Abstract: A seal for a rotary machine includes a flexible element extending circumferentially about a rotating component and extending generally radially from a first end to a free second end. The flexible element is coupled proximate the first end for rotation with the rotating component. The seal also includes a retaining plate having a stop face that orients the flexible element at a first angle when the rotating component is operating at less than a critical speed and under the including of pressure loading, such that a clearance gap is defined between the free second end and a stationary component. The flexible element extends at substantially a second angle when the rotating component is operating at a speed greater than the critical speed, such that the flexible element forms a dynamic seal between the rotating component and the stationary component.

Abstract: A method of modifying a shank of a turbine blade from an initial profile to an undercut profile includes removing a first portion of material from an underside of a downstream angel wing of the turbine blade. The downstream angel wing extends axially from a downstream cover plate of the shank. The method also includes removing a second portion of material from a generally axially-extending portion of the downstream cover plate adjacent a dovetail of the turbine blade.

Abstract: A better compromise between encoding complexity and achievable rate distortion ratio, and/or to achieve a better rate distortion ratio is achieved by using multitree sub-divisioning not only in order to subdivide a continuous area, namely the sample array, into leaf regions, but using the intermediate regions also to share coding parameters among the corresponding collocated leaf blocks. By this measure, coding procedures performed in tiles—leaf regions—locally, may be associated with coding parameters individually without having to, however, explicitly transmit the whole coding parameters for each leaf region separately. Rather, similarities may effectively exploited by using the multitree subdivision.

Abstract: Coding schemes for coding a spatially sampled information signal using sub-division and coding schemes for coding a sub-division or a multitree structure are described, wherein representative embodiments relate to picture and/or video coding applications.

Abstract: A method comprises: sorbing a sample solution comprising nucleic acids to a sample receiving portion of a quartz fiber filter by contacting the sample solution with the sample receiving portion; and washing the sample receiving portion while keeping most of nucleic acids around the sample receiving portion by flowing a wash solution through the sample receiving portion under a wicking force directed away from the sample receiving portion. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A powder spreader is presented. The powder spreader includes a base element having at least a first side and a spreading element including a sheet having a curved portion protruding from the at least first side of the base element, where the curved portion of the sheet is substantially free of a discontinuity. An additive manufacturing apparatus including the powder spreader is also presented.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a plurality of monitoring nodes may each generate a series of current monitoring node values over time that represent a current operation of the industrial asset. A node classifier computer, coupled to the plurality of monitoring nodes, may receive the series of current monitoring node values and generate a set of current feature vectors. The node classifier computer may also access at least one multi-class classifier model having at least one decision boundary. The at least one multi-class classifier model may be executed and the system may transmit a classification result based on the set of current feature vectors and the at least one decision boundary. The classification result may indicate, for example, whether a monitoring node status is normal, attacked, or faulty.

Abstract: A power semiconductor module including a housing within which lies at least one semiconductor switching element. The housing includes a vent aperture that is selectively openable and closeable by a cooperating vent cover. The vent cover is held in an open position during normal operation of the power semiconductor module to open the vent aperture and provide ventilation for the or each semiconductor switching element within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a measure for a distortion change of a first view synthesized from a second view, caused by a modification of a depth map of the second view from a first state to a second state, is configured starting from a current synthesis state of the first view corresponding to a synthesis from the second view having the depth map modified to the second state in an already processed portion of the depth map and having the depth map unmodified at the first state in a yet to be processed portion of the depth map—to compute a possible successor synthesis state corresponding to a synthesis of the first view from the second view having the depth map modified to the second state in an already processed portion plus a currently processed portion and having the depth map unmodified at the first state in the yet to be processed portion without the currently processed portion; and to determine a distortion change of a distortion of the current synthesis state of the first view relative to an undistort

Abstract: An aft frame assembly for a gas turbine transition piece has a main body with an upstream facing surface, a downstream facing surface, a radially outer facing surface and a radially inner facing surface. A plurality of feed hole inlets are located on the upstream facing surface. Each of the feed hole inlets are coupled to one of a plurality of cooling channels passing through the main body towards the radially inner facing surface. A plurality of microchannels are formed near the radially inner facing surface and extend at least partially along the downstream facing surface. The cooling channels are connected to and terminate in the microchannels. A pre-sintered preform is located on the radially inner facing surface of the main body.

