Abstract: A process for increasing the specific output of a combined cycle power plant and providing flexibility in the power plant rating, both without a commensurate increase in the plant heat rate, is disclosed. The present invention demonstrates that the process of upgrading thermal efficiencies of combined cycles can often be accomplished through the strategic use of additional fuel and/or heat input. In particular, gas turbines that exhaust into HRSGs, can be supplemental fired to obtain much higher steam turbine outputs and greater overall plant ratings, but without a penalty on efficiency. This method by and large defines a high efficiency combined cycle power plant that is predominantly a Rankine (bottoming) cycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a load driven by a topping cycle engine, powered by a topping cycle fluid which exhausts into a heat recovery device.

Abstract: A poseable figure has a spine system that is capable of a wide range of life-like movement and capable of being positioned and maintained in numerous life-like poses. The spine system includes a plurality of mating spine segments engaged, in a friction fit, with one another such that the mating spine segments swivel with respect to one another. A soft body portion, such as a foam, is disposed around the spine system to simulate the flesh of the figure and to allow the spine system to be moved into a wide range of positions. In-one embodiment, first and second appendage connectors couple a first and second pair of appendages, such as arms and legs, to the spine system such that the appendages swivel with respect to the spine system and can be moved and held in numerous positions. A resilient member preferably extends through the mating spine segments and engages with the head of the figure to hold the head in swiveling engagement with a neck segment coupled to the spine system.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrical feedthru wherein a thin liquid conductive film is deposited into a shallow trough of an insulating machinable substrate. The conductive film and substrate are fired and then the resulting bound composite is ground flush with the adjacent surface of the insulating machinable substrate. The surface cohesion of the fired composite, and the resulting high quality surface finish of the grinding operation, combined with an elastomeric seal, create low leakage barriers capable of supporting a pressure differential while allowing isolated electrical conduction across a pressure or vacuum envelope. The method produces a space saving feedthru which allows a high signal line density in a limited space, is relatively simple to assemble, allows for disassembly rework, can be ‘designed into’ unique geometries of varied applications, and which has a single O-ring sealing across all traces.

Abstract: A component alignment casing system for connecting circuits, and a method for making or assembling the component alignment casing system is disclosed. The system has at least one surface mountable component which has a plurality of exposed leads, a prepared component which has a plurality of exposed traces, an alignment base onto which the prepared component and the surface mountable component are laid, and a compressive cover that attaches to said alignment base. The alignment base has a plurality of alignment ribs to isolate and align the exposed traces of the prepared component. The prepared component and surface mountable components are electrically connected and attached together, preferably by soldering.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system. Disclosed is a method and treatment for retarding and preventing sunburns. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent and retard sunburns.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for providing suction and/or irrigation has a surgical tool or electrode tip mounted within the wall of an elongated housing or cannula such that the passageway through the housing is substantially unobstructed. A mounting notch is formed in the elongated housing and the surgical tool is formed with a mounting tab that matches the mounting notch. The mounting tab is positioned into the mounting notch and is substantially flush with the wall of the elongated housing. The mounting tab is then secured to the wall of the elongated housing, for example, by laser welding. The surgical tool can be formed with various different tip shapes including, but not limited to, a J hook, an L hook, a spatula, a needle, and a ball. In one example, the surgical instrument is used as a laparoscopic electrosurgical instrument and the elongated housing and surgical tool are made of electrically conductive materials.

Abstract: This invention results from the realization that a drill bit can be positioned for sharpening without using the flawed tip as a reference point allowing the drill bit to be sharpened with an insignificant level of human judgment and with consistently less flawed results. This inventive method for properly positioning a drill bit to be sharpened involves selecting a drill bit with a substantially helical geometric shape, a feature common to most drill bits. The next step is viewing a drill bit with a digital imaging device. Either an individual or, preferably, a computer determines the geometric shape of the drill bit. An individual or automated mechanism then calculates a sharpening position, relative to a sharpening means, such as sharpening wheels, for sharpening the drill bit based on the geometric shape of the drill bit. Automating this step may involve calibrating the machine by first manually positioning the drill bit and then programming a machine to similarly position all similarly shaped drill bits.

Abstract: A hiccup mode current protection circuit for switched mode power converters for high power applications is provided. The circuit features a comparator for comparing an indicating voltage to a reference voltage and outputting a control signal to a disabling input where the indicating voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold. The control signal also causes a switch to reduce the reference voltage to ensure that the comparator continues to output the control signal regardless of a drop in the indicating voltage. The control signal is maintained by a comparator for only a predetermined time period such that the switch eventually returns the reference voltage to its pre-reduction state, allowing the comparator to discontinue outputting the control signal if the indicating voltage is below the predetermined voltage threshold.

Abstract: A threaded quick disconnect adapter is used to connect one or more different surgical probes, such as laparoscopic probes, to a valve device, such as a trumpet valve. The threaded quick disconnect adapter includes an adapter body having first and second ends. A valve engaging portion is disposed on the first end of the adapter body and is preferably threaded to threadably engaging an outlet on the valve. A threaded probe engaging portion is disposed on the second end of the adapter body for threadably engaging a probe base on one of the probes. A sealing portion, such as an O-ring, is also disposed on the second end for sealing with the probe base. The threaded probe engaging portion has a larger outer diameter than the sealing portion. In one example, the probe is attached with first a linear motion to engage the probe base with the sealing portion and then a rotating or twisting motion to thread the probe base on the threaded probe engaging portion.

