Abstract: The wall thickness and ovality of a tubular are simultaneously determined. The theoretical radius of a pipe is computed from a measurement of its circumference. An ultrasonic device conventionally used to measure the wall thickness of tubulars is adapted to also measure the maximum and minimum diameters and ovality by equipping or utilizing existing ultrasound inspection device with contact surfaces which contact the tubular at a fixed distance apart and at a known distance from the surface of the ultrasonic transducer. The contact surfaces define a chord of known length on the tubular under test. The mean radius of the tubular may be computed from multiple water path measurements around the circumference relative to a known fixture. The maximum and minimum diameter and ovality are calculated from the measured differences in distance from the surface of the tubular to the ultrasonic transducer and the theoretical circle.

Abstract: A fuel metering pump provides a compact and reliable fuel delivery system meeting the stringent contamination resistance, accuracy, pressure and flow requirements of jet engine combustion. The metering pump has a motor driven dual face cam drive arrangement that reciprocates a pair of double-acting spool pistons to both pump and meter fuel to the engine. The motor rotates the cam shaft mounted face cams, which have oppositely clocked ramps on which rollers ride to transfer the rotation forces from the face cam to reciprocate the pistons. The double-acting pistons each provide both compression and suction on each stroke. The tandem face cams arranged at opposite sides of the cam followers provides consistent and precise metering with minimal pulsation. Low pressure drop at the inlets allows the metering pump to operate very near true vapor pressure without risk of cavitation or the need for a boosted inlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a nonremovable tube fitting or member for insertion into a container to access the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the fitting includes a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body is partially insertable from the distal end through the opening of the container. The hollow body includes a proximal cap near the proximal end. The proximal cap is larger in size than the opening of the container. The hollow body includes a hole extending from the proximal end in a direction toward the distal end for receiving the tube through the hole. A capture member is coupled with the hollow body. The capture member is movable between an expanded position and a contracted position. The capture member in the contracted position has a lateral dimension sufficiently small to be inserted through the opening of the container. The capture member moves to the expanded position upon insertion into the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. The invention also provides compositions and methods for inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, as well methods for treating diseases associated with activated lymphocytes by administering 5-HT receptor antagonists.

Abstract: A current sensing transformer having a low impedance primary winding is connected in series with a filter and load circuit supplied with output current by a high frequency switching PWM power supply such as a sinewave dimmer. Sensed output current is supplied to a microprocessor based programmable controller. The controller performs a routine including a family of overcurrent tests. Tests of the family are satisfied by the presence of different output current values for different time durations. At least one of the tests is enabled only at low requested output voltages or dimming levels. In response to satisfaction of any of the tests, a series power switching stage of the power supply is rendered nonconductive to shut down the power supply.

Abstract: A method and system of validating data regarding measured hydrocarbon flow. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a flow computer coupled to a metering tube and configured to measure fluid flow through the metering tube, and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system coupled to the flow computer. The SCADA system is configured to perform a validation on data provided by the flow computer regarding fluid flow. The flow computer is configured to perform the validation on the data regarding fluid flow, and the if the validation is successfully completed by the flow computer, the SCADA system refrains from performing the validation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. The invention also provides compositions and methods for inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in activated lymphocytes, as well methods for treating diseases associated with activated lymphocytes by administering 5-HT receptor antagonists.

Abstract: A refrigerated case for storing food product includes a sensor module and a control module. The control module receives input from the sensor module and compares the input to a set point to generate an output indicative of a difference between the input and the set point, and further updates the output based on the input from the sensor module. A heater module controls a heater attached to a control surface of the refrigerated case based on the output to maintain a temperature of air adjacent the sensor module above a dew point temperature of room air.

Abstract: A method and ultrasonic meter system for determining pipe roughness. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic meters comprising a spool piece that couples within a flow of fluids, and a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and acoustically coupled to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between). The ultrasonic meter is configured to determine diagnostic data based on acoustic signals transmitted between the first transducer pair (wherein the diagnostic data comprises an asymmetry of the flow of fluids in the spool piece, a cross flow of the flow of fluids in the spool piece, and a profile factor of the flow of fluids in the spool piece).

Abstract: Current sensing resistors are connected directly to output terminals of MOSFETs forming the series switching stage of a PWM sinewave dimmer. An analog sensed current signal is coupled through an EMI resistant current link to comparators that provide an overcurrent indication in response to an overcurrent condition. A logic circuit overrides PWM control signals from a programmable controller, and operates drivers to render the series switching stage nonconductive and to render a clamp switching stage conductive until after the end of the current PWM duty cycle power on segment. The logic circuit sends an overcurrent signal through an optocoupler to an input of the programmable controller. The input of the controller is polled at a clock frequency for overcurrent signals and if the count exceeds a limit in any half cycle, or a maximum sum in sixteen half cycles of the AC supply, the series switching stage is rendered nonconductive and the clamp switching stage is rendered conductive pending a reset signal.

