Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for composite part design. One embodiment is a method for selectively analyzing feasibility of optimizing fiber orientations for layers of a multi-layer composite part subdivided into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part. The method includes identifying stacking sequence rules that constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization, for each panel of the composite part, analyzing the panel by identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, selecting a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel, calculating ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules, and determining whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminates.

Abstract: A monitoring and reporting system involves a master control unit; multiple geographically dispersed monitor units, each comprising a base unit including a self addressing radio controller repeater having at least a microcontroller, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and a multi-band communications transceiver; multiple sensors, communicatively coupled to the base unit, including at least one motion, temperature, and electrical sensor; each of the monitor units self-addresses according to complex self-addressing and communicates with at least one other of the monitor units to collectively form an ad hoc network; at least a first of the monitor units operates as a repeater with respect to communications received from either or both (i) of a second of the monitor units located at an equipment location or (ii) the master control unit; and the second of the monitor units will take local readings and report at least one to the master control unit.

Abstract: A lighting display system is described and has multiple longitudinal tubes, each having a translucent face, the longitudinal tubes being co-aligned in a longitudinal direction, multiple sequentially interconnected base units having thereon at least one luminaire, at least one control unit associated with the base units, and wherein at least some of the base units are configured to self-address.

Abstract: A lighting display system is described and has multiple longitudinal tubes, each having a translucent face, the longitudinal tubes being co-aligned in a longitudinal direction, multiple sequentially interconnected base units having thereon at least one luminaire, at least one control unit associated with the base units, and wherein at least some of the base units are configured to self-address.

Abstract: A lighting display apparatus is described and includes a longitudinal tube having a translucent face, the longitudinal tube including therewithin at least two longitudinally extending board supports configured to accept one or more base units slidingly inserted from one the two ends, and the longitudinal tube further including at least one attachment extension on the outer surface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for operating a combined cycle power plant with an integrated CO2 capture unit, wherein flue gas of a gas turbine is led along an flue gas path through a heat recovery steam generator, a flue gas cooling circuit and a CO2 absorber. A reduction in effort is achieved by operating the gas turbine to have a back-pressure at its exit, which compensates most or all of the pressure loss of the flue gas along the flue gas path.

Abstract: A method of operating a turbine unit, wherein recirculated exhaust gas is contacted with a cooling and absorption liquid in a packed bed. An exhaust gas treatment system for a turbine unit, wherein an exhaust gas recirculation line comprises a gas cooling and cleaning device having a packed bed for contacting the exhaust gas with a cooling and absorption liquid. A combined cycle power generating system, wherein an exhaust gas recirculation line comprises a gas cooling and cleaning device having a packed bed for contacting the exhaust gas from a gas turbine with a cooling and absorption liquid and wherein water utilized as a cooling medium for condensation of steam originating from a steam turbine, and the cooling and absorption liquid, are passed to a cooling tower.

Abstract: A streamer trap assembly for collecting streamers from a flow of polymer pellets includes a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an opening bounded by a sealing surface; and a streamer trap positioned in the housing through the opening. The streamer trap comprises a screen sized to collect the streamers at the screen and to allow the polymer pellets to pass through the screen, a guide positioned to guide the flow of polymer pellets from the inlet to the screen and from the screen to the outlet, and a cover adapted to engage the sealing surface and cover the opening.

Abstract: A streamer trap assembly for collecting streamers from a flow of polymer pellets includes a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an opening bounded by a sealing surface; and a streamer trap positioned in the housing through the opening. The streamer trap comprises a screen sized to collect the streamers at the screen and to allow the polymer pellets to pass through the screen, a guide positioned to guide the flow of polymer pellets from the inlet to the screen and from the screen to the outlet, and a cover adapted to engage the sealing surface and cover the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharpening razor blades and the like whereby rectangularly-shaped magnets are placed end-to-end in a rectangular enclosure that snaps on securely over a razor blade during non-use times in such a manner that the magnetic field generated by the magnets acts upon the cutting edge of the blade so as to maintain the sharpness of the cutting edge.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for designing a circuit that satisfies user-specified functional requirements without the user having to obtain additional education or possess specialized software. According to one embodiment, user-specified functional requirements are received over a network from a client executing a browser. The network may be, for example, the Internet. Based on the user-specified requirements, components and a topology for constructing the circuit are automatically determined. The components determined during this operation have operational values such that, when the components are arranged according to the topology to form the circuit, the circuit satisfies the user-specified functional requirements. One or more web pages that identify the components are then delivered to the browser over the network. According to one aspect of the invention, the component and topology information is used to generate a schematic diagram that is delivered in a web page to the user over the network.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: A first group of application settings, files and other data, of a first specific format, is converted and transferred to a second related format with respect to a receiving computer-based device, so that the receiving computer-based device will have a substantially similar operating environment to that associated with the first group. First, a communication link is established between a first computer-based device and the web site. Next, the first computer-based device is scanned, via the web site, to determine the information contained on the first computer-based device. The user then selects which of the scanned information is to be uploaded from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Finally, the selected information is transferred from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Once retrieval of the temporarily stored information is desired, the user establishes a communication link between a second computer-based device and the web site.

Abstract: An open- or closed-loop method and corresponding medical ventilator for providing breathing gas to a patient such that the patient exerts a desired work of breathing during pressure support ventilation, and such that the work of breathing of the patient is monitored and the pressure and/or flow rate of the breathing gas provided to the patient is controlled throughout the inspiratory phase to provide a pressure support ventilation level that provides the desired work of breathing in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for accurate delivery of relatively small quantities of powdered solid materials. Preferred apparatus comprise: a primary chamber having a lateral surface extending between a first open end and a second open end; a rotating member that is positioned within the primary chamber and extends from a first position within the primary chamber to a second position within the primary chamber; a motor coupled with the rotating member and adapted to effect rotation thereof; a feed chamber having a lateral surface extending between a first open end and a second open end; and an air flow chamber coupled with the primary chamber and having a lateral surface extending between a first open end and a second open end.

Abstract: A gas blender comprising a plenum for mixing gases, at least one flow valve, an oxygen sensor, a microprocessor, and driver circuits. The inlet gas port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of a desired gas and the flow valve is disposed between the supply of gas and the inlet of the plenum. At least one driver circuit adjusts the flow valves to change the gas flow rate therethrough and, accordingly, the rate at which gas enters into the plenum. The oxygen sensor measures the percentage composition of oxygen exiting from, or inside, the plenum and generates an output based on the measured percentage composition of oxygen. The microprocessor controls the percentage composition of oxygen exiting from the plenum and is electrically coupled to the output of the oxygen sensor. The microprocessor compares the output of the oxygen sensor to a predetermined level of oxygen and generates a response signal based on the comparison, which is communicated to the driver circuits.

Abstract: This plate heat exchanger with parallel and counterflow circulation of the heat-exchange fluids is constructed by stacking a determined number of ribbed plates (4) of the same size, clamped against one another between two flanges (1,2), said plates having openings (5,6,7,8) in their corners, defining, within the stack, supply and outlet channels respectively for the heat-exchange fluids.The plates are made of bulk machined graphite, previously impregnated with a waterproofing material, and in particular a resin.