Abstract: A better compromise between encoding complexity and achievable rate distortion ratio, and/or to achieve a better rate distortion ratio is achieved by using multitree sub-divisioning not only in order to subdivide a continuous area, namely the sample array, into leaf regions, but using the intermediate regions also to share coding parameters among the corresponding collocated leaf blocks. By this measure, coding procedures performed in tiles—leaf regions—locally, may be associated with coding parameters individually without having to, however, explicitly transmit the whole coding parameters for each leaf region separately. Rather, similarities may effectively exploited by using the multitree subdivision.

Abstract: Various approaches are discussed for using four-side buttable CMOS tiles to fabricate detector panels, including large-area detector panels. Fabrication may utilize pads and interconnect structures formed on the top or bottom of the CMOS tiles. Electrical connection and readout may utilize readout and digitization circuitry provided on the CMOS tiles themselves such that readout of groups or sub-arrays of pixels occurs at the tile level, while tiles are then readout at the detector level such that readout operations are tiered or multi-level.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for bleeding air from a compressed gas path of a gas turbine engine. The system includes an impeller positioned at a downstream end of a compressor in the gas turbine engine. The impeller includes an impeller hub, an impeller arm coupled to the impeller hub, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart impeller vanes extending radially outwardly from the impeller arm. The impeller arm defines an impeller arm aperture extending therethrough. A vortex spoiler is positioned radially inwardly from the impeller arm and defines a vortex spoiler passage extending radially therethrough. Bleed air flows from the compressed gas path radially inwardly through both the impeller arm aperture and the vortex spoiler passage.

Abstract: A method for electroerosion machining includes providing an electrode assembly comprising an electrode body having a tube-shaped body that defines a hollow interior and one or more inserts affixed to the electrode body to form a cutting surface on the electrode assembly, positioning the electrode assembly adjacent a workpiece to be machined, and providing power to the electrode assembly so as to energize the electrode assembly, with the electrode assembly and the workpiece being at opposite electrical polarities. The method also includes advancing the electrode assembly through the workpiece, with a working gap being maintained between the inserts and the workpiece across which a pulse electric current is passed to remove material from the workpiece, wherein, upon advancing the electrode assembly through the workpiece, a core is formed that is completely separated from a remainder of the workpiece and is contained within the hollow interior of the electrode body.

Abstract: A method for providing an anti-coking coating system on a surface at elevated temperatures when contacted by a hydrocarbon fluid, for example, a surface of an interior fuel passage within a fuel nozzle of a type utilized in gas turbine engines, is disclosed. The surface of the passage is rough as a result of the passage being part of a component manufactured by an additive manufacturing (AM) process. In addition, the passage may have a complex geometry of a type that can be fabricated with AM processes, for example, geometries comprising combinations of sharp bends and narrow cross-sections. The coating system comprises at least one ceramic barrier layer and an outermost metallic layer, each of which is formed using a conformal vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A subblock-based coding of transform coefficient blocks of the enhancement layer is rendered more efficient. To this end, the subblock subdivision of the respective transform coefficient block is controlled on the basis of the base layer residual signal or the base layer signal. In particular, by exploiting the respective base layer hint, the subblocks may be made longer along a spatial frequency axis transverse to edge extensions observable from the base layer residual signal or the base layer signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for capturing deep learning training data from imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method for an imaging system comprises performing a scan of a subject to acquire imaging data, inputting the imaging data to a deep neural network, displaying an output of the deep neural network and an image reconstructed from the imaging data, and transmitting an intermediate representation of the imaging data generated by the deep neural network to a server for training a central deep neural network. In this way, imaging data may be leveraged for training and developing global deep learning models without transmitting the imaging data itself, thereby preserving patient privacy.

