Abstract: Provided is a technique that includes determining a scope model including a process-element matrix including a set of processes, a set of elements, and process-element pairs that each correspond to a respective pair of a process of the set of processes and an element of the set of elements, and populating one or more of the process-element pairs of the process-element matrix to identify an actor associated with performing the process associated with the process-element pair for the element associated with the process-element pair, and to identify an attribute associated with the process-element pair.

Abstract: A method and kit are provided for visualization of a latent pattern of molecular structures on a substrate surface. The method is comprised of exposing the substrate to a solution of nano-particles or to a powder of nano-particles. A detectable change is brought about as a result of non-specific binding nano-particles to the chemical groups on the substrate surface carrying the target molecular structures. The invention also provides compositions and kit for practicing the method. Further, the invention provides methods of capturing image of the substrate surface for visualization and quantitation of the molecular structures.

Abstract: Wireless blasting systems present significant technical challenges. Discloses herein are blasting apparatuses, and methods for their use, that employ a network of blasting machines and detonators, each detonator capable of wireless communication not only with the blasting machines, but also with other detonators, so that those detonators (and associated components) that are “blind” to communication with the blasting machines can remain functional in the blasting network. Importantly, the wireless signal receiving, processing and transmitting means associated with each detonator is powered by a supply insufficient to cause inadvertent detonator initiation unless a specific FIRE signal is transmitted by a blasting machine, and received by the detonator.

Abstract: Railcar monitoring utilizes instrumented, flexible pads supported within the truck pedestal jaws on the bearing adapters. The pads contain sensors for monitoring temperature pressure, shifting loads, truck hunting and the like and have circuitry for processing information received from the sensors and for processing and reporting departures of performance variables to a remote source. The system cyclically activates polling each pad on a car and communicates signals of critical departures and car identity to a remote source.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade having a dovetail with an enhanced surface for durability is disclosed. The blade includes an airfoil section and a dovetail section disposed opposite the airfoil section. The dovetail section has an outer surface, at least a portion of which has residual compressive stresses resulting from a plurality of peening operations. The dovetail section also includes a copper-nickel-indium wear coating layer disposed over the outer surface having residual compressive stresses and a lubricant coating layer disposed over the copper-nickel-indium wear coating layer, wherein the lubricant coating layer is lead-free.

Abstract: A communications system and a method of wireless communication for mobile units (MU) within a facility having a central controller (FP server), a plurality of wireless base stations (BS1-BS11) having an adjustable transmission power. The base stations are distributed throughout the facility for wireless communication with the controller and the mobile units (MU). The controller (FP server) configures the base stations (BS1-BS11) into a plurality of micro-cells (MC1-MC6) each including at least two base stations (BS1-BS11) by adjusting the wireless transmission power of the base stations (BS1-BS11) such that at least one base station (BS1-BS11) in each micro-cell (MC1-MC6) is a member of another micro-cell (MC1-MC6). At least one base station is able to communicate with the central controller (FP server) and all mobile units (MU) within a selected area of the facility are able to communicate with at least one base station (BS1-BS11).

Abstract: Wireless detonators, and corresponding wireless detonator systems present opportunities for blasting arrangements that avoid the need for physical wire connections between the blasting components. The present application discloses a wireless detonator assembly, a corresponding blasting apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The wireless detonator assembly comprises a charge storage device that is capable of storing charge for discharge into a firing circuit upon receipt of an appropriate wireless command signal to FIRE, from an associated blasting machine. In preferred embodiments, the charge storage device remains or becomes charged, at least for a specific time period, if the wireless detonator assembly receives a suitable “keep alive” command signal from an associated blasting machine—otherwise the charge storage device discharges with little or no effect upon the firing circuit, such that the wireless detonator assembly retain or adopts a safe mode.

Abstract: A sump for a dispensing unit is disposed beneath the footprint of the dispensing unit and includes an auxiliary communication line receiving structure proximal to a drip area of the dispensing unit. The auxiliary communication line receiving structure delivers electrical and/or other communication line(s) to the dispensing unit from beneath the dispensing unit footprint without creating a potential leak path into or out of the sump.

Abstract: A new method for the prevention and treatment of Idiopathic inflammatory Bowel Disease (IIBD), including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, in human patients is provided. The key steps include sterilizing the intestinal tract with multiple antibiotics to kill the pre-existing bacterial flora, and replacing the latter with different, select, well-characterized bacteria taken from normal humans. The new microflora serve to generate more normal metabolic and immune responses, remitting thereby the IIBD.

Abstract: A process for forming an adhesive-based peelable, hermetic seal for a package in which the adhesive ruptures uniformly when the package is opened. A first polyacrylonitrile packaging film has a surface thereof treated with a corona discharge. An adhesive is applied to either the treated film or an opposing second packaging film and the first and second films are brought into contact. The corona discharge treatment of the polyacrylonitrile film reduces the bond strength between the adhesive and the treated film such that the adhesive peels cleanly and uniformly away from the seal area of the treated film, without "stringing".