Abstract: A data storage system comprising a plurality of storage devices, each storage device comprising a plurality of storage nodes and each storage node comprising a plurality of logical partitions such that there are at least Q copies of a particular logical partition in the storage system. Each logical partition is divided into a plurality of sub-ranges which are individually lockable to both data input and data output whereby data in a particular logical partition is synchronisable sub-range by sub-range with the other copies of said particular logical partition. A method of maintaining such a data storage, including creating and updating data in the data store, recovering from failure of an element of the data store and/or increasing capacity in the data store.

Abstract: A method of delivering content updates for user interfaces to devices is disclosed. The content data comprises metadata that determines how upgrades to the content data is delivered, for example locations of the updates, the frequency at which updates are accessed, etc. The metadata may also locate a further data resource, such as a database, that stores the location of the content data upgrades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making an open celled microcellular foam comprising providing at least one foamable polymer and a crosslinking agent in an extruder, injecting at least one blowing agent into said at least one foamable polymer and said crosslinking agent in said extruder, blending said blowing agent injected into said at least one foamable polymer and said crosslinking agent in said extruder, feeding said blended blowing agent, at least one foamable polymer and said crosslinking agent in said extruder to a die, and depressurizing said blended blowing agent, said at least one foamable polymer and said crosslinking agent.