A delivery device adapted to insert and deploy a stent within a body lumen. The delivery device includes a guide member adapted to retain a dilation assembly and a stent within a lumen thereof until the stent is to be deployed into the body lumen. The delivery device is configured to enable simultaneous insertion of the guide member, dilation assembly, stent, and optional guidewire within a body lumen. Following deploying the stent, the delivery device can be removed, while providing the capability of optionally maintaining the guide member or the guidewire to function or act as an exchange wire for additional surgical devices.

1. The Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to the field of interventional cardiology. More specifically, the invention relates to interventional cardiology procedures that require the placing of a stent in a body lumen, such as a body lumen of a patient or animal. The present invention further relates to systems for providing embolic protection during placing of a stent in a body lumen.
2. The Relevant Technology
Human blood vessels often become occluded or blocked by plaque, thrombi, other deposits, or material that reduce the blood carrying capacity of the vessel. Should the blockage occur at a critical place in the circulatory system, serious and permanent injury, and even death, can occur. To prevent this, some form of medical intervention is usually performed when significant occlusion is detected.
Several procedures are now used to open these stenosed or occluded blood vessels in a patient caused by the deposit of plaque or other material on the walls of the blood vessel. Angioplasty, for example, is a widely known procedure wherein an inflatable balloon is introduced into the occluded region. The balloon is inflated, dilating the occlusion, and thereby increasing the intra-luminal diameter.
Another procedure is atherectomy. During atherectomy, a catheter is inserted into a narrowed artery to remove the matter occluding or narrowing the artery, i.e., fatty material. The catheter includes a rotating blade or cutter disposed in the top thereof. Also located at the tip are an aperture and a balloon disposed on the opposite side of the catheter tip from the aperture. As the tip is placed in close proximity to the fatty material, the balloon is inflated to force the aperture into contact with the fatty material. When the blade is rotated, portions of the fatty material are shaved off and retained with the interior lumen of the catheter. This process is repeated until a sufficient amount of fatty material is removed and substantially normal blood flow is resumed.
In another procedure, introducing a stent into the stenosed region to open the lumen of the vessel treats stenosis within the artery or other blood vessel. The stent typically includes a substantially cylindrical tube or mesh sleeve made from such material as stainless steel or Nitinol. The design of the material permits the diameter of the stent to be radially expanded, while still providing sufficient rigidity such that the stent maintains its shape once it has been enlarged to a desired size.
To place a stent, many medical devices are typically used. Once access to the inside of the arterial system is established, usually through the femoral artery, a guide catheter is inserted into the artery and the tip thereof is guided to a position just proximal to the stenosed region to be treated. This guide catheter serves the purpose of allowing other devices to rapidly be delivered to that position without each being carefully guided from the point of access, through the tortuous anatomy of the arterial system to the point of intervention.
Typically, a small diameter guidewire is then inserted through the guide catheter and guided to the point distal to the stenosed region. When guidewire access to the lesion is established, and if there is sufficient cross sectional area in the narrowed part of the lesion, a stent, mounted on a delivery device, is installed over the guidewire. When correctly placed within the stenosed region, the stent will then be deployed, propping open the vessel at that point.
Various types of stents are used in these cases, but a common one requires that the stent be deployed from, or expanded from, a compressed state by a balloon upon which it is mounted. The balloon is inflated from the proximal end of the delivery device to a high pressure, which both opens the stenosis and embeds the stent into the inner lumen of the vessel at that point.
Once the guidewire is placed, the guidewire is used as a guide for all of the other devices that are used in the procedure. These devices have an inner lumen through which the proximal end of the guidewire, which is outside of the body of the patient, is inserted. The device is then slid along the guidewire into the body, allowing the guidewire to guide the device to the required position in the vascular system. The process of sliding another device over the guidewire is commonly known as an exchange.
Two basic types of devices facilitate exchanging of stent systems and dilation balloons. The first type of device encloses a guidewire within an inner lumen of the device for the entire length of the device. The second type of device only encloses the guidewire for a small distal segment of the device, with the remainder of the guidewire exiting from the inner lumen of the device through a side hole to allow the device and the guidewire to be side by side. In both cases, control of the guidewire is paramount during the exchange as the correct positioning of the device is reliant upon maintaining the position of the guidewire; this being difficult as at least a section of the guidewire is inaccessible due to it being enclosed in the inner lumen of the device being exchanged.
Providing a stent delivery device that reduces the complexity of an interventional procedure would advance the art of stent delivery. Furthermore, reducing the number of devices used to perform a stent implanting procedure would advance the art of stent delivery.
In addition, when these interventional procedures are performed, embolic particles may break off, flow down-stream, and cause potential adverse events. Devices are emerging that are designed to catch or filter these particles to prevent their down-stream flow, to occlude the vessel during the intervention, and then allowing the particles to be aspirated out before they may flow downstream.
Current technology for embolic protection devices requires that they be delivered in a sheath distal to the point of intervention. This requires crossing the lesion with a large-diameter, relatively stiff device that is itself a potential embolic event that may occur before the embolic protection device is in place. The sheath must then be removed allowing the filter to be deployed in the vessel. After the device is deployed, balloons, stents, or other therapies of choice may be exchanged over the device to treat the area of interest. When the procedure is completed, the embolic protection device is captured by another catheter that is exchanged over the embolic protection device capturing any potential embolic material within it. This relatively complicated procedure adds complexity to providing stenting and other procedures.
The device and methods described herein are meant to overcome deficiencies of the current devices allowing quicker, safer and easier protection and stenting procedures to be undertaken.

Stent delivery device with embolic protection


A single-chip integrated circuit comprising a first processor for executing a plurality of applications, a second processor for executing a plurality of applications, at least one of a) at least one embedded peripheral and b) at least one memory, and a bus monitor for allowing access to the at least one of a) the at least one embedded peripheral and b) the at least one memory, if the access is allowed, wherein the bus monitor comprises a mapping of access rights to the at least one of a) the at least one embedded peripheral and b) the at least one memory for the first processor and the second processor is disclosed.

