Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling drillstring trajectories by calculating forces in the drillstring using a traditional torque-drag model and comparing the results with the results of the same forces calculated in the drillstring using a block tri-diagonal matrix, which determines whether the new drillstring trajectory is acceptable and represents mechanical equilibrium of drillstring forces and moments.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The coupler may include an inner flexible bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover may be formed into a predetermined shape prior to assembly with the coupler. The braid member can include a generally cylindrical body section and two end sections each forming necks having diameters that are smaller than the diameter of the body section. The body section of the braid cover is self-supporting and is positioned an appreciable distance from the bellows member in order to avoid any friction and to create a thermally insulating air gap therebetween. The braid cover may be constructed of braided wire filaments that are formed into shape with forming dies. The braid cover may be pressed between two forming dies in order to create its desired shape.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The coupler may include a bellows member, an interlock member disposed within the bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover is designed such that it provides resistance limiting axial growth of the coupler, so that the interlock member is not extended to an excessive length, while enabling maximized compression and angular flexibility. The outer braid cover may be constructed of intertwined bundles of wire filaments disposed at a specified angle from a central axis of the coupler. As assembled, the interlock member is at a nearly fully extended length when the bellows member is at an uncompressed and unextended length in order to maximize the amount in which the coupler may be compressed and/or flexed during installation and use.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The coupler may include an inner flexible bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover may be formed into a predetermined shape prior to assembly with the coupler. The braid member can include a generally cylindrical body section and two end sections each forming necks having diameters that are smaller than the diameter of the body section. The body section of the braid cover is self-supporting and is positioned an appreciable distance from the bellows member in order to avoid any friction and to create a thermally insulating air gap therebetween. The braid cover may be constructed of braided wire filaments that are formed into shape with forming dies. The braid cover may be pressed between two forming dies in order to create its desired shape.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling drillstring trajectories by calculating forces in the drillstring using a traditional torque-drag model and comparing the results with the results of the same forces calculated in the drillstring using a block tri-diagonal matrix, which determines whether the new drillstring trajectory is acceptable and represents mechanical equilibrium of drillstring forces and moments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

Abstract: A protective structure for personal and or group protection designed to withstand falling objects, flying objects and structural failure resulting from earthquakes or other dangers known and unknown is provided. The protective structure includes a support structure having an internal cavity sized to accommodate one or more persons. The support structure has a skeletal frame of elongated structural members and a structural skin coupled to at least a majority of a perimeter of the skeletal frame. An overlay may cover at least a portion of an exterior surface of the support structure such that the support structure is at least partially concealed and resembles school, office or home furniture. The protective structure is designed to protect the occupant from an initial disaster, such as an earthquake, and maintain protection until rescue is made or risks of injury diminish.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a hollow beam by inserting a sleeve that is held in place by a tang that is placed on a supporting portion of a first or second opening formed in the beam. A fastener is inserted inside the sleeve. A component is attached to the beam by inserting a fastener through the sleeve. An insertion tool may be used to insert the sleeve into the beam.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a hollow beam by inserting a sleeve that is held in place by a tang that is placed on a supporting portion of a first or second opening formed in the beam. A fastener is inserted inside the sleeve. A component is attached to the beam by inserting a fastener through the sleeve. An insertion tool may be used to insert the sleeve into the beam.

Abstract: A method of imaging comprises performing a scout image of an object and aligning major regions of interest within the object by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image. In a further embodiment, a method of imaging using a computed tomography (CT) scanner is provided and comprises performing a scout image of a subject and aligning major anatomical regions of interest within the subject by comparing the scout image with a pre-determined atlas image. Further, an imaging system for us with a computed tomography (CT) imaging device is provided and comprises a processor configured to perform aligning major anatomical regions of interest within a subject by comparing a scout image with a pre-determined atlas image, and wherein the major anatomical regions are used for automated localization for Scan Range and/or Exam split.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the performing spectral calibration of a CT imaging system. In accordance with certain embodiments, spectral calibration phantoms are scanned while positioned on a table in the imaging volume of the CT imaging system. The scans of the calibration phantoms, in conjunction with air sans performed on the CT imaging system, are used to derive information about the deviation of the measured phantom scans from an ideal. The deviation information is in turn used to derive spectral calibration vectors that may be used with the CT imaging system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

Abstract: A method of identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest, includes extracting vasculature from the region of interest; identifying a subject geometry of the extracted vasculature; and comparing the subject geometry to a predetermined geometry to identify a blockage. A device for identifying one or more occlusions in vasculature located in a region of interest is also presented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for x-ray imaging with focal spot deflection are provided. The apparatus includes an x-ray tube having a cathode configured to emit electrons and an anode having a target with a target surface defining a target angle. The emitted electrons are deflected onto the target surface with the target surface substantially aligned with a z-axis parallel to a gantry rotation axis.

Abstract: A torque converter-mounted generator is provided that, along with power electronics, offers at least two types of electrical power output and may be attached to a transmission without impacting the axial length of a powertrain in comparison to a powertrain with an identical transmission and a torque converter not having a generator mounted thereto. Different torque-converter mounted generators and power electronics configurations providing different combinations of electrical power voltages may be offered for use with a given transmission type, thus allowing flexibility in meeting customer needs without unduly impacting assembly of the powertrains. A method of assembling transmissions is also provided.

Abstract: A tubular beam assembly having a tubular member with first and second spaced apart sides and an internal portion. The first side has an insertion opening and a first fastener receiving opening that open into each other. The second side has a second fastener receiving opening and a shoulder defining opening that open into each other. A reinforcement sleeve includes a fastener receiving sleeve portion and a protrusion that supports the reinforcement sleeve in a fastener receiving position within the internal portion of the tubular member. The protrusion is supported by one or both of the insertion opening and the shoulder defining opening. The fastener receiving sleeve portion is aligned with the first and second fastener receiving openings when the reinforcement sleeve is in the fastener receiving position.

Abstract: A novel mechanical spark generating device for one-handed operation. The novel mechanical spark generating device includes a case having a case body and a relatively moveable striker arm extended therefrom, the case body includes a channel having an opening thereinto. A pyrophoric rod assembly is moveably carried in the channel of the case body, the pyrophoric rod assembly having a support surface adjacent to one end thereof, and a pyrophoric rod carried therein. A striker bar is fixed to the striker arm in a position for interacting with the pyrophoric rod of the pyrophoric rod assembly when the pyrophoric rod assembly is in a deployed configuration extended from the case body and the striker arm is moved there toward.

Abstract: A method and related computer program product for achieving high performance I/O write rates in a redundant array using a fully recoverable communication queue stored in NVRAM on a RAID controller comprising, receiving an I/O write request from an application, determining if the I/O request is an inline write command, writing inline write commands into a command queue stored in NVRAM, notifying the application generating the I/O request of command completion and requesting the operating system for further I/Os.

Abstract: A battery package mount bracket. An illustrative embodiment of the battery package mount bracket includes a body mounted bracket having a pair of spaced-apart bracket attachment flanges and an HEV mounted bracket detachably carried by the body mounted bracket. An HEV battery package is attached to the HEV mounted bracket. The HEV mounted bracket includes a main bracket plate and a transverse flange and a side flange extending from the main bracket plate in generally perpendicular relationship with respect to each other.