Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can provide portable, real-time accessible DNA memories. An example DNA-based data storage system includes a loading region configured to receive a plurality of DNA-based data storage elements in a suspension fluid and a plurality of microtubes disposed in a capture/release region. The microtubes are configured to capture and release the DNA-based data storage elements. The DNA-based data storage system also includes a linearization region configured to linearize the DNA-based data storage elements and a readout region with a readout device configured to provide information indicative of the respective DNA-based data storage elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can provide portable, real-time accessible DNA memories. An example DNA-based data storage system includes a loading region configured to receive a plurality of DNA-based data storage elements in a suspension fluid and a plurality of microtubes disposed in a capture/release region. The microtubes are configured to capture and release the DNA-based data storage elements. The DNA-based data storage system also includes a linearization region configured to linearize the DNA-based data storage elements and a readout region with a readout device configured to provide information indicative of the respective DNA-based data storage elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can provide portable, real-time accessible DNA memories. An example DNA-based data storage system includes a loading region configured to receive a plurality of DNA-based data storage elements in a suspension fluid and a plurality of microtubes disposed in a capture/release region. The microtubes are configured to capture and release the DNA-based data storage elements. The DNA-based data storage system also includes a linearization region configured to linearize the DNA-based data storage elements and a readout region with a readout device configured to provide information indicative of the respective DNA-based data storage elements.

Abstract: A downtime driver determining apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may have a data collection module configured to collect machine downtime data and work order data from one or more databases, and a downtime identification module configured to identify a period of machine downtime from the machine downtime data. The apparatus may also have a downtime driver identification module configured to identify at least one work order from the work order data for the machine that was completed during the period of machine downtime, the at least one work order identifying at least one component of the machine, and a downtime attribution module configured to attribute at least part of the period of machine downtime to the at least one component of the machine included in the work order.

Abstract: Clamping system and method for clamping the bottom head cover of a coke drum to the bottom flange thereof are disclosed. The system and method include determining the flange stiffness or resistance to deflection resulting from the spring-like force exerted on the bottom head cover and bottom flange gasket seating surface by the gasket in its compressed state. This deflection information may then be used to estimate the minimum number of clamps needed to ensure sufficient load remains on the gasket at the midpoints between the clamps to effectively keep the gasket sealed. An appropriate number of clamps may then be disposed around the periphery of the bottom flange to clamp it to the bottom head cover. In one practical design, each clamp engages a lug attached to the periphery of the bottom head cover such that the clamp does not extend underneath the bottom head cover when clamped.

Abstract: A cover and chute handling apparatus for use in combination with a bottom head of a coker is described. The apparatus includes rails positioned adjacent to the bottom head of the coker. A bottom head cover and a spacer are suspended by the rails and slide thereon. A force ring is suspended beneath the bottom head cover or the spacer. Force ring actuators are connected to the force ring and move the force ring to press either the bottom head cover or the spacer against the bottom head of the coker. A chute may be connected to the force ring so that the chute is positioned adjacent to the bottom head of the coker during emptying of the coker. The chute directs effluents from the coker to a receiving area. A method of emptying a coker is also described.

Abstract: A device for confining an object to a region proximate to a fluid flow stagnation point includes one or more inlets for carrying the fluid into the region, one or more outlets for carrying the fluid out of the region, and a controller, in fluidic communication with the inlets and outlets, for adjusting the motion of the fluid to produce a stagnation point in the region, thereby confining the object to the region. Applications include, for example, prolonged observation of the object, manipulation of the object, etc. The device optionally may employ a feedback control mechanism, a sensing apparatus (e.g., for imaging), and a storage medium for storing, and a computer for analyzing and manipulating, data acquired from observing the object. The invention further provides methods of using such a device and system in a number of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, material science, and medical science.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring images of variably sized objects. An object detector provides an indication of the presence or absence of objects as they pass by. An image sensing device acquires image data for the objects. An image acquisition device starts an activity counter, and initiates storage of image data for an object in response to detecting presence of the object. The image data is stored into an on-board memory. The activity counter counts a number of acquired scan lines for the object. In response to detecting absence of the object, the image acquisition device terminates the activity counter, and discontinues storage of the image data for the object. The final activity counter value, which reflects the number of scan lines acquired for the object, is recorded in an on-board FIFO. The image data is transferred to a system memory image buffer in a system memory. Host software routines may read the on-board FIFO.

Abstract: A delay circuit. In one embodiment, a programmable logic device (PLD) is used to implement one or more delay circuits having a plurality of delay elements. Included in the plurality of elements are a balanced number of logic elements such that rising and falling edges of a signal passing through the delay circuit propagate with substantially the same amount of delay. The delay circuit may also include a selector circuit coupled to select an output from one of the plurality of delay elements. The delay circuit may be implemented such that it preserves the duty cycle and/or pulse width of signals to which the delay is applied.

Abstract: A system and method for multiplexing synchronous parallel digital data streams with different clock frequencies into a single data stream while preserving each data stream's timing integrity. A plurality of digital data inputs and corresponding clock inputs are coupled to corresponding FIFOs (First In First Out buffers), which are coupled to a data multiplexer (MUX). Each clock input is coupled to a clock MUX which couples to each FIFO and the data MUX. Finally, a transition state machine is coupled to the clock MUX, the data MUX, and the FIFOs. Each digital data input receives a data stream from a source, such as a digital video camera, while the corresponding clock input concurrently receives a corresponding clock signal. The transition state machine controls the selection of a data stream from the MUXed data streams and the selection of the corresponding clock signal from the MUXed clock signals.

Abstract: A system and method for multiplexing synchronous parallel digital data streams with different clock frequencies into a single data stream while preserving each data stream's timing integrity. A plurality of digital data inputs and corresponding clock inputs are coupled to corresponding FIFOs (First In First Out buffers), which are coupled to a data multiplexer (MUX). Each clock input is coupled to a clock MUX which couples to each FIFO and the data MUX. Finally, a transition state machine is coupled to the clock MUX, the data MUX, and the FIFOs. Each digital data input receives a data stream from a source, such as a digital video camera, while the corresponding clock input concurrently receives a corresponding clock signal. The transition state machine controls the selection of a data stream from the MUXed data streams and the selection of the corresponding clock signal from the MUXed clock signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling coke drum deheading devices, thereby extending the life of same. The method calls for spraying water or other coolant on the devices when they are in operation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatically removing the cover of a chute beneath a coke drum. The system operates in conjunction with a remotely operable coke deheading device so that the chute cover is removed when the coke drum is deheaded. Also disclosed is a method for facilitating coke removal from a coke drum into a coke chute where the chute cover is automatically removed upon activation of the coke drum deheading device.

Abstract: A truck trailer scuff liner formed from parallel grained laminated veneer panel adapted to be bolted to the insides and nose of a dry wall van trailer. The sections of the laminated veneer panel are secured together by a finger joint arrangement in which strength and elasticity are preserved. A laminated wood veneer beam is formed by attaching a plurality of panels to each other and then attaching the bound panels to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for assembling composite labels including a label or a seal at least partially covering a ribbon segment. A stream of ribbon segments are severed from a length of ribbon, are spaced from each other, and are transported to a location at which they are positioned at least partially under a seal or label and onto a moving web of backing material in order to form the composite product.