In the field of embedded systems, systems are sometimes required to exhibit a high level of reliability and fault tolerance. A high level of reliability and fault tolerance is typically achieved through the use of redundant processing techniques. For example, a redundant processor may provide continuous verification of a main processor and may be included to achieve a high level of reliability and fault tolerance of the system. In such a case, it is important that the redundant processor be truly independent and unable to affect the output of the main processor, or else the redundant processor will need verification itself. In many cases, the redundant processor is a device that is specifically designed to perform error detection.
Having two processors is effective, but has the disadvantage of requiring additional physical components. Having additional physical components often increases the cost and design difficulty. Further, having two processors may not be easily adaptable to new applications, since the redundant processor may need to be redesigned each time new functionality is added.
Despite these disadvantages, many solutions utilize two general purpose microprocessors and many solutions place two microprocessor cores on a single Integrated Circuit (IC). One typical design is a single IC with two microprocessor cores where each processor has its own system bus, memories and embedded peripherals. A second typical design is a single IC with two microprocessor cores, a shared system bus, memories and peripherals, where both microprocessor cores are allowed access to the memories and peripherals. Both of these typical designs have drawbacks, such as those mentioned above. In any case, existing typical designs are not suitable for systems that require a high level of reliability and fault tolerance.
Thus, there is a need for a single IC capable of adapting to a wide range of uses without complete duplication of all system memories and peripherals while still having the ability to partition the system to create a main processing device and independent verifier.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Method and apparatus for enforcing independence of processors on a single IC


The disclosure provides a multi-phase converter. The multi-phase converter includes a controller and one or more switches. The one or more switches are coupled to the controller, and configured to receive an input voltage. A switch of the one or more switches is activated by the controller in a predefined phase of N phases in the multi-phase converter, where N is a positive integer. A processing unit is coupled to the controller and estimates a number of phases to be activated based on a load current. The processing unit also stores a threshold current limit corresponding to each phase of the N phases based on the input voltage and a switching frequency.

DC-DC converters are circuits used to shift the DC level of a voltage source. In most cases, these DC-DC converters are used to regulate a voltage source to a fixed output voltage. A multi-phase DC-DC converter is just a parallel connection of multiple single-phase DC-DC converter units. The main reason for the evolution of multiphase DC-DC converters is the need for higher load currents. Since a single-phase DC-DC converter cannot supply current above a certain limit, multiple units of single-phase DC-DC converters are operated in parallel to meet the current demand.
Multi-phase DC-DC converters are generally used in high current applications for better thermal management while enabling use of power stage components (inductors, capacitors, switches) with lower ratings and cost. A multi-phase DC-DC converter operates in multiple phases. The multi-phase DC-DC converter is designed to provide equal current to a load through all the phases.
In multiphase DC-DC converters, it is efficient to use maximum number of phases at high load currents. In low load conditions, the switching losses will become dominant and it is efficient to drop some phases. The threshold currents to change the phases, is chosen such that the DC-DC converter operates with maximum efficiency. The threshold currents are not constant with varying input voltage and switching frequency. Using constant thresholds currents for all input voltages and switching frequencies results in operating at sub optimal number of phases.

Dynamic phase change mechanism in multi-phase converters


A fluoropolymer composition is provided. The polymer comprises interpolymerized units derived from (i) tetrafluoroethylene, (ii) vinylidene fluoride, (iii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and (iv) a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFxe2x80x94(OCF2CF(Rf))aORxe2x80x2f where Rf is as described in (iii), Rxe2x80x2f is a perfluoroaliphatic, preferably a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy, of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, and a has a value of 0 to 3.

