Abstract: An improved medical device reduces the loss of longitudinal length during expansion of a stent-graft from a compressed state to an expanded state. For example, the stent-graft is placed over a cover that provides resistance to expansion of the balloon during inflation, which reduces longitudinal compressing forces exerted on the stent-graft.

Abstract: A double-sided cutting insert for a drilling tool includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one side surface interconnecting the top side and the bottom side and forming at least one cutting edge. The top side and the bottom side comprise a different external profile and chip groove geometry and an identical inscribed circle, and each of the top side and the bottom side comprises four indexable cutting edges.

Abstract: An improved design of a cutting insert system includes a plurality of indexable peripheral milling cutting inserts adapted to be mounted on a peripheral milling tool holder. Each of the cutting inserts includes an insert width that is the same for each cutting insert. Each of the cutting inserts also includes a corner nose having a corner nose radius dimension that is different for each cutting insert, and an axial alignment clearance face that defines an equivalent face location and an equivalent clearance angle for each of the plurality of cutting inserts when the insert is detachably mounted on the tool holder.

Abstract: An improved method for sequencing variable speed centrifugal compressors on and off line to ensure optimal operating efficiency in a liquid cooling system under all operating circumstances is described. The present disclosure teaches modifying equipment sequencing decisions (to add or shed a unit), based in part on the position of the compressor inlet vanes. This new approach achieves improved energy efficiency of the overall system by taking into account operating conditions of individual compressors or chillers that may be sub-optimal.

Abstract: An improved design of a cutting insert system includes a plurality of indexable peripheral milling cutting inserts adapted to be mounted on a peripheral milling tool holder. Each of the cutting inserts includes an insert width that is the same for each cutting insert. Each of the cutting inserts also includes a corner nose having a corner nose radius dimension that is different for each cutting insert, and an axial alignment clearance face that defines an equivalent face location and an equivalent clearance angle for each of the plurality of cutting inserts when the insert is detachably mounted on the tool holder.

Abstract: A generally parallelogram-shaped cutting insert includes a top face; first and second main radial clearance faces, each intersecting the top face; first and second minor axial clearance faces each intersecting the top face and connecting the first and second main radial clearance faces; and a main cutting edge at the intersection of the top face and the first main radial clearance face. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the main cutting edge comprises a variable radial rake angle including a portion having a positive radial rake angle and a portion having a negative radial rake angle.

Abstract: An improved design of a cutting insert system includes a plurality of indexable peripheral milling cutting inserts adapted to be mounted on a peripheral milling tool holder. Each of the cutting inserts includes an insert width that is the same for each cutting insert. Each of the cutting inserts also includes a corner nose having a corner nose radius dimension that is different for each cutting insert, and an axial alignment clearance face that defines an equivalent face location and an equivalent clearance angle for each of the plurality of cutting inserts when the insert is detachably mounted on the tool holder.

Abstract: A double-sided cutting insert for a drilling tool includes a top side, a bottom side, and at least one side surface interconnecting the top side and the bottom side and forming at least one cutting edge. The top side and the bottom side comprise a different external profile and chip groove geometry and an identical inscribed circle, and each of the top side and the bottom side comprises four indexable cutting edges.

Abstract: An improved method for sequencing variable speed centrifugal compressors on and off line to ensure optimal operating efficiency in a liquid cooling system under all operating circumstances is described. The present disclosure teaches modifying equipment sequencing decisions (to add or shed a unit), based in part on the position of the compressor inlet vanes. This new approach achieves improved energy efficiency of the overall system by taking into account operating conditions of individual compressors or chillers that may be sub-optimal.

Abstract: An improved design of a cutting insert system includes a plurality of indexable peripheral milling cutting inserts adapted to be mounted on a peripheral milling tool holder. Each of the cutting inserts includes an insert width that is the same for each cutting insert. Each of the cutting inserts also includes a corner nose having a corner nose radius dimension that is different for each cutting insert, and an axial alignment clearance face that defines an equivalent face location and an equivalent clearance angle for each of the plurality of cutting inserts when the insert is detachably mounted on the tool holder.

