Abstract: U-splines are a novel approach to the construction of a spline basis for representing smooth objects in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). A spline is a piecewise-defined function that satisfies continuity constraints between adjacent cells in a mesh. U-splines differ from existing spline constructions, such as Non-Uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS), subdivision surfaces, T-splines, and hierarchical B-splines, in that they can accommodate local variation in cell size, polynomial degree, and smoothness simultaneously over more varied mesh configurations. Mixed cell types (e.g., triangle and tetrahedron and quadrilateral and hexahedral cells in the same mesh) and T-junctions are also supported. The U-spline construction is presented for curves, surfaces, and volumes with higher dimensional generalizations possible. A set of requirements are given to ensure that the U-spline basis is positive, forms a partition of unity, is complete, and is locally linearly independent.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented for Flex Representation in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). The Flex Representation Method (FRM) leverages unique computational advantages of splines to address limitations in the process of building CAE simulation models from CAD geometric models. Central to the approach is the envelope CAD domain that encapsulates a CAD model. An envelope CAD domain can be of arbitrary topological and geometric complexity. Envelope domains are constructed from spline representations, like U-splines, that are analysis-suitable. The envelope CAD domain can be used to approximate none, some, or all of the features in a CAD model. This yields additional simulation modeling options that simplify the model-building process while leveraging the properties of splines to control the accuracy and robustness of computed solutions. The potential of the method is illustrated through several carefully selected benchmark problems.

Abstract: One example includes a utility power system. The system includes a power generator system, the power generator system comprising a generator step-up (GSU) transformer and a power generator. The power generator can be configured to provide generator power to a power transmission system via the GSU transformer in a feedback manner based on a predetermined setpoint. The system further includes a voltage droop compensation controller configured to monitor the generator power at a high-side of the GSU transformer and to adjust the predetermined setpoint based on the monitored generator power to substantially mitigate circulating currents.

Abstract: A method of creating an interconnected combination of a stored energy electric generation system to a variable electric power generation system, said combination, and a method of operating same. A stored energy electric generation system is added to a variable output electric power generation system. An input/output of the stored energy electric power generation system is connected to a power output of the variable electric power generation system and an indicator of power flow level through the power input/output of the stored energy electric power generation system is provided to a controller of the variable electric power generation system. The controller is configured to adjust the output power of the variable electric power generation system based on the indicator of the present stored energy system electric power flow level and a present site output electric power level.

Abstract: Systems and methods to incorporate control of reactive power produced by a variable reactive power output inverter that is installed in an existing installed power generation site. A reactive power output command value limiter is integrated with the variable reactive power output inverter. The reactive power command limiter iteratively: receives a reactive power command value, determines a threshold reactive power output value based on present real power output, determines that the reactive power command value exceeds the threshold reactive power output value, changes, based on the determining that the reactive power command value exceeds the threshold reactive power output value, the reactive power output command input value to a limited value reactive power output command that is one of equal to or less than the threshold reactive power output value, and outputs the limited value reactive power output command to the variable reactive power output inverter.

Abstract: One example includes a utility power system. The system includes a power generator system, the power generator system comprising a generator step-up (GSU) transformer and a power generator. The power generator can be configured to provide generator power to a power transmission system via the GSU transformer in a feedback manner based on a predetermined setpoint. The system further includes a voltage droop compensation controller configured to monitor the generator power at a high-side of the GSU transformer and to adjust the predetermined setpoint based on the monitored generator power to substantially mitigate circulating currents.

Abstract: Systems and methods to incorporate control of reactive power produced by a variable reactive power output inverter that is installed in an existing installed power generation site. A reactive power output command value limiter is integrated with the variable reactive power output inverter. The reactive power command limiter iteratively: receives a reactive power command value, determines a threshold reactive power output value based on present real power output, determines that the reactive power command value exceeds the threshold reactive power output value, changes, based on the determining that the reactive power command value exceeds the threshold reactive power output value, the reactive power output command input value to a limited value reactive power output command that is one of equal to or less than the threshold reactive power output value, and outputs the limited value reactive power output command to the variable reactive power output inverter.

Abstract: A method of creating an interconnected combination of a stored energy electric generation system to a variable electric power generation system, said combination, and a method of operating same. A stored energy electric generation system is added to a variable output electric power generation system. An input/output of the stored energy electric power generation system is connected to a power output of the variable electric power generation system and an indicator of power flow level through the power input/output of the stored energy electric power generation system is provided to a controller of the variable electric power generation system. The controller is configured to adjust the output power of the variable electric power generation system based on the indicator of the present stored energy system electric power flow level and a present site output electric power level.

Abstract: A laser resonator comprises a cylindrical gain medium, a cooling system and a coupling member. The cylindrical gain medium comprises a central axis, an outer side surface, two opposing end faces and a first depression in the outer side surface. The cooling system comprises a cooling jacket disposed around the gain medium that defines a cooling cavity, in which cooling fluid is guided over the side surface of the gain medium. In one embodiment, the cooling jacket comprises a second depression. The coupling member is received within the first and second depressions. Movement of the first depression along the central axis relative to the cooling jacket is restricted by the coupling member.

Abstract: A technique for coarsening a finite element mesh (“FEM”) is described. This technique includes identifying a coarsening region within the FEM to be coarsened. Perimeter chords running along perimeter boundaries of the coarsening region are identified. The perimeter chords are redirected to create an adaptive chord separating the coarsening region from a remainder of the FEM. The adaptive chord runs through mesh elements residing along the perimeter boundaries of the coarsening region. The adaptive chord is then extracted to coarsen the FEM.

