Abstract: An apparatus for testing failure of a material used in a jet engine, and more particularly to an apparatus that uses one or more model jet engine components made from a material used in a full-size jet engine and desired to be tested. The apparatus permits easy removal and disassembly of a jet engine mounted thereon as well as real-time measurements of run-time parameters. The methods and apparatus provide for predicting and analysing failure by a number of fatigue-related mechanisms including creep, fatigue, crack growth, foreign object damage, fretting, erosion, and stress corrosion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for distributing broadcast data signals comprising broadcast receiving means for receiving satellite data signals, and converting the modulation of the data signals from a first scheme compatible with satellite set-top boxes into a more spectrally efficient second scheme, the data signals then being distributed to one or more satellite set-top boxes, wherein adapter means are provided for at least one satellite set-top box to convert the modulation of the data signals from the second scheme to the first scheme.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for validating updated business rules. A first set of documents utilized to validate a first set of business rules is provided. A second set of business rules generated from an update of the first set of business rules is received. Each business rule includes input parameters. A second set of documents is received. A template file includes the input parameters and corresponding path expressions. An augmented set of documents includes the first and second sets of documents. The second set of business rules is automatically semantically validated against the augmented set of documents. The semantic validation includes executing the second set of business rules with each document of the augmented set. The executing includes binding, via the path expressions, the input parameters to values included in a document of the augmented set.

Abstract: A selection system and method. The selection method comprises receiving, by a computing system, a taxonomy of data related to a specified domain of knowledge on the web. A taxonomy tree is constructed from the taxonomy. A sub tree related to a sub-domain from specified domain is selected from the taxonomy tree. A first list comprising user expected universal resource locators (URLs) related to the sub-domain is received. A second list comprising topic expressions defining each node of the taxonomy sub-tree is generated. A query based on the second list is generated. The query is applied on an index of URLs generated from a web crawling process to generate a third list. A recall value is calculated based on the first list and the third list.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing failure of a material used in a jet engine, and more particularly to an apparatus that uses one or more model jet engine components made from a material used in a full-size jet engine and desired to be tested. The apparatus permits easy removal and disassembly of a jet engine mounted thereon as well as real-time measurements of run-time parameters. The methods and apparatus provide for predicting and analysing failure by a number of fatigue-related mechanisms including creep, fatigue, crack growth, foreign object damage, fretting, erosion, and stress corrosion.

Abstract: A graphics system readily activates and deactivates layers of a multi-layer source image. Image data, such as a multi-layered integrated circuit (“IC”) design, is generated for a multi-layer source image. A pyramid of image tiles defines “on” and “off” states for elements that represent the source image. A bit plane identifies values for the elements for each layer of the source image. Mask image data is generated to zero image data associated with at least one layer of the bit plane. The graphics system generates pixel data from the mask image data, and renders the pixel data on an output display.

Abstract: A technique generates a pyramid of image tiles to represent a source image at different resolutions. A base image tile stores, in a plurality of elements, an “on” state or an “off” state to represent the source image at a first resolution. Additional image tiles, with image resolutions lower than the resolution of the base image tile, are generated. The base image tile is divided into groupings of elements, such that each level of the pyramid of image tiles is generated by mapping a grouping of elements from the base image tile to an image tile at different levels of the pyramid. A threshold density of elements in the grouping elements is selected. If the grouping of elements in the base image tile for a level has a threshold density of “on” elements, the image data for the element in the current level is set to an “on” state. Conversely, the image data for the element is set to an “off” state if the threshold density of “on” elements in the base image tile grouping is less than the threshold density.

Abstract: Improvements to turntables that facilitate inoculation of petri dishes. In one embodiment, the present invention is a motorized turntable for a petri dish that allows the user to use both hands for inoculation of the petri dish. In another embodiment, the present invention features an improved upper plate for a petri dish turntable that allows the user to more easily remove the petri dish from the upper plate after inoculation. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for rotating a conventional turntable for petri dishes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for monitoring a synthetic fuel process. The system and method entails presenting process information in a form readily understandable by a process monitor. The process information is presented relative to other process information. Presenting the information in such a manner allows the process operator to quickly and accurately monitor and control the process.

Abstract: A display is generated for viewing on a display screen. The display indicates any or any combination of a function of the display screen control parameters and/or information relating to channels and/or programmes which can be viewed on the screen. The display further comprises one or more geometrical shapes, each split into a plurality of segments and the segments represent particular time intervals, programme/channel information, control parameter information or the like.

Abstract: A gasket (10; 40; 50; 70) comprises a sealing member which forms a closed loop extending around a hole. The sealing member is formed from resilient metal and has a transverse cross section which is generally X-shaped and comprises two arms (12, 14) which project inwardly of the hole, and two arms (16, 18) which project outwardly of the hole. The inwardly projecting arms form a first seal around said hole, and the outwardly projecting arms form a second seal around said hole. Each arm extends from a junction (22) with the remainder of the gasket to a tip (24) of the arm which engages one of the bodies. Each arm has its greatest thickness at said junction (22) and its smallest thickness at a point adjacent to or at said tip (24), the arm continuously reducing in thickness between said junction and said point. The gasket can yield from the tips of the arms inwardly as the pressure on the gasket increases.

Abstract: A multi-purpose brush incorporating structure which permits the selective performance of a plurality of cleaning operations with a single brush is disclosed. The brush includes a body with depending side and end legs and which has a first series of relatively soft flexible bristles thereon and a second series of bristles thereon which are shorter and stiffer. The body also has a roughened area comprising a plurality of short, stubby projections disposed on a part of the top surface of the brush and at least a part of the side legs. The body also has opposed depending end legs, at least one of which terminates in a tapered or sharpened point and an apertured mounting leg to facilitate storage of the brush when not in use. In another embodiment the roughened area is disposed on one of the side legs and an apertured mounting and cleaning extension extends outwardly from one of said end legs. This extension tapers to a sharpened distal end for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A multi-purpose brush incorporating structure which permits the selective performance of a plurality of cleaning operations with a single brush is disclosed. The brush includes a body which has a first series of relatively soft flexible bristles thereon and a second series of bristles thereon which are shorter and stiffer. The body also has a roughened area comprising a plurality of short, stubby projections. The body also has opposed depending legs, at least one of which terminates in a tapered or sharpened point.

Abstract: A brush and bottle combination is disclosed in which the bottle has a blind recessed area formed in its peripheral surface and a shoulder projecting outwardly into the blind recessed area. This shoulder is formed integrally with the body of the bottle and has notches provided in its supporting legs. The brush has a main body portion and depending opposed legs which are integral with and depend from side edges of the body. These legs terminate in inwardly directed ribs which are engageable with the recesses in the legs of the shoulder member so that the brush can be snapped into place on the body within the recess, or substantially within the recess, so that the outer surface of the brush body and the peripheral surface of the container are substantially flush when the brush is connected thereto.