Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and implementing technologies for up-scaling an original source video from a lower, first resolution to a desired output video having a higher, second resolution, using fractal zooming techniques to replace individual source pixels in each respective image frame of the original source video with a plurality of proposed replacement pixels in the vertical and horizontal dimensions having similar characteristics as the individual source pixel, reducing noise associated with each respective frame of the desired output video, re-sizing, as necessary, each respective replacement frame to the second resolution, and outputting each zoomed replacement frame to generate the desired output video, which is an up-scaled version of the original source video. The quality of the up-scaled output video is improved by using artifact filtering and linear smoothing techniques after the initial search and replace steps of the fractal zooming process.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for up-scaling a source input video from a lower, first resolution to a desired output video having a higher, second resolution, using fractal zooming techniques to replace each individual source pixel of each respective frame of the source input video with a multiple of proposed replacement pixels in the vertical and horizontal dimensions having similar characteristics as the individual source pixel, reducing noise associated with each respective frame of the desired output video, re-sizing, as necessary, each respective replacement frame to the second resolution, and outputting each zoomed replacement frame to generate the desired output video having a higher, second resolution, which is the up-scaled version of the source video. The fractal zooming techniques include identifying a plurality of candidate pixels from the source video and selecting a group of pixels from the candidate pixels that best matches the individual source pixel.

Abstract: A computerized system for up-scaling a source input video from a lower, first resolution to a desired output video having a higher, second resolution, using fractal zooming techniques to replace each individual source pixel of each respective frame of the source input video with a multiple of proposed replacement pixels in the vertical and horizontal dimensions having similar characteristics as the individual source pixel, converting each of the proposed replacement pixels into a desired color space for the desired output video, using low-pass filtering to reduce noise associated with each respective frame of the desired output video, down-sizing the output video to its desired resolution, and outputting each zoomed replacement frame to generate the desired output video.

Abstract: A computerized system for up-scaling a source input video from a lower, first resolution to a desired output video having a higher, second resolution, using fractal zooming techniques to replace each individual source pixel of each respective frame of the source input video with a multiple of proposed replacement pixels in the vertical and horizontal dimensions having similar characteristics as the individual source pixel, converting each of the proposed replacement pixels into a desired color space for the desired output video, using low-pass filtering to reduce noise associated with each respective frame of the desired output video, down-sizing the output video to its desired resolution, and outputting each zoomed replacement frame to generate the desired output video.

Abstract: A continuous nickel matte converter and method for the efficient production of low iron nickel-rich mattes from high-iron nickel-rich mattes, with minimal environmental impact. The present invention processes high-iron, nickel-rich primary furnace mattes to produce low iron, nickel-rich mattes, low value metal-containing slag and sulfur dioxide rich-off gas, with improved cobalt recovery. It eliminates use of the Peirce-Smith converter, with its undesirable environmental, metallurgical and economic features.

Abstract: A system for continuous smelting of sulfidic copper concentrate in which an oxygen flash furnace is operatively connected with a continuous converter and the continuous converter is operatively connected with a finishing furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal upgrading process whereby nickel-containing limonite or limonite/saprolite blends are pelletized with requisite amounts of solid carbon reductant and a sulfure-bearing concentrating agent. The pellets are fed to a reactor where they are gradually heated, causing reduction of the metal values. The reduced pellets are then held in a "metallics growth zone" of the reactor at a temperature high enough to allow for liquid-phase migration of the metallics within the pellets but below the point at which the pellets become sticky. The metallics growth zone is provided with a carefully controlled combustion gas atmosphere equivalent to about 60-65% aeration of partial combustion of natural gas which prevents further reduction or re-oxidation and thus provides a good environment for metallic particle growth. After a sufficient retention time, the pellets are then rapidly cooled to prevent the disproportionation of wustite to magnetite.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removing the oxide surface from water atomized metal powders containing an oxidizer capable of oxidizing chromium from a trivalent to a soluble hexavalent state, whereby chromium oxides are removed from the metal powder surface. The powder is then treated with a dilute acid solution essentially devoid of hydrofluoric acid to remove other hydrated oxides from the metal powder surface. The powder is then water washed and dried.

Abstract: A composite structure and a method of producing said composite structure from a combination of copper and a low coefficient of thermal expansion nickel-iron alloy is disclosed wherein the copper clads the nickel-iron sheet and is interposed through the central nickel-iron sheet in such a fashion as to provide a substantially isotropic heat transfer path.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite material from a mixture of copper and a low coefficient of thermal expansion nickel-iron alloy (Invar) powder is disclosed wherein advantageously at least part of the copper is deposited on the Invar powder prior to processing. Processing includes cold compacting to a green strip or other configuration, annealing in the temperature range of 550.degree.-750.degree. C. and working the annealed material at a temperature in that range to high density.

Abstract: A copper converting process starting with white metal or a mixture of white metal and metallic copper in which oxidizing gas contacts the molten copper mass either at or near the top surface of the molten mass while the mass is sparged with an inert gas from at or near the bottom of the mass and sparging is continued after contact with the oxidizing gas ceases.

Abstract: A process for autogenously smelting copper sulfide ore concentrate directly to semi-blister copper in which a calcareous flux is charged directly to an autogenouse furnace along with concentrate and copper-containing coolant. Furnace products are semi-blister copper, calcareous slag and off-gas rich in sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: A process for autogenously smelting sulfidic copper material in the presence of a calcareous flux in which slag cleaning to provide metallic copper is employed. Such metallic copper provided by slag cleaning is usefully employed as a coolant in the autogenous smelting operation.

Abstract: A copper flash smelting process in which part of a sulfidic copper feed is roasted in the presence of a calcareous SO.sub.2 scavenger to produce a calcine containing calcium sulfate and an oxidic copper product, the calcine is mixed with additional feed and the mixture is flash smelted to provide a metallic product and a calcareous slag.