 and 15-30% of the nickel or cobalt is in an acid extractable form, having a surface area of 150-210 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume (TPV) of 0.50-0.75 cc/g, and a pore size distribution such that less than 25% TPV is in pores having diameters less than 100 .ANG., 70.0-85.0% TPV is in pores having diameters of 100-160 .ANG. and 1.0-15.0% TPV is in pores having diameters greater than 250 .ANG..
U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,259 (to Texaco as assignee of Dai, et al.) discloses a process for the hydrotreatment of a sulfur-, metals- and asphaltenes-containing feed which comprises contacting said feed with hydrogen and a catalyst in a manner such that the catalyst is maintained at isothermal conditions and is exposed to a uniform quality of feed, the catalyst comprising 3-6 wt % of an oxide of a Group VIII metal, 14.5-24 wt % of an oxide of a Group VIB metal and 0-6 wt % of an oxide of phosphorus on a porous alumina support, having a surface area of 165-230 m.sup.2 /g and a Total Pore Volume (TPV) of 0.5-0.8 cc/g such that less than 5% of TPV is in pores with diameters less than about 80 .ANG., at least 65% of the pore volume in pores with diameters less than 250 .ANG. is in pores with diameters .+-.20 .ANG. of a Pore Mode of about 100-135 .ANG. and 22-29% TPV is in pores having diameters of greater than 250 .ANG.. The instant invention is distinguished from Dai et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,259) in that Dai et al. requires a relatively low Total Pore Volume of only 0.5-0.8 cc/g and a relatively low macroporosity of 22-29% TPV in pores having diameters of greater than 250 .ANG., whereas, the catalysts of the instant invention require much higher Total Pore Volumes of 0.82-0.98 cc/g and a much higher level of macroporosity of 29.6-33.0% TPV in pores having diameters of greater than 250 .ANG..
In related copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/425,971 (D# 92,030-C1-D1), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,602, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,908 (to Texaco as assignee of Nelson et al.) there is disclosed a hydrotreating process employing, as catalyst, a porous alumina support with pellet diameters of 0.032-0.038 inches bearing 2.5-6 w % of a Group VIII non-noble metal oxide, 13-24 w % of a Group VIB metal oxide, less than or equal to 2.5 w % of silicon oxide, typically about 1.9-2 w % of intentionally added silica oxide, and 0-2 w % of a phosphorus oxide, preferably less than about 0.2 w % of a phosphorus oxide, with no phosphorus-containing components intentionally added during the catalyst preparation, said catalyst having a Total Surface Area of 165-210 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume of 0.75-0.95 cc/g, and a Pore Diameter Distribution whereby 14-22% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter .gtoreq.1000 .ANG., 22-32% of the Total Pore Volume is present as pores of diameter .gtoreq.250 .ANG., 68-78% of the Total Pore Volume is present as pores of diameter .ltoreq.250 .ANG., 26-35% of the Total Pore Volume is present as mesopores of diameters .gtoreq.200 .ANG., 34-69% of the Total Pore Volume is present as secondary micropores of diameters 100-200 .ANG., 5-18% of the Total Pore Volume is present as primary micropores of diameter .ltoreq.100 .ANG., and .gtoreq.57% of the micropore volume is present as micropores of diameter .+-.20 .ANG. about a pore mode by volume of 100-145 .ANG.. The instant case employs as catalyst, a porous alumina support with pellet diameters of 0.032-0.044 inches, preferably 0.039-0.044 inches, bearing 2.2-6 w % of a Group VIII non-noble metal oxide, 7-24 w % of a Group VIB metal oxide, less than or equal to 2.5 w % of silicon oxide, preferably 1.3-2.5 w % of intentionally added silica oxide, and 0.3-2 w % of a phosphorus oxide, preferably 0.5-1.5 w % of a phosphorus oxide, with phosphorus-containing components intentionally added during the catalyst preparation, said catalyst having a Total Surface Area of 175-205 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume of 0.82-0.98 cc/g, and a Pore Diameter Distribution whereby 29.6-33.0% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG., 67.0-70.4% of the Total Pore Volume is present as micropores of diameter less than 250 .ANG., .gtoreq.65% of the micropore volume is present as micropores of diameter .+-.25 .ANG. about a pore mode by volume of 110-130 .ANG., and less than or equal to 0.05 cc/g of micropore volume is present in micropores with diameters less than 80 .ANG..
A recent approach to developing improved catalysts for the hydroconversion of feedstock components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F. has involved the use of catalysts having micropores intermediate between the above described monomodal HDS and HDM catalysts with pore volumes in the HDS type of range and with macroporosities sufficient to overcome the diffusion limitations for conversion of feedstock components having boiling points greater than 1000.degree. F. into products having boiling points less than 1000.degree. F. but limited macroporosities so as to limit poisoning of the interiors of the catalyst particles. Such catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,456 (To Texaco as assignee of Dai et al.) and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/130,472 (D# 