Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention includes a common node of a power line communications system for individually performing the register functions for a plurality of electrical metering devices operably connected to the node. The power line communications system includes at least one node having a plurality of registers, a respective one of which is associated with a respective electrical metering device. The electrical metering devices connected via the power lines to the node measure the power consumption of the electrical load associated therewith and transmit a signal indicative of the measured power consumption to the node and, in particular, to the respective register of the node associated with the electrical metering device. The node individually determines the power consumed by each electrical load operably connected to the node based upon the received signals. The results of such calculations are stored in the register associated with each respective electrical metering device.

Abstract: A whole body RF coil provided for use with an open MR magnet system comprises first and second RF coil components selectively spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of an imaging space disposed to receive a subject, each of the RF coil components comprising a plurality of electrically conductive inner and outer arc segments which respectively lie on corresponding inner and outer circular paths. The RF coil is constructed to allow the subject to pass through the inner and outer circular paths of a selected one of the coil components or alternatively between the spaced apart RF coil components, into imaging space. The first and second RF coils are each energized in quadrature to generate respective corresponding first and second magnetic fields which collectively provide a resultant field comprising the B.sub.1 field component required for imaging.

Abstract: A turbine blade includes an airfoil having first and second opposite sides and an internal passage extending longitudinally therebetween for channeling air to cool the airfoil. A single restart turbulator rib is disposed in the passage adjacent to the inlet and has a first height e.sub.1 for obtaining a first convective heat transfer enhancement. A plurality of primary turbulator ribs are disposed downstream from the restart rib in the passage. The primary ribs include an initial primary rib having a second height e.sub.2 for obtaining a second convective heat transfer enhancement, with the initial primary rib being spaced longitudinally from the restart rib at a first spacing S.sub.1, and spaced longitudinally from a second primary rib at a second spacing S.sub.2. The first enhancement is less than the second enhancement to reduce overcooling of the airfoil between the restart and primary ribs.

Abstract: An improved variable cycle turbofan-ramjet engine is disclosed. The engine includes a split fan assembly, a bypass channel surrounding a core engine and a mode selector valve for selectively bypassing air around an aft fan and the core engine. In a first, single bypass mode of operation, the mode selector valve allows air to flow through both a forward fan and the aft fan, and a portion of which bypasses the core engine. In a second, double bypass mode of operation, the mode selector valve allows air from the forward fan to bypass the aft fan and a portion of the air from the forward fan to bypass the core engine. In a third, ramjet mode of operation, the mode selector vane bypasses air around the aft fan and the core engine and the core engine is shut down for ramjet operation. In the preferred embodiment, the forward fan is allowed to windmill and powers a fuel pump connected thereto for providing fuel to a ram burner of the engine for ramjet operation.

Abstract: An afterburning, gas turbine aircraft engine with an annular duct for carrying bypass airflow is provided with a sliding valve type of rear Variable Area Bypass Injector (VABI) system. This rear VABI varies the direction and volume of the flow of bypass air into separate regions at an afterburning section of the engine. The system includes a sliding valve mounted in the bypass duct that is translated axially to open and close slots leading to core engine exhaust flow in the afterburning section. The unique structure of the injector system enables the axial translation of this sliding valve to simultaneously control bypass airflow into: first, a mixer just upstream of the afterburning section; second, a plurality of slots leading to the afterburning section; and third, an exhaust nozzle cooling liner that is cooled with the remaining portion of the bypass air.

Abstract: A coated Ni base superalloy article is provided with improved microstructural stability under a coating at least partially diffused into an article surface portion, by avoiding the formation, after exposure to elevated temperatures, of a constituent called SRZ which can affect detrimentally mechanical properties of the article. Such avoidance can result from neutralizing stress in the article surface portion prior to coating, for example by physically removing the stressed portion or by recrystallizing the stressed portion to a fine grained structure which subsequently can be consumed by diffusing elements in a coating method. Also, such avoidance can result from maintaining a Re segregation factor, Re.DELTA., between dendrite cores and interdendritic regions of the alloy cast structure at no greater than about 40%.

Abstract: A passively shimmed open architecture magnetic resonance imaging magnet utilizing separated superconducting coil assemblies with open space between including means to obtain a uniform magnetic field in the open space by shaped ferromagnetic bands in the bore of the magnets, the shaping including an axial notch and circumferential holes for attaching passive shims.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for performing risk and credit analysis of financial service applications with a neural network. The neural network imitates and perfects a credit manager's evaluation and decision process to control loss and guide business expansion. In particular, the neural network screens applications to control loss and to find directions where business volume can increase with a minimum increase in loss. Initially, data variables are pre-processed and applied to the neural network. The neural network in the present invention is optimized by a non-iterative regression process, as opposed to the computationally intensive back propagation algorithm.

