Abstract: Systems and method presented herein enable the estimation of porosity using neutron-induced gamma ray spectroscopy. For example, the systems and methods presented herein include receiving, via a control and data acquisition system, data relating to energy spectra of gamma rays captured by one or more gamma ray detectors of a neutron-induced gamma ray spectroscopy logging tool. The method also includes deriving, via the control and data acquisition system, one or more spectral yields relating to one or more elemental components from the data relating to the energy spectra of the gamma rays. The method further includes estimating, via the control and data acquisition system, a measurement of porosity based on the one or more spectral yields relating to the one or more elemental components.

Abstract: A multi-functional lid for cookware having a rotatable disc element and a stationary disc element. The rotating disc element of the lid allows for access related cooking tasks to be performed without removing the lid. The segmented rotating disc element includes an opening that allows for access to the pot, a perforated opening which allows for the controlled release of heat, and a segment that has no openings which allows the lid to contain all heat and moisture under the lid.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly including a valve having open and closed positions and a limited angle torque motor having two angular rotor positions corresponding to the open and closed valve positions that are stable in the absence of an applied electrical signal. The valve motor includes magnetic pole pieces forming a concentric shell around the motor shaft that include air gaps, disposed generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Pole blades adjacent the rotor are magnetically linked to the pole pieces by flanges disposed at the rotor ends. Two alternative minimum reluctance flux paths are provided for a permanent magnet that is mounted on the rotor with its poles transverse to the axis of rotation. The two minimum reluctance paths provide the stable rotor positions. A magnetic flux sensor disposed in or proximate one of the air gaps is employed with a relatively high frequency electrical signal to determine relative rotor and valve positon.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve assembly incorporates an electromechanical actuator, such as a limited angle torque motor or solenoid, to open or close the valve in response to a direct current or low frequency electrical signal. A valve position sensor detects the valve position in response to a second, relatively high frequency electrical signal. The actuator and sensor are electrically connected in parallel so that the valve may be actuated and the valve position may be determined through a single pair of electrical leads. The position sensor preferably includes an electrical coil having a reactance that varies with incident magnetic flux, the magnitude of which depends on valve position.

Abstract: A 2-pole limited angle torque motor including a rotor assembly having one or more permanent magnets which are magnetized in the diametrical direction and a stator assembly having a pair of stator magnetic pole blades surrounded by a high density layer wound stator coil, with stator pole flanges at opposite ends of the stator magnetic pole blades which create a cross flux through the stator and rotor assemblies that produces a limited angle turning torque in the motor. The permanent rotor magnets along with stator magnetic poles and magnetic housing produce a magnetic reluctance torque that can be controlled to obtain a desired magnetic centering or de-centering spring rate for the rotor at a particular torque or power level. A magnetically saturating flux path may also be made to occur in the motor at the end of the rotational design stroke of the motor to provide a magnetic stop for the rotor shaft.