Abstract: A proximity switch (20, 20A) that snaps quickly and locks between first and second positions of movable electrical contacts (32). A magnet (42) moves a first shaft (26) toward a magnetic target (62) when the target is proximate a sensor end (43) of the switch housing (22). A spring (44) urges the first shaft (26) away from the sensor end. Movement of the first shaft causes a second spring (64) to urge a second shaft (28) in the direction of the first shaft. Next the second shaft is released (52) to move in the direction urged by the second spring. The switch may be adapted to a client cable pin configuration via an adapter plug (80) in the housing with a flexible interconnection circuit (82) folded in a chamber between the adapter plug and leads from fixed electrical contacts (38) of the switch.

Abstract: A method that includes comparing a first brake pressure measured at a first transducer that is part of a braking system on a lead powered unit of a distributed power (DP) system to a second brake pressure measured at a second transducer that is part of a braking system on a remote powered unit of the DP system. The method also includes determining whether the second transducer is functioning within designated operational parameters when the DP system is operating in a DP mode based on comparing the first brake pressure to the second brake pressure.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for achieving a balance between pre-filter efficiency and pre-filter throughput. Event subscriptions are obtained for a given event consumer. The event subscriptions define the events to be routed to this event consumer. Pre-filters of varying complexity and filtering power are constructed based on these event subscriptions. A balance between pre-filter efficiency and pre-filter throughput may be achieved by selecting the best pre-filter out of these constructed pre-filters to filter events to its associated event consumer. The best pre-filter is selected by comparing a complexity threshold (e.g., a limit for the number of atomic Boolean expressions in a pre-filter) with the actual complexity (e.g., the actual number of atomic Boolean expressions) for each constructed pre-filter and selecting the most complex pre-filter without exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: A fail-to-neutral diagnostic technique for a transmission that includes a variator may include monitoring a state of a pressure differential valve fluidly coupled to a high side pressure applied to at least one actuator coupled to at least one corresponding roller of the variator and also fluidly coupled to a low side pressure applied to the at least one actuator, determining from the state of the pressure differential valve a variator torque sign corresponding to whether torque transferred by the at least one roller is positive or negative, determining an expected variator torque sign based on current operating conditions of the transmission, and commanding the transmission to a true neutral condition if the determined variator torque sign is different from the expected variator torque sign.

Abstract: Methods are provided for facilitating the diagnosis of subjects with HER1-activated cancers. In addition, method of treating subjects with a cancer characterized as having high levels of activated HER1 are provided. Also provided are methods for determining or otherwise assessing the prognosis of an subject with a HER1-activated cancer. The methods include the analysis of samples for the presence or the absence of activated HER1 markers as indicated by HER1-HER1 homodimers, HER1 phosphorylation at position 1173, pan-phosphorylation of HER1 or associated molecules, or HER1-HER2 heterodimers. Activated HER1 measurements can be used to track a subject's response to a treatment regimen, predict the success of using a particular treatment regimen, determine the effects of a treatment regimen, or for categorizing a subject in order to create a homogenous group for a clinical trial.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the Transporting of Fibre Channel data over Ethernet are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, Fibre Channel data frame and primitive signals are transported over Ethernet instead of using the Fibre Channel FC-1 and FC-0 protocols. This allows less expensive Ethernet equipment and devices to transport and perform services for Fibre Channel connected devices without having a physical Fibre Channel interface. The ability to provide Fibre Channel services and functions without having a physical Fibre Channel interface allows existing Ethernet equipment to be placed into service as SAN components without modification.

Abstract: A power module is disclosed that includes a housing with an interior chamber wherein multiple switch modules are mounted within the interior chamber. The switch modules comprise multiple transistors and diodes that are interconnected to facilitate switching power to a load. In one embodiment, at least one of the switch modules supports a current density of at least 10 amperes per cm2.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is provided which is configured to select 2M selected identifiers within a possible range of up to 2N identifiers, where M?N. The data processing apparatus comprises a selection storage unit configured to store N+1 identifier selection bits, wherein a position of a marker bit in the N+1 identifier selection bits determines M, and an identifier selection unit configured to determine the 2M selected identifiers. The 2M selected identifiers are defined by a base identifier and 2M?1 identifiers incrementally following that base identifier. N?M bits of the N+1 identifier selection bits form N?M most significant bits of the base identifier, and M trailing zeroes form the M least significant bits of the base identifier.

