Abstract: A method, system and program product for quantifying risk of unserved energy in an energy system using a digital simulation. An energy demand forecast is generated based at least in part on a weather model for near term future periods. A plurality of energy supply resources are committed to meet the plurality of energy demand assisted by a plurality of storage devices and associated ancillary services. A probable operating status is specified for each committed energy supply resource in the energy system. Renewable energy resources such as wind, solar cells, and biofuels are also included in the models for energy supply sources. A determination is made as to whether or not the committed supply resources and storage devices are sufficient to meet the energy demand as well as determine the cost of production above a prespecified loss of demand probability (LODP) and expected unserved energy (EUE).

Abstract: A method, system and program product for quantifying risk of unserved energy in an energy system using a digital simulation. An energy demand forecast is generated based at least in part on a weather model for near term future periods. A plurality of energy supply resources are committed to meet the plurality of energy demand assisted by a plurality of storage devices and associated ancillary services. A probable operating status is specified for each committed energy supply resource in the energy system. Renewable energy resources such as wind, solar cells, and biofuels are also included in the models for energy supply sources. A determination is made as to whether or not the committed supply resources and storage devices are sufficient to meet the energy demand as well as determine the cost of production above a prespecified LODP and EUE.

Abstract: A system and method interface one or more secondary payloads to a launch vehicle. A Multiple Interface Payload Subsystem (MIPS) is configured with one or more circuit boards to provide a secondary payload interface for each of the one or more secondary payloads. The MIPS couples with the launch vehicle using a single launch vehicle interface that provides communication and power from avionics of the launch vehicle. Each of the secondary payloads couples to one of the secondary payload interfaces. The MIPS provides communication and power from the launch vehicle to each of the secondary payloads via the single launch vehicle interface and a respective one of the secondary payload interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp.

Abstract: Supporting charitable giving by a business in furtherance of a business objective comprises granting, by the business to the charity, an option to purchase an equity interest in the business at a bargain price. If an exercise condition or an event of the option occurs, the business tenders to the charity the equity interest and receives the bargain price. The business receives an income tax deduction for tendering the equity interest upon the charity's exercise of the option.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive examination of components within an assembly is described. The method includes producing an image of at least a portion of the assembly, extracting a point cloud of the image, registering the point cloud to a CAD coordinate system, and determining points in the point cloud of the image that are more than a selected distance from surfaces on a corresponding CAD model utilizing the same CAD coordinate system. The method also includes utilizing the determined points to detect the presence of anomalies within the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism can be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either of which can be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. These supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: A base spacer that is useful for securing a horizontal member to a vertical support with accurate vertical and horizontal position has an extended horizontal surface and at least one deformable finger extending vertically from this horizontal surface. The horizontal surface also has: (a) a pair of oval openings dimensioned to receive securing bolts, wherein the deformable finger extends from the horizontal surface at less that a right angle for a distance sufficient to contact a horizontal member secured by the spacer.

Abstract: A pivoting connection is described that uses an H-shaped connector secured within the X-shaped opening of a base. One end of the H shaped connector can be inserted into the X-shaped opening at an angle corresponding to one leg of the X but is secured in the opening when twisted to a vertical position. This pivoting connection provides a reliable connection that is durable, weather resistant, and does not readily seize.

Abstract: Methods of controlling manufacturing processes manufacturing, for example, absorbent articles. A target parameter to be measured is established, as are acceptable conditions of the target parameter. The target parameter is detected with first and second replications of determinations of the condition of the goods using multiple independent determinors, for example multiple sensors, or multiple replications using a common determinator, for example software instructions for analyzing a full digital vision image. Multiple determinations are taken at sites which are selected for their prospects for indicating acceptable conditions of the parameter. The method includes developing a measurement strategy, programming a computer to use appropriate analysis tools to evaluate the determination signals, transmitting the signals to the computer, and processing the signals according to an appropriate method.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a food product by injection of steam therein in order to provide a sterilization, pasteurization and/or a homogenization of the product. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber comprising a steam injection inlet, a product inlet and an outlet for the treated product, a rotatable shaft disposed within the mixing chamber, a plurality of discs, each disc comprising at least one product passage opening, wherein the discs are disposed substantially co-axially upon the shaft, and a device for rotating the shaft with the discs.

Abstract: A process for reducing the level of tri-substituted phosphine, arsine and/or stibine oxide from a mixture comprising a desired product and at least one such oxide is provided, comprising the addition of a metal salt to the mixture to form a complex with the oxide, and removing the complex from the mixture. This process has particular utility for removing triphenylphosphine oxide from a mixture--a task that was previously hard to perform.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for heat treating a fluid product by injection of steam therein in order to provide a sterilization, pasteurization and/or a homogenization of the product. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber having a steam injection inlet, a product inlet, and an outlet for the treated product, a rotatable shaft disposed within the mixing chamber, a plurality of discs each comprising at least one product passage opening, the discs being disposed substantially co-axially on the shaft, and a motor for rotating the shaft with the discs. The invention also relates to a shaft to be used for homogenizing and mixing in an apparatus or a process for heating by steam injection a fluid product.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently represent hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, alkyl or alkoxy;ALK.sup.1 represents a C.sub.2-6 alkylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C.sub.1-2 alkyl groups;Y represents a piperidine ring which is attached through nitrogen to ALK.sup.1 ;R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group; the broken line in --- represents a bond, or is absent and the free valency on Y is taken up by hydrogen and the free valency on CR.sub.4 is taken up by hydrogen or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group;ALK.sup.2 is absent or represents a C.sub.1-4 alkylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C.sub.1-2 alkyl groups; andR.sub.5 and R.sub.6 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl, alkyl (optionally substituted) or R.sub.5 and R.sub.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I), ##STR1## as defined in the specification, having immunomodulatory activity, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, and processes to make and to use the compound are described.