This invention relates to a triticale plant, seed, cultivar, and hybrid. More specifically, the invention relates to a triticale plant having mutant awn-inhibitor genes that result in an absence or reduction in length of awns. The invention also relates to crossing cultivars, inbreds, and hybrids containing the awn-inhibitor genes to produce novel types, cultivars, and hybrids of completely awnless and short-awn triticale for agronomic purposes.

The present invention relates to novel awn-inhibitor genes of triticale that result in the reduction of awn length and produce an awnless characteristic in a number of different genetic backgrounds and environments. The present invention also relates to a triticale seed, a triticale plant, a triticale cultivar, and a triticale hybrid that contain the awn-inhibitor genes. In addition, the present invention is directed to transferring the awn-inhibitor genes in the triticale plant to other triticale plants, and is useful for producing novel types, cultivars, and hybrids of awnless and short-awn triticale.
Triticale (Triticosecale Wittmack) is a genus of plants created by pollinating wheat with rye, then manipulating the resulting genetic combination so that the combined genomes of the wheat and cereal rye are both retained in subsequent generations. With its genetic endowment from wheat and rye, triticale is a new crop plant that ideally combines the yield and quality advantages of wheat, with the hardiness, pest tolerance, and adaptability of rye.
Researchers began crossing wheat and rye in the late 1800's, but fertile triticales capable of producing viable seed were virtually unknown until after 1938. In that year the Swedish geneticist Arne Muntzing produced fertile triticale by treating wheat-rye crosses with colchicine, which doubled the chromosomes so that normal reproductive pairing and division could occur. With normal pairing and division of chromosomes at meiosis, a triticale could be reproduced through subsequent generations. Triticale became a new crop plant, similar to but distinct from wheat and rye and the other cereal grains in its breeding, seed production, and use. Once created and reproduced, a triticale does not "revert" or "break down" to its wheat and rye components. Triticale is primarily a self-pollinated crop like wheat, although as a result of its rye component it does out-cross more frequently than wheat.
Commercial cultivars of triticale first became available in the 1960's in Europe. Acreage in the U.S. began to grow in the 1980's. Currently worldwide acreage of triticale is approximately 6 million, while that in the U.S. is approximately 450,000. Triticale is managed like wheat, though it requires less inputs such as fertilizer, water, and pesticides.
Most of the triticale now grown in the United States is for grazing and harvested forage (hay and silage) for beef and dairy cattle. Triticale competes with other cereal grains, primarily wheat and oats, for these forage markets. These markets in the U.S. are substantial. Annually in the U.S. over 18 million acres of cereal grains are planted for forage production. In the southern Central Plains alone, over 12 million acres of wheat are used for pasture for grazing on average each year. Cereal silage and hay are important in the major dairy producing regions, and cereal hay is a popular forage for horses.
Compared to wheat and oats, triticale has important advantages for forage production in terms of yield, production costs, and tolerance to pests, drought, low fertility, mineral toxicities, and heavy grazing (National Research Council, Triticale: A Promising Addition to the World's Cereal Grains, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1989.) Despite the important advantages of triticale over other cereal grains for forage, triticale is now planted on less than 3% of the U.S. cereal forage acreage. A major limitation on the use of triticale for forage has been the presence of awns on triticale. Awns are long needle-like appendages on the flower "pike" or "head" located at the top of the plant. As the flower head emerges from the stem and develops through the stages of flowering and grain development, the awns stiffen and become increasingly irritating and injurious to livestock that graze the plants as pasture, or eat the harvested plants as hay. "Rough awns in small grain hay can cause cattle considerable soreness and irritation to the eyes, mouth, lips, gums, and lower surface of the tongue" as described in Watson, S. L., et al., Small Grain Cereals for Forage, Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University Publication MF-1072, 1993. Awns can cause injury and infection in livestock, which increase veterinary costs and decrease animal health. Even when injuries do not occur, the presence of awns can reduce feed intake and the profitability of livestock production.
With respect to awns, oats and some wheat cultivars have had an important advantage over triticale. Oats do not have the long, heavy awns that cause problems in pastures or hay. Although some wheat cultivars have awns, others do not. The most popular wheat cultivars for forage production have no awns or very short awns (Carver, B. F., et al., Registration of Three Pairs of Awned vs. Awnleted Near-Isolines of Hard Red Winter Wheat, Crop Science, 33:885, 1993.; Krenzer, G., et al., Wheat Variety Trial Results-1993, Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Department of Agronomy, Publication PT 93-1, 1993; and Weyrich, R. A., et al., Effects of Awn Suppression on Grain Yield and Agronomic Traits in Hard Red Winter Wheat, Crop Science 34:965-969, 1994.)
Although they differ importantly in intraspecies diversity of awn development, wheat and triticale have the same pattern of plant development and morphology, including the development and morphology of heads and awns. The flower heads, or spikes, develop at the top of the main stem and secondary stems called tillers, which are analogous to branches. An individual plant usually has a main stem and multiple tillers, the number of which depends on plant density, soil moisture, nutrient supply, pest damage, seeding date, and temperature, as well as the genetics of the plant. Typically two to four tillers per plant will develop to the point of developing a head, although under conditions of high plant population, stress, or late planting date a plant might have only a main stem. Tillers develop sequentially during growth of the plant. Primary tillers develop one at a time from buds in the crown of the main stem. Secondary tillers may develop from buds in the axils of leaves on primary tillers, and tertiary tillers may develop on secondary tillers. The morphology of an individual tiller, including its awn development, is affected by competition among tillers for light, water, and nutrients, and the environmental conditions under which each tiller initiates and develops. The main stem and each of the tillers develop along a different course of time, and may be exposed to different growing conditions at the stages of growth affecting awn development. The later appearing tillers, however, have fewer leaves so many reach maturity at roughly the same time as the earlier tillers.
Each head at the top of a stem consists of multiple spikelets, each of which consists of multiple florets that produce pollen, ovules, and eventually kernels. Awns are located on bract-like parts of the florets called lemmas. Among wheat cultivars, awn development varies from those essentially lacking awns to those with awns on every lemma exceeding 100 mm. In contrast to wheat, essentially all rye cultivars have awns. Triticale cultivars have awn lengths and frequency exceeding that of the shortest-awned wheat cultivars, perhaps reflecting the influence of its rye genetic component.
Developing a triticale plant having no awns or very short awns, like those of wheat cultivars favored for forage, would provide all of the important benefits of triticale in terms of higher yield, wider adaptability, greater durability, and reduced production inputs, while avoiding the substantial problems associated with awns. With such a triticale, acreage of the crop should increase dramatically, benefiting forage and livestock producers and others involved in the development, production, and use of forages.
Because of these substantial potential benefits, significant plant breeding effort has been directed toward breeding triticale with short or absent awns comparable to those of the wheat cultivars now favored for forage. The most common approach to developing shorter awned triticale has been to use genes responsible for short or absent awns in wheat. The genetics of awn development in wheat is believed to involve the interplay of numerous awn promoter genes (at least thirteen) and three inhibitor genes. In common wheat (Triticum aestivum), the three inhibitor alleles have a dominant effect: when present they largely override the awn-promoter genes at the other loci resulting in significantly shorter and fewer awns.
