Abstract: A method for initializing the input of each of m receiver channels of a receiving transducer in a well logging tool comprising the steps of selecting a logging tool having a multi-element receiving transducer wherein each element of the multi-element receiving transducer operates in an anti-resonant mode below its resonant frequency, and executing a routine in an initialization mode wherein a predetermined number of run cycles are operated and receiver input responses are measured and averaged for each of the m channels while transmitter firing signals are disabled.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for producing a unitized composite material has been discovered. An assembly of loose fibers or fiber and fabric combinations is formed where at least one of the layered elements contains a bondable material such as a thermally sensitive bonding fiber. The un-bonded layered assembly is shaped into a wavy form having a repeating wave-like pattern of the desired amplitude and wavelength. The amplitude and wavelength of the repeating waves can be altered such as by changing the relative speeds of a transfer device and an oven wire and the height of the transfer device relative to the height of the oven wire using simple machinery control settings. The shaped assembly is subsequently bonded in an oven or other activation step preserving the wave-like shaping when cooled or removed from the activation effect.

Abstract: A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing technique to directly form a unitized composite structure with at least one relatively flat surface and at least one sinuous element in an internally-bonded unitized composite is provided. A matrix of fibrous and or other materials is deposited in layers which are subsequently formed into corrugated or wave-like shapes and exposed to an activation step. At least one element is composed of a contractive material which shrinks when activated, such as by heating in an oven, to become relatively flat and optionally bonded to at least one other non-contractive layer which remains in a sinuous shape after the activation step.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing technique to directly form a unitized composite structure with at least one relatively flat surface and at least one sinuous element in an internally-bonded unitized composite is provided. A matrix of fibrous and or other materials is deposited in layers which are subsequently formed into corrugated or wave-like shapes and exposed to an activation step. At least one element is composed of a contractive material which shrinks when activated, such as by heating in an oven, to become relatively flat and optionally bonded to at least one other non-contractive layer which remains in a sinuous shape after the activation step.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: A method for initializing the input of each of m receiver channels of a receiving transducer in a well logging tool comprising the steps of selecting a logging tool having a multi-element receiving transducer wherein each element of the multi-element receiving transducer operates in an anti-resonant mode below its resonant frequency, and executing a routine in an initialization mode wherein a predetermined number of run cycles are operated and receiver input responses are measured and averaged for each of the m channels while transmitter firing signals are disabled.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling detonation of explosives in a well bore for perforation or a well bore casing, which avoid or reduce unintentional or undesirable detonations while ensuring or increasing desirable detonations. An explosive trigger system or tool may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and one or more sensors disposed for measuring one or more downhole conditions. Downhole conditions may be measured with the sensor and then used to program detonation parameters (such as temperature or pressure) or preconditions (such as time or distance traveled) to the trigger system. Detonation can only occur when the programmed parameters or preconditions are satisfied. In this way, undesirable detonations are avoided by requiring certain preconditions to arming the trigger system.

Abstract: A system for granting indefinite use of inactivated software options pre-installed on a device is provided. The system includes receiving, at a remote processing facility, a recurrent use request from a user requesting access to an inactivated software option resident on the device. The system is further configured to validate the request and generate an activation key. The activation key is transmitted from the processing facility to the device automatically activating the option and granting recurrent access. The activation key or code is generated at the processing facility using data from at least one of a user identifier, a system identifier, a recurrent use identifier, and the selected option. A method to permit recurrent use of resident, yet, inactivated software of a device is also provided.

Abstract: Environmentally protective Method of treating an aqueous radioactive fluid (AF) in a nuclear reactor cycle or radwaste system to selectively capture or remove radioactive isotopes in a reduced quantitative package to minimize radwaste generated and revitalize neutron absorption capacity of nuclear reactor coolant by separately carrying away boron constituents, when B10 is later added.

Abstract: A system for transporting an airfoil having a root end, a tip end, and a midsection over a railroad, utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second rail car. The system includes a bracket fixed to the root end of the airfoil and also connected to the first railcar, where the bracket is oriented to align the tip end of the airfoil toward the second rail car. A sling stand is connected to the second railcar, and a sling is hung from the sling stand and aligned to engage and support the midsection of the airfoil, and thereby accommodates misalignment during transport over the railroad. A pair of rollers are disposed on either side of the airfoil to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: Environmentally protective Method of treating an aqueous radioactive fluid (AF) in a nuclear reactor cycle or radwaste system to selectively capture or remove radioactive isotopes in a reduced quantitative package to minimize radwaste generated and revitalize neutron absorption capacity of nuclear reactor coolant by separately carrying away boron constituents, when B10 is later added.

