Abstract: A signal processor (10) receives both open and closed field values for elements of a detector (11) and corrects for non-uniformities in offset response between the elements prior to converting the signal via an A to D converter (15). The corrected signal is then digitally processed to compensate for linear and higher order non-uniformities in the response of the element. The invention enables the A to D converter to have relatively low resolution for a given output radiation.

Abstract: Partial redundancy elimination of a computer program is described that operates using a static single assignment (SSA) representation of a computer program. The SSA representation of the computer program is processed to eliminate partially redundant expressions in the computer program. This processing involves inserting .PHI. functions for expressions where different values of the expressions reach common points in the computer program. A result of each of the .PHI. functions is stored in a hypothetical variable h. The processing also involves a renaming step where SSA versions are assigned to hypothetical variables h in the computer program, a down safety step of determining whether each .PHI. function in the computer program is down safe, and a will be available step of determining whether each expression in the computer program will be available at each .PHI. function following eventual insertion of code into the computer program for purposes of partial redundancy elimination.

Abstract: A process for integration of an autothermal reforming unit and a cogeneration power plant in which the reforming unit has two communicating fluid beds. The first fluid bed is a reformer reactor containing inorganic metal oxide and which is used to react oxygen and light hydrocarbons at conditions sufficient to produce a mixture of synthesis gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The second fluid bed is a combustor-regenerator which receives spent inorganic metal oxide from the first fluid bed and which provides heat to heat the inorganic metal and balance the reaction endotherm, by combusting fuel gas in direct contact with the inorganic metal oxide producing hot flue gas. In preferred embodiments, steam is also fed to the reformer reactor and a catalyst may be used with the inorganic metal oxide.

