Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a thermodynamic cycle with district water heating capabilities that combines a simplified Kalina bottoming cycle with a district water heating plant. The preferred method includes pressurizing, vaporizing and superheating a mixture working fluid (e.g., H2O/NH3) using gas turbine exhaust energy in a heat recovery vapor generator, expanding the working fluid in a turbine to produce power, and then transferring the working fluid thermal energy to the district water by condensing the working fluid in a single stage condenser. The method can also include systems that efficiently use excess thermal energy only when the district water heating demand is low, e.g., during summer months.

Abstract: A Silicon carbide-silicon matrix composite having improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures in dry or water-containing environments is provided. A method is given for sealing matrix cracks in situ in melt infiltrated silicon carbide-silicon matrix composites. The composite cracks are sealed by the addition of various additives, such as boron compounds, into the melt infiltrated silicon carbide-silicon matrix.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluorescent lamp system wherein an ultraviolet producing discharge tube contains no phosphor internal to the tube. Rather an insert or sleeve physically distinct from the tube includes a phosphor. The layer insert or sleeve further includes an ultraviolet filter, preferably in the form of an ultraviolet reflective/visible light transmissive layer positioned to reflect ultraviolet energy that is not converted to visible light on a previous pass through the phosphor, back toward the phosphor. It has many embodiments.

Abstract: An energy efficient low-power integral electronically commutated fan motor and control circuit assembly mounted on a circuit board for use in refrigerators utilizing a Hall sensor to provide positional control signals for sequential energization of the windings with the Hall sensor energization being pulsed, and the motor stator windings energized only during a portion of the period, when rotational torque produced by the energization is greatest in order to reduce the power input to the assembly. Integrally molded multi-function components including the coil bobbin, ground pin, Hall sensor holder, motor bearing oil well covers, and assembly housing provide positioning, support, and securing assistance along with electrical and magnetic operative connections and positioning.

Abstract: An electronic ballast is configured to receive the input from a power source in order to control operation of a lamp connected to the electronic ballast. The ballast includes a positive side bus voltage line and a ground reference line. An input section is connected to the power source, to the positive side bus voltage line and the ground reference line. A complementary pair of switches, connected to bus and to the resonant network, is controlled by a gate drive network. The gate drive network receives feedback signals that is coupled to transformer and controls operation of the set of switches using the received and further processed signals. A triac dimmer is connected between the power source and the input section for providing a dimming capability. A resonant network includes at least a first resonant capacitor connected to the resonant network and to at least one of the positive side bus voltage line and the ground reference line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for facilitating a purchaser's selection of a color for a product. In one embodiment, a purchaser is able to interact with a library of available colors for a product over a digital communication network, such as the Internet. The purchaser is able to browse the color library to identify a color of interest. Additionally, the purchaser is able to compare a color of interest to the available colors in the library to assess whether an available color for the product is close enough to the color of interest. Further, the purchaser can order chips or plaques of the available colors identified during a session so that a comparison of the color of interest to actual color samples of the product can be made before an order is placed.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting failures in a power resistive grid in a vehicle, e.g., a locomotive, are provided. The method allows for monitoring one or more signals indicative of an estimated grid resistance value. The method farther allows for adjusting the value of the estimated grid resistance relative to a nominal grid resistance value. A comparing step allows for comparing the adjusted value of the grid resistance against the nominal grid resistance value to determine the performance of the respective resistive grid.

Abstract: A generator has a bore connector having a threaded radial opening for receiving a sectional terminal stud. The terminal stud includes an adapter section having threads on a radial inner end thereof for threaded engagement with the bore copper and a recess at its opposite end. An outer section of the terminal stud is received in the recess, making electrical connection therewith through an electrical connector. The outer section is maintained in the radial bore of the rotor by a threaded nut. The rotational orientation of the adapter section is fixed by its threaded engagement with the bore copper, while the outer section can be inserted without regard to rotational orientation, thereby facilitating refurbishment of the generator without remachining the bore copper.

Abstract: A filament array for an incandescent lamp comprises at least five filament sections (10) having their longitudinal axes parallel with one another and, when viewed in plan, being arranged substantially symmetrically in a polygonal configuration around the lamp axis. The filament sections are wound from a single wire and are electrically connected together in series by means of linking sections (18, 19, 20) of said wire extending between corresponding ends of the filament sections, with alternate linking sections being positioned at opposite ends of the filament sections. The linking sections at the two ends of the array are supported by a set of support members (30, 31) extending from respective frame members (34, 35). The electrical input and output (14, 15) of the array are through terminal wire sections on opposite or substantially opposite sides of the array.

