A method for acquiring and assembling software components at execution time into a client program, where the components may be acquired from remote networked servers is disclosed. The acquired components are assembled according to knowledge represented within one or more acquired mediating components. A mediating component implements knowledge of an object model. A mediating component uses its implemented object model knowledge, acquired component class information and polymorphism to assemble components into an interacting program at execution time. The interactions or abstract relationships between components in the object model may be implemented by the mediating component as direct invocations or indirect events or software bus exchanges. The acquired components may establish communications with remote servers. The acquired components may also present a user interface representing data to be exchanged with the remote servers. The mediating components may be assembled into layers, allowing arbitrarily complex programs to be constructed at execution time.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to compositional software and, more particularly, to methods for dynamically acquiring and assembling software components in distributed object environments.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently there has been a growing interest in the area of xe2x80x9cCompositional Software,xe2x80x9d which refers to software that is assembled from components. Proponents of this technology envision a future where software engineers assemble applications from catalogs of software components, similar to the way that hardware engineers design boards by selecting integrated circuits from catalogs. The goal of building applications by assembling components is to simplify software development so that average programmers do not have to be extensively educated or exceptionally skilled. An anticipated shortage of software engineers and programmers in the future means that software should be made easier and quicker to build to meet the demand for ever more sophisticated and flexible applications.
In the prior art, application-build environments were operating system dependent, because the GUI components generated were mapped to services supported by the windowing system. With the introduction of Java, a language designed to run on any hardware platform and on any operating system, components can now be generated that will work on any system with the Java Virtual Machine. The Java Virtual Machine provides a runtime environment for Java that shields the Java program from the idiosyncrasies of any given operating system. The Java program extends standard classes to implement objects, and inherited code from standard base classes is written to function the same on all platforms. The Java environment guarantees that a Java application written with components will work the same no matter where it is run. This is necessary particularly for the World Wide Web (WWW) environment, where the client may be any computer that has a browser.
The Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) is a conventional technology that allows objects within distributed object-oriented programs to invoke methods remotely. The significance of this technology is that distributed programs may be written as if all the objects were located in the same process space, so that the programming becomes simpler using CORBA compared to previously available distributed techniques. In addition, CORBA supports language and operating system independent remote method invocation, allowing the client to perform method invocations on server objects written in different languages or running on different platforms. CORBA provides networking independence the way that the Java Virtual Machine provides operating system independence.
Distributed object-oriented (OO) programs based on CORBA allow general purpose applications to be developed across multiple heterogeneous systems and databases. Frequently, CORBA servers are used to put an object-oriented front end on a legacy system or database. The details of interacting with the legacy system are encapsulated within the CORBA server""s objects so the client can be written more simply. Distributed OO programs can integrate a corporation""s existing software much faster than rewriting the legacy systems, so the benefits of an integrated software environment or data warehouse can be achieved without investing years in developing a new version of business-critical applications.
CORBA objects are statically located on the server. Clients access the CORBA object""s data and behavior by remote method invocations. The client obtains a reference to a remote CORBA object, and then interacts with the CORBA object. This programming style works very well for providing an object-oriented interface to a non-OO legacy system, because the legacy system is encapsulated by the CORBA objects on the server.
Combining Java with CORBA provides an incredibly powerful programming environment. CORBA provides cross-language support, which is very important for interacting with legacy systems and servers in other languages. Java provides portability and mobility. Portability allows Java programs to be run on any system having a Java Virtual Machine. Mobility allows the programs to be downloaded on demand.
Java software offers portability, which allows the software to run on any platform. When Java applets are combined with remote method invocation, then some very interesting web-based applications can be built. A Java graphical frontend can communicate with object-oriented servers using CORBA or the Java-to Java Remote Method Invocation (RMI). Now the Java client can provide access to data such as airline reservation systems or control remote devices such as large telescopes or roaming unmanned vehicles. The client uses remote method invocations to interact with a server, and the server may encapsulate a legacy system, a database, or any arbitrary computer-controlled function.
The advantage here is that the portability and mobility of Java applets makes it possible to give virtually anyone access to the application who has access to the Internet. The back-end server is still controlled, maintained, and upgraded by programmers and administrators physically close (usually) to the database or computer-controlled equipment.
An interesting and useful feature of object-oriented software is the ability of an object to masquerade as different types. This feature is called xe2x80x9cpolymorphism.xe2x80x9d There are restrictions to this ability, and the restrictions are set by the class hierarchies to which the object belongs. The ability of an object to masquerade as another type is determined by the class hierarchy(ies) to which the object belongs. An object can only masquerade as a superclass of the object""s class. Hierarchies allow classes to be constructed that are subtypes or refinements of existing classes.
An object-oriented system may be represented by an Object Model. An Object Model is a graphical picture used by software designers to describe the classes of objects in the system and the interactions between the objects. Graphical modeling languages such as Unified Modeling Language (UML) are well-known in the object-oriented industry for describing the classes of objects, attributes, operations and relationships. The object model is a design. The source code for an object implements the interaction with another object by referring to the object""s attribute values or calling operations. The interactions are determined at design time and fixed at compile time.
A method for distributed object communications based on dynamically acquired and assembled software components is disclosed. This invention provides a method for incrementally acquiring additional software components which can then be assembled according to the logic represented within one or more mediating components. The acquired components may then initiate communications with remote servers and/or may provide a component-specific user interface.
The present invention includes three main features. First, components are written in a language that supports portability, polymorphism and mobility so that they may be acquired via downloading from one or more networked servers, databases or file systems and instantiated prior to being assembled. Second, mediating component(s) provide implementation of the knowledge representation of the interactions of other components therefore assuming responsibility for coordinating interactions between the acquired and assembled components. Third, the components acquired may then initiate communications with remote servers and/or provide a user interface.
The present invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Method for distributed object communications based on dynamically acquired and assembled software components


An adduct including a reaction product of (a) at least a first cycloaliphatic amine compound; (b) at least a second cycloaliphatic amine compound; and (c) at least one cycloaliphatic epoxy resin compound; a curable epoxy resin coating composition including (i) the above adduct; and (ii) at least one thermosetting epoxy resin compound; said curable composition being curable at ambient temperature; and a cured weatherable coating prepared from the above curable composition.

