Abstract: A rotary actuator with optimized spur pinion and rack, pinion and rack of dissimilar materials and rack of weaker material, positively corrected pinion has twelve involute teeth and negatively equally corrected rack has a entire working composite involute profile and elliptical nonworking root profile, thereby improving performance without interference, with reduced vibration and noise.

Abstract: A petroleum desalting process in which the role played by the oil/bulk-resolved-water interface in the dehydration of the stabilized emulsion which forms in the desalter is recognized. The desalting process is improved by introducing the demulsifier and chemical high voltage electrodes. Water droplets in the mixture coalesce and settle towards the bottom of the vessel. A stabilized emulsion layer formed from the oil and the water with additives into the water phase and/or injecting chemical additives directly in the vicinity of the water/oil interface. This improved methodology that makes the rapid and effective delivery of chemical demulsifiers to the rag layer and/or oil/bulk-resolved-water interface possible. In operation, the desalting is carried out by mixing a crude oil to be desalted with water and passing the mixture of oil and water to the desalter vessel.

Abstract: A power consumption mode guiding device includes a local system wherein the frequency of power on an AC line, is controlled at a target frequency determined according to the state of charge of a power storage device. The power consumption mode guiding device includes a frequency detection unit that detects the actual frequency of power on the AC line, an information storage unit in which guidance information for guiding the mode of use of a power consumption device by a power consumer (D) to a prescribed mode are stored in advance in association with frequency information obtained from detection results from the frequency detection unit, and a guidance information output unit that reads out, from the information storage unit, the guidance information associated with the frequency information obtained from the detection result from the frequency detection unit, and outputs the guidance information to the power consumer (D).

Abstract: Methods are provided for performing a conversion reaction using a catalyst steamed under mild steaming conditions. Steaming a conversion catalyst under mild steaming conditions can provide an increased conversion activity and/or an increased run length for the catalyst during conversion of an oxygenate feed to aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene or xylene. Suitable conversion catalysts can include alumina bound catalysts including a medium pore molecular sieve.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel efficiency and friction reduction properties, while maintaining or improving deposit control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a tungsten organic complex as a minor component. Fuel efficiency and friction reduction properties are improved and deposit control is maintained or improved as compared to friction reduction properties and deposit control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the tungsten organic complex. A lubricating engine oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a tungsten organic complex as a minor component. The lubricating engine oils are useful in internal combustion engines including direct injection, gasoline and diesel engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to metallurgy, in particular to acidic methods for producing alumina, and can be used in processing low-grade aluminum-containing raw material. The method for producing alumina comprises roasting an aluminum-containing raw material, treating said material with hydrochloric acid, salting out aluminum chloride by saturating the clarified chloride solution with gaseous hydrogen chloride, calcining aluminum chloride to produce aluminum oxide, and pyrohydrolyzing the mother liquor, with the return of hydrogen chloride to the acid treatment and salting out stages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an operational condition of a tray of a distillation column with a sensing cable including an optical fiber sensor array operatively coupled to an optical signal interrogator. An output of the sensing cable corresponding to at least one sensor location on the optical fiber sensor array is monitored. The output of the sensing cable is classified as one of a predetermined set of classifications including at least a stable condition classification and a unstable condition classification determined based upon the output relative to a predetermined threshold. A signal is generated when the output of the sensing cable is classified as the unstable condition classification.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel efficiency and reducing frictional properties while maintaining or improving deposit control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a friction modifier mixture as a minor component. Fuel efficiency and frictional properties are improved and deposit control is maintained or improved as compared to frictional properties and deposit control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the friction modifier mixture. A lubricating engine oil having a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a friction modifier mixture as a minor component. The lubricating engine oils are useful in internal combustion engines including direct injection, gasoline and diesel engines.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel efficiency and reducing frictional properties, while maintaining or improving deposit control, in an engine lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a combination of (i) a friction modifier mixture and (ii) a detergent, as a minor component. Fuel efficiency and friction reduction properties are improved and deposit control is maintained or improved as compared to friction reduction properties and deposit control achieved using a lubricating engine oil containing a minor component other than the combination of the friction modifier mixture and detergent. A lubricating engine oil having a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and a combination of (i) a friction modifier mixture and (ii) a detergent, as a minor component.

Abstract: Methods are provided for processing a gas oil boiling range feedstock, such as a vacuum gas oil, in a single reaction stage and/or without performing intermediate separations. The methods are suitable for forming lubricants and distillate fuels while reducing or minimizing the production of lower boiling products such as naphtha and light ends. The methods can provide desirable yields of distillate fuels and lubricant base oils without requiring separate catalyst beds or stages for dewaxing and hydrocracking. The methods are based in part on use of a dewaxing catalyst that is tolerant of sour processing environments while still providing desirable levels of activity for both feed conversion and feed isomerization.

