In a system and method for displaying status of critical indicators or variables, icons representing the indicators are displayed in superposition with a reference shape. The reference shape is divided into xe2x80x9chigher-interestxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9clower-interestxe2x80x9d portions, such that display of an icon over the higher-interest portion of the reference shape indicates a higher-interest value of the corresponding variable. The reference shape is preferably elongated horizontally, with its upper portion designated as the higher-interest portion and its lower portion designated the lower-interest portion. Each monitored variable may be allocated a vertical xe2x80x9cslicexe2x80x9d of the reference shape, such that the position of the corresponding icon when the variable is in the higher-interest state is laterally aligned with the position of the icon when the variable is in the lower-interest state. A history of status changes of each variable may be accessed, typically by selection of the corresponding icon on the display. This representation is believed to make the status of each monitored variable visible at a glance. The simplicity of the representation may allow it to be used effectively on various computational devices, including those with small, monochrome displays.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to information display, and more particularly to a method and system for displaying the status of variables, or indicators, on diverse display devices, and for providing a history indicating changes in the status which have occurred. This method may be useful for multiple applications involving information display, including, for example, platform management in heterogeneous systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion within this section.
The continuing proliferation of powerful, convenient computational devices has been accompanied by an increase in the use of networks connecting these devices. Computational devices include computers and other, often portable, devices such as wireless telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA""s), automobile-based computers and appliance-based computers. Such computational devices are also sometimes termed xe2x80x9cpervasive devicesxe2x80x9d. xe2x80x9cComputerxe2x80x9d, as used herein, may refer to any of such computational devices. The networks connecting computational devices may be xe2x80x9cwiredxe2x80x9d networks, formed using xe2x80x9cland linesxe2x80x9d such as copper wire or fiber optic cable, wireless networks employing earth and/or satellite-based wireless transmission links, or combinations of wired and wireless network portions. Networked computational devices are increasingly configured with the ability to interact and communicate with one another. For example, electronic mail may currently be sent to some wireless telephones and pagers, and PDA""s may be used to access some Internet and World Wide Web (or xe2x80x9cwebxe2x80x9d) sites.
Many network-based applications involve monitoring variables of interest, which may be called xe2x80x9ccritical indicatorsxe2x80x9d. For example, a system administrator for a computer system or network may need to monitor variables such as transaction rates, application program status, and disk space availability. Such variables may be considered critical indicators in that they are important indicators of the health of the system or network. Alternatively, an investor may wish to monitor a variable such as a stock price, and may particularly want to be alerted if the price rises above or falls below a particular critical value. Entertainment-oriented applications may also involve monitoring of critical indicators. For example, a horse-racing enthusiast may wish to know whether a particular race has started or finished, and/or whether a particular horse has placed above or below a particular level. Monitoring of such critical indicators using a computational device is typically done through a graphical user interface (GUI) on the device""s display screen. Many different display formats are possible. For example, a bar graph could be used to indicate values of various indicators, where the heights of the bars vary with time to follow the indicator values. Icons representing each indicator may also be displayed on a screen, where selection of an icon by a user results in a text display containing information regarding the status of the indicator. To indicate when a variable has crossed a threshold value, various methods may be used, such as changing the shape or color of an icon representing the variable, or not displaying an icon unless the corresponding variable has crossed a threshold value.
The above-described methods of monitoring critical indicators may result in difficulties, however, for users of diverse computational devices having varying display screen capabilities. The trend in size and capability of such display screens often depends upon whether the device is fixed or portable. For example, displays associated with desktop computers are generally getting larger, to provide ease of viewing and/or accommodate increasingly complex applications and operating systems. Such displays typically have a wide range of colors available, as well. On the other hand, displays associated with portable devices such as wireless telephones and PDA""s are small and often getting smaller, to enhance, e.g., portability and battery life. These small displays also tend to be monochrome displays rather than color, because of cost, resolution and power considerations. Although not necessarily portable, displays included in automobiles or appliances may also be small monochrome displays, to keep costs down and avoid taking space needed for other functions of the system. This variation in display size and capability for different computational devices means that a GUI which allows effective monitoring of critical indicators when a system administrator""s console is used may be very difficult to use when connected remotely with a cellular telephone. For example, text descriptions or icon variations easily understood using a large display may be indistinguishable on a small one. Differences in color used to distinguish, e.g., threshold crossings of variables are naturally not effectively discerned on a monochrome display.
One approach to the problems presented by differing display capabilities would be to use different representations of critical indicators to be monitored on different displays, with more complex (and possibly more complete) representations used for higher-capability displays. Such an approach may be disadvantageous, however, in requiring a user of multiple display screens to become familiar with multiple representations of the monitored indicators. Use of multiple representations may make it more difficult to develop a desirable intuitive feel for any one representation. It would therefore be desirable to develop a method and system of monitoring critical indicators which may be effectively used on displays having diverse sizes and capabilities.
The problems outlined above are in large part addressed by a method and system in which icons representing critical indicators are displayed in superposition with a reference shape. The reference shape is divided into xe2x80x9chigher-interestxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9clower-interestxe2x80x9d portions, such that display of an icon over the higher-interest portion of the reference shape indicates a higher-interest value of the corresponding variable. In the case of a system administration application, for example, display of an icon over the higher-interest portion may indicate that the value of the corresponding variable has crossed a threshold into a range associated with a performance problem for the system or network. For a stock-monitoring application, display of an icon over the higher-interest portion could indicate, for example, that the price of the corresponding stock has crossed a xe2x80x9cbuyxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9csellxe2x80x9d threshold preset by the user. In the case of the horse-racing example mentioned above, display of an icon over the higher-interest portion may indicate, for example, that a corresponding race is currently underway, or that a particular horse corresponding to the icon has placed at or above a preset level (e.g., second place) in its most recent race.
The reference shape is preferably elongated horizontally, and an upper portion of the shape is typically designated as the higher-interest portion, while the lower portion of the shape is designated the lower-interest portion. In one preferred embodiment, the reference shape is an elongated oval. Multiple icons, corresponding to multiple monitored variables, may be displayed over the reference shape. Each monitored variable is preferably allocated a vertical xe2x80x9cslicexe2x80x9d of the reference shape, such that the position of the corresponding icon when the variable is in the higher-interest state is laterally aligned with (i.e., along the same vertical line as) the position of the icon when the variable is in the lower-interest state. In some embodiments, a single icon representing the present status of the corresponding variable is positioned over either the higher-interest or lower-interest portion of the reference shape. Alternatively, two icons may be used for each variable, where one is positioned over the higher-interest portion and the other over the lower-interest portion. In such an embodiment, the icon representing the present value of the variable is given a distinctive appearance, such as being displayed with a higher contrast.
Use of the reference shape to indicate the status (higher-interest or lower-interest) of a monitored variable is believed to confer several advantages. The relatively large size of the reference shape (it may be scaled to essentially fill a display, if desired) is believed to make the status of the monitored variables visible at a glance, even on a small display. Because the status is indicated by position of the icon, differences in individual icon characteristics such as color or shape, which may be difficult to discern on a small and/or monochrome display, need not be relied upon. Since detailed icon structures are therefore not necessary, the representation of the monitored variables may be implemented using a relatively simple reference shape and simple icon geometries (such as simple shapes). This simplicity may allow the representation to be scaled to small sizes without loss of information content. In this way, the same representation may be used on displays for diverse computational devices, freeing the user from the need to use different representations on different displays, and freeing application developers from the need to develop multiple representations. Cross-platform interoperability may therefore be enhanced.