Epoxy resins are one of the most important classes of thermosetting polymers with greater than (>) about 50 percent (%) being used for protective coatings such as weatherable coating used in maintenance and protective coating (M&PC) applications. Known epoxy resins useful in coating applications include for example bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) which are popular in the industry (e.g., >75% of resin sales volume) because BADGE is readily available in the industry and because BADGE exhibits a good balance of properties.
However, BADGE based articles exhibit poor ultraviolet (UV) light resistance; and the poor UV light resistance property of BADGE based articles creates difficulties with yellowing and chalking in exterior applications. The poor ultraviolet (UV) light resistance of BADGE based articles is due to aromatic ether groups present in the chemical structure of BADGE because the aromatic ether groups present in the chemical structure of BADGE tend to absorb UV radiation leading to photooxidative degradation. For this reason, epoxy resin coatings made from BADGE are often overcoated with a durable top coat made from for example polyurethane, an alkyd, or an acrylic composition in order to impart protection to the epoxy under coating.
Approximately 80% of the cost of a protective coating system comes from labor to prepare the surface and apply the coating. If an epoxy coating could be made with weatherable properties and useful in applications such as anticorrosion coating systems without the requirement for a top coat, such epoxy coating could provide significant systems savings in terms of costs of materials and labor efficiencies.
Some non-aromatic epoxy resin compounds are inherently UV resistant because the epoxy resin compounds lack aromatic ether linkages. For example, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) epoxy resin and Unoxol™ (an epoxy resin which is a mixture of 1,3 and 1,4 cis and trans cyclohexanedimethanol epoxy resin), are both aliphatic epoxy resins; and such resins lack aromatic ether linkages, but instead contain aliphatic linkages. Thus, such aliphatic epoxy resin compounds are inherently more UV resistant than aromatic epoxy resins.
However, aliphatic epoxides do not react effectively with conventional nucleophilic epoxy curing agents, such as amines, at ambient temperature (e.g. at about 25° C.). The lower reactivity at ambient temperature arises because (i) the aliphatic epoxides are less susceptible to nucleophilic attack due to the lower electronegativity of the cycloaliphatic ring relative to the aromatic ring in standard epoxies, and (ii) conventional amine curing agents lack compatibility with cycloaliphatic epoxy resins.
Furthermore, curing agents used with cycloaliphatic epoxy resins often require additional accelerators, such as DMP-30 or salicylic acid to achieve ambient cure. The accelerators often negatively affect coating performance by introducing aromatic groups, particularly aromatic groups with a heteroatom directly bound to the aromatic ring, into the coating formulation. Such curing agents pose a barrier which has historically prevented cycloaliphatic epoxy resins from use in ambient temperature cure M&PC applications.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770 discloses water-reducible curing agents for epoxy resins made from the diglycidyl ether of cyclohexane dimethanol and a diamine selected from the group consisting of meta-xylylene diamine, isophorone diamine, diaminocyclohexane and 1,3-bisaminomethyl cyclohexane. These curing agents are soluble in water and are useful for curing epoxy resin compositions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770 discloses an aqueous solution of a hardener made at an epoxy to amine stoichiometric ratio of 1:2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770 does not disclose coating formulations nor cured coating compositions. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770 does not teach the use of amine adducts to improve the compatibility and the reactivity of such adducts with cycloaliphatic epoxies. Also, no curing accelerators nor stabilizers are mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770. Nothing in U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,770 teaches the use of adducts based on weatherable curing agents and cycloaliphatic epoxy for weatherable coating applications.
WO2009142898(A1) discloses adducts from UNOXOL epoxy resin. The homogeneity of adduct with epoxy resin not a requirement in WO2009142898(A1). In addition, ambient temperature cure is not demonstrated in WO2009142898(A1).
Other epoxy-amine adducts are known in the art including WO2009142898(A1); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,310,695, 3,629,181, 5,246,984, 3,496,130, 3,639,344 and 4,113,684. None of the above reference teach adducts suitable for curing epoxy resins, wherein the adduct is prepared by reacting an epoxy resin with an amine and the adduct is used in weatherable coating applications.
In addition, epoxy resins prepared by reacting aliphatic and cycloaliphatic diols with Lewis acids typically results in an epoxy resin containing a significant amount of chlorine due to oligomerization of epichlorohydrin onto the alcohol functionality. This bound chlorine provides unwanted sites for reaction with amines during adduct preparation and results in the release of chlorides into a composition. These high chloride containing adducts have an undesirable high viscosity and low reactivity. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,695 teaches removal of chlorine from an adduct by converting the adduct to hydroxyl functionality by hydrolysis in order to avoid problems when chlorine is present in the adduct. When high chloride containing adducts are subsequently cured with epoxy to yield coatings, these high chloride containing adducts provide low coating performance properties such as gloss, water resistance, and corrosion resistance.


A device and method to extract water from a moisture-rich fuel cell flowpath. A water transport unit is integrated into the fuel cell so that liquid water stagnation within flow channels and manifolds is reduced. In one embodiment, the device includes numerous flowpaths that include an active region and an inactive region. The water transport unit includes a hydrophilic member such that upon passage of a fluid with the excess water through the inactive region of the device flowpath and into the presence of the hydrophilic member, it absorbs excess water from the fluid.

The present invention relates generally to water management within a fuel cell, and more particularly to ways to remove water from moisture-rich reactant flowpaths.
In many fuel cell systems, hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas is supplied through a flowpath to the anode side of a fuel cell while oxygen (such as in the form of atmospheric oxygen) is supplied through a separate flowpath to the cathode side of the fuel cell. An appropriate catalyst (for example, platinum) ionizes the hydrogen into a proton and electron on the anode side such that upon subsequent combination of the proton with oxygen and the electrons at the cathode side, electric current is produced with high temperature water vapor as a reaction byproduct.
In one form of fuel cell, called the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), an electrolyte in the form of a ionomer membrane is assembled between electrodes known as an anode and cathode. This layered structure is commonly referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and is further layered between bipolar plates to allow communication with the respective anode and cathode reactants. The bipolar plates separating each MEA include channels formed in opposite surfaces. These channels act as conduit to convey hydrogen and oxygen reactant streams to the respective anode and cathode of the MEA. In addition to providing flowfield channels to act as reactant flowpaths, the bipolar plates can be made electrically conductive to act as current collectors for the generated electricity in the regions of the plates that are adjacent electrochemically active area of the MEA. Layers of porous support material and catalyst are situated between the channels of the plates and each side of the membrane to facilitate the necessary electrochemical reactions.
In a PEMFC stack, the water produced in the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode is removed through the flowfield channels formed in the bipolar plates. The highest concentration of water exists at or near the outlet regions of the plates, due in part to low gas velocities that reduce the purging quality of the gas. Under such conditions, the likelihood of liquid water stagnating and accumulating in the exit region of the plate is greater, which is undesirable in that by plugging up the flow channels with water droplets, it adversely impacts stack voltage stability. In addition, stack durability is impacted, as flow blockage entailed by such droplets can cause localized hydrogen starvation and related carbon corrosion. Furthermore, the accumulation of water that is exposed to sub-freezing conditions for prolonged periods leads to ice buildup within the flowfield channels, thereby inhibiting operation. Present methods of avoiding this condition include maintaining a high gas velocity to purge the excess liquid from the stack flowpath, and operating the stack under extremely dry conditions. The first is disadvantageous in that it necessitates additional power consumption to operate a compressor or related pumping device, while the second is disadvantageous in that it could upset the delicate humidity balance required in the ionomer. It is therefore desirable that a PEMFC stack be configured to reduce or eliminate the buildup of excess water in the flowfield channels of the bipolar plates without the disadvantages mentioned above.

Water removal system for non-reactive regions in PEFMC stacks


A cigarette monitoring device capable of monitoring individual smoking behaviour and particularly smoke deliveries and of communicating this and other information to a remote location and/or the consumer. The device comprises a cigarette monitoring means, fluid-flow pressure drop and smoke density detection means, data transmission means, data receiving and processing means, as well as means to display the processed data. Display means of the invention may display information that is of interest to the smoker and may offer a direct sales service to the consumer.

The subject invention relates to cigarette monitoring means operable to monitor aspects of cigarette mainstream smoke whilst a cigarette is the subject of human, as opposed to machine, smoking.
Known in the tobacco industry are cigarette monitors comprising a cigarette holder by which may be mounted a cigarette at the mouth end of the cigarette. In unit with the holder is a mouthpiece by means of which a cigarette mounted in the holder can be smoked by a human smoker, the mouthpiece being in fluid-flow communication with the mouth end of such cigarette. Betwixt the mouth end of such cigarette and the mouthpiece are disposed elements of fluid-flow pressure drop detection means and smoke density detection means. Such known cigarette monitors further comprise a data processing unit, the cigarette holder being connected to this unit by tubes of the fluid-flow detection means and electrical leads of the smoke density detection means. Such devices, however, do not provide actual smoking delivery values, merely a means of recording a real-time puff delivery profile.
It is an object of the subject invention to provide an improved cigarette monitoring means.

British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited)


A segment of a B picture is encoded using motion estimation based prediction according to a determination as to whether motion vectors corresponding to a number of already constructed reference pictures of the B picture are acceptable for use in a direct prediction mode without further refinement or whether refined motion vectors are needed. In response to a determination that refined motion vectors are needed, refined motion vectors are computed through a motion estimation process and are used to encode a temporal direct mode. The coded segment of the B picture does not include refined motion vectors in an encoded bit stream. Decoding the encoded bit stream involves identifying the mode selected for coding the segment of the B picture. Where the temporal direct mode using refined motion vectors was selected for encoding, local motion estimation refinement is used to generate local motion vectors, which are used to reconstruct the segment of the B picture.