The invention pertains to fluoropolymers derived from (i) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), (ii) vinylidene fluoride (VF2), (iii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf, and (iv) a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2CF(Rf)aORxe2x80x2f where a, Rf and Rxe2x80x2f are defined below.
Polymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with other fluorinated monomers such as vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) are known. These polymers include both fluoroelastomers and melt processable fluoroplastics.
Fluoroelastomers with a high fluorine content have been shown to have excellent permeation resistance to fuels. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,989). However, high-fluorine elastomer systems based on tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) have some limitations. When the TFE-content is too high, flexibility, and the ease of processing tends to be compromised. If the HFP content, at the expense of VDF is too high, the polymerization rate is much too low.
Another class of polymers with superior permeation properties are the melt-processable fluoroplastics THV (see Modern Fluoropolymers, Wiley, 1997). The terpolymers can have melting points up to 275xc2x0 C. and show excellent permeation and low temperature properties. However, sealability and flexural properties sometimes do not meet industry requirements. The increased stiffness of those materials can lead to wrinkling when hoses are loaded onto forming mandrels. It can also lead to increased push-on force during hose installation and sealing concerns at connecting points. These fluoroplastic materials and their wide range of uses is described in more detail in xe2x80x9cModern Fluoropolymersxe2x80x9d, Wiley, 1997, p. 257. They typically are derived from monomer compositions comprising from 30-75 weight % TFE, 5-40 weight % HFP and 5-55 weight % VDF and have a melting point range of 100xc2x0 C. to 275xc2x0 C.
Because of their permeation resistance, fluoropolymers are desired in a variety of products, including hose and fuel-line designs for automotive applications such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,670 and EP 824059. Other product applications where such polymers are useful include fuel filler neck hoses, fuel vent lines, vapor return lines, chemical handling hoses and the like.
These product applications are often multilayer constructions in which the fluoropolymer layer serves as a chemically resistant or vapor impermeable barrier. The remainder of these multilayer constructions typically comprises a layer of either a less expensive non-fluorinated polymer layer or another fluoropolymer. These other polymers can be thermoplastic or they can be elastomeric in nature. The constructions can also employ a tie layer between the various layers. In any event, the layers are generally covalently bonded to each other.
These constructions generally must be highly flexible to facilitate installation, provide good sealing around connectors and to withstand the formation of bubbles and/or ripples in pieces with sharp bends. Additionally, when they are used with a non-fluorinated elastomer, the fluoropolymer must be resistant to high temperatures to minimize the temperatures encountered during the manufacture and use of constructions that employ them.
While the use of fluoropolymers in applications such as those disclosed above has increased in recent years, a need still exists to provide improved fluoropolymers. The present invention provides such improved fluoropolymers.
The present invention provides fluoropolymers that comprise TFE, VF2, at least one perfluorinated ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and a perfluorovinyl ether. The polymers of the invention demonstrate excellent physical properties over a broad range of compositions. They also demonstrate superior flexibility.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of (i) TFE, (ii) VF2, (iii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf where Rf is perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, and (iv) a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFxe2x80x94(OCF2CF(Rf))aORxe2x80x2f where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, Rxe2x80x2f is a perfluoroaliphatic, preferably perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkoxy, of 1 to 8, preferably 1-3, carbon atoms, and a has a value of from 0 to 3.
Also provided herein are multilayer articles comprising a first layer or strata of the polymer of the invention and a second layer or strata of the same or another polymer. The layers are preferably covalently bonded to one another either through a tie layer between them or by means of direct covalent bonding between the two layers. Other polymeric layers may also be employed in this embodiment of the invention.
Also provided in accordance with the present invention is an electrostatically dissipative (ESD) composition comprising an electrically conductive particulate material and the polymer of the invention.
Also provided herein is a method for improving the flexibility of a fluoropolymer containing interpolymerized units derived from TFE, VF2 and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf where Rf is as described above. The method comprises the steps of providing these monomers and a monomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2CF(Rf)aORxe2x80x2f and polymerizing the monomers.
The polymer of the invention offers advantages, in the production of multi-layer articles by means of extrusion or coextrusion; in injection molding; and in compression molding. Fluoroplastics of the invention offer benefits in optical applications such as polymer optical fibers; and in use as an electrostatically dissipative (ESD) fluoroplastic. These advantages are especially useful in the case of complicated shapes.
Specific examples of such multilayer and/or shaped articles include fuel management components e.g., fuel filler neck hoses, vent lines, vapor return lines, etc., where resistance to hydrocarbon fluids is important; chemical handling components (e.g., hoses containers, etc.) and polymer optical fibers. In this latter case the polymers of the invention can be used as the optical fiber itself or as a cladding around the optical fiber (typically an acrylate polymer).
The polymer of the invention is sometimes referred to herein as a quad polymer. In one preferred embodiment it is derived from 30 to 85 weight % TFE, 5 to 55 weight % VDF, and from 5 to 50 weight % of the unsaturated monomer having the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf and from 0.1 to 15 weight % of the vinyl ether. Included in this range of compositions are semi-crystalline and elastomeric fluoropolymers.
The molecular weight of the polymer of the invention is not critical and may vary over a wide range. Thus it may vary from low molecular weight to ultra high molecular weight. Furthermore, the fluoropolymers may have either a generally unimodal or a multimodal molecular weight distribution.
The molecular weight of a semicrystalline fluoropolymer according to the invention may be described by its melt flow index (MFI). MFI can be determined by following the procedures described in either ISO 12086 or ASTM D-1238 at a support weight of 5 kg and a temperature of 265xc2x0 C.
The molecular weight of an elastomeric fluoropolymer according to the invention may be described by its Mooney viscosity (ML). This value can be measured according to ASTM D 1646 using a one minute pre-heat and a 10 minute test at 121xc2x0 C.
The semi-crystalline fluoropolymers of the invention typically have a peak melting temperature in the range of 100xc2x0 to 275xc2x0 C. (preferably 120 to 250xc2x0 C.) and a number average molecular weight of from25,000 to 1,000,000. Preferably they have a hydrogen content of less than 5% by weight and a fluorine content of from 65 to 76%. Most preferably the polymers of the invention consist essentially of interpolymerized units derived from the four enumerated monomers.
The elastomeric fluoropolymers of the invention typically exhibit a glass transition temperature (Tg) and a melting point of less than 120xc2x0 C. The elastomers are essentially amorphous and are curable using known techniques. By essentially amorphous it is meant that the polymer may contain some crystallinity e.g., less than 10%. For example, they can be cured using onium cure chemistries such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,233,421; 4,882,390; and 5,262,490. Alternatively, they can be modified to include small amounts of cure-site monomers (e.g., bromine or iodine cure-site monomers or nitrile cure-site monomers) to render them peroxide curable. Such chemistries are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,035,565; 4,972,038; and 5,151,492.
Preferably, the thermoplastic polymers of the invention comprise interpolymerized units derived from (i) 40 to 80 weight percent (more preferably 45 to 76 weight percent) tetrafluoroethylene, (ii) 10 to 30 weight percent (more preferably 12 to 25 weight percent) vinylidene fluoride, (iii) 5 to 40 weight percent (more preferably from 10 to 30 weight percent) of a comonomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf, and (iv) 0.1 to 15 weight percent (more preferably 1 to 10 weight percent) of the perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFxe2x80x94(OCF2CF(Rf))aORxe2x80x2f.
Preferably the elastomeric polymers of the invention comprise interpolymerized units derived from (i) 20 to 50 weight percent (more preferably 30 to 46 weight percent; most preferably 33 to 46 weight percent) TFE, (ii) 10 to 35 weight percent (more preferably 15 to 30 weight percent; most preferably 17 to 28 weight percent) VDF, (iii) 20 to 50 weight percent (more preferably from 25 to 45 weight percent; most preferably from 26 to 42 weight percent) of a comonomer of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFRf, and from 0.1 to 15 weight percent (more preferably from 0.5 to 10 weight percent; most preferably from 0.5 to 7 weight percent) of the perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFxe2x80x94(OCF2CF(Rf))aORxe2x80x2f.
A preferred subclass of the perfluorovinyl ether has the formula CF2xe2x95x90CFxe2x80x94(OCF2CF(CF3))aORxe2x80x2f.
Examples of the perfluorovinyl ether having this formula include
Particularly preferred perfluorovinyl ethers are PPVE1 and PPVE2.
A preferred species of the quadpolymer of the invention contains interpolymerized units derived from TFE, VDF, HFP and the perfluorovinyl ether wherein the value of xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d is 0, 1 or 2.
Fluoropolymers of this class can be prepared by methods known in the fluoropolymer art. Such methods include, for example, free-radical polymerization of the monomers. In general, the desired olefinic monomers can be copolymerized in an aqueous colloidal dispersion in the presence of water-soluble initiators which produce free radicals such as ammonium or alkali metal persulfates or alkali metal permanganates, and in the presence of emulsifiers such as the ammonium or alkali metal salts of perfluorooctanoic acid. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,238 or Canadian Pat. No. 2,147,045. They may also be prepared using a fluorinated sulfinate as a reducing agent and a water soluble oxidizing agent capable of converting the sulfinate to a sulfonyl radical. Preferred oxidizing agents are sodium, potassium, and ammonium persulfates, perphosphates, perborates, and percarbonates. Particularly preferred oxidizing agents are sodium, potassium, and ammonium persulfates.
Aqueous emulsion and suspension polymerizations can be carried out in conventional steady-state conditions in which, for example, monomers, water, surfactants, buffers and catalysts are fed continuously to a stirred reactor under optimum pressure and temperature conditions while the resulting emulsion or suspension is removed continuously. An alternative technique is batch or semibatch polymerization by feeding the ingredients into a stirred reactor and allowing them to react at a set temperature for a specified length of time or by charging ingredients into the reactor and feeding the monomer into the reactor to maintain a constant pressure until a desired amount of polymer is formed.