In addition to providing a rapid indication of the status of a monitored variable, the representation described above may include a method of indicating that the status of the variable has changed, from higher-interest to lower-interest or vice versa. The status change may be indicated by changing the appearance of the icon corresponding to the present status of a monitored variable. For example, the icon may be made to blink, or to move back and forth. Such a change in appearance is typically implemented for a predetermined period of time following the change of status, where the time period may be set by an application developer and/or a user. Such an indication that the status of a variable has changed is believed to be advantageous in situations for which rapid action is required in response to changes in monitored variables. As in the case of other aspects of the display representation described above, this change in icon appearance is believed to be conveniently observed, even on low-capability displays. The time at which a status change occurs may also be stored and provided to a viewer through a GUI implementing the display representation described herein. In an embodiment, the time of the status change may be shown on the display screen during the time period of the above-described icon appearance change. Alternatively, the time may be displayed in response to a user selection of the icon corresponding to the present status of the variable. Display of the time at which a status change occurs may be important in, for example, allowing an assessment of the potential effects of the status change.
In some applications, it is desirable to know not just the time of the most recent status change of a variable, but a history of multiple status changes. Stock prices, for example, may cross a threshold value in different directions numerous times a day. The same is true of certain computer system and network quantities, depending on, for example, the degree of utilization of the system or network. As an example, a person providing technical support for a computer network may receive a report of a particular failure, but then not be able to locate a problem. A history of status changes of critical network indicators during the time elapsed since the failure could help in comparing the situation at the time of the failure and that at the time of the diagnosis attempt. In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the above-described representation of critical indicator status using a reference shape is combined with storage of information relating to each crossing of a monitored variable between its higher-interest and lower-interest ranges. The information may include, for example, the time and direction of each crossing, and/or a description of a particular event associated with the crossing. The stored information may then be displayed as a history of the status changes of a given monitored variable. Such a history is typically displayed in response to a user selection of the corresponding icon.
An embodiment of a system for transferring information within a client/server network includes a display controller operably coupled to a display screen. The display controller is adapted to display a reference shape on the display screen, as well as a superimposed present status icon corresponding to the present status of a monitored variable. The display controller is further adapted to position the present status icon over a first portion of the reference shape when the present value of the monitored variable is within a higher-interest range, or over a second portion of the reference shape when the present value of the variable is within a lower-interest range. The system may further include a storage medium operably coupled to the display controller, where the storage medium is adapted to store information relating to the higher-interest and lower-interest ranges. The display controller, storage medium and display screen may or may not all be associated with the same computational device. In an embodiment, the display controller and storage medium are associated with one device, while the display screen is on a different device.
In embodiments of the system, the display controller may be further adapted to change the appearance of the present status icon for a predetermined time interval after a crossing of the corresponding variable between the higher-interest range and lower-interest range has occurred. Alternatively or in addition, the display controller may be adapted to display information regarding the time of such a crossing, and the storage medium may be adapted to store this time-related information. In some embodiments, the display controller may be further adapted to display a history of status changes of the monitored variable, where the history includes a time of each crossing between the higher-interest and lower-interest range. In such an embodiment, the display controller may be further adapted to store this history information.
In addition to the method and system described above, a computer-usable carrier medium is contemplated herein. The carrier medium may be a storage medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory. In addition, the carrier medium may be a transmission medium, such as a wire, cable, or wireless medium along which data or program instructions are transmitted, or a signal carrying the data or program instructions along such a wire, cable or wireless medium. The carrier medium may contain program instructions executable for carrying out embodiments of the methods described herein. Alternatively or in addition to such program instructions, the carrier medium may contain data used in implementing the methods described herein, such as data defining higher-interest and lower-interest ranges for variables, or time and direction data for crossings of a variable between these ranges.

Method and system for displaying status of critical indicators on diverse display devices and indicating a history of status changes


The present invention is a firearm system with a personal safety interlock mechanism which permits only selective personnel to fire a specific firearm. It includes a firearm having a firing mechanism with trigger, and a handle area, a decoding locking mechanism, an engagement assembly and handwear. The decoding/locking mechanism is mounted at the handle area. It has a plurality of recesses with receiving tabs, for transfer of a correct key code to a locking assembly; which is functionally connected to the receiving tabs and to a disabling mechanism. The disabling mechanism has a lock position and an unlock position, and is biased in the lock position for the disengagement of the firing mechanism of the firearm. It is movable to its unlock position by insertion of an engagement assembly with an encoding key located on the handwear and having the correct key code, into the recesses. The handwear may be worn on a trigger hand of selective personnel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for firearms, both elongated firearms, such as shotguns, rifles, bazookas, rocket launchers, grenade launchers and other military small arms, as well as, handguns, especially for military personnel and law enforcement officers. The present invention firearm system involves an engagement assembly affixed to handwear, e.g. a glove, which must be inserted into a mechanism in the firearm before the firearm may be discharged.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
U.S. Patent No. 4,672,763 to Jerry M. Cunningham describes a safety device for preventing the unauthorized firing of a weapon, such as a pistol. The device has a hammer, a handle, and a leaf spring inside of the handle. The leaf spring places tension on the hammer, when the weapon is enabled. The leaf spring is held by a stop member, which is movable. When the stop member is moved to a lower position, the spring is released, and the weapon is disabled. The stop member is moved by a strap and a ring, connected to the stop member. The handle must be taken apart in order to return the spring and the stop member to the enabled condition.
U.S. Patent No. 4,833,811 to Earl Wilkinson describes a safety for hammer-equipped pistols, which includes a lock pin slidably mounted in the handle of a pistol, a companion lock pin spring biasing the lock pin inwardly of the handle toward the hammer, a locking rod slidably mounted in the handle in angular relationship with respect to the lock pin, the upper end of which locking rod is adapted to normally engage a seat provided in the lock pin and a release pin normally located in a release pin seat provided in the base of the handle, for engaging the opposite, or lower end of the locking rod and preventing relative movement between the locking rod and the lock pin. In a preferred embodiment, one end of a release pin cable is attached to the release pin and the opposite end of the cable is secured to the pistol holder, wherein seizure and extension of the pistol beyond the length of the cable pulls the release pin from the release pin seat and allows the locking rod to slide downwardly inside the pistol handle and facilitate forward projection of the lock pin responsive of the lock pin spring and the locking of the hammer to prevent firing of the pistol.
The apparatus of U.S. Patent No. 4,967,502 to Terry M. Vernon is adapted to be used in a firearm of the type having a body having an interior space, a hammer supported by the body for movement, and a trigger for actuating the hammer. A strut member is located in the interior space of the body and has one end pivotally connected to the hammer. A capsule is provided having first and second ends and a spring means located therein. Opening means is formed at the first end of said capsule whereby the spring means may be compressed by applying force to the spring means by way of said opening means. The capsule is adapted to be supported by the body in a given position relative to the second end of the strut member whereby the other end of the strut member will apply force to the spring means, by way of said opening means to allow sufficient spring compression to occur such that the hammer will fire the firearm when actuated by the trigger. Means is provided for releasably holding the capsule in the given position for firing purposes and for allowing the capsule to be released from the given position for releasing spring compression to disable the firearm. In one embodiment, the capsule is completely removable from the firearm. In another embodiment, a releasable keeper is provided which is movable into an opening for engaging the other end of the capsule for moving the capsule to the given position and for holding the capsule in the given position for firing purposes. The keeper may be released to allow the capsule to be moved away from the given position for disabling purposes.