The awn-inhibitor genes in wheat are called "Hooded", "Tipped 1", and "Tipped 2" (International Wheat Genetics Symposium, Proceedings of the Sixth International Wheat Genetics Symposium, Kyoto, Japan, 1983; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, I. Awnedness as a Quantitative Character, Soviet Genetics 16(2):222-229, 1980; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, II--The Nature of the Dominance of the Degree of Expression of Awns in the Spike, Soviet Genetics 16(3):320-326, 1980; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awn Development and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, III--Nature of Segregation After Crossing of the Forms Differing in Degree of Awn Expression in the Spike, Soviet Genetics 17(10):1211-1216, 1982; and Watkins, A. E., et al., Variation and Genetics of the Awn in Triticum, J. of Genetics XL (1 &2):243-273, 1940.) "Hooded" is of limited commercial significance, and results in short, broad awns that are curved inward into a hood shape. Tipped 1 and 2 account for the absent and reduced awn characteristic that is of commercial importance in wheat. Tipped 1 results in very short or absent awns at the base of the head, while awns increase in length toward the top of the head. Tipped 2 results in uniformly short awns over the entire head. Plants that are homozygous for both Tipped 1 and 2 inhibitor alleles have heads that either have no awns or very short awns depending on promoter genes and modification factors. Plants with the various other combinations of homozygous and heterozygous Tipped 1 and 2 have reduced awns of various lengths, frequencies, and positions on the head (Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, I. Awnedness as a Quantitative Character, Soviet Genetics 16(2):222-229, 1980; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, II--The Nature of the Dominance of the Degree of Expression of Awns in the Spike, Soviet Genetics 16(3):320-326, 1980; and Watkins, A. E., et al., Variation and Genetics of the Awn in Triticum, J. of Genetics XL (1 & 2):243-273, 1940.) The Tipped 1 and 2 genes are hereafter referred to in this discussion as the wheat awn-inhibitor genes.
Although the "wheat awn-inhibitor" (WAI) genes are considered dominant, the extent of that dominance, and hence the length and frequency of awns, depends on which inhibitor alleles are present and on the interaction of the inhibitors, promoters, and other endogenous and exogenous modifiers as shown in Table 1. As a result of modified expression of the awn genes in wheat, awn lengths often differ among plants of the same cultivar, heads on the same plant, and even among spikelets on the same head.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Factors Determining Awn Length in Wheat ______________________________________ Multiple genes promoting awn development (at least 13 loci) Combination of alleles at these loci establish potential awn development. Wheat awn inhibitor alleles In wheat, three alleles are dominant inhibitors of awn development, and to a large extent override the awn promoters. These three awn inhibitors have a much weaker effect on awn length and frequency in triticale than they do in wheat. Endogenous Factors Regulating Gene Expression for Awns Cytoplasmic modifiers that enhance the effect of awn-inhibitor genes. Factors associated with location of spikelet on head, i.e. basal, mid, apex. Factors associated with location of head on plant, i.e. early, mid, or late tiller. Exogenous Factors Regulating Gene Expression for Awns Drought High temperatures ______________________________________
The complexity and variability of the genetic and environmental basis of awn frequency and length can make description and classification of awnedness difficult and subjective. The term "awnless", for example, has been used imprecisely and diversely in both scientific literature and commercial trade. Some authors have classified as "awnless" any heads that are not fully awned, i.e. that lack the same frequency and length of awns as related fully awned forms (Miller, E. C., et al., A Study of the Morphological Nature and Physiological Functions of the Awns of Winter Wheat, Kansas State College of Agriculture & Applied Science, Technical Bulletin 57, 1944; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, I. Awnedness as a Quantitative Character, Soviet Genetics 16(2):222-229, 1980.) Others have classified as "awnless" only those heads that have no discernable awns, i.e. no lemma extensions exceeding 1 to 2 mm (Bayles, B. B., et al., Classification of Wheat Varieties Grown in the United States in 1949, United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No. 1083, 1954.) Most authors have adopted a classification for "awnless" heads that is intermediate to these extremes, in many cases using vague, qualitative criteria for their classification (Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat I. Awnedness as a Quantitative Character, Soviet Genetics 16(2):222-229, 1980; Molchan, I. M., et al., Genetics of Awnedness and Varietal Reproduction in Winter Wheat, II--The Nature of the Dominance of the Degree of Expression of Awns in the Spike, Soviet Genetics 16(3):320-326, 1980; Watkins, A. E., et al., Variation and Genetics of the Awn in Triticum, J. of Genetics XL (1 & 2):243-273, 1940.) In addition to "awnless" and "awned", some classifications include "awnleted" for heads with awns that are reduced but still clearly present, and "apically awnleted" for heads that only have awns on the top spikelets. In commercial trade, the term "beardless" is often used to describe cultivars having short or no awns, while "bearded" is used for those with long awns (Bayles, B. B., et al., Classification of Wheat Varieties Grown in the United States in 1949, United States Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin No.1083, 1954.)
The confusion and misreporting associated with classification and reference to awn length is exemplified by a research publication from South Dakota State University in 1986 announcing the development of the triticale variety "Marval", with the claim: "Marval is thought to be the only awnless variety of triticale" (J. Leslie, South Dakota Farm & Home Research, vol. 37 (2): p21-22, 1986.) However, the official Registration description issued by the breeders of "Marval" described the variety as "awnletted", indicating that "Awns are 5 to 10 mm long at the base of the spike and 10 to 35 mm long at midspike. Marval's awnletted spike is the primary distinguishing feature when compared to other triticale cultivars." (Cholick, F. A., et al., Registration of `Marval` Triticale, Crop Science, v 28:1031, 1988.)
The publications associated with the release of "Marval" exemplify how the term "awnless" has been used erroneously in published descriptions of grain varieties and plants, and highlight the inherent variability within varieties, plants, and heads in the expression and description of awn lengths, which in the case of "Marval" vary between 5 and 35 mm depending on place on the head and other variables. The emphasis of these publications on awn length also underscores the major significance of awn length for triticale, and the extent and duration of efforts to reduce it in triticale. At the time "Marval" was released, having heads (spikes) with awns no longer than 35 mm was a notable improvement over other triticale varieties, although those heads would not even be classified as semi-awned under currently proposed standards as shown in Table 2.
Classifying plants in terms of awnedness can be even more difficult than classifying individual heads because an individual plant usually has multiple heads, which may differ in terms of their awn length and frequency. The difficulties of classification are compounded further for some cultivars because microenvironmental effects may cause plants of a population of that cultivar to differ in the frequency and length of awns even though they are genetically the same.
Previous attempts to reduce awn length in triticale have involved producing or crossing triticale with wheat cultivars having the WAI ("Wheat Awn Inhibitor") genes. The focus on the WAI genes was logical because triticale originated from wheat and rye, and awn inhibition is common in wheat but virtually nonexistent in rye. In wheat, the WAI genes can result in cultivars for which awns are absent or very short and infrequent. Unfortunately the use of WAI genes or any other factors associated with awn inhibition in wheat have repeatedly and consistently failed to achieve the degree of awn inhibition in triticale that is achievable in wheat. The inadequacy of the WAI genes for triticale may be related to the strong expression of awn development in rye.
In addition to failing to produce a completely awnless triticale, use of the WAI genes has proved to be slow and unpredictable for producing even short-awned cultivars of triticale. To date, the short-awned cultivars of triticale have erratic awn lengths and lower marketability and value than would be true for a product with inhibited awn development comparable to the preferred forage wheats. The failure of the substantial past efforts using WAI genes suggests that the use of those genes alone will not produce awnless triticale. The reliance on the WAI genes appears to have been an obstacle to achieving a triticale with inhibited awn development comparable to the preferred forage wheats.
The reliance on the WAI genes also appears to have been an obstacle to the development and production of F.sub.1 triticale hybrids having short awns. In triticale, as in many other crops, use of F.sub.1 hybrids could provide tremendous benefits by combining complementary advantages from genetically different parent plants and achieving the added synergistic effect ("hybrid vigor") often associated with combining different genetic types. Triticale is well suited for production of F.sub.1 hybrid seed. In contrast to wheat, for example, triticale has more prolific pollen production and dispersal, more open flowering, and a longer pollination period, all of which facilitate production of hybrid triticale seed. Substantial yield heterosis in triticale provides ample economic benefits to justify the added cost of hybrid seed. By combining the high yields and other advantages of F.sub.1 hybrids with the advantages of short awns, an awnless or short-awn F.sub.1 triticale would have important economic value.

