Abstract: A computer-implemented forecasting method is disclosed. The method may include collecting a plurality of historical demand streams. Each historical demand stream may include a time series of historical demand data for a target item at a product distribution node in a supply chain. The method may also include constructing a model tree for the plurality of historical demand streams based on a plurality of forecasting models. The method may further include forecasting a future demand stream of a target item to be distributed by a product distribution node by using a forecasting model that is associated with a specific subgroup that includes a historical demand stream of the target item at the product distribution node.

Abstract: A method to determine deposits in a steam generator having the steps of creating a calibration standard having at least two rings of deposit material, subjecting the calibration standard to an eddy current signal, wherein an amplitude of the signal reflected from the calibration standard is used to obtain a polynomial equation fit of the reflected eddy current signals to actual thickness of the rings, obtaining a steam generator with tubes, initiating an eddy current signal into the tubes of the steam generator, detecting and recording reflections of the eddy current signal initiated into the tubes of the steam generator, and determining a thickness of the deposits in the steam generator from the recorded reflections of the eddy current signal and the polynomial equation.

Abstract: A method to determine deposits in a steam generator having the steps of creating a calibration standard having at least two rings of deposit material, subjecting the calibration standard to an eddy current signal, wherein an amplitude of the signal reflected from the calibration standard is used to obtain a polynomial equation fit of the reflected eddy current signals to actual thickness of the rings, obtaining a steam generator with tubes, initiating an eddy current signal into the tubes of the steam generator, detecting and recording reflections of the eddy current signal initiated into the tubes of the steam generator, and determining a thickness of the deposits in the steam generator from the recorded reflections of the eddy current signal and the polynomial equation.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

Abstract: A calibration engine, which seeks to eliminate disconnects between both manual and automated calibration procedures. It abstracts the process of procedure development such that procedure writers can produce automated procedures without being computer programmers. By organizing calibration procedure elements in a relational database format, a relational automated calibration engine (RACE) provides the mechanism whereby a single calibration procedure can be executed in either a manual, automated, or semi-automated fashion. It supports pre-engineered standard substitution, is cross platform, and seeks to preserve the investment of existing calibration procedures. In order to work in multiple deployed environments, RACE has been authored to ensure maximum flexibility with regard to required hardware and software. The engine can operate both with and without an installed operating system and relational database server.

Abstract: An apparatus, for weaving leno fabric on a loom, including: a support having pivot means which enable the support to be pivotally mounted on the loom for reciprocal pivotal rotation about a pivot axis, the support carrying a plurality of ground thread blades arranged side by side in a row and spaced apart along the row to define in between neighbouring ground thread blades a guide space for a ground thread running along a predetermined pathway, a leno guide blade being located in each guide space to divide the guide space into first and second guide slots, each leno guide blade having at its terminal end a leno guide eye through which a leno thread is to be guided, adjacent ground thread blades projecting beyond the terminal end of the leno guide blade located therebetween to define a ground thread cross-over space, the ground thread and leno guide blades being arranged to extend from said pivotal axis as defined by the pivot means such that pivotal movement of the support in a first rotary direction causes t

Abstract: A yarn carrier (30) for presenting a selected yarn (16) to a pair of gripper jaws (26,28). The yarn carrier (30) includes a yarn guide passageway (14) defining a path along which the selected yarn (16) is longitudinally guided. The passageway (14) has a yarn inlet end, a yarn outlet end and adjacent to the yarn outlet end yarn guides (32) to constrain the tail of the yarn (YT) against lateral deflection in a longitudinal direction of the yarn carrier (30). The yarn guides (32) are depressible on contact with open gripper jaws (26,28) to enable the gripper jaws (26,28) to grip the yarn tail (YT).

Abstract: A method to assess and predict pressurized water stress corrosion cracking in operational nuclear power plants and the effect of adding zinc compounds into a reactor coolant system of the nuclear power plant.

Abstract: A segmented end shape for an elongate, parallel-sided wooden web for a roof truss, suitable for use in the Turb-O-Web method of roof truss construction, is shaped as a series of three or more substantially straight facets to approximate a notional part circle, preferably a semicircle having an endpoint coinciding with an endmost point of said web. The end shape includes an irregular part polygon having an end point coinciding with the endpoint of the notional part circle, and wherein junctions between one or more adjacent facets of the polygon lie outside the notional part circle and a part of one or more facets lie inside the notional part circle.

Abstract: A method of cutting an elongate timber web is disclosed which forms on each of two opposed ends thereof a tapered end shape including a series of at least four cuts at successive angles to approximate an arcuate convex end. The method includes the steps of performing first and second passes of the web through a saw having cutter groups at adjustably spaced apart locations, each cutter group having at least two cutters set to angles so that the cutters of each cutter group correspond to a subset of said series of cuts at a respective end of the web. The web is rotated between the passes, the rotation between passes and the cutter settings together result in a multi-faceted end cut.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

Abstract: An exhaust plug for engine heads including a plug portion having a generally square configuration. The plug portion has a lower end, an upper end, and peripheral side walls. The lower end is dimensioned for being slidably received within a port of the engine head. An outer cover portion is secured to the upper end of the plug portion. The outer cover portion has a generally square configuration. The securement of the plug portion to the outer cover portion defines an outer periphery for positioning over the port of the engine head when the plug portion is disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a newspaper vending machine which dispenses a single newspaper one at a time while protecting the remaining newspapers from pilferage and the elements. The vending machine includes a plurality of sequentially fixed rectangular slots to each support a newspaper. A releasable bottom door has a side extension attached to each slot. When a pull lever is outwardly pulled, the bottom door is forced open by a trip lever which pushes against a trip rod causing a newspaper to slide out of the slot and onto a slide bar. The newspaper then slides to the front of the vending machine where it is picked up by the purchaser. Specifically, a trip lever engaging device includes a pull hook which pulls a pull belt to cause the pull lever to engage a peripheral flange and thereby cause the bottom door of the newspaper slot to open and the newspaper to drop down.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention an apparatus for drilling composite materials which provides controlled depth drilling. In a first embodiment of the invention, a drill motor is integrated within a microstop cage and retained by a lock nut, such that by extending or shortening the microstop cage the depth of the hole drilled is decreased or increased, respectively. The drill motor is urged towards the composite surface against spring pressure which, in conjuntion with a stop collar, limits the depth of the hole drilled. Furthermore, the spring facilitates the retraction of the drill bit from the composite surface. Alternatively, the depth of a hole may be incrementally controlled by the amount that a stop cage is threaded onto an attachment sleeve that in turn is attached to the drill motor. The further the stop cage is threaded onto the attachment sleeve, the deeper the hole drilled will be as more of the drill bit will be exposed beyond the stop cage.