U.S. Patent No. 5,361,525 to Kenneth E. Bowes describes an improved gun safety lock which employs a barrel key to enable the firing mechanism of the gun. The barrel key is inserted in the handle of the gun to allow the hammer of the weapon to be moved into a cocked or firing position. The barrel key is unique for each gun. The barrel key is held in the gun by retaining lugs. A lanyard attaches to the barrel key on one end and to the owner of the gun on the other end. Pressure on the lanyard causes the key to pull out of the gun and thereby disables the gun.
U.S. Patent No. 5,671,560 to Yehuda Meller describes a firearm including a frame having a grip for manually grasping the firearm, a control member movable to enable firing the firearm, a locking device including a latch element movable by an-inserted key either to a locking position or a releasing position, and a locking member movably carried by the frame. A spring urges the locking member into contact with the control member such that the locking member moves with the control member to enable firing the firearm. The locking member is located with respect to the latch element of the locking device so as to be engaged thereby when the latch element is in its locking position, to block the movement of the locking member, and thereby to prevent the firing of the firearm when the latch element is in its locking position. Two embodiments are described: a semi-automatic pistol, wherein the control member is a pivotal safety lever; and a revolver, wherein the control member is a rebound slide.
U.S. Patent No. 5,915,936 to John Charles Brentzel describes a firearm with an identification safety system for preventing use by an unauthorized user. The firearm includes a barrel for discharging the firearm therethrough, a butt section connected to the barrel, a trigger connected between the barrel and butt section for initiating discharge of the firearm and a safety switch operable between a first position preventing discharge of the firearm and a second position allowing discharge of the firearm. A pressure sensor is positioned in the butt section for sensing grasping of the butt section by a palm of a user and a scanning sensor is connected for scanning a palm print of the palm of the user and generating a data signal representative of the scanned palm print upon sensing grasping of the butt section by the pressure sensor. A memory unit stores data signals representative of the palm prints of authorized users and a microprocessor is connected to both the scanning sensor and the memory unit for receiving the data signal from the scanning sensor and comparing the received data signal to the data signals stored in the memory unit. The microprocessor controls the safety switch to operate in the first position upon determining the received data signal does not match any of the data signals stored in the memory unit and controls the safety switch to operate in the second position upon determining the received data signal matches one of the data signals stored in the memory unit.
U.S. Patent No. 5,987,796 to Frank Brooks describes a firearm safety mechanism having a self-contained locking mechanism incorporated into the magazine of a semi-automatic pistol which inhibits use of the firearm when a locking mechanism disarms the firing mechanism as well as locking the magazine in position so as to prevent unauthorized replacement. The firearm can be locked against unauthorized use and unlocked by an authorized user without resort to external accessories.
U.S. Patent No. 6,125,568 to George Granaroli describes a firearm lock 20 having a combination lock 20 for firearms 10 which uses four tumbler locking mechanisms 22, 24, 26 and 28 connected to the firing trigger 16 mechanism by way of a trigger deactuator rod 38. The trigger 16 firing mechanism is disabled until the four or more tumblers 22, 24, 26 and 28 of the combination lock 20 are positioned in such a way as to allow a preselected combination or pin number on the tumblers to communicate with a tumbler pin 44, 46, 48 and 50 attached to the trigger deactuator rod 38. When the numbers of the disk tumblers 22, 24, 26 and 28 are properly entered, the tumbler pins 44, 46, 48 and 50 of the trigger deactuator rod 38 will seat in a single hole and thereby allow the trigger 16 firing mechanism to be actuated. If the wrong number of the combination is entered, the tumbler pin will contact a false hole after traveling only a short distance thereby locking and preventing the trigger mechanism from firing.
U.S. Patent No. 6,219,952 to Mossberg et al. describes a firearm safety enhancement system which is provided for enabling use of a firearm only by an authorized individual. At least one electrically activated preventer is provide having a first position for preventing use of firearm and having a second position for enabling use of the firearm. An electrical activation circuit is operatively connected to the preventer to move the preventer between the first and second positions. A portable power supply is carried in said firearm and is coupled to the activation circuit for providing power. A power signal transmitter is operatively connected to the power supply for transmitting an electromagnetic power signal at a regular frequency. A passive identification tag is mounted to a personal adornment to be carried or worn by an individual and is preprogrammed with an authorized identification code preselected from a large number of available identification codes. The passive identification tag is responsive to the power signal to impose a coded return signal on the power signal. The returned coded signal is representative of the preprogrammed authorized identification code so that the power signal acts as a carrier of the imposed coded return signal. A reader circuit is connected to the power signal transmitter and to the electrical activation circuit. The reader circuit is responsive only to an authorized identification code to activate the electrical activation circuit to provide power from the portable power supply to move the at least one preventer between the first preventing position and the second unblocked position for enabling use of the firearm.
U.S. Patent No. 6,237,271 to Kevin A. Kaminski describes a module having a housing, a battery, control circuitry and electrical conductors. The battery and control circuitry are contained in the housing. The housing is adapted to be removably connected to the frame of a firearm. The electrical conductors are located on the housing and allow the battery and control circuit to be electrically connected to other components of the firearm. The housing can be connected at a hand grip section of the firearm and forms a substantial portion of at least one exterior side of the firearm at the hand grip section.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.
The present invention is-a personal safety interlock device for use in firearms. Specifically, the present invention may be used in handguns and long arms where the trigger hand is engaged with the firearm for firing. The present invention device allows the firing of the firearm only after the locking mechanism is successfully encoded through the application of a key with a specific number of coded protrusions.
One critical aspect of the present invention device is the encoding key, which is affixed to a glove or a strap to be worn on the trigger hand, and is typically positioned between the thumb and pointer finger. This encoding key is the male partner of a receiving mechanical decoder on the firearm""s stock and/or grip. It is with the action of gripping the firearm that the key, upon proper encryption, releases the lock mechanism which unlocks a disabling mechanism and a firing mechanism, that allows the firing of the firearm.
Another critical aspect of the present invention device is the method in which the unlocking code is transferred to the firearm. With attachment of the encoding key with a correct code to a glove or strap that is worn on the trigger hand, the motion of unlocking the firearm is very similar to the positioning of the hand for firing, resulting in a passive locking system which is deactivated along with the primary motion of holding the firearm. Because the present invention device performs its functions through mechanical motions only, the entire mechanism is simplified.
Thus, the present invention firearm system involves a plurality of recessed receiving tabs in the stock or grip of the firearm for mechanical transfer of a correct key code to a locking assembly. The locking assembly is functionally connected to the receiving tabs and to a disabling mechanism, for receiving the correct key code and rejecting incorrect key code via the tabs, from an encoding key. There is a disabling mechanism connected to the locking assembly which has a lock position and an unlock position, and is biased in the lock position for the disengagement of the firing mechanism of the firearm. This disabling mechanism is movable to its unlock position by insertion of an encoding key having the correct key code, into the recesses with the receiving tabs. There is also a unique engagement assembly attached to separate handwear, containing an encoding key with a plurality of protrusions having the correct key code and corresponding to the tabs for transfer of the correct key code to the receiving tabs, to move the disabling mechanism from its lock position to its unlock position when the encoding key is engaged with the tabs.
There is handwear in the present invention system, such as a glove or hand strap to be worn on a trigger hand of selective personnel. This handwear has an engagement assembly with the encoding key attached thereto for quick insertion and removal by the wearer into the recesses of the firearm.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention firearm system, the locking assembly includes a plurality of tumbler pins biased in a locked position and adapted to shift in response to the receiving tabs being moved by the encoding key having the correct key code, so as to move the disabling mechanism from its lock position to its unlock position. For example, the disabling mechanism includes a swing lever and spring wherein the spring biases the swing lever in its lock position so as to prevent the firing mechanism from firing until a correct key code engagement assembly is inserted into the tab recesses. In this embodiment, the swing lever may be positioned relative to the locking assembly and the firing mechanism so as to be moved from its unlock position to its lock position by the cocking of the firing mechanism.
The tab recesses of the present invention firearm system may be located on the stock of a rifle, the handle of a bazooka or rocket launcher, or on a rear portion of a handle area of a handgun. The engagement assembly may be located in a palm area of the handwear and would be strategically placed for easy insertion.
The firearm system of the present invention includes a firearm with an independent safety mechanism which operates independently of said decoding/locking mechanism.

Firearm with personal safety interlock mechanism


A novel method of preparing an unsupported molybdenum sulfide catalyst utilized in the processing of hydrocarbon feedstocks containing asphaltenes and organometallic compounds.

Crude petroleum oil, and the heavier hydrocarbon fractions and/or distillates obtained therefrom, generally contain nitrogenous and sulfurous compounds in large quantities. In addition, crude oil, and the heavier hydrocarbon fractions contain quantities of metallic contaminants which exert detrimental effects upon the catalyst utilized in various processes to which the crude oil or heavy hydrocarbon fraction is ultimately subjected. The most common metallic contaminants are nickel and vanadium, although other metals including iron, copper, etc., are often present. These metals may occur in a variety of forms; they may exist as metal oxides or as sulfides, introduced into the crude oil as metallic scale or particles; in the form of soluble salts of such metals; usually, however, they exist in the form of organo-metallic compounds such as metal porphyrins and the derivatives thereof.
Although the metallic contaminants existing as oxide or sulfide scale may be removed, at least in part, by a relatively simple filtering technique, and the water-soluble salts are at least in part removable by washing and subsequent dehydration, a much more severe treatment is generally required to remove the organometallic compounds to the degree required in order that the resulting crude oil or heavy hydrocarbon fraction is suitable for further processing. In addition to the organometallic compounds, including metal porphyrins, crude oils contain greater quantities of sulfurous and nitrogenous compounds that are found in light hydrocarbon fractions such as gasoline, kerosene, light gas oil, etc. For example, a Wyoming sour crude, having a gravity of 23.2.degree. API at 60.degree. F., contains about 2.8% by weight of sulfur and about 2700 ppm of total nitrogen. The nitrogenous and sulfurous compounds are converted, upon being subjected to a treating process, into hydrocarbons, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, the latter being readily removed from the system in a gaseous phase. Reduction in the concentration of the metallic contaminants is not as easily achieved to the extent that the crude oil or heavy hydrocarbon charge stock becomes suitable for further processing. Notwithstanding that the concentration of these compounds, such as metal porphyrins, is relatively small, for example, less than about 10 ppm, calculated as the elemental metal, subsequent processing techniques will be adversely affected thereby. For example, when a hydrocarbon charge stock containing metals in excess of about 3.0 ppm, is subjected to a cracking process for the purpose of producing lower-boiling components, the metals become deposited upon the catalyst employed, steadily increasing in quantity until such time as the composition of the catalytic composite is changed to the extent that undesirable results are obtained. That is to say, the composition of the catalytic composite, which is closely controlled with respect to the nature of the charge stock being processed and to the desired product quality and quantity, is changed considerably as the result of the deposition of the metallic contaminants onto the catalyst. This change in the catalyst results in a change in the characteristics of the catalyst. Such an effect is undesirable with respect to the cracking process, since the deposition of metallic contaminants upon the catalyst tends to result in a lesser quantity of valuable liquid product, and a larger amount of hydrogen and coke, the latter producing relatively rapid catalyst deactivation. The presence of organic metal compounds, including metal porphyrins, affects deleteriously other processes including catalytically reforming, isomerization, hydrodealkylation, etc.
In addition to the foregoing described contaminating influences, crude oils and other heavier hydrocarbon fractions, generally contain large quantities of pentane-insoluble material. For example, the Wyoming sour crude consists of about 8.37% by weight of pentane-insoluble asphaltenes which are hydrocarbonaceous compounds considered as coke-precursors having the tendency to become immediately deposited within the reaction zone and onto the catalytic composite employed in the form of a gummy hydrocarbonaceous residue. This constitutes a large loss of charge stock; it is economically desirable to convert such asphaltenes into useful hydrocarbon oil fractions.
The use of a slurry catalyst system for the conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock containing asphaltenes and organometallic compounds is well-known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,161,585 describes such a process. The first preferred method of the above-mentioned patent for catalyst preparation comprises thermally decomposing an organometallic complex in admixture with the petroleum hydrocarbon charge stock to be treated. The second preferred method indicates that molybdenum metal may be dissolved in a suitable solvent, which is taught as comprising water, an alcohol or an ether. The '585 patent teaches that in both preferred methods some contact is necessitated with the petroleum charge stock to be treated.
Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,825 teaches that insoluble molybdenum oxide powder is not a feasible starting material to prepare an unsupported molybdenum sulfide catalyst.


A device for sorting coins of a set of coins with a coin feed device 1, with a coin sorting plate 2 joining the coin feed device 1, which has a guide edge 3, a guide strip 4 extending along the guide edge 3 as well as a series of sorting openings 5 graduated for different coin diameters with cross sections increasing in the direction of conveying. The sorting plate 2 is designed as an interchangeable sorting plate 2.

The present invention pertains to a device for sorting coins of a set of coins with a coin feed device, with a sorting plate joining the coin feed device, having a guide edge, a guide strip extending along the guide edge as well as a series of sorting openings graduated for different coin diameters with cross sections increasing in the direction of conveying, a set of sorting plates for such a device, as well as to a process for converting such a device to different sets of coins.
Coins are defined within the framework of the present invention as disk-shaped, mostly round objects which represent a monetary value. Thus, besides legal means of tender, the term coins also covers value chips, tokens, coin blanks, round blanks for coins, etc. A device for conveying coins on the sorting plate, e.g., a conveyor belt, is typically set up. The coins are conveyed between the conveyor belt and the sorting plate. The conveyor belt, including its guide elements, may be introduced detachably or pivotably, so that access to the sorting plate is possible. When a coin is being conveyed on a sorting plate, it moves along the guide edge. Each coin moving on the sorting plate is continuously supported by the guide strip. The sorting openings have different opening cross sections with increasing opening cross section q measured at right angles to the direction of conveying. A coin whose diameter is smaller than the sum of the cross sections q and the width d of the guide strip is supported only on the (comparatively very narrow) guide strip (whose width is, e.g., 0.05 to 0.4 times q) on one side and it consequently falls through the sorting opening. The sorting openings of a sorting plate are graduated with increasing opening cross sections in the direction of conveying. As a result, sorting of all coins of the set of coins is achieved. A means for counting the unsorted or sorted coins may be additionally provided within the framework of such a device. Furthermore, a device for sorting out counterfeit coins may be provided between the coin feed device, typically a rotary table, and the sorting plate. Reference is made in this connection only, e.g., to the literature reference EP 0 189 429 B1 which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. # 4,681,204.
Devices of the design described in the introduction have been known from, e.g., the literature reference DE 196 33 518 C1. The drawback of the devices known in this respect is that the device is delivered for a certain set of coins and a conversion of the device to another set of coins is possible with very great installation and adjustment efforts only. This is disturbing especially in cases of a changeover to another currency, e.g., the changeover from European national currencies to the euro.
Therefore, compared with the state of the art, the basic technical object of the present invention is to propose a device for sorting coins which can be converted to another set of coins simply and with little effort.
