Abstract: The pipeline leak detector travels through a pipeline passively due to the flow of liquid through the pipeline. The device includes leading and trailing rings shaped to produce hydrodynamic resistance in order for the device to be carried through the pipeline. Wheels are provided about each ring. At least one wheel has an odometer to measure distance traveled through the pipe. The rings are joined by a plurality of axially oriented connecting rods. A plurality of sensing elements extend between the rings. Each sensing element has a thin laminate of a piezoelectric film sandwiched between two electrically conductive layers, and an electrically insulating coating on the outside of each conductive layer. One of the rings, e.g., the trailing ring, includes microelectronic circuitry for data acquisition and storage, e.g., estimates of the magnitude of any leakage encountered, the location of the leakage based upon the odometer travel, etc.

Abstract: The add-on heat sink includes an elongate base having a plurality of fins extending from a surface thereof. A magnetic layer is disposed on the bottom of the base, which permits the add-on heat sink to be installed on any ferromagnetic heated surface. The magnetic layer is composed of either a polymer matrix having a plurality of thermally conductive structural components and a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed therein, or a thermally conductive polymer having magnetic particles dispersed therein. Alternatively, if the heated surface is not ferromagnetic, the heat sink may be magnetically attached by adhesively attaching mating magnetic and ferromagnetic pads to the heat sink and to the heated surface. This configuration allows the add-on heat sink to be installed with minimal footprint. Optionally, a fan may be magnetically attached to the heat sink to cool the heated surface by both conduction and convection.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for controlling laser cutting through surface plasma monitoring provides real-time monitoring and control of laser cutting quality. Laser cutting of a workpiece is controlled through monitoring of surface plasma generation, particularly during a laser gas-assisted cutting process. The apparatus includes a Langmuir probe positioned adjacent the impingement point of the laser beam on the workpiece. The Langmuir probe is in communication with a signal analyzer for measuring electrical voltage generated by plasma generated by the cutting of the workpiece. A controller is provided for comparing the measured electrical voltage with a desired threshold voltage. Control signals are generated to selectively adjust output power of the laser responsive to the compared measured electrical voltage and the desired threshold voltage to minimize plasma generation.

Abstract: The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated.

Abstract: The expandable chamber acoustic silencer may be installed at the inlet or outlet of virtually any mechanism that processes air or other gas flow therethrough, to reduce the audible output of the gas flow. The silencer may be used to reduce the noise produced in an air conditioning system, in the inlet or outlet side of an air compressor, or as a muffler for an internal combustion engine, among other applications. The device includes an expansion chamber having adjustable walls driven by actuators installed within the walls to adjust the cross-sectional area of the chamber, with a portion of the walls being formed of a flexible or resilient material to enable such expansion and retraction. One or more microphones are installed at the outlet and/or inlet ends of the silencer and communicate with a controller that operates the actuators in accordance with a predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: Multiple Helmholtz resonators are combined serially and dynamically to mitigate and/or overcome acoustic noise filtering problems. One Helmholtz resonator is attached to a duct having an acoustic flow path channel containing undesired acoustic signals (noise) and is considered to be an immovable Helmholtz resonator with respect to that flow channel, while at least one movable Helmholtz resonator is movably and acoustically coupled to the immovable Helmholtz resonator. The immovable and movable Helmholtz resonators are acoustically coupled together to adjustably filter two resonant frequencies in the flow path channel with a feedback control system that adjusts the position of the movable Helmholtz resonator in response to the differences in pre-filtered noise versus filtered noise.

Abstract: The expandable chamber acoustic silencer may be installed at the inlet or outlet of virtually any mechanism that processes air or other gas flow therethrough, to reduce the audible output of the gas flow. The silencer may be used to reduce the noise produced in an air conditioning system, in the inlet or outlet side of an air compressor, or as a muffler for an internal combustion engine, among other applications. The device includes an expansion chamber having adjustable walls driven by actuators installed within the walls to adjust the cross-sectional area of the chamber, with a portion of the walls being formed of a flexible or resilient material to enable such expansion and retraction. One or more microphones are installed at the outlet and/or inlet ends of the silencer and communicate with a controller that operates the actuators in accordance with a predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: Acoustic system for leak detection. The system includes a disk-shaped probe for insertion into fluid flowing within a pipe. The probe has a convex front surface facing in the flow direction and a substantially flat rear surface. The probe further includes wheels to engage a pipe wall to maintain the probe's orientation within the pipe. At least one pressure sensor is embedded in the probe and is responsive to pressure changes resulting from a leak in the pipe wall. Data collection circuitry is disposed in the probe to receive probe location data and to receive an acoustic signal from the pressure sensor from which the pressure and location of a leak may be determined.

Abstract: System for pipeline rehabilitation. The system includes repairing a leak in a pipe using a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical parts connected through a compliant joint. When the parts are compressed, the semi-cylindrical parts form a cylinder whose outside diameter is less than the inside diameter of a pipe with a defect thereby allowing the cylinder to be inserted into the pipe at a location of a leak. Once in place, the parts engage the inside surface of the pipe when the compression is released thereby to seal the leak.

Abstract: The sensor includes a deformable diaphragm responsive to applied pressure and a rigid beam mounted to move as the diaphragm deforms. The rigid beam includes a mirrored surface for receiving light from and reflecting light into an optical fiber thereby forming a Fabry-Perot cavity to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam. The rigid beam further includes inter-digital fingers extending from the mirrored surface and moving with the rigid beam with respect to fixed inter-digital fingers to create a change in electrical charges in the fingers to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam thereby providing two measures of rigid beam displacement which are measures of pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber is a single mode optical fiber.

