Abstract: A method of configuring a vortex flow control device 2 comprising a vortex chamber 4, an inlet 6 and an outlet 8 arranged at one end of the vortex chamber 4, wherein the method comprises the steps of: setting a target maximum flow rate FT-MAX through the outlet 8 for a predetermined pressure PT-MAX at the inlet; setting a target vortex initiation flow rate FT-VI through the outlet 8 at which vortex flow within the vortex chamber 4 initiates; determining the actual maximum flow rate FA-MAX through the outlet 8 for the predetermined pressure PT-MAX at the inlet 6; determining the actual vortex initiation flow rate FA-VI through the outlet 8; determining an error parameter E based on at least one of the actual maximum flow rate FA-MAX and the actual vortex initiation flow rate FA-VI and at least one of the target maximum flow rate FT-MAX and the target vortex initiation flow rate FT-VI, comparing the error parameter E against a target condition CT; and, if the error parameter E fails to satisfy the target condit

Abstract: When each new device or service is installed into a network, a hyper-server reads a configuration description provided by the new device or service and adapts to provide a user interface for configuring its capabilities. A first server gathers descriptions of available commands and parameters from many diverse devices and services. A second server presents an administrator or operator with a control panel for one or many client devices. The panel presentation changes with respect to the devices or services selected. The hyper-server registers the capabilities of each device or service and transfers the commands and parameter settings to the appropriate device or service under configuration control.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring a fuel gas (e.g., natural gas) between the tug and barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge, such as relative vertical displacement between the tug and barge and/or relative rotation between the tug and barge about a forward-aft axis of the tug.

Abstract: A system and method for providing starter credit card products to selected customers of a credit card issuer is disclosed. Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention enable a credit card issuer to identify a group of customers that may not eligible to obtain standard credit card products offered by the credit card issuer. The credit card issuer may rank these customers and present offers for starter credit card accounts with adjusted account parameters tailored to these customers. The credit card issuer monitors the activities of each starter card account during a trial period to determine whether each respective account has met predetermined criteria. Based on the results of the monitor process, the credit card issuer may adjust the parameters associated with each starter credit card account.

Abstract: A finisher arrangement for surface finishing of parts, including a bowl-type centrifugal finishing device for agitating a mixture of parts and treating media within the bowl, and a handler for loading and unloading the parts/media to and from the bowl, respectively. The finishing device and handler are positioned sidewardly adjacent but on opposite sides of a rotary drive unit which defines a transfer horizontal drive axis. Arm linkages couple each of the finishing device and handler to the drive unit so that each is independently vertically swingable about the drive axis into respective loading and unloading positions.

Abstract: An exemplary method for scheduling jobs in frames representing views of a geographic information environment is disclosed. An exemplary method includes determining a remaining frame period in a frame representing a view of a geographic information environment. The exemplary method also includes identifying a dynamic job in a scheduling queue. The dynamic job has a non-preemptive section that is between a start of the job and a preemption point of the job. The exemplary method further includes determining an estimated execution time for executing the job. When the estimated execution time is not greater than the remaining frame period, the exemplary method includes executing the non-preemptive section of the job in the frame. When the estimated execution time is greater than the remaining frame period, the exemplary method includes postponing the execution of the job in the frame.

Abstract: A tool for reporting a particular time using vibration is disclosed. The tool assigns a distinct vibration to separate hour regions and minute regions. The tool uses a short series of vibration pulses, one of which is the distinct vibration assigned to the hour region associated with the hour of the particular time, to indicate the hour. The tool produces the distinct vibration assigned to the minute region associated with the minute of the particular time, to indicate the minute to the nearest quarter hour. The total sequence of pulses consists of no more than five separate vibrations.

Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle includes a fascia member defining a forward end of an engine compartment of the vehicle and a radiator disposed in the engine compartment rearwardly spaced from the fascia member. At least one structural brace extends from a location at or near an underside of the vehicle to a location at or near an upper end of the engine compartment. A duct member is interposed between the fascia member and the radiator. The duct member at least partially blocks the radiator and defines a duct passage extending from an underside opening of the vehicle to the radiator. The duct member has at least one recess defined therein that receives the at least one structural brace.

Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle includes a facia member defining a forward end of an engine compartment of the vehicle and a radiator disposed in the engine compartment rearwardly spaced from the facia member. A duct member is interposed between the facia member and the radiator. The duct member at least partially blocks the radiator and defines a duct passage extending from an underside opening of the vehicle to the radiator. At least one duct opening is defined in the duct member for supplementing air flow to the radiator from the underside opening.

Abstract: A system and method for providing starter credit card products to selected customers of a credit card issuer is disclosed. Methods, systems and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention enable a credit card issuer to identify a group of customers that may not eligible to obtain standard credit card products offered by the credit card issuer. The credit card issuer may rank these customers and present offers for starter credit card accounts with adjusted account parameters tailored to these customers. The credit card issuer monitors the activities of each starter card account during a trial period to determine whether each respective account has met predetermined criteria. Based on the results of the monitor process, the credit card issuer may adjust the parameters associated with each starter credit card account.

