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: Compositions and methods are disclosed for a non-naturally occurring melanocortin ligand comprised of a melanocortin analog coupled to a degradation-resistant C-terminal extension and, optionally, an N-terminal extension, to produce a stable melanocortin ligand having diminished or abolished cardiovascular activity while retaining desired melanocortin regulatory activity.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for a printing press adjustment hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is maintained to benefit from its mounting position and alignment, but the hydraulic fluid is removed. A hydraulic actuator shaft is attached to a mechanism that converts the rotary motion of an electric motor to linear motion. The electric motor provides faster and more accurate control of the hydraulic actuator shaft than the hydraulic fluid, providing for faster adjustment of the printing press.

Abstract: An electrical panelboard enclosure includes a primary service panel configured to receive power from a main power source and an alternate power source, an alternate power source connector array, and a distribution panel that delivers main or alternate power to subsidiary load circuits. A service transfer switch unit includes a main power breaker and an alternate power breaker having mutually interlocked toggle switches for respectively activating/deactivating the main and alternate power. The panelboard enclosure further includes an arrangement in which the primary service panel, the distribution panel, the alternate power source connector array and the service transfer switch are part of an installable panelboard assembly that is mountable as a unit within the panelboard enclosure.

Abstract: In tuning a PID controller for a process in a feedback control system, a method is provided for bringing the system into symmetric self-excited oscillations for measuring the frequency and the amplitude of the oscillations, and tuning the controller in dependence on the measurements obtained. A control algorithm referred to as the modified relay feedback test is introduced into a system in series with a process to generate self-excited oscillations. Tuning includes the steps of selecting a desired gain margin or phase margin, generating oscillations with the algorithm parameter corresponding to a selected gain or phase margin, measurements of the amplitude and the frequency of these oscillations, and computing PID controller tuning parameters. Data and formulas are given for the computation of the specific parameter of the modified relay feedback test and for tuning the parameters of the PID controller. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: A modular fitting for use with a commercially-available fluid or pneumatic switch, such as solenoid valves. The modular fittings disclosed can be aggregated to form a resulting modular fitting assembly according to the number of fluid circuits desired. The modular fittings include one or more coupling features that provide the ability to couple adjacent modular fittings.

Abstract: A weapon system comprises a first, second and third sensor and a range detecting means. The weapon system further comprises a weapons platform removably mounted to a moveable vehicle. The weapons platform includes a gun. The first sensor is mechanically attached to the gun for sensing an image. The second sensor senses a position of the gun, including at least an elevation and azimuth. The third sensor detects a rate and altitude of the moveable vehicle. The range detecting means detects a range of the gun to the target. The weapon system also comprises an image processor for processing the image from the first sensor, a display for displaying the processed image and a controller. The controller calculates an expected impact point for a round of fire based upon the sensed and detected data, and superimposes the expected impact point on the processed image on the display.

Abstract: An anonymous reporting system for use in reporting and following up on incidents, accidents, and the like. The system may be accessed via an Internet website. A reporting individual may select a type of incident to report. In one example, the reporting individual may select a level on anonymity and some, none or all of the individual's personal identification is displayed to the organization according to the selected level.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an ultrasonic flow meter. In one embodiment, a method includes disposing a fluid circulating device within a flow meter. Fluid is circulated in the flow meter by operation of the fluid circulating device. An acoustic signal transit time within the flow meter is measured during the circulating. Based on the measuring, a portion of the acoustic signal transit time caused by latency induced by components of the flow meter is determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a casing tester for plugging and abandoning a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of testing an annulus defined between a first tubular string and a second tubular string includes engaging a first annular packer with an outer surface of the first tubular string and engaging a second annular packer with an outer surface of the second tubular string. The tubular strings extend into a wellbore. The method further includes injecting a test fluid between the packers until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the annulus.

