Abstract: A system for managing and synchronizing the operation of an electric power generation and delivery system that includes a number of generators configured to provide distributed electric power generation is disclosed. In the disclosed system, a number of intelligent electronic devices coupled with at distributed generators may be utilized to synchronize the operation of the generators with the system when the generators become isolated from the system. In some embodiments, the disclosed intelligent electronic devices may control the speed of isolated generators based on synchronization information received from at least one other intelligent electronic device and a common time signal.

Abstract: A communication gateway consistent with the present disclosure may detect unauthorized physical or electronic access and implement security actions in response thereto. A communication gateway may provide a communication path to an intelligent electronic device (IED) using an IED communications port configured to communicate with the IED. The communication gateway may include a physical intrusion detection port and a network port. The communication gateway may further include control logic configured to evaluate physical intrusion detection signal. The control logic may be configured to determine that the physical intrusion detection signal is indicative of an attempt to obtain unauthorized access to one of the communication gateway, the IED, and a device in communication with the gateway; and take a security action based upon the determination that the indication is indicative of the attempt to gain unauthorized access.

Abstract: Enhanced heat transfer assemblies and jet impingement cooling apparatuses having target surfaces with surface fins and microslots are disclosed. In one embodiment, an enhanced heat transfer assembly includes a target surface, a plurality of surface fins extending from the target surface, and a plurality of microslot matrices formed on the target surface. Each microslot matrix includes individual microslots positioned adjacent to each other, and each microslot matrix is adjacent to a jet impingement zone and at least one of the plurality of surface fins. Jet impingement cooling apparatuses and power electronics modules having an enhanced heat transfer assembly with surface fins and matrices of microslots are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for recovering mature fine tailings (MFT) from oil sands tailings ponds. Some examples include a hollow, fully enclosed around its perimeter, ideally of cylindrical form, open bottom structure (a hollow conduit), of predetermined geometry, which is placed at the pond surface. The hollow conduit can penetrate MFT deposits to or below a level at which MFT of required density is located. A width or diameter of the hollow conduit can be determined with respect to the MFT inflow velocity and the corresponding shear rate, so as to enable MFT flow into the hollow conduit at a rate matching a rate at which the MFT is removed from the pond (e.g., a recovery rate). An MFT fill level inside the hollow conduit can be kept constant and equal to a required fill level throughout MFT recovery operations. MFT can enter the hollow conduit during MFT recovery operations solely under action of hydraulic head pressure.

Abstract: Closed-loop control of an energy absorber acting as a damper between two parts that are movable relative to one another. A damping force of the energy absorber, or damper, can be adjusted by way of the change in the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid (MRF), which change can be influenced by a magnetic field of a coil. According to the method it is possible to decelerate an impact or a movement with the lowest possible forces in order to minimize possible consequential damage/loading by way of setting as constant a deceleration as possible, as small a deceleration as possible, by way of using the entire available deceleration travel, and low or zero residual speed at the end of the deceleration travel independently of the moving mass or speed.

Abstract: A seat frame structure having frame components that are symmetrical about a longitudinal center line is provided. The seat frame components can be symmetrical about a longitudinal center line and thereby enable the component to be rotated about the center line so it may be used on a right side or a left side of the seat with all structural and/or functionality preserved. Some structural and/or functional features of the seat component that are carried over from a right side to a left side, and vise versa, when the seat component is symmetrical include but are not limited to recliner attachment holes, cable attachment holes, crossbar attachment holes, an airbag slot, flanges, and backboard attachment holes, etc.

Abstract: Detection of a fault in an ungrounded electric power distribution system that includes a plurality of feeders and buses is disclosed herein. Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure may monitor an electrical parameter associated with each of a plurality of feeders and buses in the ungrounded electric power distribution system. An incremental change in the monitored electrical parameters may be determined using the monitored electrical parameter. Further, the incremental change may be associated with a first sub-set of the plurality of feeders. Torque values for the feeders may be calculated using a reference quantity from the bus first exhibiting an incremental change above a threshold. A feeder having the largest incremental change in the first sub-set of the plurality of feeders may be identified. A fault may be identified based on the torque and the incremental change.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.

Abstract: A structure and method are provided for adding a catalyst bed platform to an existing reactor without welding to the structural portion of the reactor walls. The structure is constructed from components that can be passed through an existing opening in a reactor. The structure allows a catalyst bed in an existing reactor to be divided into catalyst beds with a reduced length to diameter ratio.

Abstract: A method for preparing surface-modified nano silicon dioxide from rice hulls. The method includes: 1) pretreating rice hulls using a treating gas containing CO2 to remove metal ions, impurities, and dusts, and desiccating and grinding the rice hulls; 2) submerging the rice hulls into a dilute solution of phosphoric acid, boric acid, hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, or a strong-acid-weak-base salt for between 4 and 8 hrs, controlling the immersion temperature not to exceed 10° C., leaching a resulting mixture, removing a filtrate, and desiccating the rice hulls; and 3) calcining the rice hulls in the absence of oxygen at a temperature of between 300 and 450° C.

