Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of Advanced Process Control for optimal operation of multi-unit plants in large scale processing and power generation industries. The invention framework includes the following components: continuous real time dynamic process simulation, automatic coefficient adjustment of dynamic and static process models, automatic construction of transfer functions, determination of globally optimal operating point specific to current conditions, provision of additional optimal operating scenarios through a variety of unit combinations, and calculation of operational forecasts in accordance with planned production.

Abstract: A tethering system with an elongate cable. A first cable end is configured to be directed through a first article opening. Structure cooperates between the first cable end and a first blocking component and is configured to releasably fix the first cable end to the first blocking component. The first blocking component is configured so that the first blocking component will not pass through the first article opening. Structure cooperates between a second blocking component and cable and is configured to releasably fix the second blocking component to the cable at a location spaced from the first cable end with the cable directed through the second opening. The second blocking component is configured so that it will not pass, together with a portion of the cable to which the second blocking component is fixed, through the second article opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an environment control device (ECD) and a method using a wireless communication infrastructure for exchanging environmental data. The wireless communication infrastructure comprises a first Wi-Fi hotspot, and at least one of a second Wi-Fi hotspot and a mesh network. The ECD comprises a communication module for exchanging environmental data with at least another device over the wireless communication infrastructure. The communication module is capable of establishing the first Wi-Fi hotspot, associating with the second Wi-Fi hotspot, and communicating over the mesh network. The ECD further comprises a processing module capable of processing environmental data received from the other device via the wireless communication infrastructure, and/or transmitting generated environmental data to the other device via the wireless communication infrastructure. The ECD may consist of an environment controller, a sensor, a controlled appliance, and a relay for wired devices.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A servomechanism has a jet pipe mounted by a flexure pivot driven by an electromagnet to control the position of the jet pipe. A fixed seal tube surrounds the armature and keeps the coil isolated and dry. The flexure pivot has two parts that can move with respect to one another. The jet pipe can be fixed with respect to one part and movable with respect to the other such that when the electromagnet armature moves pivotal motion is imparted to the jet pipe. A multi-port jet receiver receives media from the jet pipe in different orifices dependent upon armature position. That in turn can extend or retract an actuator, such as a piston, depending upon which receiver orifice receives greater pressure. A feedback mechanism can link the actuator to the jet pipe to provide feedback input used to improve the accuracy of the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting a high Intensity radiated field (HIRF) in a line replaceable unit are provided. In an embodiment, the internal detector comprises a receiving means for receiving HIRF and generating an AC signal proportional to the HIRF, an RF filter configured to sample the AC signal to create a DC signal; and a detecting section configured to compare the DC signal with a threshold and output a result of the comparison to a built-in test section. The internal detector may be used to test EMI filter pin connectors of a closed line replaceable unit.

Abstract: A system for achieving a uniform device abstraction layer is described. The system includes a device class determiner coupled with a local server, the device class determiner configured for establishing a device class for at least one device residing in a domain at a premises, wherein the domain is coupled with a remote server, and a device of the at least one device includes a communication port that supports a first protocol corresponding to a second protocol, wherein the second protocol is supported by a device driver coupled with the domain, wherein based on the establishing the device class, an action is enabled to be mapped to the device, thereby enabling an application to run on and utilize a capability of the device.

Abstract: A portable generator system provides power to a load source including an engine and a generator. The engine drives the generator to provide a generator alternating current (AC) electrical power output. An energy storage system (ESS) provides an ESS direct current (DC) electrical power output. A first inverter is connected to the generator for receiving the generator AC electrical power output and for providing a DC power output. A second inverter is connected to the first inverter and the ESS for receiving the DC power output from the first inverter and the ESS DC electrical power output for providing an AC power output. A first power mode includes the generator maintaining a first generator power output level corresponding to a specified power requirement of a load source, and the ESS providing an additional first ESS power output level for satisfying the specified power requirement of the load source.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.

Abstract: An alarm system for monitoring portable articles comprises a smart sensor for operatively engaging a portable article. The smart sensor includes an actuator having a secured state and an unsecured state relative to the portable article. A memory stores a sensor address. A controller has a sensor bus operatively connected to the smart sensor. The controller includes a memory storing sensor addresses. The controller is operative to periodically communicate with the smart sensor to determine state of the sensor and to read the sensor address. The controller generates an alarm when the smart sensor is in the unsecured state or if the sensor address read from the smart sensor is not stored in the memory.

Abstract: A check valve assembly has a body having a central cavity intersected by upstream and downstream flow passages. A seat is secured by a threaded engagement in the upstream flow passage. An access bore intersects the cavity and has a support shoulder formed in it. A holder is supported on the support shoulder. A flapper is pivotally secured to the holder and located in the cavity for movement between an open position and a closed position blocking flow through the seat. A straight edge portion in the access bore engages a straight edge portion of the holder to prevent rotation of the holder. A fastener extends through a hole in the support shoulder into engagement with the seat to prevent rotation of the seat.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse.

Abstract: A display stand for a portable article with a base having a bottom bearing portion and a support for a portable article. A retracting mechanism has a spool around which a flexible tether is wrapped. The spool has an axis around which the spool is turned as the tether is: a) paid out to allow a portable article to which the first end of the tether is connected to be moved away from the base; and b) retracted to shorten a paid out length of the tether. The retracting mechanism has a biasing assembly that urges the spool to turn around the spool axis so as to retract the tether. The tether is guided to be paid out from the spool generally in a straight path in a line, with the line of the straight path transverse to the spool axis.

Abstract: A wheel chair lift device includes a base, a lift car, and a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the lift car relative to the base. A maximum height system includes a light source, optical sensor, magnetic-backed reflector, and a placement tool for engaging a reference port on the lift car. Operation of the light source and optical sensor are confirmed before the lift car is elevated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying temperature measurements in an ultrasonic flow meter. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow metering system includes a passage for fluid flow, a temperature sensor, and an ultrasonic flow meter. The temperature sensor is disposed to measure temperature of fluid flowing in the passage. The ultrasonic flow meter includes a plurality of pairs of ultrasonic transducers and control electronics. Each pair of transducers is configured to form a chordal path across the passage between the transducers. The control electronics are coupled to the ultrasonic transducers. The control electronics are configured to measure speed of sound between each pair of transducers based on ultrasonic signals passing between the transducers of the pair. The control electronics are also configured to determine, based on the measured speeds of sound, whether a measured temperature value provided by the temperature sensor accurately represents temperature of the fluid flowing in the passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proving a flow meter including a launch hold facility and a seal leak detect device.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.