"Awn-inhibitor genes of triticale and their use"


An apparatus for drying a moist particulate material having a non-uniform particle side with superheated steam includes a cylindrical part wherein a number of parallel, substantially vertical elongated chambers is located in ring form, one or more of the chambers having a closed bottom and the remaining chambers having a steam-permeable bottom, the adjacent chambers being interconnected, and an upper conical part which is also divided into chambers and which at a lower end is connected with the chambers of the cylindrical part of the apparatus, the chambers of the conical part of the apparatus being divided into smaller chambers by inclined guide plates, wherein at least part of each of the inclined guide plates in the conical part of the apparatus is hollow and can be heated by supplying superheated steam hereto.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying a moist particulate material having a non-uniform particle size with superheated steam, the apparatus including a lower cylindrical part having a number of parallel, substantially vertical elongated chambers located in ring form, one or more of the chambers having a closed bottom and the remaining chambers having a steam-permeable bottom, the adjacent chambers being interconnected through openings in the chamber walls at the lower ends of the chambers, and an upper conical part which is also divided into chambers, which at its lower end is connected to the chambers of the cylindrical part of the apparatus and which at the top is connected to a transfer zone, the chambers of the conical part of the apparatus being divided into smaller chambers by means of inclined guide plates, means for supplying moist particulate material to a chamber having a steam-permeable bottom, means for discharging dried material from a chamber having a closed bottom, means for supplying superheated steam to the area below the steam- permeable chamber bottoms, means for discharging steam from the transfer zone, and means for reheating the discharged steam and recirculating it to the area below the steam-permeable chamber bottoms.
2. The Prior Art
An apparatus of the type mentioned above is known from Zuckerind. 114 (1989) No. 12, pp. 964-70 and EP-A-0153704. This prior art apparatus is particularly suitable for drying beet pulp formed by extracting sugar from sugar beet slices with water, but the apparatus is also suitable for removing liquid, including liquids other than water, from a number of sensitive organic materials.
The prior art apparatus presents the advantage that the particulate material is dried without the access of air, thereby making it possible to avoid oxidation of the material during drying. Another important advantage of the apparatus is that it is environmentally highly acceptable as the drying takes place in a substantially closed system. Furthermore, the excess amount of steam, which, e.g., is generated when drying beet pulp, is very pure and consequently it can be used for the concentration of sugar juice, and the condensate thus formed does not cause odour nuisances as compared to the emission products formed by, e.g., drum-drying beet pulp.
In practical use of the drying apparatus mentioned above it has been found that partially dried particulate material tends to adhere to the oblique guide panels and in particular to the upper sides of these panels and that a gradually increasing coating is formed on the guide plates.

Apparatus for drying a moist particulate material with superheated steam


Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a stable cleaning composition comprising: a chelating agent, a low-foaming, temperature- and alkaline-stable surfactant, and water. Other embodiments relate to the methods of preparing the stable cleaning compositions and the methods of their use. The stable cleaning composition described here is a low cost cleaning composition for use either alone or as an additive to a cleaning agent.

Clean In Place (CIP) systems are generally methods of cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes, vessels, evaporators, process equipment, filters and associated fittings, and the like, without disassembly. These cleaning systems commonly utilize strongly acidic or basic formulated cleaners. By pumping cleaners through the pipes and vessels, all of the interior surfaces that are contacted with cleaning materials are effectively cleaned, removing contaminants, or contaminating films.
These CIP procedures are typically used to clean the surfaces of dairy, food, or beverage processing equipment. Cleaning processes are only as effective as the cleaner that is pumped through the processing equipment interiors. Historically, CIP processes use chelated sodium or potassium hydroxide solution, such as sodium hydroxide with sodium gluconate, as a low cost cleaner. However, for dairy, food, or beverage processing plants that require pasteurization at high temperatures, additives such as water conditioners and surfactants are added to the cleaning compositions. In order to produce an effective cleaning composition, the highest concentrations of chelated sodium or potassium hydroxide solution and additives are desired. Yet, the solubility of the additives is limited by the high concentration of the chelated sodium or potassium hydroxide solution. The higher the concentration of the chelated sodium or potassium hydroxide solution, the more difficult it is for additives to solubilize. To overcome this problem, many users have reduced the chelated sodium or potassium hydroxide solution concentration, thereby requiring more water in the cleaning composition, which results in higher costs and increased water usage.
More environmentally compatible cleaning compositions are desirable. A concerted effort remains to reduce the amount of cleaning chemicals used in the process, and reduce, if not completely eliminate, wastewater produced in processes such as, for example, CIP systems. The selection of effective cleaning compositions that are not only low in cost, but also reduce the amount of cleaning chemicals: acids and bases, water, and waste produced, are therefore essential and highly desirable. A substantial need exists to produce an effective, low cost, and low environmental impact cleaning composition.

