Abstract: A power plant control system determines an augmented operating parameter set point responsive to a life cycle cost (LCC) objective function responsive to a LCC model. The augmented operating parameter value may be responsive to an initial set point determined by a controls model and a performance indicator determined by a performance model. The power plant may include a thermal generator, such as a gas turbine or other fuel-burning generator, and the operating parameter may include firing temperature, fuel flow rate, steam pressure/temperature/flow rate, and/or another suitable operating parameter. An offer curve is generated responsive to the augmented operating parameter.

Abstract: Various embodiments include systems and apparatuses adapted for detecting two-dimensional turbomachine exhaust temperature. In some embodiments, a system includes a two-dimensional grid sized to mount within an exhaust path of a gas turbomachine, a radiation detection device for detecting radiation emitted from the two-dimensional grid at a plurality of points on the two-dimensional grid, the radiation detection device being mountable proximate the exhaust path and the two-dimensional grid and at least one computing device connected with the radiation detection device, the at least one computing device configured to generate a planar map of the temperature of the exhaust from the gas turbomachine based upon the intensity of the radiation emitted from two-dimensional grid detected at the plurality of points on the two-dimensional grid.

Abstract: A method including receiving an event investigation inquiry and retrieving a first set of research event information based on the event investigation inquiry and a second set of research event information based on the event investigation inquiry, the first set of research event information and the second set of research event information associated with a first research event and a second research event, respectively. The method further includes aggregating the first set of research event information and the second set of research event information into an aggregated set of research event information and providing a result in an interactive format that allows for one or more views, wherein the result is associated with the aggregated set of research event information and each view is associated with a different representation of the aggregated set of research event information.

Abstract: A power plant control system determines an augmented operating parameter set point responsive to a life cycle cost (LCC) objective function responsive to a LCC model. The augmented operating parameter value may be responsive to an initial set point determined by a controls model and a performance indicator determined by a performance model. The power plant may include a thermal generator, such as a gas turbine or other fuel-burning generator, and the operating parameter may include firing temperature, fuel flow rate, steam pressure/temperature/flow rate, and/or another suitable operating parameter. An offer curve is generated responsive to the augmented operating parameter.

Abstract: Composite load-bearing rotating rings suitable for use in fan sections of gas turbine engines, and processes for their fabrication. Such a ring has at least a first portion defining an integral abutment surface adapted to abut and retain hardware of a rotating machine, at least a second portion defining an integral flange adapted to secure the ring to a support structure of the rotating machine, and an insert. Each of the first and second portions and the insert contains a polymer matrix material and a fibrous reinforcement material, and the fibrous reinforcement material within the insert is oriented predominantly in a circumferential direction of the ring for carrying both circumferential and radial loads during rotation of the ring.

Abstract: A fiber-optic based thrust load measurement system is coupled to a bearing housing. The measurement system includes at least one fiber optic sensor configured to detect one or more parameters related to the bearing housing. An optical coupler is configured to regulate light signals emitted from a light source and light signals reflected from the fiber optic sensor. A detector system is configured to receive light signals from the optical coupler. A processor is configured to receive an output from the detector system and to determine a thrust load on a thrust bearing based on the detected one or more parameters related to the bearing housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for damaging objects in digital environments are provided. The objects may be defined by a number of tiles. Tiles may be joined together to form objects of various sizes, shapes, and facades. The tiles may be broken up or divided into smaller tiles as the objects sustain damage. These smaller tiles may be rejoined to the objects providing virtually unlimited ways in which the objects can be damaged. In addition, the objects may incorporate stress-related damage that allows the object to break or collapse under its own weight.

Abstract: A replaceable track pad for use on a track chain of a crawler-type tracked machine reduces damage to a travel surface while providing traction and support to the tracked machine. The replaceable track pad includes a tread supported by a backing plate. The replaceable track pad may be mounted to a track link on a track chain using a mounting plate, forming a track pad mounting assembly. The mounting plate includes a substantially flat mounting surface. A worn or damaged track pad may be removed from the track chain without removing the mounting plate. The worn track pad can be refurbished by removing the worn tread material from the backing plate and attaching a new tread to the backing plate.

Abstract: A fiber-optic based thrust load measurement system is coupled to a bearing housing. The measurement system includes at least one fiber optic sensor configured to detect one or more parameters related to the bearing housing. An optical coupler is configured to regulate light signals emitted from a light source and light signals reflected from the fiber optic sensor. A detector system is configured to receive light signals from the optical coupler. A processor is configured to receive an output from the detector system and to determine a thrust load on a thrust bearing based on the detected one or more parameters related to the bearing housing.

