Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a resource allocation policy in a network are disclosed. For example, the method constructs a queuing model for each application. The method defines a utility function for each application and for each transaction type of each application, and defines an overall utility in a system. The method performs an optimization to identify an optimal configuration that maximizes the overall utility for a given workload, and determines one or more adaptation policies for configuring the system in accordance with the optimal configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing the transfer of large data files across electronic data networks optimally in accordance with the desired results of the users. The present invention takes into consideration the user-defined transfer requirements, the data characteristics, and the characteristics of the entirety of the network, including both the access links and the backbone and processing and storage resources in the backbone. The present invention the enables users to more optimally transfer data within the limitations of the existing network capabilities, negating requirements to update local or remote network facilities.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing the transfer of large data files across electronic data networks optimally in accordance with the desired results of the users. The present invention takes into consideration the user-defined transfer requirements, the data characteristics, and the characteristics of the entirety of the network, including both the access links and the backbone and processing and storage resources in the backbone. The present invention the enables users to more optimally transfer data within the limitations of the existing network capabilities, negating requirements to update local or remote network facilities.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise method that can comprise receiving information indicative of a fault from a monitor associated a network. The method can comprise, responsive to the information indicative of the fault, automatically determining a probability of a fault hypothesis. The method can comprise, responsive to a determination of the fault hypothesis, automatically initiating a recovery action to correct the fault.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for gasifying carbonaceous material, in which (a) gasifying carbonaceous material is gasified in a gasification reactor of a gasification system to produce a product gas, (b) the product gas, ash particles entrained with the product gas, residual carbon, and gasified tar compounds are discharged from the gasification reactor to a product gas channel, (c) the product gas discharged from the gasification reactor is cooled using a gas cooler disposed along the product gas channel, so that the tar compounds are condensed to a liquid from that tends to stick to heat exchange surfaces of the gas cooler, (d) solid material including the ash particles and the residual carbon is separated from the gasification system, (e) the solid material separated from the gasification system is guided to an ash reactor, and oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the ash reactor, whereby the residual carbon in the solid material reacts with oxygen, and additional ash particles and exhaust gas are generated,

Abstract: A method of combusting oil shale in a circulating fluidized bed boiler. Fuel, including oil shale, is introduced into a furnace of the circulating fluidized bed boiler, primary oxygenous gas is introduced through a bottom grid of the furnace, and secondary oxygenous gas is introduced to the furnace at a first level above the level of the bottom grid. The primary oxygenous gas is introduced to the furnace at a rate providing below the first level a fluidizing velocity of less than 2.5 m/s, and the primary and secondary oxygenous gases are introduced to the furnace in such a way that a circulating fluidized bed is formed, and the fluidizing velocity at the first level is less than 70% of the fluidizing velocity in the upper portion of the furnace.

Abstract: A method of combusting oil shale or fuel having similar properties as oil shale in a circulating fluidized bed boiler. The method includes the steps of (a) introducing fuel into a furnace of the circulating fluidized bed boiler, (b) introducing primary oxygenous gas through a bottom grid of the furance, and (c) introducing secondary oxygenous gas to the furnace at a first level above the level of the bottom grid. The primary oxygenous gas is introduced to the furnace at a rate providing below the first level a fluidizing velocity of less than 2.5 m/s, and the primary and secondary oxygenous gases are introduced to the furnace in such a way that the fluidizing velocity below the first level is less than 70% of the fluidizing velocity in the upper portion of the furnace.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gasifying carbonaceous material, in which (a) product gas and ash, residual carbon a gasified tar compounds entrained therewith are discharged from a gasifying reactor to a product gas channel and cooled in a gas cooler, whereby tar compounds condense in a liquid state and tend to stick on heat surfaces; (b) solids containing ash particles and residual carbon separated from the gasification system, preferably from its product gas, are supplied to an ash reactor, in which the residual carbon reacts with oxygen and ash particles and exhaust gas is generated; and (c) ash particles are supplied to the gas cooler or upstream from the gas cooler, whereby the ash content entrained with the product gas increases and the sticking of condensing tar compounds on the heat surfaces decreases.

Abstract: In a method and system for authenticating locally-stored program code, a first checksum is computed using the locally-stored program code, the computed checksum is compared with a second checksum known to be valid and, if the two checksums are determined to match, the locally-stored program code is deemed valid and authentic. For increased certification reliability and dependability, before computation of the first checksum a predetermined challenge is added to the stored program code, so that the first checksum is computed from the combination of the stored program code and the challenge. This enhancement enables secure use of stored program code in applications that demand high security. Users of such software may therefore rely on the authenticity of the data processed by the software and of the data and results reported on the display of a mobile phone or keyboard throughout the entire process or transaction.

Abstract: The inventive method enables the signing and/or encrypting of a message to be transmitted from a sending party to a receiving party over a telecommunication network with the ability to ascertain from the message the identity of the sender and the integrity of the message contents. The message for transmission is divided into at least a header section, to which a sender identification is added, and a data section, to which a check element generated from the contents of the message is appended. The data section of the message is then signed and/or encrypted so as to permit the receiver to reliably identify the identity of the sender. Use of the check element additionally permits confirmation that the message contents have not been unintendedly modified or corrupted and that the message has been decrypted using the correct decryption key.

Abstract: In a method and system for authenticating locally-stored program code, a first checksum is computed using the locally-stored program code, the computed checksum is compared with a second checksum known to be valid and, if the two checksums are determined to match, the locally-stored program code is deemed valid and authentic. For increased certification reliability and dependability, before computation of the first checksum a predetermined challenge is added to the stored program code, so that the first checksum is computed from the combination of the stored program code and the challenge. This enhancement enables secure use of stored program code in applications that demand high security. Users of such software may therefore rely on the authenticity of the data processed by the software and of the data and results reported on the display of a mobile phone or keyboard throughout the entire process or transaction.

Abstract: A method of reducing the nitrogen oxide level in the flue gases issuing from combustion units by introduction of reducing agents into contact with gases containing nitrogen oxides in first and second reducing stages, is provided. The first reducing stage is a non-catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures over 800.degree. C.), while the second stage is a catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures of about 300-400.degree. C.). A steam generation boiler with improved nitrogen reduction facilities is also provided. The amount of nitrogen oxides in the hot gases is reduced in the combination of the first and second reducing stages while producing steam in a steam generation boiler system, thus resulting in gases essentially free from nitrogen oxides while eliminating the possibility of NH.sub.3 (or other reducing agent) slip in the exhausted flue gases. Heat transfers in a convection section as used to establish stabilized temperature conditions for catalytic reduction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for using biofuel or waste material or both for energy production. The biofuel or the waste material is gasified in a fluidized bed gasifier (10), preferably a circulating fluidized bed gasifier. The gas produced in the gasifier is introduced into a boiler (12) equipped with fossil fuel burners (28, 28'28"), typically burners for pulverized coal. The gas is introduced at a level above the burners. Ash from the boiler may be used to form the bed of the gasifier. For control of NO.sub.x, the gas is burned in the upper part of the boiler at a low temperature level of 800.degree.-1050.degree. C. (1472.degree.-1922.degree. F.), preferably 850.degree.-900.degree. C. (1562.degree.-1652.degree. F.), and with a small excess air content of about 5-10 percent. In a second embodiment, the raw gas may be cleaned of harmful or noxious components, and cooled if desired, between the gasifier and the boiler in an additional circulating fluidized bed reactor (152) having a bed of coal ash.