92,067), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,273, discussed herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,456 (to Texaco as assignee of Dai et al.) discloses a catalyst composition useful in the hydroconversion of a sulfur- and metal-containing feedstock comprising an oxide of a Group VIII metal and an oxide of a Group V-IB metal and optionally phosphorus on a porous alumina support, the catalyst having a Total Surface Area of 240-310 m.sup.2 /g, a Total Pore Volume of 0.5-0.75 cc/g, and a Pore Diameter Distribution whereby 63-78% of the Total Pore Volume is present as micropores of diameter 55-115 .ANG. and 11-18% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG.. The heavy feedstocks are contacted with hydrogen and with the catalyst. The catalyst is maintained at isothermal conditions and is exposed to a uniform quality of feed. The process of Dai et al. is particularly effective in achieving desired levels of hydroconversion of feedstock components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F. The instant invention is distinguished from U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,456 in that Dai et al. requires a catalyst with a Pore Diameter Distribution wherein 63-78% of the Total Pore Volume is present as micropores of diameter 55-115 .ANG. and 11-18% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG., whereas, the catalysts employed in the instant invention have only about 20-25% of the Total Pore Volume present as micropores of diameter 55-115 .ANG. and 29.6-33.0% of the Total Pore Volume is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG..
In related copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/130,472 (D# 92,067), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,273, there is disclosed a hydrotreating process and catalyst wherein 50-62.8% of the TPV is present in micropores of diameter 55-115 .ANG. and 20-30.5% of the TPV is present as macropores of diameter greater than 250 .ANG.. In the instant case, the catalyst preferably has only about 20-25% of the TPV present in pores having diameter of 55-115 .ANG..
None of the above-identified catalyst types in the art have been found to be effective for achieving all of the desired improved process needs. Early catalysts in the art addressed the need for improved hydrodesulfurization and/or hydrodemetallation as measured in the total liquid product. One recent line of catalyst development, as typified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,941,964 and 5,047,142, has been to develop improved catalysts for petroleum bottoms HDS (i.e., selective sulfur removal from the unconverted hydrocarbon product having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. from a hydroprocess operating with significant hydroconversion of feedstocks components [e.g., petroleum resids] having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F.). More recent developments of petroleum bottoms HDS catalysts, as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,259 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/425,971 (D# 92,030-C1-D1), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,602, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,908, have been to develop petroleum bottoms HDS catalysts with a degree of sediment control allowing the use of higher temperatures and reducing sediment make. However, none of the above-described petroleum bottoms HDS catalysts give improved levels of hydroconversion of feedstocks components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F. while, at the same time, reducing sediment make.
A second line of catalyst development, as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,456 and copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/130,472 (D# 92,067), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,273 has been to develop hydroconversion catalysts for the improved hydroconversion of feedstocks components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F. The most recent developments of hydroconversion catalysts, as typified by U.S. application Ser. No. 08/130,472 (D# 92,067), now U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,273 have been to develop hydroconversion catalysts with slightly improved bottoms HDS activities and some slight degree of sediment control allowing the use of some higher temperatures and reducing sediment make. Although the above-described hydroconversion catalysts give improved levels of hydroconversion of feedstocks components having a boiling point greater than 1000.degree. F. to products having a boiling point less than 1000.degree. F., they do not give the desired levels of sulfur removal obtained from the above-described petroleum bottoms HDS catalysts and these hydroconversion catalysts still make some amount of sediment.
It would be desirable if a catalyst were available which provided improved hydroconversion, improved bottoms HDS, and no sediment make and which could also withstand operation at higher temperatures, so that it would be possible to attain an even higher level of hydroconversion without the undesirable formation of sediment. Undesirable low levels of hydroconversion represent a problem which is particularly acute for those refiners who operate vacuum resid hydroprocessing units at their maximum heat and/or temperature limits. Such limits often exist when refiners are operating at maximum charge rates.