To accomplish this technical object, the present invention teaches that the sorting plate is designed as an interchangeable sorting plate. A sorting plate that can be removed and mounted with simple means, preferably without any tool, is called an interchangeable sorting plate. It is achieved with the present invention that, e.g., the changeover from European national currencies to the euro can be carried out without an appreciable installation effort and consequently without an appreciable loss of time. Moreover, it is possible to change back from one set of coins to the other one and back again to the first one in an extremely short time during a transition period. Finally, the present invention makes possible the very simple and inexpensive replacement of used sorting plates.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the interchangeable sorting plate has at least one adjusting surface, wherein the interchangeable sorting plate can be inserted in the course of its insertion into the device by means of an adjusting element which interacts with the adjusting surface and is a rigid part of the machine. This embodiment of the present invention has a number of advantages concerning the problem of the accurate adjustment of the interchangeable sorting plate. On the one hand, the use of fits with narrow tolerances, which could lead to complications during installation, e.g., due to canting, etc., is avoided. On the other hand, the need for first adjusting and fixing an interchangeable sorting plate that may have been inserted loosely before putting the device into operation is eliminated.
The interchangeable sorting plate preferably has at least one fixing element, e.g., a thumbscrew, for fixing the interchangeable sorting plate inserted on a carrier plate. Any other fixing connections which can be easily handled manually, e.g., snap-in connections or quick-acting closures, are, of course, also possible instead of a thumbscrew.
The present invention may be specifically designed such that the adjusting surface is bent at an angle in relation to the longitudinal extension of the interchangeable sorting plate. It is achieved as a result that in the course of the insertion of the interchangeable sorting plate, the interchangeable sorting plate is brought automatically into the desired position by the interaction between the adjusting surface and the adjusting element. Correspondingly, the orientation of the adjusting surface shall be selected according to the desired end position. It is recommended for this that the end of the adjusting surface have a partial rest surface when viewed in the direction of installation. The accurate positioning is then carried out in practice in the simplest case such that an operator pushes in the interchangeable sorting plate and the adjusting surface is pushed, suitably guided manually, along the adjusting element into the end position of the interchangeable sorting plate. Additional adjusting surfaces may be arranged in parallel or in opposite directions (mirror symmetrically to a plane extending at right angles to the longitudinal extension of the interchangeable sorting plate) along the longitudinal extension of the interchangeable sorting plate. A pair of adjusting surfaces relieves an operator of the need to push along an adjusting surface against the adjusting element. The movement into the desired end position takes place automatically. The adjusting surface may be arranged in a closed recess of the interchangeable sorting plate or in a recess of the interchangeable sorting plate that is open (e.g., on one side). The adjusting element, which is a rigid part of the machine, may now be designed as a pin engaging the recess. It is recommended in this case to provide a xe2x80x9cclearancexe2x80x9d in the area of the end position or partial rest surface to avoid problems because of abraded particles or other contaminants, which may become deposited in the recess. xe2x80x9cClearancexe2x80x9d means that the free cross section within the recess is larger in all areas than the cross section of the adjusting element and thus it permits the adjusting surface or the partial rest surface to move off from the adjusting element in all positions of the interchangeable sorting plate. In the case of two recesses with adjusting surfaces which are arranged in each recess on one side and extend in opposite directions, accurate positioning can be achieved even despite the provision of xe2x80x9cclearancexe2x80x9d in every individual recess without the need for a special manual guiding during the installation. Only the adjusting elements are to be inserted at spaced locations such that moving off of the adjusting elements from the adjusting surfaces or partial rest surfaces is no longer possible in the inserted state.
An especially simple fixation of the interchangeable sorting plate on the carrier plate, which can be carried out especially rapidly, is achieved if at least one laterally projecting holding strap, which can be introduced into a holding recess that is a rigid part of the machine, is provided at an edge of the interchangeable sorting plate which edge extends in the longitudinal extension (long side). The holding strap in the holding recess may be able to be pressed against the carrier plate in a non-positive manner, e.g., by means of a retaining spring. The holding strap and the fixing element may be arranged opposite one another directly or with an offset relative to the transverse extension of the interchangeable sorting plate. The holding strap points in the direction of installation of the interchangeable sorting plate.
It is also possible to provide at least one stop element, which is a rigid part of the machine and with which the interchangeable sorting plate comes into contact in the direction of installation or at right angles to the longitudinal extension of the interchangeable sorting plate in the course of the insertion with the long side.
It is obvious that a plurality of adjusting surfaces, holding straps and/or fixing elements, with respective associated components, which are rigid parts of the machine, may also be provided within the framework of the present invention.
The present invention also pertains to a set of interchangeable sorting plates for a device according to the present invention, where the interchangeable sorting plates of a set of interchangeable sorting plates are designed for different sets of coins. This means that an interchangeable sorting plate is provided with sorting openings of the cross sections d depending on the diameters of the coins of the particular set of coins to be sorted. For example, a device used in Germany may have a set of interchangeable sorting plates comprising an interchangeable sorting plate for DM and an interchangeable sorting plate for euro. Using such a set of interchangeable sorting plates, the changeover to the other currency can be carried out rather easily and without any major installation and/or service effort especially also during the phase of transition. Therefore, the present invention also pertains to a process for converting a device according to the present invention to different sets of coins, in which case an interchangeable sorting plate for one set of coins is replaced with an interchangeable sorting plate for another set of coins.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.


A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. A water flow introduction device introduces a flow of water into the testing system, and a fish introduction means introduces a plurality of fish into the testing system. A flow introduction conduit receives a flow containing water from the flow introduction device and fish from the fish introduction device. A testing module receives the flow from the flow introduction conduit. Monitoring device monitor and record fish activity in the water flow in the testing module. Fish exit the testing module into a flow exit conduit, and are collected by fish collection device located downstream of the exit conduit. Finally, discharge device discharge the water from the testing system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of development of fish friendly hydraulic systems, and more specifically, relates to a bio-hydraulic testing system for simulating flow conditions within a hydraulic system to test the effect on fish of specific hydraulic components and flow conditions.
2. Related Art
There is an increasing concern with increasing the survivability rate of fish as they pass through hydro power turbines and other passage obstructing structures. To fulfill this need, an improved knowledge of biological and engineering design criteria are required to make hydraulic structures more fish friendly.
As water flows through a hydroelectric power generation plant, over a dam spillway, or about other hydraulic systems, it undergoes numerous changes. These changes result from changes in the dimensions of flow boundary, changes in flow velocities, changing energy forms, and changes resulting from other forces acting on the flow. Objects within the flow, such as fish, affect and are affected by these changes, and some of these changes are harmful.
Specifically, when hydroelectric power installations are operated, a large number of fish typically pass through the hydroelectric turbines. Some of the passing fish suffer injuries caused by contact with fixed of moving machinery within the installation, changes of pressure or turbulence effects.
A number of fish injuries occur because the physical changes within a hydraulic system are translated into hydraulic phenomena which are harmful to fish. These phenomena include turbulence, shear stress, cavitation, and pressure fluctuations. Shear stress results from the movement of two adjacent fluid bodies in different, usually opposite, directions. Hydraulic shear has been widely cited as a source of damage to fish in hydraulic turbines. Cavitation is the formation of a partial vacuum in flowing water. Collapse of the vacuum disturbs water flow resulting in injury to fish.
The hydroelectric power generating community as well as resource agencies are actively looking for ways to reduce the adverse effects that hydroelectric generation plants have on migratory fish. Government as well as private groups are pursuing the development of conceptual designs of xe2x80x9cfish friendlyxe2x80x9d turbines. To meet current environmental design criteria, turbines need to be made more fish friendly and environmentally friendly, and yet continue to efficiently provide power.