As previously disclosed herein, the quadpolymer may be an ESD fluoropolymer composition. In this aspect of the invention, the ESD quadpolymer composition comprises a major amount of the quadpolymer, up to 20% by weight of a conductive material, and a minor amount, up to 5% of another melt processable thermoplastic material, preferably a hydrocarbon polymer. The ESD quadpolymer composition preferably contains 2 to 10 wt % of the conductive material and 0.1 to 3 wt % of the hydrocarbon polymer. While a wide variety of conductive fillers are useful, the most commonly employed conductive materials are carbon black, graphite and fibers thereof Likewise, a variety of hydrocarbon polymers may be used as the other melt processable thermoplastic material. Such materials are preferably fluid at the processing temperature of the quadpolymer. Additionally, the hydrocarbon polymer is preferably immiscible with the quadpolymer. Preferably, the hydrocarbon polymers are olefin polymers of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,948, col. 2, line 52 to col. 4, line 60 incorporated herein by reference.
The fluoropolymer of this invention, can be easily co-processed (for example coextruded) with a variety of thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers in the fabrication of multi-layer articles such as hoses, tubes, films, sheets, wire coatings, cable jackets, containers, pipes, etc. Examples of polymers that can be co-processed with the polymer of the invention include thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers. Examples of such polymers are polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyketones, polyureas, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, epichlorohydrin-containing elastomers, nitrile-butadiene elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, silicone-containing elastomers, fluoroelastomers, etc. Preferably the elastomers are curable by techniques known in the art, e.g., by peroxide curing, hydroxyl curing, polyamine curing, sulfur curing, etc. The particular polymer selected will depend upon the application or desired properties.
Polyamides that can be co-processed with the fluoropolymer and fluoropolymer compositions of the invention are generally commercially available. For example, polyamides such as any of the well-known nylons are available from a number of sources. Particularly preferred polyamides are nylon-6, nylon-6,6, nylon-11, nylon-12, and nylon 6-636. It should be noted that the selection of a particular polyamides material should be based upon the physical requirements of the particular application for the resulting article. For example, nylon-6 and nylon-6,6 offer higher heat resistance properties than nylon-11 or nylon-12, whereas nylon-11 and nylon-12 offer better chemical resistant properties. In addition to those polyamide materials, other nylon materials such as nylon-6,12, nylon-6,9, nylon-4, nylon-4,2, nylon-4,6, nylon-7, and nylon-8 may also be used. Ring containing polyamides, e.g., nylon-6,T and nylon-6,1, may also be used. Polyether containing polyamides, such as PEBAX polyamides (Atochem North America, Philadelphia, Pa.), may also be used.
Useful co-processable polyurethane polymers include aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, and polycyclic polyurethanes. These polyurethanes are typically produced by reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate with a polyol according to well-known reaction mechanisms. Useful diisocyanates for employment in the production of a polyurethane include dicyclohexylmethane-4,4xe2x80x2-diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexyl diisocyanate, and diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Combinations of one or more polyfunctional isocyanates may also be used. Useful polyols include polypentyleneadipate glycol, polytetramethylene ether glycol, polyethylene glycol, polycaprolactone diol, poly-1,2-butylene oxide glycol, and combinations thereof. Chain extenders, such as butanediol or hexanediol, may also optionally be used in the reaction. Commercially available urethane polymer useful in the present invention include: PN-3429 from Morton International, Seabrook, N.H., and X-4107 from B.F. Goodrich Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
The polyolefin polymers that can be co-processed are generally homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene, propylene, acrylic monomers, or other ethylenically unsaturated monomers, for example, vinyl acetate and higher alpha-olefins. Such polymers and copolymers can be prepared by conventional free-radical polymerization or catalysts of such ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The degree of crystallinity of the olefin polymer or copolymer can vary. The polymer may, for example, be a semi-crystalline high density polyethylene or may be an elastomeric copolymer of ethylene and propylene. Carboxyl, anhydride, or imide functionalities may be incorporated into the hydrocarbon polymer within the present invention, by polymerizing or copolymerizing functional monomers, for example, acrylic acid or maleic anhydride, or by modifying a polymer after polymerization, for example, by grafting, by oxidation or by forming ionomers. These include, for example, acid modified ethylene vinyl acetates, acid modified ehtylene acrylates, anhydride modified ethylene acrylates, anhydride modified ethylene vinyl acetates, anhydride modified polyethylenes, and anhydride modified polypropylenes, The carboxyl, anhydride, or imide functional polymers useful as the hydrocarbon polymer are generally commercially available. For example, anhydride modified polyethylenes are commercially available from DuPont, Wilmington, Del., under the trade designation BYNEL coextrudable adhesive resins.
Polyacrylates and polymethacrylates useful that can be co-processed include, for example, polymers of acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, acrylamide, methylacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate, to name a few. As mentioned above, other useful substantially non-fluorinated co-processable polymers include polyesters, polycarbonates, polyketones, and polyureas. These materials are generally commercially available, for example, SELAR polyester (DuPont, Wilmington, Del.), LEXAN polycarbonate (General Electric, Pittsfield, Mass.), KADEL polyketone (Amoco, Chicago, Ill.), and SPECTRIM polyurea (Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich.).
Examples of co-processable elastomeric polymers include acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR), butadiene rubber, chlorinated and chloro-sulfonated polyethylene, chloroprene, EPM, EPDM, epichlorohydrin (ECO), isobutylene isoprene, isoprene, polysulfide, polyurethane, silicone, PVC-NBR, styrene butadiene, and vinyl acetate ethylene. Examples of these compounds include Nipol 1052 NBR (Zeon, Louisville, Ky.), Hydrin 2000 ECO (Zeon, Louisville, Ky.), Hypalon 48 (Dupont, Wilmington, Del.), and Nordel 2760P EPDM (Dupont, Wilmington, Del.).
The co-processing of fluoropolymers is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,121, U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,670, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,977, WO 98/08679, WO 99/00249, and WO 99/00454, which discloses composite articles employing a fluorine-containing polymer. The fluoropolymers and ESD polymers of the present invention may be used as the fluorine-containing polymer in such composite articles. Such articles include two, three and more than three layer composite articles. The articles may employ a tie layer to join the fluoropolymer to the other layers.
The elastomeric fluoropolymers may also be compounded with various other ingredients to modify their properties and/or usefulness. For example, they can be combined with curatives to provide composition that, upon curing, exhibits good physical properties.
Useful curatives include both peroxides or polyol/onium salt combinations. Useful peroxides include dialkyl peroxides, with di-tertiary butyl peroxides being particularly preferred. Specific examples include 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tertiarybutylperoxy)-hexyne-3 and 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tertiarybutylperoxy)-hexane. Additional examples of useful peroxides include dicumyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, tertiarybutyl perbenzoate, and di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(tertiarybutylperoxy)-butyl]carbonate.
One or more crosslinking co-agents may be combined with the peroxide. Examples include triallyl cyanurate; triallyl isocyanurate; tri(methallyl)-isocyanurate; tris(diallylamine)-s-triazine, triallyl phosphite; N,N-diallyl acrylamide; hexaallyl phosphoramide; N,N,Nxe2x80x2Nxe2x80x2-tetraallyl terephthalamide; N,N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x2-teraallyl malonamide; trivinyl isocyanurate; 2,4,6-trivinyl methyltrisiloxane, and tri(5-norbornene-2-methylene) cyanurate.
Suitable onium salts are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,421; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,171; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,490, each of which is incorporated by reference. Examples include triphenylbenzyl phosphonium chloride, tributyl alkyl phosphonium chloride, tributyl benzyl ammonium chloride, tetrabutyl ammonium bromide, and triarylsulfonium chloride.
Another class of useful onium salts is represented by the following formula:
where Q is nitrogen or phosphorus;
Z is a hydrogen atom or is a substituted or unsubstituted, cyclic or acyclic alkyl group having from 4 to about 20 carbon atoms that is terminated with a group of the formula xe2x80x94COOA where A is a hydrogen atom or is a NH4+ cation or Z is a group of the formula CY2xe2x80x94COORxe2x80x2 where Y is a hydrogen or halogen atom, or is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms that may optionally contain one or more catenary heteroatoms and where Rxe2x80x2 is a hydrogen atom, a NH4+ cation, an alkyl group, or is an acyclic anhydride, e.g., a group of the formula xe2x80x94COR where R is an alkyl group or is a group that itself contains organo-onium (i.e., giving a bis-organo-onium); preferably Rxe2x80x2 is hydrogen; Z may also be a substituted or unsubstituted, cyclic or acyclic alkyl group having from 4 to about 20 carbon atoms that is terminated with a group of the formula xe2x80x94COOA where A is a hydrogen atom or is a NH4+ cation; R1, R2, and R3 are each, independently, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or any combination thereof, each R1, R2, and R3 can be substituted with chlorine, fluorine, bromine, cyano, xe2x80x94ORxe2x80x3, or xe2x80x94COORxe2x80x3 where Rxe2x80x3 is a C1 to C20 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkenyl, and any pair of the R1, R2, and R3 groups can be connected with each other and with Q to form a heterocyclic ring, one or more of the R1, R2, and R3 groups may also be a group of the formula Z where Z is as defined above;
X is an organic or inorganic anion (e.g., halide, sulfate, acetate, phosphate, phosphonate, hydroxide, alkoxide, phenoxide, or bisphenoxide); and
n is a number equal to the valence of the anion X.
Suitable polyols for use with the onium salt include polyhydroxy aromatic compounds such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane [bisphenol A], 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)perfluoropropane [bisphenol AF], hydroquinone, catechol, resorcinol, 4,4xe2x80x2-dihydroxydiphenyl, 4,4xe2x80x2-dihydroxydiphenylmethane, 4,4xe2x80x2-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxydiphenylbutane), their alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, and combinations thereof. Other useful polyols are described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,463; U.S. Pat. No. 3,876,654; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,171; U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,421, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,374, each of which is incorporated by reference.
The curable fluoroelastomer composition can also include fillers to improve the physical properties of both the curable and the cured composition. Examples of suitable fillers include reinforcing agents (e.g., thermal grade carbon blacks or non-black pigments), silica, graphite, clay, talc, diatomaceous earth, barium sulfate, titanium oxide, wollastonite, and combinations thereof. Other ingredients that may be added to the composition, alone or in combination with one or more fillers, include, for example, plasticizers, lubricants, retarding agents, processing aids, pigments, and combinations thereof.

Fluoropolymers with improved characteristics


The invention relates to improvement in well drilling tools to prevent drilling fluids and solid particles present in a subterranean location from adhering to drilling equipment. A nickel-phosphorus coating is deposited by an electroless plating process on the entire surface of the tool, so as to substantially reduce porosity of the tool and prevent penetration of the foreign matter into the ferrous core of the tool.

The present invention relates to well drilling equipment, and more particularly to a tool adapted for use in a subterranean location, where it becomes exposed to drilling fluids and solid particles present in that location.
At the present time a major part of well drilling tools, such as stabilizers, drilling bits, and the like are constructed from steel, having a grade of 4140 or 4141.
While such steel appears to be appropriate for well drilling operations, it has a definite disadvantage in that it tends to absorb, through its micro-pores, drilling fluids and solid particles which in the industry are generally referred to as "Gumbo". Once this gumbo penetrates into the pores, it becomes extremely difficult to remove it by any conventional means, especially if the stabilizer and the drilling bit are in a subterranean location.
Such accumulation of deposit on the drilling tool often causes a jam above and below the stabilizer and sometimes requires many days of circulation of cleaning compositions through the drilling string, so as to get rid of the deposits at least on the annular walls surrounding the well, so as to retrieve the drilling tool and either replace it or attempt to clean it.
It is apparent that such interruption of a drilling process causes a considerable financial loss which will continue to mount while the well is cleaned to retrieve the drilling equipment.
A number of manufacturers attempted to solve the problem of gumbo penetration into the pores of a ferrous core, one of the solutions being the use of Monel equipment on the core, so as to fill the pores and prevent accumulation of the foreign matter on the drilling equipment. However, the cost of any equipment considerably rises with the use of Monel or stainless steel.
It is therefore the main object of the present invention to provide an improved tool and process for treating a surface of the tool to prevent "Gumbo" accumulation on the drilling tool.


An auto body cleaning composition for removing tar and urethane adhesive from auto bodies, composition consisting of (A) d-limonene and (B) about 2 to 12 percent by weight of the composition of a surfactant that is cocamide DEA/dihexyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Another auto body cleaning composition comprises d-limonene, Sorbitan Monolaurate and mineral oil.

In the manufacturing and repairing of auto bodies and/or manufactured parts, it is highly desirable to clean such bodies and/or all other parts to remove therefrom unwanted materials such as urethane products, adhesives, bugs, tar, and grease. The cleaning composition should be effective, safe and relatively free from objectionable odor.

Auto body cleaner and all purpose adhesive and urethane cleaner


An appliance application loading system is provided for a network environment. The system includes a client, a web application server, an appliance, and a loading mechanism. The web application server communicates with the client within the network environment. The appliance is communicably attached with the web server within the network environment. The loading mechanism is provided on the network-based appliance and is operative to download an application to the appliance from the web application server upon the occurrence of a power on/off cycle. A method is also provided.

Until recently, the implementation of extendable architecture applications for a printer has usually required the building of specially designed read-only memory (ROM) dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) which are installed into a printer. However, the design and installation is costly and complex, thereby reducing the availability of such extendable architecture applications to consumers.
More recently, the addition of a JAVA™ Virtual Machine (VM) and World Wide Web (WWW) accessibility to embedded devices such as hand-held devices and printers has enabled device developers to build JAVA™ applications to run extendable architecture programs. However, in order for these programs to persist after a power cycle or reboot, there is a need to permanently store them on the device. Additionally, there has also been a trend to reduce the cost and complexity of Internet appliances and peripheral devices. As a result, some embedded devices unfortunately lack the luxury of permanent storage due to cost or hardware limitations. Therefore, such devices cannot benefit from extendable architecture programs.
One recent solution has been provided for loading objects to a printer from a uniform resource locator (URL) over the World Wide Web (WWW) or some other Internet facility. The solution, referred to as "Chai Loader", performs the task of loading objects to the printer from a URL, and is provided by "Chai", an integrated suite of software products, development tools and services for designing information appliances, available from Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif., assignee of the present invention. Chai Loader is designed to download a package in its entirety to the printer's Flash Non-Volatile memory. Chai Loader also has the ability to download the content of a package to a RAM disk. However, once the power is turned off, the package disappears and the download process must start all over again at the next power-up. Accordingly, in order to allow a simple embedded device to run powerful applications, improvements are needed to address the lack of permanent storage.

Apparatus and method for updating applications to embedded devices and peripherals within a network environment

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The present invention discloses and teaches method and apparatus for the detection of a disengaged, moving, handrail on a people moving walkway particularly an escalator. By the present invention a proximity sensor is positioned beneath the handrail for detection of a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail. Upon detection of a disengaged handrail, the proximity sensor sends an electrical signal to a controller which stops the escalator or walkway.