1. Field
The present invention relates generally to video processing, and more specifically, to methods and systems for providing bi-directionally predicted video coding.
2. Background
The advent of high-speed, low-cost microprocessors has prompted a rapid growth in the development of devices that enable efficient storage and transmission of digital audio and video data. The huge demand for such devices, along with the desire to improve the quality of stored and/or transmitted audio and video data in systems with limited storage and transmission capacities, has resulted in rapid advancement of video data compression techniques. Furthermore, the typical large size and inherent redundancy of video files have also incentivized the development of such techniques.
Several ISO/ITU standards on video compression exist including, for example, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.263, and H.264. These standards exploit the spatio-temporal correlation in the video data, along with entropy-coding techniques, to achieve high compression ratios. These standards define three basic types of coded images or pictures including Intra predicted (I), Inter predicted (P) and Bi-directionally predicted (B) pictures. As B pictures employ motion-estimation-based prediction from past as well as future reference pictures, the coding efficiency of B pictures is in general superior to that of the other two types of pictures mentioned above.
The existing ISO/ITU video coding standards provide several methods (modes) for encoding bi-directionally predicted B pictures. The basic modes include a forward prediction mode, a backward prediction mode, a bi-directional prediction mode and a direct prediction mode. While the first three modes mentioned above require coding of all the motion vector data of the predicted picture with respect to a reference picture or pictures, the direct prediction mode requires coding of either a very small amount of motion vector data or, in some cases, no motion vector data at all. Several variants of the direct prediction mode appear in different video coding standards. In these various direct prediction modes, the forward and backward motion vectors are derived from the motion vectors that have already been computed between the reference pictures. These various direct prediction modes are thus particularly attractive because their implementation is computationally less involved and they are highly compressible. FIG. 1 illustrates a direct mode of the MPEG4 standard.
The latest video coding standard, the H.264 (ISO/IEC 14496-10), achieves much higher coding efficiency compared to previous standards. This is accomplished mainly due to better exploitation of the spatio-temporal correlation that may exist between picture segments. The main tools introduced in H.264 for this purpose are variable block sizes for motion compensation, multiple reference frames, generalized B images, multiple hypothesis prediction, intra prediction, and two direct modes for bi-directionally predicted images. The importance of direct modes is even higher in H.264 since it allows motion-estimation-based prediction at a much smaller block level. FIG. 2 illustrates a direct mode of the H.264 standard.
The usefulness of conventional direct modes, however, is limited to the case where the motion of picture segments in the bi-directionally predicted B picture is linear and of low intensity. These modes employ scaled motion vectors between reference pictures for predictive coding. Besides, in the conventional direct modes, the reverse motion vectors used for backward prediction are simply the scaled negative values of the forward motion vectors. This is a crude approximation and yields poor predictions that result in lower coding efficiency. The coding efficiency of direct modes is further reduced when motion vectors are not available in the reference picture(s), as in the case of Intra segments in the reference pictures.
Hence, it would be desirable to provide methods and systems that are capable of providing bi-directionally predicted video coding in a more efficient manner.

Method and system for providing bi-directionally predicted video coding


A prosthetic acetabular cup assembly, for receiving a ball attached to a femur, including components interlocked via a locking mechanism that includes a retaining ring fabricated at least in part using a polyaryletherketone material, such as PEEK. The locking mechanism is designed to meet predefined constraints such as assuring that substantially all motion is eliminated between assembled parts, assuring further that push-in/pull-out forces of assembly are within generally accepted industry standards, etc. Further aspect of the invention are directed to (a) the form and composition of the locking mechanism per se, such as locking mechanisms including a retaining ring fabricated at least in part using a polyaryletherketone material, where the shape of the retaining ring and manner in which it cooperates with the other components in the cup assembly results in a locking mechanism that satisfies the aforementioned constraints; (b) processes for fabricating specific types of retaining rings for use in securing the components of an acetabular cup assembly; and (c) to locking rings per se made utilizing polyaryletherketone material and composites including a polyaryletherketone material.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to hip prosthesis assemblies for replacing a natural hip socket; the form and composition of locking mechanisms used in such assemblies to secure the attachment of assembly components; and to processes for fabricating specific types of locking mechanisms including retaining rings per se, contemplated by the invention.
More particularly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a prosthetic acetabular cup assembly for receiving a ball attached to a femur. The components of the assembly (an insert bearing component and an outer shell component, both to be described in greater detail hereinafter) are, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, interlocked via a locking mechanism that includes a retaining ring fabricated at least in part using polyaryletherketone material, such as PEEK.
The locking mechanism used in such assemblies may take any one of a number of shapes that are useful for securing assembly components. Constraints influencing locking mechanism design include insuring that substantially all motion is eliminated between assembled parts, insuring further that push-in/pull-out forces of assembly are within generally accepted industry standards, etc.
A further aspect of the invention is directed to the form and composition of the locking mechanism per se. More particularly, various specific locking mechanisms fabricated using polyaryletherketone materials have been identified which have been found to have advantageous shapes for meeting the aforementioned constraints For example, according to one embodiment of the invention the locking mechanism includes a hex-shaped retaining ring having an inside radial chamfer, where the retaining ring is a composite fabricated at least in part using PEEK combined with a reinforcing material, e.g., carbon fibers with the reinforcing material being added to the PEEK matrix in order to reinforce the composite ring (e.g., to strengthen and add rigidity to the ring).
Still further aspects of the invention are, as indicated hereinabove, directed to processes for fabricating specific types of retaining rings for use in securing the components of an acetabular cup assembly; and to locking rings per se made utilizing polyaryletherketone material.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide an acetabular cup assembly, including a metal shell component for attachment to an acetabulum, to replace the natural socket; and to provide a polymer bearing component which is inserted into the shell to provide a hemispherical bearing surface for receiving a femur ball prosthesis element. Often, the polymer bearing component (also referred to herein as an "insert" component) is nonsymmetrical and includes a built up lip around a portion of the hemispherical bearing surface to help prevent dislocation of an installed femur ball from the hemispherical bearing surface.
During installation of the acetabular cup assembly, the shell component is first secured to the acetabulum. When a surgeon installs the bearing component, the surgeon selects an orientation of the bearing with respect to the shell component to align the lip of the nonsymmetrical bearing component in the most advantageous position to reduce the likelihood of dislocation of the femur ball.
Therefore, it is desirable to produce an acetabular cup assembly in which (a) the bearing component can be easily attached to the shell component in a large number of selected orientations to provide the maximum degree of flexibility for the surgeon using only a push-in force within some predefined range; and (b) the retention mechanism (for interlocking the shell and insert, also referred to herein as the "locking mechanism") allows the bearing component to be easily oriented and easily installed (as indicated hereinbefore); and easily removed by the surgeon, if necessary, using only a pull-out force within some predefined range.
The installed bearing component must also be secured to the shell component by a retention force (and associated means for inducing such force) that is strong enough to prevent rotation or dislocation of the bearing component from the shell component when the cup assembly is completed and being used as intended as a hip prosthesis device, i.e., after having been installed by the surgeon within the shell at the desired orientation.
An example of prior art addressing some of the aforementioned desirable aspects of an acetabular cup assembly and locking mechanism therefore, is U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,158, issued on Sep. 17, 1991, to Engelhardt et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,158 is hereby incorporated by reference.
The objectives of the incorporated reference (many of which are shared by the present invention) included (a) providing a retention mechanism for retaining a bearing component situated at any selected orientation inside a shell component which does not rely on the physical properties of the bearing component; (b) reducing the loading of forces on an outer lip or flange of the bearing component after the hip prosthesis is installed in a patient; (c) preventing rotation of the bearing component relative to the shell component after insertion of the bearing component into the shell component in a desired orientation; and (d) providing a self adjusting locking mechanism which retains the bearing component inside the shell component despite possible shrinkage of the bearing component after installation.
The incorporated reference met these objectives via its teaching of a prosthetic acetabular cup assembly that includes a single piece bearing component having an inner bearing surface for receiving a ball attached to a femoral prosthesis and an outer surface. The assembly includes a shell component for attachment to an acetabulum to replace a natural hip socket and has an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the bearing component therein.
According to the incorporated reference, a formed wire is situated in an arcuate groove that is part of the shell component. The formed wire is configured so that a portion of the wire extends radially inwardly from the arcuate groove of the shell component to engage a corresponding, axially aligned, arcuate groove formed in the bearing component to retain the bearing component inside the shell component without the use of attachment screws or the like.
Furthermore, according to the incorporated reference, anti-rotation lugs are formed on the inner surface of the shell component to cut into the outer surface of the bearing component as the bearing component is inserted into the shell component to prevent rotation of the bearing component relative to the shell component.
The incorporated reference goes on to teach the use, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention taught, of a serpentine shaped lock wire to interconnect and lock together the aforementioned bearing and shell components; with the lock wire preferably being made of cobalt chrome material that is shaped by conventional wire forming techniques. The resulting metal wire is, according to the reference, optionally heat treated to increase its strength. Titanium is also suggested by Engelhardt et al. as an alternate metal for fabricating the lock wire.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,090, issued Apr. 29, 1983, to Ramos, is another example of prior art which teaches the use of locking rings for an acetabular cup assembly. In particular, Ramos teaches that the lock ring for an acetabular cup assembly is "preferably made of a resistant metal such as Vitallium or stainless steel".
Using metal wire rings as part of a locking mechanism for interlocking components of an acetabular cup assembly, as taught in the prior art exemplified by the patents referred to hereinabove, is inherently problematic. For example, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, if the rings are made too thick they are stiff and not easy to work with; if the rings are made to thin they are "sloppy", that is they do not always retain their intended shape, spring capacity, etc.
Further problems with locking mechanisms for acetabular cup assemblies that employ metallic retaining rings include the prospect of unacceptably high push-in and/or pull-out forces being required when respectively assembling or trying to purposely disengage assembly components. For example, in the experiments to be described hereinafter it was found that a pull out force in excess of 1,500 pounds was required for Vitallium (.TM.) rings of approx. 0.050" in diameter.
Further yet, use of metallic wire lock rings, such as the Vitallium rings preferred by the aforementioned Ramos reference, etch, are known to be problematic because of certain inherently difficult and/or expensive process steps required when working with such material. Examples of such process steps include those steps needed to perform the inherently difficult task of converting straight wire into a desired wavy structure; steps needed to heat treat metallic wire retaining rings to increase their strength, etc.
Alternative materials for making lock rings, such as silicone and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), are also known in the art. However, many of these materials suffer from problems of their own. For example, both silicone and UHMWPE have inconsistent problems with a wide spread of push-in and push-out strengths, problems related to the shell/insert interface being too loose when these materials are used to fabricate the retaining ring, etc. Several of these problems were demonstrated in experiments referred to hereinafter, in the Detailed Description of the invention, where polyethylene was used to fabricate experimental retaining rings.
For all of the reasons set forth hereinabove, it would be desirable to provide an acetabular cup assembly design which is easy to use by the surgeon; is simple to put together and take apart as needed; and is made up of components that are easy to fabricate and replicate in mass at low cost.
As indicated hereinbefore, this desire includes being able to provide: (a) an acetabular cup assembly in which the bearing component can be easily attached to the shell component in a large number of selected orientations to provide the maximum degree of flexibility for the surgeon using only a push-in force within some predefined range; (b) a locking mechanism for use in such assemblies (for interlocking the shell and insert), which allows the bearing component to be easily oriented, easily installed and be easily removed by the surgeon, if necessary, using only a pull-out force within some predefined range; and (c) an acetabular cup assembly in which the bearing component can be secured to the shell component by a retention force (and associated means for inducing such force) that is strong enough to prevent rotation or dislocation of the bearing component from the shell component when the cup assembly is completed (after insertion of the bearing component into the shell component in a desired orientation) and being used as intended as a hip prosthesis device.
Furthermore, in view of the prior art discussed hereinabove, it would be particularly desirable to provide a locking mechanism for an acetabular cup assembly which includes a retaining ring that is made from a material that is strong, easy to machine and does not require the performance of the aforementioned wire shaping and/or heat treatment ring fabrication process steps.
Further yet, it is desirable to provide a locking mechanism for an acetabular cup assembly, that includes a retaining ring that is made from a material that allows the rings to be mass produced by, for examples an injection molding process to realize objectives of being able to minimize locking mechanism fabrication costs, assure consistency in the locking mechanism fabrication process and assure the quality of the components produced by such processes, etc.
Further still, it would be desirable to provide an acetabular cup assembly and a locking mechanism therefore, for use in such assembly to retain the bearing component inside the shell component after installation, which includes a retaining ring that is formed using materials that exhibit consistent push-in and pull-out forces; and result in assemblies that do not experience shell/insert toggle.
In view of the teachings of the incorporated Engelhardt et al. patent, which illustrates the present state of the art, it would be desirable to provide a locking mechanism that prevents rotation of assembly components and substantially eliminates motion between assembly components without having to machine or otherwise form separate means (like Engelhardt's lugs) to prevent such rotation and/or other motion.
Finally, it would be desirable to provide processes per se for fabricating the aforementioned desirable locking mechanisms and retaining rings, particularly those locking mechanisms and retaining rings that are suitable for incorporation into acetabular cup assemblies.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) retaining ring for an acetabular cup assembly