Additionally, fish are likely to be damaged by abrasion, strike and grinding injuries. These injuries result from sudden changes in flow direction and boundary dimensions, combined with the presence of structures in the path of the fish. Abrasion damage occurs when a fish rubs against a turbine system component or other object in a flow field. Grinding injuries occur when fish are drawn into gaps of a size close to that of the fish within a hydraulic system. A precise prediction of injury due to abrasion and grinding is not currently possible. Injury to a fish due a collision, or xe2x80x9cstrike,xe2x80x9d occurs when a fish collides with a stationary or moving object within the turbine system. The probability of a fish dying from striking an object within the turbine system is variable and not clearly understood. Direct visual observations are not available to correlate mortality to strike, and to verify existing strike probability models.
There is significant literature concerning injury to fish resulting from contact with hydraulic systems. However, surprisingly little is known about the effects of individual hydraulic components on fish or the effects brought about by design changes to individual components.
Development of fish friendly hydraulic systems, such as turbines, spillways, and fishways requires the presence of reliable basic engineering and biological design data. This data includes quantitative estimations of injury mechanisms to fish as they pass through these systems. At present, there is no known testing apparatus in the field capable of replicating flow conditions similar to those encountered by fish on their migratory route.
A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises: a water flow introduction means; a fish introduction system means; a flow introduction conduit including an entrance end in communication with the fish introduction means and the water flow introduction means so as to receive a water flow containing fish and further including an exit end; a testing module, connected to the exit end of the flow introduction conduit so as to receive said water flow; monitoring means for monitoring and recording fish activity in the water flow in the testing module; a flow exit conduit including an entrance end connected to the testing module and an exit end; a fish collection means located downstream of the exit end of the exit conduit for collecting fish exiting from the testing module; and discharge means for discharging the water from the testing system.
Preferably, the water flow introduction means comprises a headpond for containing water, and means for reducing flow turbulence within the headpond; and the water introduction means comprises an inlet pipe, in fluid communication with the headpond, for introducing water to the headpond.
Advantageously, the fish introduction system comprises a tank for holding fish until introduction thereof, an injection pipe, connected at one end to the tank and having an opposite end dispersed in proximity to the introduction conduit, for transferring fish from the fish tank to the entrance conduit, and a slide gate mounted on the injection pipe for controlling introduction of the fish to the introduction conduit.
Alternatively, the water flow introduction means preferably comprises an inlet pipe connected to the introduction conduit, and the fish introduction means comprises inlet means for introducing the fish directly into the inlet pipe. Advantageously, the inlet means for introducing the fish directly into the inlet pipe comprise a fish introduction member connected to the inlet pipe at a non-perpendicular angle to the inlet pipe for introducing fish into the inlet pipe, and a slide gate mounted on the fish introduction member for controlling the introduction of fish.
Preferably, the introduction conduit is tapered inwardly from the entrance end to the exit end, and the exit conduit is tapered outwardly from the entrance end towards the exit end.
Advantageously, at least part of the entrance conduit comprises a light transparent material for enabling visual monitoring of fish.
Preferably, at least part of the testing module comprises a light transparent material for enabling viewing of at least part of the interior of the testing module from outside the module.
Advantageously, the monitoring system comprises a video camera for capturing images from the testing module, and means for controlling the video camera. Alternatively, the monitoring means preferably comprises a plurality of tags adapted for attachment to a plurality of fish, and at least one antenna, disposed in proximity to the testing module, for receiving at least one signal from the plurality of tags.
Preferably, the material comprising the light transparent part of the testing module comprises one of a clear acrylic material and a clear plexiglass material.
Advantageously, the testing module comprises at least one wicket gate attached to an end of the testing module.
Preferably, the testing module comprises at least one turning vane disposed within the testing module. Advantageously, the at least one turning vane comprises a pair of turning vanes disposed in alignment to each other relative to the direction of water flow through the testing module. Alternatively, the at least one turning vane preferably comprise a pair of turning vanes disposed in a non-aligned relation to each other relative to the direction of water flow through the testing module.
Preferably, the testing module comprises a cavitation element disposed within the testing module for producing cavitation therein.
Advantageously, the testing module comprises a turbine blade element for reproducing conditions in proximity to a turbine, and means for adjusting the turbine blade element to control blade speed, blade tilt, blade shape, and the number of turbine blades.
Preferably, the testing module comprises a testing element disposed within the testing module, and means attached to the testing element for adjusting the orientation of the testing element within the module.
Advantageously, the fish collection means comprises: transfer means disposed in proximity to the exit end of the exit conduit for transferring fish from the exit conduit; a screen located in proximity to the transfer means for separating the fish from the water flow, so that fish are transferred from the exit conduit to the screen by the transfer means; and a collection trough, disposed adjacent to the screen, for collecting fish. Preferably, the transfer means comprises a pair of guide walls, each guide wall being disposed at one end in proximity to the exit end of the exit conduit and at the opposite end in proximity to the screen.
In addition, a method is provided for simulating the effect on fish of a hydraulic system component using a bio-hydraulic testing system, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a flow of water to the testing system; introducing a plurality of fish into the testing system within the flow of water; directing the flow of water with the fish therein into a testing module; simulating the effect on the fish of at least one hydraulic system component within the testing module; monitoring and recording fish activity within the testing module during the stimulating step; and transferring the fish from the testing module to a fish collection means for collection.
The testing system of the invention isolates hydraulic components and phenomena and allows study of the effects of each so as to understand and predict the effects of each upon fish. This testing facilitates improved design for such components. Improvements of such individual components result in safer passage for fish.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in, or will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follows.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior


Methods and systems for producing fuel compositions with predetermined desirable properties are disclosed. Feedback control can be employed to meter precise amounts of fuel composition components while monitoring fuel composition properties to obtain fuel compositions having specifically defined properties.

One of the major environmental problems confronting the United States and other countries is pollution caused by the emission of gaseous and other pollutants in the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines such as automobiles. This problem is especially acute in areas having a high concentration of internal combustion engines, such as in major metropolitan areas.
It is known that at least three gaseous constituents or pollutants, which contribute to pollution due to engine exhaust are nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned or incompletely burned hydrocarbons (i.e., hydrocarbon components originally present in the gasoline fuel which are not fully converted to carbon monoxide or dioxide and water during combustion in the automobile engine).
As a result of pollution caused by the internal combustion engine, laws and regulations have been established to mitigate pollution by reducing gaseous constituents or pollutants by controlling the composition of gasoline fuels. Such specially formulated, low emission gasolines are often referred to as reformulated gasolines. One of the requirements of these gasoline regulations is blending, in certain geographic areas, certain additives, such as oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, or oxygenates, into the fuel.
Oxygenated gasoline is a mixture of conventional hydrocarbon-based gasoline and one or more oxygenates. Oxygenates are combustible liquids which are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Generally, the current oxygenates used in reformulated gasolines belong to one of two classes of organic molecules: alcohols and ethers.
There are concerns associated with the use of oxygenates in fuel. Therefore, cleaner burning gasoline without oxygenates are a possibility.


Dialkyl quats useful in personal care products are described. These quats are produced from fatty acids at least 30% by weight of which are C-20 in length or longer.

The present invention relates to novel dialkyl quaternary fatty ammonium derivatives of natural and synthetic oils, fatty acids and/or triglycerides and to their use in personal care products.