The present invention generally relates to a people moving walkway such as an escalator or any other people moving conveyor having a moving floor and an elevated, generally parallel, moving hand rail. More particularly the present invention relates to apparatus and method for detecting a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide track.
Although the embodiment described and taught herein primarily illustrates the present invention as being applied to the handrail of a rising, or descending, stair escalator, it is to be understood that the present invention may also be used on any "closed loop," people moving walkway having a parallel moving handrail.
Although escalators and people moving walkways are periodically inspected, it is possible for a moving handrail to become disengaged from its underlying guide rail accidentally or through the act of vandalism. Therefore, it is desirable to have a means for detecting a handrail that has become disengaged from its underlying guide rail during operation of the walkway and to immediately stop operation of the walkway and/or send a malfunction signal to a controlling authority. The controlling authority may comprise an open loop system having a human operator monitor, or may comprise a closed loop system having a microprocessor controller.
The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for detecting the separation of a handrail from its underlying guide rail. Upon detecting a disengaged handrail the walkway may be immediately stopped by directly shutting of the electrical power to the walkway's driving motor or by sending an electrical signal to a to an open loop or closed loop controlling authority whereby the walkway may be stopped until a repair is made.

Proximity hand rail monitor for a moving walkway


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for recognizing a masked face. According to the present disclosure, the disclosed systems and methods include features that provide augmentation of existing face recognition databases, real-time mask detection, and real-time masked face recognition. In embodiments, masked face recognition includes a multi-layered approach, which includes finding matching simulated masked faces in the database that match the masked face being analyzed, comparing the unmasked portion of the masked face to stored unmasked faces in a database to identify any matches, and executing face restoration algorithms in which the masked portion is reconstructed to generate an unmasked representation which may then be matched against unmasked faces in the database.

Biometrics enabled authentication applications are very useful tools, which is why it is not surprising they are used in many applications. Face recognition in particular has gained a lot of ground with the development of faster processing devices. However, these tools, and especially face recognition, are substantively affected in the current pandemic situation. Even touchless facial recognition technology cannot effectively recognize masked faces. Removing masks for authentication increases risk of exposure to infections and it is sometimes too inconvenient. As a result, the impact is global across healthcare, retail, transport, telecommunications, media advertising, public services, and all industries relying on traditional face recognition systems be it for marking attendance, security checks or surveillance. In addition, criminals, shoplifters, fraudsters, and terrorists are taking advantage of this technology challenge in evading identification due to face masks.


A method reduces error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a wellbore survey system having two gyroscopic sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of at least one component of the Earth's rotation substantially perpendicular to the wellbore and indicative of a component of the Earth's rotation substantially parallel to the wellbore. The method includes generating a first signal indicative of the at least one substantially perpendicular component while the first sensor is in a first orientation; generating a second signal indicative of the at least one substantially perpendicular component while the first sensor is in a second orientation; generating a third signal indicative of the substantially parallel component while the second sensor is in a first orientation; and generating a fourth signal indicative of the substantially parallel component while the second sensor is in a second orientation. The method further includes calculating information regarding at least one of a mass unbalance offset error and a quadrature bias error using the first, second, third, and fourth signals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates generally to systems and method for reducing error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a wellbore survey system and/or determining the position or orientation of the survey system relative to the Earth.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many wellbore gyroscopic survey systems that are currently in service are based on angular rate measurements taken about two axes only, denoted the x and y axes, that are both substantially perpendicular to the direction along the wellbore (referred to as the "along-hole axis") and substantially perpendicular to each other. In stationary gyroscopic survey systems, these measurements are used to determine the direction of the survey tool in the wellbore with respect to true north, the tool azimuth angle, using measurements of the horizontal components of Earth's rotation sensed about a measurement axis of the survey tool in a process known as gyro compassing or north finding. In many such systems, the gyroscopes ("gyros"), and other inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers) used by the survey system, are attached rigidly or via anti-vibration mounts to the housing of the survey tool in what is referred to as a strapdown mechanization.
In many such survey tools, it is common practice to take two sets of gyroscopic sensor measurements of the Earth's angular rotational rate in two different directions substantially perpendicular to the along-hole direction, typically by rotating the xy-gyros through 180 degrees about the along-hole axis of the survey tool between each set of readings. This procedure is referred to as "indexing" the gyro, and it yields substantial benefits in terms of both the speed with which tool direction with respect to true north can be determined and the accuracy to which that direction can be obtained. The latter benefit derives from the fact that the effect of gyro measurement biases can be substantially reduced, or removed completely, through indexing the gyro.
The indexing of the xy-gyro can be achieved by mounting this sensor on a rotatable platform that can be turned between the two index positions that are usually 180 degrees apart. Such a configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,657,547 and 5,806,195, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. Upon the turning of the xy-gyro, the components of Earth's rotation sensed by the xy-gyro change sign between the two index positions at which the readings are taken, but the signs of any residual biases do not change. Hence, by summing the two measurements from the xy-gyro and dividing the result by two, an estimate of the residual bias is obtained. Similarly, by calculating the difference between the two measurements and dividing the result by two, an improved estimate of the true applied rotation rate can be extracted that is not corrupted by any fixed bias in the gyro measurements. Given knowledge of the inclination and tool face angle of the tool, derived from accelerometer measurements, together with knowledge of the true rotation rate of the Earth and the latitude at which the measurements are being taken, an estimate of the azimuth angle of the survey tool may be obtained. While azimuth can be determined using a strapdown system, the process takes considerably longer to implement without the facility to index the gyro.
Indexed gyro compassing may be achieved with a single gyro by mounting the gyro and its indexing mechanism on stable platform within the survey tool so as to maintain the index axis coincident with the local vertical. In theory, such a system could be used to determine the direction of the survey tool with respect to true north, irrespective of tool orientation. However, the mechanical complexity and consequent size of such a system preclude it as a viable option for down-hole application.

Reducing error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a wellbore survey system


A ski pole having a composite shaft. The composite shaft of the present invention includes a hollow first shaft of titanium alloy and a hollow second shaft of stiffening material. The first and second shafts are mounted to one another with an exterior surface of one of the shafts in surface-to-surface contact with an interior surface of the other of the shafts. The ski pole also includes a tip mounted to the lower end of the composite shaft, a basket mounted adjacent to said tip, and a hand grip mounted on said upper end of the composite shaft.