Abstract: Composite load-bearing rotating rings suitable for use in fan sections of gas turbine engines, and processes for their fabrication. Such a ring has at least a first portion defining an integral abutment surface adapted to abut and retain hardware of a rotating machine, at least a second portion defining an integral flange adapted to secure the ring to a support structure of the rotating machine, and an insert. Each of the first and second portions and the insert contains a polymer matrix material and a fibrous reinforcement material, and the fibrous reinforcement material within the insert is oriented predominantly in a circumferential direction of the ring for carrying both circumferential and radial loads during rotation of the ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for controlling a peripheral device in communication with a content playout device. In various embodiments of the present invention, high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) applications are provided for communication between a control device and a content playout device for controlling the operational functionality of a peripheral device via the content playout device using HDMI communication means and, in one embodiment, vendor specific commands. That is, associated control signals are provided for controlling and communicating with peripheral devices connected to a playout device, such as a display, for, in various embodiments, affecting the presentation of specific or requested content.

Abstract: A system comprises, a first heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) having an upstream intake duct portion, a first gas turbine engine connected to a first exhaust duct operative to output exhaust from the first gas turbine engine to the upstream intake duct portion of the first HRSG, and a second gas turbine engine connected to a second exhaust duct operative to output exhaust from the second gas turbine engine to the upstream intake duct portion of the first HRSG.

Abstract: A method for using a message service for communication in a content distribution environment includes soliciting a response from a user where the user is instructed to respond using a message service and an advertised point of contact. In response to a received message, an action associated with the received message is initiated and the location for execution of the initiated action is identified using the point of contact information communicated by the user. In circumstances in which shoppers have text-message enabled cell phones, a shopper can be solicited, in a display presenting content, to text a message to an identified point of contact for additional related content. A play-out system can then play the requested additional content on a display in close proximity to the shopper, where the display is identified using the point of contact information communicated by the user in the message.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed that allow a user to enter a query in a query input region of a graphical user interface and respond to the query by automatically directing it to an appropriate database, saving a user from having to choose among the myriad databases within the system. The system provides shareable folders for not only selected documents or excerpts from documents, but also for annotations and markups associated with documents. The system also enables a user to set permissions as to whether to allow documents, as well annotations and markups, private or publicly available to other users. Further, the system allows a user to specify an action that is to occur once a particular event occurs affecting a document, annotation or markup.

Abstract: Methods and systems for damaging objects in digital environments are provided. The objects may be defined by a number of tiles. Tiles may be joined together to form objects of various sizes, shapes, and facades. The tiles may be broken up or divided into smaller tiles as the objects sustain damage. These smaller tiles may be rejoined to the objects providing virtually unlimited ways in which the objects can be damaged. In addition, the objects may incorporate stress-related damage that allows the object to break or collapse under its own weight.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for the control and optimization of playout devices such as displays and speakers. In various embodiments of the present invention, high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) applications are provided for communication between a control device and a content playout device for controlling the playout functionality of the content playout device using HDMI communication means and vendor specific commands. That is, associated control signals are provided for controlling or optimizing display and speaker settings for providing a desired viewing and listening experience. The concepts of the present invention provide for remote command of display functions and, in addition, for remote monitoring of display status and settings. In addition, applications are provided that lock out or limit the functionality of display and speaker controls from user inputs or settings.

Abstract: A compact three-bar linkage steering probe assembly, particularly useful with ultra-narrow row cotton harvester units, includes two vertical rocker arms pivotally connected to a harvester row unit at mid-point locations and upper ends connected by a cross link to generally constrain the arms for rocking in unison. Crop guides connected to the lower ends of the rocker arms follow the bases of the plant stalks as the row of plants enter the unit. The vertical arms are maintained within spacer tubes which prevent interference with adjacent rows of plants and which assure the arms are not disturbed by the adjacent rows. A sensor responsive to rotation of the rocker arms is located at the central pivotal connection. Arm leaf springs or a spring biased adjustable upper cross link provides probe flexibility for accommodating different plant stalk sizes.

Abstract: An interdiction system includes software agents masquerading as nodes in a decentralized network, a query matcher that receives search results captured by the software agents and reports matches with protected files back to the software agents, and a central coordinating authority that coordinates activities of the software agents by sending instructions to the software agents specifying actions to be taken. Possible activities and related interdicting methods include manipulating search results before forwarding them on in the network, quarantining selected nodes in the network, performing file impersonations such as transferring synthesized decoys, performing file transfer attenuation, and hash spoofing.