Abstract: Method of maximizing resin utilization and optimizing reverse osmosis performance to polish an aqueous or radwaste fluid. The method provides resin scavenging of targeted isotopes and exposes filter media and resin to a higher influent activity concentration to enable higher waste loading and longer life of resin while protecting downstream reverse osmosis system from high concentration of contaminants. An aqueous waste feedstream is processed through steps of filtering, demineralizing, and reverse osmosis; and the feedstream is separated into permeate and reject streams for recycling and evaluation, respectively. The permeate stream is recycled in ways that permit it to return to a supply area for recycle reuse or discharge.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for requesting remotely enabled access to inactive software options resident on a device. A graphical user interface (GUI) is electronically linked to a centralized facility remotely located from the device. Option identifying parameters, such as a user ID, host ID, system ID, modality selection, and option selection are entered using the GUI and transmitted via an electronic request to the centralized facility. In response to the received request, the centralized facility generates a software key and transmits same to the device for activation of the option if approved by the centralized facility.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting an airfoil, which has a root end, a tip end, and a midsection, over a railroad utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second railcar. The system includes a bracket fixed to the root end of the airfoil and connected to the first railcar, and, the bracket is oriented to align the tip end of the airfoil toward the second railcar. A sliding support is connected to the first railcar at a position between the bracket and the second railcar. The sliding support is adapted to engage the midsection of the airfoil and support the airfoil while enabling the airfoil to move laterally. A lateral guide structure is connected to the second railcar, and aligned to engage the airfoil to limit its lateral movement.

Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: A longitudinally segmented acoustic transducer for a cement bond logging (CBL) tool having a plurality of adjoining PZT ring-like segments driven synchronously in parallel by one or more pulses and caused to vibrate in an anti-resonant mode, substantially below the resonant frequency of an individual segment when used in a transmitting application. When used in a receiving application, each of the plurality of transducer rings are caused to vibrate by acoustic signals detected by the transducer array, also in an anti-resonant mode. High speed digital signal processing enables on-depth, high quality data for all azimuths at each depth to be obtained, processed, normalized and either sent to the surface in real time for each 20 Hz firing cycle, as the CBL tool is pulled toward the surface, or stored in a memory module in digital form for later retrieval. Built-in calibration factors used for normalizing the output signals to the operating conditions of use may be accessed at any time.

Abstract: Data representative of operation of biomedical equipment in a medical facility is collected and stored in a centralized database. The information may be collected manually during the life of the equipment, or automatically by connection to the equipment. The data references equipment types, manufacturer, departments, locations, and other relevant information for the equipment. Based upon the collected and stored information, parameters representative of possible training needs is analyzed and reported. The parameters may include error, breakdowns, and the like. Detailed reports delivered to the medical institution may thus provide a basis for planning training to enhance performance and utilization of the equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for remote servicing of an in-field product at a customer site. The remote servicing system includes a portable service interface, typically a laptop computer, which is utilized to connect a remote servicing on-line center with the in-field produce, such as a medical image scanner. The portable service interface includes software not resident with the in-field product to permit such servicing functions as diagnostic evaluations of the in-field product, as well as downloading configuration files, original source files, protocols and other software from the on-line center through the portable service interface at the customer site. The field engineer or other operator is able to provide service functions to in-field products that are not networked or are not readily networked with the on-line center and that do not have the on-line center connecting software resident on the portable service interface.

Abstract: A method in treating aqueous feedstream in diverse plant site environments is disclosed for improving filter flux rates, cleaning filter media and prolonging useful operative life of media. In preferred embodiments the method is provided with steps for contacting, reacting, pressurizing and equalizing ozone and feedstream within a central area or multiple areas and sustaining high pressure throughout the system to achieve qualitatively and quantitatively improved permeate products, and reject for recycle. The method and system provide an improved cleaning and processing system characterized by an ozone-concentrated, homogeneous single phase liquid conversion of a generated ozone gas mixture and a feedstream source containing organic and inorganic pollutants. The method improves and monitors ozone oxidizing power and reflecting ORP values, and provides further media cleaning and improved oxidation reactions for attack on pollutants on each cycle/recycle operation.