Abstract: An electrical motor rotatably drives a motor shaft, and a helical rib radially extends from the shaft. The helical rib supports a number of balls, and forms a channel to accommodate the balls. The balls are dropped from the helical rib when the balls reach the bottom of the helical rib. Several targets are affixed to the shaft. A sensor is located adjacent to and apart from the shaft, and is positioned in close proximity to the targets. The sensor senses each target as each target rotates past the sensor. The number of targets sensed per revolution of the shaft is equal to the number of balls dropped from the helical rib per revolution of the helical rib. A counter in data communication with the sensor displays the number of targets sensed, and thus displays the number or balls dropped from the helical rib.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump assembly has a pump housing with a crankshaft. A plunger is connected to the crankshaft for pumping a fluid through a cylinder. The cylinder has a fluid inlet port and an opening that provides access to the cylinder. A suction cover is mounted in the opening and has a hub that is coaxial with an axis of the suction cover. A suction valve stop is mounted adjacent one of the fluid ports and has a spring retainer. A column extends from the spring retainer, and a bushing is mounted to the spring retainer for engaging and being retained by the hub of the suction cover. The suction cover guides the suction valve stop in operation and, when the suction cover is removed from the opening, the suction valve stop is removable.

Abstract: A high differential pressure, low torque precision temperature control valve is disclosed herein. This valve is trunnionated with stem components that are separable from the plug for ease of maintenance and manufacturability and thus reducing the need to remove the entire plug and sealing assemblies in the field. Field repair of stem sealing devices can be accomplished inline. The stem design can be smaller in diameter with smaller bearing surfaces than would be anticipated creating a lower requirement of torque to rotationally transposition the plug within the fluid chamber while under high pressure. This valve's lower trunnionated stem is stationery reducing the problems associated with o-ring failure and leakage problems with objects that rotate. Due to the design of the orifices in the plug, this valve is capable of repeatability at lower opening ranges than prior art valves and reduces jetting, caviation and erosion often associated with lower opening ranges.

Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.

Abstract: A high differential pressure, low torque precision temperature control valve is disclosed herein. This valve is trunnionated with stem components that are separable from the plug for ease of maintenance and manufacturability and thus reducing the need to remove the entire plug and sealing assemblies in the field. Field repair of stem sealing devices can be accomplished inline . The stem design can be smaller in diameter with smaller bearing surfaces than would be anticipated creating a lower requirement of torque to rotationally transposition the plug within the fluid chamber while under high pressure. This valve's lower trunnionated stem is stationery reducing the problems associated with o-ring failure and leakage problems with objects that rotate. Due to the design of the orifices in the plug, this valve is capable of repeatability at lower opening ranges than prior art valves and reduces jetting, caviation and erosion often associated with lower opening ranges.

Abstract: The wall thickness and ovality of a tubular are simultaneously determined. The theoretical radius of a pipe is computed from a measurement of its circumference. An ultrasonic device conventionally used to measure the wall thickness of tubulars is adapted to also measure the maximum and minimum diameters and ovality by equipping or utilizing existing ultrasound inspection device with contact surfaces which contact the tubular at a fixed distance apart and at a known distance from the surface of the ultrasonic transducer. The contact surfaces define a chord of known length on the tubular under test. The mean radius of the tubular may be computed from multiple water path measurements around the circumference relative to a known fixture. The maximum and minimum diameter and ovality are calculated from the measured differences in distance from the surface of the tubular to the ultrasonic transducer and the theoretical circle.

Abstract: Volatile vapors are removed from a storage vessel by establishing a flow of a stream of volatile vapors from the storage vessel and directing the stream through a first low temperature condenser for condensing a portion of the stream flowing through the first low temperature condenser. Since a portion of the condensed condensate freezes and causes a pressure drop in the first low temperature condenser, further steps may include directing the stream from the first low temperature condenser through a second low temperature condenser after the pressure drop exceeds a setpoint, stopping the flow of the refrigerant through the first low temperature condenser and using the heat of the volatile vapor stream to melt the frozen condensate in the first low temperature condenser. The stream is switched between the condensers as necessary to prevent excessive plugging due to frozen condensate formation. The system includes the means for implementing the method.

Abstract: An inverter by pass safety switch for rerouting electrical power either through or around AC variable frequency inverter drives during electrical disturbances, thus allowing a motor to continue operation. The switch works in a mechanical fashion, and comprises a contact block containing electrical contacts and cams operably connected to the contacts and mounted on a shaft that can be turned by an operator. The cams are shaped and mounted on the shaft in such a way to provide a desired switching pattern when the shaft is manually rotated.