The present invention generally relates to ski poles and in particular to ski poles having composite titanium shafts.
Conventional ski poles are generally comprised of a hollow tapered shaft made up of aluminum or other light weight metal. A hand grip is mounted to one end of the shaft, typically a non-tapered end, while a basket and tip are mounted to the other or tapered end of the shaft. The tip is constructed from an impact resistant material, such as metal. This prevents the shaft from incurring damage when struck against a hard surface, such as a rock, during skiing. The basket is mounted to shaft generally adjacent to the tip and is configured to prevent the ski pole from descending into the snow during use.
A significant limitation of the aluminum ski pole is that it is easily damaged during normal skiing activities. Being relatively soft, aluminum ski poles are notorious for becoming permanently deformed and breaking as a result of the bending loads encountered during skiing. Another limitation of aluminum ski poles is that they have a low resistance to abrasion and are easily cut or scratched. The cuts are often the result of the ski pole shaft abrasively contacting various surfaces, such as icy snow conditions, during use. While being light in weight, the limitations of aluminum ski poles with respect to durability and deformation resistance has made it desirable for designers to try and advance in ski pole technology.
In recent years, alternatives to the conventional aluminum shafted ski pole have captured the favor of a large portion of the skiing population. Numerous producers have introduced ski poles in which the shafts are composites of synthetic resins and filaments. While being more resilient under bending forces than aluminum, these known composite ski poles continue to lack sufficient strength and still experience failure at an unacceptable rate. Additionally, during regular skiing activities, filament-type ski poles represent a significant hazard to the skier's hand or other body portions and can break since they shatter exposing splinters. Even without completely breaking in half, splinters can be exposed near the surface of the pole as a result of bending loads causing the pole to crack and the filaments to separate. While offering some structural advances over aluminum shafted ski poles, the known ski poles having composite shafts still exhibit some safety limitations.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a composite ski pole that offers improvements in terms of safety and structure while overcoming the limitations of the prior art. The present invention therefore has as some of its objects, provision of a ski pole which is lightweight, resistant to abrasion, resistant to permanent deformation and does not splinter when cracked or completely broken.
In general appearance, the composite ski pole of this invention is similar to prior ski poles in that it includes a shaft having a hand grip, a tip, and a basket mounted to it. The shaft itself has a composite construction which includes a thin-walled tube made of a titanium alloy. The titanium alloy tube is reinforced with an inner or stiffening tube. As more fully discussed below, this stiffening tube can be made from a variety of alternative materials. In one embodiment, the exterior diameter of the stiffening tube substantially corresponds with the inner diameter of the titanium alloy tube and the stiffening tube is inserted into the titanium alloy tube so that its exterior surface will be in intimate surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the titanium alloy tube. While it is believed that a press-fitted engagement between the titanium alloy and stiffening tubes is sufficient to keep the tube secured together, an adhesive or other bonding agent can be used to more positively bond the tubes together.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, a core element, such as foam, is positioned within the inner cavity of the stiffening tube. The core serves to dampen vibration in the shaft, further stiffens the shaft, and also enables increases the shaft's resistance to crushing.
When provided as briefly described above, the titanium alloy tube provides the shaft of the ski pole with its lightweight and high strength characteristics. While being quite rigid, the titanium alloy tube still exhibits a significantly high yield point that enables it to deflect under substantial bending loads without becoming permanently deformed. By employing the stiffening tube in conjunction with the titanium alloy tube, the titanium alloy tube is still permitted to bend, but is substantially prohibited from bending in an amount which would approach its yield point and result in permanent deformation.
According to another aspect of this invention, a method for manufacturing the titanium composite ski pole of the present invention includes the steps of first providing a hollow tube of titanium alloy and then providing a hollow tube of stiffening material. The tube of stiffening material is inserted into the titanium alloy tube with the exterior surface of the stiffening tube being in intimate surface-to-surface contact with the interior surface of the titanium alloy tube. As mentioned above, an adhesive may be applied between the two tubes to positively bond the tubes together. After the stiffening tube and titanium alloy tubes have been mounted together, the tubes are cut to an appropriate length for the ski pole shaft. An impact resistant tip is then mounted to one end of the ski pole shaft while a hand grip is mounted to the opposing end. Adjacent to the tip, the basket is secured to the ski pole shaft.
As seen from the summary presented above, the ski pole of this invention is lightweight, generally rigid and offers high performance characteristics. The composite construction of the shaft of this ski pole prohibits the shaft from being loaded beyond its yield point in all but the most extreme bending conditions. This results in the present invention being highly resistant to permanent deformation and collapse. The titanium exterior of the present invention further offers a high degree of resistance to abrasion and increases the durability of the ski pole. Additionally, the ski pole of the present invention will endure a substantial amount of deflection without any resulting splintering and thereby offers safety advances over prior ski pole construction.
While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.

Composite titanium ski pole and method of making same


An image output method for dividing an image output region of one page into a plurality of bands, developing image data to be output in the format of raster data for each band, and outputting the developed image information for each band is disclosed. Each band is further divided into a plurality of blocks. The bit map memory is divided into a plurality of memory blocks, each of which has a storage capacity of each block. Image data of blocks that contain image data to be developed for each band is successively developed to unused memory blocks. For blank blocks, the developing process to the bit map memory is not performed. Thus, unused memory blocks are used in the developing process for the next block.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image output method for use with a raster plotter for developing vector data to be output to raster data and an apparatus thereof, in particular, an image output method suitable for effectively developing raster data to a bit map memory and an apparatus thereof.
(b) Prior Art
Image output apparatuses such as raster plotters are mainly categorized as a full-bit-map type and a banding type. In the full-bit-map type apparatus, when input vector data is developed to raster data and then an image is output, raster data as analyzed results is developed to an image memory with a storage capacity equivalent to data of one sheet. On the other hand, in the banding type apparatus, raster data is developed to an image memory with a storage capacity equivalent to band data of which data of one sheet is divided into several bands.
In the banding type apparatus, as the image memory, a banding memory with a storage capacity of for example two bands is used. While raster data of one band developed to one banding memory through intermediate code is being printed, raster data is developed to the other banding memory through intermediate code. For example, when raster data is printed on an A1 size sheet with a resolution of 400 DPI, the full-bit-map type apparatus requires an image memory with a storage capacity of as high as 16 MB. On the other hand, the banding type apparatus requires a memory with a storage capacity of as low as 300 KB (assuming that the band width is 128 dots, the storage capacity necessary for one banding memory is 150 KB and thereby the total storage capacity required is 300 KB).
However, in the conventional banding type image output apparatus, since the raster data is developed for each band, even if a band contains many blank portions, it is assigned one band memory of one band. Thus, most memory portions are wasted for blank information. Thus, the use efficiency of the memory is low. In addition, it takes a long time to clear the contents of the memory. Moreover, in the conventional apparatus, since data of only one band is developed beforehand, the amount of intermediate code of the next band may be large. Alternatively, when the data amount of raster data to be developed is large, even if raster data of one band has been printed, raster data of the other band has not been developed. Thus, the image output apparatus should wait until the raster data of the other band is completely developed. Thus, the print speed adversely decreases.