Abstract: Methods and computer-program products for evaluating grasp patterns for use by a robot are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating grasp patterns includes selecting an individual grasp pattern from a grasp pattern set, establishing a thumb-up vector, and simulating the motion of the manipulator and the end effector according to the selected individual grasp pattern, wherein each individual grasp pattern of the grasp pattern set corresponds to motion for manipulating a target object. The method further includes evaluating a direction of the thumb-up vector during at least a portion of the simulated motion of the manipulator and the end effector, and excluding the selected individual grasp pattern from use by the robot if the direction of the thumb-up vector during the simulated motion is outside of one or more predetermined thresholds. Robots utilizing the methods and computer-program products for evaluating grasp patterns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fishing reel employs a driving mechanism having a cooperative pinion gear and a face gear. The face gear has a tooth form with a cross-section wherein the cross-section of the inner pitch portion is less than the cross-section of an outer pitch portion. The pinion gear effectively engages the inner pitch portion less than an outer pitch portion to provide a more uniform distribution of torque and to improve the wearing rate of the gear mechanism.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions including a zeolite having a molar ratio of silicon to aluminum of about 10.0 to about 300.0; a Group 10-12 element and combinations thereof; a Group 15 element and combinations thereof; and optionally, a binder, wherein the catalyst composition has a molar ratio of Group 15 element to Group 10-12 element of about 0.01 to about 10.0 are disclosed. Methods of converting organic compounds to aromatics using such catalyst compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article positioning mechanism for positioning an article comprising a component or a tool with respect to a mounting portion of a movable member of a mechanical device and also restraining rotation thereof includes a holder member to which the article is fixed and a frame shaped member that is fixed to the mounting portion, the holder member including position regulation surfaces and a tapered male engagement portion that is formed as a regular polygon and also is sloped so as to approach its axis in the direction towards the mounting portion, the frame shaped member including a reference surface that receives the position regulation surfaces and positions them in the axial direction, and a tapered female engagement portion that is formed as a regular polygon and also is sloped in the same direction as the tapered male engagement portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods that may improve the transmission of data over low-bandwidth communication channels in an electric power delivery system. Devices communicating across a low-bandwidth communication channel may implement several approaches, according to various embodiments disclosed herein, to reduce the data transmitted across the low-bandwidth communication channel and to prioritize the transmission of time-sensitive and/or more important information with respect to other data. Various embodiments disclosed herein may inspect packets to be transmitted across a low-bandwidth communication channel in order to identify high priority data. High priority data may be time-sensitive information, and accordingly, transmission of such data may be prioritized over other data in order to reduce transmission latency of the higher priority data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributing boom (14) for stationary or mobile concrete pumps. The distributing boom (14) consists substantially of a rotary head (22), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (18) in the form of a vertical axis, and of an arm assembly (24), which is made up of a plurality of boom arms which can be telescoped or pivoted relative to one another. The arm assembly (24) has the one end of its first boom arm (1) articulated on the rotary head (22) and, by means of a first cylinder/piston unit (32), which has its ends articulated at points of articulation (28, 30) of the rotary head (22) and of the first boom arm (1), can be pivoted, about a horizontal axis of inflection (A), between a substantially horizontally oriented retracted position and an operating position. It is an aim of the invention to provide measures which make it possible for the cylinder/piston unit (32), which acts on the first boom arm (1), to be reduced in size.

Abstract: A process for selecting a piston ring for a piston containing internal combustion engine such that the engine experiences a reduction in lubrication oil consumption (LOC) used therein. The process can include providing engine specifications for an engine for which the piston ring is to be selected and simulating engine temperatures for the engine as a function of the engine specifications. The process can also include simulating bore distortion for the engine as a function of the simulated engine temperatures and simulating piston ring dynamics for the engine as a function of the simulated bore distortion. Once the simulated piston ring dynamics have been obtained, the process can include calculating a plurality of LOC values and selecting a piston ring as a function of the calculated LOC values.

Abstract: A method for improving thermo-oxidative stability and elastomer compatibility in an apparatus lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil including a lubricating oil base stock. The lubricating oil base stock includes a multi-aromatic base stock of the formula: R1—R2—(X—R2)n—R1 wherein each R1 is the same or different and is a terminal group, each R2 is the same or different and represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic moiety; each X is a linking moiety that is carbon-carbon single bond or a linking group, n is a number from 1 to 2000, and the ratio of the total number of aromatic ring carbon atoms to aliphatic carbon atoms in said formula is greater than 0.32:1. The multi-aromatic base stock has a kinematic viscosity greater than 20 mm2/s at 100° C.

Abstract: A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel.

Abstract: A downhole centralizer arranged to receive a downhole tubular has a tubular body with opposed ends and is formed of plastics material A respective end ring is mounted in the or each opposed end and is formed of a plastics material having a Youngs Moldulus no greater than that of the tubular body.