A method and apparatus is disclosed for inspecting a wall to evaluate the remaining thickness of the wall as well as the extent to which the wall has been infiltrated by another material. The disclosure discusses directing photons of radiation and/or neutrons into the wall and measuring and analyzing the radiation emitted from the wall as a result of Compton scattering, pair production, photoelectric absorption and/or neutron absorption. The invention is particularly well suited for inspecting a carbon hearth-wall liner of an iron-smelting blast furnace.

In a typical iron production process, a blast furnace is used to reduce iron ore to liquid iron for subsequent processing. A typical blast furnace 10, shown in FIG. 1, can be as high as 100 feet and have a diameter of 50 feet. Inside a steel shell 11 of the furnace 10, three-foot-thick refractory carbon blocks 14 form a hearth-wall liner providing thermal insulation between the molten iron (not shown) and the shell 11.
When the furnace 10 is operating, a burden is fed into the top of the furnace 10. The burden typically includes iron ore, coke and limestone. The iron ore provides iron which serves as the predominant component of steel. The coke combusts to provide the heat required for smelting. Moreover, the coke also supplies needed carbon and carbon dioxide. The limestone serves as a flux to form a fluid slag that can be readily drained from the hearth 12.
As the burden is fed to the furnace 10, it fills the stack 16 as a solid aggregate. The burden is then forced through the stack 16 down into an inverted conical section, known as the bosh 18, where melting starts. A blast of heated air and fuel are introduced through openings 20 at the bottom of the bosh 18, just above the hearth 12 to melt the burden. The resulting iron melt and slag accumulate in the hearth 12 to form a molten bath until drained through a tapping hole 22.
As iron is processed in the furnace 10, the carbon blocks 14 are gradually worn away or weakened due to erosion caused by the mechanical motion of molten iron and also due to infiltration of the molten iron into cracks which develop in the blocks 14. Infiltration and thinning of the carbon blocks 14 has conventionally required that the entire furnace 10 be shut down and relined approximately every six years. For a large furnace, relining requires three to four months downtime of the furnace and consequent loss of production. The cost of relining and shutdown can be $120 million or more.
If relining is delayed, the mechanical integrity of the blocks 14 can fail catastrophically allowing the molten iron to escape through the hearth-wall liner. Furnace failure can easily cost $5 million to $50 million, depending on the extent of damage. In recognition of this danger, blast furnace operators typically err on the conservative side and often replace the hearth-wall lining prematurely. In an effort to better assess the appropriate time to replace the hearth-wall liner, a variety of techniques have been used to evaluate its condition. A common technique uses thermocouples embedded into the hearth-wall liner at various locations. To augment the reliability of these measurements, the use of thermocouples is usually supplemented by periodically drilling through the hearth wall. Although the drilling damages the hearth, it nevertheless enhances the determination of hearth-wall liner thickness. Additionally, invasive optical methods have been developed to evaluate the inner surface of the hearth for wear from inside the furnace when the furnace is shut down and emptied.

Method for measurement of blast furnace liner thickness


A postage meter includes a printhead for printing an indicia; a device for determining a total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter and for ascertaining when the total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter has exceeded a predetermined amount; and a controller having first structure for automatically performing maintenance on the printhead on a recurring basis in accordance with a normal maintenance program, and second structure, operative at times when the first structure determines that the total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter has exceeded the predetermined amount, for performing maintenance on the printhead in accordance with an ink conservation maintenance program instead of the normal maintenance program to reduce the quantity of ink consumed during maintenance of the printhead.

