Abstract: A method for characterizing anthropogenic space objects, includes the steps of: receiving, by computing device, sensing and imaging electro-optical pixel data respecting the anthropogenic space objects, performing, by the computing device, ambient level correction of the electro-optical pixel data by subtracting background noise attributed to wide field luminescence due to stars and cosmic radiation and creating, by the computing device, fast kinematic constructs for the anthropogenic space objects whereby the anthropogenic space objects are detected, discriminated and characterized.

Abstract: A method for characterizing anthropogenic space objects, includes the steps of: receiving, by computing device, sensing and imaging electro-optical pixel data respecting the anthropogenic space objects, performing, by the computing device, ambient level correction of the electro-optical pixel data by subtracting background noise attributed to wide field luminescence due to stars and cosmic radiation and creating, by the computing device, fast kinematic constructs for the anthropogenic space objects whereby the anthropogenic space objects are detected, discriminated and characterized.

Abstract: A switching device is controlled by a microprocessor to selectively configure the circuit between a current measurement mode and a calibration mode. When the switch is set to the “on” state, the circuit acts as a normal prior art circuit, with the output Vout being read by the microprocessor to determine the current to the load. However, when the switch is set to the “off” state, a small value resistor (which may be roughly three orders of magnitude greater than Rshunt) connects the inputs of the measuring circuit so that the circuit can generate an output Vout corresponding to the zero load current. By connecting the V+ and V? inputs together with a low resistance resistor, the no-load condition Vdiff=V+?V??0 applies. In this state, the no-load offset can be determined by measuring the output voltage of the circuit without turning off the load.

Abstract: A method for a user to capture, configure, store, link, exchange, and set trading parameters (prices and other exchange values) for data drawn from the user's personal data file combined with other user generated data; including data resulting from the user's interactions with file creation software, data items generated from user interactions with electronic devices and components, and data automatically generated by electronic components and devices owned by a user. In combination, these combined data sources coupled with a personal data file form a digital persona or a “digital doppelganger” that may be traded or sold or retained as private in a data marketplace.

Abstract: A switching device is controlled by a microprocessor to selectively configure the circuit between a current measurement mode and a calibration mode. When the switch is set to the “on” state, the circuit acts as a normal prior art circuit, with the output Vout being read by the microprocessor to determine the current to the load. However, when the switch is set to the “off” state, a small value resistor (which may be roughly three orders of magnitude greater than Rshunt) connects the inputs of the measuring circuit so that the circuit can generate an output Vout corresponding to the zero load current. By connecting the V+ and V? inputs together with a low resistance resistor, the no-load condition Vdiff=V+?V??0 applies. In this state, the no-load offset can be determined by measuring the output voltage of the circuit without turning off the load.

Abstract: A method and system to accept user input into one or a plurality of graphical user interface screens or layouts to generate prices for one or a plurality of actions upon achievement of one or a plurality of trigger values or thresholds within one or a plurality of data sources linked to a data supply chain or a federated data source. The one or plurality of graphical user interfaces enable a user to select link and associate operators with data objects in order to build formulae that include mathematical and logical operations for calculating values to be compared with conditions and thresholds for triggering actions or events by the one or a plurality of servers upon the one or a plurality of data sources and to calculate and store the configuration of the schema for cumulative prices or terms or conditions for implementation of such actions by the one or a plurality of servers.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pass. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coupled shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing chemical mechanical polishing. A high down-force step is performed. A low down-force step is performed. At least one of the down-force steps is modified, based on if one of the down-force steps exceeds an acceptable tolerance associated therewith. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements to personal vehicles including self-propelled and balancing personal vehicles. Ready detachability of a seat, footrest, seat back, control unit, wheels and caster assembly is provided using quick disconnect mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for polishing a layer of material, a method for manufacturing a damascene interconnect structure, and a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit. The method for polishing a layer of material, among other steps, includes obtaining a substrate (310) having a layer of material (330) located thereover, and polishing the layer of material (330) using a polishing surface (410). The step of polishing the layer of material may include subjecting the layer of material (330) to a first polishing process using a first endpoint detection method, the first polishing process removing a portion of the layer of material, and subjecting remaining portions (420) of the layer of material (330) to a second polishing process using a second different optical endpoint detection method.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the pressure between work-space and crankcase in a pressurized engine, such as a Stirling engine. The device consists of a two-way valve connected between the work-space and the crankcase. The valve is connected to the work-space with a passageway including a constriction to provide an mean pressure for monitoring purposes. The valve connects the work-space and crankcase allowing the pressure to equalize when the mean pressure of the work-space exceeds the crankcase pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A spinner fishing lure having a frame including first and second diverging arms lying generally in the same plane. A hook is connected to the frame at the distal end of the first arm and lies generally in the plane of the first and second arms. The lure also includes at least two blades and connectors for connecting the blades to the frame generally at the distal end of the second arm. The blades are tethered to the connectors at spaced apart connection points such that the blades may swivel relative to the connectors generally sweeping out overlapping cones as the blades travel through the water so that the blades periodically strike one another to produce a noise attractive to fish. The connectors are configured so that the connection points of the blades and the blades are substantially vertically aligned as the lure is pulled through the water.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine oil system is provided in which the centrifugal separator is arranged to act as a pump for supplying bearing chambers directly, and the scavenging of the bearing chambers is achieved primarily by the pressurization air which flows into the chambers to prevent oil leakage. To avoid the use of pressure regulating valves for controlling the oil flow an oil tank is pressurized and communicates with an auxiliary outlet from the separator, the pressure in which is governed by the quantity of oil flowing around the system. The tank and the bearing chambers are fluidly connected to the centrifugal separator in two separate fluid circuits with each circuit having the separator as an element thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic seal and an oil scavenge system are combined, and oil pumping gears and other associated equipment thus obviated. The hydraulic seal 32 comprises an oil reservoir holding centrifuged oil, and an annular fin 22, the periphery of which dips in the oil. The fin 22 has an orifice 33 which receives the oil under pressure derived from the speed of rotation of the oil, and passes it via conduit 34,26 to an oil sump.

