Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting a winding fault and the winding fault severity in a brushless direct current motor before motor failure. Methods for detecting a winding fault include time domain based sequence component analysis, fast Fourier transform analysis, or Hilbert analysis. Methods for detecting the severity of a winding fault include analysis of the standard deviation of real mean squared values determined using motor currents.

Abstract: A health signature of each switching device in a control system is estimated using system parameters such as a DC-link voltage, three-phase voltages, three-phase currents, and temperature. The switching devices can be implemented as transistors, and a health signature for each transistor may be an on-state resistance or an on-state voltage of the transistors. For example, the on-state resistance for a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) functions as a health signature. Alternatively, the on-state voltage is used as a health signature for an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Additionally, a junction temperature is estimated for each transistor. Using the estimated health signatures and the junction temperatures, the remaining useful life of each transistor is estimated.

Abstract: A failsafe valve system configured to bring the valve to a predefined state (e.g., fully opened, fully closed) if the actuator fails (e.g., loss of power). The failsafe system of the present disclosure is energy efficient and reliable.

Abstract: The TekGlow invention allows the ability to see keyboard keys, keypads or keyboard key markings in the dark without the use of direct power sources like electricity or batteries. All that is required for stated item/s to glow in the dark is that they must be exposed to a light source like a lamp or sunlight for a period of time. They would need to be re-introduced to a light source again to glow in the dark for more glowing time.

Abstract: A method of regulating the refrigerant temperature for a beverage machine, including a refrigeration system for producing a frozen beverage, operating at least one compressor at a speed to flow the refrigerant through the refrigeration system of the beverage machine and cooling the refrigerant with at least one condenser. The method may also include controllably varying the flow of air across the at least one condenser or the speed of the at least one compressor.

Abstract: Laser-based and non-laser-based visual targeting systems for use with skill cranes and other amusement vending machines are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an amusement vending machine includes a see-through enclosure containing at least one prize. A user-operable controller, such as a joystick, positioned on the outside of the enclosure is operably connected to a pick-up device, such as a claw, positioned within the enclosure. Selective operation of the controller causes the pick-up device to move within the enclosure and perform a prize pick-up maneuver. In one aspect of this embodiment, the amusement machine further includes a visual targeting system that provides a visual indication of the position of the pick-up device relative to the prize to assist the player in positioning the pick-up device before attempting the prize pick-up maneuver.

Abstract: Wipes for use in and around the house. The present invention relates to disposable wipes for household use which help reduce and control allergens. The wipes include an allergen control agent. The wipes may be moistened. The wipes may be used to treat surfaces such as fabric-based surfaces in and around the house. The present invention also relates to a method for treating surfaces in and around the house utilizing the disposable wipes of the present invention.

Abstract: An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 100%. A process for manufacturing the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fibrous web having a first surface and a second surface. The fibrous web has a first region and at least one discrete second region, the second region being a discontinuity on the second surface and being a tuft comprising a plurality of tufted fibers extending from the first surface. The tufted fibers define a distal portion, the distal portion comprising portions of the tufted fibers being bonded together. Bonding can be thermal melt-bonding. In another embodiment the second surface of the web can have non-intersecting or substantially continuous bonded regions, which also can be thermal melt-bonding.

Abstract: A method of regulating the refrigerant temperature for a beverage machine, including a refrigeration system for producing a frozen beverage, operating at least one compressor at a speed to flow the refrigerant through the refrigeration system of the beverage machine and cooling the refrigerant with at least one condenser. The method may also include controllably varying the flow of air across the at least one condenser or the speed of the at least one compressor.

Abstract: A method of forming flexible bags from a continuous web is disclosed. The method includes introducing a continuous web of sheet material and passing it through a process whereby the flexible bag is formed having elastic-like behavior. The continuous web is processed into a continuous web having at least two regions that are visually distinct. A sheet material is introduced having one portion of the sheet material overlapping another portion of the sheet material. The sheet material is formed into a strainable network. The strainable network includes a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions. The first regions are substantially un-deformed and the second regions are formed into disengageable pleat elements. As the overlapped portions of the sheet material are formed they engage each other at the pleat elements. The pleat elements of each overlapped portion become engaged within each other and resist disengagement because of the frictional forces of the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film web substrates and more particularly to such web substrates wherein the inherent elongation properties of a given web material are modified. An exemplary web material is formed from first and second precursor webs. A first side of the web material is formed from the first precursor web and integral extensions of the second precursor web that extend through the first precursor web.

Abstract: An array grid includes a plurality of interlocking elongate strips. The strips are structured and configured to provide sufficient lateral support for steam generator tubing while minimizing the risk of attack by stress corrosion cracking to the steam generator tubes.

Abstract: A blowdown manifold for a nuclear power plant includes a main conduit section, at least one coolant exhaust conduit, and at least one fluidic device. The main conduit section is connected to a pressure relief system in the nuclear power plant. The coolant exhaust conduit has a first end coupled to the main conduit section and a second end extending into a receptacle. The fluidic device is in fluid communication with the main conduit and exhibits a lower flow resistance to air than to water and steam.

Abstract: An augmented cooling system for a CEDM in a nuclear reactor includes self actuated louvers or flap valve louvers which allow hot air from the head lift rig to vent and cooler ambient air to enter the rig in the event that pressure is lost for the forced cooled air which normally cools the CEDM.

Abstract: A drain system for a shutdown cooling system of a pressurized water reactor type of a nuclear power plant (10) has an increased flow rate in the drain pipe (28) and drain pump (33). The hot leg (18) connected drain pipe has a vaned vortex breaker (30) mounted therein between its connection with the hot leg (18) lower region and the drain pump (33). This minimizes vortex-created cavitation in the drain pump thereby permitting the increased flow rate.

Abstract: A tank (18) forms a chamber having an upper and lower region. The tank (18) is in even elevation with a horizontal pipe (12) having a top region and a bottom region. An upper connecting pipe (14) fluidly connects the top region of the pipe (12) to the upper region of tank (18). A lower connecting pipe (16) fluidly connects the bottom region of pipe (12) to the lower region of the tank (18). Heat junction thermocouples (22) generate a signal indicative of water in the pipe (12). The signal is transmitted to a remote location by line (24).

Abstract: Means and method are disclosed for determining the fluid content within a large pressure vessel (12), without penetrating the vessel. Strain gauges (60) are located at the weight-bearing support structures (24) of the vessel, whereby calibrated differences in the weight of the empty vessel and the vessel as measured during operation gives a direct indication of fluid content. Preferably, the strain gauges (60) are associated with strain amplification elements (80) or shims, which are interposed between mating surfaces of the vessel support (24) and its base (44). The stress amplification element (80) has a smaller area of contact with the support member (24) than with the base (44), providing an effective higher coefficient of elasticity than that of the support member. In one embodiment, the strain gauge (60) is connected to a bolt (64) which tightly secures the vessel support (24) to its base (44).