Abstract: Thermal Acoustic Imaging (TAI) methods and systems are provided for detecting defects in an object. The TAI system may include a plurality of acoustic wave transceivers (AWTs), which are positioned around the object at different locations, and a broadband frequency signal generator, which is coupled to each of the AWTs. The system may further include an acoustic processor configured to utilize the AWTs to gather acoustic data pertaining to the object, process the acoustic data to generate spectral response data, and then process the spectral response data to determine an optimized setup. The optimized setup may include optimized excitation frequencies and optimized inspection positions for positioning a plurality of infrared imaging devices at different locations around the object. A plurality of infrared imaging devices may then be selectively positioned with respect to the object at the optimized inspection positions and utilized to further inspect the object for defects.

Abstract: A discreet mirrored cabinet is disclosed. Items can be secured inside by a locking mechanism, and security is enhanced by concealing the locked cabinet behind a mirror. The cabinet may include additional features such as an automated camera for capturing images when items are added or removed from the cabinet, and electric power can be provided to, for example, charge electronic device while they are securely stored in the locked cabinet.

Abstract: A method includes generating an audio signal, generating a control signal that is configured to control a haptic feedback device that is incorporated into a device for delivering audio based on the audio signal to a user, and embedding the control signal in the audio signal by using a pseudorandom signal to form an encoded audio signal. Another method includes receiving a signal that includes an audio signal having an embedded control signal, recovering the control signal from the received signal by using a pseudorandom signal, using the recovered control signal to control a haptic feedback device that is incorporated into a device for delivering audio, recovering the audio signal from the received signal, and using the recovered audio signal to generate audio in the device for delivering audio. Systems perform similar steps, and non-transitory computer readable storage mediums each store one or more computer programs.

Abstract: A method includes generating an audio signal, generating a control signal that is configured to control a haptic feedback device that is incorporated into a device for delivering audio based on the audio signal to a user, and embedding the control signal in the audio signal. Another method includes receiving a signal that includes an audio signal having an embedded control signal, recovering the audio signal from the received signal, using the recovered audio signal to generate audio in a device for delivering audio, recovering the control signal from the received signal, and using the recovered control signal to control a haptic feedback device that is incorporated into the device for delivering audio. Systems perform similar steps, and non-transitory computer readable storage mediums each store one or more computer programs.

Abstract: A system may include a model library configured to model a safety system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The system further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The system further includes a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.

Abstract: Audio-Video Equipment Stand, suitable for supporting audio and video equipment constructed from a metal alloy type material, is dominated by four vertical support columns which provide support to the audio-video equipment stand shelves, are characterized by their size material make up and the unique support device bound to the audio-video equipment stand shelves, are visually well proportioned reflecting their ability to accommodate a wide variety of audio and video equipment, with the addition of sub frame and support bracket configurations, enable the housing of the audio-video equipment stand shelves, in addition, the audio-video equipment stand has the provision for engaging the connectivity requirements of audio and video equipment, courtesy of the connection options integrated into the audio-video equipment stand, thus enabling all forms of supported audio and video equipment to receive power, ensuring correct operation of all audio and video equipment.

Abstract: A system may include a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) system. The DRCE includes a model library configured to model a system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The DRCE further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The DRCE additionally includes a run-time risk calculation engine configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input, and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively evaluating a joined component includes inducing vibrations in the joined component within a range of frequencies, acquiring a resonance spectra from the joined component resulting from the induced vibrations, and analyzing the resonance spectra using Acoustic Sensor Testing (AST).

Abstract: A system includes a risk assessment system. The risk assessment system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on one or more static inputs and one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more dynamic inputs includes a location of a human resource, a mobile resource, or a combination thereof. The risk assessment system further includes a decision support system (DSS) configured to use the risk to derive one or more decisions based on the risk, the one or more static inputs, and the one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more decisions are configured to aid in operating an industrial facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optics assembly having a platform and removable and interchangeable modules, and in particular to an optics assembly for a Kalashnikov style firearm. In one embodiment, the assembly has two ends with a longitudinal axis there between. The base replaces the rear sight tower of the Kalashnikov style firearm. The base has a platform with edges overhanging relieved areas or slots. The base has a head with holes there through. Modules can be removably received upon the base. Each module has at least one mount for supporting an optic. Each module has ears that straddle the base head. The ears have holes that are alignable with the head holes for receiving a pin. The modules have ribs that are received within slots in the base as the module is slid along the longitudinal axis relative the base.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present technique a method includes receiving at least one of a speed and an acceleration of a rotating component in a rotating machine. The method includes determining whether at least one of the speed and the acceleration of the rotating component exceeds a non-trip operating (NTO) space in a speed-acceleration plane, wherein the NTO space is based on a trip overshoot model. The method further includes sending a notification for tripping the rotating machine in response to determining that at least one of the speed and the acceleration of the rotating component exceeds the NTO space.

