Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer-readable medium for providing a highly efficient locking mechanism for an object's shared data. The locking mechanism is bound to an object during program execution (i.e. during run-time) when synchronization is first requested for the object's shared data. Thus, there are no changes to the actual code, either source code or binary code, which defines the object. A locking mechanism is bound to an object by defining a memory area within the object's header, which either contains the locking mechanism or a pointer to a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism remains bound to the object for the life of the object. Efficiency is gained by limiting the use of operating system semaphores (i.e. kernel semaphores). Operating system semaphores are not used unless blocking (i.e. contention) occurs. Rather, the locking mechanism bound to the object is used during non-blocking situations.

Abstract: A method for developing an electrostatic latent charge image formed on a photoreceptor 36 which is disposed on an interior surface of a faceplate panel 12 of a CRT 10 utilizes a developer 40 having a developing chamber 42 with a sidewall 50 closed by a bottom end 44 and a panel support 46 at the other end. An opening 48 is formed through the panel support 46 to provide access to and support for the faceplate panel 12. A panel grid 74 is disposed in proximity to said interior surface of said faceplate panel 12 and operated at a first potential to control the electric field from the latent charge image. A tank grid 56 is disposed within said developer 40 and spaced from the sidewall 50, the bottom 44 and the panel grid 74. A triboelectric gun 84 is disposed within the developer 40 for imparting a desired charge polarity to the screen structure material and for distributing the charged screen structure material onto the latent charge image.

Abstract: A gravity-flow water filter cartridge for use in a drinking water carafe or the like includes a high-surface area cyst reduction filter element disposed in a water-retaining reservoir within the cartridge; the reservoir retains sufficient water between filtering and during dispensing cycles to maintain the filter element in a fully immersed state, whereby the primed (air-free) condition of the filter necessary for fast gravity flow at high cyst reduction efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving public key encryption and decryption schemes that employ a composite number formed from three or more distinct primes. The encryption or decryption tasks may be broken down into sub-tasks to obtain encrypted or decrypted sub-parts that are then combined using a form of the Chinese Remainder Theorem to obtain the encrypted or decrypted value. A parallel encryption/decryption architecture is disclosed to take advantage of the inventive method.

Abstract: A spray module 40 for manufacturing a cathode-ray tube (CRT) 10 comprises an enclosure 42 having sidewalls 44, a base 46 attached to the sidewalls 44, for closing one end thereof, and a panel support 48 having an opening, 50 therethrough. The panel support 48 is attached to an opposite end of the sidewalls 44. The spray module 40 has at least one electrostatic spray gun 36 therein for spraying charged screen structure material through the opening 50 in the panel support 48 and onto an interior surface of a faceplate panel 12 of the CRT 10. The spray module 40 includes a primary shield assembly 55 disposed within the enclosure 42 and extending through the opening 50 in the panel support 48. A secondary shield assembly 56 also is disposed within the enclosure 42 The primary and secondary shield assemblies 55 and 56, respectively, direct the charged screen structure material toward the interior surface of the panel 12, thereby increasing the transfer efficiency of the spray gun 36.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an engine exhaust system comprising: (1) a honeycomb structure having an inlet and outlet end disposed in a housing located in an exhaust gas stream downstream from an engine, and having a first substantially unobstructed flow region, and a second more obstructed flow region adjacent the first region, both providing a flow path for the exhaust gases in the exhaust gas stream; and, (2) a fluidics apparatus disposed in the exhaust stream comprising a bi-convex diverter body with the respective surfaces located upstream and downstream of each other, located upstream and proximate to the first region, a diversion fluid source and a conduit possessing a rounded outlet for directing the diversion fluid toward the diverter body.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heating element is protectively mounted in an enclosure comprising a one-piece enclosure wall, the heater being supported between a circumferential support member and a circumferential compression ring attached to the enclosure wall. A diametrically balanced compressive force is maintained on the edges of the heating element by the compression ring and support, this force operating to significantly extend the life of the heater element under hot vibration. Heater slot separators and electrode feedthrough structures for extending the life of the heater element are also provided.

Abstract: A mandibular prosthesis includes a pair of strips joined at one end and spaced apart elsewhere for placement on opposite sides of a mandibular stump. The strips each have alternating threaded and non-threaded holes that are aligned with respective non-threaded and threaded holes in the other strip. Consequently, screws can be applied from either side and the prosthesis can be implanted interchangeably on either side of the mandible. Extending from the joined end of the strips is a mandibular replacement which may be an artificial condyle, a band for replacing the main body of the mandible, or a band carrying additional attachment strips or a ramus and condyle replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in detecting changes in distance comprises: a signal emitter capable of emitting a substantially constant signal; a signal reflector capable of reflecting at least a portion of the substantially constant signal and being moveable in a substantially straight line direction toward or away from the emitter; and a signal receiver capable of receiving the reflected signal, whereby a change in the received signal is indicative of a change in the distance between the emitter and reflector. This apparatus is particularly useful in detecting changes in the amount of liquid in a liquid storage tank.

Abstract: An offshore oil storage facility on a sea bed which can withstand the effects of waves, tides and oil transfer even though it is of lightweight steel construction. The oil in the tank floats on a layer of water and standpipes extend up from the water layer to a location under the sea surface. Oil containment casings in the form of tubular shells surround the upper ends of the standpipes and extend above the sea surface. Differential pressure sensors arranged to sense differential pressure across the tank walls are used to control the pumping of fluids into and out from the tank to minimize such pressure differentials.

Abstract: An improved process minimizing the detrimental effects caused by inadvertently contacting a high sulfur, high water-containing hydrocarbon feedstock with a platinum group metal, halogen-containing catalyst is disclosed. The present process involves discontinuing the high sulfur, high water-containing feedstock-catalyst contacting while passing hydrogen over the catalyst. The catalyst halogen concentration is maintained or increased by the addition of halogen component, for example, during the hydrogen pass through. Once the sulfur contamination has been removed from the catalyst, normal hydrocarbon reforming is resumed.

Abstract: An improved hydrocarbon reforming process comprising:1. contacting a hydrocarbon feed with a platinum group metal, rhenium-containing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen in at least one reaction zone at a temperature in the range of about 500.degree. F. to about 650.degree. F. for a time sufficient to improve the catalytic activity stability of the catalyst; and thereafter,2. contacting the hydrocarbon chargestock with the catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at hydrocarbon reforming conditions including a higher temperature than the temperature at which step (1) occurred.