A sluice gate assembly has a metal frame surrounding an opening and a metal gate disc mounted for movement between open and closed positions along guides on the frame. The gate disc carries a resilient deformable seal which cooperates in sealing engagement with a plastic seat face on the frame when the gate disc is in the closed position. The sealing interface between the resilient deformable seal and the plastic seat face is arranged at an angle relative to the line of travel of the gate disc along the guides, and the guides are mounted for adjustable movement towards and away from the frame seat face.

This invention relates generally to sluice gates of the type used in water control and sewage systems.
In one type of conventional sluice gate, for example that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,643,521 and British Pat. No. 685,012, a metal frame surrounds an opening and a metal gate disc is mounted on the frame for movement between open and closed positions. The gate disc and the frame have metal seat facings. Wedges on the gate disc cooperate with bosses on the frame to force the seat facings of the gate disc against the seat facings of the frame as the gate disc moves into the closed position. Although this type of sluice gate is entirely acceptable for a wide range of applications, experience has indicated that some leakage must be expected because dirt and grit will become trapped between the metal seat facings, and also because it is often difficult to achieve or maintain an optimum setting of the wedges relative to their associated bosses.
A number of attempts have been made at solving this leakage problem. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,915, the gate disc is moved into and out of sealing engagement with a seat facing on the frame by means of a system of bell cranks pivotally responsive to vertical adjustment of the gate disc. This type of arrangement has failed to gain widespread acceptance, due in large part to the high costs and maintenance difficulties associated with the complicated crank-type closure mechanism.
Another attempted solution to the leakage problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,863 where the gate disc is provided with a seal which is extruded into sealing engagement with a metal seat facing on the frame. This extrusion is achieved by means of a seal retainer which surrounds the seal and which carries wedges arranged to cooperate with bosses on the frame. This arrangement also suffers from a relatively complicated and expensive construction.
In another known sluice gate assembly, a metal frame surrounds an opening and a metal gate disc is mounted for movement between open and closed positions along fixed guides on the frame. The gate disc carries a resilient deformable seal which cooperates in sealing engagement with a plastic seat face on the frame. The sealing interface between the two seal components is arranged at an angle relative to the line of travel of the gate disc so that as the gate disc slides along the guides into the closed position, the seal components are gradually brought together to affect a substantially leakproof seal. While this arrangement represents a decided improvement over prior attempts at eliminating or at least minimizing leakage, still certain problems remain. For example, because the guides are fixed relative to the frame, the degree of deformation of the seal on the gate disc is not adjustable. Thus, as wear occurs, or in the event that the deformable seal takes on a "set", leakage will result, thereby necessitating replacement of the deformable seal. Such replacements entail dismantling and reassembly of the sluice gate in the field. The objective of the present invention is to avoid this problem by providing a simple yet effective means for adjusting the degree of seal deformation without dismantling the sluice gate assembly. Such adjustments may be performed by the manufacturer during initial assembly of the sluice gate components, and by the user under field conditions without taking the gate out of service.


A thermally imageable laminar composite comprising a pair of opposed sheets confining therebetween a frangible layer of image-forming substance partitionable to the respective sheets on separation of the sheets after thermal imaging is protected against premature stress-induced delamination by the heat bonding of the opposed sheets to one another through said image-forming substance at the periphery of said composite, said bonding being at a strength substantially greater than that required to separate said sheets in the expansive thermally imageable region confined by said periphery. A method for preparing individual units of an imageable composite, including the steps of establishing a band-like heated zone in a supply web of laminate, corresponding to the boundaries of a unit to be cut therefrom, and cutting a unit from within said band-like zone is described.

This invention relates to an imaging laminate having between a pair of sheets a layer of frangible image-forming substance separable to the respective sheets thereof. More particularly, it relates to a laminar structure particularly adapted to separation of the sheets thereof by mechanical apparatus.
Laminar imaging materials comprising a pair of sheets and a layer of image-forming substance therebetween have been known. For example, laminar thermal imaging materials for the production of images by exposure to heat and separation of the sheets thereof have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,041 (issued Dec. 2, 1975 to M. Miyayama, et al.); in U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,412 (issued Jun. 5, 1979 to K. S. Deneau); and in International Patent Application No. PCT/US87/03249 of M. R. Etzel (published Jun. 16, 1988 as International Publication No. WO 88/04237). It will be appreciated that an image-forming substance confined between a pair of sheets will be protected against abrasion and ruboff. In addition, a laminar medium can be handled as a unitary structure, thus, obviating the requirement of bringing the respective sheets of a two-sheet imaging medium into proper position in a printer or other apparatus used for imaging of the medium material.
As is disclosed in the aforementioned International Application PCT/US87/03249, the image-forming substance of the thermally imageable medium thereof is caused to be adhered weakly to a first sheet, for example, by coating a layer of the image-forming substance onto an image-forming surface of the first sheet, the image-forming surface comprising, for example, a subcoat of polymeric material which is heat-activatable to an altered physical condition upon subjection to the heat generated by brief and intense imaging radiation. The layer of image-forming substance (e.g., pigment material in a binder therefor) is designed to fracture vertically, i.e., in a direction normal to the surface of the layer, such that, portions of the layer of image-forming substance subjected to brief and intense irradiation and rapid cooling are caused to become attached more firmly or locked to the first sheet through the influences of the heated image-forming surface. Portions not subjected to such influences and remaining weakly adhered to the first sheet are removed to the opposed and second sheet of the laminate upon separation of the respective sheets thereof after imaging.
Vertical frangibility of the image-forming layer permits the production of images of desirably high resolution and optical density. Moreover, image resolution is promoted by the adhesion of the vertically frangible image-forming substance only weakly to the image-forming surface or zone of the first sheet and is reduced by a too-strong adhesion, as a consequence of which, minute pels or portions of image-forming substance not exposed to heat may undesirably remain adhered to the first sheet and not be removed to the second sheet on separation of the sheets of the laminate. Desirably, the image-forming substance will be adhered to the first sheet sufficiently to prevent accidental dislocation (separation) from the image-forming surface or zone of the first sheet and consistently with the particular requirements of image resolution and density.
In the copending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application of William P. Tobin, U.S. Ser. No. 07/616,796, filed Nov. 21, 1990, there are disclosed certain preferred thermal imaging materials, in the form of individually sized (formatted) thermally imageable laminates. Individual (formatted) thermally imageable laminates of the type shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/616,796 can be stacked in a cassette or tray for supply to a drum or other zone of a printing apparatus and, after thermal exposure, can be separated by an automated delamination device described therein. It will be appreciated that, depending upon the degree of adhesion of the image-forming substance to the image-forming surface or zone of the first sheet, subjection of the sheets to physical stresses in the form, for example, of shock or bending, may cause premature delamination of the laminate at the weakest interface thereof, i.e., at the interface of the layer of image-forming substance and the image-forming surface or zone of the first sheet. Undesired and premature delamination can also occur during the manufacture of laminar units. Individual imageable units will, for example, typically be cut from a web of laminar material having image-forming material confined between a pair of sheets. Cutting, slitting and stamping operations used during the manufacture of laminar units can create stresses, particularly at the periphery of the units, which cause delamination. Delamination initiated at the periphery or at an edge of a unit and propagated through the expansive portion of the unit will render the unit useless and is desirably to be avoided.


A torque sensing system which includes a torque sensor capable of wirelessly communicating torque and misalignment data to a smartphone or a tablet using a protocol such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology, and wirelessly communicating commands from the smartphone or table back to the torque sensor. The torque sensor electronics include an rf coil for taking power off of a stationary housing to a rotary shaft and one or more accelerometers for indicating misalignments.

Electronic torque sensors are used to produce signals carrying data in analog format from the sensor output to conventional display devices via a cable connection. The data communication is one-way; i.e. from the sensor electronics to the display device.
This communication format substantially limits the range or distance between the sensor electronic and the display device; i.e. they must essentially be in the same room. It also prevents the user from instantaneously changing or adjusting parameters such as threshold and/or range values for the monitored metrics, or changing units of measurement. Moreover, state of the art systems do not provide an indication of misalignment of torque transmitting components such as shafts in a rotary torque sensor wherein the misalignments can occur either during installation or in operation or both. Such misalignments can substantially and negatively impact the quality of the data being communicated.

