Abstract: The intelligent data storage manager functions to combine the non-homogeneous physical devices contained in a data storage subsystem to create a logical device with new and unique quality of service characteristics that satisfy the criteria for the policies appropriate for the present data object. In particular, if there is presently no logical device that is appropriate for use in storing the present data object, the intelligent data storage manager defines a new logical device using existing physical and/or logical device definitions as component building blocks to provide the appropriate characteristics to satisfy the policy requirements. The intelligent data storage manager uses weighted values that are assigned to each of the presently defined logical devices to produce a best fit solution to the requested policies in an n-dimensional best fit matching algorithm.

Abstract: The intelligent data storage manager functions to combine the non-homogeneous physical devices contained in a data storage subsystem to create a logical device with new and unique quality of service characteristics that satisfy the criteria for the policies appropriate for the present data object. In particular, if there is presently no logical device that is appropriate for use in storing the present data object, the intelligent data storage manager defines a new logical device using existing physical and/or logical device definitions as component building blocks to provide the appropriate characteristics to satisfy the policy requirements. The intelligent data storage manager uses weighted values that are assigned to each of the presently defined logical devices to produce a best fit solution to the requested policies in an n-dimensional best fit matching algorithm.

Abstract: This invention relates to treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, including enhancement of receptor functioning in synapses in brain networks responsible for higher order behaviors. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for the use of AMPA receptor up-modulators in conjunction with antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. Kits containing the compositions in appropriate form for administration are also provided.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter element includes discharging a quantity of pressurized air from a blow pipe into a Venturi element in air flow communication with a filter element to provide a positive cleaning pressure differential along greater than 95% of a length of the filter element. In one arrangement, an air filter assembly for accomplishing this method comprises a housing, a first filter construction, a first Venturi element, and a pulse jet cleaning system including a blow pipe. The blow pipe and the Venturi element are constructed and arranged to provide a positive cleaning pressure differential along greater than at least 75% of the length of the filter media within the element. In one embodiment, the Venturi element is described as including a specially formed contoured section in the throat portion of the element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid real time imaging with wavefield energy using a C.P.U. programmed to process data derived from wavefield energy that has been transmitted and scattered by an object so as to reconstruct a wavefield image of the object. Electronic signals are propagated and are transduced into wavefield energy waves which in turn are propagated toward the object. Detectors detect the wavefield energy waves scattered by the object. The detected wavefield energy waves are then electronically processed and input into a high-speed digital computer which may comprise a C.P.U. and/or a C.P.U. in combination with an array or parallel processor. Data is also prepared and input to the computer representing the incident field and the computer then reconstructs a high-quality image of the object having high spacial resolution and including actual properties of the object.

Abstract: A method for encoding and decoding digital signals, particularly speech signals, by separating the original signal into a linear and nonlinear portions, the nonlinear portion may have linear aspects. The linear portion is encoded by LPC techniques and the nonlinear portion is encoded by use of a fractal transform. The encoded signal consists of LPC filter coefficients and fractal transform coefficients. The encoded signal is decoded by separating the LPC coefficients and fractal coefficients, using the LPC coefficients to generate an LPC filter, decoding the fractal coefficients using a fractal transform decoding method to obtain an error signal, and exciting the LPC filter with the decoded error signal to obtain decoded digital signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid real time imaging with wavefield energy by inverse scattering using a C.P.U programmed to process data derived from wavefield energy that has been transmitted and scattered by an object so as to reconstruct a wavefield image of the object. Electronic signals are propagated and are transduced into wavefield energy waves which in turn are propagated toward the object. Detector means detect the wavefield energy waves scattered by the object. The detected wavefield energy waves are then electronically processed and input into a high-speed digital computer which may comprise a C.P.U. and/or a C.P.U in combination with an array or parallel processor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating special effects showers of sparks for use in theme park shows and rides. A flint rod is biased with fluid pressure against a cutting wheel of this system. When a clutch is actuated for a brief predetermined time period, a constant high speed motor is operatively connected to the cutting wheel, rapidly rotating it. The rotating wheel cuts, ignites and discharges small portions of the flint rod biased thereagainst away therefrom in a stream of sparks. An air stream directs the stream of sparks out as a special effects shower of sparks. One embodiment of this system propels the spark stream out through a venturi nozzle. By changing the gas stream fluid pressure and/or the clutch connect time and/or the flint rod biasing pressure and/or the clutch connect/disconnect interval timing, the size and characteristics of the shower of sparks can be accurately controlled and altered as desired.

Abstract: An annular array scanner utilizes a synthetic focusing approach to improve imaging results. Image sharpening methods include corrections for the speed of sound of the image, phased array misregistration and separate view misalignment as well as inverse filtering for the scanning system point spread function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reconstructing an acoustic image of an object using a central processing unit programmed to process data derived from acoustic energy that has been transmitted at multiple frequencies and scattered by the object. Electronic signals are propagated at multiple frequencies and transduced into acoustic energy waves which are propagated toward an object. Transducer receivers detect the acoustic energy waves after they have been scattered by the object and the detected acoustic energy waves are then electronically processed and input into a high-speed digital computer which may comprise a central processing unit and/or a central processing unit in combination with an array processor.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for absorbing solar energy, the apparatus providing a sealed envelope having a transparent upper panel with a solar energy absorbing panel thermally isolated against convective and conductive heat losses by a partial vacuum in the sealed envelope. The transparent panel has an upwardly extending curvilinear surface which increases its strength characteristics against the pressure differential between the ambient and the partial vacuum inside the envelope. Support structure is also provided in conjunction with the apparatus to place the periphery of the transparent panel under constriction to compensate for tensile stresses imposed thereon by the pressure differential. The inside surface of the transparent panel and the absorber panel are selectively coated with an infrared reflective surface to reflect and reduce losses of infrared radiation emitted by the absorber panel.