Abstract: A motor includes a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation thereto. The stationary assembly includes a winding, the rotation of the rotatable assembly inducing a back EMF in the winding. A power supply for supplying a voltage across the winding drives a current through the winding. A back EMF sensor connected to the winding generates a back EMF signal representative of the back EMF induced in the winding during periods of time when the voltage is being supplied across the winding. An inverter connected between the power supply and the winding commutates the winding as a function of the back EMF signal, whereby the rotatable assembly rotates. A method of operating the motor and a control circuit for the motor employ the back emf induced in the winding during periods when the voltage is being applied to the winding by the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a refrigeration system including a compressor for compressing a working fluid evaporated in an evaporator and condensed in a condenser. A control circuit initiates operation of a refrigeration cycle and initiates a defrost cycle in response to a defrost enable signal. The apparatus drives an air moving assembly moving air over the evaporator. A motor including a rotatable assembly is in driving relation to the air moving assembly. An energizing circuit selectively energizes the motor in response to the control circuit. A sensing circuit generates a speed/torque signal representative of a speed or a torque of the motor. A defrost initiating circuit generates the defrost enable signal when the speed/torque signal indicates that the speed is greater than a predetermined speed or the torque is greater than a predetermined torque.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to deposit aluminum coatings on high temperature superalloys for corrosion, oxidation, and erosion protection using low temperature chemical vapor deposition and an organometallic halide precursor, specifically an aluminum alkyl halide. The process is adapted to protective coatings for turbine parts having internal passages. Due to the lower temperatures used during chemical vapor deposition, a broad range of substrate materials can be utilized. The precursor vapors clean the substrate surfaces by removing native oxides while simultaneously depositing aluminum.

Abstract: An interactive three-dimensional (3D) pointing device for selecting points within a subject employs a tracking device which determines the position of the operator, a semi-transparent screen positioned by the operator and the subject and provides this information to a model workstation. The model workstation superimposes computer graphic images of internal structures of the subject on a the semi-transparent screen through which the operator is viewing the subject. The superimposed image is derived from image data either previously generated and stored or obtained with an imaging system. The images of the internal structures are registered with the operator's view of the external structures of the operator. The operator interactively views internal and external structures and the relation between them simultaneously, while moving the screen to select 3D target points at an image depth within the subject. Optionally other input devices may be used to identify current `target points` as selected points.

Abstract: A nut runner tool is used to engage, turn, capture and lift the RPV head closure nuts from the RPV studs. The tool is also used to capture, lift and transport the nuts from the storage tray to the RPV head closure studs. The nut runner system enables a single operator to remove and install head closure nuts quickly and safely. The nut runner is powered by a remotely operated air driver. The reaction torque is transferred safely through the tool into the top of the closure stud. The air driver unthreads the nut, then a nut holding device is actuated, and the nut and tool are lifted from the top of the stud with a hoist attached to a trolley. The nut and tool are moved radially from the stud location to the storage position in the nut rack. When positioned over the storage location, the lowering of the nut into the rack is performed by the hoist, eliminating the need to manhandle the nuts into and out of the storage rack.

Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers comprises the step of melt polymerizing phenolic monomers in the presence of oxygen and oxidative coupling catalysts without employing environmentally unfriendly solvents.

Abstract: A metal borate, metal phosphate or metal borophosphate in combination with either a metal sulfide or sulfur polysiloxanes are incorporated into polymer systems to produce a polymer composition which unexpectedly displays flame retardant properties without creating environmental hazards.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting and correcting an erroneous exposure generated during x-ray imaging of a patient. In the present invention, x-ray imaging settings for imaging the patient are selected. X-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values are generated from the selected x-ray imaging settings. An exposure rate is predicted from the x-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values. The patient is then exposed to an x-ray beam having the generated x-ray beam quality and x-ray quantity values. The total exposure is then determined and compared to the predicted exposure rate. The comparison is then used to determine if the patient is being exposed at an erroneous level. If the exposure is at a correct level, then the exposure is completed. However, if the exposure is not at a correct level, then the exposure is stopped and adjusted to a new exposure level.

Abstract: A short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) nozzle for a jet aircraft provides thrust reversing and thrust vectoring functions using two pairs of flaps. Each flap is independently actuated and controlled to allow for numerous exhaust gas exit configurations. A two dimensional or rectangular center plug extends across the nozzle throat region to allow one pair of flaps to selectively engage the plug for STOVL operation.

Abstract: A mobile local area network (LAN) of tracked assets utilizing minimal power and bandwidth allows a large number of assets to be tracked in a practical manner. The mobile LAN is established between a plurality of tracking units in close proximity. Assets are approximately located according to their connection in the mobile LAN where the exact location of at least one of the network nodes is known. Each tracked asset has capability to independently determine and report its position to a central station, and each asset also has capability to communicate locally with other cooperative assets via the LAN. The LAN is dynamically reconfigurable so that as other cooperative assets come into proximity, they can join the network, and as others move away, they can leave the network. Within the network, a protocol is followed which assigns one of the assets to be the "master" and all others to be "slaves".

Abstract: A lighting system and method for broadcasting colored lights as emergency warning signals from a light source. A centralized continuous light source is coupled via a fiber optic transmission medium to an external display location such as a lens or the like located on a vehicle. The color and the relative intensity of each color is periodically modulated to alternate between at least two states such that the contrast between these alternating states is perceived by observers to be a flashing source of light with no off-time. The frequency and the duty cycle of the repetition rate of alternating between the states may be further controlled to better draw attention to the light source. In one embodiment, the external display locations include optical converters, each converter having multiple input facets and optically arranged to broadcast light received at its facets at predetermined vertical and horizontal output angles.

Abstract: A tool for installing and torquing a tensioning nut onto a tie rod of a shroud repair apparatus. The nut torquing tool has a socket for coupling with the tensioning nut and an adaptor for coupling with a manually operated handling pole, wherein the axis of rotation of the socket is radially displaced relative to the axis of rotation of the adaptor. The respective shafts connected to the socket and adaptor are coupled by means of a pair of sprockets and a chain which convert rotation of the adaptor into rotation of the socket. The distance between the sprockets can be adjusted to tension the chain. The handling pole adaptor is connected to a drive shaft by way of a universal joint, a torque limiter and a torque multiplier. Incorporation of a torque multiplier facilitates installation and torquing of the tensioning nut in a single operation using a lightweight handling pole.