Abstract: Techniques for a maximum entropy approach to assigning probabilities, including those used in multiple realization history matching systems and methods, are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method includes obtaining one or more available sample values Yi associated with a reservoir; computing a maximum entropy assignment ? of one or more discrete probabilities Pi(Yi) associated with each of the one or more available sample values Yi, where each discrete probability Pi(Yi) represents a probability that one or more variables Y will take a set of particular values Yi; and performing at least one determination regarding the reservoir using the maximum entropy assignment ?, including approximating a continuous probability distribution P(Y) using a sum of probability distributions Pi(Yi)+/??.

Abstract: A component removal apparatus for use with a turbine engine is provided. The apparatus includes a main body and at least one alignment member that extends from the main body, wherein the alignment member is configured to position the apparatus relative to at least a portion of a component of the turbine engine. At least one leg member extends outwardly from at least one end portion of the main body. At least one lifting member is coupled to the leg member and is configured to apply a force to the leg member and/or the main body to facilitate the removal of the component from the turbine engine.

Abstract: Process for evaluating the effect of a refinery feedstock on a refinery process by (i) providing a refinery feedstock (ii) treating the refinery feedstock to produce a plurality of fractions each representative of a feedstock for the refinery process, the plurality of fractions having at least two fractions with different properties; (iii) treating each of the plurality of fractions under experimental conditions representative of those in the refinery process, the treatments being carried out in an essentially parallel manner; and (iv) determining one or more performance criteria for each fraction for the refinery process by analyzing the respective product streams produced from each fraction at least partially in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributed pressure sensing. The apparatus comprises a series of Bragg gratings, a light guide incorporating the series of Bragg gratings and a plurality of moveable wall portions. The moveable wall portions are coupled to respective Bragg gratings so that the movement of one of the moveable wall portion causes a force on the respective Bragg grating resulting in a change in strain of the respective Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises at least one rigid member that is attached at attachment regions between which a sensing region of at least one Bragg grating is defined. The rigid member is arranged so that a strain in the sensing region is not directly influenced by a change in strain of the light guide outside the sensing region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method administering nitric oxide at very high concentrations to healthy skin, tools, implements, support surfaces, and sterile fields to provide sterilization. The apparatus and method providing sterilization in a dry environment lacking the common undesirable effects of anti-microbial soaps and antiseptics.

Abstract: A computing device including a mounting component at a panel of the computing device to couple with a docking stand for a removable battery of the computing device to electrically couple and receive power from the docking stand and the removable battery supplies power to the computing device if the computing device decouples from the docking stand.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and transmitting uterine EMG signals is disclosed, where a signal processing module processes incoming uterine EMG signals from a patient and wirelessly transmits a processed signal to an information relaying device. The information relaying device is then configured to download the processed signal and transmit the signal to a call center or health care facility for physician evaluation. The system is ambulatory, thus allowing the patient to record and transmit uterine EMG signals anywhere a satisfactory transmission may be made. Additionally, a system and method of using electromyography for monitoring and diagnosis of uterine rupturing is disclosed, where incoming electrical signals from the lower uterine segment muscle fibers demonstrate an attenuated signal as the lower uterine segment thins and separates during the dilatation and effacement process of labor identifying those patients at increased risk for rupture.

Abstract: A count value generator includes an input for receiving a synchronizing count value, a counter configured to increment at a local frequency, the local frequency being faster than the synchronizing frequency, and an interpolator for determining a frequency ratio between the local frequency and the synchronizing frequency and for determining an increment value for the counter dependent on a relative amount of a maximum value of the counter with respect to the frequency ratio is disclosed. The counter generates a count value including a predetermined number of bits representing integer values and output as the lower order bits of the output count value and additional lower order bits that represent fractional portions of the integer values. The counter includes output circuitry for outputting the synchronizing count value and the predetermined number of bits representing integer values generated by the counter as the lower order bits of the count value.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an inner surface of a slot includes a first block segment that has an outer perimeter that conforms to and fits inside the inner surface of the slot. A first cleaning pad is connected to the first block segment and extends beyond at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first block segment.

Abstract: In a general methodology for insulation defect identification in a generator core, a Chattock coil is used to measure magnetic potential difference between teeth. Physical knowledge and empirical knowledge is combined in a model to predict insulation damage location and severity. Measurements are taken at multiple excitation frequencies to solve for multiple characteristics of the defect.