Abstract: A vibratory mass finishing machine for faster finishing of parts along with better finishing of the parts (e.g., smoother finishing) compared to the prior art vibratory mass finishing machines. The vibratory mass finishing machine allows the use of a motor with increased horsepower, incorporates a top eccentric weight located at a position below a line defined by a center of mass of the media, and has the top eccentric weight positioned close to a bottom eccentric weight.

Abstract: A computer system which includes a plurality of threads and a garbage collector that traces memory objects and identifies memory objects according to a three-color abstraction. The computer system also includes two methods of deleting compiled code in a self-modifying multi-threaded computer system. The computer system also utilizes a method of handling links between fragments of code in a self-modifying multi-threaded computer system. The computer system also handles patches between two pieces of code.

Abstract: A stormwater gully comprises a chamber in which an outlet assembly is installed. The outlet assembly comprises filter units connected to an outlet housing. In use, stormwater can flow from the chamber in an upwards direction through filter units into the outlet housing. The outlet housing has an outlet, which extends from the gully. At high rates of flow, the water level in the chamber will rise until water can flow into the outlet housing through bypass inlets. The bypass inlets are connected to the interior of the housing by siphons defined by arched regions of a top cover. The siphons allow rapid discharge of water until the water level returns below the level of the bypass inlets. A slow drain down feature is provided which enables the chamber and outlet assembly to be drained below the level of the primary inlet.

Abstract: A method for verifying the accuracy of memory testing software is disclosed. A built-in self test (BIST) fail control function is utilized to generate multiple simulated memory fails at various predetermined locations within a memory array of a memory device. The memory array is then tested by a memory tester. Afterwards, a bit fail map is generated by the logical-to-physical mapping software based on all the memory fails indicated by the memory tester. The bit fail map provides all the fail memory locations derived by the logical-to-physical mapping software. The fail memory locations derived by the logical-to-physical mapping software are then compared to the predetermined memory locations to verify the accuracy of the logical-to-physical mapping software.

Abstract: A modified air dam includes an integral spring-like, corrugate-shaped portion for absorbing impact forces imposed on the air dam. A lower portion of the air dam is generally planar and angled slightly from a vertical plane toward the front of the vehicle. The air dam also includes a rounded portion to provide a horizontal offset between upper and lower portions of the air dam and to direct airflow toward a bottom portion of the radiator. The air dam may also be curved side-to-side or employ an inverted, generally U-shaped portion as a first force absorbing region and a spaced rib that serves as a second force absorbing region. The generally U-shaped portion also advantageously extends over a fastener and mounting region of the air dam.

Abstract: A cryogenic tunnel freezer (10) having modular design and construction including a lower section (16) that can be raised and lowered relative to an upper section (14), the upper and lower sections (14, 16) defining a tunnel (12) when the lower section (16) is in a closed (raised) position. Product is moved through the tunnel (12) via a belt (22) formed of arrays of plastic modules (76) that are reinforced by metal chains (140) and rods (150). The lower run (23) of the belt (22) rides on the floor (48) of the lower section (16) and the upper run (21) rides on the lower run (23) when the belt (22) is operated. The flow of cryogenic fluid through the tunnel (12) is aided by vaporization of a cryogenic fluid and baffles (98), but no air-moving devices located within the tunnel (12).

Abstract: A stormwater gully comprises a chamber in which an outlet assembly is installed. The outlet assembly comprises filter units connected to an outlet housing. In use, stormwater can flow from the chamber in an upwards direction through filter units into the outlet housing. The outlet housing has an outlet, which extends from the gully. At high rates of flow, the water level in the chamber will rise until water can flow into the outlet housing through bypass inlets. The bypass inlets are connected to the interior of the housing by siphons defined by arched regions of a top cover. The siphons allow rapid discharge of water until the water level returns below the level of the bypass inlets. A slow drain down feature is provided which enables the chamber and outlet assembly to be drained below the level of the primary inlet.

Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle includes a fascia member defining a forward end of an engine compartment of the vehicle and a radiator disposed in the engine compartment rearwardly spaced from the fascia member. At least one structural brace extends from a location at or near an underside of the vehicle to a location at or near an upper end of the engine compartment. A duct member is interposed between the fascia member and the radiator. The duct member at least partially blocks the radiator and defines a duct passage extending from an underside opening of the vehicle to the radiator. The duct member has at least one recess defined therein that receives the at least one structural brace.

Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle includes a facia member defining a forward end of an engine compartment of the vehicle and a radiator disposed in the engine compartment rearwardly spaced from the facia member. A duct member is interposed between the facia member and the radiator. The duct member at least partially blocks the radiator and defines a duct passage extending from an underside opening of the vehicle to the radiator. At least one duct opening is defined in the duct member for supplementing air flow to the radiator from the underside opening.

Abstract: A stormwater gully comprises a chamber in which an outlet assembly is installed. The outlet assembly comprises filter units connected to an outlet housing. In use, stormwater can flow from the chamber in an upwards direction through filter units into the outlet housing. The outlet housing has an outlet, which extends from the gully. At high rates of flow, the water level in the chamber will rise until water can flow into the outlet housing through bypass inlets. The bypass inlets are connected to the interior of the housing by siphons defined by arched regions of a top cover. The siphons allow rapid discharge of water until the water level returns below the level of the bypass inlets. A slow drain down feature is provided which enables the chamber and outlet assembly to be drained below the level of the primary inlet.