Abstract: Slide closure for a vessel that operatively contains molten metal, comprising: a slide housing including a recess receiving a first refractory closure plate; a slide unit including an opening receiving a second refractory closure plate; wherein at least one clamping mechanism is arranged to start the clamping of the corresponding refractory closure plate via an actuation of the at least one clamping mechanism when the slide unit is displaced relative to the slide housing and the first and the second refractory closure plates are distant apart from each other, essentially before the first and the second faces of the respective first and the second refractory closure plates are in contact under pressure.

Abstract: This publication describes techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object (e.g., a wire tray) to a substrate. Current apparatuses generally do not enable the removal of an attached wire tray from a substrate without first removing an insert from a mounting stud extending from the substrate. The disclosed techniques and apparatuses are configured to permit the removal of an attached wire tray from a substrate without first removing an insert from a mounting stud extending from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to generate a path plan. An example method includes generating guidance lines for a next path of a vehicle based on an edge of a current path, generating a first path plan of a field within a field boundary, the first path plan generated using a first degree heading, generating a second path plan of the field within the field boundary, the second path plan generated using a second degree heading, and when the first path plan includes a first cost lower than a second cost of the second path plan, transmitting the first path plan to a vehicle to control the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of processing a coal-based feedstock to a high value product are provided. In one embodiment a method of processing a coal-based feedstock to a high value product, the method comprises the steps of: contacting the coal-based feedstock with one or more solvents under non-pyrolytic conditions thereby generating a liquid phase; and fractionating the liquid phase to generate at least two fractions under conditions such that at least one of the fractions is the high value product. The liquid phase may comprise 5 to 25 wt % oxygen and at least 70% of the oxygen in the liquid phase may be in the form of phenolic, carboxylic and ketone functional groups of hydrocarbon-based compounds.

Abstract: A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis. A gusset plate assembly includes a plurality of gusset plates connected to the column and extending laterally outward from the column in planes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a first axis and defines a space for receiving an end portion of a first beam for mounting the first beam on the first pair of gusset plates. A second pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a second axis that is nonparallel and non-coincident with the first axis. The second pair of gusset plates defines a space for receiving an end portion of a second beam for mounting the second beam on the second pair of gusset plates to provide a bi-axial joint connection.

Abstract: The concepts, systems, circuits and techniques described herein are directed toward a spiral antenna which may be provided using additive manufacturing technology so as to provide an antenna capable of operation at frequencies which are higher than spiral antennas manufactured using standard photo-etch or printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for field operations based on historical field operation data. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a field map generator to generate a field map including locations of a plurality of crop rows, the locations of the plurality of crop rows determined based on a first implement path travelled by a first implement of a first vehicle during a first operation, the first implement having a first operational width, the first implement path different from a first vehicle path of the first vehicle during the first operation, and a guidance line generator to generate a guidance line for a second vehicle during a second operation on the field, the second vehicle including a second implement to perform the second operation, the second implement having a second operational width different from the first operational width, the guidance line based on (a) the field map and (b) the second operational width.

Abstract: The concepts, systems, circuits and techniques described herein are directed toward a spiral antenna which may be provided using additive manufacturing technology so as to provide an antenna capable of operation at frequencies which are higher than spiral antennas manufactured using standard photo-etch or printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A system for authorizing an electronic transaction in an augmented reality environment comprises an augmented reality user device and an authentication server. The augmented reality user device includes a display that overlays virtual objects onto a field of view of the user. The user device receives a request to verify information about a payment card used in an electronic transaction. The request includes a virtual authentication object, which is a virtual representation of an object capable of being manipulated by the user in a particular sequence to enter an authentication code. The user device displays the virtual authentication object to the user and detects gestures performed on the virtual authentication object. The user device sends the detected gestures to the authentication server. The authentication server determines the authentication code using the virtual authentication object and the detected gestures, and uses it to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: A pin lock fastener comprises a fastener component (e.g., bolt or nut) having an aperture formed through an outer surface of the fastener component, and a pin supported by the fastener component and slidable through the aperture. The pin can comprise a locking end portion to interface/lock with a pin lock feature of a fastener receiver structure. The pin lock fastener can comprise an actuator cap rotatably coupled to the fastener component, and a torsion spring can have a first end coupled to the fastener component and a second end coupled to the actuator cap. The pin can be secured to the torsion spring that applies a biasing force to the pin in a normal locked position to restrict rotation of the fastener component relative to the fastener receiver structure secured to the fastener component. The pin lock fastener can be repeatedly used. Associated fastened assemblies and methods are provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for field operations based on historical field operation data. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a guidance line generator to generate a guidance line for operation of a vehicle during a second operation on a field, the guidance line based on (1) a field map generated from location data collected during a first operation in the field, the field map including a plurality of crop rows and (2) an implement of the vehicle, the implement to perform the second operation on the field. The example apparatus further includes a drive commander to cause the vehicle to traverse the field along the guidance line, and an implement commander to cause the implement to perform the second operation as the vehicle traverses the field along the guidance line.

Abstract: Methods for reworking structures and reworked cellular core panels, reworked structures comprising the reworked cellular core panels, and guides and cutting apparatuses for reworking cellular acoustic panels and reworking cellular acoustic and non-acoustic panels are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical nut assembly for coupling an electrical lug to an electrical post is disclosed. The electrical nut assembly comprises a compression fitting and a compression sleeve. The compression fitting comprises a material comprising a first yield strength and comprises an internal thread operable to electrically couple to the electrical post and a base surface configured to electrically couple to the electrical lug. The compression sleeve comprises a material comprising a second yield strength greater than the first yield strength and is sized to at least partially cover the compression fitting. The compression sleeve is configured to compress the compression fitting in a radial direction when fitted at least partially over the compression fitting and pressed or advanced axially towards the base surface and as the compression fitting makes contact with the electrical lug.

Abstract: A secondary indicator for a vapor recovery valve is presented. The vapor recovery valve comprises a piston and a primary indicator, the primary indicator is attached to the piston, and the piston moves linearly in relation to the actuation of the valve and moves proportionally in conjunction with the piston to provide a visual indication that the valve has actuated. The secondary indicator is mounted to the vapor recovery valve and is not attached to the primary indicator. The secondary indicator comprises a signal, a torsional spring, and a fixed pin. The secondary indicator is second class lever, the torsional spring is the effort, the fixed pin is the fulcrum, and the primary indicator is the load between the torsional spring and the fixed pin, such that the signal rotates with the linear movement of the primary indicator to multiply the effect of the primary indicator.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for a fluid injection system is provided. The PRV system comprises one or more pressure transducers configured to sense fluid pressure within the fluid injection system. The transducers then generate electrical signals representative of fluid pressure readings within the fluid injection system in real time. Signals are received by a controller which compares pressure readings with a stored pressure threshold. An actuation signal is sent upon detecting a signal representative of a pressure that exceeds the stored pressure threshold, causing an electraulically-actuated valve to rotatably move to an open position. The PRV system includes a bypass feature that allows the operator to manually open or close a valve when the stored pressure threshold is reached. A method of controlling pressure during a wellbore operation is also provided.

Abstract: A high pressure water jet cutting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a cutting head body having a first end configured to connect to a water line, a second end configured to connect to a nozzle, and a passageway therethrough. One or more sensors is associated with the cutting head body, and an electrical connector is coupled to the sensor. The electrical connector is configured to transmit data from the sensor to detect the occurrence of an event.

Abstract: A rotating steering mirror assembly comprising a first wedge rotatable relative to a base and a second wedge rotatable relative to the first wedge to controllably tilt a mirror on an outward- or forward-facing surface of the second wedge. Respective motors can independently rotate the first and second wedges.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.