Abstract: A process for integration of an autothermal reforming unit and a cogeneration power plant in which the reforming unit has two communicating fluid beds. The first fluid bed is a reformer reactor containing inorganic metal oxide and supplemental oxidant gas and which is used to oxidize light hydrocarbons, primarily by oxidant supplied from the inorganic metal oxide and secondarily supplied by supplemental oxidant gas, at conditions sufficient to produce a mixture of synthesis gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The second fluid bed is a combustor-regenerator which receives reduced inorganic metal oxide from the first fluid bed and which provides heat to heat the inorganic metal by combusting fuel gas in direct contact with the inorganic metal oxide producing hot flue gas. In preferred embodiments, steam is also fed to the reformer reactor and a catalyst may be used with the inorganic metal oxide and supplemental oxidant gas. The supplemental oxidant gas can be oxygen, enriched air or air.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for automatic selective circuit interruption in response to detection of a fault in a multi-phase distribution system feeding a plurality of network branches. The arrangement includes a plurality of line monitoring devices which are programmed to alarm a control station in response to detection of a fault in the system. In response to being alarmed by one or more line monitoring devices, the control station activates a specialized signal generator which produces a specialized signal along one of the lines of the multi-phase system. Each line monitoring device is co-located with and communicatively coupled to a circuit interrupter which, when actuated, prevents the flow of current in lines of the system positioned downstream from the actuated circuit interrupter. Each line monitoring device automatically actuates the coupled circuit interrupter within a prescribed period of time following detection of the specialized signal.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for obtaining precise lamp voltage control and for compensating for varying or fluctuating input from an AC voltage source. The lamp is switched on by a switching device such as a triac. When the triac is powered, a simultaneous powering occurs of a second switching device such as an SCR. The SCR produces a scaled down RMS voltage output which closely matches the actual RMS lamp voltage. This second simulated voltage is precisely controlled in a feedback circuit which includes an RMS to DC converter and a feedback controller. The controller compares a converted DC voltage with a reference voltage and generates a firing pulse to the triac which is advanced or delayed so as to compensate for variations in the AC source as manifested by variations in the converted DC signal relative to the reference signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement for automatic selective circuit interruption in response to detection of a fault in a multi-phase distribution system feeding a plurality of network branches. The arrangement includes a plurality of line monitoring devices which are programmed to alarm a control station in response to detection of a fault in the system. In response to being alarmed by one or more line monitoring devices, the control station activates a specialized signal generator which produces a specialized signal along one of the lines of the multi-phase system. Each line monitoring device is co-located with and communicatively coupled to a circuit interrupter which, when actuated, prevents the flow of current in lines of the system positioned downstream from the actuated circuit interrupter. Each line monitoring device automatically actuates the coupled circuit interrupter within a prescribed period of time following detection of the specialized signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention of migration of hazardous particulate matter from a negative pressure environment established within a building in order to collect and dispose of the hazardous particulate matter, the apparatus and method for the prevention of migration of a hazardous particulate matter from the area being cleaned including an enclosed passageway positioned parallel of the temporary wall means established so as to define the area to be cleaned, the enclosed passageway being continuously evacuated so as to establish a negative pressure in the enclosed passageway which is greater than the negative pressure in the area being cleaned in order to ensure any hazardous particulate matter escaping from the area being cleaned is captured in the enclosed passageway and removed before migrating to other areas of the building in which normal activities are in progress.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the collection of airborne particulate matter in combination with a fluid, the airborne particulate matter and fluid being collected in a collection chamber under negative pressure, the collection chamber having a disposal bag complimentary secured within the chamber, the disposal bag having a fluid porous bottom, the collection chamber having a drain valve disposed at its lower most point, the disposal bag and collection chamber being subjected to either positive pressure or a vacuum at the drain valve to remove fluid from the collected particulate matter prior to disposal of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A separation chamber comprising a solid walled container vessel having a removably sealable top which contains an inlet port, the chamber having an inner perforated screen wall with an outlet port positioned in the side of the vessel extending into the interior of the perforated screen inner wall, a static vacuum line communicating with the outlet line and the annular space between the solid outer container wall and the inner perforated screen wall, and a self-contained disposal bag having an inlet sleeve and an outlet sleeve, said bag design to conform to the contours of the inner perforated screen wall and said inlet sleeve for extending through the inlet port and the outlet sleeve for extending outwardly through said outlet port, both sleeves having a means for securing the sleeves in a closed and secure position once the disposal bag has become filled with particulate matter, the bag, complying with disposal requirements, then being deposited in an appropriate disposal area.

Abstract: A golf bag insert is provided having a generally cylindrical sheath made from a preferably resilient material cut from a single sheath, there being longitudinal divider panels which are inserted into the cylinder defined by the sheath, these panels having laterally projecting tabs which engage in the slots in the sheath to retain the panels in place and also to hold the sheath together by virtue of a pair of tabs which penetrate two pairs of overlying slots in the edges of the sheath-defining sheet. The dividers each have one or more longitudinal slots defined approximately one-half way into the panel from one end so that the various dividers mate in orthogonal-parallel relation to define a plurality of subdivided compartments.

Abstract: Glass fiber reinforced cement composite materials are made by first preparing a cement slurry from a cement/water mix by a high shear mixing process which breaks up cement agglomerates into their primary particles, and then mixing chopped strands of glass fiber into the cement slurry by a low shear mixing process which restricts damage to the glass filaments to a minimum. Both the high shear and low shear processes may be carried out in the same impeller-type mixer using different power inputs and impeller speeds.

Abstract: Apparatus for the restraint of cargo in carriers such as freight containers, highway trucks and trailers, railroad cars, ships, aircraft and space vehicles. The apparatus includes continuous rails which are fastened flush to the floor of the cargo carrier and to the structural supports of said floor. A continuous undercut groove in the rail serves to fasten, at any point, load restraint chocks which are braced directly against the cargo loads. The chocks are designed with eyes and other tie-down anchor means to which flexible straps about the cargo load are anchored. The chock may also be fabricated with an adjustable blocking member to fit against a lateral side of a cargo load so as to apply additional lateral bracing to the cargo load.