Torque sensing system with wireless two-way communication


A method of patterning a platinum layer includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A platinum layer is formed on the substrate. An etching process is performed to pattern the platinum layer, wherein an etchant used in the etching process simultaneously includes at least a chloride-containing gas and at least a fluoride-containing gas.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of patterning platinum (Pt) layer, and more particularly, to a method of patterning a platinum layer, wherein an etchant used in the patterning process includes at least a chloride-containing gas and at least a fluoride-containing gas.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Along with the development of technology and the improvement of the semiconductor techniques, electronic devices are widely used in modern life. Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology is used to fabricate micro mechanical devices by using conventional semiconductor technologies like electroplating, or etching, such that a mechanical component in a micro-meter scale may be formed. The MEMS devices may be applied, for example, in the voltage controlling component in an ink printer, the gyroscope in a car to detect the tilt of the car, the vibration membrane in a microphone to sense a sound, or the micro-heaters in air detectors, chemical detectors, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) biological chips to provide a local heating function. The MEMS technology which combines the fabrication process of the mechanical and the electronic devices has the advantages of low costs, high performances and high density.
Platinum (Pt), the promising material, can be widely used in very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and MEMS field as electro-thermal, humidity and gas sensor due to its chemical stability and excellent oxidation resistance. Pt also has a high work function and forms a high potential barrier against electron transfer at the interface with the dielectric material, which may suppress leakage current. The MEMS structure made of Pt could be formed through dry etching process accompanied with a photoresist mask; however, some byproducts, such as fence polymer, may be formed at the sides of the formed Pt structure after the dry etching process. The fence polymer is hard to remove, which causes deformations of the formed MEMS structures. Accordingly, a way to pattern the Pt layer to form proper structures without unwanted byproducts to be further used in the MEMS field is an important issue.


An improved polymerization emulsifier for use in the manufacture of synthetic rubber is prepared wherein a mixture of tall oil fatty acids and resin acids as found in crude or distilled tall oil is disproportionated to reduce the amount of abietic type acids and linoleic type acids and treated with acid catalyzed formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. The disproportionation and aldehyde treatment can occur in sequence or simultaneously. Emulsifiers prepared by the invention process minimize prefloc in latex production and improve rubber physicals.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to emulsion polymerization emulsifiers and methods of treating a mixture of tall oil fatty acids and resin acids such as found in crude or distilled tall oil with acid catalyzed formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde for use in emulsion polymerization. The improved emulsifier may be used to prepare polymers such as synthetic rubber by emulsion polymerization of monomers such as butadiene, styrene, etc.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Tall oil is a natural mixture of resin acids and fatty acids, together with unsaponifiable materials, which is obtained by acidifying the black liquor skimmings of the sulfate process of wood pulp manufacture, using resinous woods such as pine. The composition of tall oil varies somewhat depending upon such factors as the species of the wood which was pulped. Crude tall oil acids will generally contain 18% to 60% fatty acids, 28% to 66% resin acids and 3% to 24% unsaponifiable materials. For the purpose of this invention, crude tall oil acids may be used; however, it is preferable to use distilled tall oil. The distillation may be carried out by introducing crude tall oil into a fractionation unit to separate the volatile fraction of crude tall oil from the non-volatile or pitch. Except for some separation of palmitic and more volatile acids in the first fraction, tall oil distillates have nearly the same composition as the crude tall oil. A typical tall oil distillate may contain from 25% to 66% resin acids, from 37% to 63% fatty acids and from 3% to 12% unsaponifiable materials. Various ratios of fatty acid to resin acid may be used including either the fatty acid fraction or resin acid fraction in addition to the mixed acids.
Various kinds of resin acids, such as abietic acid, palustric acid, levopimaric acid and neoabietic acid, include conjugated double bonds; and, hence these resin acids have high chemical activities. Consequently, it has been known that using alkali salt of the rosin which contains the resin acids, as emulsifier for production of synthetic rubber inhibits normal polymerization. Thus, when using rosin as an emulsifier for emulsion polymerization, it is necessary to convert the resin acid having conjugated diene structure to its derivative having no conjugated diene structure.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid and eleostearic acid, have more than one double bond in each molecular structure, as does rosin. It has been known that using polyunsaturated fatty acid containing an active methylene between nonconjugated double bonds as an emulsifier for emulsion polymerization may retard the polymerization reaction and inhibit normal progress of ordinary polymerization. When using fatty acid as an emulsion polymerization emulsifier, such fatty acid containing polyunsaturated fatty acid and mono-unsaturated fatty acid often is subjected to hydrogenation reaction so that the reaction is conducted on the polyunsaturated fatty acid to the utmost extent and not on the mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Suitable mild reaction conditions should be selected to acquire acceptable emulsifiers.
Several proposals have been made to reduce the large content of materials containing undesirable double bonds in free radical polymerization by disproportionation of the tall oil acids. In general, disproportionation is carried out by contacting tall oil with a catalyst and heating.
There are many processes in the prior art related to disproportionation reaction of tall oil in the presence of a catalyst. For examples: U.S. Pat. No. 2,617,792 discloses a method using nickel as a catalyst; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,407,248, 2,409,173, 2,494,550, 2,497,882, and 2,503,238 disclose methods using sulfur as a catalyst; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,311,386 and 2,503,268 disclose methods using iodine as a catalyst; U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,017 discloses a method using sulfur dioxide as a catalyst; and, more recently, U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,630 discloses a method of preparing an emulsion polymerization emulsifier comprising the steps of a disproportionation reaction of rosin, polyunsaturated fatty acid or a mixture thereof using iron iodide as a catalyst and then neutralizing the obtained product with alkali such as KOH or NaOH.
While such proposals have resulted in the repositioning of double bonds, soaps prepared from disproportioned tall oil have generally not given equivalent polymerization performance to the commonly employed partially hydrogenated-tallow fatty acid and disproportionated wood rosin soaps used in emulsion polymerization and have sometimes resulted in rubbers with appreciably lower physicals.
The lower rubber physicals in polymers produced by emulsion polymerization emulsifiers from disproportionated tall oil is often accompanied by reduced latex particle size in comparison to say a partially hydrogenated tallow--resin acid mix emulsifier. Latex production and processing are improved by producing larger, more colloidally stable rubber particles. One mechanism for accomplishing this desirable increase in latex particle size is the removal of trace impurities in the tall oil fatty acids or the mixture of tall oil fatty acids and tall oil resin acids (as in crude or distilled tall oil) which remain and which prematurely terminate the growth of individual polymer chains after disproportionation. Presumably, most of these impurities are phenolic residues from lignin which have boiling points in the tall oil range.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,528,959 teaches removal of these impurities by increasing their molecular weight by oligomerization with boron trifluoride catalyst. The crude or distilled tall oil is first disproportionated to the extent the abietic type acid content and the linoleic acid type content are reduced to less than 2% of the tall oil. This product is heated to from 149.degree. C. to 177.degree. C. in the presence of from 0.01% to 2.0% BF.sub.3 for 30 minutes to one hour; then the temperature is rapidly raised to from 249.degree. C. to 271.degree. C. to prevent degradation of the product. It is recommended for best results to distill the BF.sub.3 treated product (redistilling if the starting material was a tall oil distillate).
It has now been discovered that the disadvantageous impurities also can be deactivated in a mixture of disproportionated tall oil fatty acids and resin acids by cross-linking with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde.
The treatment of rosin with formaldehyde is not new. U.S. Pat. No. 3,132,127 relates to improving the effectiveness of the reaction product of a rosin with formaldehyde as a raw material for the manufacture of rosin size by maintaining at a temperature of between 250.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. the reaction product of rosin with formaldehyde in the absence of an acid catalyst (at 135.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.) until the latent foaming tendency thereof has substantially decreased. U.S. Pat. No. 3,463,768 discloses that the darkening of product from using an acid catalyst and the decrease in acid number from subjecting rosin to elevated temperatures (above 250.degree. C.) are decreased when the reaction of rosin with formaldehyde is performed in two steps. In the first step, the rosin is reacted with formaldehyde between 130.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. in the absence of any strong acid. In the second step, an acid dehydration catalyst is added; and the reaction temperature is maintained between 150.degree. C. and 220.degree. C. until dehydration of the methylol groups has substantially ceased.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,681,268 discloses mastic adhesive compositions which comprise relative proportions by weight of: 100 parts of a rubber selected from the group consisting of reclaim, natural, styrenebutadiene rubbers; 50 to 200 parts by weight of a zinc salt of the formaldehyde modified rosin from reacting 2 to 10 parts by weight of formaldehyde with 100 parts by weight of molten rosin; and a hydrocarbon vehicle for the rubber.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 3,207,743 teaches treatment of fatty acids or their esters with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst prior to epoxidation to provide plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride with improved color.
However, none of the prior art teaches acid-catalyzed formaldehyde treatment of emulsion polymerization emulsifiers from a mixture of tall oil fatty acids and resin acids.


An improved self adjusting tidal mooring device for all typical mooring poles or pilings (38), mounted by conventional lag screws or bolts (24) by the stand off stainless steel mounting plates (26), which are fixed to both distal ends of the stainless steel vertical slide shaft (36) that is captivated by the UHWM polyethylene vertical slide block (40). The device uses conventional ropes or lines (50) attached at one one to the vertical slide block (40), by the machine line or rope slots (42), and at the other to the watercraft's conventional rope cleat (52). As tidal motions or water levels (W) act on the vessel (V) the vertical slide block is allowed to freely move up and down on the vertical slide shaft, while maintaining spacial position of the craft in the mooring slip.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to the design and application of an improved self adjusting tidal mooring device and more specifically to the ability of the device to self adjust and compensate for the raising and lowering of general bodies of water in relation to the moored or docked watercraft.
2. Description of Prior Art
A multitude of ways are known in which watercraft are secured to their respective mooring platforms or docks in the attempt to compensate for tidal actions of specific bodies of water. Whether moored in true tidal areas such as the ocean, sea or tributaries or docked in waters that exhibit tidal actions dictated by wind and weather, such as rivers and lakes, there are many different methods and a few specific devices that attempt to absorb or compensate for this mass movement of water. One of the most prevalent actions taken in the attempt to compensate for tidal action is specific positioning of ropes or lines that secure the watercraft to the mooring platform. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the methods of how lines or ropes are positioned from dock to craft and crisscrossed from port to starboard or side to side and for and aft or front to back of the watercraft. This crisscross positioning of lines from dock to craft and vice versa allows the watercraft to raise and lower in relation to the stationary mooring platform and the tidal action of the water inside the criss-crossed lines. There are many problems associated with this method, one is the small slip or dock space wherein the craft has very little room to move forward and back or side to side. The lines have to be relatively tightly tied and in large tidal movement, the craft can actually run out of rope length and be either suspended or held down as the water rises. Also, multiple ropes crisscrossed for and aft and side to side create a web of ropes which can be confusing and dangerous for the crew or handlers in bad weather or extreme tidal movement. Alternatively, the use of numbers of ropes to compensate for tidal movement relies on the lines or ropes having slack or loose length, this slack line can actually lead to the craft springing against the ropes, generating momentum, back and forth as wind and waves drive the vessel against the lengths of these ropes. This motion is exacerbated by the very lines designed to compensate for craft movement. Tremendous force is exerted against the mooring points on the boat and dock as the craft springs back and forth. The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device eliminates slack lines thus reducing the forces that can be exerted on the tie up points and the lines themselves by elimination of this energy or momentum, produced by the spring of the lines.
The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device allows the watercraft to be securely tied to the mooring platform to lessen the chance of accidental contact with the dock. Another action or device is the use of a mooring whip, which is typically a flexible pole, shaft or spring that is attached at one end of the dock or mooring platform and the other end is bent down and secured to the watercraft's cleat or tie down. The pole or spring bends, up or down, to compensate for tidal movement. This device is more specifically designed to hold the watercraft away from the dock or mooring platform. This method requires that the user bend the unit to the craft, this creates a potential serious problem in the accidental release of the whip, which will very quickly release it's own stored energy. The mooring whip, as well as, ropes or lines themselves leave the watercraft vulnerable to waves, wakes, and unusually high or low tidal events. Whips and, springs particularly, are vulnerable because of their very nature. Cotton in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,361,716 and 5,425,324 shows us such typical spring type tensioners and the dangers of such devices are immediately evident. These units not only store potential dangerous energy but also require custom placement in relation to the vessel to be moored. The actions of wind and waves are much greater than the force of bend that one person could ever possibly exert to fasten the craft and resist potential tidal movement from forcing the vessel into the dock.
Many more elaborate sliding mechanisms from clamps to spring loaded cable devices, have been tried with greater and lesser degrees of success to compensate for tidal action. One thing remains constant and true, the strength and power of wind and water. Most known methods have been adequate at best even in normal, calm conditions. Clamping devices or devices that are tightly or physically attached to the boat or watercraft, such as those shown by Warwick in U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,283, Culp in U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,965, Jones in U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,946, and Wright in U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,991 have exhibited the same design flaws. The units provide vertical movement, but, so close to the mooring point that wind and/or waves cause the units to move up vertically and the watercraft can move in under the slide or up into the slide or pole creating potentially serious damage and at best, only cosmetic damage. Once again, the user must implement multiple methods to prevent potential harm. For example, the use of fenders or other methods to keep the craft away from the mooring platform negates the claims of no harm by both Warwick, Culp and the others. Also, Warwick, Culp and others utilize slides, springs and/or pulleys with complicated means and methods to achieve their vertical movement claimed, these components because of their own design, inherently require maintenance and, if, maintenance is not routinely carried out, potential failure would be imminent. The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device requires no maintenance and is self cleaning. The main flaw of most of these designs is their overall production costs prohibit their use as commercially viable methods. Not to mention the fact that cleaning the key components requires that the unit be completely disassembled. The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device provides simple and efficient means of vertical movement. Combine this with corrosion resistant materials and design of the exterior sliding mooring block to provide the boater with a mooring device that will stand up to the extreme environments of wind, water and waves. Many of the methods known are bulky and quite complicated, not to mention, not very aesthetically appealing. VanAsshe shows us in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,356 one such quite complicated device, that requires many specific and exact locations of the shown device. This is not only known in VanAsshe's device but Culp and almost all of the others make this requirement also. Therefore, the device not only demands specific mounting points but requires modification of the craft itself This makes these devices specific not only to location but individual watercraft. The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device is very easily located and does not require any modification of the vessel in any way.
Daskalides in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,628 and Shackelford,Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,280 show us less complicated slide mechanisms that are less position specific but utilize typical square or rectangular slide design, which, is known to those skilled in the art, to present potential binding and seizing, by inherent design. Minor damage to the slide itself will advent in system failure. Also, all of the vertically sliding shown apparatus use internal sliding components more susceptible to binding and corrosion, inherent in the applications and enviroments these devices are intended.
The self adjusting tidal mooring device is located on the side of the dock or platform piling, not on the face of the pole as shown by many such as Warwick, Culp and others. This provides many advantages such as the use of the improved self adjusting tidal mooring device to be used in tight slips. Larger boats can use slips not ordinarily used because of the low profile of the device located out of the way, on the side of the pole not on the face or inside of the slip itself. The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device allows ropes and lines to be snugly tied with minimal slack line, substantially reducing roll and line shock generated by wind and waves. The vessel is allowed to ride the wave or wake and because of the snug lines reduces stress on, not only the craft's cleats but the mounting points of the device itself. One of the most unique points of the device is the simplicity of the design that actually provides greater tidal movement than the device's total length. As the vessel rises or lowers with tide or wave and reaches the top or bottom of the device's vertical limits, the lines or ropes provide the geometric equivalent of the long leg of a triangle. This design provides for tidal movement of five to six feet or more from a device length of 3 to 4 feet. Depending on the line or rope length, vertical travel can be more. The device's ability to stabilize wave and wake shock, by the slide design and the device's own weight, along with the short lengths of ropes or lines required to snugly tie the vessel, assures that the craft will stay right where the handler positions it in relation to the dock itself Also, exact position of the craft can be easily and efficiently changed. Major advantages of the device are that well known methods of handling the vessel and dock lines are still used and made more efficient. For example, fewer numbers of lines are required to secure the vessel position in the mooring slip. The mooring block on the device moves vertically absorbing wave and wake, thus reducing line stress on the mooring points on the vessel.
The mooring block also moves rotationally, up to 270 degrees or more, providing use by all craft, large or small, by the same unit in the same mooring space.
The improved self adjusting tidal mooring device's greatest strength is exhibited at the ends of the device's limits, where it is most needed in acute tidal movement or adverse weather.


A method of, and means for accomplishing the method, optimizing system resources in a network (102) using packetized voice telephony consists of the following steps: determining (302) that a packetized voice call from an originating gateway (104) terminates at a non-human voice interface system (108), wherein the packetized voice call is assigned a specified high priority level; and transmitting (304) signaling to cause the originating gateway (104) to transmit the packetized voice call to the non-human voice interface system (108) at a lower priority than the specified high priority level.