Abstract: A hybrid preform component including a plurality of elongated metallic cores and a coating paste is provided. The coating paste envelops the plurality of elongated metallic cores. The coating paste includes a first material having a first melting point, a second material having a second melting point, and a binder. A method for treating a component is also provided. The method includes the step of mixing a second material, a first material, and a binder to make coating paste. The method further includes the step of coating the plurality of cores using the coating paste to form a coated rod assembly. The method further includes the step of compressing the coated rod assembly to envelop the coating paste to the plurality of cores and form a preform component having a near net shape. The method further includes the step of sintering the preform component to form a pre-sintered preform.

Abstract: Methods and systems for deep learning based image reconstruction are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving a set of imaging projections data, identifying a voxel to reconstruct, receiving a trained regression model, and reconstructing the voxel. The voxel is reconstructed by: projecting the voxel on each imaging projection in the set of imaging projections according to an acquisition geometry, extracting adjacent pixels around each projected voxel, feeding the regression model with the extracted adjacent pixel data to produce a reconstructed value of the voxel, and repeating the reconstruction for each voxel to be reconstructed to produce a reconstructed image.

Abstract: A turbine engine that includes an engine casing including a shell and an angel wing member. The angel wing member includes a base defined at the shell, a tip positioned distal from the base, and a first side and a second side that define a thickness of the angel wing member. The thickness of the angel wing member is non-uniform between the base and the tip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to hierarchical machine learning models to identify an anatomical structure of interest and perform diagnostic procedures for a medical diagnostic imaging system. The systems and methods organize a plurality of models into a hierarchical structure based on anatomical structures. The plurality of models are defined by a machine learning algorithm for diagnostic procedures of one or more of the anatomical structures. The systems and methods receive a medical image, identifying an anatomical structure of interest within the medical image, select at least a first model from the plurality of models based on the anatomical structure of interest, and perform a first diagnostic procedure of the anatomical structure of interest based on the first model.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes at least one blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge that define an airfoil-shaped profile. The suction side and/or the pressure side has a morphable region. The wind turbine also includes a control system configured to activate the morphable region to alter the airfoil-shaped profile and reduce negative lift generated by the blade when the blade is oriented at a negative lift angle.

Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.

Abstract: A controller may receive interface information, associated with one or more interfaces used to communicate with one or more components of a vehicle, and may receive application information associated with one or more applications configured to receive information from the one or more components via the one or more interfaces. The controller may store, based on the interface information and the application information, registration information that indicates whether the one or more applications are permitted to communicate via the one or more interfaces. The controller may receive, from an application of the one or more applications, a request for vehicle information from an interface of the one or more interfaces. The controller may verify whether the application is permitted to communicate via the interface, and may selectively route the request for the vehicle information to the interface based on verifying whether the application is permitted to communicate via the interface.

Abstract: Improvement of the dynamic range of a radiation detector is described. In one embodiment, one or more non-destructive readout operations are performed during a radiation exposure event to acquire data used to improve the dynamic range of the detector. In one implementation, one or more non-destructive readouts of pixels are performed prior to saturation of the pixels during an X-ray exposure so as to obtain non-saturated measurements at the pixels. In an additional implementation, non-destructive readouts of pixels are performed between exposure events so as to obtain an estimate of electronic noise during a multi-exposure examination.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling HVDC power transmission systems so as to increase the effective lifetime of cables carrying the DC power (and particularly the extruded polymer insulation of those cables). The method includes entering a maintenance mode in which the electrical properties applied to the cable are varied so as to facilitate diffusion of space charge accumulation in the extruded polymer insulation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing a graphic overlay for measuring dimensions of features using a video inspection device. One or more measurement cursors are placed on pixels of an image of the object. One or more planes are determined parallel or normal to a reference surface or line and passing through surface points associated with the measurement cursors. A semi-transparent graphic overlay is placed on pixels with associated surface points having three-dimensional surface coordinates less than a predetermined distance from the plane(s) to help the user place the measurement cursors.

