Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is provided that comprises a molding tool having a mold cavity, a source of pressurized gas, and a nozzle with a reciprocable pin, the pin valving gas injection into the molding cavity. A gas valve is positioned adjacent the nozzle, the gas valve selectively connecting the gas source with the nozzle. A nozzle having a reciprocable member for valving fluid injection in an injection molding apparatus is also provided. The nozzle includes a seal comprising a compressible elastomeric member and a sleeve, the reciprocable member slidable in the sleeve. Compression of the elastomeric member deforms the sleeve, creating a fluid seal with the reciprocable member.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine idle speed in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multi-ratio transmission when launched from a neutral idle rest condition. At neutral idle, the transmission is controlled such that the input and output members are decoupled. During vehicle launch from neutral idle operation, two different strategies may be employed to control engine idle speed. One preferred method is to determine a feedforward or predicted torque converter load as a function of time. Another preferred method is to determine the feedforward or predicted torque converter load by comparing a maximum engine brake torque and the torque capacity of the forward clutch at any given time. Irrespective of the particular method used, other engine torque loads are added to the feedforward or predicted torque converter load to determine the engine output torque required to control engine idle speed and provide a smooth between transmission operating modes throughout the launch period.

Abstract: A network based method for facilitating providing a customer with a quote for at least one of a manufactured product and a service includes receiving data relating to at least one of a customer desired product and a customer desired service, providing the customer a budgetary quote based on the received data, receiving a customer response based on the budgetary quote, and providing the customer a contractual quote based on the received customer response.

Abstract: A method for the compression molding of a plastic article is provided. The method includes the steps of loading plastic material, that is preferably unheated, into a two piece molding chamber having at least one heating element, closing the molding chamber, and heating the plastic element. The method further includes the step of injecting fluid, for example air, into the plastic material to create at least one cavity within the plastic material. The air may be injected directly into the plastic material, or it may be injected along an upper surface of the chamber. Upon injection of air into the at least one cavity, a portion of the plastic material is forced to exit the chamber.

Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.

Abstract: A coupling assembly 10 which selectively causes a primary mass or flywheel 20 be engaged or be coupled to a crankshaft 18 as a transmission gear assembly 23 moves from a first gear position to a second gear position and which further selectively causes the primary mass or flywheel 20 to be disengaged or disconnected from the crankshaft 18 as the vehicle is accelerated from an idle state, effective to decrease or substantially eliminate acceleration lag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating heat, in particular for heating a fluid. The apparatus includes a frame, with at least one permanent magnet fixedly mounted to the frame. An electrically conductive member is disposed proximate the permanent magnets. The magnetic field of the magnets upon the conductive member is made to vary cyclically. Typically either the permanent magnets, the conductive member, or both are movable with respect to one another. Relative motion of the conductive member and the magnets causes the magnetic field experienced by the conductive member to vary, which causes it to become hot. The total heat energy generated in the conductive member may exceed the total energy applied to the apparatus to produce the varying magnetic field. The apparatus may include a fluid path proximate the conductive member. Fluid in the fluid path receives heat from the conductive member.

Abstract: A direct memory access (DMA) first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer includes two FIFO devices connected in parallel. An output multiplexer is controlled by a controller to pass to its output data provided by a selected one of the FIFO devices. Data is clocked into one FIFO device until it is full, after which data may be written from it. When data is written from a FIFO device, the FIFO device is emptied before data is again read into it. Using this arrangement, data can be read into one FIFO device whilst data is written from the other FIFO device.

Abstract: A television monitor display comprises a first selectable source of a first video display signal and a second selectable source of a second signal for video display. A video processor receives signals from the first and second selectable sources and controllably combines the second signal with said first video display signal. A sync separator is coupled to receive the combined signal and generate therefrom separated synchronizing signals. A controller is responsive to user selection of the first selectable source and generates a disable signal for controlling the video processor to inhibit combing of the second signal for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: A combustor having a combustion liner and at least one combustor orifice assembly, the combustor orifice assembly comprising a boss, an orifice plate that defines an orifice, the orifice plate having a bottom surface that is adapted to be received by the boss, and a retaining ring, whereby the orifice plate is retained between the retaining ring and the boss.