Circuit-switched networking has traditionally been used in telephony systems. In such circuit switched systems, a dedicated connection or physical path is established for a telephone call, the connection lasting the duration of the telephone call Voice communications over this dedicated connection provide real time connections, such as conventionally known person-to-person telephone calls.
In recent years, packet networks, such as Internet Protocol (IP) networks, have been used for the transport of data. These packet networks transmit data by segmenting the data into packets which are sent according to the priority of the data within the packets; thus, the individual packets are prioritized. At the receiving end, these packets are reassembled according to the assigned priority to reconstruct the data. Packet networks are conveniently able to transport data without having to create a dedicated connection between a originating gateway and a terminating gateway of the packet network; thus, providing an efficient use and allocation of network bandwidth.
Packet networks are recently being developed to transport voice data via packets, such as using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), in addition to transporting data, i.e., providing multi-media data transport. The efficiency and flexibility of packet networks has made this technology very attractive for telecommunication and Internet service corporations throughout the world. Packetized data transport is highly dependent on packet prioritization to accomplish multi-media data transport effectively.
Current packet networks support multiple tiers of service types for the voice data transport. Each of these service types requires a relative guarantee of bandwidth matching the subscriber service type. A typical packet data voice call has two attributes: (1) the type of compression during the analog-to-digital conversion and (2) the priority the packets are sent. The type of subscriber is determined by these two attributes. A premium subscriber is guaranteed bandwidth irrespective of network resource conditions. A non-premium subscriber is allocated network resources on the best effort.
In most packet networks, voice packets are assigned the highest priority in order to ensure that the voice call occurs in real time. However, a significant number of subscribers use voice messaging services for unanswered voice calls to the subscriber. Voicemail has become a ubiquitous tool in businesses and is increasingly prevalent in many private residences and with wireless subscribers. For example, a voice call over the packet network is transported to a subscriber with the packets assigned the highest priority As such, when a packetized voice call goes unanswered, the voice call is re-routed to a voice messaging system (VMS), the voice packets having the same priority. The amount of voice messaging traffic is significant in most networks due to high voicemail subscription rates and the fact that the average voicemail message lasts about 2 minutes. Disadvantageously, transporting these voice calls to the voice messaging systems using the highest priority level results an inefficient use of network bandwidth since it is not necessary that these voice messaging systems receive the packetized voice calls in real time

Method to optimally select bandwidth and priority for voice message packets in a voice over IP network


In a diagnostic apparatus system, a one piece porous substrate is provided in a container. The substrate serves both to extract an antigen in or on a top layer thereof with the remainder of the substrate serving as a reservoir. The pores in the top surface of the substrate are microscopic for entrapment of microspheres carrying antibodies. A target antigen in a test sample attaches to the antibodies when the test sample is poured through the top layer. The pores in all but the top layer of the substrate have a much greater pore size to comprise tile reservoir portion of the substrate.

A number of immunoassay systems have been developed utilizing immunologic technology. In these systems, the presence of an antigen in a test sample is detected by causing the antigen to bind to antibodies in a selected testing medium and then detecting the presence of the antigen in the testing medium. In a recently developed system, the testing procedure and the time to carry out the testing process has been substantially reduced so as to make it convenient to carry out the immunoassay process in a doctor's office or by a patient at home.
The prior art system, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a container 11, housing an absorbent cylinder 13, which serves as a reservoir. On top of the reservoir is a porous plastic disk 15 on which is supported a porous membrane 17, usually separated from the porous plastic disk 15 by a porous contact pad 19. In the immunoassay process, antibodies specific to the antigen being detected are deposited on the membrane 17 by first bonding the antibodies or adsorbing the antibodies on microspheres of a synthetic resin such as polystyrene or latex and then depositing these microspheres in or on the membrane by passing liquid in which the microspheres are suspended through the membrane. A test sample to be tested for the presence of the suspect antigen is poured on the membrane 17 and is drawn through the membrane 17 relatively rapidly by capillary action of the reservoir 13 in combination with the porous plastic disk 15 and the contact pad 19. If the suspect antigen is in the test sample, it will bind to the antibodies deposited on or in the membrane. Following this step, liquid containing labeled antibodies specific to the suspect antigen is poured onto the membrane and is drawn through the membrane into the reservoir 13 by capillary action. If the antigen has been extracted from the test sample and retained in or on the membrane, the labeled antibodies will bind to the antigen and thus remain in or on the membrane 17. The application of the labeled antibody to the membrane will usually be followed by a rinsing step to remove unbound labeled antibody. This rinsing step is then followed by a step of causing the labeled antibody to exhibit its presence. In the case of an enzyme label, this last step is carried out by addition of a solution of a color-forming agent which reacts with the enzyme as the solution passes through it. As each liquid is passed through the membrane it is absorbed by the reservoir and the reservoir must be large enough to hold all of the volume of the test specimen, the labeled antibody solution, the rinse solution and the color-forming solution.
To obtain an accurate indication of the presence or absence of the antigen, the system must cause an even, consistent flow of the various liquids which are passed through the membrane. In order to achieve this even flow, contact between the various components of the system must be maintained. Any gaps between any two of the components will create pools of stagnant liquid and interfere with the capillary action drawing the liquid into the reservoir . This interference leads to erroneous or vague test results. Thus, when assembling the components of the system, great care must be taken to avoid trapping any particulate matter between the components, which particulate matter would create gaps between the components. The material of the membrane is available only as relatively large flat sheet and they must be cut into disks for use in the system. The assembly of the components is difficult because both the membrane and the contact pad are flimsy and manual assembly is usually required.

Diagnostic system employing a unitary substrate to immobilize microspheres


Primers and probes derived from the 5xe2x80x2 untranslated region of the HCV genome which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HCV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for amplification and/or detection of HCV nucleic acids.

The present invention relates to materials and methods for detection of Hepatitis C viral nucleic acids, in particular to probes and primers for detection of Hepatitis C in hybridization and amplification assays.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and infects at least 1% of the world""s population. Infected individuals are at increased risk to develop cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The viral genome is a single strand of RNA which contains a single gene. The polyprotein which is expressed is subsequently processed into at least ten functional proteins. The genome of HCV is highly heterogeneous and has an estimated mutation rate of about 10xe2x88x922 per base per generation. At least 100 strains have been identified and grouped into six major genotypes.
At the present time there is no reliable method for growth of HCV in vitro, which makes immunological methods of detection difficult to perform and the results unreliable. Quantitation of viral RNA in plasma is used extensively as a prognostic marker for patients undergoing treatment and as a means for monitoring their response to therapy. Due to the genomic heterogeneity, however, existing molecular assays for detection of HCV RNA are limited by their inability to detect all genotypes with equal efficiency. The probes and primers of the present invention may provide rapid and sensitive detection of HCV nucleic acids and offer an attractive alternative to immunological assays.
The present invention provides primers and probes derived from the 5xe2x80x2 untranslated region of the HCV genome which are predicted to facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HCV (1-6). That is, a single amplification primer pair according to the invention should efficiently amplify all known genotypes of HCV, which may then be detected in a single detection step using the detector probes and primers of the invention.
