Abstract: An inlet duct for use with an engine is presented. The invention includes a duct structure, at least one spike disposed along an interior surface of the duct structure, and an inlet throat formed by one or more apexes disposed along an equal number of spikes. The inlet throat corresponds to the minimum cross-sectional area through which airflow passes as otherwise allowed by the maximal obstruction formed by the apex(es) within the duct structure. Each spike is bounded by a longitudinal ridge and a lateral ridge along an upper end and a base. The ridges intersect at the apex. A portion of each spike upstream of the inlet throat functions primarily as a supersonic diffuser and downstream as a subsonic diffuser. Airflow is isentropically compressed and then expanded within the inlet duct so that greater-than-subsonic flow at an input end is reduced to subsonic flow at an output end.

Abstract: A method for designing a combustion system which emits less of at least one environmentally-harmful emission is presented. In a describing step, an injector which introduces a fuel into a combustion chamber is described via a CFD code. In a modeling step, combustion kinetics of the fuel are modeled via a pre-processing code as the fuel mixes and reacts with an oxidizer. In a first selecting step, at least one primary scalar is derived during the modeling of the combustion kinetics. In a performing step, a table look-up is performed to obtain at least one data from a look-up database based on the primary scalar. In a second selecting step, at least one secondary scalar is selected in addition to the primary scalar(s). In a specifying step, at least one chemical pathway of formation or destruction for the secondary scalar is specified via a chemistry manager wherein the secondary scalar is representative of the environmentally-harmful emission(s) of the chemical pathway(s).

Abstract: An inlet duct for use with an engine is presented. The invention includes a duct structure, at least one spike disposed along an interior surface of the duct structure, and an inlet throat formed by one or more apexes disposed along an equal number of spikes. The inlet throat corresponds to the minimum cross-sectional area through which airflow passes as otherwise allowed by the maximal obstruction formed by the apex(es) within the duct structure. Each spike is bounded by a longitudinal ridge and a lateral ridge along an upper end and a base along a lower end. The longitudinal ridge and the lateral ridge intersect at the apex. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinal ridge is at least partially non-linear so as to properly conform to the interior surface of the duct structure. The portion of each spike upstream of the inlet throat functions primarily as a supersonic diffuser. The portion of each spike downstream of the inlet throat functions primarily as a subsonic diffuser.

Abstract: Traffic control systems, signal control systems, and methods of using such systems are disclosed. A real-time adaptive traffic control system includes multiple signal control systems, each associated with a signalized intersection. Each signal control system includes a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver receives inflow traffic control information from other signal control systems and information associated with one or more vehicles or devices. The processor generates a signal timing plan based on the information and the inflow traffic control information. The transmitter transmits outflow traffic control information to other signal control systems. A fee or toll may be incurred for receiving the route information associated with a vehicle or device. The result of providing such route information may be better traffic flow for the transmitting vehicle or device and other vehicles or devices resulting from improved information being available to the traffic control system.

Abstract: An inlet duct for use with an engine is presented. The invention includes a duct structure, at least one spike disposed along an interior surface of the duct structure, and an inlet throat formed by one or more apexes disposed along an equal number of spikes. The inlet throat corresponds to the minimum cross-sectional area through which airflow passes as otherwise allowed by the maximal obstruction formed by the apex(es) within the duct structure. Each spike is bounded by a longitudinal ridge and a lateral ridge along an upper end and a base along a lower end. The longitudinal ridge and the lateral ridge intersect at the apex. In preferred embodiments, the longitudinal ridge is at least partially non-linear so as to properly conform to the interior surface of the duct structure. The portion of each spike upstream of the inlet throat functions primarily as a supersonic diffuser. The portion of each spike downstream of the inlet throat functions primarily as a subsonic diffuser.