Abstract: A method includes determining, via a processor, a commanded temperature rate for a component of a steam turbine system. The method further includes determining, via the processor, a measured temperature rate for the component of the steam turbine system. The method additionally includes determining, via the processor, a variable multiplier based at least in part on the commanded temperature rate and the measured temperature rate. The method also includes deriving, via the processor, a multiplied temperature rate command by applying the variable multiplier to the commanded temperature rate.

Abstract: The coding efficiency of scalable video coding is increased by substituting missing spatial intra prediction parameter candidates in a spatial neighborhood of a current block of the enhancement layer by use of intra prediction parameters of a co-located block of the base layer signal. By this measure, the coding efficiency for coding the spatial intra prediction parameters is increased due to the improved prediction quality of the set of intra prediction parameters of the enhancement layer, or, more precisely stated, the increased likelihood, that appropriate predictors for the intra prediction parameters for an intra predicted block of the enhancement layer are available thereby increasing the likelihood that the signaling of the intra prediction parameter of the respective enhancement layer block may be performed, on average, with less bits.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors that are configured to obtain a constraint on movement for a first vehicle system along a route. The constraint is based on movement of a separate second vehicle system that is concurrently traveling along the same route. The processor(s) are configured to determine a speed profile that designates speeds for the first vehicle system according to at least one of distance, location, or time based on the constraint such that the first vehicle system maintains a designated spacing from the second vehicle system along the route.

Abstract: An x-ray detector, system and related method are described wherein a light redirection layer is provided and used to redirect light, converted from x-rays by a scintillator, to at least one pixel. The light redirection layer comprises at least one light redirecting cell comprising a channel and a light reflecting region, wherein the channel is arranged relative to the at least one pixel to direct the incoming light away from a non-light sensitive part of the at least one pixel and toward the light sensitive part of the at least one pixel.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing caliper measurements in a multi-frame 2D image and an anatomical M-mode image is provided. The method may include selecting a frame of a multi-frame 2D image of a region of interest. The method may include positioning a first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include generating an anatomical M-mode image based on a direction of the first caliper measurement. The method may include automatically overlaying a second caliper measurement on the anatomical M-mode image, the second caliper measurement corresponding with the first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include presenting the selected frame having the first caliper measurement simultaneously with the anatomical motion mode image having the second caliper measurement at a display system.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a support structure including a conduit coupled to a static support. The conduit defines an end wall between which a fluid is contained within a volume defined by the conduit. An effort variable provided to the support structure modulates a stiffness of the support structure.

Abstract: An integrated device for a sample collection and transfer is provided. The integrated device comprises a capillary channel disposed between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and an outlet for driving out the sample fluid. The device further comprises a third layer comprising an adhesive material such as a patterned adhesive material and a flow path, wherein the third layer is disposed on the outer surface of the capillary, at a determining position relative to the outlet, such that the capillary is in contact with the third layer and the outlet is in contact with the flow path of the third layer for allowing the sample fluid out from the integrated device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for using coatings to control component dimensions during operations of a mechanical system, such as gas turbine combustion air cooling system. The mechanical system may have a component with a critical dimension defined by at least one surface. Upon detecting a change in the critical dimension, such as from surface erosion, a coating additive is deployed into the mechanical system. The surface is coated with the coating additive to offset at least a portion of the change in the critical dimension.

Abstract: A monitoring system can include a dashboard including a graphical user interface display space. The monitoring system can also include a digital twin validation system including a processor configured to perform operations including rendering, in a graphical user interface display space, an interactive graphical object characterizing a first input value of a first digital model of a plurality of oil and gas industrial machines. The operations can also include receiving data characterizing user interaction with the interactive graphical object. The data characterizing the user interaction can be indicative of the first input value of the first digital model. The operations can further include updating the first digital model to generate updated output values representative of an operational parameter of the plurality of oil and gas industrial machines. The operations can also include rendering, in the graphical user interface display space, a visual representation of the updated output values.

Abstract: A method for verifying wireless devices connected to a wireless medical body area network, MBAN, is provided. The method comprises activating a request for verification by a user activating the request for verification on any one of the wireless devices; receiving the request for verification by the any one wireless device of the wireless MBAN; and indicating a plurality of wireless devices connected to the wireless MBAN by displaying an indication on the plurality of wireless devices. A wireless MBAN comprising wireless devices. The wireless MBAN comprises each wireless device being configured for an activation of a verification; and a plurality of the wireless devices being configured to display an identification upon the activation of the verification.

Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustor assembly generally includes an annular dome and a liner that at least partially define a combustion chamber. The annular dome defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced fuel injection ports and a plurality of mounting assemblies are configured for receiving and supporting a plurality of fuel injector assemblies within the fuel injection ports. Each mounting assembly includes a ferrule positioned adjacent to and extending around a peripheral edge of the respective fuel injection port. A spring finger is coupled to an interior surface of the ferrule and extends toward a centerline of the fuel injection port to form a seal with the fuel injector assembly.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine system and method of operating gas turbine engines are provided. The gas turbine engine assembly includes a gas turbine engine includes a power shaft configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The gas turbine engine assembly also includes a first fan and a second fan coupled to the power shaft coaxially with the gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine assembly also includes a first fan duct configured to direct a first stream of air to the first fan. The gas turbine engine assembly also includes a second fan duct configured to direct a second stream of air to the second fan. The gas turbine engine assembly also includes an exhaust duct configured to direct a stream of exhaust gases of the gas turbine engine in a direction of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes an electric propulsion engine. The electric propulsion engine includes an electric motor and a fan rotatable about a central axis of the electric propulsion engine by the electric motor. The electric propulsion engine also includes a bearing supporting rotation of the fan and a thermal management system. The thermal management system includes a lubrication oil circulation assembly and a heat exchanger thermally connected to the lubrication oil circulation assembly. The lubrication oil circulation assembly is configured for providing the bearing with lubrication oil. Such an electric propulsion engine may be a relatively self-sufficient engine.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section having a single-stage fan, a core turbine engine, and a nacelle at least partially surrounding the fan of the fan section and the core turbine engine. The gas turbine engine also includes an outlet guide vane extending between a casing of the core turbine engine and the nacelle. The gas turbine engine is configured to define an acoustic ratio greater than or equal to 2.3, with the acoustic ratio being a ratio of an axial spacing between the trailing edge of the fan blade and the leading edge of the outlet guide vane at a radial location seventy-five percent (75%) along the span of the fan blade to the axial width of the fan blade also at the radial location seventy-five percent (75%) along the span of the fan blade.

Abstract: A method for customizing bedplates for a plurality of wind turbines having different loading requirements. The method includes forming a plurality of baseline bodies for the bedplates that includes a near net shape of one of the bedplates. Further, the method includes determining a loading requirement of the bedplates of each of the wind turbines. Moreover, the method includes applying additional material to an exterior surface of the plurality of baseline bodies via an additive manufacturing process so as to customize a structural capacity of each of the bedplates such that the structural capacity of each of the bedplates can withstand the loading requirement for each of the wind turbines. Accordingly, the structural capacity of each of the plurality of baseline bodies may be the same or may be different.

Abstract: A system and an associated method for monitoring a flowing utility. A transducer, located at a utility flow location, senses data indicative of a utility flow characteristic and outputs a signal conveying the sensed data. A meter device, at the utility flow location, executes at least one program instruction and outputs a signal that conveys at least the sensed data but not a determination of a utility flow characteristic. A remote server, located remote from the utility flow location, receives the signal from the meter device that conveys at least the sensed data but not a determination of the utility flow characteristic, processes the sensed data to determine the utility flow characteristic, processes the sensed data to determine, based at least in part on the sensed data, a program instruction to be executed by the meter device, and transmits a control signal to the meter device.