The primers, hybridization probes and detector primers of the present invention are based on portions of the 5xe2x80x2 untranslated region (UTR) of the HCV genome. Initially, design of the disclosed primers and probes was based on relatively conserved regions in an alignment of multiple HCV sequences. One goal was to develop probes and primers which, in spite of heterogeneity in the sequence, would be expected to provide amplification, detection and/or quantitation of all presently known HCV genotypes with approximately equal efficiency. In some cases this was accomplished by overlapping the hybridization site of the 5xe2x80x2 ends of certain of the detector probes with the hybridization site of the 3xe2x80x2 end an amplification primer. This approach took advantage of short stretches of relative sequence conservation in the primer hybridization region and avoided much of the sequence heterogeneity evident in the intervening region between the two amplification primers. This technique also allowed use of a smaller target sequence, thereby improving amplification efficiency.
As used herein, an amplification primer is an oligonucleotide for amplification of a target sequence by extension of the oligonucleotide after hybridization to the target sequence or by ligation of multiple oligonucleotides which are adjacent when hybridized to the target sequence. At least a portion of the amplification primer hybridizes to the target. This portion is referred to as the target binding sequence and it determines the target-specificity of the primer. In addition to the target binding sequence, certain amplification methods require specialized non-target binding sequences in the amplification primer. These specialized sequences are necessary for the amplification reaction to proceed and typically serve to append the specialized sequence to the target. For example, the amplification primers used in SDA (Strand Displacement Amplification) include a restriction endonuclease recognition site 5xe2x80x2 to the target binding sequence (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,455,166 and 5,270,184). NASBA, (Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification) 3SR (Self Sustaining Sequence Replication) and transcription based amplification primers require an RNA polymerase promoter linked to the target binding sequence of the primer. Linking such specialized sequences to a target binding sequence for use in a selected amplification reaction is routine in the art. In contrast, amplification methods such as PCR which do not require specialized sequences at the ends of the target, generally employ amplification primers consisting of only target binding sequence.
As used herein, the terms xe2x80x9cprimerxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cprobexe2x80x9d refer to the function of the oligonucleotide. A primer is typically extended by polymerase or ligation following hybridization to the target but a probe typically is not. A hybridized oligonucleotide may function as a probe if it is used to capture or detect a target sequence, and the same oligonucleotide may function as a primer when it is employed as a target binding sequence in an amplification primer. It will therefore be appreciated that any of the target binding sequences disclosed herein for amplification, detection or quantitation of HCV may be used either as hybridization probes or as target binding sequences in primers for detection or amplification, optionally linked to a specialized sequence required by the selected amplification reaction or to facilitate detection.
Based on the alignment of the 5xe2x80x2 untranslated regions of multiple HCV genotypes, the following amplification primers were designed for testing in SDA reactions. Target binding sequences are underlined. The remaining 5xe2x80x2 portion of the sequence comprises the restriction endonuclease recognition site (RERS) that is required for the SDA reaction to proceed plus a generic non-target-specific tail sequence. It will be readily apparent that the target binding sequences may be used alone to amplify the target in reactions which do not require specialized sequences or structures (e.g., PCR) and that other specialized sequences required by amplification reactions other than SDA (e.g., an RNA polymerase promoter) may be substituted for the RERS-containing sequence shown below. xe2x80x9cS1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cS2xe2x80x9d in the primer name indicates xe2x80x9crightxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cleftxe2x80x9d primers, respectively, when the oligonucleotides are used in amplification reactions:
The following detector primers were also designed for detection of amplification products produced using the amplification primers. They hybridize to the target sequence downstream of amplification primers so that they are displaced during the amplification reaction. An advantage of this detection method is that the target sequence can be detected and/or quantified as the amplification reaction is occurring, i.e., in xe2x80x9creal-timexe2x80x9d rather than at an endpoint, as is known in the art. The target binding sequences of the primers are underlined. The remaining portion of the sequence forms a hairpin structure which is typically labeled to facilitate detection of amplification products, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,98,869. It will be readily apparent that the target sequence may be used alone for detection (typically linked to a detectable label) and that other detectable sequences and labels may be substituted for the hairpin as is known in the art (e.g., G-quartets, linear sequences for specific probe hybridization, or restriction sites). See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,547,861; 5,928,869; 5,593,867; 5,550,025; 5,935,791; 5,888,739; 5,846,726.
SEQ ID NO:16 and SEQ ID NOs:20-26 are conventional non-overlapping detector primers which contain a hairpin as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,928,869. SEQ ID NOs:17-19 and SEQ ID NOs:27-30 also contain the hairpin but the 5xe2x80x2 end of the target binding sequences overlap with the 3xe2x80x2 end of the target binding sequences of the upstream amplification primers. Bumper primers used in SDA were also designed. The entire sequence of these oligonucleotides consists of target binding sequence, and xe2x80x9cB1xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cB2xe2x80x9d in the primer name indicated xe2x80x9crightxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cleftxe2x80x9d primers, respectively, when used in an amplification reaction:
The primers and probes set forth above were selected to minimize the effects of heterogeneity in the targeted region of the DNA polymerase gene. Mismatches were confined to the middle or the 5xe2x80x2 end of the primers and probes to permit efficient 3xe2x80x2 extension upon hybridization to the target sequence.
Because the target binding sequence confers target specificity on the primer or probe, it should be understood that the target binding sequences exemplified above for use as particular components of a specific amplification reaction may also be used in a variety of other ways for detection of HCV. For example, the target binding sequences of SEQ ID NOs:1-30 may alternatively be used as hybridization probes for direct detection of HCV, either without prior amplification or as a post-amplification assay. Such hybridization methods are well known in the art and typically employ a detectable label associated with or linked to the target binding sequence to facilitate detection of hybridization. Further, essentially all of the target binding sequences set forth above may be used as amplification primers in amplification reactions which do not require additional specialized sequences (such as PCR) or appended to the appropriate specialized sequences for use in 3SR, NASBA, transcription-based or any other primer extension amplification reactions. For detection of amplification products, amplification primers comprising the target binding sequences disclosed herein may be labeled as is known in the art, or labeled detector primers comprising the disclosed target binding sequences may be used in conjunction with the amplification primers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,547,861; 5,928,869; 5,593,867; 5,550,025; 5,935,791; 5,888,739; 5,846,726 for real-time homogeneous detection of amplification. Such detector primers may comprise a directly or indirectly detectable sequence which does not initially hybridize to the target but which facilitates detection of the detector primer once it has hybridized to the target and been extended. For example, such detectable sequences may be sequences which form a secondary structure, sequences which contain a restriction site, or linear sequences which are detected by hybridization of their complements to a labeled oligonucleotide (sometimes referred to as a reporter probe) as is known in the art. Alternatively, the amplification products may be detected post-amplification by hybridization of a probe selected from any of the target binding sequences disclosed herein which fall between a selected set of amplification primers.
It is to be understood that an oligonucleotide according to the invention which consists of a target binding sequence and, optionally, either a sequence required for a selected amplification reaction or a sequence required for a selected detection reaction may also include certain other sequences which serve as spacers, linkers, sequences for labeling or binding of an enzyme, etc. Such additional sequences are typically known to be necessary to obtain optimum function of the oligonucleotide in the selected reaction and are intended to be included by the term xe2x80x9cconsisting of.xe2x80x9d