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 two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. 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: Particular embodiments relate generally to vibration isolation systems and tuned mass dampers. In one embodiment, a vibration isolation system may include a supporting base, an isolated mass, at least one air mount, a control valve, a compressed air supply, and a supervisory controller. The air mount is positioned between the isolated mass and the supporting base. The control valve is pneumatically coupled to the air mount, the compressed air supply and the atmosphere, and is operable to adjust a flow of air to and from the air mount. The supervisory controller receives a mass relative height signal, a mass relative velocity signal, and a mass relative acceleration feedback signal corresponding to a relative acceleration of the isolated mass or a pressure of the air mount.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical device, such as a defibrillator, for use with an accessory capable of collecting a parameter of a patient. The medical device is capable of at least performing a basic functionality, an advanced functionality, and of defibrillating the patient. The medical device includes an energy storage module within a housing for storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to the patient for the defibrillating. The medical device includes a processor structured to determine whether a data set received from the accessory confirms or not a preset authentication criterion about the accessory. Although when the accessory is coupled to the housing the medical device is capable of the defibrillating and the basic functionality, the medical device is capable of the advanced functionality only when the accessory is coupled to the housing and it is determined that the preset authentication criterion is confirmed. Embodiments also include methods of operation and a programmed solution.

Abstract: Techniques for routing event data from a field device, such as an external defibrillator, to a selected subset of a plurality of possible destinations are described. The event data may include physiological data of the patient, such as a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The destinations may be associated with one of a plurality of patient treatment centers, and may include, as examples, computing device, printers, displays, personal digital assistants, or web-accessible accounts. In some examples, a server maintains user-configurable information or rules for at least some of the destinations, and uses the information or rules for determining whether event data received from a field device is routed to the destination. In some examples, the server may also make the routing determination based on an analysis of event data, such as a determination as to whether the event data indicates that the patient is suspected to be experiencing an acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Cooking of French fried potatoes by facilitating a generally vertical arrangement of potato strips while in the frying operation is disclosed wherein the slices may be cooked within a very deep pack while oil is urged to flow upwardly through the pack and steam entrapment within the cooking slice pack is minimized. A conveyor belt carrying the slices through the cooker has a multiplicity of openings facilitating oil flow there through and the cooker is configured to permit oil discharge for reheating purposes both laterally and longitudinally of the processing path.

Abstract: A radiation control system and method are provided in which radiation delivered to a patient and/or the operator of the equipment is minimized. The radiation control system may be used in a large variety of applications including applications in which radiation source is used to inspect an object, such as, for example, medical imaging, diagnosis and therapy, in manufacturing operation using radiation, in airports scanning systems, in different security setups, and in nuclear reactors automation and process control. The radiation control system and method may also be used with 3D imaging.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proving a flowmeter. In one embodiment, a flowmeter prover includes a flow tube, a displacer, and a signal analyzer. The displacer is moveable in a flow passage of the flow tube. A magnetic target is disposed on the displacer. One or more inductive transducers are disposed on the flow tube and configured to detect the magnetic target as the displacer moves in the flow tube. The signal analyzer is configured to detect a maximum slope of rising and falling edges of a signal generated by the transducer responsive to the magnetic target traversing the transducer. The signal analyzer is further configured to determine displacer velocity based on the detected maximum slope.

Abstract: A variable guide vane actuator for positioning the guide vanes of a turbine engine in a hypersonic missile uses compressor exhaust to drive a linked, floating piston assembly that is coupled to the guide vanes. The relatively low pressure compressor exhaust is metered by a valve to drive the piston arrangement to accurately position the guide vanes in proportion to the input control signal. Reliability and accuracy gains are achieved by inhibiting the effects of vibration and thermal distortion through the elimination of piston/bore contact, the use of a rigid, cantilevered mounting arrangement and cooling with the pre-combusted liquid fuel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external defibrillators that include an electrode connection port having multiple connection options, and include a detection device to determine an electrode connection configuration so as to provide an appropriate electrical shock to a patient. The detection device detects the electrode connection configuration of a plug connector for connected electrodes to determine if the plug connector is in an adult orientation or a pediatric orientation. The external defibrillator is configured to a deliver an electrical shock with less energy when the pediatric orientation is detected rather than the adult orientation.