Image output method and apparatus thereof


A method and related apparatus and planner are provided. The method comprises receiving information about relationship of activation items in a plurality of virtual machines as well as information including activation item descriptive parameters. In addition, the method comprises of steps of optimizing an activation order of the activation items in said virtual machines according to said relationship among the activation items and generating an activation logical file according to the optimized activation order and said activation item descriptive parameters.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to virtual machine technology, and more specifically to a virtual machine deployment planning method and associated apparatus.
2. Description of Background
At present, the computer virtual machine technology is increasingly widely used, especially in a distributed environment. A virtual appliance corresponding to a virtual solution is divided into a plurality of virtual machines, i.e., virtual images. The virtual machines may be located in a same physical entity (e.g. a same computer) or in different physical entities.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a processing device (e.g. computer) in the prior art. The processing device 1 comprises a virtual machine deployment and activation tool 11, virtual machines 12 and associated activation parameter profiles 13. The virtual machine deployment and activation tool 11 is used for creating and deploying the virtual machines 12 and coordinating activation of the virtual machines 12. The virtual machine 12 comprises an activation engine 121, activation items (activation scripts) 122 and an activation logical file 123.
The activation item 122 is a script compiled for a task that must be performed in the virtual machine 12. For example, if a web application server, a network and a database are to be deployed in a virtual machine, three scripts of ConfigWAS, ConfigNet and ConfigDB can be compiled for the virtual machine.
FIG. 3 shows contents of the activation logical file 123 in the prior art, comprising descriptive parameters of the activation items and dependence relations among the activation items. The descriptive parameters of the activation items are different from the activation parameters saved in the activation parameter profile 13. The activation parameters refer to those parameters that are required for activating the activation items, e.g., specific values of network IP addresses required for activating the network. The descriptive parameters of the activation items describe which activation parameters are needed, e.g. describing "needing network IP addresses", but are not concerned with specific values.
As for the dependence relations among the activation items, as an example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the activation of the activation item B2 deployed on the virtual machine B depends on the activation of the activation item C2 deployed on the virtual machine C and the activation item B3 deployed on the virtual machine B; in turn, the activation of the activation items A2 and A3 deployed on the virtual machine A depends on the activation of the activation item B2 deployed on the virtual machine B.
The activation parameter profile 13 is a document for storing specific activation parameter values required for activating the activation items. The activation engine 121 is used for activating the activation items 122 in the virtual machine 12. It reads the specific activation parameters in the activation parameter profile 13 and invokes activation items 122 associated with the activation parameters when reading the associated activation parameters. The descriptive parameters of the activation items in the activation logical file 123 describe which activation parameters are required for activating the activation items. It provides a basis for specific values of which activation parameters are to be stored in the activation parameter profile 13.
FIG. 2 shows a process to be undergone before the virtual machine 12 is instanced on a physical entity, comprising: a creation phase, a deployment phase and an activation phase. The creation phase is a phase to install the activation engine 121, the activation items 122 and the activation logical file 123 comprised in the virtual machine into the physical entity. In a step S1, an image building tool 111 installs the activation engine 121 onto the physical entity. In a step S2, the image building tool 111 installs the activation items 122 compiled by the user onto the physical entity. In a step S3, the developer compiles into the activation logical file the activation item descriptive parameters and the dependence relations among the activation items. As shown in FIG. 1, in an instance, the step S1 may be executed by an activation engine installer 1111, the step S2 may be executed by an activation item installer 1112, and the step S3 is artificially executed by the developer, that is, there lacks an automatic execution tool.
The basic framework of the virtual machine 12 has been created through the virtual machine creation phase. However, the activation of the activation items 122 further needs specific activation parameters which are obtained through the virtual machine deployment phase. In a step S4, a deployment tool 112 generates a deployment parameter collection page for user deployment. In a step S5, after the user inputs the activation parameters, the deployment tool 112 receives the user inputted activation parameters. In a step S6, the deployment tool 112 generates the activation parameter profile 13 containing the user inputted activation parameters.
The activation of the activation items 122 can be performed only by use of the activation parameters in the activation parameter profile 13 in combination with the activation items 122. As shown in FIG. 1, in an instance, the step S4 may be executed by an activation parameter collection page generator 1121, the step S5 may be executed by an activation parameter receiver 1122, and the step S6 may be executed by an activation parameter profile generator 1123.
The activation phase is a phase for customizing required operating systems, networks, application resources and etc. for the virtual machines. The activation items created in the creation phase can be instanced only in the activation phase in combination with the activation parameters in the activation parameter profile 13. Since the activation logical file 123 stores the dependence relations among the activation items, the activation engine 121 must make reference to the dependence relations while invoking the activation items 122. The activation engine randomly selects an order of activating the activation items 122 inside the virtual machine on the premise that the dependence relations are not violated, but the order is not necessarily optimal. There lacks in the prior art a technique capable of automatically optimizing the activation order of the activation items 122 inside the virtual machines.
An activation coordinator 113 is responsible for, after an activation item in the virtual machine has been activated, notifying activation items depending on the activation item in other virtual machines of the start of activation. As shown in FIG. 8A, the activation of the activation item B1 deployed on the virtual machine B depends on the activation of the activation item C2 deployed on the virtual machine C. Therefore, after the activation engine in the virtual machine C activates the activation item C2, it notifies the activation coordinator 113 of that the activation item B1 in the virtual machine B that depends on the activation of the activation item C2 can be activated. The activation coordinator 113 notifies the activation engine in the virtual machine B of the activation of the activation item B 1.
A problem existing in the prior art is that, in the step S3, it is the developer that compiles in the activation logical file the activation item descriptive parameters and the dependence relations among the activation items. That is to say, the user must be proficient in compiling the activation logical file, as is difficult for those inexperienced users.
In addition, since in the prior art, the activation engine randomly selects an order of activating the activation items 122 inside the virtual machines on the premise that the dependence relations among the activation items in the activation logical file are not violated, the order is not necessarily optimal. Consequently, it is desirable to implement a technique capable of automatically optimizing the activation order of the activation items inside the virtual machines.

Virtual machine deployment planning method and associated apparatus

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for treating a microbial infection or an abscessed tissue in a subject includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a metal ion chelator. In some embodiments, the metal ion chelator can be a protein, such as a calprotectin heterodimer. In some embodiments, the metal ion chelator is a calprotectin heterodimer including an S100A8 polypeptide and an S100A9 polypeptide.

Undesirable infections can be caused by a variety of microbes, including microbes such as fungi and antibacterial-resistant bacteria that are notoriously difficult to treat. Such microbial infections are sometimes capable of causing an abscess in a subject. An abscess is a localized accumulation of pus and/or inflammation in a tissue or organ. An abscess can form, for example, on the skin or on other tissues or organs of the subject, causing swelling and pain.
Traditional treatment for abscesses includes piercing or cutting open the abscess to remove the puss and infectious material, and treatment with antibiotics, e.g., oral, topical, injectable. Depending on the size and the location of the abscess, such traditional treatment can be successful; however, for certain abscesses, e.g., relatively large abscesses, and/or abscesses caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria or otherwise resistant microbes, such traditional treatment can be insufficiently effective.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for effective methods for treating microbial infections and abscessed tissues.

Methods for treating microbial infection