This invention is relates to a method and apparatus for conserving ink consumption in an ink cartridge, and more particularly, relates to a method and apparatus for reducing ink consumption during the maintenance of a printhead used in a postage meter when a predetermined low amount of ink remains in the printhead ink cartridge.
Digital printing apparatus utilizing known ink jet printing techniques typically have a source of supply ink which is used by a printhead for printing on a recording medium. Replacement or replenishment of the ink supply is periodically required in order to ensure that continued satisfactory printing occurs. In many prior art devices, the determination as to when the ink supply should be replaced or replenished was usually made by the operator when the images being printed began to appear light or spotty. This simple visual procedure proved quite satisfactory in a majority of applications such as typewriters, word processors, and computer printers, because if a document of unsatisfactory print quality was produced, the ink supply could be replenished or changed and the document reprinted with little impact to the user. However, in printing devices used, for example, in connection with scientific equipment or in facsimile machines, the failure by the printing device to produce a readable image and the corresponding loss of data associated therewith could present a significant problem for the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,806 addresses the problem associated with printing devices where the loss of image data is unacceptable. This patent describes an apparatus which counts every individual ink dot that is ejected by the printhead in printing the image data. The apparatus keeps a running total of the number of ink dots ejected by the printhead during printing and continuously compares this total to a predetermined number of ink dots. In the event that the running total exceeds the predetermined number, a message is provided to the operator advising that the ink supply is low and should be replaced.
Additionally, it is known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,202,267 and 5,131,711 to utilize either optical sensors or conductive electrodes in an ink supply structure. Each of these devices determines the amount of ink remaining in the ink supply structure and provides an indication when the ink level reaches a predetermined low level such that the ink supply can be replaced.
Copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/701,897 entitled DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SENSING LOW INK LEVEL IN AN INK CARTRIDGE OF A POSTAGE METER and filed on Aug. 23, 1996 describes a method and apparatus utilized in a postage meter which counts the number of printed indicia and the types of maintenance actions required to be performed on the printhead as the basis for determining the level of ink remaining in the ink cartridge. When it is determined that a predetermined low amount of ink remains in the ink cartridge, a warning is given or the postage meter is disabled from operating until the ink cartridge is replaced.
In each of the above-described apparatus either 1) the ink cartridge is permitted to run out of ink without warning, 2) a warning is given at a low ink threshold but the ink cartridge is allowed to run out of ink if the operator does not timely replace the cartridge, or 3) when a low ink threshold is reached the apparatus is automatically disabled from further printing. In either of the first two situations, set forth above, where the ink cartridge is capable of running out of ink, permanent damage may occur to the printhead. That is, when the ink is depleted, automatic conventional printhead maintenance functions such as flushing or purging of the printhead can no longer be accomplished. If this situation occurs, the solvents in any reaming ink in the printhead nozzles may evaporate causing the remaining ink to dry out such that the printhead may become clogged and permanently damaged. This in turn requires replacement of the printhead which costs considerably more than the ink supply cartridge. In addition, in a postage meter, if the ink runs out during the printing of an indicia, the value of postage which should have been printed will be lost to the operator since accounting for the postage takes place prior to printing of the indicia.
In the event the apparatus is one that is prevented from further printing once the ink in the ink cartridge reaches a predetermined low level, damage to the printhead can be prevented assuming normal automatic printhead maintenance functions are maintained. However, the automatic shutdown of an apparatus in the middle of printing is often not desirable for the customer. For example, if the customer is in the middle of a significant production run they may prefer to continue printing even if the ink supply level is dangerously low. The automatic shut down of the apparatus takes any decision making flexibility out of the hands of the operator. Moreover, in an apparatus where automatic shutdown is desirable, the predetermined low level of ink at which point disablement occurs must have a safety factor built in such that a significant amount of ink is discarded when the cartridge is replaced. This cost is passed on to the customer because the ink cartridge needs to be replaced more often than the situation where the cartridge is permitted to be depleted of ink.

Device and method for conserving ink consumption in an ink cartridge of a postage meter


A method for sheathing a light guide with a flexible layer of sheathing. The method includes providing a light guide and a sheathing strip. The sheathing strip is made of a flexible material. The method also includes joining the light guide and the sheathing strip using a forming aid to form a light guide-sheathing composite. The forming aid places the sheathing strip about the light guide, leaving two excess ends of the sheathing strip extending from the light guide. The method further includes feeding the light guide-sheathing composite to a connection unit and connecting the two excess ends to produce a mounting tab for the light guide-sheathing composite.

It is known that light guides are also used for lighting the interior of motor vehicles. A light guide may be used to generate directly visible light beams, or be used to generate indirect lighting, which is also referred to as ambient lighting.
Conventionally, a light guide for direct or ambient lighting may be clipped to an interior part of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, as disclosed in DE 197 24 486 A1, the light guide may be sewed or glued via a mounting tab. To that end, the light guide is first provided with a sheathing. The light guide is wrapped in a flexible material, creating two excess ends that are then connected to form a mounting tab.
The sheathing needs to be placed tightly around the light guide. In doing so, high sensitivity of the light guide to mechanical and thermal damages needs to be taken into consideration, because the homogeneity of the light propagation and luminous radiation may be reduced if the surface of the light guide is damaged. In addition, the mounting tab needs to remain sufficiently flexible to facilitate sewing or gluing of the sheathed light guide.

Method and device for sheathing a light guide


To support a plurality of different mobile radio standards in mobile radio terminal devices using a single system oscillator, a sampling rate converter converts the sampling rates from an input rate to an output rate and additionally outputs control information which is suitable for operating signal processing components. The components receiving the control information are arranged in the signal flow upstream of the sampling rate converter, on average exactly at a virtual sampling frequency. The virtual sampling pattern is mapped onto the frame of the physical operating clock by simply gating out edges of the physical operating clock. Using the control signal, a clock control device generates a masked clock that has, on average, an edge repetition rate which corresponds to the virtual sampling frequency of the samples or to an integer multiple thereof.

The GSM standard currently used in mobile communication involves the use of "GSMK" (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) Modulation, which uses a signal space having signal points which have a phase difference of 180°. To this end, the packet service GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) has been developed, which allows operation at higher data rates. Another standard currently used is the TIA/EIA-136 (IS 136) standard, which involves the use of a π/4-DQPSK (D-quaternary-PSK) modulation method for generating the transmission signals. To a certain extent as a transitional standard between GSM and GPRS, on the one hand, and UMTS, on the other, the EDGE standard and also the associated EGPRS (enhanced GPRS) packet service have been defined. Although EDGE is a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) method, there is already a transition from GMSK modulation to 8-PSK modulation. 8-PSK modulation involves the use of a signal space having 8 signal points, the phase difference between the individual signal points being 45°. By contrast, UMTS uses the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) method (also in combination with TDMA and/or FDMA), which involves the signals in any radio link being encrypted using a respective proprietary code, the "spread code".
One general aim is to develop mobile communication appliances which are designed for operation with a plurality of different mobile radio standards and which may accordingly be used in the various mobile radio systems. One problem in this context, however, is the fact that the modulation methods described above are based on different symbol clock frequencies which cannot be converted into one another by integer factors or simple rational ratios. Consequently, at least two different system clocks are normally required which are usually derived from separate crystal oscillators.
Previous transmission apparatuses for combined UMTS and GSM/EDGE applications thus have exclusively a plurality of crystals or PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuits which supply system clock frequencies precisely co-ordinated with the respective standard which are usually an integer multiple of the inverse symbol period in the transmission method. The architecture of the signal processing lines is rigidly linked to these frequencies. Both the physical operating clock and the physical sampling clock are thus not independent of the standard-specific digital signal processing, particularly the standard-specific symbol period, in these transmission apparatuses.
German patent application DE 100 45 547.6 "Verfahren zur systemunabhangigen digitalen Erzeugung von Mobilkommunikations-Sendesignalen verschiedener Mobilfunkstandards" [Method for system-independent digital generation of mobile communication transmission signals in various mobile radio standards], which is prior art in line with §3(2) of the German Patent Act, describes a related method which, by way of example, is not designed for the specific requirements of the UMTS standard, however, and, in particular, has the property that it not only uses a single crystal oscillator but also makes joint use of the same digital/analog converter (DAC) and other circuit components for a plurality of standards, and also operates the DAC at the same sampling frequency for all of the standards, which is not advantageous for a system which supports the UMTS and GSM/EDGE standards, for example.

Clock control of transmission-signal processing devices in mobile radio terminal devices


A semiconductor device that has a common border between P and N wells is susceptible to photovoltaic current that is believed to be primarily generated from photons that strike this common border. Photons that strike the border are believed to create electron/hole pairs that separate when created at the PN junction of the border. The photovoltaic current can have a sufficient current density to be destructive to the metal connections to a well if the area of these metal connections to the well is small relative to the length of the border. This photovoltaic current can be reduced below destructive levels by covering the common border sufficiently to reduce the number of photons hitting the common border. The surface area of the connections can also be increased to alleviate the problem.