Abstract: A distillation/evaporation/drying apparatus wherein alcohol is removed by a dry, warm carrier gas from an alcohol-containing slurry from a fermenter. Carbon dioxide from the fermenter is used as the carrier gas and is suitably dried, warmed and recycled into contact with the slurry to assist in removing alcohol therefrom. The apparatus includes a reflux section to upgrade the alcohol content of the carrier gas.

Abstract: A ring of transmitter and receiver transducer arrays circumscribes an object to be scanned. Semicircular wave fronts of ultrasound energy are propagated from different points around the ring of transducers by triggering the transmitter arrays in sequence. The reflected and transmitted ultrasound energy picked up by the receiver arrays is then electronically analyzed and a synthetically focused image corresponding to the scanned object is reconstructed on a display screen. Surprisingly high quality resolution for the reconstructed images is achieved by carefully controlling the type of waveform from which the displayed image is reconstructed. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals received by the receiver arrays are processed by a waveshaping circuit to achieve the desired waveform. In a second embodiment of the invention, the desired waveform is generated by a waveform generator circuit and transmitted by the transmitter arrays.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell structure configured with either an enclosed or lattice configuration and having a Fresnel lens system covering the open top of the shell structure. A mirror system and solar energy absorber apparatus are placed inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The shell structure is also mounted for vertical movement of one end of the longitudinal axis to adapt the shell structure for following north-south changes in the sun's seasonal position. The hollow axle supports the solar energy absorber apparatus nonrotatably inside the shell structure and in fluid communication with insulated heat transfer conduits that pass nonrotatably through the hollow axle.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell-like structure. A Fresnel lens system and a mirror system inside the shell structure focus and direct solar energy toward a solar energy absorber apparatus also inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle in a framework for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The framework supports the longitudinal axis in a position generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth to provide an equatorial mounting for the solar energy collector. Rotation about the longitudinal axis adapts the solar collector for following the east-west movement of the sun. The optical apparatus in the shell structure is adapted for movement to follow the north-south seasonal changes in the sun's position.

Abstract: A solar energy collector apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open-top shell-like structure with a reflective optical system in the shell structure for directing solar energy toward a solar energy absorber apparatus inside the shell structure. The shell structure is mounted upon a hollow axle for rotation about its longitudinal axis and may be mounted for vertical movement to follow north-south changes in the apparent seasonal position of the sun. The solar energy absorber apparatus is nonrotatably mounted inside the shell structure in fluid communication with heat transfer conduits that pass through the hollow axle thereby avoiding rotatable couplings in the conduits. Photovoltaic apparatus for converting at least a portion of the solar spectrum to electrical energy may also be included in the shell structure. This combination of features provides higher solar efficiencies and higher temperatures in the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus and method including a heat storage medium encapsulated within a container and heat exchange apparatus for exchanging thermal energy with the heat storage medium. The heat storage medium may include a salt having a relatively high latent heat of reaction at a relatively low temperature range. The dehydration reaction of sodium sulfate decahydrate appears to the most promising reaction for this application. Other suitable salts and salt mixtures for other temperature ranges may also be used. The apparatus includes, where necessary, techniques for stirring the heat storage medium to inhibit stratification of the salt during cycles of dissolution and recrystallization or fusion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elemental analysis and non-invasive measurement of the mass flow rate and/or density distribution of a multiple-phase system. The apparatus includes at least two X-ray sources, transmission detectors for the X-ray sources, fluorescence detectors, and collimators all of which are suitably indexed and multiplexed to provide information corresponding to the density distribution, elemental composition, phase composition, and/or flow rate of the system. Energy selective detectors are included in the apparatus to provide selective fluorescent radiation detection for fluorescence emitted by elements excited by the X-rays as a technique for obtaining an indication of the elemental composition of the system. X-ray sources and transmitted X-ray detectors are used to detect the density of the multiple-phase system at each point in a cross-section of the system.

Abstract: A ring of transmitter and receiver transducer arrays circumbscribes an object to be scanned. Semicircular wave fronts of ultrasound energy are propagated from different points around the ring of transducers by triggering the transmitter arrays in sequence. The reflected and transmitted ultrasound energy picked up by the receiver arrays is then electronically analyzed and a synthetically focused image corresponding to the scanned object is reconstructed on a display screen. Surprisingly high quality resolution for the reconstructed images is achieved by carefully controlling the type of waveform from which the displayed image is reconstructed. In one embodiment of the invention, the signals received by the receiver arrays are processed by a waveshaping circuit to achieve the desired waveform. In a second embodiment of the invention, the desired waveform is generated by a waveform generator circuit and transmitted by the transmitter arrays.