Abstract: In various examples, systems and methods are described that generate scene flow in 3D space through simplifying the 3D LiDAR data to “2.5D” optical flow space (e.g., x, y, and depth flow). For example, LiDAR range images may be used to generate 2.5D representations of depth flow information between frames of LiDAR data, and two or more range images may be compared to generate depth flow information, and messages may be passed—e.g., using a belief propagation algorithm—to update pixel values in the 2.5D representation. The resulting images may then be used to generate 2.5D motion vectors, and the 2.5D motion vectors may be converted back to 3D space to generate a 3D scene flow representation of an environment around an autonomous machine.

Abstract: In various examples, a deep neural network (DNN) may be used to detect and classify animate objects and/or parts of an environment. The DNN may be trained using camera-to-LiDAR cross injection to generate reliable ground truth data for LiDAR range images. For example, annotations generated in the image domain may be propagated to the LiDAR domain to increase the accuracy of the ground truth data in the LiDAR domain—e.g., without requiring manual annotation in the LiDAR domain. Once trained, the DNN may output instance segmentation masks, class segmentation masks, and/or bounding shape proposals corresponding to two-dimensional (2D) LiDAR range images, and the outputs may be fused together to project the outputs into three-dimensional (3D) LiDAR point clouds. This 2D and/or 3D information output by the DNN may be provided to an autonomous vehicle drive stack to enable safe planning and control of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A deep neural network(s) (DNN) may be used to detect objects from sensor data of a three dimensional (3D) environment. For example, a multi-view perception DNN may include multiple constituent DNNs or stages chained together that sequentially process different views of the 3D environment. An example DNN may include a first stage that performs class segmentation in a first view (e.g., perspective view) and a second stage that performs class segmentation and/or regresses instance geometry in a second view (e.g., top-down). The DNN outputs may be processed to generate 2D and/or 3D bounding boxes and class labels for detected objects in the 3D environment. As such, the techniques described herein may be used to detect and classify animate objects and/or parts of an environment, and these detections and classifications may be provided to an autonomous vehicle drive stack to enable safe planning and control of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A double-sided flap disc for use on a mounted grinder. A carrier plate has abrasive flaps attached around its outer perimeter on both sides. The flaps are arranged so that each side mirrors the other, that is, the flaps attached to one side face clockwise and the flaps attached to the other side face counterclockwise. This allows a U-shaped workpiece, such as a horseshoe, to be moved side to side against both sides of the disc, to provide symmetrical grinding.

Abstract: A method for making a permeable filter in a wellbore includes introducing a spacer material comprising a plurality of solid particles to a rock formation penetrated by the wellbore. A binder material is introduced to the rock formation. The binder material is susceptible to change of state from liquid to solid. The state of the binder material is changed from liquid to solid, and a size of at least some of the plurality of particles of the spacer material is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to thermal imaging systems and methods and uses therefor, and in a particular though non-limiting embodiment, to a method of detecting corrosion under insulation, as well as corrosion-related material data associated therewith. The system utilizes advanced infrared imaging video cameras to detect characteristic signatures of wet thermal traits on process equipment. Various embodiments of the invention integrate equipment, automation, and algorithms to form a method for identifying wet thermal insulation by scanning multiple locations along insulated piping, tanks, or other manufacturing equipment. Such scans can occur individually, sequentially, or simultaneously, with the results then being stored and comparatively analyzed.

Abstract: The present truck bed cap consists of an internal frame having a first shelf, a second shelf and a top, wherein the internal frame is connected to corner supports attached to the bed of the truck. In a first motion the top shifts vertically with respect to the internal frame. In a second motion the internal frame shifts vertically with respect to the corner supports and the bed of the truck.

Abstract: The present truck bed cap consists of an internal frame having a first shelf, a second shelf and a top, wherein the internal frame is connected to corner supports attached to the bed of the truck. In a first motion the top shifts vertically with respect to the internal frame. In a second motion the internal frame shifts vertically with respect to the corner supports and the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously and continuously monitoring both the general and localized corrosion of a working metallic electrode is provided, wherein a low frequency, low amplitude periodic potential excitation is used to perturb the electrode around its free corrosion potential. The potential is controlled with respect to a reference electrode by means of a potentiostat, and an auxiliary electrode used to stimulate current flow. The current response of the working electrode is monitored and analyzed continuously for general and localized corrosion activity. Means are provided for validation of the integrity of the current response to the applied potential excitation. Simultaneous and continuous outputs for both general and localized corrosion activity are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to thermal imaging systems and methods and uses therefor, and in a particular though non-limiting embodiment, to a method of detecting corrosion under insulation, as well as corrosion-related material data associated therewith. The system utilizes advanced infrared imaging video cameras to detect characteristic signatures of wet thermal traits on process equipment. Various embodiments of the invention integrate equipment, automation, and algorithms to form a method for identifying wet thermal insulation by scanning multiple locations along insulated piping, tanks, or other manufacturing equipment. Such scans can occur individually, sequentially, or simultaneously, with the results then being stored and comparatively analyzed.