Abstract: A generally parallelogram-shaped cutting insert includes a top face; first and second main radial clearance faces, each intersecting the top face; first and second minor axial clearance faces each intersecting the top face and connecting the first and second main radial clearance faces; and a main cutting edge at the intersection of the top face and the first main radial clearance face. According to one non-limiting embodiment, the main cutting edge comprises a variable radial rake angle including a portion having a positive radial rake angle and a portion having a negative radial rake angle.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses systems and methods for enabling electronically actuated valves to operate reliably and precisely with prolonged life by achieving effective control with less-frequent reposition requirements. A time interval is selected at which position command signals will be received. When a position command signal is received for a valve, a check is made to determine if the absolute value of the sum of differences between each position command signal (since the last repositioning of the valve) and the actual current position of the valve exceeds a preset threshold. If it does, the valve is repositioned according to the most recently received position command signal. If the absolute value sum of the differences does not exceed the preset threshold, the valve is not repositioned, but the value of the absolute value sum of the differences is stored in memory. At the next time interval for receiving position command signals, a next position command signal is received and the process repeats.

Abstract: The present invention is a new self-balancing modulating control valve for use in a variable-flow fluid distribution system supplying a plurality of loads, which when installed at each load permits a smaller pumping head at all flow conditions. The purpose of this invention is to develop a valve for a variable-flow fluid distribution system that uses less energy than current systems by requiring a near zero pressure drop across the valve but still operates effectively at all load and flow conditions. This invention can allow electronically actuated ball-type valves that are now available to operate reliably and with a longer life by achieving effective control with less frequent reposition requirements.

Abstract: A cutting tool or drill insert with chip control geometry comprising a body including a portion securable in a holder and a forward portion. The forward portion defining at least one cutting edge extending from the central axis of the body to an edge of the body. A chip groove is defined by the surface of the body adjacent to the cutting edge. The chip groove incorporates chip control geometry as spaced apart elongate projections.

Abstract: Methods of sequencing parallel units in HVAC systems are described to improve overall system operating efficiency. The improved method is applicable for sequencing parallel centrifugal pumps in a variable flow hydronic system, parallel fans in a variable air-flow system, and centrifugal chillers in an HVAC system having a plurality of variable speed drive centrifugal chillers arrange in parallel. The method calls for determining an operating point of the on-line units, comparing the current operating point to a natural curve of maximum efficiency, and adding or shedding units as required to move closest to an operating curve of optimal efficiency, without direct regard to actual loading. Natural operating curves relate head pressure and operating speed rather than load. Control logic that implements such operating characteristics often will result in operating more parallel units on-line that would be required by prior art to meet the load.

Abstract: In building environmental control, primary HVAC services are distributed to multiple terminal units. An active diffuser terminal unit has a variable speed fan to controllably draw room air into the unit for reheating the air; and, conversely, to force conditioned air down into the space for cooling by reversing the direction of the fan motor. Variation of the fan speed serves to modulate the airflow direction mix through a combination of a vertical port and a horizontal port. This closed system avoids filtering plenum air, and reduces cost by supporting both heating and cooling services with a single fan.

Abstract: The present invention improves efficiency, and thereby save energy, in compressed fluid types of cooling systems, avoids instability in chiller controls, and thus provides for stable operation of a chiller in a cooling system, and provides a novel, improved single-circuit, chilled fluid cooling system that incorporates a variable flow chilled water distribution system without encountering control instability while obviating the need for constant high flow rates through a chiller by providing methods and apparatus for stable operation at reduced and variable flows.

Abstract: In building environmental control, primary HVAC services are supplemented to improve individual user comfort by automatically adjusting lighting levels and airflow direction mix in the individual workspace. An individual terminal unit provides these individualized supplemental services without affecting loading on the primary HVAC system. Multiple individual terminal units disposed in an open, common area communicate with one another and adjust operations in response to neighborhood conditions to improve overall system efficiency and save energy while optimizing individual user comfort.

Abstract: A variable air volume heating and cooling system that provides automatic system-wide airflow balancing is disclosed. To balance the system, each terminal box maximum airflow setting is automatically and continuously adjusted in response to central supply fan loading conditions together with local zone conditions. The new system has the advantage of automating both initial air balancing of terminal units at the time of installation, as well as rebalancing to respond to changing conditions, without technician intervention. Substantial savings in energy cost can be achieved since the operating curve of each terminal unit is automatically adjusted to demand no more conditioned air volume than necessary.

Abstract: A variable air volume heating and cooling system that provides automatic system-wide airflow balancing is disclosed. To balance the system, each terminal box maximum airflow setting is automatically and continuously adjusted in response to central supply fan loading conditions together with local zone conditions. The new system has the advantage of automating both initial air balancing of terminal units at the time of installation, as well as rebalancing to respond to changing conditions, without technician intervention. Substantial savings in energy cost can be achieved since the operating curve of each terminal unit is automatically adjusted to demand no more conditioned air volume than necessary.