Cleaning composition and methods of use thereof


The present invention relates to a self-powered toy comprising a power generation unit and a display unit electrically connected to the power generation unit, the power generation unit comprising a first electrode located on a first support layer; a first structure including a charge acquisition layer located on the first electrode; a second structure including a second electrode located on a second support layer; and a gap between the charge acquisition layer of the first structure and the second electrode of the second structure, which at least partially face each other. The gap is removed by an external force directly or indirectly applied to the first structure, the second structure, or both thereof and is formed again when the external force is removed, and the display unit is driven by power generated by the power generation unit according to the removal and formation of the gap.

Smartphones, video games, virtual reality games have been making turning point in various fields. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that 97% of children under age four have been affected by mobile apparatus. Children prefer interactive toys than traditional toys. The interactive toys are easily accessible. However, since these interactive toys are operated by additional power supply, there is a disadvantage in that battery of toys should be frequently replaced.
Various kinds of research have been performed in the field of energy recovery systems and energy storage systems in the world. Some research has been focused on energy with stability, reliability, and eco-friendliness. As a realistic alternative to satisfy these needs, apparatus for recovering biomechanical energy such as electromagnetic generators, piezoelectric nano generators, and triboelectric nano generators have been suggested. In a recent, triboelectric nano generators (hereinafter, referred to as "TENG") is attracting great attention because they are effective biomechanical recovery apparatus. Z. L. Wang described about an energy recovery of TENG in energy sources such as vibrations, wind, water, and so forth, which are different (S. Wang, S. Niu, J. Yang, L. Lin, Z. L. Wang and W. E. T. Al, 2014.; Z. L. Wang, J. Chen, L. Lin, J. Ha, B.-S. Lee, Y. Park, C. Choong, J.-B. Kim, Z. L. Wang, H.-Y. Kim, J.-J. Park and U. I. Chung, Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, 8, 2250-2282.; Z. L. Wang, Faraday Discuss., 2014, 176, 447-58.). Various new studies about TENG and its application are being done.
The above-mentioned are retained by inventors for the present invention or technical information obtained in the course of invention, and is not considered as technologies disclosed to public prior to application of the present invention.
However, until now, TENG is not actively commercialized. The reason for this is that there are many different causes such as energy transmission efficiency, energy storage, environmental factors, packaging equipment, and so on. Accordingly, inventors of the present invention continue to develop applied products by focusing on energy recovery using TENG being biomechanical energy rather than energy storage and complete the present invention.

JEJU NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION


A process for producing a complex oxide containing the valuable metal and an alkali (earth) metal salt, which comprising co-milling a mixture of the valuable metal oxide and/or a precursor thereof, or a mixture of a substance containing the valuable metal oxide and/or a precursor thereof, with an alkali (earth) metal salt to a particle size of the valuable metal oxide or a substance containing the oxide, of 10 μm or less, and heating the co-milled product to a temperature of at least 200° C. so as to induce a solid-phase reaction of the valuable metal oxide with an alkali (earth) metal salt.

The content of metal oxides and/or their precursors present in base ore, refined ore, incinerator ash and the like is at most several percent by mass. For example, one known process for recovering vanadium oxide from base ore containing such a small amount of vanadium oxide involves roasting the vanadium oxide-containing ore for several hours together with soda ash (sodium carbonate) in an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature of 900 to 1200° C. to form sodium vanadate, extracting the sodium vanadate with water to obtain an aqueous solution of sodium vanadate, then additionally refining to ultimately yield vanadium oxide (U.S. Pat. No. 3,320,024).
However, in this method of recovery, heating the several percent by weight or less of vanadium oxide within the ore for a long period of time at an elevated temperature of about 1000° C. requires a large amount of energy. Additional problems include the large scale of the equipment needed, high investment costs, and the strict specifications for high-temperature durability of the facility. Moreover, because this process involves a high-temperature reaction with an alkali, the bricks making up the equipment undergo alkali corrosion, so that maintenance is difficult (JP 2001-519751 A).
Likewise, in the preparation of a complex oxide by roasting chromium ore containing several tens of percent by weight of chromium oxide together with an alkali metal compound, because it is necessary to heat the alkali metal compound to 1000 to 1200° C., problems like those in the case of vanadium oxide similarly exist (JP 48-38817 A).
A process has been proposed for reacting tungsten oxide-containing wolframite or scheelite with an alkali metal compound at 500 to 800° C. to obtain water-soluble tungsten valuables which are then extracted with water. However, this process has a low yield, in addition to which it is necessary to heat and re-react the extraction residue (JP 55-89446 A)
Mechanochemical treatment, which refers to reaction processes that do not involve heating, are also known. Such treatment is typically carried out by applying mechanical energy to a solid substance such as by shearing, compression, impact, grinding, bending, stretching, then influencing the chemical state such as by bringing about chemical changes in gaseous and liquid substances located near the solid substance, or by directly inducing, or promoting, chemical changes between these gaseous and liquid substances and the surface of the solid substance. Various treatment methods of this type have been described.
For example, JP 11-71111 A describes a method for the extraction of rare-earth metal-containing substances in which a rare earth metal-containing substance is mechanochemically treated in a planetary mill, then leached with a low-concentration acid.
JP 2001-11549 A discloses an indium-containing compound leaching process which involves subjecting an indium-containing compound to mechanochemical treatment in the presence of a ceramic powder, then leaching the compound with a low-concentration acid at ambient temperature.
In addition, JP 11-310442 discloses a process in which calcium oxide is mixed with coal ash and mechanochemically treated, thereby producing a hydraulic treated product in powder form.
However, because mechanochemical treatment is based on the promotion of reactions by point contact at active sites on solid substance surfaces renewed by mechanical action such as impact, increasing the amount of reaction that takes place (i.e., the amount of product) requires that a means be employed for continuing such treatment over a long period of time so as to repeatedly renew the surface. Hence, this approach is fundamentally unsuitable for production on an industrial scale.

