Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A method of valuation of large groups of assets by partial full underwriting, partial sample underwriting and inferred values of the remainder using an iterative and adaptive supervised and unsupervised statistical evaluation of all assets and statistical inferences drawn from the evaluation and applied to generate the inferred asset values. Individual asset values are developed and listed in relational tables so that individual asset values can be rapidly taken from the tables and quickly grouped in any desired or prescribed manner for bidding purposes. The assets are collected into a database, divided into categories by credit variable, subdivided by ratings as to those variables and then rated individually. The assets are then regrouped according to a bidding grouping and a collective valuations established by cumulating the individual valuations.

Abstract: An integrated system organizes a company's experiences, operating procedures, best practices, information sources, competitive information and analytical tools. The goal is increasing profitability within a due diligence process while facilitating ongoing operations. The system incorporates a method for collaborating on due diligence issues to affect knowledge building within due diligence teams. The method includes accessing stored, accumulated knowledge in a repository from prior due diligence exercises, applying to due diligence decisions criteria based on consolidated analytical building blocks of past due diligence exercises and storing newly accumulated knowledge from the current due diligence exercise into the repository of accumulated knowledge. Access to this information is available globally via the internet as well as locally.

Abstract: An integrated system organizes a company's experiences, operating procedures, best practices, information sources, competitive information and analytical tools. The goal is increasing profitability within a due diligence process while facilitating ongoing operations. The system incorporates a method for collaborating on due diligence issues to affect knowledge building within due diligence teams. The method includes accessing stored, accumulated knowledge in a repository from prior due diligence exercises, applying to due diligence decisions criteria based on consolidated analytical building blocks of past due diligence exercises and storing newly accumulated knowledge from the current due diligence exercise into the repository of accumulated knowledge.

Abstract: A method of valuation of large groups of assets using an iterative and adaptive statistical evaluation to generate asset values is described. Individual asset values are developed and listed so that individual asset values can be rapidly taken and quickly grouped in any desired or prescribed manner for bidding purposes. One method of automated underwriting includes defining clusters of financial instruments by common attributes, receiving an expert opinion of value from selected samples of the clusters, checking values for combinations of attributes and reconciling the values. A collective valuation of the assets is established by cumulating the individual valuations.

Abstract: A method of valuation of large groups of assets by selecting a lowest variation assumption for asset valuation in order to limit risk includes the steps of evaluating assets by all known valuation methodologies which have merit for those particular assets, selecting the valuation methodology which is most accurate for the assets being evaluated and assigning values to the assets. Individual asset values are developed and listed in tables so that individual asset values can be taken from the tables and grouped in any desired manner. The asset s are divided into categories by credit variable and then rated individually.

Abstract: The cross correlation tool is used to quickly understand and describe the composition of an asset portfolio and the response of a user selected variable versus other variables in the portfolio. The tool is also used to quickly identify unexpectedly high or low correlation between two attribute variables and the response variable. Identification of unexpected correlations improves understanding of the portfolio data and the decisions regarding a potential purchase of the portfolio. Attribute variables are of two types, continuous and categorical. The cross correlations are computed between all variables of interest and their bin or level and presented in a two dimensional matrix for easy identification of trends.

Abstract: A method of valuation of large groups of assets by a partial full underwriting, partial sample underwriting and inferred valuation of the remainder using an iterative and adaptive statistical evaluation of all assets and statistical inferences drawn from the evaluation and applied to generate inferred asset values. Individual asset values are developed and listed so that individual asset values can be rapidly taken and quickly grouped in any manner for bidding purposes.. The assets are collected into a database, divided into categories, subdivided by ratings and then rated individually. Asset value is continuously recalculated based on progressively improving asset valuation data. The assets are then regrouped for bidding and a collective valuation is established by cumulating individual valuations.

Abstract: A method of valuation of groups of assets by partial full underwriting, partial sample underwriting and inferred values of the remainder using an iterative and adaptive statistical evaluation of all assets. Statistical inferences drawn from the evaluation are applied to generate the inferred values. The assets are collected into a database, catagorized, subdivided by ratings as to those variables and then rated individually. The assets are then regrouped according to a bidding grouping and a collective valuation is established. Simulated bid scenarios are examined for combinations of bid prices and a best bid price according to risk and return is determined.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A technique for measuring and selectively adjusting a clearance between a stationary object and desirably a rotating object includes a non-contact, sensing system having a sensor attachable to the stationary object, a mask having a predetermined sized viewport or aperture that sets or limits the sensing or operation of the sensor, and a controller. The sensor is operable for sensing within a field of view a portion of the rotating object and generating a signal in response thereto. The field of view varies in response to varying the clearance between the sensor and the second object. Desirably, the portion of the second object includes a varying pattern. The controller is operable to determine the clearance between the first object and the second object in response to the signal. In another embodiment, sensing system is operable to adjust the clearance by controller providing an electrical current to a resistive heating element in the thermally expandable portion of a plurality of segmented labyrinth seals.

Abstract: A system and method for performing computed tomography without having to use a complicated mechanical device to move an x-ray source about an object being scanned. Instead, this invention uses flexible waveguides such as optical fibers to direct the x-ray beams generated from the x-ray source. The waveguides direct the x-ray beam to the object at predetermined orientations and distances. A multiplexing unit optically coupled to the x-ray source and the waveguide, steers the x-ray energy from the x-ray energy source to the waveguide.