Abstract: A fully aerobatic oil system for an aircraft gas turbine engine includes two re-circulatory oil systems the pumps for which have inlets 19 and 31a disposed at locations in the engine such that when one inlet is starved of oil, due to the aircraft attitude changing, oil will be supplied to the other one. In a specific embodiment, the breather of the oil system 30 (FIG. 2) is positioned in the engine gearbox and provides the lowest pressure point in the system. The breather is of the type described in UK Pat. No. 1,508,212 which includes a rotating compartment filled with RETIMET (Regd. Trade Mark). The bearing chambers are pressurised with air from the engine and the air/oil mixture in each chamber is vented via a first series of vents 24 to the breather where the air and oil are separated. The breather is used as a pump to pump the separated oil back to the oil tank via a scavenge line 35 which includes a relief valve 38.

Abstract: A fuel/oil heat exchange system is proposed for an aircraft gas turbine engine for heating fuel leaving the aircraft fuel tanks before it enters the engine fuel system. The proposed system eliminates the separate fuel heater. The oil system is designed so that the fuel is not overheated at the hottest engine conditions, and the fuel/oil heat exchange system is made to increase the temperature of the oil if the fuel temperature drops below a pre-determined limit.Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, oil from the engine gearbox 16 is passed by scavenge pump 20 to a fuel heating coil 14 in the heat exchanger 12. Fuel from the aircraft passes through the heat exchanger prior to entering the fuel system 7 through fuel filter 6. A temperature sensing device 26 signals a reduction in fuel temperature below a desired level and closes a valve 24 preventing oil passing beneath baffle 25 to the scavenge pump.

Abstract: A bearing chamber pressurization system for a ducted fan gas turbine engine uses fan delivery air at relatively low pressure and temperature for bearing chamber pressurization. In order to avoid the possibility of a flow reversal in the pressurization air when the fan speed is reduced, a second higher pressure air supply from the core engine is made available under the control of a valve and pressure sensing device, and which comes into operation when the ratio of the bearing chamber pressure and the supply pressure reaches a pre-determined minimum.

Abstract: A self priming gear pump 14 for pumping liquids containing gases is provided with a vent pipe 26 for releasing entrapped gases that would otherwise collect at the outlet side of the pump 14. The vent pipe 26 terminates within the pump housing 21 at a zone which is out of the path of the oil centrifuged by the gears 25 and in the region lying near the point of intersection of the gears 25. An additional inlet pipe 27 which directs liquid across the main inlet into the gap between the periphery of one of the gears 25 and the housing 21 may be provided to improve liquid sealing.

Abstract: A fluid processing device for use in the oil system of gas turbine or other plant, performs the functions of a de-gassifier and filter for liquid from part of the plant, scavenge pump for returning clean liquid to the plant, air/liquid droplet separator and main pressure pump, or any required combination of these functions. The performances of individual rotary devices are enhanced by the inclusion of a quantity of a rigid porous material having interconnected interstitial passages so that all the rotary devices can operate at the same speed and can thus be driven from a single shaft.In a gas turbine engine application (FIG. 3) the device has a plurality of individual compartments 36,38,40 and 41 within a rotating housing 21, each compartment containing the porous material. Compartments 36 and 38 are supplied with air and emulsified oil via pipes 44 from bearing chambers.