Dialkyl quaternary fatty ammonium derivatives of relatively long chain fatty acid components are known. For example, a dibehenyl dimethyl ammonium quat has been sold under the trade name INCROQUAT DBM-90 from Croda Inc., 7 Century Drive, Parsippany, N.J. 07054. Similar ammonium based quat compounds have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,335 to Ben Janchipiaponvej. However, the ""335 patent describes such dialkyl quats as being selected from ammonium compounds having one or two long chain alkyl groups including from about 14 to about 22 carbon atoms. These compounds are said to be used as conditioning agents primarily for hair conditioners. It should be noted however that the ""335 patent, and in addition, Noe U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,956 appear to only disclose the production of conditioning agents, not shampoos or conditioning shampoos. In addition, it has been recognized that the solubility or, more correctly, the compatibility of these compounds with anionic surfactants is limited. Indeed, in the ""335 patent, even in conditioning compounds a xe2x80x9csolubilizingxe2x80x9d nonionic surfactant was necessary. While of course, such compounds could be used in shampoos, they can often have detrimental effects. They can reduce the foaming which is important to the action and feel of a shampoo, they add cost because of the need for an additional ingredient, present additional formulation obstacles and, in addition, add unnecessary surfactant to the shampoo, potentially increasing irritation. Dialkyl quats of compounds such as tallow are also known. However, these compounds are generally made from shorter chain fatty acid constituents, i. e. C-16 and C-18 fatty acids. Therefore, there remains a need for the production of conditioning agents which are compatible in shampoos which will not further complicate an already complicated formulation process.
The present invention relates to the dialkyl quats of fatty acid materials having at least about 30% of at least a C-20 fatty acid component by weight and preferably having a target melting point of about 100xc2x0 C. or less and more preferably about 85xc2x0 C. or less.
The quats in accordance with the present invention, unlike the dialkyl quats of the prior art, include an amidoamine group produced by the reaction of the carboxylic acid portion of the fatty acids with at least 2 of the nitrogens contained within a bridging molecule such as, for example, DETA.
In the above formula I, R is the carbon chain of the fatty acid constituent and m and n are as described herein.
In addition, the dialkyl quats of the present invention are generally made from fatty acids having an iodine value of 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less and even more preferably 100 or less. The resulting quats can include, for example, compounds made exclusively from, for example, erucic acid (C22:1-22 carbon atoms with one double bond) or high erucic rapseed oil (xe2x80x9cHEAR oilxe2x80x9d). HEAR oil has a fatty acid content of 46% by weight erucic acid (C22:1), 1.5% behemic acid (C22:0), and 11% gadoleic acid (C20:1) by weight. HEAR oil has an iodine value ranging from between about 90 to about 120 depending upon grade and actual fatty acid content. Erucic acid, by comparison, has an iodine value of about 74. Erucic acid, which makes up the major portion of HEAR oil has a target melting point of about 33.5xc2x0 C.
The dialkyl quats in the present invention can also include such long chain fatty acid constituents as montan acid wax which contains, as its major constituent, a C36:0 fatty acid. Surprisingly, the compounds in accordance with the present invention have excellent anionic surfactant compatibility when compared to, for example, non-amidoamine based dialkyl quats such as those previously known. This allows them to be formulated into surfactant systems such as, for example, those present in shampoos, without the need for separate compatiblizers. Personal care products comprising a base of a shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, facial/body wash or hair color and 0.1-10% cationic activity of the quats of the invention are also contemplated.
Oils in accordance with the present invention include, without limitation, HEAR oil, as well as cod liver oil, herring oil, menhaden oil, mustard seed oil, pilchard oil, hear oil, salmon oil, sardine oil, meadowfoam oil and shark liver oil. The C-20+ components of some of these oils are as follows: Cod liver oilxe2x80x948.8-14.6% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 2.6-9% Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5), 4.6-13.3% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1), 1-2% Docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5) and 8.6-19% Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6); Herring oilxe2x80x941.5-19.2% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 4.6-10.2% Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5), 2.8-19.9% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1), 1-3.7% Docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5) and 3.8-24.1% Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6); Menhaden oilxe2x80x940.9-2.7% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 0.6-1.2% Eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4), 10.2-13.5% Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5), 0.7-1.7% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1), 1.1-2.3% Docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5) and 3.3-14% Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6); Pilchard (Sardine) oilxe2x80x943.2% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 1.6% Eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4), 16.9% Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5), 3.6% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1), 2.5% Docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5) and 12.9% Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6); HEAR oilxe2x80x940.8-13.5% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 20.1-59.4% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1), 0.1-1.4% Tetrcosanoic (C24:0); Mustard Seed oilxe2x80x947% Eicosenoic acid (C20:1), 44.2% Docosenoic (Erucic) acid (C22:1). Oils rich in Tetracosaenoic (Nervonic) acid (C24:1) such as genetically altered HEAR oil also work well. Of course, variations in content can occur. See generally 1 xe2x80x9cBailey""s Industrial Oil and Fat Productsxe2x80x9d (Daniel Swern, John Wiley and Sons, 4th Ed. 1979) pg. 416, 417, 447, 449, 450 and 452, all of which are attached and hereby incorporated by reference. Each of the foregoing oils has a distribution of fatty acids (usually in the form of trigylcerides) which includes at least 30% of a C-20 or greater component.
Of course, it is possible in accordance with the present invention to use pure fatty acids and/or artificially created mixtures including, without limitation arachidic (C20:0) behemic (C22:0), gadoleic (C20:1), erucic (C22:1), arachadonic (C20:4) and culpodonic (C22:5). Mixtures of fatty acids are also possible which include fatty acid constituents of lower carbon chain lengths. Fatty acids may be provided from fatty acid containing oils, triglycerides and from fatty acids or salts. Indeed, fatty acid materials useful for production of dialkyl quats in accordance with the present invention can come from natural or synthetic sources and include pure fatty acids, fatty acid mixtures, triglycerides, oils, and waxes such as, for example, jojoba oil (fatty acids and fatty alcohols) or montan wax.
Reference is made herein to the use of fatty acids, or materials containing fatty acids, having a chain length of at least 20 carbon or more. If 100% euricic acid is used, then 100% of the fatty acid constituents of the quats is C-22. If HEAR oil is used, then at least 30% of the fatty acids and therefore, at least 30% of the resulting quats, will have a C-20 or higher chain length constituent. As should be clear, this means that the fatty acid component can be made up of one or more C-20 or greater fatty acids totaling at least 30% by weight of the fatty acids.
The oils or any of the pure acids contained in them should have, most preferably, but not absolutely necessary, a melt point of 100xc2x0 C. or less and more preferably 85xc2x0 C. or less.
The fatty acids should also be limited in terms of the degree of saturation. Preferably the majority of the fatty acid materials will either be completely saturated or mono-unsaturated. One way of measuring the degree of saturation of fatty acid is the well known iodine value used in the trade. Odor and color problems can develop as the iodine value of a fatty acid or oil containing fatty acid increases due to the products being more prone to oxidation. The odor and very dark colors obtained render the quats unacceptable for use as cosmetic ingredients. They may also render the compounds difficult to work with and compatiblize. This is particularly true when it is desired to include these ingredients in, for example, conditioning shampoos. Therefore, esters, triglycerides, acids or any combinations thereof and/or the individual fatty acids should preferably have an iodine value of 200 or less, more preferably 150 or less, and even more preferably 100 or less. Of course, if the individual fatty acid or the mixture of fatty acids has an iodine value of greater than the desired target, it may be possible to include same by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the material until the iodine value falls within the desired limits.