During semiconductor device processing, metal interconnects can act as either anodes or cathodes of a photovoltaic cell formed in a semiconductor substrate. In the presence of an electrolyte, which occurs during chemical mechanical processing (CMP), electrical current can flow in the photovoltaic cell and causing electrolysis at the surface. Metal interconnects can be oxidized at anodic sites forming ions that may be transported and reduced at cathodic sites. The deposited metal that is reduced at the cathode may grow and form a dendrite. If the dendrites are large enough, they may extend between multiple metal regions and may short the metal regions together. This can cause both yield and reliability problems.
One solution to minimize dendrites is to alter the chemistry of the solutions used during CMP and post-CMP cleaning. While such solutions can be successful in reducing the number of dendrites at the cathodes, they may fail to prevent voids from forming at the anodes. In other words, they fail to prevent current from flowing between the anode and cathode regions.
An approach to minimize electrolysis (i.e., dendrite formation) and corrosion is to polish and scrub wafers in darkness to prevent carrier photogeneration. However, polishing of semiconductor wafers in a dark or dim environment may create difficulties for operators and engineers to see, which increases the risk of accidents.
To enable operators and engineers to see while still minimizing dendritic growth, the windows of CMP tools and/or post-CMP cleaning tools can be covered with a dark or opaque material to prevent light from hitting the wafer when it is wet. However, the dark material on the CMP tools and/or post cleaning tools prevents operators and engineers from viewing the wafer during processing to determine if, for example, a semiconductor wafer has stopped processing or the polishing solution has stopped flowing for unknown reasons. Furthermore, if for some reason it is necessary for the wafer to be removed (e.g., if processing stops because the semiconductor wafer is stuck in the CMP tool), once the door of the CMP tool is opened, dendrites will grow and the semiconductor wafer may suffer reliability problems or yield loss. Therefore, a need exits to overcome the problems of the above processes used to try to minimize dendritic growth.
Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

Semiconductor device for reducing photovolatic current


An electromotive bed, having a bed body, the bed including a mattress having a pair of rectangular through holes extending therethrough in middle upper portion of the mattress and disposed in the direction of the width of the mattress; a respective supporting block mounted rotatably to move between a position in which the block protrudes upward through each respective through hole and a position in which the block does not protrude through the through hole, the block comprising at least two pin receiving holes therein, and a shaft pin insertable in the holes to provide a pivot mounting about which block rotates, the block also having a slit extending into the block; and a deflector arm having a deflector rod that contacts the slit, wherein the deflector arm is adapted to be driven by a load transfer device in order to pivot the block between the first and second positions; wherein the mattress also comprises an additional hole, and wherein the bed also includes a defecation device below the additional hole, the defecation device comprising; a filling pad disposed to block the additional hole, having a sleeve on its bottom surface; a spacer sleeve provided between the filling pad and the edge of the additional hole; a spring attached to the spacer sleeve; a sealed cowling; a bedpan connected hermetically to the sealed cowling; and a mechanical linkage connected to the filling pad via the spacer sleeve and adapted to be power driven.

Generally speaking, the elderly, the disabled and patients who are confined to their electromotive beds for a long time and who have difficulty moving freely face the problem of turning over and defecation while confined to the electromotive bed. These problems need to be solved so that they can turn over for ventilation to avoid bedsores, and so they can relieve themselves on the electromotive bed conveniently, comfortably and hygienically.
Of the current techniques, there is a kind of electromotive bed having a net sling. A device which may be used to lift the net sling up as required is fixed on the electromotive bed, so that the human body is lifted at the same time. Therefore, this technique accomplishes ventilation through the open nature of the net sling and prevents the person confined to the electromotive bed from suffering ailments such as bedsores, etc. However, such products are complicated in structure and inconvenient for use, and cannot provide users with natural and comfortable operation. Many other electromotive beds capable of turning over the person confined are also published such as in the China patent gazette, but these electromotive beds usually divide the electromotive baseplate into two parts, of which, one part is immobilized and another part can be turned over to make human body turn around. But such a means of turning the user over still keeps the whole back of the human body closely fitting on the electromotive mattress, and can not provide ventilation. Therefore, it is still difficult to avoid the bedsores caused by a long confinement to bed, bad ventilation and disinfection, and high humidity.
There are many existing electromotive beds with bedpans, but most of them are without automatic jets so that the person lying on the electromotive bed cannot clean himself. Some products do have spray systems but in some cases the water stream may be sprayed on the electromotive bed, clothing, and sometimes on other parts during operation, thereby resulting in inconveniences to the users. The person using the electromotive bed still may not have the ability to defecate without the help of another person, because a removeable cushion at the relieving position on the electromotive bed can be removed only with the cooperation of other people.
Although, each kind of existing electromotive bed has various functions, still the above problems can not be solved completely. Also, these products are complicated in structure and expensive in price, therefore they are not readily accepted by the common consumer.


A process for the destruction of organic compounds selected from the group consisting of nitriles, aromatics, heteroaromatics, amides, organic acids, aldehydes and alcohols from wastewater, comprising contacting volatilized wastewater with a catalyst at an elevated temperature in the absence of added oxygen, so as to convert volatile organic compounds and ammonia to a mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide which are separated and removed from the stream, yielding a purified aqueous stream, substantially free of organic compounds.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process for the purification of acrylonitrile plant wastewater streams. More particularly, this invention relates to a catalytic process for the eradication of organics and ammonia from such wastewater streams. This invention further relates to a catalytic process for the eradication of organics, such as nitriles, aromatics, heteroaromatics, amides, organic acids, aldehydes, and alcohols (including glycols) from any wastewater stream.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Acrylonitrile is one of the highest volume (top fifty) chemicals produced in the U.S. and the world. Nearly all acrylonitrile is produced from propylene, oxygen, and ammonia with either a bismuth phosphomolybdate or an uranium-based compound as catalyst. Acrylonitrile has many uses including acrylic and modacrylic fibers, ABS and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, nitrile rubber, cyanoethylation of cotton and synthetic soil blocks (acrylonitrile polymerized in wood pulp).
Acrylonitrile plants generate a significant volume of wastewater containing organic compounds and ammonia. Methods for treating or disposing these streams include thermal or catalytic incineration, biotreatment, wet oxidation and reduction and deep welling. Currently in the United States, much of the wastewater streams from acrylonitrile plants are disposed of by the deep welling of streams with low levels of contaminants and the incineration of streams with higher levels of impurities. While these disposal methods are environmentally sound and protective and represent general industry practice, producers of acrylonitrile are studying alternative methods of wastewater handling. Biotreatment is often viewed as the future alternative form of treatment of acrylonitrile plant wastewater streams. However, biotreatment is a very expensive alternative and may not be able to satisfactorily remove all impurities from such streams.
A goal of the instant invention is an alternative process for the eradication of organic constituents and other impurities of acrylonitrile plant wastewater streams.

Treatment process for wastewater streams


An apparatus includes a heat transfer structure configured to be disposed at least partially within an enclosure of a fixed bed reactor and operable to transfer heat from a heat source to a heat sink. The heat transfer structure includes a plurality of fins each fin including a first end and a second end, the first end contacting an inner surface of the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor, the second end at least partially enclosed within the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor. A path of at least one of the plurality of fins comprises the shortest possible length between the first end of the at least one of the plurality of fins and the second end of the at least one of the plurality of fins.

A Fischer Tropsch ("FT") process, which is sometimes called FT synthesis is a chemical reaction used for the production of various hydrocarbons from the input of synthesis gas, sometimes referred to as syngas. It is a surface catalyzed carbon polymerization process that largely produces straight chain hydrocarbons that range from C1 to greater than C100 hydrocarbons that generally follow a distribution called the Anderson-Schulz-Flory ("ASF") distribution. Maintaining the temperature of the catalyst bed at an even temperature across the diameter and the length of the reactor is important in producing more valuable products. Other highly exothermic reactions call for efficient heat transfer out of a reactor to maintain consistent reactions. In similar fashion, highly endothermic reactions call for efficient heat transfer into a reactor.