Abstract: A laser resonator comprises a cylindrical gain medium, a cooling system and a coupling member. The cylindrical gain medium comprises a central axis, an outer side surface, two opposing end faces and a first depression in the outer side surface. The cooling system comprises a cooling jacket disposed around the gain medium that defines a cooling cavity, in which cooling fluid is guided over the side surface of the gain medium. In one embodiment, the cooling jacket comprises a second depression. The coupling member is received within the first and second depressions. Movement of the first depression along the central axis relative to the cooling jacket is restricted by the coupling member.

Abstract: A micro sized multi-axis semiconductor skin friction/wall shear stress induced by fluid flow. The sensor design includes a shear/strain transduction gimble connected to a force collecting plate located at the flow boundary surface. The shear force collecting plate is interconnected by an arm to offset the tortional hinges from the fluid flow. The arm is connected to the shear force collecting plate through dual axis torsional hinges with piezoresistive torsional strain gauges. These gauges are disposed on the tortional hinges and provide a voltage output indicative of applied shear stress acting on the force collection plate proximate the flow boundary surface. Offsetting the torsional hinges creates a force concentration and resolution structure that enables the generation of a large stress on the strain gauge from small shear stress, or small displacement of the collecting plate. The design also isolates the torsional sensors from exposure to the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method includes in one embodiment wearing a first resilient sleeve having a first elbow pad on a first arm of the poker player, positioning the elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's elbow of the first arm, and compressing a portion of the first resilient elbow pad between a surface of a poker table and the poker player's first elbow of the first arm to resiliently support the weight of the poker player's first arm on the first elbow pad during play of a plurality of poker games. The method may further include positioning a hot pack or a cold pack in a pocket attached to the sleeve on the first arm during play of the plurality of poker games.

Abstract: A movable power implement is provided for operation by an operator positioned adjacent to the implement and the operator directs the implement via a handle of the implement. The implement includes a lower portion having a base, a motor located on the base, a driven operational mechanism operatively connected to the motor for driven operation, a first handle portion connected to the base, a second handle portion connected to the first handle portion, and a handle height adjustment apparatus. The handle height adjustment apparatus includes a connection mechanism adjustably connecting the second handle portion to the first handle portion. The connection mechanism includes a first pin located on one of the first and second handle portions and a plurality of pin receptacles located on the other of the first and second handle portions. The first pin is locatable into a respective pin receptacle for each respective adjusted position of the second handle portion.

Abstract: A micro sized multi-axis semiconductor skin friction/wall shear stress induced by fluid flow. The sensor design includes a shear/strain transduction gimble connected to a force collecting plate located at the flow boundary surface. The shear force collecting plate is interconnected by an arm to offset the tortional hinges from the fluid flow. The arm is connected to the shear force collecting plate through dual axis torsional hinges with piezoresistive torsional strain gauges. These gauges are disposed on the tortional hinges and provide a voltage output indicative of applied shear stress acting on the force collection plate proximate the flow boundary surface. Offsetting the torsional hinges creates a force concentration and resolution structure that enables the generation of a large stress on the strain gauge from small shear stress, or small displacement of the collecting plate. The design also isolates the torsional sensors from exposure to the fluid flow.

Abstract: A movable power implement is provided for operation by an operator positioned adjacent to the implement and the operator directs the implement via a handle of the implement. The implement includes a lower portion having a base, a motor located on the base, a driven operational mechanism operatively connected to the motor for driven operation, a first handle portion connected to the base, a second handle portion connected to the first handle portion, and a handle height adjustment apparatus. The handle height adjustment apparatus includes a connection mechanism adjustably connecting the second handle portion to the first handle portion. The connection mechanism includes a first pin located on one of the first and second handle portions and a plurality of pin receptacles located on the other of the first and second handle portions. The first pin is locatable into a respective pin receptacle for each respective adjusted position of the second handle portion.

Abstract: A method for performing T-spline based isogeometric analysis is disclosed. An analysis suitable geometry (ASG) description is initially generated from a T-spline surface or volume computer-aid design (CAD) description. Subsequently, a T-spline based isogometric analysis (IGA) code structure that uses the ASG description having ASG analysis ready data is generated.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator system comprises an offset reflector structure made up of a plurality of solar energy reflector panel sections interconnected with one another to form a piecewise approximation of a portion of a (parabolic) surface of revolution rotated about a prescribed focal axis. Each panel section is comprised of a plurality of reflector facets whose reflective surfaces effectively focus reflected light to preselected surface portions of the interior sidewall of a cylindrically shaped solar energy receiver. The longitudinal axis of the receiver is tilted at an acute angle with respect to the optical axis such that the distribution of focussed solar energy over the interior surface of the solar engine is optimized for dynamic solar energy conversion.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive transfer elements having a plastic film foundation carrying a frangible, complete-release pressure-transfer layer applied by means of a volatile coating vehicle and comprising a solid solution of a fluorescing dye in the resinous binder material of said layer. Such transfer elements are adapted to transfer solid images to the surface of a copy sheet, which images fluoresce under exposure to ultraviolet light and are automatically detectible when sensed on the imaged surface of the copy sheet but are not detectible when sensed through the obverse side of the copy sheet.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive transfer ribbons of the squeeze-out or reusable type having a thin, flexible plastic film foundation having bonded thereto a microporous resinous ink layer containing pressure-exudable liquid ink and designed for use in high speed printing or impact machines in which the ribbon is moving during impact. The invention comprises the formation of a thin friction-reducing or slip-permitting layer of silicone polymer on the rear or impact surface of the film foundation in order to reduce the friction between the moving printing element and the moving film foundation and prevent grabbing of the film foundation and breakdown of the bond between the film foundation and the ink layer.