Technology development, time

A patent is intended to further the development of science and technology by providing a pubHshed record of technological developments for all to read, consider, and discuss. At the same time, a patent provides a delineation or definition of the rights which the patent owner considers its own through the claims appended to the patent. The pubHcation of a description of the invention in conjunction with the claimed limits of the invention provides the pubHc with notice of the patent owner s affirmative rights to the invention. 

The use of CA has proved to be beneficial for companies introducing a new product, when an opportunity exists to use new processes/technologies or when design rules are not widely known. Design conformance problems can be systematically addressed, with potential benefits, including reduced failure costs, shorter product development times and improved supplier dialogue. A number of detailed case studies are used to demonstrate its application at many different levels. 

The smelting process seems to have been independently discovered in the Middle East, China, and Southeast Asia. The chronological sequence in which the different metals were brought into use was probably determined by the difficulty in winning them from their ores. Copper, for example, which melts at just above 1000°C, a temperature within reach in a vented wood or charcoal fire, was separated from its ores quite early. Iron, which melts at above 1500°C, a temperature that for a long period of human technological development was out of reach, was first produced at a much later time. 

At the same time, many practical issued associated with the use of optical oxygen sensors in food packs still remain. These have to be addressed to adapt the existing sensing materials and prototype systems for real-life applications, achieve the required sensor specifications, operational performance and safety. Considerable technological developments and effort in eliminating current problems and bottlenecks are required, to facilitate widespread use of the oxygen sensors by food and packaging industry. 

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