Fixed bed reactor heat transfer structure


The present disclosure relates to an inter prediction method and apparatus using adjacent pixels, and a video encoding method and apparatus using the same. The inter prediction method for a predictive encoding includes: determining a current motion vector by estimating a motion of a current block; generating a reference block indicated by the current motion vector; calculating a motion compensation coefficient or an average compensation coefficient by using pixels neighboring the current block and pixels neighboring reference block; generating a changed reference block reflecting the motion compensation coefficient or the average compensation coefficient in the reference block; and determining the changed reference block as a predicted block of the current block. The present disclosure reduces a difference between an actual block and a predicted block by more accurately predicting the block to be encoded, thereby improving the compression efficiency.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute the prior art.
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) and VCEG (Video Coding Experts Group) developed an improved and excellent video compression technology over the MPEG-4 Part 2 and H.263 standards. The new standard is called H.264/AVC (Advanced Video Coding) and was released simultaneously as MPEG-4 Part 10 AVC and ITU-T Recommendation H.264.
The H.264/AVC (hereinafter, referred to as "H.264") standard generates a residual signal by performing an intra prediction and/or an inter prediction in the unit of macroblocks having various types of subblocks, transforms and quantizes the generated residual signal, and encodes the residual signal. The inter prediction, which is one of the methods of compressing a video by removing the temporal redundancy between frames of the video, estimates motion of a block to be encoded (hereinafter, referred to as "a current block") in the unit of blocks by using one or more reference frames, generates a predicted block of a current block based on a result of estimated motion, and compensates the motion.
In a typical inter predictive encoding, when a motion of a current block is estimated for generating a predicted block, the typical inter predictive encoding searches for a block which is most similar to the current block within a determined search range of a reference frame by using a predetermined evaluation function. When the block similar to the current block is found, the typical inter predictive encoding generates the predicted block by using a corresponding block and encodes and transmits only a residual signal, which is a difference of pixel signals of the current block and the predicted block, thereby improving the compression ratio of data.
However, in the event where the motion is compensated according to the aforementioned typical inter predictive encoding, if a local illumination change or a viewpoint change occurs in each frame, it is difficult to perform efficient encoding. That is, when a pixel value is increased due to the occurrence of the illumination change or the viewpoint change at the position of a current block, compensating the motion with a predicted block generated by the existing method causes a size increase of the residual signal, resulting in deteriorated efficiency of encoding.

Inter prediction method and apparatus using adjacent pixels, and image encoding/decoding method and apparatus using same


A method for encoding digital video with low delay for transport on a multi-channel QoS packet-switched network using multiple reference pictures with specially designated “key frames” to minimize the undesired effects of packet loss on video quality.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to communication of digital video signals over multi-channel packet switched networks and more particularly to a system and method for encoding and decoding video data with low delay to conceal the effects of packet loss on the quality of the video transported over such networks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, videoconference applications have begun the transition from transporting compressed audio and video data streams over nearly lossless circuit switched networks such as POTS and ISDN phone lines to packet switched networks. On a packet switched network, data streams are partitioned into smaller data bundles called packets. Packet switched networks often have significantly higher error rates than their circuit switched counterparts.
Error associated with packet switched networks is in the form of lost packets of data, which are supposed to travel over the Internet from source node to destination node. However, given the distributed and computationally simplistic architecture of the Internet and given that the Internet transport policies are only best-effort, it is common for packets to get lost (i.e., to fail to reach their intended destination).
Packet loss in the context of videoconferencing has a negative effect on the video portions of a conference. A loss of as little as one percent of packets containing video data can make a video portion of the conference difficult to comprehend.
Top layers of network protocols can minimize packet loss by using acknowledgement and re-sending procedures. However, while acknowledgement and re-sending procedures may suffice for traditional static web content such as web pages, JPEG images, and applets, it is unsuitable for interactive video, also referred to as conversational video. Interactive video requires that a stream of sequential images arrive at a client's location at a consistent rate that allows for real-time playback with a minimum latency.
There are several methods that attempt to resolve the packet loss and delay problems associated with interactive video by using prioritization and reservation of network resources via Quality of Service (QoS) enabled networks. These methods, including IP Precedence, Diff-Serv, RSVP, and MPLS, can be used to prioritize audio/video data over non-real time traffic (e.g., HTTP and FTP). Another QoS network method and one that provides context for the present invention, uses a multi-channel system that requires compressed video data to be divided and transported over separate channels. In addition, one or more of these channels are guaranteed to have a very low packet loss rate. Typically these high quality channels represent a small fraction of a total bandwidth of the channel. For a multi-channel QoS approach to be effective, it is necessary for the video encoder to make encoding decisions that exploit the special nature of a multi-channel QoS network.
Video encoding algorithms in use today, such as MPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.261, and H.263 employ techniques that are based on a concept of a block. FIG. 1 depicts a relationship, in these common encoding algorithms, between a video sequence 100, an individual video picture/frame 110, and a constituent block 120. The video sequence 100 is composed of the individual frames 110. The frame 110 is subsequently composed of a grid of blocks 120, which preferably are 8 pixel by 8 pixel fragments of the frame 110. Alternatively, video encoding algorithms may employ techniques based on a concept of a macroblock, a collection of six blocks (not shown). Four blocks are spatially situated to cover a 16 pixel by 16 pixel fragment of the frame 110 containing luminance information and two blocks contain chrominance information.
FIG. 2 depicts some critical concepts in the video encoding art. A depicted video sequence 200 comprises of individual frames 201 through 213. The frames 201–213, in their most elemental form, are conglomerations of pixel values (values measuring color and luminosity of an individual pixel). To store and transport the frames 201–213 in terms of pure pixel values requires memory and bandwidth amounts that exceed practical limits for real-time playback of a video sequence over a network. Encoding methods address this problem, in part, by taking advantage of spatial and temporal redundancies present in the sequence of the frames 201–213. In other words, pixel values are not independent and random with respect to each other, neither within a frame nor across frames. Rather, pixel values correlate with pixel values that are proximate in the frame (spatial predictability) and across frames (temporal predictability). This nature of frame sequences makes it possible to develop encoding algorithms that can reduce the memory and bandwidth requirements by substituting predicated frames for the full pixel valued frames.
Frames are encoded (i.e., converted from a pixel-valued-format to a compressed format) on the basis of individual blocks 120 (FIG. 1) or macroblocks (not shown). The blocks 120 of the frame 110 (FIG. 1) are encoded with either a transform technique or a motion compensation/transform technique.
The transform technique is used where the blocks 120 cannot be predicted from a previous set of blocks (e.g., a scene cut). A frame encoded with the transform technique is referred to as an intra-picture or I frame because all compression is derived solely from intra-frame/spatial predictability, as opposed to inter-frame/temporal predictability.
Alternatively, the motion compensation/transform technique, also simply referred to as motion compensation, is used to encode blocks 120 in a manner that eliminates temporal redundancy (i.e., exploits the predictability of blocks across frames). This motion compensation substitutes a block's pixel values with a motion vector (that points from the block being coded to a reference block with a similar pixel arrangement) and transform coded residual terms (which are the content difference between the chosen reference block and the block being coded). For example, frames, which are coded with the motion compensation/transform technique, are referred to as B frames and predicted (P) frames. P frames use only previous frames for reference. B frames use both previous and subsequent P or I frames for reference. The advantage of using B frames over P frames is that B frames produce, in general, a more accurate frame prediction thereby increasing coding efficiency. The disadvantage of using B frames is the playback delay caused by having to load subsequent P or I frames before a B frame can be decoded and rendered for the viewer.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the exemplary video sequence 200 is depicted where frames 201 through 213 are displayed in sequential order. The frames 201, 207, and 213 are I frames. The frames 202, 203, 205, 206, 208, 209, 211, and 212 are B frames. The frames 204 and 210 are P frames. Thus, the frame 202 is dependent on both frames 201 and 204. The frame 204 is dependent on the frame 201. Given these frame dependencies, the frames 201–204 must be loaded into a decoder in the following order: 201, 204, 202, and 203. Arrows in FIG. 2 depict a similar frame dependency and frame load order for the remaining frames 205–213. FIG. 2 serves to illustrate how B frames introduce video playback latency, because B frames can be loaded and played only after first loading subsequent frame dependencies.
When a packet containing video is lost, the decoder encounters an error. In most encoder-decoder (codec) implementations, these decoder errors will propagate to succeeding video pictures until an intra-picture is loaded and decoded. Video conferencing uses a fixed bit rate, and since intra-pictures require many more bits to encode than non-intra-pictures, the intra-pictures are sent much less frequently. Indeed, in many implementations of H.261 and H.263, intra-pictures are sent only when a decoder error occurs and the decoder has signaled the encoder to send an intra-picture. This error handling strategy produces good results only in low loss networks, but not in packet switched networks.
In light of the detrimental effects of packet loss or delay on encoded video data, there exists a need in the art of videoconferencing for a method to minimize the effect of packet loss on video without adding delay to the received video. The present invention provides a method and system for encoding video with low delay for transport over a multi-channel QoS packet switched network so as to exploit special properties of that network.

