Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for descaling a vessel. The apparatus includes a frame having a frame top and a frame bottom, the frame including a longitudinal axis running from the frame top to the frame bottom. The apparatus includes an outrigger stabilizing assembly attached to the frame. The outrigger stabilizing assembly has a plurality of arms configured to extend and retract radially with respect to the longitudinal axis to abut against a wall of the vessel. The apparatus includes a turret attached to the frame bottom. The apparatus includes a hammer assembly pivotally attached to the turret. The hammer assembly has an extendable and retractable boom pivotally attached to the turret. The boom has first and second ends, and there is a reciprocating hammer pivotally attached to the second end of the boom.

Abstract: The present disclosure is based on the identification of biomarkers of combined genetic variants and imaging measurements, in predicting faster decline in cognitive measures and brain glucose metabolism in populations with Alzheimer's disease or those susceptible to developing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Ballistic chaps for protecting the femur and femoral artery region of a wearer as well as the knee portions and lower leg portions include leg portions with ballistic armor inserts that extend downwardly from a wearer's waist region to terminate at a point above the wearer's ankles, thereby covering at least a front portion of the wearer's upper thighs, preferably also the hip and flank, as well as the knee region and the frontal lower leg region. The leg portions terminate at the sides of the wearer, thereby providing flexibility of movement and minimizing heat entrapment. A plurality of attachment regions may be provided on the exterior surface of the leg portions to provide a mounting platform for various types of peripheral equipment. A quick release system is employed to allow rapid detachment of the ballistic chaps from the wearer.

Abstract: An Effective Current Density (ECD) method for continuum representation of conducting networks is disclosed. ECD is a method for representing large numbers of conductors in a single, compact model for use in circuit simulation and in other such applications. The models created through the application of ECD are continuum models, valid in both long and short wavelength limits, with the important property that the computation time does not grow with the number of wires in the network. Therefore, in circuits where the method can be applied, there is no limit to the number of conducting wires or components in the network to be simulated. Circuits with an unlimited number of conductors can be simulated using modest computing hardware and at an approximately constant order of simulation complexity.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube that comprises a tubular member having a longitudinal axis and having an inner surface that is divided into at least two regions along the circumferential direction. A first plurality of polyhedrons are formed on the inner surface along at least one polyhedral axis. Each of the polyhedrons have four opposite sides. The polyhedrons have first and second faces that are disposed parallel to the polyhedral axis and have third and fourth faces disposed oblique to the polyhedral axis. The polyhedral axis is disposed at a first helical angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube. A second plurality of polyhedrons is formed on the inner surface adjacent to the first plurality of polyhedrons. The second plurality of polyhedrons is disposed along at least one polyhedral axis. Each of the polyhedrons has four opposite sides. The polyhedrons have first and second faces disposed parallel to the polyhedral axis and have third and fourth faces disposed oblique to the polyhedral axis.

Abstract: An internally enhanced heat pipe with a groove opening size that is smaller than the size of the groove bottom.

Abstract: The Direct Internet Access system makes use of an L2TP/UDP/IP connection to the Internet via a L2TP Network Server and the existing Local Area Network or Wide Area Network of the cellular communication network. This system uses a Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol which provides a virtual dial-up access to corporate gateways by extending the dial-up connection that is established between the mobile subscriber station and the Mobile Switching Center to the Internet or a corporate gateway over the Internet. The user has an L2 connection to an access concentrator in the Mobile Switching Center, which then tunnels individual Point-to-Point Protocol frames to the L2TP Network Server, so that the packets can be processed separately from the location of the circuit termination. This means that the mobile subscriber station call connection can terminate at a local circuit concentrator in the Mobile Switching Center, eliminating possible long-distance charges, among other benefits.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube and a method of forming a heat transfer tube with indents formed in the opposed walls. The indents may be cold welded or forge welded such that dimples or indentations meet in the middle of the tube. The bottom of a first indentation disposed on a first side of the tube is welded to the bottom of a second indentation formed in the opposite side of the tube.

Abstract: An improved gas laser is disclosed. The laser has a support tube to support and to maintain the alignment of the optical resonator structure. The gas lasing medium is used within the support tube to maintain the tube at a substantially constant temperature above the ambient. Furthermore, an active temperature controller is disclosed. The temperature controller maintains the gas lasing medium in the support tube at a substantially constant temperature. An active pressure controller is also disclosed. The active pressure controller uses a pressure sensor, an electronic processor, and a motor-driven needle valve to maintain the pressure of the gas lasing medium in the laser within the desired operating pressure range. The laser can also be switched in operation from a continuous mode to a pulsing mode. An active power control system is disclosed wherein the power output of the laser, through an active feedback loop is maintained at the desired level.