Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices that efficiently assign users to shared instances of a distributed application based on data access requirements and distribute these instances across multiple servers. In one aspect, a method is provided that includes determining data access requirements for a plurality of users; assigning each user to one of a plurality of groups based on similar requirements; assigning a plurality of application instances, each corresponding to a group, to a plurality of servers, where each instance provides access to data relevant to its group; and executing the instances on the servers. Assigning users may involve selecting an initial user with the largest requirement, then iteratively adding users who cause the smallest incremental increase in the group's required data size until a condition is met.

Abstract: A method of spectrally broadening light pulses includes the steps of providing the light pulses with a laser source, said light pulses having a pulse duration below 1 ps, in-coupling the light pulses into a hollow optical waveguide device, and spectrally broadening the light pulses propagating along the pulse guiding medium by subjecting them to a Raman nonlinearity via excitation of a Raman polarization having a first Raman period, wherein the optical waveguide device subjects the light pulses to anomalous group velocity dispersion which combines with the spectral broadening of the light pulses to result in a Raman-enhanced self-compression of the light pulses, and the light pulses further propagate along the optical waveguide device such that the Raman-enhanced self compression results in a further excitation of a Raman polarization having a second Raman period which is faster than the first Raman period.

Abstract: A method of generating light pulses including pumping laser pulses with a pump laser source, coupling the laser pulses into a pulse guiding medium having an anomalous group-velocity dispersion and a Kerr nonlinearity, and propagating the laser pulses along the pulse guiding medium, wherein soliton-shaped light pulses are formed from the laser pulses within the pulse guiding medium and, resulting from a photoionization of the pulse guiding medium by the light pulses, the light pulses are subjected to a frequency, wherein the method further includes setting the pump laser source and the pulse guiding medium such that the light pulses are fundamental soliton light pulses propagating in the pulse guiding medium, wherein the group-velocity dispersion of the pulse guiding medium being selected such that a ratio of the dispersion and the Kerr nonlinearity decreases with increasing frequency and the fundamental soliton light pulses are compressed with the frequency shift.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a polycomponent fibre having a first, fibre forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke. The apparatus has a first reservoir for containing the first component, and a second reservoir for containing the dispersion, second solution or liquid. The dispersion, second solution or liquid includes the second component. The apparatus also has a polycomponent spinnerette adapted to coextrude the first component and the second component to form the polycomponent fibre. The apparatus also includes a first conduit for connecting the first reservoir to the spinnerette, and a second conduit for connecting the second reservoir to the spinnerette.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fiber comprising a first, fiber-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fiber comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A process for making a crimped tow of filaments suitable for forming a bale of crimped tow for conversion to cigarette filter rods comprising, presenting an uncrimped tow of filaments in a banded condition, adhesively bonding to the filaments of the banded tow (3), porous particles having absorbent surfaces imparting filtration capacity for tobacco smoke constituents, and crimping the banded tow, wherein the process comprises the steps, of: (i) pre-treating the particles to load them with a material capable of generating a gaseous emission from the particles thus forming pre-treated particles; (ii) applying to the filaments of the banded tow, the pre-treated particles and an adhesive for bonding the particles to the filaments; and subsequently (iii) treating the tow to generate the gaseous emission from the pre-treated particles so as to limit deactivation of the absorbent particle surfaces by the adhesive.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fibre comprising a first, fibre-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fibre comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.

Abstract: A crimped filament tow, suitable for use in making cigarette filter rods, is made by a process in which porous particles, such as activated carbon particles, are adhered to the filaments by an adhesive. Deactivation of the adsorbent surfaces of the particles by the adhesive is limited by loading the particles with a material, such as water, which can generate a gaseous emission, such as steam, from the particles so as to open up access to the adsorbent interior surfaces of the particles. The filaments, which may be cellulose acetate, may have a cross-section having concave portions, such as are provided by multi-lobal cross-sections, in which the adhered particles may lie to protect them against shedding by abrasion of the filaments against machine surfaces. The particles and the adhesive may be applied to the banded tow at the same time, in the form of a dispersion of the particles in the adhesive, and may be applied directly before the crimping step.

Abstract: A writing instrument comprises a body, a writing tips and at least one plastically deformable member. The body contains a writing medium. The writing tip extends from the body. The at least one plastically deformable member extends from the body and is adapted to be arranged in a plurality of different configurations. An accessory for a writing instrument comprises a cap and at least one plastically deformable member. The cap is adapted to be removably attached to a writing instrument. The at least one plastically deformable member is attached to the cap and adapted to be bent into a plurality of configurations to customize the appearance of the cap and/or writing instrument.

Abstract: A kit for providing a modular grip for a writing instrument includes a plurality of tubular elements. Each of the tubular elements comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a representation. The inner surface is adapted to frictionally engage the writing instrument. The outer surface is adapted to be gripped by a user. The representations are disposed on the outer surface. The plurality of tubular elements are adapted to provide a user with the ability to create a modular grip and to customize and/or personalize a writing instrument.

Abstract: A multi-layer bristle includes a core layer and a plurality of outer layers. The outer layers may be flagged to provide multiple smaller bristles. Each of the core layer and the outer layer may have particular material properties to provide the bristle with particular functions bases on the material properties. The multi-layer bristle can be manufactured by the process of co-extrusion.

Abstract: An economical, three-dimensional reusable plastic article that is resistant to damage and stress caused by a variety of factors is disclosed. The plastic article comprises a polycarbonate/polyester plastic blend, and optionally further comprises a plastic insert. The polycarbonate/polyester blend may be fused directly to the optional plastic insert. Alternatively, the polycarbonate/polyester blend may be tied to the optional plastic insert through the use of an adhesive layer and/or a tie layer.

Abstract: A container, such as a tool box (10), includes a base portion (11) having an open top and a cover (12) for closing the open top. A plurality of sockets (35) are formed in the cover (12) to receive a bin (13) therein. A bin (13) is maintained in each socket (35) by the interaction of a barb (44) in the socket (35) and a notch (62) in the bin (13), and the interaction of a bump (45) in the socket (36) and a pocket (63) in the bin (13). When in the socket (36) the lid (47) of the bin (13) may be removed therefrom.