Abstract: An aerosol aqueous cleaning composition having: an effective mineral dissolving amount of an organic acid of at least 5% by weight of the cleaning compositions; an effective amount of a spore forming microbial composition; an effective cleaning amount of a blend of wetting agents, the first wetting agent having a hydrophobic/lipophobic number (HLB) of about 10 and higher and a second wetting agent having an HLB number of about 5 or less; an effective amount of a thickening agent; an effective amount of a propellant and water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: To address the need for a dispatch mobile (303, 305, 307) to more quickly make a call, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention those remote units operating in a dispatch mode (303, 305, 307) will receive a first slot cycle, while those remote units not operating in a dispatch mode (302, 304, 306, 308) will receive a second slot cycle. The second slot cycle is greater than the first slot cycle, so that those remote units operating in dispatch mode (303, 305, 307) will “wake up” during the slot cycle normally utilized for interconnect calls. Because shorter slot cycles are utilized for remote units operating in dispatch mode (303, 305, 307), the time it takes to make a dispatch call is greatly reduced. Additionally the minimum slot cycle duration typically used for standard calls remains unchanged, greatly conserving battery life.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: The operating precision of super precise machine tools can be significantly improved over their design specifications by the combination of careful set up, testing of the specific machine tool to determine the most accurate operating parameters of accuracy-critical components, providing suitably rigid cutting tool holders, and controlling the operation of the machine tool to operate within the most accurate operating parameters. Testing includes determining optimal operating speeds to achieve the best precision, resonant frequencies to be avoided, and cutting tool feed rates that deliver the most precision. Controlling the machine tool operation includes selecting the most beneficial rotational speed, feeding the cutting tool into the work piece at the most accurate speed and depth of cut, and always feeding the cutting tool into the work piece in one direction.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A system for implementing a telecommunication number processing technique is disclosed. The deployed system, e.g. a call center, comprises a CT server and a telecommunication switch. The deployed system can further comprise a computer network. The CT server receives a telecommunication number input from a telecommunication switch or the computer network. The telecommunication number input represents a telecommunication number to dial a telecommunication call to a telecommunication subscriber located within the system, or an external telephone. In response to the telecommunication number input, the CT server provides a standardized number corresponding to the telecommunication number input. The CT server subsequently provides a dial plan corresponding to the standardized number. The dial plan includes a dial string, a dial group, and a dialing classification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fluid assisted injection molding comprising the step of providing an injection molding apparatus having a mold body that defines a mold cavity. The process further comprises the steps of supplying a quantity of fluent plastic to the mold cavity, followed by injecting a fluid into the mold cavity. The fluid forms an expanding fluid pocket in the mold cavity, driving plastic to the furthest recesses of the mold and ensuring a smooth surface finish of the final molded product. A reservoir is selectively connectable to a plastic injection runner, and can be opened to the runner to receive molten plastic ejected by the introduction of the fluid to the mold cavity. When the reservoir is thusly connected, the pressure of the fluid forces the plastic through a supply passage, in a direction substantially opposite to its initial injection direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine torque in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and multi-ratio transmission when launched from a neutral idle rest condition. At neutral idle, the transmission is controlled such that the input and output members are decoupled. During vehicle launch, two different strategies may be employed to control engine torque. One preferred method is to determine an engine brake torque limit as a function of time. Another preferred method to determine the engine brake torque limit is to estimate the torque capacity of the forward clutch at any given time using a mathematical model and a calibrated offset of turbine torque. Irrespective of the particular method used, the determined engine brake torque limit is compared to the corresponding engine torque amount that is requested by the vehicle operator.