Abstract: A filter for purifying gas mixtures containing particulates, in particular exhaust gases of internal combustion engines containing soot. The filter has a porous wall made of a filter base material through which the gas mixture to be purified flows. A surface coating of ceramic fibers is applied to the surface of the wall which is exposed to the flow of the gas mixture to be purified. The ceramic fibers are coated with nanoparticles. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a filter.

Abstract: In a computer system wherein messages are transferred between participants, at least some of which are human users of the computer system using the computer system in furtherance of work projects, and wherein a workflow system handles task-based operations in a structured environment, tasks embodied in messages are handled as tasks in the structure environment by transforming messages into workflow items.

Abstract: A filter device and a method for cleaning gas mixtures containing particles, e.g., soot-containing exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, as well as a method for the manufacture of the filter device, are provided. The filter device has a porous surface made of a filter base material exposed to the gas mixture to be cleaned. A layer of ceramic fibers is applied onto the surface exposed to the gas mixture to be cleaned.

Abstract: Work items are collected from one or more work item providers for presentation to a workflow participant. A work item provider is typically a workflow management system (“WFMS”), but other providers of work items might exist that generate work items and may or may not have their own local worklist. Multiple independent WFMS's of multiple types might provide work items to a universal worklist (“UWL”) service that integrates the work items from all of the providers. Additional integration might be provided between the UWL and work item providers, such as for controlling work item execution with a sub-workflow through an ad-hoc workflow engine. Additional integration provides for custom attributes. Each work item has a type that is used to determine handling for that work item. A universal work list service includes storage for work items, wherein a work item represents a task generated as part of a process flow.

Abstract: In a structured workflow system, a configurable workflow engine provides mechanisms for executing and scheduling the work items in a defined way. End users use their discretion and define their own “local” processes and “local” rules for processing work items, or deviate from predefined processes. The configurable workflow engine might be installed at a server to organize workflows and business processes where end users can define processing steps for incoming work items by setting up rules and defining workflows as part of a local workflow structure. By defining these rules and workflows, the further processing steps of future incoming work items can be automated. When an administrator directs the workflow engine to move from a current phase to a next phase, the workflow engine deals with the incomplete items by allowing the administrator to carry over work items (or might do it automatically). End -user consultation might be included in the carry-over decisions.