Method for producing complex oxide of metal


An apparatus includes a cylindrical housing for fitting about a spigot. The housing has a first bore extending along a partial length thereof and a first end. The housing further has a second bore, abutting against the first end of the first bore, which has a lesser diameter than the first bore diameter. A cylindrical sleeve includes a bore extending along a partial length thereof, a rough outer surface, has opposed ends, and has a length less than that of the housing. One end is engageable with the spigot. The sleeve is engageable within the first bore such that another end thereof abuts against the first end of the first bore. Another sleeve end includes a lip portion extending inwardly therefrom. A mechanism is included for securing the sleeve and housing to the spigot such that the spigot is rendered inoperable while the sleeve and housing are connected thereto.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to locking apparatuses and, more particularly, to a water spigot locking apparatus for prohibiting unauthorized access to a spigot.
2. Prior Art
Water in most parts of the country is plentiful and inexpensive. There are parts of the country, though, where fresh water is in short supply simply because there are insufficient sources or because high ambient temperatures necessitate high water usage. In these areas, water necessarily must be conserved.
The cost of water can be sufficiently high to motivate someone to steal it. For instance, a neighbor or unwanted individual can very easily tap into a homeowner's water source through an outside water faucet. When the homeowner is away, it is a simple matter of connecting a garden hose to the unsuspecting homeowner's outdoor faucet and turning it on. Water diverted to the neighbor's yard for watering their grass and other purposes can be expensive. It can also be difficult to detect since any indication that there has been a wrongdoing only comes with a water bill, which can be long after the fact.
In response to this problem, the use of spigot locking means has been introduced into the prior art. Although such apparatuses and devices are effective in their respective purposes, they still have a number of drawbacks. One example shows a housing that is attached to a support surface and positioned about the spigot emerging from the support surface. Such a spigot locking device is not very aesthetically appealing and is further limited in use to spigots emerging from walls, and not to free-standing ones. It is also rather cumbersome in design and expensive to produce.
Another example shows a spigot locking apparatus that is positioned about the turn knob and the outlet port thereof. Such an example requires a separate padlock to be purchased in order to allow for the proper functioning thereof. Thus, the cost of locking one's spigot or faucet is unnecessarily increased.
Accordingly, a need remains for a water spigot locking apparatus in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing a spigot locking apparatus that is easy to use, durable in design, easily produced, useable on a variety of spigots and faucets, and effectively secures spigots and faucets from unauthorized use. The water spigot effectively increases a user's peace of mind, since they know that their water is not being used without warrant while they are away from their house.


A plurality of virtual volumes with different control functions are associated with one real volume and remote copying is conducted. A relay system comprises a plurality of virtual volumes V12, V21 mapped to the same real volume R1. A virtual volume V21 for transmission control is mapped to a real volume R1, a real volume R2 is mapped to the virtual volume V21, and the virtual volume V12 for reception control is mapped to the real volume R2. If a command is received from a local system 10, the virtual volume V12 for reception control writes data into the virtual volume V21 via the real volume R2 (virtual entity). The virtual volume V21 transmits the data to a copy destination volume V22 and writes the data into the real volume R1.

1. Cross References to Related Application
This application relates to and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-397380 filed on Nov. 27, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a storage system, a storage control device, and a data relay method using the storage control device.
3. Description of the Related Art
For example, in a database system handling large scale data, such as information management systems of data centers or enterprises, the data are managed by using a storage system configured separately from a host computer. This storage system is constituted, for example, by disk array devices. A disk array device is configured by arranging a multiplicity of storage devices in the form of an array and is constructed based, for example, on RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Inexpensive Disks). A storage device group is constituted, for example, by hard disk devices or semiconductor memory devices and is connected by a SAN (Storage Area Network) or the like. At least one logical volume (logical unit) is formed on a physical storage area provided by the storage device group, and this logical volume is provided to the host computer. The host computer can conduct data writing/reading to/from the logical volume.
In the storage system, data loss is prevented and continuous operation is ensured by taking a variety of protection measures. One of them is the utilization of a RAID configuration. For example, the possibility of data loss can be reduced when the disk array device employs, for example, a redundant storage structure known as RAID 1 to RAID 6. Furthermore, duplication of physical configuration is also conducted in the disk array system. For example, in the disk array system, multiplexing is attained by providing a plurality of main components such as high-order interface circuits for conducting data communication with a host computer and low-order interface circuits for conducting data communication with disk drives. Furthermore, there are also provided a plurality of communication paths connecting the above-mentioned respective main components and a plurality of power sources for supplying electric power to the main components.
Furthermore, in the disk array devices, for example, the logical volumes of the RAID structure can be duplicated and the respective identical data can be stored in a pair of logical volumes, primary volume and auxiliary volume.
In recent years, remote systems have been sometimes provided in locations physically separated by a large distance from a local system, as a provision against unexpected situations such as natural disasters, this measure known as a disaster recovery. A copy of the primary volume used in the local system is stored in the remote system. Data can be transmitted from the local system to the remote system without using a host computer, and an auxiliary volume having the contents identical to that of the primary volume of the local system can be created in the remote system.
Data copying is conducted in two stages to match the contents of the primary volume and auxiliary volume. One stage is initial copying. In initial copying, the storage contents of the primary volume is copied in its entirety to the auxiliary volume. The other stage is differential copying. In differential copying, only data updated in the primary volume of the local system after the completion of initial copying is transferred to the auxiliary volume of the remote system. When the local system stops functioning due to a natural disaster or intentional attack, the operations of the local system are continued by the remote system till the local system is restored. The technology for copying the storage contents of a local disk device to an external disk device located at a distance from the local disk device is known as mirroring or remote copying (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-338646).
Remote copying can be generally classified into synchronous and asynchronous remote copying. In the case of synchronous remote copying, after the data received from the host computer has been stored in a cache memory, this data is transferred to the remote system via a communication network (SAN, IP network, or the like). If the remote system receives the data and stores it in a cache memory, a response signal indicating data reception is transmitted to the local system. If the local system receives a response signal from the remote system, it posts to the host computer a write completion report notifying that the data writing was normally conducted. Thus, in the synchronous remote copying, the write request from the host computer and data transfer to the remote system are executed synchronously. Therefore, because a delay corresponding to a time period waiting for a response from the remote system occurs, such copying is suitable when the distance between the local system and remote system is comparatively short. Conversely, when the local system and remote system are at a large distance from each other, the synchronous remote copying is generally unsuitable because of the problems associated with response delay and propagation delay.
On the other hand, in the case of asynchronous remote copying, if the local system receives a write request from the host computer, it stores the received data in a cache memory and immediately sends a write completion report to the host computer. After sending the write completion report to the host computer, the local system transfers the data to the remote system. Thus, reporting the write completion to the host computer and transferring the data to the remote system are conducted asynchronously. Therefore, in the case of the asynchronous remote copying, the write completion report can be rapidly transmitted to the host computer, regardless of the distance between the local system and remote system. Therefore, the asynchronous remote copying is applicable to the cases when the local system and remote system are at a large distance from each other. However, in the case of an asynchronous remote copying, data transfer to the remote system has not yet been conducted when the write completion report is sent to the host computer. Therefore, though the write completion report has been sent, it cannot be guaranteed that the storage contents of the primary volume and the storage contents of the auxiliary volume are matched.
Synchronization of the storage contents of the local system and remote system is a measure for coping with the occurrence of natural disasters and increases the reliability of the storage system. For example, considering the occurrence of large-scale natural disasters affecting a wide area, such as large earthquakes, it is preferred that the local system and remote system be as far from each other as possible. This is because the shorter is the distance between the local system and the remote system, the higher is the probability that it will be impossible to cope with wide-area failure.
On the other hand, because of physical limitations of the communication path between the local system and remote system, the distance between the local system and remote system is naturally also limited. For example, when fiber channel transfer is conducted by using an optical fiber cable, the distance at which communication is possible is about several tens of kilometers, the specific distance depending on the aperture and mode of fiber cable and the like. Therefore, when data is transmitted over a large distance by using fiber channel transfer by an optical fiber cable, a relay system is disposed between the local system and remote system. Introducing a relay system makes it possible to increase, for example to double, the distance between the local system and remote system.
Furthermore, when the copy of data is saved only in one remote system, if by any chance the data copy of the remote system is lost due to some failure after the local system has stopped functioning, a long time will be required to restore the storage system. Therefore, it is preferred that the measures taken are not limited to disaster recovery and that the copies of the primary volume are saved in multiple locations.
If a relay system is disposed between the local system and the remote system, then the data of the local system can be saved in both the relay system and the remote system and the reliability is improved. Furthermore, because the distance between the local system and remote system is increased, the resistance to wide-range obstacles such as large earthquakes is also increased.
Further, in a storage system, as the system expands, old storage control devices are present together with new storage control devices. Accordingly, it is desirable that the new storage control devices and old storage control devices be employed in cooperation with each other.
The present invention was created to resolve the aforesaid problems and it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage system, a storage control device, and a data relay method using the storage control device that are comparatively inexpensive and can save a copy of a volume in a plurality of locations. It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage system, a storage control device, and a data relay method using the storage control device that can establish cooperation between a plurality of different storage control devices and realize a plurality of remote copies. Other objects of the present invention will be evident from the description of the preferred embodiments thereof provided hereinbelow.

