Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatic determination of slice thickness of an image stack in a computerized stereology system, as well as automatic quantification of biological objects of interest within an identified slice of the image stack. Top and bottom boundaries of a slice can be identified by applying a thresholded focus function to determine just-out-of-focus focal planes. Objects within an identified slice can be quantified by performing a color processing segmentation followed by a gray-level processing segmentation. The two segmentation processes generate unique identifiers for features in an image that can then be used to produce a count of the features.

Abstract: A communication system is provided and includes a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on a rotor of a turbine at a radial distance from a centerline about which the rotor is rotatable, wiring disposed on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, the wiring including a first wiring section coupled to the sensor, a second wiring section and a first connection by which the first and second wiring sections are connectable, a second connection by which the second wiring section transmits a signal reflective of the detected condition to a non-rotating recording element and a temperature compensation module disposed on the second wiring section to adjust the signal.

Abstract: A method of assembling a probe assembly is provided. At least one probe is coupled to an annular tube, wherein the tube includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The tube also includes at least one first opening that extends between the interior and exterior surfaces and at least one second opening that extends between the interior and exterior surfaces. Moreover, at least one annular flange is coupled to the tube. The flange has a substantially elliptical shape that facilitates substantially preventing the relative rotation of the tube.

Abstract: A method for assembling a sensor assembly for use with a turbomachine is provided. The method includes providing a cover that includes a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion. A cavity is defined within the first portion. Moreover, a sensing device that is configured to measure at least one variable of a component of the turbomachine is inserted into the cavity. The second portion is removably coupled to a surface of the turbomachine component such that the cover securely couples the sensing device to the turbomachine component.

Abstract: A sensor is provided and includes a body disposed at a point of measurement interest on a rotor at a radial distance from a centerline thereof and having a substantially cylindrical shape and first and second opposing ends and a sensing end coupled to one of the first and second opposing ends, the other of the first and second opposing ends being coupled to a communication system, the sensing end including a sensing device configured to generate a signal reflective of a detected condition at the point of measurement interest, and at least one of the first and the second opposing ends being formed to define a shoulder portion for absorbing gravitational loading.

Abstract: A turbine is provided and includes a component having a body, which is rotatable about a rotor centerline and which is formed to define a cavity radially proximate to a point of measurement interest defined at a radial distance from the centerline, a sensor to measure a condition at the point of measurement interest, a communication system by which condition measurements are transmittable from the sensor to a non-rotating recording system and a probe holder insertible into the cavity to secure the sensor proximate to the point of measurement interest.

Abstract: A communication system is provided and includes a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on a rotor of a turbine at a radial distance from a centerline about which the rotor is rotatable, wiring disposed on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, the wiring including a first wiring section coupled to the sensor, a second wiring section and a first connection by which the first and second wiring sections are connectable, a second connection by which the second wiring section transmits a signal reflective of the detected condition to a non-rotating recording element and a temperature compensation module disposed on the second wiring section to adjust the signal.

Abstract: A turbine is provided and includes a rotor, which is rotatable about a centerline thereof, a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, a communication system by which condition measurements are transmittable from the sensor to a non-rotating recording system and a probe holder to secure the sensor and a portion of the communication system on the rotor proximate to the point of measurement interest.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: A method for attaching a connector to deposited material includes the steps of depositing material on a substrate using a thin- or thick-film deposition process and attaching at least one connector to the deposited material using a high energy beam welding process.

Abstract: A test machine and method for dynamically testing a tire/wheel assembly. A first laser measurement gage is directed to an inboard rim flange of the wheel to measure radial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. A second laser measurement gage is directed to the inboard rim flange to measure axial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. Displacement data and loading data are correlated to provide values for lateral stiffness, radial stiffness and ride stiffness.

Abstract: A tile assembly having a plurality of tiles adapted to join in an interlocking and repeating fashion. A plurality of tile assemblies can be joined to each other to form a roof. Each tile assembly includes left and right center tiles positioned side-by-side. Each tile has a generally diamond shaped main surface with vertically spaced upper and lower apices and laterally spaced lateral apices. Two upper flanges extend upwardly and outwardly from the main surface along upper edges and are joined in an upper flange apex. Each center tile includes two lower flanges that extend downwardly and outwardly from the main surface along the lower edges. The tile assembly includes upper and lower tiles of the same configuration. The upper tile fits over the adjacent upper flanges of the two center tiles, and the lower tile fits beneath the adjacent lower flange of the two center tiles.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: A tile assembly having a plurality of tiles adapted to join in an interlocking and repeating fashion. A plurality of tile assemblies can be joined to each other to form a roof. Each tile assembly includes left and right center tiles positioned side-by-side. Each tile has a generally diamond shaped main surface with vertically spaced upper and lower apices and laterally spaced lateral apices. Two upper flanges extend upwardly and outwardly from the main surface along upper edges and are joined in an upper flange apex. Each center tile includes two lower flanges that extend downwardly and outwardly from the main surface along the lower edges. The tile assembly includes upper and lower tiles of the same configuration. The upper tile fits over the adjacent upper flanges of the two center tiles, and the lower tile fits beneath the adjacent lower flange of the two center tiles.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heather plant named `Amethyst`, characterized by its dark purple flower buds; upright plant habit which allows for ease of mechanical pruning; freely branching habit; strong stems; and good keeping quality at low temperatures.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Heather plant named `Alicia`, characterized by its large, pure white flower buds; upright plant habit which allows for ease of mechanical pruning; freely branching habit; strong stems; and good keeping quality at low temperatures.