Abstract: The amount of N.sub.2 O emission from a fluidized bed reactor is reduced by adding a hydrogen radical providing additive (e.g. a hydrogen containing fuel such as natural gas or alcohol) to the flue gases discharged from the fluidized bed. Sufficient oxygen is present in the flue gases--either by addition with the additive, or by addition of an excess to the combustion chamber--so that the additive reacts with the oxygen, typically raising the temperature of the flue gases (e.g. from about 700.degree.-900.degree. C. to about 950.degree.-1100.degree. C.) so that N.sub.2 O production is reduced about 10-90%. The additive may be injected in or just prior to a cyclone for separating particles from the flue gases, in a gas discharge immediately after the cyclone (e.g. just downstream of a heat exchanger for cooling the flue gases and flattening the velocity profile of the flue gases), just prior to a superheater of a convection section, or in a combustion chamber just prior to a gas turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling hot gas in a reactor in which the lower section of the reactor is provided with an inlet for hot gas and a chamber encompassing a bubbling fluidized bed. A central section of the reactor is provided with a riser, and the upper section with a gas outlet, and the reactor has heat transfer surfaces for recovering heat from solid particles. The riser is defined by vertical walls which are disposed above the bubbling fluidized bed so that they divide the fluidized bed into concentric outer and inner parts. From the inner part of the fluidized bed solid particles are supplied to the hot inlet gas for cooling thereof. The gas containing solid particles is conveyed through the riser into the upper section of the reactor, where solid particles are separated from the gas in a particle separator and returned to the fluidized bed into the outer part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating various chlorine-containing materials such as wastes, biological sludges and even metal concentrates in a circulating fluidized bed reactor (1) or a grate furnace at a high temperature of over 830.degree. C. and of cooling the resultant process gases for minimizing the amount of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in the process gases. The process gases are cooled to a temperature below 250.degree. C. at a cooling velocity exceeding 1000.degree. C. per second. Cooling is preferably effected in a circulating fluidized bed reactor (2).

Abstract: A method of reducing the nitrogen oxide level in the flue gases issuing from combustion units by introduction of reducing agents into contact with gases containing nitrogen oxides in first and second reducing stages, is provided. The first reducing stage is a non-catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures over 800.degree. C.), while the second stage is a catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures of about 300.degree.-400.degree. C.). A steam generation boiler with improved nitrogen reduction facilities is also provided. The amount of nitrogen oxides in the hot gases is reduced in the combination of the first and second reducing stages while producing steam in a steam generation boiler system, thus resulting in gases essentially free from nitrogen oxides while eliminating the possibility of NH.sub.3 (or other reducing agent) slip in the exhausted flue gases. Heat transfers in a convection section as used to establish stabilized temperature conditions for catalytic reduction.

Abstract: A fluidized bed gas cooler assembly includes a fluidized bed gas cooler with a metal inlet duct for directing hot process or flue gases into the cooler as fluidizing gas. In order to remove deposits which form on the duct inner surface a cooling fluid is passed into and then out of contact with the outer surface of the inlet duct so that the cooling fluid increases in temperature (but does not change phase) and so that deposits which form on the inlet duct interior surface become brittle and readily disengageable. The deposits are disengaged at different times by pulsation of the cooling fluid (especially where the inlet duct is a metal spiral tube), effecting pulsation of the temperature of the cooling fluid, or subjecting an enclosure surrounding the duct or the exterior surface of the duct itself to a sudden mechanical force.

Abstract: The amount of N.sub.2 O emission from a fluidized bed reactor is reduced by adding a hydrogen radical providing additive (e.g. a hydrogen containing fuel such as natural gas or alcohol) to the flue gases discharged from the fluidized bed. Sufficient oxygen is present in the flue gases--either by addition with the additive, or by addition of an excess to the combustion chamber--so that the additive reacts with the oxygen, typically raising the temperature of the flue gases (e.g. from about 700.degree.-900.degree. C. to about 950.degree.-1100.degree. C.) that is from about 1292.degree.-1652.degree. F. to about 1742.degree.-2012.degree. F. so that N.sub.2 O production is reduced about 10-90%. The additive may be injected in or just prior to a cyclone for separating particles from the flue gases, in a gas discharge immediately after the cyclone (e.g.

Abstract: A method of cooling hot flue or process gases containing halogenous compounds in two successively located circulating fluidized bed reactors. In the first reactor the gases are cooled to a temperature of >400.degree. C. In the second reactor the gases are rapidly cooled to below a temperature zone of 250.degree.-400.degree. C. In the first reactor the gases are brought into contact with a catalytic material capable of destroying polyhalogenous compounds. A retention time of 1-10 seconds, preferably 2-5 seconds, is provided for the gases in the first reactor.