Storage system, storage control device, and data relay method using storage control device


One embodiment in accordance with the invention includes a two-dimensional capacitive sensor apparatus. The two-dimensional capacitive sensor can include a first sensing element having varying width, a second sensing element having varying width, and a third sensing element having varying width. Additionally, the first sensing element, second sensing element, and third sensing element are substantially parallel to a first axis. Furthermore, each of the first sensing element, second sensing element, and third sensing element can be located such that they are not required to overlap each other to determine a first location along the first axis of a two-dimensional space. Moreover, the first sensing element, second sensing element, and third sensing element can have a cumulative width that is substantially constant.

Conventional computing devices provide several ways for enabling a user to input a choice or a selection. For example, a user can use one or more keys of an alphanumeric keyboard communicatively connected to the computing device in order to indicate a choice or selection. Additionally, a user can use a cursor control device communicatively connected to the computing device to indicate a choice. Also, a user can use a microphone communicatively connected to the computing device to audibly indicate a particular selection. Moreover, touch sensing technology can be used to provide an input selection to a computing device or other electronic device.
Within the broad category of touch sensing technology there exist capacitive sensing touch screens. Among conventional capacitive sensing touch screens, there are different sensing technologies. For example, one sensing technology involves the use of sensing electrodes formed in triangular shapes wherein the direction of each triangle point alternates. However, there are disadvantages associated with this technique. For instance, one of the disadvantages is that as a finger (or object) moves towards the wide end of a first triangular shaped electrode and the narrow point of a second triangular shaped electrode, the narrow point electrode does not provide a quality signal because of its inherent signal to noise ratio. As such, this can be referred to as sensing geometry that induces signal to noise ratio concerns.
Another sensing technology uses a grid of conductive elements that cross over one another. While this design offers ease of signal interpretation, it also has the disadvantage of higher manufacturing cost. A further disadvantage affects multiple-layer sensors, as each layer degrades optical clarity of a capacitive sensing touch screen.
The present invention may address one or more of the above mentioned issues.

One layer capacitive sensing apparatus having varying width sensing elements


A hard disk drive (HDD) self-test system comprises a basic input/output system (BIOS) configured to automatically invoke a self-test of an HDD based on a predetermined schedule.

Hard disk drives generally comprise a self-test diagnostic routine built into the firmware of the hard disk drive. The industry standard Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) specification describes two levels of diagnostic tests that the drive can execute: a short test and an extended test. The short test takes approximately two minutes to complete while the extended test takes approximately one minute for each gigabyte of drive space to complete (in most cases, at least forty-five minutes). Although quicker than the extended test, the short test only detects a drive failure in about 60 to 70 percent of cases while the extended test has an accuracy rate of approximately 95 percent. Thus, the extended test is generally preferred for its accuracy. However, at least because of the time it takes to complete, the extended test is not conducive to a variety of testing circumstances (e.g., when test results are needed in a short period of time, such as in a telephone- or web-based customer service support session). Further, an off-line read scan or attribute data collection process for a hard disk drive (e.g., pursuant to the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) specification) is neither as accurate nor provides the level of information as the extended test.

Hard disk drive self-test system and method

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A server for content creation is described. A content creation tool of the server generates an experience content dataset using a template to process a content identifier and virtual object content. An experience generator of the server provides the experience content dataset to a device that recognizes the content identifier, to generate an interactive experience with the virtual object content at the device.

A device can be used to generate additional data based on an image captured with the device. For example, augmented reality (AR) may provide a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on a depiction of the real world.
However, developing the artificial information along with guidelines on how the artificial information is to be viewed (e.g., viewed using an application executing on a device) may require extensive coding. As such, content providers who are not well versed in coding may be discouraged from contributing such artificial information.


