Abstract: A method and system are provided for supplying back-up electric power to an electric actuator powered by a supply of main electric power, and to interrupt or to replace a control signal supplied to the actuator so that the actuator can be reverted to a fail-safe mode, condition or position when there is a failure or disruption of the main electric power or when the control signal is not within the accepted pre-determined standard or range for the control signal.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supplying back-up electric power to an electric actuator powered by a supply of main electric power, and to interrupt or to replace a control signal supplied to the actuator so that the actuator can be reverted to a fail-safe mode, condition or position when there is a failure or disruption of the main electric power or when the control signal is not within the accepted pre-determined standard or range for the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a valve actuator is provided, where an electrical motor is operatively connected to the valve actuator operatively connected to the valve. The system can include a main motor driver connecting the electrical motor to a primary power source, a first sensor to monitor the primary power source, a second sensor to monitor the flow of current to the electrical motor, a third sensor to monitor the angular rotation of the valve, and an emergency shut down (“ESD”) controller to operate the main motor driver in the event of an alarm condition to actuate the valve to a fail-safe position. The method includes the steps of providing the system, actuating the valve, monitoring the rotation of the valve and generating an alarm if the valve does not rotate in response to the step to actuate it.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a valve actuator is provided, where an electrical motor is operatively connected to the valve actuator operatively connected to the valve. The system can include a main motor driver connecting the electrical motor to a primary power source, a first sensor to monitor the primary power source, a second sensor to monitor the flow of current to the electrical motor, a third sensor to monitor the angular rotation of the valve, and an emergency shut down (“ESD”) controller to operate the main motor driver in the event of an alarm condition to actuate the valve to a fail-safe position. The method includes the steps of providing the system, actuating the valve, monitoring the rotation of the valve and generating an alarm if the valve does not rotate in response to the step to actuate it.

Abstract: A method and a related system to index audio and video documents and to automatically train the language model of a speech recognition system according to the context of the documents being indexed.

Abstract: A recreational ramp suitable for use with wheeled vehicles, including a support structure and a molded concrete layer mounted on the support structure. The layer includes a sloping region that extends from a ground level to an above-ground level. Also, a process for the fabrication of a molded concrete layer for such a recreational ramp. The process includes preparing a mold from complementary parts, closing the parts onto one another, thus defining an interior space representative of a concrete layer, pouring concrete mixture into the mold; allowing the concrete to settle and separating the complementary parts of the mold to expose the molded concrete layer. Embodiments of the invention offer the advantages of conventional concrete, i.e., a smooth, quiet and durable surface for riding, while the ramp as a whole remains lightweight and less bulky as compared with conventional concrete ramps. A particularly advantageous embodiment uses self-leveling concrete.

Abstract: A recreational ramp suitable for use with wheeled vehicles, including a support structure and a molded concrete layer mounted on the support structure. The layer includes a sloping region that extends from a ground level to an above-ground level. Also, a process for the fabrication of a molded concrete layer for such a recreational ramp. The process includes preparing a mold from complementary parts, closing the parts onto one another, thus defining an interior space representative of a concrete layer, pouring concrete mixture into the mold; allowing the concrete to settle and separating the complementary parts of the mold to expose the molded concrete layer. Embodiments of the invention offer the advantages of conventional concrete, i.e., a smooth, quiet and durable surface for riding, while the ramp as a whole remains lightweight and less bulky as compared with conventional concrete ramps. A particularly advantageous embodiment uses self-leveling concrete.