Low-delay video encoding method for concealing the effects of packet loss in multi-channel packet switched networks


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing user interface development tools. In one aspect, a method includes receiving console logs that specify sequences of user interface events that occurred during user sessions. For each of multiple user sessions, a received console log for the user interface events that occurred during that user session is identified. Playback data that presents visual changes of one or more user interfaces of the publisher that occurred during that user session is generated. An interactive interface is generated and provided. The interface includes session replay area in which the playback data presents the visual changes of the one or more user interfaces of the publisher that occurred during that user session and a console log area that presents console entries from the console log for the user interface events that occurred during that user session.

User interfaces facilitate user interaction with various resources and applications. For example, user interfaces generally include various interactive elements that enable a user to input data (e.g., using text boxes), make data selections (e.g., using radio buttons, check boxes, or drop down menus), navigate to resources or application pages (e.g., by interacting with an embedded link), and change visual aspects of the user interface (e.g., rotating a device, resizing a window, scrolling to other portions of a document, or using zoom controls). User satisfaction with a given website or application can depend on the user's experience with the user interface.

Synchronized console data and user interface playback


The present disclosure relates to an antiperspirant cosmetic agent containing:                a) from about 0.5 to about 7.0% by weight of at least one copolymer formed from the monomers                    i) N-tert-octylacrylamide            ii) acrylic acid            iii) tert.-butylaminoethyl methacrylate            iv) and optionally further monomers                        b) from about 40 to about 75% by weight of oil that is liquid at about 20° C. and about 1.013 hPa wherein the antiperspirant cosmetic agent does not contain any aluminium-containing compounds, use thereof, and methods using an agent of this kind.

In many cultural areas the cleaning of and caring for one's own body includes measures intended to counteract the development of an excess body odor considered to be unpleasant. The development of body odor is promoted, amongst other things, by perspiration, and therefore the cosmetics industry provides numerous toiletry products which have been developed for use in bodily regions having a high density of sweat glands, in particular in the armpit area. These toiletry products act in a sweat-inhibiting (antiperspirant) and/or deodorizing (deodorant) manner.
Cosmetic antiperspirants of the prior art usually contain at least one antiperspirant salt in addition to at least one oil or a fatty substance and an aromatic component or a perfume. The sweat-inhibiting salts used in these antiperspirants on the one hand reduce the sweat secretion of the body by employing a temporary constriction and/or blocking of the excretory ducts of the sweat glands, such that the amount of sweat can be reduced by approximately 20 to about 60%. On the other hand, they have an additional, deodorizing effect on account of their antimicrobial effect. Usually, activated basic aluminium and aluminium-zirconium halides are used as sweat-inhibiting salts. Furthermore, aluminium and aluminium-zirconium halides which are stabilized with organic acids as complex ligands can also be used. Humans with sensitive skin can react to sweat-inhibiting salts. The aluminium and aluminium-zirconium halides forming the basis of the use of antiperspirants can additionally build up visibly on the treated skin or on the textiles in contact with the treated skin, and in the case of textiles so too can residues of the cosmetic agent resistant to washing.
Aluminium-free antiperspirants and deodorants are described for example in German patent applications DE102013225617 A1 and DE102013225620 A1.
International application WO 93/24105 A1 describes aluminium-free antiperspirants on the basis of different water-insoluble polymers.
These and other aluminium-free antiperspirants, however, do not satisfy the increasing cosmetic requirements.
Against this background, the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure lies in providing an antiperspirant having a high efficacy against body odor, good skin compatibility, and a significantly reduced formation of residue on the skin and textiles. The antiperspirant should additionally be exemplified by high stability.


In one aspect of the invention, a downhole electrical connection system comprises first and second tubular bodies adapted for threaded connection to each other, each tubular body comprising an inner and an outer diameter. First and second electrical conductor assemblies are disposed within the inner diameters of the tubular bodies and are substantially coaxial with the tubular bodies and generally extend the length of the tubular bodies. The first electrical conductor assembly comprises a first electrical contact adapted to abut a second electrical contact of the second electrical conductor assembly when the first and second tubular bodies are coupled together. The first electrical contact is disposed within an elastically deformable wiper, and the elastically deformable wiper is adapted to expose the first electrical contact as it is engaged by the second electrical contact under an axially compressive load.

The present invention relates to the field of data and/or power transmission. More specifically, it relates to the field of apparatus for transmitting data and/or power through such downhole tool strings.
Downhole tool strings have become increasingly versatile in the last half century. In addition to traditional oil, gas, and geothermic exploration and production purposes, tubular tool strings are often used for what is known as horizontal directional drilling to install underground power lines, communication lines, water lines, sewer lines, and gas lines. This sort of downhole drilling is particularly useful for boring underneath roadways, waterways, populated areas, and environmentally protected areas.
The increased versatility of downhole drilling with tool strings has led to a higher demand for apparatus that are able to transmit a power signal to downhole equipment as well as transmit data between downhole and surface tools. Hence, several different approaches to solving the problem of transmitting an electrical signal across the joints of a tool string have been developed and are known in the art.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,670,880; 6,983,485; and 6,939,493 to Hall, all of which are incorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose, teach of a system wherein tubular components are coupled at threaded joints in the tool string. Other downhole telemetry systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,396 to Floerke et al and U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,434 to Boyle et al, which are also herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain. U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,414 to Dopf et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,561 to Turner et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,970 to Head, all of which are herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain, teach about methods of making electrical connections downhole.

Wiper for tool string direct electrical connection


Method to identify the mechanical properties of a material starting from at least a digitalized image of a sample of the material. The image of the sample to be analyzed is processed to achieve a numerical model comprising a determinate number of elementary geometric elements, or cells, to each of which a parameter to identify the type of matter is assigned, in order to obtain information on the distribution of the mechanical characteristics in the individual units of the sample, from which it is possible to trace both the elastic characteristics and hence the resistance, and also the distribution of stresses and strain in relation to the application of the loads.

It is known that to diagnose and treat bone pathologies, such as for example osteoporosis, it is first of all necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties, particularly elasticity and resistance to applied loads.
In order to estimate the resistance and elasticity of the bone with a good level of accuracy, however, it is not enough to know its composition and density. The elastic properties of the bone tissue depend to a large extent on the architecture of the bone structure in the sample in question, as is known, for example, from: Martin, R. B. (1991) J. Biomech., 24, 79-88, and from: Waud, C. E. et al. (1992) Calcif. Tissue Int., 51, 416-418; and mechanical resistance is linearly proportionate to the value of Young modulus [Hodgkinson, R. J., Currey, D. (1990) P.I.M.E., 204, 115-121]. At present, the mechanical properties of the bones, and in particular the parameters related to elasticity and strength, cannot be determined by mechanical tests performed on the patient. Nor, for obvious reasons, is it appropriate to use bone samples taken from the patient on which the tests are to be performed in machines suitable for mechanical characterization. On the other hand, techniques for processing medical images have become very accurate, making it possible to perform digital modelling of the bone structure on different levels of definition, up to the range of some tenths of a micron.
The numerical methods at present employed for modelling and simulating the behavior of the bone structure for the purposes of estimating the mechanical properties have recourse to implementations of the finite elements method, known for example from Homminga, J. et al. (2001) J. Biomech., 34, 513-517.
This method, however, has the disadvantage that it does not allow to discretize the image easily, that is, to create a set of geometrical elements able to reproduce the structure examined as faithfully as possible and on which it is then possible to perform processing and elementary quantifications.
This operation, moreover, is long and laborious, to a large extent entrusted to the ability and experience of an operator, since the set of geometric elements has to be adapted to the conformation and irregularities of the bone structure examined.
Another application of the finite elements method provides to make a geometric element correspond to every voxel, or elementary volumetric unit, of the image acquired; however, this solution has the disadvantage that there is a very high number of elements present, such that processing the numeric model generated requires the use of computer networks which are not available in normal centers of analysis.
If the resolution, that is, the degree of detail, of the image is diminished in order to reduce the number of elements, the validity of the solution obtained inevitably declines.
In the case of identification of the bone micro-structure, another application of the finite elements method provides to use, as finite elements, rods of different length and section, constrained together so as to reproduce the trabecular structure.
This type of modeling generates, on the one hand, a number of unknowns low enough to be processed without particular strategies, but, on the other hand, the result obtained is not accurate enough.
The present Applicant has devised and embodied this invention to overcome these shortcomings of the state of the art, and to obtain other advantages.