Abstract: A thixotropic dielectric fluid that includes vegetable oil, transformer oil, and a clay material. The thixotropic dielectric fluid is particularly suited for use in a capacitor.

Abstract: A cooling system for a rotating electrical machine, such as a power generator, includes a cooling fan that serves to exhaust hot gas from an interior of the machine, a seal ring surface defining a passage for the exhausted hot gas, and a clearance seal positioned in the passage between a rotating body of the machine, such as a generator rotor, and a non-rotating body of the machine, such as a generator stator, to prevent the exhausted gas from entering an inlet to the rotating body. The seal ring surface is shaped to impart sufficient momentum to the exhausted hot gas to prevent the exhausted hot gas from leaking into the rotating body inlet. The contoured shape of the seal ring surface immediately downstream of the rotor is positioned such that the high velocity fan discharge stream is directed to flow along this surface. The high through-flow momentum of this gas stream does not allow any backward flow, thereby eliminating hot gas leakage.

Abstract: The weld reinforcement includes a generally dogbone-shaped pocket having laterally enlarged end portions and a reduced intermediate portion spanning a weld seam. A complementary-shaped reinforcing element is received in the pocket. The pocket includes a projection which is received in an opening in the overlying reinforcing element. A wedge-type clamp retainer is received about the projection within the opening to secure the element within the pocket.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dynamically optimizing the frame rate as a function of an estimate of the target motion. First, the target motion is estimated, and then this estimate is used to control the number of firings per frame and/or the degree of frame-averaging. Preferably, the motion of the target is estimated by measuring pixel brightness variations on a frame-to-frame, region-to-region or line-to-line basis. Then the degree of frame-averaging is adjusted as a function of the motion estimate. Alternatively, target motion can be estimated by calculating the Doppler signal. Other imaging parameters, such as number of transmit firings per frame, size of the transmit aperture, and transmit excitation frequency, can be adjusted as a function of estimated target motion.

Abstract: An operating mechanism controls and trips a separable contact structure arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism includes a frame, a drive member pivotally coupled to the frame, a spring pivotally connecting the drive member to a drive connector, an upper link pivotally seated on the drive connector, a lower link member pivotally coupled to the drive connector, a crank member pivotally coupled to the lower link member for interfacing the separable contact structure, and a cradle member pivotally secured to the frame and pivotally securing the upper link. The cradle member is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly, which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers are operatively positioned between movable members, and protrusions are operatively formed on the enclosure of the contact structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fired ceramic article, a green product, and a fired ceramic article, all for use as a core in the investment casting of directionally solidified eutectic and superalloy material. A ceramic slurry is prepared of alumina, aluminum and a solution of a polymerizable binder in a liquid. The slurry is extruded under low pressure into a closed cavity to form a gelled green product which is subsequently heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, wherein the oxygen reacts with the aluminum in the green product to form alumina which advantageously causes an increase in volume of the green product which counters the shrinkage effects of heating.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes outer and inner bands between which extend a plurality of vanes for channeling combustion gases. Each of the vanes includes leading and trailing edges, and pressure and suction sides extending therebetween, and also a bow along the trailing edge to increase pressure in the gases adjacent the inner band. The vanes also include a thermal barrier coating (TBC) selectively disposed solely along the suction side between the leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to cross-linkable mixtures and a method for the production and utilization thereof.

Abstract: The cross-linked hydrosilylation reaction product of an alkenyl functional silicone compound, a silylhydride functional silicone compound, and one or more allyl started, hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or acyl terminated polyether compounds exhibits stability, compatibility with polar organic solvents and is useful as a component in personal care compositions.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a metal from Groups 8-10 of the Periodic Table having an atomic number of at least 44, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; at least one carboxylic acid amide such as N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide; and a cocatalyst which is a compound of one or more metals including copper, titanium, zinc, lead, cerium and manganese.

Abstract: A rotor assembly including a rotor body and a stator, the rotor body having field coils seated within radial slots formed in the rotor body with end turns of the coils extending beyond opposite ends of the rotor body, and annular retaining rings fixed to the opposite ends of the rotor body and adapted to constrain the end turns against centrifugal forces, and wherein the stator includes a core with stator bars secured therein, the core having core-end tapers at opposite ends thereof that define, in combination with the retaining rings, annular ventilation air exit gaps; each the retaining ring comprising axially inboard and outboard ends, and wherein a radially outer surface at the axially inboard end has an aerodynamically smooth spline shape defined by compound radii that merges into a rounded nose portion, the core-end tapers of the stator core tapering in an axial and radially outward direction in a manner approximating a smooth curve.