Abstract: The invention provides a separator for the removal of solids from a drilling liquid, the separator comprising a tube settler (4) through which the drilling liquid can flow and beneath which a particle collection container is arranged for collecting solids separated from the liquid in the tube settler, wherein the solids collection container is a transportable container that is separate or separable from the tube settler. The invention further provides a process for the removal of solids from a drilling liquid using a separator, in which process a drilling liquid comprising solids is set to flow through a tube settler in order to allow the solids to settle out, thereby obtaining a solids depleted drilling liquid and an accumulation of solids. The invention also provides for the use of a separator comprising a tube settler to remove solids from a drilling liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously and continuously monitoring both the general and localized corrosion of a working metallic electrode is provided, wherein a low frequency, low amplitude periodic potential excitation is used to perturb the electrode around its free corrosion potential. The potential is controlled with respect to a reference electrode by means of a potentiostat, and an auxiliary electrode used to stimulate current flow. The current response of the working electrode is monitored and analyzed continuously for general and localized corrosion activity. Means are provided for validation of the integrity of the current response to the applied potential excitation. Simultaneous and continuous outputs for both general and localized corrosion activity are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plug in a casing includes a body of plug material and a carrier for insertion into a casing. The carrier supports the body of plug material. The carrier includes a mandrel and at least two circular flanges spaced apart along the mandrel. The carrier also includes a heater for heating the mandrel. The mandrel is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the material and the plug material slumps into the casing between the at least two circular flanges. The at least two circular flanges force the expanded solidifying plug material against the casing which aids the transfer of heat between the mandrel and the plug material, and resists creep of the solidified material along the casing.

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for coding video in which a predetermined algorithm is used to predict portions of the image based on information that will already be available to the decoder at the time of decoding the image. By using known corresponding algorithms in both coder and decoder, and only information that will be available to the decoder, the need to transmit detailed information regarding choices made in coding, e.g. motion vectors is avoided. However, a vector relationship can still be derived for use in the prediction. Prediction can be made based on an assumption that the content of the portion to be coded is similar to the content of an associated image portion, and by determining a vector relating the associated image portion to a reference image (both of which will be available to the decoder), the current image portion can be predicted from a further part of the reference image. The invention can be used in a form of modified pyramid coding.

Abstract: A tubular probe has spaced apart bands or patches of the same material as the probe body attached to the probe body by an electrically insulating, high temperature material. A series of cooling tubes are provided within the probe body to direct cold air to the regions near each band. One or more probes is placed in a furnace or boiler above the ammonia injection zone. When ammonium bisulfate forms on the probe it completes an electrical circuit between the probe body and the bands and will also cause corrosion of the probe. The presence of ammonium bisulfate is detected by a change in resistance between the bands and the probe body. Electrochemical noise is generated during the corrosion process. A corrosion rate can be determined from the level or amount of electrochemical noise that is detected.

Abstract: A tubular probe has spaced apart bands or patches of the same material as the probe body attached to the probe body by an electrically insulating, high temperature material. A series of cooling tubes are provided within the probe body to direct cold air to the regions near each band. One or more probes is placed in a furnace or boiler above the ammonia injection zone. When ammonium bisulfate forms on the probe it completes an electrical circuit between the probe body and the bands and will also cause corrosion of the probe. The presence of ammonium bisulfate is detected by a change in resistance between the bands and the probe body. Electrochemical noise is generated during the corrosion process. A corrosion rate can be determined from the level or amount of electrochemical noise that is detected.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in superheater and reheater furnace tubes measures electrochemical activity associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. A sensor containing two electrodes spaced apart by an insulator is used. The surface of a boiler tube is one of the electrodes. The sensor is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software, which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical activity. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the furnace operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion.

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reducing corrosion in furnace boiler tubes measures electrochemical noise associated with corrosion mechanisms while corrosion is occurring at the surface of the tubes as they are exposed to combustion products. This noise is detected using a probe at the boiler waterwall surface that is connected to a corrosion monitor. The monitor contains a computer and software which determines a corrosion rate from the measured electrochemical noise. That rate is compared to a standard to determine if the rate is within acceptable limits. If not, the operator of the furnace or an Adaptive Process Controller (APC) is notified and adjusts one or more burners to change the combustion products that are responsible for the corrosion. Such an adjustment could be made by changing the amount of air or fuel being provided to the burner or other air slots or air ports.