Abstract: A flow conditioning device for incrementally stepping down pressure within a piping system is presented. The invention includes an outer annular housing, a center element, and at least one intermediate annular element. The outer annular housing includes an inlet end attachable to an inlet pipe and an outlet end attachable to an outlet pipe. The outer annular housing and the intermediate annular element(s) are concentrically disposed about the center element. The intermediate annular element(s) separates an axial flow within the outer annular housing into at least two axial flow paths. Each axial flow path includes at least two annular extensions that alternately and locally direct the axial flow radially outward and inward or radially inward and outward thereby inducing a pressure loss or a pressure gradient within the axial flow. The pressure within the axial flow paths is lower than the pressure at the inlet end and greater than the vapor pressure for the axial flow.

Abstract: A monitoring tool is provided for monitoring wells for flow anomalies. The temperatures of flowing well fluid and ambient temperature are monitored and various methods applied to indicate if a well is normal flowing, at risk of flow stoppage or cessation of flow. Approaches are described for determining trending indicators from actual flow temperatures compared to a normal flow relationship for establishing the presence of flow anomalies. Temperature sensors, onsite processors and communications upload data for display of well status flags on a mapping module enabling pro-active detection and preventative action by operators.

Abstract: A monitoring tool is provided for monitoring wells for flow anomalies. The temperatures of flowing well fluid and ambient temperature are monitored and various methods applied to indicate if a well is normal flowing, at risk of flow stoppage or cessation of flow. Approaches are described for determining trending indicators from actual flow temperatures compared to a normal flow relationship for establishing the presence of flow anomalies. Temperature sensors, onsite processors and communications upload data for display of well status flags on a mapping module enabling pro-active detection and preventative action by operators.

Abstract: A liquid mass measurement and fluid transmitting apparatus includes a container for measurement of a mass of fluid therein. A sensor is coupled to the container which measures a mass of fluid within the container independent of variations of pressure within the container. A diaphragm sensor may be located on the bottom of the container whereby electrical signals representing the mass of fluid within the cylinder are created by movement of the diaphragm caused by the mass of fluid thereon. A pressure equalizer which equalizes the pressure within the container to the pressure on the opposite side of the diaphragm allows the measurement of the mass to occur independent of any variations and pressure within the container. Liquid within the mass of liquid within the container can be accurately measured such that a desired mass of liquid may be transmitted for further use. The liquid may be vaporized and transmitted as a vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methodology enable non-intrusive measurement of parameters related to fluid flow in a conduit. An acoustic sensor is located along the conduit and includes a mechanical amplifier having an acoustic input coupled to the conduit and a microphone coupled to the mechanical amplifier. The microphone receives mechanically amplified acoustic energy from the conduit and establishing first signals which are processed for generating second signals which are related to fluid flow in the conduit. The second signals can include quantitative flow data and qualitative data such as change in state and alarms. The second signals can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote site for further processing. Use of low power components and power management enable long term operations on battery power.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method for drying a humid medium. In the heat exchanger an internal cross-over passage, allowing a humid medium to double back on itself in a zone delimited by a barrier, is provided. In a first step the heat exchanger cools itself and in a final step the heat exchanger heats itself. Separation areas allow condensation and collection of water within the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and method enable drying of compressed air within one and the same heat exchanger package.

Abstract: A method for transmitting digital data from a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first and second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform with amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of data regions, the first function being Y=sin ?, generating the waveform with amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the data regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded, generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function different from Y=sin ? at phase angles lying inside the data regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, and transmitting at least one harmonic of the waveform containing encoded digital data.

Abstract: A method for detecting encoded digital data from a substantially sinusoidal waveform, the encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?, the detection including deriving sync pulses from minima and maxima of the substantially sinusoidal waveform to frame data words.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of data regions, the first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the data regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function different from Y=sin ? at phase angles lying inside the data regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded. The third harmonic of the waveform may be generated and used.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.

Abstract: A method for generating a substantially sinusoidal waveform containing encoded digital data having one of a first value and a second value at selected phase angles ?n comprises generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a first function at phase angles lying outside of regions having a range ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n, said first function being Y=sin ?; generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by the first function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? beginning at each phase angle ?n where data of the first value is to be encoded; and generating the waveform having an amplitude Y defined by a second function at phase angles lying inside the regions having a range of ?? associated with each phase angle ?n where data of the second value is to be encoded, the second function being different from Y=sin ?.