Abstract: Noise attenuation structures, such as acoustic liners for gas turbine engines, are provided. For example, an acoustic liner comprises a face sheet, a backing sheet spaced apart from the face sheet, and a plurality of cavities defined between the face and backing sheets. The cavities are defined by cavity walls. A plurality of backing sheet walls extends from the backing sheet toward the face sheet. The backing sheet walls extend adjacent the cavity walls, and the backing sheet is movable with respect to the face sheet such that the cavities have a variable depth. Other embodiments of noise attenuation structures also are provided.

Abstract: A metal leading edge includes a nose positioned along the leading edge of a fan blade airfoil body. The metal leading edge also includes a first edge extending axially aftward from the nose along a pressure side of the fan blade airfoil body. The metal leading edge further includes a second edge extending axially aftward from the nose along a suction side of the fan blade airfoil body. The first edge and the second edge forming a notch at the conjunction of the first edge, the second edge, and the nose. The metal leading edge also includes a nose length extending from a nose tip to the notch. The nose length at a first radial location is different from the nose length at a second radial location.

Abstract: Rotor assemblies and methods for manufacturing airfoils for rotor assemblies are provided. For example, a rotor assembly comprises a rotary structure extending circumferentially about an axial centerline of a gas turbine engine, an airfoil having a root and a tip, and a pin extending through the root. The root is coupled to the rotary structure and has a bulbous shape, and the airfoil is formed from a plurality of composite plies. The pin defines both a planar first surface and a planar second surface on a pin body having a generally circular cross-section. Further, the pin includes a first end and a second end that contact the rotary structure. The first and second surfaces together form a point that is oriented toward the tip of the airfoil. In one embodiment, the rotary structure is an outer rotor of an interdigitated rotor assembly and the airfoil extends radially inward.

Abstract: A charging system for charging an electric vehicle comprises an inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) battery charger that includes an isolation transformer having a transformer primary and a transformer secondary, the transformer primary included in an inductive charger station of the charging system and the transformer secondary included in an inductive power receiver of the charging system, with the inductive power receiver positioned on the electric vehicle. The LLC battery charger also includes a magnetizing inductor circuit element and a leakage inductor circuit element integrated into the isolation transformer on the transformer primary. The isolation transformer is constructed such that the transformer primary and the transformer secondary are separable from one another, with a selective engaging and disengaging of the transformer primary and the transformer secondary based on movement of the inductive power receiver on the electric vehicle relative to the inductive charger station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording and communicating engine data are provided. One example embodiment is directed to a method for communicating engine data to a ground system. The method includes receiving a request to store first data in a first memory location in one or more memory devices. The method includes receiving the first data, wherein the first data is associated with identification of an engine, and wherein the first data includes parameterized data. The method includes storing the first data in the first memory location. The method includes receiving a request to store second data in a second memory location in the one or more memory devices, wherein the second memory location is reserved for data to be transmitted to the ground system. The method includes receiving the second data. The method includes storing the second data in the second memory location.

Abstract: A method of identifying bounded hydrocarbon formations of interest in a seismic data set includes obtaining a seismic data set, pre-processing the seismic data set, inputting the plurality of graphical model inputs and one or more rules to a graphical model, wherein the rules define a relationship between a plurality of attributes of a bounded hydrocarbon formation, running a graphical model on the graphical model inputs, post-processing the graphical model outputs, and displaying the ranked clusters in order of rank.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator having a rotor and a nacelle mounted atop a tower structure. The tower structure is mounted to a foundation structure and includes a plurality of tower sections, each including one or more tower section flanges. The wind turbine system further includes one or more connector rings. Each of the one or more connector rings is disposed proximate two adjacent tower section flanges and includes a plurality of pad eye adaptors each having an opening formed therein. The wind turbine system further includes a plurality of tensioned cables, with each coupled to one of the pad eye adaptors at a first end and the foundation structure at a second end. The plurality of tensioned cables are coupled to the tower structure at different or multiple connector ring heights based on site conditions to yield the desired lateral stability.