Abstract: A method of performing indentation plastometry is provided.

Abstract: A system for facilitating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a CPR performer on a patient includes first, second, and third sensors configured to be positioned at least partially between a hand of the CPR performer and a chest of the patient. The first sensor is configured to measure a depth of compressions provided by the CPR performer on the patient. The second sensor is configured to measure a rate of the compressions. The third sensor is configured to measure a recoil of the compressions. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive data from the first, second, and third sensors. The computing system is also configured to compare the received data to stored data in a library that corresponds to the received data. The computing system is also configured to generate one or more outputs in response to the comparison.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can improve performance in scanning laser devices. Specifically, the systems and methods emit first emission control pulse sets that are used to detect when objects (e.g., persons) are within a relatively close first safety range. Then second emission control pulses to detect when objects are within a second safety range. Then, higher energy long-range pulse sets are conditionally emitted only when objects were not detected within the first and second safety ranges with the first and second emission control pulse sets. The use of first and second emission control pulse sets can provide for improved reliability of nearby object detections, while still meeting the energy limits needed for eye safety.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can facilitate increased detector sensitivity and reliability in a scanning laser device. Specifically, the systems and methods utilize detectors with multiple sensors that are configured to receive reflections of laser light pulses from objects within a scan field. These multiple sensors are configured to receive these reflections through the same optical assembly used to scan the laser light pulses out to the scan field. Furthermore, the multiple sensors are configured to at least partially cancel the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly itself. The cancellation of the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly can improve the sensitivity of the detector, particularly for the detection of low energy reflections of laser pulses from within the scan field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a characteristic of a cement slurry at a cementing unit, including regulating a characteristic of the cement slurry employing a closed loop feedback arrangement in the cementing unit, and adjusting a gain of the closed loop feedback arrangement in response to sampling an error of the characteristic.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can facilitate increased detector sensitivity and reliability in a scanning laser device. Specifically, the systems and methods utilize detectors with multiple sensors that are configured to receive reflections of laser light pulses from objects within a scan field. These multiple sensors are configured to receive these reflections through the same optical assembly used to scan the laser light pulses out to the scan field. Furthermore, the multiple sensors are configured to at least partially cancel the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly itself. The cancellation of the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly can improve the sensitivity of the detector, particularly for the detection of low energy reflections of laser pulses from within the scan field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a characteristic of a cement slurry at a cementing unit, including regulating a characteristic of the cement slurry employing a closed loop feedback arrangement in the cementing unit, and adjusting a gain of the closed loop feedback arrangement in response to sampling an error of the characteristic.

Abstract: An automated computer controlled electrical materials characterization system in which a material sample is subjected to focused near field polarization controlled microwave electrical energy radiation. Response of the material sample to either of reflected or transmitted/refracted microwave radiation is determined by a microwave energy sensor disposable in a range of physical locations with respect to the sample. Automated and unattended operation of the characterization system by way of disclosed computer software is provided. Computer positioned, lens equipped, microwave antenna horn elements provide source and reception functions for the sample received and discharged microwave radiation. Output signal polarization response from the sample examination is especially considered. The disclosed system is especially suited to characterization of “negative index” electrical materials and has utility with a variety of other materials.

Abstract: A heat and humidity exchanger comprises a pleated membrane cartridge disposed in a housing. The cartridge comprises a pleated water-permeable membrane via which heat and humidity can be transferred between two fluid streams. A flow field element is disposed within some or all of the folds of the pleated membrane, for directing the stream over the inner surfaces of the folds. The flow field path defined by the flow field element enhances flow distribution across one or both membrane surfaces, controlling the relative flow paths of the two streams on opposite sides of the membrane and reducing the pressure drop across the heat and humidity exchanger. The flow field elements provide improved water transfer and allow for a more compact device. The flow field elements can also assist in supporting the pleated membrane and controlling the pleat spacing within the pleated membrane cartridge. The heat and humidity exchanger is particularly suitable for fuel cell and energy recovery ventilator (ERV) applications.

Abstract: AC-coupled equivalent series resistance (ESR) is introduced into a control circuit to provide additional stability in the feedback control loop. A sub-circuit emulates the effect of a higher value ESR in the output capacitor. The additional ESR in the feedback control loop inserts a zero into the transfer function that describes the circuit response at a desired frequency. The added zero compensates for the effects of unwanted or unavoidable poles in the transfer function, allowing for a greater range of input signal frequencies.

Abstract: The invention provides for a sealing device for a valve bag. The sealing device has two sections separated by a perforated seam. Each section is secured to one side of the valve channel and has an adhesive surface covered by a protective sheet. The two sections are perforated by the filling tube when the valve bag is filled, once the valve bag is filled the protective sheet is cleaned and removed and the two sections of the sealing device are pressed together and secured by the interaction of their adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: A subsea control valve is described having an improved hydraulic actuation system for movement of the gate and shear seal. The described valve also features a pressure monitoring arrangement for sensing pressure within portions of the valve. In a second described aspect, a control valve is provided with a segmented solenoid core actuator that allows for more certain actuation of the valve. In a further aspect, a valve system is described having a manifold with an improved fluid distribution system. In a further aspect, an exemplary valve is described having a pair of solenoid actuation coils. In still a further aspect, a solenoid actuated valve is provided with pulse-type actuation.

Abstract: The invention provides for a sealing device for a valve bag. The sealing device has two sections separated by a perforated seam. Each section is secured to one side of the valve channel and has an adhesive surface covered by a protective sheet. The two sections are perforated by the filling tube when the valve bag is filled, once the valve bag is filled the protective sheet is cleaned and removed and the two sections of the sealing device are pressed together and secured by the interaction of their adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of residue from the surface of a container where the method comprises cooling the container and residue adhered to the container surface to a low temperature, substantially embrittling the residue, fragmenting the residue, separating the residue from the surface of the container and removing the residue from the container. The container is placed in an enclosure with an opening in the top of the enclosure to permit access to the interior of the container when a container lid is removed. The system includes a rotating base to turn the container to facilitate freezing and removal of the residue.

Abstract: A commodity container is provided that includes a cylindrical body that is preferably open substantially the full diameter at the top with an outwardly extending flange and an inner sealing band extending to a height above the top of the flange. On the body sits a removable lid having a cylindrical side wall depending down and terminating with an outwardly extending, wherein the lid is adapted to sit on the open end of the body with the lid flange above the body flange and the sealing band overlapping the lid side wall. A channel is formed between the inner sealing band, the body flange and the lid flange. A gasket is placed in the channel and the gasket is compressed between the body flange and the lid flange for sealing the container. The large opening of this container facilitates having commodity residue cryogenically cleaned from the interior.

Abstract: The amount of small airborne particles of rice hull ash is minimized by treating the particles with a coating of vegetable oil and/or glyceride in and on the surface of the particles without filling the porous spaces within the rice hull ash particles.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle has a seat for a rider, mounted on a frame, steering apparatus, and a drive train for supplying driving power to a drive wheel incorporating a pair of reciprocating pedals connected to the drive wheel through one way clutches. The pedals are connected to the clutches by cables which operate to return each pedal as the other receives power from the rider. The vehicle has three sets of wheels, and two handles which are effective for steering all three sets of wheels (or other supports, such as skates) independently. The vehicle is braked by steering two sets of wheels in opposite directions.