Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antenna assembly includes additively manufacturing an element that is a monolithic structure and that includes (i) a ground plane including one or more aperture slots, (ii) a patch antenna above the ground plane, and (iii) a sacrificial support feature to support the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes applying a dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna. In an example, applying the dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna includes providing a dielectric foam between the ground plane and the patch antenna, where the dielectric foam at least in part supports the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes removing at least a section of the sacrificial support feature, such that any remnant of the support feature does not physically couple the ground plane to the patch antenna.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing network access services to mobile users via mobile terminals over a satellite system. In embodiments, dynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on the same satellite beam can take advantage of statistical multiplexing of large numbers of users and on different usage patterns between fixed terminals and mobile users. In embodiments, quality-of-service (QoS) is controlled for mobile devices at a per-user level. Mobile users may be provisioned on the satellite system according to a set of traffic policies based on their service level agreement (SLA). System resources of the satellite may be allocated to mobile users based on the demand of each mobile user and the set of traffic polices associated with each mobile user, regardless of which mobile terminal is used to access the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the reduction of fouling in a crude unit. Chemicals containing Phosphorous are understood to be utilized in the production or transportation of certain types of crude oils. It is believed that the elevated levels of phosphorus are contributing to the excessive fouling observed in the preheat exchanger circuits and crude heaters.

Abstract: Fluid medium such as light cycle oil, water, FCC slurry and decanted oil, improve this method for vacuum distillation of a petroleum product. The method may be used in the petroleum refining industry for fractionating of petroleum base stock in a vacuum column. The fluid medium prevents the formation of thermoset polymers and the resultant fouling of the wash beds in the vacuum column.

Abstract: Fluid medium such as light cycle oil, water, FCC slurry and decanted oil, improve this method for vacuum distillation of a petroleum product. The method may be used in the petroleum refining industry for fractionating of petroleum base stock in a vacuum column. The fluid medium prevents the formation of thermoset polymers and the resultant fouling of the wash beds in the vacuum column.

Abstract: Fluid medium such as light cycle oil, water, FCC slurry and decanted oil, improve this method for vacuum distillation of a petroleum product. The method may be used in the petroleum refining industry for fractionating of petroleum base stock in a vacuum column. The fluid medium prevents the formation of thermoset polymers and the resultant fouling of the wash beds in the vacuum column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the reduction of fouling in a crude unit. Chemicals containing Phosphorous are understood to be utilized in the production or transportation of certain types of crude oils. It is believed that the elevated levels of phosphorus are contributing to the excessive fouling observed in the preheat exchanger circuits and crude heaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the reduction of fouling in a crude unit. Chemicals containing Phosphorous are understood to be utilized in the production or transportation of certain types of crude oils. It is believed that the elevated levels of phosphorus are contributing to the excessive fouling observed in the preheat exchanger circuits and crude heaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the reduction of fouling in a crude unit. Chemicals containing Phosphorous are understood to be utilized in the production or transportation of certain types of crude oils. It is believed that the elevated levels of phosphorus are contributing to the excessive fouling observed in the preheat exchanger circuits and crude heaters.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis that has a strap plate and a hollow, tapered femoral neck subassembly. The femoral neck includes a flanged force plate that radiates from a head stem base and abuts the femur. Several longitudinal ridges and/or an annular recess or other surface treatment at the head stem base facilitates retention in the femur. Shaped surfaces of a femoral neck at the strap plate interlock in non-rotational engagement with a bore of the head stem base. A tapered stem projects from the force plate and supports a ball head. The strap plate includes laterally and longitudinally displaced elongated fastener holes and stress relieving recesses and/or channels. Fasteners anchor the strap plate to the femoral shaft. A shouldered bolt mounts through the femoral neck to engage the ball head base and draw the ball head base and ball head toward the strap plate and contain the prosthesis to the femur.

Abstract: A resilient, pivoting ankle brace for conventional footwear. A lower stirrup adjusts at a mounting plate secured beneath the insole of a shoe to align to the ankle. A malleable upper stirrup pivots at a mating joint cap of the lower stirrup. A range of stirrup rotation can be set at the joint. A cushioned support collar mounts to the upper stirrup and adjustable straps retain the collar to the leg. One or more braces can be supported to the shoe to constrain foot movement. Alternative constructions of lower stirrup to mounting plate fastenings and pivot joints are disclosed. Separate stirrup and strap cushions which align to the instep and Achilles tendon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light seal for the counting chamber of a scintillation counter comprises a ring shutter mounted in the shielded housing which forms the counting chamber. The ring shutter is mounted for rotation between an open position where an aperture in the ring shutter is aligned with an opening into the shielding housing to permit transfer of sample vials in and out of the counting chamber, and a closed position where a shroud portion of the shutter covers the opening in the housing to block the entry of light. The ring shutter closely surrounds the sample vial in the counting chamber and is preferably formed of a radiation shielding material. The shroud portion of the ring shutter includes a cam for engaging a sample vial disposed within the shutter aperture when the shutter rotates from the open position to the closed position, for lifting the sample vial to a predetermined elevation within the counting chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable dental impression tray including a primary unit and two complementary movable units slidably mounted telescopically on the primary unit for adjustment with respect thereto. The primary unit is provided with an outwardly extending flexible flap cooperable with a rigid tab and is adapted to receive and secure the movable unit in a predetermined adjusted position with respect to the primary unit.

Abstract: A mechanism for centering a movable member within an elongated passageway of variable width, such as for use in an article transport system of a benchtop scintillation detector or other laboratory sample processor. The centering is performed by a plurality of outwardly bowed guide elements attached to the movable member, arranged around the periphery of the movable member, and oriented generally along the axis of travel of the movable member. In the particular embodiment herein, the guide elements are maintained in bowed position by one or more biasing means housed within the movable member. The bowing of the guide elements urges the movable member toward the center of the passageway at all times, regardless of the transverse dimension of the passageway, and regardless of the presence of gaps in the passageway.