Abstract: A computerized system for guiding activity in a current construction project has digital memory storing information about completed and current construction projects, at least one input mechanism for a user to provide information to the digital memory concerning the current construction project, a processor system for accessing information in the digital memory, processing said information, and providing output available to a user of the computerized system, and software guiding the processor in its accessing information, processing the information, and in providing the output. Considering a current project, the software accesses information regarding one or more completed projects as well as information concerning the current project, processes the information, and provides output specifying one or more actions to be taken in the current project.

Abstract: A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a series of tanks adapted to step down the temperature and pressure of well products from a fossil fuel well while removing gas products until the liquid products contain less dissolved gas in a tank than they could contain at ambient temperature and pressure. Therefore, no venting of gas takes place during the separation. An oil-gas separator is provided within the tank system to separate organic products from non-organic products. Gas products may be flared or delivered for further processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is opened in response to battery pack current. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation and increase system flexibility.

Abstract: A constant frequency starter/generator for a turbine engine includes a first inverter/converter, a second inverter/converter, a DC link electrically connecting the first inverter/converter to the second inverter/converter, and an electric machine having a synchronous main machine, wherein the constant frequency starter/generator is operable in a start mode and a run mode.

Abstract: An electric machine having a rectifier assembly placed within a rotating shaft of the electric machine to convert the AC output of the electric machine to DC prior to transmission of the electricity from the electric machine.

Abstract: A heat dissipating assembly, for dissipating heat, having at least one heat producing component and a heat sink having phase change material conductively coupled to the at least one heat producing component.

Abstract: A fire resistant optical communication cable is provided. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes an extruded cable body including an inner surface defining a passage in the cable body and an outer surface. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a plurality of elongate optical transmission elements located within the passage of the cable body. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a layer of intumescent particles embedded in the material of the cable body forming an intumescent layer within the cable body. The cable may include one or more elements having flame resistant coatings that, upon exposure to heat, form a ceramic layer increasing the combustion time of the coated element.

Abstract: Example may provide a system for constructing a mechanically stabilized earth structure. The system may include a soil reinforcing element having a plurality of transverse wires coupled with a pair of longitudinal wires and a wire facing having a bend formed therein to form a horizontal element and a vertical facing. The pair of longitudinal wires may have lead ends that may converge and may be coupled with a connection stud having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled with the lead ends and the second end comprises a connector bent with respect to the first end. At least the connection stud and the pair of longitudinal wires may be coplanar. The connector is coupled with at least one vertical wire of the vertical facing such that the soil reinforcing element swivels in a horizontal plane about the at least one vertical wire.

Abstract: A soil reinforcing element for a mechanically stabilized earth structure may include two wires spaced apart from each other (e.g., substantially parallel to each other). Each wire may include at least two wire strands twisted about one another. A flexible outer member may enclose the two wires, may extend between the two wires, and may couple the two wires with each other. The flexible outer member may maintain the two wires spaced apart from each other, and may define at least one aperture between the at least two wires. The flexible outer member may have a protrusion extending along the length thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of transverse wires may be coupled to the two parallel wires.

Abstract: A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy includes a subsurface structure supporting machinery to convert received energy into potential energy, store that potential energy, and at a later time convert that potential energy into electrical energy. The system includes one or more buoyant chambers that support the subsurface structure and are maintained with an internal that is approximately equal to the ambient pressure at their deployed depth. The system is anchored to the seafloor with one or more mo lines. Suspended from the subsurface structure are one or more weights that are hoisted up or lowered down by one or more winches The one or more winches comprise a spooling drum, and one or more motors and/or one or more generators or one or more motor/generators.

Abstract: A modular system for continuously insulating exterior walls of a structure and cladding the structure walls provides thermally isolated MFI-brackets secured to a structural wall supporting thermally isolated vertical or horizontal rails supporting exterior cladding. Thermal insulation is positionally retained against the structure wall interior of the exterior cladding by the MFI-brackets and a pressure equalized moisture controlling rain screen is maintained between the interior surface of the exterior cladding and an exterior facing surface of the insulation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes: an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value.

Abstract: Sulfur (or sulphur) spray nozzles disposed with a tank spray liquid molten sulfur into the cooling liquid in the tank. Solid sulfur seeds are formed in the cooling liquid and settle in the tank. The tank may be a spiral dewaterer tank that has a screw conveyor at the bottom of the tank that moves the seeds to a granulating drum for enlargement into sulfur granules. The tank may also he used to capture and remove sulfur dust from a slurry of sulfur dust and water recycled from the granulating drum. The sulfur dust in the cooling tank may be captured by contact with molten sulfur droplets streaming down the cooling liquid column such that the dust particles become incorporated into the droplet, thereby being converted to seed. The granulating drum may be equipped with two or more sets of segmented lifting flights. The sets of flights may not be in alignment. The flights may be spaced apart from the inside surface of the drum with segmented rib members.

Abstract: A system and method diagnoses esophageal reflux in a patient. A catheter includes a first pressure sensor configured to measure intra-abdominal pressure when the catheter is inserted into the stomach of a patient. A second pressure sensor is located proximal to the distal tip and configured to measure intra-thoracic pressure. A pH indicator is carried by the catheter body and configured to indicate that reflux has occurred in response to an involuntary reflex cough test. A processing device is configured to receive data regarding the first and second pressure sensors and regarding the pH indicator and process that data and assess if reflux is present during the involuntary epoch.

Abstract: A battery system comprises a battery cell having a cell body and a voltage terminal extending out of the cell body and having first and second terminal edges; a busbar to which an upper end of the voltage terminal is electrically connected; and a zipper fuse formed in a portion of the terminal between the cell body and the busbar, wherein the zipper fuse comprises an array of perforations through the voltage terminal and extending across the voltage terminal from the first edge to the second edge.

Abstract: A battery (10) is disclosed having a negative or anodic half cell (12) and a cathodic or positive half cell (13). The positive and negative half cells are encased within a fabric within a non-conductive housing (14). The housing includes holes (18) which allow the passage of ambient air. The anodic material (20) is preferably a transition metal bronze such as Na0.9W0.75Ti0.25O3. The positive half cell is made of a cathodic material (25) in the form of powder which is encased a fabric (26). The cathodic material is preferably Na0.9W0.75P0.25O3.325. The battery also includes an electrical conductor (31) in electrical contact with the positive half cell and the negative half cell. The electrical conductor includes a switch (35) which may be opened and closed to couple the half cells together to produce an electric current through a load (36).

Abstract: A system and method for a quick release of a second object from a first object, e.g., quick release of hurricane panels (second object) from the inside of a habitable structure (first object). A stepped quick release bolt assembly or a dual quick release car assembly may be employed. In the preferred embodiment, a pin passing through a cross bored hole in a stepped bolt disposed in a receiving structure attached to a first object is releasable in order to disconnect the second object from the first object.

Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition.