Abstract: Technique for deterring and monitoring internal defect condition of a mud pump during the operation and/or in a laboratory conditions are illustrated. One or more acoustic transducers are attached in the proximity of one or more valves of the pump. Variation(s) in the output signal parameters are continuously monitored. Variation of the signal over the predetermined threshold level indicate a gradual degradation of the pump or if the variation of the signal occurs over a short interval it may indicate a sudden failure of the pump. Likewise, a system of detecting internal defect condition of the pump and apparatus for monitoring the pump condition is illustrated. The techniques are also applied to duplex and/or triplex high-pressure pumps used to push hydrocarbons through pipelines. Apparatus and system similar to that disclosed for the mud pump is equally applicable to the high-pressure pumps used to push hydrocarbons through pipelines.

Abstract: Packing elements typically used in columns to enhance chemical reactions are illustrated. The packing element may be shaped as a sphere, ellipsoid, any shape of a revolution of a conic, and made of polygonal elements of various numbers of sides. Alternate embodiments illustrated may have faces analogous to crystal shapes, or large number of sides of same or variable dimensions. The packing elements have various shapes of drip points. The construction of the element is such that pieces can be folded thus saving assembly time and cleaning time.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are provided for screening personnel at secured installations like airports, courthouses, police stations, secured administrative buildings, military installations and other installations requiring heightened security. The apparatus and the system integrate state of the art available technologies in biometric identification, metal detection, document identification, and body scan apparatus. All technologies are integrated to provide reliable, efficient and economic solution to security problems. A corresponding method of screening is provided.

Abstract: A fired heater is adapted for increasing the output of a plant where the furnace capacity is considerably improved without corresponding increase in the pressure drop. The described technique utilizes a parallel thermal path in contrast to the conventional series thermal path for heating a hydrocarbon fluid. The fluid is divided into at least two paths where the fluid in the first path is heated primarily by radiation heat transfer mechanism and the fluid in the second path is heated primarily by convection heat transfer mechanism. The at least two fluid streams may then be combined to continue with other desired processing of the fluid.

Abstract: Packing elements typically used in columns to enhance chemical reactions are illustrated. The packing element may be shaped as a sphere, ellipsoid or any shape of a revolution of a conic. Alternate embodiments illustrated may have faces analogous to crystal shapes. The packing elements have various shapes of drip points. The construction of the element is such that pieces can be folded thus saving assembly time and cleaning time.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are provided for precise measuring and monitoring of certain vital signs of patients that have been difficult to measure especially in emergency situations. Sensor may be used for detecting contraction and expansion in the vascular bed of the lining tissue of the external auditory canal during a cardiac cycle to obtain a better indication of certain physiological parameters. Such a signal generally may be superimposed with an additional signal that is primarily due to breathing activity of the patient. Based on various scenarios different sensors may be used to determine the signal due to breathing activity and thus the physiological parameter of interest may be derived. The signal corresponding to the physiological parameter of interest, for example, blood pressure may then be used to monitor the vital signs or control other medical equipment.