Sequences and methods for detection of Hepatitis C virus


A method and apparatus for populating a form with data is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a form is displayed to the user via the target application. Each form has one or more data receptacles. The data receptacles of a form are filled with data when the user executes a data population command. The form completion program executes the data population command when a graphical representation of a particular data set is placed over the form. Each data set is stored in an encrypted manner and is accessible to users who enter the appropriate information into an authentication mechanism. To populate a form with data the form completion program obtains an image of the form and then searches for a template file that resembles the form image to within a certain threshold. The template files are typically stored on the computer hosting the target application in a template directory that is arranged according to a predefined structure. The form completion program is configured to search for templates that resemble the form image in the template directory to within a certain threshold.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer networks and more particularly to a method and apparatus for populating a form with data.
2. Background Art
Computer users can shop for merchandise using the Internet. A number of companies maintain web sites where customers can purchase books, records, videos, and many other products. Other web sites provide subscription services that provide the user with access to a service or product. Typically, users make purchases or sign up for services by completing forms. A problem with current Internet schemes is that each field on a form must be filled out separately and manually. This is a time consuming and often frustrating process for the user.
Current systems do not provide a way for users to quickly complete a form (referred to as xe2x80x9cpopulatingxe2x80x9d a form) with data. For example, when a user wishes to purchase a product online, the user typically supplies a credit card number, a shipping address, and any other personal information that may be needed to complete the transaction. The user supplies this information using an input device such as a keyboard to manually enter data into the fields of a form. However, after buying goods from one vendor, for example, the user may wish to purchase goods from a second vendor. The user must manually complete the second vendor""s form even though the second vendor may require the purchaser to provide the same kind of information the user provided to the first vendor. This presents a problem to the user because it forces the user to manually enter the same information into different vendor""s forms multiple times.
Another problem presented by the prior art is that users do not have a way to securely store sensitive information and then later use that information to populate a form. Current systems do not provide a way to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining access to sensitive information stored on a user""s computer. Instead such systems leave data that is entered into a form readily accessible. For example, data that is entered into a form may be stored locally using a technology called cookies. A cookie is a local representation of information related to a particular web page that was previously visited by the user. Cookies are not encrypted and may be read by anyone who can obtain them. The term anyone also includes any computer program that knows where the cookies are stored. This is problematic because it unnecessarily exposes sensitive information to unauthorized users. Therefore, there is a need for a method and apparatus for populating forms with data where that data is accessible only to authenticated users.
The problems associated with form population may be better understood by the following discussion of the Internet/World Wide Web, web page creation, embedded forms, cookies, and web browser technology.
The Internet/World Wide Web
A web browser is a type of computer program that provides users with a mechanism for accessing the World Wide Web (WWW). The WWW is a segment of the Internet comprised of numerous web clients and web servers that communicate with one another using a standard set of protocols. A web server is a computer configured to provide web pages to the web client upon request. A web client typically utilizes the web browser application to request web pages from the web server.
The Internet is a global computer network comprised of an amalgamation of interconnected networks that are capable of readily communicating with one another using a standardized set of protocols. Protocols provide a uniform set of communication parameters that enable computers to effectively transmit and receive data. Most computer networks, including the Internet, utilize several different layers of protocols. Each layer provides the network with different functionality.
The WWW is a segment of the Internet that utilizes an application layer protocol called the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to disseminate and to obtain information from users. HTTP is a request/response protocol used with distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. In operation, HTTP enables one computer to communicate with another. For example referring now to FIG. 1, web client 100 can use HTTP to communicate with web server 150 via network 125. In this scenario the web server acts as a repository for files 160 and is capable of processing the web client""s requests for such files. The files 160 stored on the web server may contain any type of data. For example, the files may contain data used to construct a form, image data, text data, or any other type of data.
HTTP has communication methods that allow web client 100 to request or send data to web server 150. The web client 100 may use web browser 110 to initiate request 115 and receive one or more files from file repository 160. Typically, web browser 110 sends a request 115 for at least one file to web server 150 and the web server forwards the requested file to web client 100 in response 120. The connection is then terminated between web client 100 and web server 150. Web client 100 then uses web browser 110 to display the requested file. A client request 115 therefore, consists of establishing a connection between the web client and the web server using network 125, issuing a response 120 to the request 115, and terminating the connection.
Web server 150 does not utilize state information about the request once the connection is terminated. HTTP is, therefore, a stateless application protocol. That is, a web client can send several requests to a web server, but each individual request is treated independent of any other request. In some instances, the web server maintains a record of such requests, but the web server does not use that information to process later requests. Thus, for example, if a form is completed by the user and submitted to the web server for processing, the web server may maintain a record of the data entered into the form, but that record will not be used to later influence another request from the same client. In other words, web server 150 may record a request in a log file, but it does not later read from the log to determine how to respond to another request from the same client.
Once a file is sent from web server 150 to web client 100 it becomes ready for display. The web client""s 100 web browser 110 is typically used to format and display files. Web browser 110 allows the user to request and view a file without having to learn a complicated command syntax. Examples of several widely used web browsers include Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, and Opera. Some web browsers can display several different types of files. For example, files written using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), the JavaScript programming language, the ActiveX programming language, or the Portable Document Format (PDF) may be displayed using a web browser. It is also possible to display various other types of files using language such as Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) or eXtensible Markup Language (XML).
Creating a Web Page
A form, which provides one or more places for a user to enter data, can be embedded inside of a web page. A web page may be created using a variety of different data formats and/or programming languages. Most web pages, and as a result most forms, are created using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). The techniques used to create a web page will now be discussed in further detail.
HTML is a language that may be used to specify the contents of a web page (e.g. web page 220). An HTML description is typically comprised of a set of markup symbols which are described in more detail below. HTML file 250 or any type of data file that contains the markup symbols for web page 220 may be sent to web browser 210. Web browser 210 executing at web client 200 parses the markup symbols in HTML file 250 and produces web page 220, which is then displayed, based on the information in HTML file 250. Web page 220 may contain text, pictures, or forms comprised of embedded text fields, checkboxes, or other types of data that is to be displayed on the web client using web browser 210. Consequently, HTML document 250 defines the web page 220 that is rendered by web browser 210. For example, the following set of markup symbols directs web browser 210 to display a title, a heading, and an image called xe2x80x9cimage.jpgxe2x80x9d:
 less than HTML greater than
 less than HEAD greater than
 less than TITLE greater than  This is a document title  less than /TITLE greater than
 less than /HEAD greater than
 less than BODY greater than
 less than H1 greater than  This text uses heading level one  less than /Hl greater than
 less than IMG SRC=xe2x80x9chttp://www.idealab.com/image.jpgxe2x80x9d greater than
 less than /BODY greater than
 less than /HTML greater than
In the above example, markup symbols (e.g. xe2x80x9c less than xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9c greater than xe2x80x9d) indicate where each HTML command (e.g. TITLE) begins and ends. An HTML command, which is typically surround by markup symbols, provides the web browser with instructions to execute. Markup symbols typically surround an HTML command. The xe2x80x9c less than xe2x80x9d symbol indicates the start of an HTML command an the xe2x80x9c less than xe2x80x9d symbol indicates the end of an HTML command. Each start or end command has a corresponding xe2x80x9c greater than xe2x80x9d to indicate the close of that particular command. Information associated with the HTML command may be contained within the HTML command""s start and end symbols. An HTML command is used by the web browser 210 to determine how to process the block of information associated with the two commands.
In the above example, xe2x80x9c less than TITLE greater than xe2x80x9d, and xe2x80x9c less than /TITLE greater than xe2x80x9d are examples of HTML commands surrounded by markup symbols. The xe2x80x9c less than /TITLE greater than xe2x80x9d HTML command directs web browser 210 to place the text xe2x80x9cThis is a document titlexe2x80x9d in the title bar of web browser 210.
Some HTML commands have attribute names associated with the command. For example, HTML command xe2x80x9c less than IMG greater than xe2x80x9d, directs web browser 210 to display an image. A xe2x80x9cSRC=xe2x80x9d attribute identifies the location and name of the image to be displayed. In the above example, the statement xe2x80x9c less than IMG SRC=xe2x80x9chttp://www.idealab.com/image.jpgxe2x80x9c greater than xe2x80x9d tells the web browser to display an image named xe2x80x9cimage.jpgxe2x80x9d that can be obtained from the web server located at xe2x80x9chttp://www.idealab.com.xe2x80x9d
Embedding a Form into a Web Page
An HTML file may also contain HTML commands that cause the web browser to render a web page that contains fields for entering data. The portion of the web page that contains the data entry fields may be referred to as a form (e.g. the portion enclosed in the HTML tags  less than FORM greater than  less than /FORM greater than ). When the web page is comprised of primarily data entry fields the entire web page is sometimes also referred to as a form. As is discussed below, HTML includes an HTML form command that may cause the browser to display data entry fields. A text box, a drop down menu, a check box, a command button, a toggle button, or any other kind of interface component capable of receiving input are some examples of the type of data entry fields that may be placed in a form. Data is manually entered into the fields by the user and then submitted to a web server for processing. As previously discussed, when a user wishes to use a form to purchase a product, for example, the user manually fills in text boxes located on the form with the type of information needed to carry out the transaction. Other types of data entry fields require the user to select from one or more options such as in the case of a menu, a toggle button, or a radio button, for example. When the form is complete the user submits the completed form to the vendor""s web server by pressing a command button, for example.
A problem with collecting information from the user in this manner is that the user is required to manually enter data into the fields of a form. This takes time and becomes unnecessarily burdensome when the user wishes to complete more than one form with the same information.
FIG. 3 provides an example of, a form created using the HTML definition language. Code block 310 contains HTML command examples. When a document comprising code block 310 is transmitted to web browser 300 executing on web client 330, it causes form 305 to be displayed. Web browser 300 displays form 305 by parsing the HTML commands contained in code block 310 and then using the information obtained to format form 305. Once the user finishes entering information into form 305, the user may submit the form by pressing command button 331. Pressing command button 331 sends the information entered by the user in form 305 to web server 320 using the POST method. However, one of ordinary skill in the art could modify code block 310 to use the GET method instead of the POST method.
The  less than FORM greater than command shown in code block 310 indicates the beginning of a form. Once the initial FORM command is placed into the HTML document other HTML commands may be entered between the initial FORM command and the closing FORM command (e.g.  less than /FORM greater than ) that represent, for example, one or more data entry fields such as a text-box, drop-down lists, check boxes, radio buttons, and input buttons. The INPUT command is used to specify different types of data entry fields. The type of data entry field created is dependant upon the value assigned to the INPUT command""s TYPE attribute. For example, the INPUT command can create a text-box, a password field, a hidden field, a button, a radio button, or a checkbox. A xe2x80x9ctextxe2x80x9d value assigned to the TYPE attribute of an INPUT command creates a text box, for example. Similarly, a TYPE of xe2x80x9ccheckboxxe2x80x9d creates a checkbox. The following code, if inserted after the FORM element, creates a text box and a checkbox:
 less than INPUT TYPE=xe2x80x9ctextxe2x80x9d NAME=xe2x80x9cuser_namexe2x80x9d greater than
 less than INPUT TYPE=xe2x80x9ccheckboxxe2x80x9d NAME=xe2x80x9cuser_item1xe2x80x9d greater than
The HTML tags and text contained in code block 310, for example, create form 305 when displayed using web browser 300.
A  less than FORM greater than tag may contain an ACTION and/or METHOD attribute. The ACTION attribute specifies what program on the server to execute when form 305 is submitted for processing. The METHOD attribute describes how data entered into the form is handled. There are two METHOD choices: GET and POST. Each one of them is capable of processing the data entered into a form. To illustrate, if a user named Bill who resides at 130 West Union Street, Pasadena, Calif. 91103 with a credit card number of 1111222233334444 completes the Name Address, and Credit Card number fields shown on form 305 by filling in spaces 345-347, then the following data string 350 is created and sent to web server 320.
user_name=Billanduser_address=130 West Union Street
Pasadena CA 91103anduser_cc=1111222233334444
This data string may be handled by either the GET method or the POST method. However, in FIG. 3 it is handled by the POST method. The GET method appends information entered into form 305 by the user onto the end of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL 335) or in a QUERY_STRING environment variable. URL 335 is submitted to web server 320 by web client 330 in an HTTP request 315. Web server 320 is responsible for processing the submitted information. A problem with the GET method is that the information contained in URL 335 is not stored on web client 330 for later use and cannot therefore be later used to populate form 305. With the POST method, the information placed into form 305 by the user is placed into the data stream of the HTTP protocol. This allows web server 320 to process form 305 data using the standard input data stream to a separate program or script on the server. Standard input is a method for providing a program or script with data that is well know to programmers skilled in the art. The POST method also does not provide a way to store data on web client 330 for later use.
The ACTION attribute of the FORM tag indicates where the computer program tasked with processing data string 350 resides. For example, the following portion of code block 310 specifies that a computer program (e.g. a PERL script) named form_processor.pl is located in cgi-bin 321 of sever 320.
 less than FORM METHOD=POST ACTION=http://server320/form_processor.pl greater than
The form_processor.pl program is responsible for processing data string 350. Programs that utilize the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) standard are typically located in a common directory (e.g. cgi-bin 321). CGI is a specified standard for communicating between HTTP servers and server-side gateway programs. A CGI program is capable of storing data supplied by the user, but it cannot determine whether the user asking for the form is the same user that previously submitted data to the CGI program. If the user has never visited the web site before, the CGI program does not have any information about that user. CGI programs can collect information about users who visit a web site, but such programs cannot collect information about users who have never visited the web site.
The program xe2x80x9cform_processor.plxe2x80x9d used in the above example is an example of a server-side program that processes data input by the user via form 305, for example. When form 305 is submitted web server 320 executes the xe2x80x9cform_processor.plxe2x80x9d program and passes the data that was entered by the user and then sent from web client 330 to server 321. That is, data string 350 is passed to xe2x80x9cform_processor.plxe2x80x9d when a form is submitted. When the gateway program is done processing data string 350 the result is sent to server 320 and a response may be forwarded back to web client 330. Gateway programs can be compiled programs written in languages such as C or C++ or they can be executable scripts written using a scripting language such as PERL, TCL, or various other language. Once data string 350 is processed it may be stored on server 320 in data store 322. A problem with using CGI programs is that since they are located on the server, information cannot easily be saved on the web client for later use.
Thus, existing mechanisms for processing forms reside on the server and are unable to populate a form on the client with user data from users that have never visited the web site having the form (e.g. the data is only available to web servers the user has previously visited).
HTTP Cookies
One example of data that may be stored on the client is a cookie. A cookie is an HTTP header that consists of a text-only string. The text-string is entered into the memory of a web client and accessible by the web browser. This text-string is initially set by the computer serving the web page and consists of the domain name, path, lifetime, and value of a variable that the server sets. If the lifetime of this variable is longer than the time the user spends at that site, then the text-string is saved on the web client for later use. As a result, cookies provide a way to store and later recall values entered into a web page by the user. For example, cookies allow a web server to individually customize a web page for each user who visits the page.
A cookie may be used to populate the elements of a form that a user has previously completed. For example, referring now to FIG. 9, if a user completes field 945-947 of form 905 and submits it to server 920 via submission path 915, server 920 can place the data submitted by the user in cookie 931 by sending web client 910 data via path 925. If the user returns to form 905 again Web browser 930 executing at web client 910 may use the data saved in cookie 931 populate fields 945-947 with the data previously entered by the user. Thus, a cookie can free the user from having to complete form 905 more than once. Cookies can be used to fill forms the user has previously visited. However, the data that is stored by the cookie cannot be used to populate other forms. That is, a problem with cookies is that forms located on different servers are not provided access to the same cookie. Only web servers that are listed as having permission to access a particular cookie may obtain such access.
A cookie is only accessible to the server that set, or created it. Thus, a second form cannot use the first form""s cookies to obtain the user""s name and address. For example, the web server located at www.merchantA.com may be allowed to read a cookie, but the web server located at www.merchantB.com may not be allowed to read the cookie created by www.merchantA.com
Referring now to FIG. 4, the process used to create and retrieve a cookie is illustrated. Initially, web browser 401 which resides on web client 400 issues a request 410 for web page 415 from web server 450. Web server 450 responds by sending a copy of web page 415 to web client 400 via response 411. Web client 400 uses web browser 401 to display web page 415 to the user. To create a cookie 460, web server 450 sends a xe2x80x9cSet-Cookiexe2x80x9d command in the header line contained in response 411. For example, in response to a request 410, web server 450 may send the following command in HTTP response 411:
Set-Cookie: NAME=VALUE; expires=DATE; path=PATH; domain=DOMAIN_NAME; secure.
The NAME and VALUE parameter contain the information included in the cookie. DATE is the time at which the cookie expires and is thus no longer saved on web client 210. DOMAIN is the host address or domain name for which the cookie is valid. For example, if a cookie is set by a computer having a domain name of www.merchantA.com, only the server responsible for that particular domain name is provided access to the cookie. The PATH parameter specifies a subset of URL""s at the appropriate domain for which the cookie is valid. If the keyword secure is used then the cookie is only transmitted over a secure connection. All of these parameters except the NAME=VALUE are optional to set a cookie. Once the Set-Cookie command is sent to web client 400 a cookie 460 is placed on web client 400.
To create a cookie 460 using the UNIX operating system, for example, web server 450 could execute the following shell script in response to a request 410:
#!/bin/sh
echo Content-type: text/html
echo Set-cookie: FooBar=foo; expires=Wednesday, 02-11-99 12:00:00 GMT
echo
echo  less than H1 greater than A Cookie named Foobar containing the text foo is now present on your computer less than /H greater than
This script stores xe2x80x9cFooBar=fooxe2x80x9d on web client 400. The following script allows web server 450 to read the HTTP cookie:
#!/bin/sh
echo Content-type: text/html
echo
echo The data supplied here was obtained from a cookie: less than P greater than
echo $HTTP_COOKIE
Once cookie 460 is created, the information stored in the cookie can be used in many different ways. Information in cookie 460 may be accessed by a script that has authorization to insert cookie 460 data into a form, for example. However, a problem with cookies that no authentication mechanism is required to obtain the information they store. A cookie is a text file and is not stored in encrypted form. While a browser may limit access to a cookie, the text that is stored in the cookie may be accessed or read by any program that can read a text file. Therefore, it is not wise to store any sensitive data in a cookie. An additional problem with cookies is that users do not have to enter a user name and password to obtain access to the cookie.
Predefined Paste Operation
Some web browsers provide users with a mechanism for pasting predefined data into a form. Under the generic preferences menu of the Opera web browser, for example, the user can select a command button labeled personal information. When this command button is selected a dialog box that contains fields for entering personal information opens. If the user desires, the user can enter a name, an address, a phone number, an e-mail address, and/or any other kind of information into the text fields of the dialog box.
Once the user enters information into the fields of the dialog box and clicks xe2x80x9cOKxe2x80x9d the information that was entered can be pasted into the fields of a form by performing a right click operation. For example, if the user encounters a form that has a place for entering an address, the user can elect to paste the address previously specified in the dialog box by first selecting the address field and then right-clicking on a pointing device such as a mouse and selecting from a drop down menu the item titled xe2x80x9cinsert addressxe2x80x9d.
A problem with pasting information into the fields of a form in this manner is that the user is required to manually select the place to insert the information and the type of information to insert into that place. Another problem is that unauthorized users are not prevented from accessing the information entered into the dialog box.
A method and apparatus for populating a form with data is described. One embodiment of the present invention executes on a web client that is connected to a computer network such as the Internet. The web client is capable of obtaining web pages that contain forms from the Internet. The web client contains computer code, such as a form completion program, configured to enable a user to populate a form with data. The form completion program interacts with a target application (e.g. a web browser) installed at the web client to provide the user with a mechanism for filling out multiple forms. The form completion program, for example, provides the user with a mechanism to complete a form by dragging a graphical representation of a data set over to the form and then dropping it.
In one embodiment of the invention, a form is displayed to the user via the target application. Each form has one or more data receptacles. The data receptacles of a form are filled with data when the user executes a data population command. The form completion program executes the data population command when a graphical representation of a particular data set is placed over the form. The form completion program collects data from the user via a data collection interface. The data collection interface provides data entry fields for the user to enter a particular type of information (e.g. a data set). Each data set that is entered using the data collection interface is stored in an encrypted manner and is accessible to users who enter the appropriate information into an authentication mechanism.
To populate a form with data the form completion program obtains an image of the form and then searches for a template file that resembles the form image to within a certain threshold. The template files are typically stored on the computer hosting the target application in a template directory that is arranged according to a predefined structure. The form completion program is configured to search for templates that resemble the form image in the template directory to within a certain threshold. However, the invention also contemplates searching for templates at alternate locations. Templates, for example, may reside on any other computer that is accessible via a telecommunication medium such as a computer network.
The form completion program examines each template file in order to determine if one or more of the template files resembles the form image to within a certain threshold. If a template file that resembles the form image to within a certain threshold is located, then the form completion acknowledges that a match occurred. When a match occurs the form completion program utilizes the template file to identify what kind of data to insert into each of the form""s data receptacles. For example, the template file allows the form completion program to determine which of the data receptacles contain personal information and which data receptacles contain payment information. Once the form completion program successfully identifies what kind of data to insert into each data receptacle the program begins to input the appropriate kind of data into the appropriate data receptacle.
The present invention contemplates the use of multiple techniques to insert information into the data receptacles. The technique used is largely dependent upon the type of target application used to display the form.

Method and apparatus for populating a form with data


A circulating nipple used to circulate fluid through well casing while running the casing into a well. The circulating nipple has a body portion and an elongated neck portion. The elongated neck portion is adapted for engagement with a pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. The body defines one or more holes therethrough adapted for receiving a handle or operating bar therein. The operating bar may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the use of the pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. Methods of running casing using the circulating nipple are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to circulating nipples used for filling well casing and for circulating fluid through well casing while setting or running the casing in a well, and more particularly, to a circulating nipple having an extended neck portion adapted for receiving a pipe wrench thereon and having holes therein adapted for receiving a handle or operating bar therethrough to facilitate installation and removal of the nipple.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is conventional practice to drill a well to a desired depth and set casing in the well by running a casing string and then cementing the casing in place. The casing string is made up by connecting a plurality of casing sections or joints as the string is lowered into the well. The casing string is held stationary while each section of the casing is connected to the top of the existing casing string. The casing string is then lowered until the top of the string approaches the level of the rig floor. The next section of casing is assembled on the casing string, and the casing is again lowered. As each length of casing or casing section is connected, a circulating nipple, sometimes referred to as a circulating swage, is made up on the upper end of the casing string. The nipple is designed with a casing or tubing pin thread at the bottom and a smaller connection at the top for engagement with fluid flow lines. This top connection is typically a two-inch FIG. 1502 female connection.
Since the sections of the pipe forming the casing are relatively long, the top of the casing may be as high as thirty to forty feet above the rig floor which requires that the nipple be made up on the upper section of casing that far above the rig floor. This necessitates that the nipple be made up on the casing by hand and tightened with the use of hand-held chain tongs. Prior art circulating nipples are relatively long and heavy, and the outer surface of the nipple is usually a smooth, machined finish. This finish makes it difficult for the chain tongs to "bite" into the surface. As a result, the chain tongs frequently slip which can cause loss of balance of the person trying to make up the nipple as well as increasing the time required to complete the task. In addition, the weight and length of the nipple adds to the problem of maneuvering it into position on the casing.
Therefore, there is a need for a circulating nipple which is easier to handle and position on the casing string and which is also more easily made up on the casing string. The present invention addresses this need in several ways. Because-the nipple is designed so that it does not need to be made up with chain tongs, the length and weight of the nipple are approximately thirty to thirty-five percent less than prior art nipples. The lighter weight and shorter length combine to make the nipple easier to handle, especially when making up the casing string a large distance above the rig floor. A neck portion of the nipple has been lengthened compared to the prior art, allowing the use of a pipe wrench thereon if desired to make the nipple up in the casing. Further, holes have been provided on the circulating nipple which allow the use of a handle or operating bar to tighten the nipple. The operating bar is the same as, or similar to, the type used to open and close plug valves, such as Halliburton Lo-Torc.RTM. plug valves. Because the bar is inserted into a hole, there is extremely little chance that the bar will slip, thereby minimizing the dangers that are present with the use of chain tongs on prior art nipples. Thus, the circulating nipple of the present invention may be made up more quickly and in a manner which is relatively safer for the person making up the nipple and other personnel on the rig floor.

Circulating nipple and method for setting well casing


A cooling device for a stationary ring surrounding a gas-turbine hot-gas flow path, said ring being made up of a plurality of ring segments that are fastened by upstream and downstream fastener systems onto a plurality of spacer segments forming a support spacer surrounding said ring so as to co-operate therewith to define at least one annular impact cavity into which at least one air supply orifice opens out, each ring segment having walls that are pierced with a plurality of air exhaust holes opening out both into the impact cavity, and into the hot-gas flow path, the device further comprising means for channeling the air coming from leakage through the seals of the fastener systems, and for directing it towards at least one of the axial ends of the ring segments so as to cool said end(s).

The present invention relates to the general field of cooling devices for stationary rings surrounding flow paths for hot gas in gas turbines. It relates more particularly to a cooling device that makes it possible to channel and to use the air coming from leakage through the seals of the fasteners that fasten together the ring-forming segments and their supports.
In a gas turbine, e.g. in a high-pressure turbine of a turbomachine, the moving blades are surrounded by a stationary ring over the entire circumference of a stationary housing forming a shroud. The ring is generally in the form of sectors, i.e. it is made up of a plurality of ring segments that are placed end to end, and it contributes to defining the flow path for the hot gas coming from the combustion chamber of the turbomachine and passing through the turbine.
The ring segments are fastened onto the shroud by means of a stationary support-forming spacer that is likewise in the form of sectors made up of a plurality of spacer segments. More particularly, the ring segments are fastened onto the spacer segments by means of upstream and downstream fastener systems. In addition, the ring segments and the spacer segments are disposed relative to one another so as to form an annular "impact" cavity which is radially defined between axial annular walls of the spacer and ring segments.
It is known to provide such ring segments with cooling devices enabling them to withstand the high temperatures of the hot gas with which they are in contact. One of the methods of cooling the ring segments consists in forming a cooling-air supply orifice in each spacer segment so as to supply air to the impact cavity formed between the ring and spacer segments, and in forming a plurality of air exhaust holes in walls of the ring segments, said air exhaust holes opening out both into the cavity, and into the hot-gas flow path 6. An impact plate can also be disposed in the impact cavity between the air supply orifice and the air exhaust holes of the ring segments. Because of the pressure difference on each side of the impact plate, the air passes through said plate, impacts against the walls of the ring segments to be cooled, and is evacuated via the air exhaust holes pierced through said walls.
Such an arrangement generally enables the ring segments to be cooled effectively. However, in view of the significant difference in air pressure between the impact cavity and the hot-gas flow path, air leaks occur through the fastener systems that fasten the ring segments onto the spacer segments. These leaks result from the fastener systems being poorly sealed. In practice, the leaked air flows tangentially along a ring segment and is evacuated into the hot-gas flow path at the join between adjacent ring segments. This air, which can represent up to 0.2% of the total flow of cooling-air, does not participate in cooling the ring segments. This represents a significant quantity of air that is not used, and that could be used to cool other sectors of the turbomachine.

Cooling device for a stationary ring of a gas turbine


A moisture-impervious plastic container thermally formed from a coextruded sheet including a layer of polypropylene directly adhered to a layer of butadiene-styrene polymer.

Many food and pharmaceutical products must be packaged in moisture-impervious containers. Historically, glass and metal containers were used for this purpose. More recently, to reduce cost and make the containers disposable, plastics have been combined in multilayer composite structures, with one layer providing the desired barrier to moisture and another layer the required structural properties. An intervening adhesive layer has generally been needed to adhere the other two together. The containers are manufactured by first forming a composite sheet, either by coextrusion or by laminating together separately-formed sheets, and then thermally forming the containers from the sheet.


A holder, for a two-wheeler lock, includes a carrier that bounds a reception region for receiving the two-wheeler lock and a fixing element supported at the carrier and movable between an open position and a closed position for fixing the two-wheeler lock in the reception region. A support element is provided at the carrier that projects from the carrier along a transverse axis aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the carrier and is configured to engage into a cut-out of the two-wheeler lock. The support element is the only element of the holder that supports the two-wheeler lock received in the reception region against a movement along the longitudinal axis of the carrier in the open position of the fixing element, with the fixing element blocks the two-wheeler lock against a removal from the support element along the transverse axis in the closed position.

Folding locks serve, for example, for the securing of a two-wheeler to a bicycle stand, to a lamppost or the like. For this purpose, the folding lock comprises a lock body and a jointed bar hoop which is fastened thereto and which has a plurality of jointed bars which are pivotably connected to one another and which may be folded together to form an axially parallel arrangement. The jointed bars are folded apart for the use of the folding lock to form an open loop that may, for example, engage around a frame section of the two-wheeler and the bicycle stand, lamppost or the like. To secure the two-wheeler against unauthorized use, the loop is then closed and a free end of the loop or of the jointed bar hoop is latched to the lock body.
The jointed bars may be folded together after an unlatching of the folding lock to form a compact arrangement (a so-called yardstick configuration) for the transport of the folding lock by the authorized user during the trip with the two-wheeler. The folding lock may be received in the holder in this configuration. Such holders are typically fastened to a tube section of the frame, of the bicycle luggage carrier or of the seat tube of the two-wheeler.
An exemplary folding lock is known from DE 10 2005 040 066 B4. DE 20 2005 013 390 U1 describes a bag for a folding lock.
Provided that the holder is equipped with a movable fixing element, the movable fixing element only has to be moved into the closed position to fix the two-wheeler lock in the reception region of the holder.
The holder may furthermore have a support element that supports the two-wheeler lock received in the reception region against a movement in the longitudinal direction. Such a support element may be formed, for example, by the bottom of a bag or by a support shell.
However, it may be difficult in dependence on the geometry of the frame of the two-wheeler to introduce the two-wheeler lock along its longitudinal axis into a bag or obliquely into a support shell, for example because a top tube extending above the holder restricts the introduction path.
It is furthermore a disadvantage of common holders having a bag or a support shell that the length of the two-wheeler lock that is received is limited by the bottom of the bag or of the support shell. It is desirable in this respect that a holder is universally usable for a plurality of different types or sizes two-wheeler locks.
It is also disadvantageous if the two-wheeler lock received in the holder causes unwanted rattling noises, for instance due to a lateral clearance due to production tolerances, during the trip with the two-wheeler due to the vibrations that occur here.