Abstract: Data integration including extracting a first native record having a first native format from a first native repository through a first adapter, the first adapter loosely coupled for data integration to a data integration application, the first native format having a datatype; transforming the first native record having first native format to a first native record having dynamic common format, the dynamic common format being a subset of a dynamic common model, the dynamic common model comprising mappings to and from the dynamic common format for all native records in all datatypes; transforming the format of the first native record having dynamic common format to a first native record having second native format; and inserting through a second adapter, also loosely coupled to the application, the first native record the second native format into a second native repository.

Abstract: A high-diagnostic, dual sensor process temperature switch having a one-out-of-two voting architecture useful in commercial and industrial fluid transport systems is provided for determining whether process connections and isolation valves are plugged or closed, and for determining whether individual temperature sensors within the device are deformed, corroded or otherwise compromised. The dual temperature sensors functionally employ similar electronic technology, and are each disposed to provide variable electrical outputs to one of a plurality of discrete A/D converters. The dual temperature sensors' electrical outputs are compared prior to the A/D conversion process in order to immediately identify large temperature deviations between the respective sensors. Each of the A/D converters' digital signals are routed to one of a plurality of independent CPUs or data processors; the CPUs then generate digital output signals representing either a logical 0 (Low) or 1 (High).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical power from the decay process of a radioactive material is disclosed, wherein a volume of radioactive material and a junction region are enclosed in a cell. The junction region is formed by appropriate construction of a number of p-type and n-type dopant sites. At least a portion of one of the junction regions is disposed within a porous region having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20:1, and disposed at an angle of greater than about 55° measured relative to the surface area in which it is formed. The dimensions and shapes of the macroporous regions and the improved junction region surface area available for collecting charged particles emitted during a radioactive decay series permit an improved current to be derived from the apparatus than would otherwise be expected given its external dimensions.

Abstract: A plurality of building blocks (1) form a retaining wall (300), which may be curved, with respective side edges (6, 7) providing pivot points and a stepped base (5) of an upper block (1) being positionable on the upper surface (4) of a lower block (1). The gaps between the blocks 1, and their permeability, being made from permeable concrete, can avoid hydrostatic build up behind the wall (300). The permeability of the concrete used for the blocks (1) is in the range of 10?2 m/s to 10?4 m/s and may be in the region of 6.00×10?3 m/s.

Abstract: A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provided having both high safety availability and high plant reliability that does not require a plant system to be bypassed during testing. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein initiation of a safety action will occur only if each of a pair of operatively associated solenoid-operated valves in the apparatus are actuated, and wherein either of the solenoid valves can singly default to a pre-designated safety action without inadvertently actuating the process valve and isolating or venting the process fluid. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein either a “1 out of 1 with hot stand-by” operational mode or a “2 out of 2 with high diagnostics” operational mode may be selected by an operator using a logic control system depending on the technical requirements of a given plant environment.

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical power from the decay process of a radioactive material is disclosed, wherein a volume of radioactive material and a junction region are enclosed in a cell. The junction region is formed by appropriate construction of a number of p-type and n-type dopant sites. At least a portion of one of the junction regions is disposed within a porous region having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20:1, and disposed at an angle of greater than about 55° measured relative to the surface area in which it is formed. The dimensions and shapes of the macroporous regions and the improved junction region surface area available for collecting charged particles emitted during a radioactive decay series permit an improved current to be derived from the apparatus than would otherwise be expected given its external dimensions.

Abstract: A system for drilling wells includes a plurality of platform modules, which are interconnected to one another on site to form a unitary platform structure. The interconnected platform modules are elevated above a surface on plurality of legs coupled to at least some of the platform modules. The elevated interconnected platform modules support drilling and auxiliary equipment. The system is well adapted for use in arctic, inaccessible, shallow water or environmentally sensitive locations.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a captive propelled model is provided comprising a balancing member having a pivoting pin disposed between two ends of the balancing member. A figurine having an actuator and at least one actuable member is disposed near one end of the balancing member, and a counterweight is disposed near the opposite end. A platform for the device includes wiring for connecting a power supply to the actuator. In a further embodiment of the invention, a conductive member is disposed so as to receive the pivoting pin and thereby establish an axis of rotation about which the balancing member rotates when propelled by the actuable member. The conductive surface is also in contact with a drag-line or the like that is suspended from the balancing member to establish an electrical ground for the power supply circuit.

Abstract: A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provided having both high safety availability and high plant reliability that does not require a plant system to be bypassed during testing. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein initiation of a safety action will occur only if each of a pair of operatively associated solenoid-operated valves in the apparatus are actuated, and wherein either of the solenoid valves can singly default to a pre-designated safety action without inadvertently actuating the process valve and isolating or venting the process fluid. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein either a “1 out of 1 with hot stand-by” operational mode or a “2 out of 2 with high diagnostics” operational mode may be selected by an operator using a logic control system depending on the technical requirements of a given plant environment.

Abstract: A high-diagnostic, dual sensor pressure switch having a one-out-of-two voting architecture useful in commercial and industrial fluid transport systems is provided for determining whether process connections and isolation valves are plugged or closed, and whether pressure sensors are deformed, corroded or otherwise compromised. The dual pressure sensors functionally employ similar electronic technology, and are each disposed to provide variable electrical outputs to one of a plurality of discrete A/D converters. The dual pressure sensors' electrical outputs are compared prior to the A/D conversion process in order to immediately identify large pressure deviations between the sensors. Each of the A/D converters' digital signals are routed to one of a plurality of independent CPUs or data processors; the CPUs then generate digital output signals representing either a logical 0 (Low) or 1 (High).