Abstract: This invention results from the realization that a multiple conductor cable connector can be made more compact than previously available connectors by using a more narrow contact for each conductor in the cable, can be made more convenient by enabling all conductors contained in the cable to be connected with a single user motion, and can connect to cable without damaging the mechanical or electrical integrity of the cable conductors. This invention is an electrical connector for connecting multiple conductor cable, ideally flat flexible cable. The inventive electrical connector has a base for holding multiple contacts. The contacts should be positioned substantially in parallel with each other and are located at least partially within the base of the electrical connector. Each contact has at least one cutting edge. The cutting edge is preferably a part of the contact with a sharp edge capable of removing insulation from flat flexible cable.

Abstract: The invention is an electrical connector that provides a connection system that releasably connects the circuit paths of a flexible conductive circuit to a printed circuit board having a corresponding row of contacts, without the need for soldering, crimping or welding operations, or extensive preparation of the flexible circuit before connection. One embodiment has at least one spring contact formed in a cover; at least one rotatable cam; and a base with a circuit alignment window for initial alignment of a flexible conductive circuit introduced into the connector. The cover and base snap together to house the rotatable cam(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses control of a chaotic system to produce secure digital chaotic communication. Controls are intermittently applied by a transmitter-encoder to a chaotic system to generate the 0 and 1 bits of a digital message. A new control/no control bit stream is thereby created in which a 0 indicates that no control was applied and a 1 indicates that a control was applied. The control/no control bit stream and a prepended synchronization bit stream are transmitted, using conventional transmission technologies, from the transmitter-encoder to an identical receiver-decoder. A chaotic system in the receiver-decoder is driven into synchrony and is subject to intermittent controls based on the control/no control bit stream, thereby causing it to generate the digital message.

Abstract: A voltage threshold circuit for the power factor correction stage of a power conversion system is provide. The circuit features a voltage threshold circuit with a comparator for (i) comparing a predetermined threshold voltage to the output voltage of a power factor correction stage of a power conditioner and (ii) outputting a signal if the output voltage is at least equal to the predetermined threshold voltage. The presence of the signal decreases the predetermined threshold voltage, thereby effectively changing the output voltage above which the comparator continues to output the signal.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a pair of bent monopole elements (a doublet) that are fed in a manner that results in elevation coverage from the horizon to horizon and dual polarization. Two orthogonal bent monopole doublets provide hemispherical coverage with horizontal and vertical polarization. Combining the doublet terminals through a processing circuit will provide polarization diversity and/or angle diversity capability.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system and diminish the damaging effects of UVA sunlight. Disclosed is a method for retarding and ameliorating fever blisters (cold sores) and canker sores. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent, retard and ameliorate fever blisters and canker sores. The astaxanthin may be administered orally, topically, or in a combination of oral and topical dosage.

Abstract: The present seal (10) is a disc of a rigid but deformable plastic, the top surface of which is cylindrical, and the bottom of which has a circular groove (12) containing a flexible sealing mechanism (15). This seal is suited for use in a ganged rotor valve (22) having two or more levels of independent fluid passageways through the rotor along the length thereof. Each level will usually have two independent L-shaped passageways (34, 35). The seal (10) of this invention fits into the rotor about each of the ends of the passageways (34, 35) to seal the passageway between the rotor and the valve body (22).

Abstract: A phosphate mineral based reactive barrier system. Phosphate minerals are known to be sinks for heavy metal contaminants. The reactive barrier prevents the release of contaminants from waste materials, sediments or dredged materials via reaction with the contaminants at the interface between the barrier and the waste material, sediments or dredged material. The barrier is comprised of a phosphate mineral material where the form of the phosphate mineral is variable but primarily insoluble. This barrier is placed below, around, and/or on top of the contaminated materials such that the contaminated materials are completely enveloped, capped, or contained by a grout curtain. The barrier can be in a (i) slurry form, (ii) blended matrix form with other inorganic agents, or (iii) composite form with a geotextile or geofabric. These methods of construction can be used singly or jointly. In some cases, pH control may be used to optimize the chemical reactions within the barrier system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating density images of an object through the 3-dimensional tracking of protons that have passed through the object are provided. More specifically, the 3-dimensional tracking of the protons is accomplished by gathering and analyzing images of the ionization tracks of the protons in a closely packed stack of scintillating fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthopedic saddle seat cushion, and method for cushioning, to prevent the coccyx of a rider from touching the saddle, to prevent or eliminate lower back discomfort or injury. The cushion allows a substantial area of the rest of the buttocks-seat of the rider to contact the saddle which permits the rider to feel the saddle and thus maintain good control of the animal being ridden. The saddle seat cushion is a circularly shaped outer ring of material that contains a mechanism for inflating the ring, which comprises an inflation tube for putting a gas, or any combination of gases, such as normal air, into the ring to inflate the ring, and an air plug for retaining gas in the ring. There is a fastening mechanism to secure the cushion to the saddle.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system. Disclosed is a method and treatment for retarding and ameliorating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent, retard and ameliorate carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovitis.