Abstract: In connection with a data distribution architecture, client-side “deduplication” techniques may be utilized for data transfers occurring among various file system nodes. In some examples, these deduplication techniques involve fingerprinting file system elements that are being shared and transferred, and dividing each file into separate units referred to as “blocks” or “chunks.” These separate units may be used for independently rebuilding a file from local and remote collections, storage locations, or sources. The deduplication techniques may be applied to data transfers to prevent unnecessary data transfers, and to reduce the amount of bandwidth, processing power, and memory used to synchronize and transfer data among the file system nodes. The described deduplication concepts may also be applied for purposes of efficient file replication, data transfers, and file system events occurring within and among networks and file system nodes.

Abstract: A corrosion detection apparatus is provided. The corrosion detection apparatus is capable of detecting corrosion on a surface of a pipe or a vessel where the surface contacts a fluid that is corrosive to the surface. The corrosion detection apparatus includes a corrodible element having a contact surface; at least two electrodes that are in electrical communication with each other through a segment of the corrodible element; and a detector in communication with the at least two electrodes. The detector detects a characteristic impedance value from the at least two electrodes through the corrodible element segment.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to corrosion sensors having one or more linear reactive impedance corrosion element capable of detecting both general and local corrosions, and to methods for detection same.

Abstract: A system and method for determining deposition parameters within an industrial heating system is provided. The system includes a phased array probe arranged adjacent to a tube within the industrial heating system. The phased array probe transmits and receives signals. A processing unit is in communication with the phased array probe for processing the received signals to generate data on deposition parameters of the tube. A display unit is coupled to the processing unit for displaying the data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining an emulsion layer within a container comprising, initiating an ultrasonic signal from at least one transmitter through a liquid contained within a tank, receiving the signal at a receiver, measuring the time of flight of the signal, calculating the velocity of the ultrasonic signal, determining the composition of the liquid in the tank; and correlating the composition to an emulsion ratio.

Abstract: A mobile radiographic device for use in inspecting pipelines and the like, comprising an articulating aerial boom coupled to a mobile carriage vehicle. A pivot mount is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the aerial boom. A platform having a sliding rail is operatively coupled to the pivot mount. A mounting fixture is rotatably mounted to a cradle, which in turn is coupled to the sliding rail of the platform. A radiation source and a radiation detector are mounted on diametrically opposing sides of the fixture in order to illuminate the outer surface of a pipeline or other object with radiation. A first positioning means is provided for coarsely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. A second positioning means is provided for finely positioning the scanning apparatus relative to the pipeline. The second positioning means is operable from a remote location when the radiation source is illuminating the pipeline with radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed radiographic inspection of fluid transport vessels in which a radiation source and a radiation detector are positioned on opposite sides of the outside surface of the vessel. A positioning system is provided for moving and locating the radiation source and radiation detector longitudinally with respect to the vessel and for moving the radiation source and radiation detector circumferentially with respect to the vessel. In operation, the positioning system causes the radiation source and radiation detector to spiral along the vessel in a coordinated manner while the radiation source illuminates an adjacent region of the vessel with radiation. The radiation is converted into corresponding electrical signals used to generate images of objects in the radiation path. Finally, an operator inspects the images for defects.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring defects in a structure are provided. The system includes a power supply for supplying an electric current to a monitoring area of the structure and a reference; a measurement circuit for measuring a potential drop across at least two contact points of the monitoring area and at least two contact points of the reference; and a processor adapted to determine a ratio of the monitoring area potential drop to the reference potential drop indicative of a percentage change in a thickness of the structure. The method includes the steps of supplying the current to the monitoring area and the reference; measuring a first potential drop across the monitoring area and the reference; and determining the ratio indicative of the percentage change in the thickness of the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring defects in a structure are provided. The system includes a power supply for supplying an electric current to a monitoring area of the structure and a reference; a measurement circuit for measuring a potential drop across at least two contact points of the monitoring area and at least two contact points of the reference; and a processor adapted to determine a ratio of the monitoring area potential drop to the reference potential drop indicative of a percentage change in a thickness of the structure. The method includes the steps of supplying the current to the monitoring area and the reference; measuring a first potential drop across the monitoring area and the reference; and determining the ratio indicative of the percentage change in the thickness of the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for high-speed radiographic inspection of fluid transport vessels in which a radiation source and a radiation detector are positioned on opposite sides of the outside surface of the vessel. A positioning system is provided for moving and locating the radiation source and radiation detector longitudinally with respect to the vessel and for moving the radiation source and radiation detector circumferentially with respect to the vessel. In operation, the positioning system causes the radiation source and radiation detector to spiral along the vessel in a coordinated manner while the radiation source illuminates an adjacent region of the vessel with radiation. The radiation is converted into corresponding electrical signals used to generate images of objects in the radiation path. Finally, an operator inspects the images for defects.

Abstract: A portable rotary snow blower shovel which is lightweight and maneuverable is disclosed. The device uses the drive mechanism from a rotary string trimmer. In place of the string and string guard, the snow blower utilizes an impeller and a substantially cylindrical enclosure. The enclosure includes a cutout opening in a lower portion of the periphery to allow snow to enter. Adjacent the opening is a flat plate which is secured to the inside of the enclosure at an angle in order to direct snow upward toward the impeller. The impeller, which is oriented substantially parallel to the surface being cleared, is circular in shape and has radially projecting blades attached to the upper and lower surfaces thereof. Once the snow is directed upward by the angled flat plate, the blades of the impeller, which are rotating at a high speed, force the snow out an exit conduit adjacent the top of the cylindrical enclosure by centrifugal force. The exit conduit directs the snow upward and away from the path being cleared.