Abstract: In a method for the processing of radiological images for the detection of opacities in a radiography image, an algorithm is proposed for detecting opacities according to their contrasts. To determine a contrast that is not over-estimated in each element, an algorithm is proposed for computing the background intensity by means of a sliding-window filtering. This type of sliding-window filtering computes the set of mean values of grey levels about an immediate environment of a region of elements whose size depends on the size of the opacity to be detected. The algorithm considers a background intensity of the region of elements to be the lowest mean value grey levels among the set of mean values of grey levels.

Abstract: A method for purifying a waste environment includes treating a portion of the waste environment to inactivate or diminish native microorganisms, adding augmenting microorganisms to the treated waste environment, simultaneously growing and acclimating a microbiological culture and discharging the microbiological culture to the waste environment. The method provides improved biological purification of waste and in-situ bioaugmentation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to an intake channel of an internal combustion engine in which an adjustable position guide vane is configured to modify the velocity distribution inside the intake channel in order to vary the mean swirl number generated by the channel. The intake channel may comprise a combination of two or more ports, which can be helical or tangential, depending on their shape. By varying the velocity distribution inside the intake channel it is possible to vary the mean swirl number in an internal combustion engine. Contrary to existing systems to vary the swirl in internal combustion engines, the invention proposed does not require the separation of both ports inside the intake channel by a wall in order to achieve a variation in the swirl.

Abstract: Convex sealing bottom (10) for a twin-shaft turbine of the type comprising a series of convex disks constrained to each other by means of a series of pins, each disk of said disks comprises an outer shaped edge which is engaged with a corresponding annular surface (71) of an inner grooved surface (72) of a ring (70) for obtaining an axial seal. The series of disks comprises three disks, a first disk (12), a second disk (13) and a third disk (14) respectively. The three disks are fixed to each other centrally by means of a series of spokes (30) and are constrained in pairs respectively by means of a series of pins which are arranged orthogonally to the three disks to minimize the relative movements of the three disks in an axial direction at the same time allowing the radial dilatations of the three disks themselves.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and system for secure access control of an intelligent electronic device (“IED”) by multiple personnel. Within the IED a set of basic permissions is defined. A software program allows a security administrator create specific roles from the basic permissions. The software program can then be used to assign to a user a specific role for one or more specific IEDs. This action creates a set of unique security keys for the user and a unique security file for each IED. When a user accesses an IED the system identifies the user from the security key and determines his/her permissions using the security file. The security key may take the form of a password inputted into the IED, an access device incorporated within the IED, and/or a remote access device positioned proximate the IED or removably positioned in the IED.

Abstract: A spring discharge mechanism for a circuit breaker is provided. The mechanism includes two linkages for crashing or discharging the circuit breaker compression springs to allow the circuit breaker to be used in either fixed breaker installation or in an installation having a drawout mechanism. The secondary mechanism includes a manual activation linkage that couples with an interface plate. The interface plate is coupled to an opening latch shaft and a closing latch shaft that cooperates to discharge the circuit breaker compression springs. An interface lever is also coupled to the interface plate. The interface lever includes a roller that interacts with a pivoting cam lever coupled to a drawout mechanism. The cam lever interacts with the roller causing the interface lever to rotate the interface plate, the opening latch shaft and the closing latch shaft.

Abstract: A method and composition for processing natural water such as seawater, brackish, and estuarine water wherein the water is concentrated with or without heating comprising adding to the water (I) a water-soluble polymeric phosphonate and (II) a water-soluble polycarboxylate to control scale formation and deposition. Optionally a water -soluble poly[isopropenylphosphonic acid] can also be utilized as component (I) without the addition of component (II).

Abstract: An appliance including a chassis having a top, a bottom, a left and right side opposite one another other and connecting the top and the bottom, and a back opposite an opening. The chassis defines a cavity with an opening for accessing the cavity. A door assembly joined to the chassis includes a door for closing access to the opening and a first and second door lift sub-assemblies. The door lift sub-assemblies are configured to move with the door in a first direction and a second direction different than the first direction. At least one stabilizing device operatively connects the first and second door lift sub-assemblies to synchronize movement of the first and second door lift sub-assemblies in the first direction.

Abstract: In an image-processing method for the detection of radiological signs in series of 3D data, an algorithm is used to detect radiological signs in a digital volume according to their contrasts. This algorithm is applied to reconstructed slices or directly to the series of projections. This algorithm is made by means of linear differential filters for signal analysis. It is used to color or enhance the intensity of the detected radiological signals according to the degree of malignancy.

