Abstract: An ABI pad having a configuration and composition to provide the ABI pad with sufficient flexibility to permit the pad to be curved, molded or otherwise conformed to the cochlear nucleus, brainstem or other therapeutically-beneficial site, while ensuring the ABI pad maintains structural integrity over the anticipated operational life of the implant. The ABI pads are manufactured from silicone or other biocompatible material having a durometer sufficient to ensure the durability of the ABI pad over the anticipated operational life of the implant. To attain substantial flexibility, the thickness or cross section of the ABI pad is as minimal as possible to increase flexibility while not adversely affecting the noted durability of the pad. In one embodiment, the ABI pads are formed with an aperture in its interior region resulting in an ABI pad having minimal material mass while having sufficient structural integrity to reliably support the electrodes and associated wires.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference suppressor includes a plurality of ferrite layers arranged in stacked relation and defining a generally rectangular ferrite body. Each ferrite layer includes a laterally extending electrical conductor including an elongate portion and at least one enlarged width portion connected thereto. The enlarged width portion permits connection to an adjacent lateral conductor by one or more tubular vertical conductors which extend through respective via openings in a ferrite layer. The tubular vertical conductor and enlarged width portions permit high current carrying capability and permit greater manufacturing tolerance in the assembly of adjacent layers and in forming the tubular vertical conductors. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference suppressor includes a plurality of ferrite layers arranged in stacked relation and defining a generally rectangular ferrite body. Each ferrite layer includes a laterally extending electrical conductor including an elongate portion and at least one enlarged width portion connected thereto. The enlarged width portion permits connection to an adjacent lateral conductor by one or more tubular vertical conductors which extend through respective via openings in a ferrite layer. The tubular vertical conductor and enlarged width portions permit high current carrying capability and permit greater manufacturing tolerance in the assembly of adjacent layers and in forming the tubular vertical conductors. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling and providing guidance in sootblowing based on continuous plant monitoring and model calculations. The continuous monitoring of plant conditions is through a plant distributed control system (DCS) which communicates with a computer. The conventional measurements of a DCS such as flow, pressure and temperature and sootblower status data are input into the computer. These valves are validated for accuracy. To predict the effects of fouling a plant model is utilized. The model predicts the rate and effect of fouling on energy distribution in the boiler. The model then predicts the effect that sootblowing of each section will have on the boiler performance. A comparison of the predicted and observed effects are used to update the fouling model and maintain consistency with the actual performance of the boiler. This information is presented to the boiler operator to assist in enhancing the boiler efficiency and maintain steam temperatures within established control ranges.

Abstract: A cutting sound enhancement system (10) for transmitting an audible signal from the cutting head (101) of a piece of mine machinery (100) to an operator at a remote station (200), wherein, the operator using a headphone unit (14) can monitor the difference in sounds being made solely by the cutting head (101) to determine the location of the roof, floor, and walls of a coal seam (50).

Abstract: A system and apparatus for protecting a shoreline from erosion, damage, flooding and the like from fluctuations in the water level in various bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, oceans and the like and for quickly and efficiently closing a breach in a levee, dam or other water containment barrier and includes a series of watertight, hollow fabricated structures that can be quickly filled with various materials for retaining the hollow structures in a desired position. The hollow structures are relatively lightweight and can be easily transported to a use site by various transportation modes. The system and apparatus also includes a mat closure device to close gaps between adjacent ends of the hollow structures to provide a continuous barrier.

Abstract: Trays containing parallel rod-like articles are unloaded by rotation until the trays are at least partially inverted, the rotation being about an axis parallel to the articles. In one arrangement a pair of tray carriers is rotatable to successively invert a full tray over delivery conveyors and to return an empty tray. One of the conveyors is also rotatable about the same axis. A removable slat retains the articles in the full tray until it is completely inverted. In another arrangement a full tray is received in a bracket in which it is moved to a tilted position for unloading. A pivoted closure member is provided for the open top of the tray and this also serves as a barrier for the unloading articles.

Abstract: Packet handling apparatus includes a conveyor for moving packets in line from a delivery station and a reversible accumulator for receiving batches of packets from or returning batches to the conveyor according to whether supply exceeds demand or vice versa. Gates for supplying movement of packets on the conveyor are provided at the exit from and entry to the accumulator. The conveyor section adjacent the accumulator is separately drivable so that it may be temporarily stopped to create a gap between packets for insertion of the exit gate prior to transferring a batch of packets to the accumulator. Guides may be provided upstream and downstream of the accumulator for moving packets from a flat to an upright condition and vice versa, respectively.

Abstract: Incrementally adjustable multilayer monolithic capacitors having a set of base electrodes extending to and being coextensive with a first terminal end surface of the capacitor and a set of incremental electrodes extending to and being coextensive with a side surface of the capacitor. The base electrodes are electrically interconnected by a conductive metal coating on the first terminal end surface. Capacitance values of the resultant capacitor can be incrementally adjusted by electrically interconnecting or disconnecting one or more of the incremental electrodes either along the side surface to which they extend and are coextensive with or along the second terminal end surface of the capacitor.