Abstract: A coding method is adapted to select different codebook search algorithms according to varied types of input signals. An encoder using the coding method is also provided. As appropriate search algorithms may be selected according to all possible structural features of the input signals, certain types of signals for which satisfactory results may be obtained through simple computations may match with search algorithms suitable for these signal types and having low computation complexities, so as to achieve better performance with fewer system resources. Meanwhile, other types of signals that need complicated computations may be processed by more sophisticated search algorithms, thereby ensuring the coding quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for searching fixed codebook are provided. The method includes: obtaining a basic codebook which comprises position information of N pulses on M tracks, wherein N and M are positive integers; choosing n pulses as search pulses, wherein the n pulses are parts of the N pulses and n is a positive integer smaller than N; and replacing position information of the n search pulses respectively with other position information on the tracks to obtain a searched codebook; executing the search process for K times, wherein K is a positive integer larger than or equal to 2, at least two or more search pulses are chosen in one of the K search processes , and the chosen search pulses vary in each of the K search processes; and obtaining an optimal codebook from the basic codebook and the searched codebook according to a preset criterion.

Abstract: A method for quantizing vector. The method includes: performing a quantization process on a vector to be quantized by use of N basic codebook vectors and the adjustment vectors of each of the basic codebook vectors, generating a basic codebook vector and an adjustment vector used for quantizing the vectors to be quantized, N being a positive integer larger than or equal to 1. According to the present invention, based on the method a device for quantizing vector is disclosed. According to embodiments of the present invention, the quantization of an input vector is done by introducing the modification vectors for the base codebook vectors, therefore the memory amount of the base codebook vectors is reduced effectively, and the calculation amount is merely the calculation amount required for going through N codebooks. Therefore, the complexity of the vector quantization could be decreased effectively.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity lower, residuum content, etc.) is disclosed. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts. Improved methods of mixing the reactants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API) lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is described. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts.

Abstract: A reactor for conducting a process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is described. The reactor is operable under continuous) semi-continuous or batch mode and is equipped with means to enable momentum, heat and mass transfer in and out of and within the reactor.

Abstract: A process using supercritical water to upgrade a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock into an upgraded hydrocarbon product or syncrude with highly desirable properties (low sulfur content, low metals content, lower density (higher API), lower viscosity, lower residuum content, etc.) is disclosed. The process does not require external supply of hydrogen nor does it use externally supplied catalysts.

Abstract: A triglyceride-to-fuel conversion process including the steps of (a) preconditioning unsaturated triglycerides by catalytic conjugation, cyclization, and cross-link steps; (b) contacting the modified triglycerides with hot-compressed water containing a catalyst, wherein cracking, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, dehydration, aromatization, or isomerization, or any combination thereof, of the modified triglycerides produce a crude hydrocarbon oil and an aqueous phase containing glycerol and lower molecular weight molecules, and (c) refining the crude hydrocarbon oil to produce various grades of biofuels.

Abstract: A fluid processor, suitable for the production of sterile water for injection, having a processor assembly and a process control system comprising a pump, a flow splitter, flow restrictors and a pressure relief valve. In a preferred embodiment, the processor assembly comprises a heat exchanger, a reactor and a heater arranged in a nested configuration. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also include a treatment assembly having a combination of filter, reverse osmosis and ion exchange devices and further incorporates an assembly and method allowing for the in situ sanitization of the fluid processor during cold start and shutdown to prevent bacteria growth during storage of the fluid processor. The fluid processor may include an electronic control system comprising a touch screen operator interface, a programmable logic controller and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity and endotoxin level.

Abstract: By treating potable water at a temperature of at least 230° C. (446° F.) and at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of saturated steam at said temperature, can produce pyrogen-free water using treatment times of 0.05 to 5 seconds or less. The addition of an oxidant, in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, further decreases the required treatment time to less than 0.05 second. The reduction n equipment size achieved with this rapid treatment time allows the utilization of treatment units small enough to be easily transported to remote locations or installed in the restricted space environment existing in ships and submarines.

Abstract: A fluid processor, suitable for the production of sterile water for injection, having a processor assembly and a process control system comprising a pump, a flow splitter, flow restrictors and a pressure relief valve. In a preferred embodiment, the processor assembly comprises a heat exchanger, a reactor and a heater arranged in a nested configuration. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also include a treatment assembly having a combination of filter, reverse osmosis and ion exchange devices and further incorporates an assembly and method allowing for the in situ sanitization of the fluid processor during cold start and shutdown to prevent bacteria growth during storage of the fluid processor. The fluid processor may include an electronic control system comprising a touch screen operator interface, a programmable logic controller and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity and endotoxin level.

Abstract: By treating potable water at a temperature of at least 230° C. (446° C.) and at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of saturated steam at said temperature, can produce pyrogen-free water using treatment times of 0.05 to 5 seconds or less. The addition of an oxidant, in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, further decreases the required treatment time to less than 0.05 second. The reduction in equipment size achieved with this rapid treatment time allows the utilization of treatment units small enough to be easily transported to remote locations or installed in the restricted space environment existing in ships and submarines.

Abstract: By treating potable water at a temperature of at least 230° C. (446° C.) and at a pressure at least equal to the pressure of saturated steam at said temperature, can produce pyrogen-free water using treatment times of 0.05 to 5 seconds or less. The addition of an oxidant, in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, further decreases the required treatment time to less than 0.05 second. The reduction in equipment size achieved with this rapid treatment time allows the utilization of treatment units small enough to be easily transported to remote locations or installed in the restricted space environment existing in ships and submarines.

Abstract: By treating potable water at a temperature of at least 250° C. (482° F.) and at a pressure of at least 4 Mpa (570 psia), can produce pyrogen-free water using treatment times of 0.05 to 5 seconds or less. The addition of an oxidant, in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a solid, further decreases the required treatment time to less than 0.05 second. The reduction in equipment size achieved with this rapid treatment time allows the utilization of treatment units small enough to be easily transported to remote locations or installed in the restricted space environment existing in ships and submarines.

Abstract: Sodium and borate ions are separated in supercritical water by addition of dissolved CO.sub.2 to cause precipitation of carbonates and the formation of boric acid. Carbonates and boric acid are then recovered as separate products.

Abstract: A method of producing an off-gas with a selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio of from about 0.1 to about 8 and a CO/CO.sub.2 ratio of at least about 0.1 by hydrothermal processing is provided. The method comprises the step of contacting a reactant capable of producing CO and H.sub.2 under hydrothermal conditions at a temperature of at least about 374.degree. C. and a pressure of at least about 22.1 MPa in the presence of water and with an amount of an additive effective to produce the selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio. The contacting is for a time sufficient to produce off-gas having the selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio and having a CO/CO.sub.2 ratio of at least about 0.1. Presence of the additive may enhance or may reduce the ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen in the off-gas. The additive may be an acid, a base, a salt, an oxide, or an oxidant. The off-gas having a selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio may be used for synthesis of organic compounds.

Abstract: Production of alkanes from an alkyl bound to a heteroatom under controlled hydrothermal conditions at supercritical or near critical water conditions including the use of an additive. The method reduces the extent of oxidation, generates useful and recoverable products, alters product distributions, promotes product yield, and enhances reaction rates. Additives alter product distributions and neutralize or consume mineral acids.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods utilizing cross-flow filtration under supercritical conditions for water to separate/filter a feed stream or reaction mixture, remove oxides or other solids from fluids, and/or separate ion species (e.g., ions, electrolytes, or salts). Cross-flow filtration may be utilized in combination with wet oxidation of waste and wastewaters to remove organic and inorganic materials.

Abstract: A system for effective utilization of reaction heat and in situ separation of solid and gaseous products in wet oxidation of waste and wastewater. This invention does not require special preheaters for preheating feed streams, therefore reducing the possibility of scale and char formation in the heat exchange zone. The cold feed stream is introduced into the reactor with part of the effluent which has been recycled through a high temperature pumping means to form a hot, near critical oxidant-containing mixture. The cold feed is directly heated up by the oxidant-containing mixture. The reaction mixture is separated by in situ crossflow filtration elements, including sintered material. Catalyzed reactions and sintered material gas separation are also described.

Abstract: A system for effective utilization of reaction heat and in situ separation of solid and gaseous products in wet oxidation of waste and wastewater. This invention does not require special preheaters for preheating feed streams, therefore reducing the possibility of scale and char formation in the heat exchange zone. The cold feed stream is introduced into the reactor with part of the effluent which has been recycled through a high temperature pumping means to form a hot, near critical oxidant-containing mixture. The cold feed is directly heated up by the oxidant-containing mixture. The reaction mixture is separated by in situ crossflow filtration elements, including sintered material. Catalyzed reactions and sintered material gas separation are also described.