Abstract: Systems and methods include obtaining power measurements from one or more first components in an optical node and store the power measurements at corresponding vertices in a graph that describes the optical node; obtaining calibration data from a plurality of second components in the optical node and utilize the calibration data to determine an optical gain or an optical loss through an associated arc in the graph; and determining an optical power at any point in the optical node via traversing the graph, for any of configuration and operation of the optical node. The graph includes the vertices that are points in the optical node where there is a need for optical power, the arcs that are connections through the optical node where the optical power has the optical gain or the optical loss, and optical channels and their associated optical spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for producing polyunsaturated fatty acids from algae. The method comprises the step of applying at least growth-limiting factor to an algae culture, causing growth arrest of said algae culture and production and stocking by algae in culture of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: A tree harvester provided with a rotatable worktable assembly is disclosed herein. The tree harvester includes a movable frame, a worktable assembly rotatably mounted to the movable frame and an upper frame rotatably mounted to the worktable assembly. The upper frame is provided with an articulated boom that includes a feller/grapple head. The worktable assembly includes a tree delimbing mechanism, a tree cutting mechanism and a log stacker. The operation of the worktable is advantageously automated so that the operator can use the boom while the worktable is processing a tree. The position of the worktable between the movable frame and the upper frame makes the tree harvester more compact than conventional tree harvester, while the independent rotation of the worktable assembly and of the upper frame with respect to the movable frame increases the flexibility of operation of the tree harvester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimney access structure which is particularly well adapted for use in grounds subject to freezing. This structure incorporates chimney provided with an upper end on which is mounted an adaptor provided with a vertical through-hole and with a countersink hole of greater diameter that the through-hole. The countersink hole is preferably frusto-conical and extends coaxially within the through-hole at a given depth from the upper face of the adaptor. This countersink hole defines a sleeve with upper portion of the adaptor which is provided with an inwardly projecting flexible sealing ring. A floating head is slidably mounted into the sleeve. This head has a vertical through-hole coaxial with the one of the adaptor. The floating head also has a lower portion provided with an outer lateral surface whose shape and size are selected to fit into the countersink hole of the adaptor and sealingly slide within the same thanks to the sealing ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling molten materials, such as metals and molten salt mixtures, for analysis by spectroscopy or other means involves forming small, preferably "pin-like" samples by quickly drawing an amount of the molten material from a molten pool into a tubular element, referred to as a pipette, forming an elongated mould having a ratio of length to thickness of at least 2:1, allowing the molten material to cool and solidify in the pipette and then removing the solid sample from the pipette. The pipette is made of a material of high total heat capacity heat relative to the heat capacity of the sample material, i.e. in the ratio of 10-450:1, so that heat is quickly withdrawn from the molten material, allowing it to solidify within about 2 seconds or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting head for use on a tree-felling vehicle. The cutting head comprises a tree-carrying frame with a cutting tool in the form of a rotor with helically extending cutting teeth. An arm for placement against a standing tree to be cut is pivotally mounted to the tree-carrying frame. A fluid ram is connected between the arm and the tree-carrying frame to bring it in engagement with the tree to be cut so that the rotor progressively cuts the tree and the latter enters the tree-carrying frame.