Systems and methods are configured to enable guided interaction with query assistant software using brainwave data. In various embodiments, a client device presents a query assistant user interface to a monitored end-user that describes a query associated with a plurality of response options and an intended physiological action for each response option. Accordingly, one or more user monitoring data objects associated with the monitored end-user are received that include user brainwave monitoring data objects. These user monitoring data objects are processed using one or more response designation machine learning models to generate response designators based on the user monitoring data objects that includes a physiological response designator describing a selected intended physiological action that is deemed to be related to the user monitoring data objects. Accordingly, a user response is then determined based on the response designators and the user interface may be updated based on the user response.

Existing user interfaces to many devices, equipment, and services pose great obstacles for individual who have physical challenges, especially those with severe physical challenges. For instance, individuals who suffer from some form of paralysis can be severely limited with respect to physiology. Because these individuals may have very limited abilities to move different body parts, these individuals oftentimes have trouble interacting with many interfaces to various devices, equipment, and services. For example, a device such as a smart phone or tablet typically has a touchscreen that is used to interact with the device. However, an individual who has paralysis in his or her hands may not be able to use the touchscreen. Therefore, such a device may be virtually inaccessible to this individual. Statistics show that 5.6 million Americans, roughly one in fifty, are paralyzed to some degree. Therefore, the inability to interact with many devices, equipment, and services is a problem that exists for many individuals.
Technologies have been developed to try and assist individuals who may have some form of limited physical abilities with interacting with various devices, equipment, and services. For example, technologies have been developed that work on voice commands that can be used in controlling and interacting with devices. However, many individuals who have paralysis cannot speak. In addition, technologies have been developed to sense different types of motions, such as moving a finger or eye movement, that can be used to control and interact with devices, equipment, and services. However, again, many individuals with paralysis have very little capability to move various muscles and thus various parts of the body. As a result, these individuals may have very few movements that are available for use in controlling and interacting with devices, equipment, and services. In addition, the movements they can make may be difficult to detect and that can hinder them in using motion technologies.
Therefore, a need exists in the industry for improved systems and methods for developing user interfaces for various devices, equipment, and services that can be utilized by, individuals who have severe physical challenges. It is with respect to these considerations and others that the disclosure herein is presented.

Guided interaction with a query assistant software using brainwave data


Disclosed herein is a device for controlling the flow of a body fluid from a first tissue/organ to a second tissue/organ of a subject. The flow control device includes a main body, a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a detection member, and a control member. The main body defines a lumen for accommodating the body fluid flowing from the first tissue/organ into the lumen. The first fluid channel is in fluid communication with the lumen and the first tissue/organ; while the second fluid channel is in fluid communication with the lumen and the second tissue/organ. The detection member is in fluid communication with the lumen, and is operable to detect at least one parameter associated with the flow of the body fluid. The control member is operable to control the flow of the body fluid from the first tissue/organ to the second tissue/organ of the subject.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to medical methods and devices; and, in particular, to methods and devices for transiently and partially occluding the flow of the body flow in a mammal.
2. Description of Related Art
The body of a living subject contains various types of fluids, and the flow of these body fluids plays an important role in maintaining the functions and overall health of the living subject. Therefore, animal models with a controlled flow of one or more body fluids can be established, allowing for further investigation on disease mechanisms or the function of the body fluid of associated tissue(s)/organ(s). Further, it is also possible to treat diseases or disorders and/or improve the body function by controlling the flow of one or more body fluids.
For example, blood plasma carries blood cells, hormones, proteins, metabolites and other substances throughout the body, and decreased blood flow may cause ischemic tissue damage. However, controlled ischemic condition is also used to treat hypertension or increase dilative capacity. Said controlled ischemic condition could be achieved by transiently occluding and then restoring the blood flow in the blood vessel.
It is also known that the obstruction of pancreatic outflow by cellophane wrapping induces excessive islet neogenesis (also known as nesidioblastosis) that may reverse diabetes. However, this is a potentially dangerous procedure because the extent of islet neogenesis is difficult to control, and may lead to diffuse nesidioblastosis that requires near-total pancreatectomy.
In view of the foregoing, there exists a pressing need for a reliable means (e.g., devices and/or methods) that allows a better control on the flow of a body fluid within a living subject.

Flow control device, system and method for controlling the flow of body fluid


An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.

Bates et al. United States Published Patent Application US 2004/0067000 discusses a minimally-invasive optical-acoustic device for vascular and non-vascular imaging. It discloses an elongated optical imaging guidewire, catheter, or like probe with one or more ultrasound transducers at its distal end to provide ultrasound energy such as to nearby tissue or the like. Light energy produced at the external instrumentation is transmitted toward the implanted distal end of the instrument, where it is converted to sound energy that can be directed at nearby tissue or the like. Sound energy returned by such tissue modulates light energy at or near the distal end of the implanted section of the instrument. Such modulated light is then communicated to back toward the proximal end of the instrument, and then to externally located diagnostic instrumentation.
Eberle et al. United States Published Patent Application US 2007/01164408, which is incorporated herein by reference, discusses a connector for an optical imaging probe, techniques for aligning the optical fibers at the connector, and techniques for improving light coupling between portions of the probe.

Optical imaging probe connector method by deforming a cross section and cutting at an oblique angle


This invention relates to particulate forms of carrier materials containing an oxidant, especially hypohalite or hypohalous acid, especially a dry particulate form of dilute or concentrated hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid compositions. The invention also relates to uses for these particles, such as for generating hypochlorous acid vapor to control the growth of mold or bacteria, to deactivate allergens and allergen causing agents, and to control odors.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to dry forms of oxidant compositions, especially a dry form of dilute hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid compositions. The invention also relates to uses for these dry forms of oxidants, including generating hypochlorous acid vapor.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,885 to Twydell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,597 to Tunison, III, U.S. Pat. No. 3,393,155 to Schutte et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,170 to Allan describe water dispersed in hydrophobic silica particles to give what is sometimes referred to as "dry water". U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0160209 to Hoffman et al. describes the preparation of "dry oxone" from 1 N oxone solution and treated fumed silica. U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,353 to Giletto et al. describes a dual system of persulfate and oxidant in a sorbent material and an activator in a sorbent material, where the two gels are mixed together to give a material for decontaminating toxic agents. The sorbent material is selected from silicon dioxide, silica gel, silicon oxyhydroxides, aluminum oxide, alumina gel, aluminum oxyhydroxides, aluminates, other metal oxides, other metal oxyhydroxides, clay minerals and mixtures thereof, preferably, fumed silica. U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,789 to Mueller et al. describes rocket propellant formed by gelling aqueous oxidants with silica gel.
U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0156980 to Fischer et al. produced thickened solutions of 2.7-3% hypochlorite using fumed silica and optional additional thickeners. U.S. Pat. Appl. 2002/0179884 to Hoshino et al. found that dilute hypochlorite solutions create difficulties in obtaining a formulation with satisfactory storage stability.


An electrolytic cell for the electrowinning of aluminum from alumina dissolved in a halide-containing molten electrolyte, has a cathode cell bottom made of a series of carbon cathode blocks (10) connected side-by-side by glue or ramming paste, each one provided with steel or other conductive bars (11) for the delivery of current and a series of anodes (15) facing the cathode cell bottom. The tops of the carbon blocks (10) forming the cathode cell bottom are shaped in such a way as to provide in the cell bottom a series of parallel channels (25) or grooves preferably coated with an aluminum-wettable refractory coating (35) covered in use by a pool (40) of molten aluminum or a layer of molten aluminum forming a drained surface. Movement of the aluminum pool (40) is decreased, cell operation improved and cell life extended.

The technology for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of alumina, dissolved in molten cryolite containing salts, at temperatures around 950.degree. C. is more than one hundred years old.
This process, conceived almost simultaneously by Hall and Heroult, has not evolved as much as other electrochemical processes, despite the tremendous growth in the total production of aluminium that in fifty years has increased almost one hundred fold. The process and the cell design have not undergone any great change or improvement and carbonaceous materials are still used as electrodes and cell linings.
The electrolytic cell trough is typically made of a steel shell provided with an insulating lining of refractory material covered by anthracite-based or graphite carbon blocks at the wall and at the cell floor bottom which acts as cathode and to which the negative pole of a direct current source is connected by means of steel conductor bars embedded in the carbon blocks.
The anodes are still made of carbonaceous material and must be replaced every few weeks. The operating temperature is still approximately 950.degree. C. in order to have a sufficiently high rate of dissolution of alumina which decreases at lower temperatures and to have a higher conductivity of the electrolyte.
The carbonaceous materials used in Hall-Heroult cells as cell lining deteriorate under the existing adverse operating conditions and limit the cell life.
The anodes have a very short life because during electrolysis the oxygen which should evolve on the anode surface combines with the carbon to form CO.sub.2 and small amounts of CO. The actual consumption of the anode is approximately 450 kg/ton of aluminium produced which is more than 1/3 higher than the theoretical amount.
The carbon lining of the cathode bottom has a useful life of a few years after which the operation of the entire cell must be stopped and the cell relined at great cost. Despite an aluminium pool having a thickness of 15 to 20 cm maintained over the cathode, the deterioration of the cathode carbon blocks cannot be avoided because of penetration of sodium into the carbon which by chemical reaction and intercalation causes swelling, deformation and disintegration of the cathode carbon blocks, as well as penetration of cryolite and liquid aluminium.
The carbon blocks of the cell side wall do not resist oxidation and attack by cryolite and a layer of solidified cryolite has to be maintained on the cell side walls to protect them. In addition, when cells are rebuilt, there are problems of disposal of the carbon cathodes which contain toxic compounds including cyanides.
Another major drawback, however, is due to the fact that irregular electromagnetic forces create waves in the molten aluminium pool and the anode-cathode distance (ACD), also called interelectrode gap (IEG), must be kept at a safe minimum value of approximately 50 mm to avoid short circuiting between the aluminium cathode and the anode or reoxidation of the metal by contact with the CO.sub.2 gas formed at the anode surface.
The high electrical resistivity of the electrolyte, which is about 0.4 ohm. cm., causes a voltage drop which alone represents more than 40% of the total voltage drop with a resulting energy efficiency which reaches only 25% in the most modern cells. The high cost of energy together with the low efficiency, has become an even bigger item in the total manufacturing cost of aluminium since the oil crisis, and has decreased the rate of growth of this important metal.
In the second largest electrochemical industry following aluminium, namely the caustic and chlorine industry, the invention of the dimensionally stable anodes (DSA.RTM.) based on noble metal activated titanium metal, which were developed around 1970, permitted a revolutionary progress in the chlorine cell technology resulting in a substantial increase in cell energy efficiency, in cell life and in chlorine-caustic purity. The substitution of graphite anodes with DSA.RTM. increased drastically the life of the anodes and reduced substantially the cost of operating the cells. Rapid growth of the chlorine caustic industry was retarded only by ecological concerns.
In the case of aluminium production, pollution is not due to the aluminium produced, but to the materials and the manufacturing processes used and to the cell design and operation.
However, progress has been reported in the operation of modern aluminium plants which utilize cells where the gases emanating from the cells are in large part collected and adequately scrubbed and where the emission of highly polluting gases during the manufacture of the carbon anodes and cathodes is carefully controlled.
While progress has been reported in the fabrication of carbon cathodes by the application of coatings or layers using new aluminium wettable materials which are also a barrier to sodium penetration during electrolysis, no progress has been achieved in design of cathodes for aluminium production cells with a view to reducing the interelectrode gap and the rate of wear of its surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,488 to Sane et al discloses a recent development in molten salt electrolysis cells concerning making materials wettable by molten aluminium. However, the carbon or graphite anodes and cathodes are of conventional design with no suggestion leading to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,671 to Duruz illustrates another improvement in molten salt electrolysis wherein operation at lower than usual temperatures is carried out utilizing permanent anodes, e.g. metal, alloy, ceramic or a metal-ceramic composite as disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0030834 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,729. Again, while improved operation is achieved at lower temperatures, there is no suggestion of the subject matter of the present invention.
PCT Application WO 89/06289 to La Camera et al deals with an improved molten electrolysis wherein attention is directed to an electrode having increased surface area. However, again, there is no disclosure leading one to the present invention.
The following references disclose several other attempts to improve cell operation.
European Patent Application No. 0308015 to de Nora discloses a novel current collector;
European Patent Application No. 0308013 to de Nora deals with a novel composite cell bottom; and
European Patent Application No. 0132031 to Dewing provides a novel cell lining.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,971 discloses an aluminium electrowinning cell having a partly refractory and partly carbon based cell lining. The carbon-based part of the cell bottom may be recessed in respect to the refractory part.
While the foregoing references indicate continued efforts to improve the operation of molten cell electrolysis operations, none deal with or suggest the present invention.


Systems and techniques to provide location-based services. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes receiving a request for directions from an initial location to a final location, determining a route from the initial location to the final location, determining one or more landmarks based on the route and providing directions for traveling the route from the initial location to the final location, the directions including a reference to the one or more landmarks.

Systems and methods for providing directions using landmarks are described. Typical navigation systems provide directions for traveling a route in terms of street names. For example, MapQuest.com generates step-by-step directions for traveling from a given initial location to a given final location. Street names are sometimes difficult to notice, especially if a user is traveling in an automobile. Furthermore, if the user is focused on following step-by-step street name directions, it may be difficult for the user to notice landmarks while en route.