Abstract: A semiconductor package and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip, a package body and an antenna layer. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the substrate. The package body encapsulates the semiconductor chip and includes an upper surface. The antenna layer is formed on the upper surface of the package body and includes two antenna slot groups connected together. Each antenna slot group includes a wave guiding slot extending along a first direction, and an irradiation slot group extending along a second direction, wherein the irradiation slot group is connected to the wave guiding slot.

Abstract: A device for a sealed feed-through of an elongated part through an opening in a mounting wall includes a hollow cylindrical tubular fitting connectable to the mounting wall and having a fitting channel for the elongated part and a first outer thread, a cap nut with a feed-through opening for the elongated part and an inner cap thread that is connected to the first outer thread, and a sealing member arranged within the cap nut and having a receiving channel for the elongated part. The tubular fitting includes, adjacent the first outer thread, a cylindrical sealing wall and the cap nut includes, adjacent to the inner cap thread, a closing flange that holds an elastic sealing ring that rests tightly sealing on the sealing wall and which is axially movable along the sealing wall when the cap nut is turned relative to the tubular fitting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline pig (10) comprising an elongate body (12) and annular front and rear supports (26,30) projecting radially from the body (12). Each support (26,30) has an upstream side and a downstream side, with the front support (26) including at least one first fluid passage (18) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. and the rear support (30) including at least one second fluid passage (22) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The pig further comprises a launch valve (50) adapted to move from an open position to a closed position to close the at least one first fluid passage (18), and a control means adapted to control the closing of the launch valve (50). A launch trap for launching pigs into a pipeline is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus using aqueous fixatives for fogging of ventilation ductwork, enclosures, or buildings containing dust, lint, and particulates that may be contaminated by radionuclides and other dangerous or unsafe particulate contaminants, which method and apparatus are capable of (1) obtaining full coverage within the ductwork and (2) penetrating and fixing the lint, dust and large particles present in the ductwork so that no airborne particles are released during or after the application of the fixative. New aqueous fogging solutions outperform conventional glycerin-based solutions. These aqueous solutions will fog using conventional methods of application and contain a surfactant to aid wetting and penetration of the lint and dust, a binder to stabilize loose or respirable particles, and an agent to aid in fogging and enhance adhesiveness. The solutions are safe and easy to use.

Abstract: The departure time scheduling control system includes an electric vehicle having an electric power storage device and an interior climate control device operable to vary an interior temperature. A user interface includes a display and an input portion which allows a user to schedule a departure time having a temperature setting and a charge mode setting having an immediate mode and a delayed mode. A charger unit controls the charging of the electric power storage device to the preset charge level accordingly to the charge mode setting by the departure time. A controller activates the interior climate control device to bring the interior temperature to the temperature setting by the departure time. The controller also activates the charger unit to charge the electric power storage device according to the charge mode setting to the preset charge level by said departure time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a beverage dispensing device for dispensing a beverage such as beer, and in particular, to a beverage dispensing device configured to be able to dispense a beverage and infuse the beverage with a flavor as part of the dispensing process.

Abstract: A wing includes an upper surface that forms a generally fixed shape and a lower surface adjacent to the upper surface. The lower surface is morphable between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. A method of morphing a wing includes morphing a lower surface between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. The lower surface curves toward the upper surface in the stowed shape and curves away from the upper surface in the deployed shape.

Abstract: A haptic alert system for use in a vehicle includes a sensor system operable to identify a condition associated with the vehicle; a control system in communication with the sensor system; and a remote haptic device in communication with the sensor system.

Abstract: A trim strip for lining an opening of an interior panel for a vehicle includes a first trim segment having a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A second trim segment extends outwardly from the first trim segment at a first end of the first trim segment. The second trim segment has a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A third trim segment extends outwardly from the first trim segment at a second, opposite end of the first trim segment. The third trim segment has a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A detachable support member is connected to the second trim segment along a first line of weakness and to the third trim segment along a second line of weakness. The detachable support member includes a datum member arranged and configured to be engaged by a panel datum member during installation of the trim strip at the opening to align and maintain spacing between the second and third trim segments.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a lever arm and a channel connected to the lever arm. The channel is adapted to be connected to an associated appliance door. A control link is pivotally connected to the lever arm. A slide body includes an inner end connected to the control link. The slide body is adapted for sliding movement in response to pivoting movement of the channel relative to the lever arm between a first (door-closed) position and a second (door-opened) position. A spring resiliently biases the channel toward the first position. A snubber system includes at least one snubber with a piston that is biased to an extended position and moveable to a retracted position against a fluid or other damping resistance during movement of the slide body away when the channel moves from the first position to the second position.