Abstract: An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Abstract: A system for indicating a position of an electrical distribution device configured to be racked into an electrically connected condition within an enclosure and racked out to an electrically disconnected condition via a racking mechanism is disclosed. The system includes a rotating indicator having at least a first position and a second position, the first position indicating the connected condition, and the second position indicating the disconnected condition, the indicator operably connected to the racking mechanism to rotate the indicator in response to movement of the racking mechanism between at least the connected condition and the disconnected condition. The system also includes a biasing device to bias rotation of the indicator toward the first position when the racking mechanism is in the connected condition and to bias rotation of the indicator toward the second position when the racking mechanism is in the disconnected condition.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a refrigerator comprising an ice storage bucket and a cooling system in thermal communication with the ice storage bucket is shown. A first transmitter is configured in the ice storage bucket. A first pulse signal is transmitted from the first transmitter. A first receiver is configured in the ice storage bucket and is further configured to receive the first pulse signal. A first pre-signal response from the first receiver is generated before the first pulse signal. A first pulse signal response from the first receiver generated during the first pulse signal.

Abstract: A machine useful for ship propulsion purposes includes a ship propulsion motor with two concentric air gaps. In one embodiment, the machine includes a rotor with an inner rotor core and an outer rotor core; and a double-sided stator with an inner stator side and an outer stator side. The double-sided stator is concentrically disposed between the inner rotor core and the outer rotor core.

Abstract: A diagnostic and service logic program for a programmable logic controller (PLC) is provided in parallel with the main machine logic program. The diagnostic and service logic program has the same functionality as the main machine logic program, but can be modified and operated independently of the main machine logic program for testing and debugging a faulty main machine logic program. The PLC can be switched between programs for testing and debugging.

Abstract: A draw out circuit breaker assembly which includes a draw out circuit breaker having a plurality of contacts configured for connecting and disconnecting an electrical power source to an electrical load, a breaker cassette including a draw out support plate housing operational components of the draw out circuit breaker, and a port, and a collapsible telescopic racking handle stored collapsed in the port after the draw out circuit breaker is racked into the breaker cassette.

Abstract: A method for making a polyarylether block copolymer having amide functionality including reacting a dihydroxyaromatic compound having amide functionality and a dihaloaromatic sulfone or dinitroaromatic sulfone in the presence of a base to form a polyarylether having amide functionality and reacting the polyarylether having amide functionality with a polymer. The block copolymer and blends are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement system for measuring a flow in a conduit. Spaced ultrasonic signal transmitters are configured to launch a ultrasonic beams having a center axis of maximum intensity. Receiving transducers are configured to receive modulated signal energy from the beams and are located off the center axis of the beams to increase the modulation of the signal energy and to produce receiver output signals. A processing subsystem is configured to correlate the receiver output signals to determine a time delay indicative of the flow velocity in the conduit.

Abstract: An interlock is presented which may be mechanically interconnected with a circuit breaker. The interlock toggles between a locked out position that causes the circuit breaker to trip and prevents closure thereof and a non-locked out position wherein the circuit breaker functions. The interlock includes a frame, a lockout actuator supported by the frame, a reset actuator also supported by the frame and a latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a lockout lever that is responsive to movement of the lockout actuator that is pivotably supported by the frame and a lockout trip rod responsive to movement of the lockout actuator. Also provided is a reset lever that is responsive to movement of the reset actuator and that is also pivotably supported by the frame. The reset lever is configured to prevent movement of the lockout actuator without movement of the reset lever and wherein the lockout trip rod is configured for movement between a locked out position and a non-locked out position.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for fastening at least one screw nut to be tightened of a rotor blade bearing of a wind turbine are provided. A screw nut driver assembly is provided at a rotatable portion of the rotor blade bearing, the screw nut driver assembly being adapted to automatically tighten the at least one screw nut. The screw nut driver assembly is aligned with the screw nut to be tightened by rotating the rotatable portion with a pitch drive of the wind turbine. Then the screw nut is tightened using the screw nut driver assembly.

Abstract: A premixing device includes an air inlet, at least one fuel inlet slot having a wall profile configured to form a fuel boundary layer along a portion of a wall of the premixing device, a mixing chamber, and at least one diverging fuel injection slot jet disposed inside the at least one fuel inlet slot, the slot jet being configured to create a flow separation region in a diverging portion thereof to generate mixing turbulence at an outlet of the slot jet to aerodynamically enhance a mixing of the fuel from the boundary layer with compressed air without causing a boundary layer flow separation and a flame holding in the mixing chamber. Low-emission combustors, gas turbine combustors, methods for premixing a fuel and an oxidizer in a combustion system, a gas turbine, and a gas to liquid system using the premixing device are also disclosed.