Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for processing in a multiprocessor data processing system are disclosed. The method includes, in response to executing a load-and-reserve instruction in a processor core, the processing core sending a load-and-reserve operation for an address to a lower level cache of a memory hierarchy, invalidating data for the address in a store-through upper level cache, and placing data returned from the lower level cache into the store-through upper level cache.

Abstract: A brazing alloy comprising elemental silver alloyed with elemental silicon in a silver/silicon ratio between about 95/5 and 99/1, preferably about 97/3. Small amounts of silicon alloyed with silver depress the alloy liquidus curve significantly, the liquidus temperature of a silver and silicon eutectic alloy being about 837° C. Brazing alloys in accordance with the invention are useful in bonding ceramics to ceramics, ceramics to metals, and metals to metals. Copper, vanadium, or other oxygen-reactive surface bonding elements may also be included. Silver/silicon alloys are useful in applications such as assembly of components of solid oxide fuel cells. A variety of silver/silicon alloy brazes can be used within the same fuel cell so that subsequent brazing can be performed without reliquifying a previous braze. A brazing alloy comprising elemental silver and ruthenium in a silver/ruthenium ratio between 97/3 and 99/1 is also included.

Abstract: A solid-oxide fuel cell system wherein a reformate combustor is disposed in the reformate flow path between a hydrocarbon reformer and a fuel cell stack. At system start-up, reformate is partially burned within the combustor by admitting combustion air, and the partially-burned reformate is passed through the anode chambers of the stack to warm the anodes. In addition, reformate is passed through a cathode-air heat exchanger to warm combustion air entering the cathode chambers of the stack. The combustor may continue to be supplied with a low level of air during steady-state operation of the SOFC, thereby providing a moist environment within the anode chambers to prevent coking of the anodes and providing additional heat to the reformate. The combustor decouples the reformer from the stack thermodynamically, permitting the reformer and the stack each to run in its own optimal temperature range.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a fuel cell system including a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell stack by recycling anode syngas into the reformer in a range between 60% and 95% of the total syngas. At equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived from endothermically reformed water and carbon dioxide in the syngas. Reforming temperature is between about 650° C. to 750° C. The stack exit temperature is about 800° C. to 880° C. such that the required endotherm can be provided by the sensible heat of the recycled syngas. The stack has approximately equal anode and cathode gas flows in opposite directions, resulting in cooling from both the anodes and cathodes.

Abstract: A system for co-generation of electricity combining a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer, an SOFC assembly and a generator driven by a gas turbine. The fuel cell assembly recycles a high percentage of anode exhaust gas into the reformer. Oxygen for reforming is derived from water in an endothermic process. The stack exit temperature is normally above 800° C. DC power from the fuel cell assembly and AC power from the gas turbine generator are directed to a power conditioner. Anode exhaust gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen is divided into a plurality of portions by which heat may be added to the reforming, gas turbine, and cathode air heating processes. Water may be recovered from the exhaust. A power system in accordance with the invention is capable of operating at a higher total efficiency than either the fuel cell component or the gas turbine component alone.

Abstract: A method for determining gloss in a curative powder coatings containing at least two polyester resins and &bgr;-Hydroxyalkylamide formulations. The method includes the steps of: providing a powder coating comprising a first polyester resin and &bgr;-hydroxyalkylamide formulation having a first acid value and a second polyester resin and &bgr;-hydroxyalkylamide formulation having a second acid value; blending the first and second formulations together to make coating; determining the percent difference in the acid values between the first and second polyester resins; determining a surface gloss of the coating after application; determining a gloss versus percent difference in acid values correlation; and determining the amount of at least one of the resins to be present in the blend to achieve the desired gloss using the correlation.

Abstract: A face cloth for a thermal barrier of a firefighter's garment made from a fabric woven from fire resistant yarns. The yarns are woven into a twill pattern with, preferably, filament yarns in the filling direction and spun yarns in the warp direction and a finish is applied to the fabric. The finish is accepted by the fabric and renders the face cloth both wickable and hook-and-loop compatible. The face cloth has a smooth and slick surface and is wickable and hook-and-loop fastener compatible.

Abstract: A microprocessor acts upon instructions received from a random access memory and a read only memory. A removable hard drive contains musical selections digitally stored thereon. The hard drive stores data in the random access memory and retrieves data from the random access memory as directed by the microprocessor. A monitor displays a list of available musical selections and a list of the customer's selections. A keyboard is used by the customer to provide input to the microprocessor. A card reader retrieves electronic information from a payment card and sends payment information to the microprocessor. A CD writer and dispenser is controlled by the microprocessor to retrieve a blank compact disk from a CD storage, record the customer's musical selections onto the compact disk, and dispense the compact disk.