Hydroconversion process employing a phosphorus loaded NiMo catalyst with specified pore size distribution


A structure of a glove box, including a glove box body having a rear wall extending near a dash-panel and a temporary connector holding part provided on an opposite portion of the rear wall opposing to a connector mounting opening provided in the dash-panel the temporary connector holding part having a temporary connector holding bracket provided on the opposite portion of the rear wall and the temporary connector holding bracket having a connector containing concave portion and a connector engaging portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement in a structure of a glove box, which is provided in a vehicle.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, a dash-panel parting an engine room and a vehicle interior in a vehicle body of a vehicle such as an automobile is provided on a front portion of the vehicle interior in the vehicle. A first connector connected with an end of a harness wired in the engine room and a second connector connected with an end of a harness wired in the vehicle interior are structured to be connected through a connector mounting opening provided in the dash-panel (for reference, see Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-39588).
In the connector connecting structure described in the patent document, a connection for the connecters is achieved as follows.
That is to say, it is possible to make efficiently a cockpit by preparing a cockpit module in which parts around the cockpit are pre-assembled and integrated, and mounting the cockpit module on the front portion of the vehicle interior at once and fixing it. At this time, the second connector connected with the end of the harness wired in the vehicle interior is temporarily held on the cockpit module so that the cockpit module is positioned in a position opposing to the connector mounting opening simultaneously with the mounting of the cockpit module on the vehicle body. Thereafter, the first connector connected with the end of the harness wired in the engine room is disposed in the vicinity of the connector mounting opening, and then the first connector is fitted temporarily in the second connector. Thereafter, the second connector is drawn by an operation of a drawing mechanism provided on the first connector. Consequently, the temporarily held state of the second connector by the cockpit module is released and fitted in the second connector so that the both harnesses are in an electrically conducted state.
Meanwhile, the cockpit module includes a glove box, an instrument panel and so on.
However, it is not disclosed by what method the second connector in the vehicle interior is temporarily held to the cockpit module including the glove box, in the connector connecting structure as described in the above-mentioned patent document. If the second connector is temporarily held on the instrument panel because it is not possible to adopt a structure for temporarily holding directly the second connector on the instrument panel, the other bracket must be mounted on the instrument panel and a temporary connector holding bracket must be further mounted on the other bracket. Accordingly, there is a problem that the increment in parts and mounting processes is generated by the addition of the brackets as described above, therefore cost and manufacturing efficiency in the connector connecting structure are improper.
Moreover, because the harnesses disposed between the engine room and the vehicle interior are thick and heavy, and the connectors become also large and heavy in order to allow the connectors to temporarily hold on the instrument panel a rigidity of the instrument panel must be increased correspondingly. This causes a structural problem in the connector connection structure.


Systems and methods for molten media pyrolysis for the conversion of methane into hydrogen and carbon-containing particles are disclosed. The systems and methods include the introduction of seed particles into the molten media to facilitate the growth of larger, more manageable carbon-containing particles. Additionally or alternatively, the systems and methods can include increasing the residence time of carbon-containing particles within the molten media to facilitate the growth of larger carbon-containing particles.