Abstract: An example toner cartridge includes a reservoir for containing toner and an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port and movable between an open position and a closed position. A first linkage member is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature. A second linkage member is pivotally attached to a side wall of the housing and biased toward a home position. A third linkage member is movable with the second linkage member. When the second linkage member is in the home position, the third linkage member is in a blocking position preventing the first linkage member from opening the shutter. When the second linkage member pivots away from the home position, the third linkage member moves to a non-blocking position permitting the first linkage member to open the shutter.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to non-destructive evaluation methods. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation methods for the evaluation of friction welded bladed discs (“blisks”). In an embodiment, a method for non-destructive evaluation of a bladed disc structure includes identifying a region of interest on the bladed disc structure; positioning an ultrasonic transducer and receiver in the region of interest; scanning the region of interest using the ultrasonic transducer and receiver to produce a scan image; and comparing the scan image against a reference image to determine the presence of an anomaly in the region of interest.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided. After identifying a computer readable item, at least one opinion relating to the trustworthiness of the identified computer readable item is received, utilizing a network. Access to the computer readable item is then blocked or allowed, based on at least one opinion.

Abstract: A system for improved reliability operations of a system with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) are presented. The system includes a processor configured to execute a model library to model a safety system. The model library includes a plurality of subsystem models each configured to derive a reliability measure. The system also includes the HRSG and an HRSG advisory system. The HRSG advisory system may be executed by the processor and is configured to receive one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, receive one or more measurements; and determine a probability of failure for the HRSG based at least in part on the one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, the one or more measurements, the model library, or a combination thereof. Moreover, determining the probability of failure includes determining a most likely state of a plurality of states of the HRSG.

Abstract: Confectionery compositions, suitable for fillings, comprise one or more confectionery additives selected from sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, yoghurt powder, flavoring and emulsifier, together with a fat blend comprising: (i) polyunsaturated fatty acid residues in an amount of greater than 40% by weight based on total fatty acid residues in the fat blend; (ii) S2U triglycerides in an amount of between 10 and 50% by weight based on the weight of the fat blend, wherein S is a saturated fatty acid residue having 12-24 carbon atoms and U is an unsaturated fatty acid residue having 12-24 carbon atoms; and (iii) H2M+M2H triglycerides in an amount of less than 5% by weight based on the weight of the fat blend, wherein H is a saturated fatty acid residue having at least 16 carbon atoms and M is a saturated fatty acid residue having 8 to 14 carbon atoms; and wherein the fat blend has a content of trans fatty acid residues of less than 3% by weight based on total fatty acid residues in the fat blend, a content of dig

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and a method. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on a static input and a dynamic input, and a decision support system configured to use the risk to derive a decision. The system also includes a plant control system configured to update operations of a plant based on the decision, wherein the decision predicts future plant conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for drilling a borehole into an earthen formation, the method including contacting a first end housing at a first axial position with a first drive key, wherein the first end housing has a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first receptacle extending axially from the first end, and wherein the first drive key is disposed within the first receptacle in the first end housing and radially disposed between the first end housing and a driveshaft. In addition, the method includes transferring torque between the first end housing and the driveshaft via the first ball during. Further, the method includes, contacting the first end housing at a second axial position with the first drive key or a second drive key after (b), wherein the second axial position is axially spaced from the first axial position.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively evaluating a thickness of a coating layer on a turbine engine component includes directing an acoustic wave into the turbine engine component, the acoustic wave including a frequency and a wavelength, receiving a return time-domain signal reflected from the turbine engine component, and transforming the time-domain signal into a frequency-domain signal. The method further includes subtracting a baseline signal from the frequency-domain signal and determining a local minimum frequency of the baseline-subtracted frequency-domain signal. Still further, the method includes calculating the thickness of the coating layer based on the determined local minimum frequency. Additional evaluation methods including ones based on resistivity, terahertz, and microwave are further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separator 40 having first and second inlets, a turbine and a separation chamber having a centrifugal separation member. The first inlet is in direct fluid communication with a turbine inlet, and in use delivers high pressure vent air flow from a first gas turbine engine bearing housing to the turbine. The second inlet is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member, and in use delivers low pressure vent air flow from a second gas turbine engine bearing housing to the centrifugal separation member. An outlet of the turbine is in direct fluid communication with the centrifugal separation member. The centrifugal separation member is driven by the turbine.