Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing ethane steam cracking at elevated coil inlet pressures and/or elevated coil outlet pressures in small diameter furnace coils. Instead of performing steam cracking of ethane at a coil outlet pressure of ˜22 psig or less (˜150 kPa-g or less), the steam cracking of ethane can be performed in small diameter furnace coils at a coil outlet pressure of 30 psig to 75 psig (˜200 kPa-g to ˜520 kPa-g), or 40 psig to 75 psig (˜270 kPa-g to ˜520 kPa-g). In order to achieve such higher coil outlet pressures, a correspondingly higher coil inlet pressure can also be used, such as a pressure of 45 psig (˜310 kPa-g) or more, or 50 psig (˜340 kPa-g) or more.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting capacitance added in parallel to an electrical line input for improving efficiency of an electrical system. A microprocessor monitors in real time the current and voltage wave forms of a system and selects the optimum amount of capacitance from a bank of capacitors of different values. The system is implemented at the utility transformer to encourage adoption of the device by utility companies and customers.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting capacitance added in parallel to an electrical line input for improving efficiency of an electrical system. A microprocessor monitors in real time the current and voltage wave forms of a system and selects the optimum amount of capacitance from a bank of capacitors of different values. The system is implemented at the watt-hour meter to encourage adoption of the device by utility companies and customers.

Abstract: To detect a physical parameter, a resonator is connected to a body which changes in dimension when subjected to the parameter. Thus, when the body changes in dimension in response to the parameter, the resonance frequency of the resonator is modulated thereby. Such modulations are detected optically to detect and measure the parameter. In the preferred embodiment, the resonator transmits light and light is applied to the resonator so that the light supplied is transmitted through the resonator and so that the modulations of the resonance frequency also modulates the intensity of the light transmitted by the resonator. The modulations of the intensity of the light transmitted by the resonator is detected to detect the parameter.

Abstract: To detect a physical parameter such as pressure, temperature, acceleration or force, the physical parameter is allowed to influence the movement of a light transmitting piezoelectric member. Light is supplied to the member and the member is vibrated in a direction transverse to the light transmitted in the member. The vibrations of the member are modulated by the physical parameter. The modulations of the vibrations modulate the light transmitted by the member. The modulations of the light transmitted by the member are then detected to detect the physical parameter. In some embodiments the physical parameter causes nonvibrational relative motion between two flexible light transmitting members. The change in the amount of light transmitted between the two members is detected for detecting the physical parameter.

Abstract: To measure the heat transfer coefficient of a sample, an element with temperature sensitive optical properties is placed in contact or implanted in the sample. The element is heated or cooled. The temperature difference between the element and the unheated sample and the rate of heating or cooling indicate the heat transfer coefficient of the sample. In one embodiment, the element is heated or cooled at a constant rate. The heat transfer coefficient of the sample is then inversely related to the difference in temperature between the element and the unheated sample. Alternatively, the element may be heated or cooled at such a rate that the temperature difference between the element and the unheated sample remains substantially constant. The heat transfer coefficient of the sample then varies directly with the rate of heating or cooling. The heat transfer coefficient of a sample is a measure of its composition and other physical properties.

Abstract: A type element interchange mechanism is incorporated into a high speed serial printer with rotary print wheel and linear carriage movement. A number of print wheels are selectively mountable onto a carriage, which carries a print wheel, print hammer, and print hammer solenoid, from one or more removable carousels, each carousel typically carrying several different type font print wheels. Print wheels are transferred directly between the carriage and a carousel, without the necessity of intermediate transfer mechanisms or steps, through the controlled linear translation of the carriage and the carousel. The print wheel-carrying carousel has a plurality of arms and is rotated to present the desired arm in position for transfer of a print wheel with the carriage. Microprocessor controls are provided so that print wheel changes are implemented automatically in response to input signals defining the desired font type.