Conventionally, various gas phase methods have been used for conversion of methane or other light hydrocarbons to hydrogen. Examples of such methods include reforming and gas phase pyrolysis. While such gas phase methods are effective for producing hydrogen, such methods typically also result in production of carbon oxides and/or coke. Because coke removal from the processing environment typically also results in production of carbon oxides, the net result is that production of hydrogen is accompanied by a corresponding production of carbon oxides. It would be desirable to develop methods for conversion of light hydrocarbons to hydrogen while reducing or minimizing production of carbon oxides.
Pyrolysis in a molten media environment, e.g., in a molten metal and/or molten salt, provides a potential alternative for conversion of methane and/or light hydrocarbons to hydrogen. Performing pyrolysis in a molten media environment can reduce or minimize formation of carbon oxides during hydrogen production. Instead, the carbon from the methane and/or light hydrocarbons can be substantially converted into carbon particles. It would be desirable to develop further improvements for molten media processing of light hydrocarbons.
Parkinson et al., Hydrogen Production using Methane: Techno-Economics of decarbonizing Fuels and Chemicals, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2018; 43(5):2540-2555, describes a theoretical system for liquid metal pyrolysis of methane. The theoretical system included a reactor housing a liquid molten metal with a molten salt layer on top of the molten metal.

Systems and processes for molten media pyrolysis

EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING COMPANY


Optical triggering system and method for synchronizing a test of an integrated circuit chip with its operation. An optical triggering system includes a testing mechanism, such as a PICA testing mechanism, for testing an integrated circuit chip. An optical trigger mechanism generates an optical trigger signal for synchronizing a test of the integrated circuit chip with its operation. The optical trigger mechanism provides an optical trigger signal having reduced jitter and a higher frequency rate than an electrical trigger signal resulting in a more accurate test of the integrated circuit chip.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the testing of integrated circuit chips and, more particularly, to an optical triggering system and method for synchronizing the optical test of an integrated circuit chip with its operation.
2. Description of Related Art
The Picosecond Imaging Circuit Analysis (PICA) technique is widely used to test modem integrated circuit chips due to its low invasiveness and high time resolution. The PICA testing technique is based on the collection of near infrared (NIR) light emitted by hot-carriers in the transistor channel of the chip, and has been demonstrated to be an invaluable method for detecting timing-related faults in backside-packaged Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) circuits. Many innovative applications of the PICA technique have been developed in past years based on the detection of light emission due to off-state leakage current, oxide tunneling current and carrier recombination, thus leading to new application areas and more contributions to quick turn around times for circuit debugging and defect isolation.
Because of the important advantages offered by the PICA technique over other testing methods, which are often invasive and may lead to damage of the chip under test (CUT), a significant amount of effort has been devoted in recent years to the development of innovative detectors to compensate for the challenges related to the continuous reduction in voltage and size of modem ULSI circuits. Two detectors that have demonstrated significantly improved quantum efficiency (QE) in the NIR region of the spectrum are the Superconducting Single-Photon Detector (SSPD) and the InGaAs Avalanche Photo-Diode (APD) which offer a single-point detection capability. A third detector, the MEPSICRON Photo-Multiplier Tube marketed by Quantar Technology Incorporated of Santa Cruz, Calif., provides an imaging capability; and, in fact, permits the parallel acquisition of waveforms from hundreds of transistors in the same field of view.
Besides reduced emission intensity, modem ULSI circuits also provide a challenge related to the timing performance required to construct the optical signals emitted by the circuit during normal operation. A measure of such a capability is the Full-Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the detected optical signal when an ideal light impulse is emitted by the circuit (the larger the FWHM, the worse the timing performance). The FWHM of certain measurements is given by the quadratic sum of many different components ranging from detector resolution, front-end jitter, circuit jitter, optical signal dispersion, etc.
Fundamental for the PICA testing technique is the extraction of a trigger signal, synchronous with the operation of the integrated circuit that is used to reconstruct the histogram of the photon arrival time. Any jitter in the trigger signal, compared to the integrated circuit, limits the timing performances of the measurements. In particular, in the PICA testing system, there is an electrical connection between the PICA system and the CUT along the trigger path. When a high speed electrical trigger signal is extracted from the chip, it may be affected by jitter comparable with that of the detector (˜50-ps FWHM) used in the PICA system; thus limiting final resolution. This limitation is due mainly to the resistive/capacitive load and quality of the electrical connection between the chip and the PICA system along the trigger path. Also, for some PICA applications, an electrical trigger signal cannot always be obtained from the CUT.
There is, accordingly, a need for a triggering mechanism for synchronizing the test of an integrated circuit chip with its operation that has reduced jitter and a higher frequency rate resulting in a more accurate test of the integrated circuit chip.


