Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for cleaning internal passageways within a component, such as a component to be used in an engine. The device for cleaning the internal passageway includes a first probe having a longitudinal axis and at least one nozzle oriented at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the first probe has two nozzles, both oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and offset 180 degrees from each other. The device further includes a second probe having a longitudinal axis and a nozzle in a tip end, which nozzle is oriented along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first and second probes are connected to a common manifold.

Abstract: A lips-type multi-purposed spacer grid for supporting fuel rods within a nuclear fuel assembly is disclosed. In the spacer grid, the fuel rods are in contact with dimples and water strider-type springs in an equiangular surface contact manner. The spacer grid distributes load, applied to the springs, to the entire structure of its inner strips, thus reducing peak stress at the contact surfaces between the fuel rods and the springs and diminishing vibration of the fuel rods, and thereby reducing possible fretting wear of the fuel rods due to hydraulic vibration of the fuel rods. The spacer grid also enlarges the allowable elastic range of the springs, and allows the springs to soundly support the fuel rods by using residual spring force. The spacer grid has mixing blades capable of minimizing pressure loss and flow interference, so that the fuel rod cooling efficiency of the nuclear fuel assembly is improved.

Abstract: A three-stage method used for producing biogas having a high methane content from organic substances includes aerobic fermentation, a charring and thermophilic methane fermentation.

Abstract: An antenna device is designed for incorporation in an electric apparatus and has a radiator carried by a flexible plastic film. The film has a radiator pattern disposed on one side of a configurationally stable plastic carrier, and also a supply conductor which extends to the opposite side of the carrier. The carrier has snap catches for securement direct on the circuit card, and a resilient portion with a projection directed towards the circuit card. The supply conductor covers the projection and thereby realizes contact, galvanically and under spring pretensioning, with a contact point, a so-called pad, on the circuit card.

Abstract: In a device for transferring bulk material from a reservoir or a holding space through a lock space into a pneumatic conveyor line—in which the lock space can be closed in relation to the reservoir or holding space by an axially movable closure body and at least one counterpart sealing element disposed in opposite relationship in its path of movement—the closure body has at least one vent opening which opens into an air discharge passage and can be closed in the upward closing movement of a stroke element with the sealing body; the downward opening travel (x) thereof is shorter than the downward travel of the stroke element with the sealing body. The closure body enlarges from a narrow cross-section—forming an inner sealing edge in a funnel-like configuration towards the sealing body and the narrow cross-section is an annular seat for the sealing body in the closure position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axial flow rotary machine and to a maintainable compressor bleed system therefore. The axial flow rotary machine comprises a primary flow path for a working medium, a secondary flow path for the working medium, a bleed system for allowing a bleed portion of the working medium flowing in the primary flow path to be delivered to the secondary flow path, a support structure for the bleed system located radially inboard of the bleed system, and the panels for gaining access to the bleed system. The panels are located radially outboard of the bleed system. The panels form the inner flow wall for the primary flow path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool for cleaning an anode in a coating machine. The anode cleaning tool has a rotary brush driven by a driver such as a cordless power drill. The rotary brush and the driver are connected to a support structure and an adapter which allows the tool to be joined to a shaft associated with the coating machine. The tool further includes a light source connected to the support structure for enabling an operator to see an anode as it is being cleaned.

Abstract: A method for detecting compressor degradation includes the steps of providing a dataset for a compressor relating compressor operating parameters to each other; detecting real time actual values of the compressor operating parameters including an evaluated operating parameter; using at least one of the real time actual values and the dataset to determine a predicted value of the evaluated operating parameter; and comparing the predicted value of the evaluated operating parameter to the real time actual value of the evaluated operating parameter. This advantageously allows a prognosis of compressor performance to determine whether performance degradation is occurring.

Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid is provided which includes an aqueous solvent; a surfactant; and a polysaccharide preferably derived from a galactomannan gum. The foamed drilling fluid includes a liquid phase consisting of the aqueous solvent, polysaccharide and surfactant, and a gas phase of air, nitrogen, natural gas, CO2 and mixtures thereof. The drilling fluid is stable in the presence of crude oil and salt and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and equipment for drilling bone, in particular for setting a pedicle screw using a manual or motorized drilling tool. The equipment includes a drilling instrument, a source of electric impulses and a connector for connecting the electric impulse source to the drilling instrument. The equipment includes at least one sensor for detecting a muscle signal either implanted in a muscle or placed on the skin in the vicinity of a muscle before and during drilling. An alert is produced in the event of detection by at least one sensor of a muscle signal correlated with the source of electric impulses connected to the drilling instrument.

Abstract: A variable speed drive control system operates a variable speed drive to power a first load from a power source simultaneously powering a second load. An AC reactive power is monitored which may comprise or consist of an AC reactive power of the second load. Responsive to the monitored AC reactive power, the variable speed drive is controlled to counter the AC reactive power of the second load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated air turbine driving system for providing aircraft environmental control. The system has at least one air driven turbine for providing power to an aircraft mounted accessory drive and for providing heated air to an aircraft anti-ice system. The system further has a subsystem for supplying cooled pressurized air to a flight deck and/or cabin and to aircraft avionics. Still further, the subsystem provides cooling air to other aircraft components such as a generator and/or an aircraft mounted accessory drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting objects such as plastic bottles and cans whose material is to be recycled includes a detector device, two discharge openings and a compactor device. The detector device has at least one code reader for distinguishing approved from rejected objects. One of the two discharge openings is intended for approved objects and the other for rejected objects. The compactor device compacts the approved objects and has continuous, non-cyclic operation. As a result, waiting times are avoided between the discharge of an approved object and the commencement of the compaction thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical milling solution and a chemical milling process for removing a desired depth of material from metal parts. The milling solution contains nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, a wetting agent, such as a surfactant, dissolved titanium, and the balance water. The solution is maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 110° F. to about 130° F. The metal part to be milled is immersed in the milling solution for a time sufficient to remove a desired depth of material from at least one surface of the part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric reference electrode membrane comprising (a) one selected from a porous polymer or a hydrophilic plasticizer; (b) a lipophilic polymer; and optionally an adhesion-enhancing material. A reference electrode equipped with the polymeric reference electrode membrane can be shortened the preconditioning time, and extended lifetime for storage and use owing to excellent adhesion, and showed reproducibility and good yield. So, a miniaturized multi-potentiometric sensor can be fabricated comprising a solid-state reference electrode of the present invention and a set of ion-selective electrodes, thus being useful in the potentiometric fields, including clinical, environmental, food and industrial analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for curling feathers on a bird. The device comprises a base member having a convex surface and a mating member having a concave surface. The base member and the mating member define a space between the convex surface and the concave surface into which a feather to be curled may be placed. The base member and the mating member are configured so as to be squeezable so that the concave surface and the convex surface may be placed into contact with the feather to effect curling thereof. A method for using the curling device is also described.

Abstract: In a ceramic circuit board having a ceramic substrate and a metal circuit plate bonded to one surface of the ceramic substrate, assuming that the warpage of the ceramic circuit board is a difference in height between the center and edge of the metal circuit plate and is positive (+) when the circuit board warps so as to be concave on the side of the metal circuit plate, the warpage of the ceramic circuit board is in the range of from −0.1 mm to +0.3 mm when the ceramic circuit board is heated to 350° C., and in the range of from +0.05 mm to +0.6 mm when the temperature of the ceramic circuit board is returned to a room temperature after the ceramic circuit board is heated to 350° C. The initial warpage of the ceramic circuit board is in the range of from +0.05 mm to +0.6 mm.

Abstract: A hydroconversion catalyst for hydrodesulfurizing feedstock while preserving octane number of the feedstock includes a support having a mixture of zeolite and alumina, the zeolite having an Si/Al ratio of between about 1 and about 20, and an active phase on the support and including a first metal selected from group 6 of the periodic table of elements, a second metal selected from the group consisting of group 8, group 9 and group 10 of the period table of elements and a third element selected from group 15 of the periodic table of elements. A hydroconversion process is also disclosed.