Abstract: Provided is a method for estimating the impact of fuel distribution on emissions and corrosion responses of a fossil fuel-fired furnace. A variable is determined, termed herein separation number, by inputting fuel oil and air into the furnace, wherein the variable provides a linear relationship to multiple furnace process responses. Emission measurement equipment is located at various furnace outlet positions and thermocouples are located in tubes of the furnace, wherein the responses can be measured to obtain operating data. This operating data is interpreted based on different modes of operation of the furnace, and a change is estimated in the responses as a function of the separation number, wherein the change can be quantified to determine an impact of the fuel distribution or the furnace configuration as a result of the operating data lying on a plane defined by the separation number and a load variable.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks is held in a structural frame and comprises a plurality of glass blocks each having two rectangular display faces and four edge faces; a rectangular structural perimeter frame having four sides; and a plurality of primary muntins, each primary muntin connected to the rectangular structural perimeter frame and comprising an elongate web with stand-offs lying within parallel planes and extending outward from the web and at least one elongate hollow boss integral with the web positioned within the planes, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, wherein the primary muntins define an array within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for categorizing airline passengers traveling with and without baggage and unbundling the baggage costs associated with the airfare to encourage separate parcel service use. In one embodiment, based on information from an online booking system, the traveler is allowed to choose from a variety of options addressing modes of baggage handling, and an online routine determines the associated costs for the options chosen, providing travel rates that vary from the typical base airfare.

Abstract: A block assembly that includes first framing members, second framing members, and clips, wherein each of the clips is inserted through a respective one of the first framing members. Each of the clips has an upper portion that extends above an upper surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted and a lower portion that extends below a lower surface of the first framing member through which it is inserted. For each of the clips, the upper portion is received within a first one of the second framing members and the lower portion is received within a second one of the second framing members such that the first and second framing members form a grid including openings. The block assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, with each of the blocks being received within a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for determining the optimum operating practice for an industrial process. The methodology includes a combination of process control steps and data analysis techniques to investigate responses to controlled “black box” process inputs, e.g., coal and air feeds for coal-fired furnaces in the case studies above. A unique time-dependent perturbation is applied to individual process feed streams to give a signature in the data that permits the filtering and detection of various measured responses, e.g., continuous emission monitor readings for NOx, SO2, CO2, CO, and opacity for regulated electric utility furnaces. The perturbation is implemented using the plant control system. Individual control signal set points are perturbed for each piece of equipment supplying process inputs of interest. As a result, complex commercial processes can be evaluated for optimization without changing the normal configuration of the system.

Abstract: A block assembly including a plurality of first framing members each having a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of second framing members each having a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis such that the first and second framing members together form a grid including a plurality of openings. The assembly further includes a plurality of blocks, such as glass, plastic or masonry blocks, each being received within a respective one of the openings, and a plurality of support rods, each of the support rods being inserted through a respective one or more of the first framing members along the first longitudinal axis of each of the one or more of the first framing members and being inserted through each of the second framing members.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.

Abstract: An apparatus and assembly method including a sprocket hub and a locking collar for go kart vehicles and other land vehicles with drive axles is provided. The present invention eliminates the need for two locking collars on either side of the sprocket hub. The invention further provides a lightweight sprocket hub with a hub neck portion adapted to receive a single locking collar. The sprocket hub fits loosely on the drive axle. The fin-like sprocket hub arms and sprocket hub extensions each have sprocket connection holes used to connect the sprocket hub to a drive sprocket. The locking collar engages the sprocket hub neck portion by means of two flanges located on the sprocket hub. As assembled, the sprocket hub and locking collar float and oscillate on the drive axle to compensate for chassis flex and chain bind such that acceleration of said kart vehicle is enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a solid object from a body canal or vessel includes a coil of wire configured to slidably receive a guide wire and a sack having a mouth and a closed bottom opposite the sack. A resilient frame is connected between the coil of wire and the sack for biasing the mouth of the sack open around the coil of wire. The resilient frame is positionable between a collapsed state where the mouth of the sack is closed against the bias of the resilient frame and a deployed state where the mouth of the sack is biased open by the resilient frame.

Abstract: A protective overhead light fixture kit is provided for use on an overhead light fixture having an electrical housing and a dome-shaped reflector. The kit includes a grid member, a band, two or more extension springs and a lanyard member. The grid member is situated generally across the open end of the reflector. The band member is placed generally around the outer perimeter of the light fixture reflector. The extension springs include two connection means where one of the connection means is capable of attachment to and outer portion of the grid member and the other of the connection means is capable of attachment to the band. The lanyard member also includes two ends where one end is capable of attachment to the outer portion of the grid member and the other end is capable of attachment to the band. This kit when installed can convert an unprotected overhead light fixture to a protected overhead light fixture.

Abstract: A combination role playing and board game comprising a plurality of action figures configured with detachable arm and head members, and which are moved within a grid-like board surface that represents an arena, wherein confrontations and other events are simulated. Multiple types of dice are used to direct the locations of the action figures and the type of event that may occur upon confrontation with an opposing figure. Each action figure is capable of being disassembled as a result of such confrontation and has certain confrontational qualities which lend themselves to enhanced types of attacks and resistances thereof. Playing cards are used to represent the “health” of each game character, and a plurality of other game cards and chips may be placed on the grid board to represent traps and other devices.

Abstract: A wall siding system for simulating a log wall structure having notched, interlocking log ends includes a plurality of cambered side planks with each side plank having opposed longitudinal tongue and groove edges for interconnecting to adjacent side planks so that the side planks can be secured to vertical wall surfaces, and a plurality of end caps that straddle and cover the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces and that are securable to each adjacent vertical wall surface for creating an alternating and interlocking arrangement thereby simulating authentic notched log ends. The end caps project past the corner of adjoining vertical wall surfaces whereupon the end caps that are secured to spacer elements of one vertical wall surface alternate with and project at a right angle to the end caps secured to the spacer elements of the adjoining vertical wall surface.

Abstract: A combination tissue dispenser and waste collector for dispensing clean tissues or towels and collecting and compacting the waste material. The tissue dispenser and waste collector comprises two compartments, one for dispensing clean tissues or towels and the other for receiving the compacted waste paper. The dispenser slides within the waste collector compartment, thus compacting the waste paper. The two compartments remain attached during use by the abutment of stops on the sides thereof.

Abstract: A product dispenser of the type adapted to release articles from vertical stacks is disclosed, which is configured to dispense a variety of articles whether in bulk or singularly. The present vending apparatus provides a main housing that is configured to receive interchangeable release mechanisms, with each mechanism dependent upon whether the dispensed article(s) is generally flat or of the small round type distributed by bulk similar to candies. The bottom surface of the product compartment defined on the top of main housing is configured to allow variability in the type of products released from the vertically mounted product cartridge.