A diagnostic technique for determining whether the degradation of a rechargeable battery is normal or abnormal is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for diagnosing rechargeable batteries capable of repeatedly undergoing discharging/recharging cycles. The present invention also relates to a technique for collecting information useful to diagnose rechargeable batteries.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of cordless electrical devices, such as mobile telephones, notebook computers, cordless vacuum cleaners, and cordless power tools, etc., utilize rechargeable batteries as their power source. In a case where a cordless electrical equipment malfunctions, it is necessary to know if the fault lies with the electrical equipment or with the rechargeable battery.
Furthermore, in a case where industrial goods, such as automobiles or computers, are manufactured on a mass production line by a power tool powered by a rechargeable battery, it may be possible that the tightening torque of the power tool is insufficient or an assigned operation cannot be completed within an allotted time frame, if a deteriorated rechargeable battery is used. Accordingly, it is necessary to determine when battery degradation has progressed beyond a permissible level.
The internal resistance of a rechargeable battery increases abruptly as degradation progresses. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-223164 discloses a device that measures the internal resistance of a battery and compares the measured resistance with a reference value to determine whether the degradation has progressed.
The charging/discharging capacity of rechargeable batteries also decreases abruptly as the degradation of the batteries progresses. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H11-233162 discloses a device that measures the charging/discharging capacity of a battery and compares the measured capacity with a reference value to diagnose whether degradation has progressed.
A charging device capable of counting a number of charging operations of a rechargeable battery is known. When a battery that has already been charged a prescribed number of times is set to the charging device for recharging, this information is transmitted to an operator, thus informing the operator that battery degradation has progressed. A same charging device may charge two or more batteries. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H10-66266 discloses a technique wherein batteries are provided with an ID respectively and the number of charging operations for each battery is counted with reference to the battery ID.

Method and apparatus for diagnosing the condition of a rechargeable battery

Abstract: A device for determining whether the degradation of a rechargeable battery is normal or abnormal comprises a device for measuring a degradation indicator of a rechargeable battery 18, a device for determining the usage quantity of the rechargeable battery, and a device for comparing the usage quantity with a reference usage quantity in the case where the measured degradation indicator exceeds a reference degradation value.


A semiconductor device, and a method of fabricating the same, include a substrate including two-dimensionally arranged active portions, device isolation patterns extending along sidewalls of the active portions, each of the device isolation patterns including first and second device isolation patterns, gate patterns extending across the active portions and the device isolation patterns, each of the gate patterns including a gate insulating layer, a gate line and a gate capping pattern, and ohmic patterns on the active portions, respectively. Top surfaces of the first device isolation pattern and the gate insulating layer may be lower than those of the second device isolation pattern and the gate capping pattern, respectively, and the ohmic patterns may include an extending portion on the first insulating layer.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and/or a method of fabricating the same, and in particular, example embodiments relate to a semiconductor device having an ohmic pattern and/or a method of fabricating the same.
2. Description of Related Art
To meet a growing demand for lightweight, small-sized, high-speed, multifunctional, high-performance, high-reliable, and low-cost electronic devices, it is necessary for a semiconductor memory device to have a high integration density and good reliability.
An increase in integration density of a semiconductor device can be achieved by reducing a line width of components constituting the semiconductor device. However, this line width reduction may result in an increase in contact resistance between a metal pattern and a semiconductor pattern. The contact resistance may be reduced by forming an ohmic pattern between the metal pattern and the semiconductor pattern.

Semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same


Methods for making high-purity LiFSI salts and intermediate products using one, the other, or both of a reactive-solvent removal/replacement method and an LiFSI purification method. In some embodiments, the reactive-solvent removal/replacement method includes using non-reactive anhydrous organic solvents to remove and/or replace one or more reactive solvents in a crude LiFSI. In some embodiments, the LiFSI purification method includes using anhydrous organic solvents to remove impurities, such as synthesis impurities, from a crude LiFSI. In some embodiments, crude LiFSI can be made using an aqueous-based neutralization process. LiFSI salts and products made using methods of the disclosure are also described, as are uses of such salts and products and electrochemical devices that include such salts and products.

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) has been reported as a conducting salt for lithium-based batteries due to its desirable physicochemical and electrochemical properties. LiFSI has a melting point of 143° C. and is thermally stable up to 200° C. It exhibits far superior stability towards hydrolysis compared to lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), which is a salt commonly used for electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. LiFSI has aroused intensive interest as an electrolyte/additive in lithium-ion batteries due to its unique properties, such as excellent solubility, ionic conductivity comparable to LiPF6-based electrolytes, cost-effectiveness, environmental benignity, and favorable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) forming property. The level of purity of LiFSI used for battery electrolytes can be critical to the operation and cycle life of the batteries using LiFSI-based electrolytes. However, many commercial processes for synthesizing LiFSI produce byproducts that remain is the crude LiFSI produced by the synthesis processes. The main synthesis impurities in LiFSI are lithium fluoride (LiF), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium sulfate (Li2SO4), lithium fluorosulfonate (LiFSO3), and acidic-type impurities, for example, hydrogen fluoride (HF). These impurities must be removed, or reduced to various acceptable levels, before using LiFSI salt in a battery. However, they can be challenging to remove.
Some processes for removing impurities from crude LiFSI, such as the synthesis impurities noted above, utilize one or more solvents, such as alcohol(s) and water, that are reactive to lithium metal. In addition, crude LiFSI may contain water by mean other than being a solvent. Thus, even if such LiFSI is purified to a point that levels of the target synthesis impurities are low enough that they do not interfere with the functioning of the electrochemical device when the purified LiFSI is deployed in the device's electrolyte, this purified LiFSI can still unsuitable for use in secondary lithium-metal batteries. This is so because the purified LiFSI contains residue(s) of the reactive solvent(s) used to remove the target impurities and/or water that may be otherwise present, and the reactive-solvent residue and/or water react with the lithium metal of the device's anode, thereby destroying the integrity of the lithium metal and the ability of the anode to function properly. Over time, even relatively small amounts of reactive-solvent(s) in the LiFSI salt used to make the electrolyte can significantly impact the performance and cycle life of a secondary lithium-metal battery.
What is needed is an ultrapure LiFSI salt that has not only very low levels of synthesis impurities but also very low levels of reactive solvent(s).

Processes for removing reactive solvent from lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) using organic solvents that are stable toward anodes in lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries


A method and a buffer solution are set forth for testing for cannabinoid analytes extracted form a hair sample using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The method includes preparation of a hair extract cocktail using an inorganic base and aliphatic alcohol and thereafter adding the buffer according to the present invention including at least one of (a) a phosphate buffer, (b) proteinaceous substance, (c) a non-ionic surfactant and (d) a polyhydric alcohol. The buffered solution is evaporated and analyzed using ELISA. By using ELISA to determine clearly negative samples, expensive confirmatory testing can be reserved for only those samples determined to be not clearly negative.

Testing of hair samples for the presence of indicators of drug use has gained importance not only for evidence gathering for criminal justice system proceedings but in pre-employment and post-employment screening of individuals. Unlike urine or blood sample testing which can provide only short term information concerning drug use by the tested individual and can therefore produce a negative result through abstention preceding the taking of the sample, hair testing can provide a long-term history of drug use for periods of, for example, ninety days or more preceding the taking of the sample. For this reason hair testing for drug use has become a reliable and important pre-employment or periodic test which cannot be defeated by short term abstention.
Heretofore testing of hair samples for drug use of marijuana by looking for cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been through techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and tandem gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). These techniques not only qualitatively produce data indicative of the presence or absence of indicators of drug use from a hair sample but also quantify those results. These tests are expensive and time consuming. What is needed is a relatively fast and economical screening test which identifies clearly negative samples, i.e. samples with less than pre-determined threshold amounts of cannabinoids, from samples which are positive or not clearly negative. By performing a screening test of the samples, the necessity of performing complicated, expensive and time consuming assays including GC/MS or GC/MS/MS on determined negative samples would be obviated. Such assays would be reserved for those samples which, by the screening test, were either presumptively positive or otherwise not clearly identifiable as negative. Reserving the use of these assays to samples which are not identified by the screening test as clearly negative would result in savings in time and manpower for the laboratory providing the testing.
For radioimmunoassay, there is presented a problem of use and disposal of the radioactive isotope used in the assay.
An appropriate screening test, any such test is one which is forensically sustainable in its own right and accordingly must use generally accepted scientific techniques and principles.
Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) has been used for analyzing urine and blood samples to determine the presence of cannabinoids. ELISA is, compared to the other assay methods such as GC/MS and GC/MS/MS, relatively inexpensive, fast and accurate to quantitatively determine the presence of cannabinoid analytes indicative of use of marijuana. However, attempts to use ELISA as a screening test for cannabinoids in hair samples has heretofore been unsuccessful. ELISA relies upon immunospecific reactions of the analytes to test for the presence of substances. ELISA testing is well known, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,517 issued Aug. 28, 1990 and accordingly will not be described herein. It is believed that procedures heretofore used for obtaining and analyzing the hair extract containing cannabinoid analytes have been frustrated by adherence of these analytes or unknown amounts thereof on analytical surfaces resulting in the inability to correlate the results of the assay with the actual presence or absence of the analytes being tested for. Accordingly ELISA has not been successful as a test for cannabinoid analytes extracted from hair samples.

Method for forensically screening hair samples for the presence of cannabinoids


In order to reduce a radiation dose delivered to an object or an observer, a facility for monitoring handling of the object has an optical unit configured to direct ionizing radiation onto the object and also a filter element in order to attenuate a part of the ionizing radiation. An imaging unit may detect portions of the ionizing radiation passing through the object in order to create an image of the object. A view acquisition system may acquire a viewing movement, and a control unit is configured, during a first operating mode, to control a position of the filter element as a function of the viewing movement. The control unit is configured to identify a predefined sequence of viewing movements and, as a function thereof, to switch into a second operating mode. The position of the filter element is controlled during the second operating mode as a function of an image analysis.

During handling of an object, which is supported by ionizing radiation, (e.g., during x-ray-assisted catheter guidance during a therapeutic intervention on a patient or a non-medical intervention on another object), it may be of advantage for the dose of ionizing radiation to which an observer, (e.g., a doctor and/or the object), is subjected, to be as small as possible. To this end, a filter element may be introduced into the beam path of the ionizing radiation, which defines a priority region within which the ionizing radiation is not to be attenuated in order to achieve as good imaging results as possible and outside of which priority region the ionizing radiation is attenuated. Because the position of a Region of Interest (ROI), which is to be imaged with the highest possible image quality, may change during the handling, the position of the filter element may be controlled accordingly.
If the position of the filter element is controlled as a function of a viewing movement of the observer by a view acquisition system, then the view acquisition system may lose a current viewing position of the user or the observer, e.g., cannot or cannot correctly acquire the viewing movement, or for other reasons it is not possible to position the filter element correctly. In such a case, the filter element may be removed completely from the beam path, for example, in order to guarantee that the ROI continues to be imaged with good image quality.
The disadvantage is that this causes the actual function of the filter element, namely the reduction in dose for the observer and/or object, to be lost. A further disadvantage is that the removal of the filter element as well as the reintroduction of the filter element into the beam path may lead to disruptive artifacts in the imaging.
Described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,887 are a facility and a method for reducing the x-ray dose during a fluorescence-assisted method. In this disclosure, a filter element is employed that lets x-ray radiation pass through it without any attenuation in order to image a region of interest with high x-ray intensity and a correspondingly high image quality.
Described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,754,388 B2 is a system for radiation control in order to minimize radiation delivered to a patient or to a user of the system. To this end, an attention monitoring system is employed, which may be embodied as a brain sensor system or as an eye sensor system. A region of interest is automatically determined based on the attention monitoring system.