The dialkyl mono quats in accordance with the present invention can be made by taking one of the fatty acids described above such as, a triglyceride, and reacting same with a compound which can form a dialkyl amidoamine. For example, when a triglyceride is used, 2 moles of triglyceride will be reacted with 3 moles of, for example, diethylene triamine (DETA) to form 3 moles of the fatty amidoamine. The resulting secondary amidoamine can then be reacted with, for example, on alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide to convert the secondary amine into a tertiary amine containing a alcohol group. This material can then be quaternized by a reaction with, for example (CH3)2SO4 to form the quat. Any known technique for forming quaternary amine compounds can be used. Quats so formed generally include counter ions such as halides, sulfates, phosphates and the like.
The amidoamine forming component in accordance with the present invention can be, for example, DETA as previously discussed. The amidoamine forming constituent will have the formula N1-(C)m-N2-(C)n-N3. m and n can be an integer from 1 to 6 and more preferably 1 to 4 and most preferably 1 to 3. If more than 1 carbon atom is present, the bonds between them can be saturated or unsaturated. In addition, any carbon atoms present can be substituted with, for example, one or more alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbons, a hydroxyl containing group, an alkoxy group and the like. However, any other amidoamine forming compounds are also contemplated. For example, triethylene tetraamine (TETA), may also be used.
It should also be understood that either the nitrogen in the first, second or third position can be quaternized (amine nitrogen). The remaining 2 nitrogens would be bound to the alkyl chains (amido nitrogens). Therefore, it is possible to produce a dialkyl quat which is symmetric about the second nitrogen quat or one of the terminal nitrogens can be quaternized with the remaining 2 nitrogens bound to the alkyl groups.
In addition, the quaternized nitrogen can include a number of quaternizing groups as is known in the art. For example, as previously discussed, the quaternized nitrogen can include an ethoxy group and a methyl group as its substituents. See Formula I. Two ethoxy groups may also be used. Where it is important to render the resulting quat compatible with anionic surfactants, such as, for example, where the resulting material will be used in shampoo as opposed to a conditioner, it is important that at least one of the constituents contain, for example, a hydroxy, aldehyde, acid or other generally electro-negative group bound to the quaternized nitrogen i.e., the amine nitrogen. These can include ethoxy groups, propoxy groups, aldehydes, acids, polyethyoxy groups (polyalkoxy groups) and the like. In fact, with reference to Formula I, the ethoxy group could be replaced with a polyethyoxy group of between 2 and 20 ethoxy units. Anionic surfactant compatibility can be measured by a clear solution without precipitation or turbidity once the quat is mixed with the surfactant. Of course, if anionic surfactant compatibility is not required, then for example, two alkyl groups may be used instead, such as, for example, two methyl groups, one methyl and one ethyl group, etc.
Generally, quats in accordance with the present invention are not sold as individual compounds. Instead, they are dissolved or dispersed in a solvent or mixture of solvents. Generally, solvents can include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, alcohol such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and the like. Generally, the quats in accordance with the present invention are provided in an amount of between about 25 and 90% by weight relative to the amount of solvent. More preferably between about 25 and 80% and even more preferably between 25 and 65% by weight. In addition, fatty acids or fatty alcohols can also be used resulting in a flakable material.
The formulations in accordance with the present invention are often referred to, when mixed with their solvent, as containing a certain amount of cationic activity. Therefore, a formulation including a 25% cationic activity consists of, amongst other things, 25 weight percent of a cationic quat in 75 weight percent of a solvent. Generally, the quats of the present invention are formulated in shampoos in an amount of between about 0.1 and about 10 percent based on the amount of cationic activity. Therefore, in formulating a shampoo with, for example, 1% active or 1% cationic activity, 2% of a 50/50 quat/solvent formulation by weight of the shampoo would be necessary for formulation. More preferably, the amount of activity ranges from between about 0.1% and about 5% and more preferably between about 0.5% and about 3%. On an actives basis, generally the same amounts may be used in conditioners, shampoos, colorings, liquid hand or body soaps, facial or body washes, etc.


A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Applicants"" invention relates generally to the field of programmable controllers and more particularly to a system for coupling a network of programmable controllers through an internetwork to a monitoring and control device.
Remote monitoring and control of systems and processes have taken many forms. In the past, dedicated lines became the most common form of communication between a control system and a remote location. This has limited application since the control system was not accessible from multiple locations. Modems have made it possible to access the control system from different locations, but these types of systems are generally restricted to downloading and uploading data files. Providing any type of control function between locations is rather limited in this type of environment. Further, an end user generally required a customized interface to access the control system.
With the growth of Internet, and its World Wide Web providing a delivery platform for organizing Internet data through hypertext links, a client server system can be designed that will give each end user the same type of a user friendly interface with the same universal access to services on the Web. The Web is a network of documents called sites or pages stored on server computers throughout the world. Each page will usually contain text, some type of multimedia offerings such as graphic images, video, or audio, and possible hypertext links to other documents. A browser allows a user to read the pages and interact with the choices associated with it. The browser is a graphical software program that sends commands to the Internet Web site and displays whatever information is available on the page. Various browser programs are commercially available from different manufacturers.
The Internet network employs methods designed to handle thousands of general purpose computers sharing a single cable, and therefore has no ability to differentiate traffic in terms of its purpose or the criticality of its data. The Internet is no longer a network of computers sharing a single cable, but rather a web of interconnected point to point links involving both general purpose stations and specialized infrastructure components such as routers and firewalls.
The type of personal computer or work station used by the end user to connect to the Web is of no regard. Communication over the Internet and other networks requires one of several types of protocols. Protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP) provide for file transfers, electronic mail, and other services. A Sun Microsystem""s programming language known as Java, along with Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) used in designing layouts and graphics for a Web site or page has extended Internet technology such that a Web site can be used for dynamic applications, commonly called applets, that can be downloaded and run by the end user. These applets are interpreted and run within a Web browser and have been generally restricted to word processing and similar uses. Downloading and running applets can be slow in comparison to other types of complied languages. Security rules imposed on a browser and enforced by the underlying JAVA language prevent applets from obtaining certain data from any other device other than the Web server itself.
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are widely used in industry and process control. Many manufacturers provide factory automation information using Microsoft Windows and other types of communication networking environments. These networks are usually slow, are not universally accessible and are limited to monitoring and data exchange. Control may be implemented, but since the communication networks are non-deterministic, control is not real time. Specialized industrial networks using proprietary fieldbus alternatives can be very expensive. Conversion products are required to allow information carried over those networks to be visible on a general purpose network. There are significant installation and other deployment costs associated with the existence of such intermediate devices. Firewalls between the Web server and the application are designed to solve problems of security and are not designed for high performance.
It would be desirable to develop an automation control system whereby an user could use general, commercial networks such as the Internet in place of specialized industrial networks to remotely monitor automation control devices such as PLCs.
Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide an interface between an industrial control system and a Web browser coupled to a connectionless network such as Internet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide remote access through a Web browser to information and data contained in an industrial control system having a Programmable Logic Controller.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention allows for easy access over a commercial network such as Internet to information within a programmable logic controller (PLC). Access can be made locally or worldwide using a commercial Web browser. The invention is comprised of a control system of essential elements including, but not limited to a Web interface, a local network, and a network interface to at least one PLC control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the PLC, including PLC configuration, I/O and register status, operating statistics, diagnostics, and distributed I/O configurations. Updates to operating software can also be downloaded through the Internet access.
Other features and advantages of the invention, which are believed to be novel and nonobvious, will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Reference is made to the claims for interpreting the full scope of the invention which is not necessarily represented by such embodiment.

Web interface to a programmable controller