Abstract: The acoustic leak detection system with environmental noise isolation provides for the acoustic detection of leaks in a pipe while minimizing interference from external or environmental noise. The acoustic leak detection system includes a hollow shell adapted for positioning about the pipe to be inspected. A pair of gaskets are circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the hollow shell so that the pair of gaskets bear against the outer surface of the pipe to form an acoustically isolated region defined between the pipe, the pair of gaskets and the inner surface of the hollow shell. An acoustic sensor, microphone or the like is mounted on the hollow shell within the acoustically isolated region for detecting any acoustic signals; i.e., the sound produced by a leak in the pipe within the acoustically isolated region. Upon detection of a leak, an alert signal is generated.

Abstract: The system and method for minimizing formation of striation patterns in laser cutting provides real-time monitoring and control of laser cutting quality. Laser cutting of a workpiece is controlled through monitoring of thermal radiation generation, particularly during a laser gas-assisted cutting process. The apparatus includes an optical probe positioned adjacent the impingement point of the laser beam on the workpiece. The optical probe is in communication with a signal analyzer for measuring electrical voltage generated by thermal radiation generated by the cutting of the workpiece. A controller is provided for comparing the measured electrical voltage with a desired threshold voltage. Control signals are generated to selectively adjust output frequency of the laser responsive to the compared measured electrical voltage and the desired threshold voltage to minimize striation pattern generation.

Abstract: The siwak tooth cleaning instrument provides a carrying, protecting and application instrument for a siwak stick, to be applied to the user's teeth for cleaning thereof. In some embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument includes a tubular housing with a siwak that may be selectively and adjustably raised and lowered to extend the siwak from the housing for cleaning one's teeth, and retracted within the housing for storage and transport, similar to a lipstick. In other embodiments, the siwak tooth cleaning instrument has tooth cleaning cartridges including a siwak that releasably engage the head portion of an elongated handle. A cover may be pivotally attached to the handle for covering the handle and attached cartridge, or a storage tube with replacement cartridges may be pivotally attached to the handle.

Abstract: The piezoelectric damping device is a passive piezoelectric vibration suppression and damping device for reducing amplitude of vibration in structures. The piezoelectric damping device includes a magnetic layer having opposed inner and outer faces, with the inner face thereof being adapted for releasable magnetic attachment to a vibrating structure, such as a metallic pipe, for example. A piezoelectric layer is secured to the outer face of the magnetic layer. Preferably, an electrically insulating layer is sandwiched between the magnetic layer and the piezoelectric layer. The electrically insulating layer is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive. An electrical shunting circuit is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric layer, such that vibration in the piezoelectric layer caused by the vibrating structure generates electrical energy, which is then dissipated by the electrical shunting circuit, thus damping vibration in the vibrating structure.

Abstract: A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for controlling laser cutting through surface plasma monitoring provides real-time monitoring and control of laser cutting quality. Laser cutting of a workpiece is controlled through monitoring of surface plasma generation, particularly during a laser gas-assisted cutting process. The apparatus includes a Langmuir probe positioned adjacent the impingement point of the laser beam on the workpiece. The Langmuir probe is in communication with a signal analyzer for measuring electrical voltage generated by plasma generated by the cutting of the workpiece. A controller is provided for comparing the measured electrical voltage with a desired threshold voltage. Control signals are generated to selectively adjust output power of the laser responsive to the compared measured electrical voltage and the desired threshold voltage to minimize plasma generation.

Abstract: The piezoelectric damping device is a passive piezoelectric vibration suppression and damping device for reducing amplitude of vibration in structures. The piezoelectric damping device includes a magnetic layer having opposed inner and outer faces, with the inner face thereof being adapted for releasable magnetic attachment to a vibrating structure, such as a metallic pipe, for example. A piezoelectric layer is secured to the outer face of the magnetic layer. Preferably, an electrically insulating layer is sandwiched between the magnetic layer and the piezoelectric layer. The electrically insulating layer is preferably an electrically insulating adhesive. An electrical shunting circuit is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric layer, such that vibration in the piezoelectric layer caused by the vibrating structure generates electrical energy, which is then dissipated by the electrical shunting circuit, thus damping vibration in the vibrating structure.

Abstract: The moving carbon nanotube heat sink includes a heat transfer belt comprised of highly thermally efficient carbon nanotubes. Laterally disposed cooling fins extend away from a top surface of the belt. The belt is slidingly disposed over a C-shaped channel made of metal or other suitable material that is mechanically and/or chemically connected to a top surface of an electronic chip. Belt movement may be powered and guided by a plurality of rollers. The cooling occurs primarily as a result of conduction and convection heat transfer modes.

Abstract: The moving carbon nanotube heat sink includes a heat transfer belt comprised of highly thermally efficient carbon nanotubes. Laterally disposed cooling fins extend away from a top surface of the belt. The belt is slidingly disposed over a C-shaped channel made of metal or other suitable material that is mechanically and/or chemically connected to a top surface of an electronic chip. Belt movement may be powered and guided by a plurality of rollers. The cooling occurs primarily as a result of conduction and convection heat transfer modes.

Abstract: The wear-resistant ceramic coating is a coating formed with a first thin film nitride layer formed by laser nitriding and a second thin film layer of titanium nitride or other ceramic material formed by physical vapor deposition. For example, the coating may be formed on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy by first directing a CO2 laser beam towards the surface of the alloy while subjecting the surface to a flow of pressurized pure nitrogen. This process results in the formation of a first nitride layer approximately 80 microns in thickness by laser melting. The first layer is polished to a smooth surface. Then a thin film (about two micrometers) of titanium nitride is applied over the first layer by physical vapor deposition, e.g., by sputtering at 260° C. Similar coatings may be applied to other titanium alloys, such as Ti-5Al-2.5Fe, or to other metals, such as high-speed steel (HSS).