Abstract: A method for monitoring the sealing of a container in a system or device is described. The method includes the following steps: controlling the heating element to heat a heating stamp to a predetermined sealing temperature, monitoring the temperature of the heating stamp, determining a temperature over time curve of the heating stamp by means of at least one temperature sensor, determining at least one characteristic of the temperature over time curve, comparing the determined at least one characteristic of the temperature over time curve with a reference value, and determining a sealing property of the sealing of the container based on said comparison of the determined at least one characteristic of the temperature over time curve with the reference value.

Abstract: While a vehicle is in a minimal power state, a first sensor is activated based on a location of the vehicle within a monitored area. The vehicle is transitioned to an on state based on detecting an object via data from the first sensor. Then the vehicle is operated to block an exit from the monitored area based on identifying the object as an unauthorized object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting, particularly chopped, aluminum scrap by alloy groups are disclosed, in which the aluminum scrap is separated into fractions, fractions of the aluminum scrap are irradiated by at least one neutron source, the gamma radiation that the individual fraction emits due to this neutron irradiation is detected by at least one detector, and based on this, an energy spectrum associated with the respective fraction is generated, based on which energy spectrum a relative ratio of the weight proportions of at least two alloy elements of this fraction is determined, and based on this relative ratio, this fraction is allocated to its corresponding alloy group, and then the fractions are sorted by the alloy groups to which they have been allocated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting, particularly chopped, aluminum scrap by alloy groups are disclosed, in which the aluminum scrap is separated into fractions, fractions of the aluminum scrap are irradiated by at least one neutron source, the gamma radiation that the individual fraction emits due to this neutron irradiation is detected by at least one detector, and based on this, an energy spectrum associated with the respective fraction is generated, based on which energy spectrum a relative ratio of the weight proportions of at least two alloy elements of this fraction is determined, and based on this relative ratio, this fraction is allocated to its corresponding alloy group, and then the fractions are sorted by the alloy groups to which they have been allocated.

Abstract: Foamed polyurethane articles, such as a sponges, sheets, tapes or ribbons, blocks or other molded, extruded or cast article which foamed polyurethane articles exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and are particularly useful in the formation of cleaning articles. Processes for the manufacture of such cleaning articles based on hydrophilic polyurethane foams exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and their use are also described.

Abstract: A method for power plant usage planning of a power plant fleet having a plurality of power plants is provided. The current control technology values are supplied to models for lifespan calculations, maintenance information is derived from the lifespan calculations and the maintenance information is taken into consideration in a calculation for power plant usage planning.

Abstract: Foamed polyurethane articles, such as a sponges, sheets, tapes or ribbons, blocks or other molded, extruded or cast article which foamed polyurethane articles exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and are particularly useful in the formation of cleaning articles. Processes for the manufacture of such cleaning articles based on hydrophilic polyurethane foams exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and their use are also described.

Abstract: Foamed polyurethane articles, such as a sponges, sheets, tapes or ribbons, blocks or other molded, extruded or cast article which foamed polyurethane articles comprising one or more quaternary ammonium compounds having germicidal properties and are particularly useful in the formation of cleaning articles. Processes for the manufacture of such cleaning articles based on hydrophilic polyurethane foams exhibit an antimicrobial benefit and their use are also described.

Abstract: A composite biosorption material is formed of a hydrophilic urethane binder containing immobilized bioactive organisms of at least about one micron in size and having active sites for binding and removing noxious materials such as metal ions from an effluent such as a waste water stream. To form the composite, a prepolymer is prepared by heating polyethylene glycol, having an average molecular weight of about 1000, to over 200.degree. F. up to 350.degree. F., preferably greater than 220.degree. F., and reacting a diisocyanate with the heated polyethylene glycol while mixing to form the prepolymer. After cooling, the prepolymer is mixed with an aqueous slurry containing the organisms such as Datura innoxia cells, and optionally a surfactant and bactericide, in a weight ratio such as 1:1 to 6:1, and the resultant mixture is cured to form the composite material containing a dry weight of the organisms such as about 15% to 90%.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for locating three-dimensional bulk-loaded objects for purposes of controlling a gripping terminal, including at least one optical projection system associated with drive mechanisms commanded by an interface connected to a central processing unit, and a light sensor such as a TV camera mounted plumb with the surface (horizontal, for example) receiving the bulk load and connected to the analysis and processing mechanisms of the central processing unit. The optical system emits a substantially planar light bundle which sweeps the surface of the bulk load under the control of the drive mechanisms to vary incrementally the angle .theta. made by the bundle with respect the aforementioned surface. The value of the angle, measured by a coder, is transmitted to the central processing unit which analyzes the image of the bundle trace sensed by the camera.