Abstract: According to some aspects of this disclosure, an energy-harvesting button for a wireless gaming controller is disclosed. Such an apparatus may include a casing comprising a wire coil having a radius of a first value; a button frame comprising a magnet having a radius of a second value smaller than the first value; and a hinge attaching the button frame to the casing such that the magnet moves at least partially within the wire coil. The hinge is configured to move the magnet along an arc defined by the hinge, wherein the arc includes at least a first portion that extends within the wire coil and a second portion that extends outside the wire coil. Additional aspects and details are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to produce carbonblack includes, in a carbonblack reactor having combustion zone and a reaction zone and a feedstock injection zone therebetween, converting a portion of at least one hydrocarbon feedstock to carbon black in the presence of combustion gases generated by burning a fuel in an oxidation gas mixture containing low amounts of nitrogen to form a product stream in which carbon black is carried by hot gases. The carbon black is separated from the hot gas, which is then processed to produce a flue gas high in carbon dioxide and low in nitrogen at least a portion of which is redirected to at least one of the combustion zone, the reaction zone, and the feedstock injection zone.

Abstract: A system for determining characteristics of a fracture can include electromagnetic sensors and a pressure sensor. The electromagnetic sensors can be positioned in a wellbore having a perforation to determine an amount of flow traversing the perforation into a fracture zone. The electromagnetic sensors can include a first electromagnetic sensor positioned in a first segment of the wellbore that is closer than the perforation to a surface of the wellbore. The electromagnetic sensors can also include a second electromagnetic sensor that is positioned in a second segment of the wellbore that is farther than the perforation from the surface of the wellbore. The pressure sensor can be positioned in the wellbore for detecting a pressure wave generated by the flow. The pressure wave and the amount of the flow traversing the perforation can be used to determine a characteristic of a fracture in the fracture zone.

Abstract: A system and method for underground gasification. A system for underground gasification system may comprise a recovery system, a supply line, and a downhole ignition device operable to ignite an underground energy source. The downhole device may be connected to the supply line and the supply line may be connected to the recovery system. The system for underground gasification may further comprise an information handling system that may be operable to control the downhole device. A method for igniting an underground energy source may comprise disposing a downhole ignition device into an injection well, positioning the downhole ignition device within the underground energy source, activating the downhole ignition device, igniting the underground energy source, and recovering a gas from the underground energy source.

Abstract: A system and method for underground gasification. A system for underground gasification system may comprise a recovery system, a supply line, and a downhole ignition device operable to ignite an underground energy source. The downhole device may be connected to the supply line and the supply line may be connected to the recovery system. The system for underground gasification may further comprise an information handling system that may be operable to control the downhole device. A method for igniting an underground energy source may comprise disposing a downhole ignition device into an injection well, positioning the downhole ignition device within the underground energy source, activating the downhole ignition device, igniting the underground energy source, and recovering a gas from the underground energy source.

Abstract: A system may include a downhole tool conveyable into a wellbore on a conveyance, and a plurality of sensing devices positioned at a distal end of the downhole tool to emit wave energy in an axial direction within the wellbore. At least a portion of the wave energy are reflected by one or more wellbore hazards and received by the plurality of sensing devices. The system further includes a data acquisition system communicatively coupled to the downhole tool to receive and process reflected wave energy and thereby identify the one or more wellbore hazards.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float and a spar for guiding the up and down movement of the float in response to the waves. A power take off (PTO) device coupled between the float and the spar and mounted within one of the float and spar such that the PTO includes apparatus responsive to the mechanical interaction of the float with the portion of the spar in proximity to the float for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In one embodiment the PTO includes a linear rack extending along an external portion of the spar and a linear to rotary converter, mounted within the float, including a double sided toothed belt for engaging the rack and causing rotation of the rotary converter to drive an electric generator. In another embodiment the PTO includes tires mounted within the float which rotate as the float moves up and down. In another embodiment the PTO includes a rack and pinion arrangement with one of them connected to the spar and the other mounted in the float.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float which moves generally in phase with the waves and whose up and down motion is guided by and along a spar having an upper portion and a lower portion. A power take off (PTO) device is coupled between the float and the spar for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In some embodiments, the PTO includes (a) a drum having an axis of rotation rotatably mounted within one of the float and spar; and (b) cabling means connected between the drum and the other one of the float and spar for causing the drum to rotate as a function of the up and down motion of the float. In other embodiments, the PTO system is formed using a pre-tensioned roller chain wound around sprocket wheels located within one of the spar and float with the opposite ends of the chain connected to the other one of the spar and float to cause rotation of the sprocket wheels in response to movement of the float relative to the spar.

Abstract: An anchoring enclosure embodying the invention includes a chamber whose buoyancy can be controlled by pumping a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid (e.g., sea water) into the chamber. The anchoring enclosure includes a bottom extension for embedding the anchoring enclosure into the seabed and an anti-scouring skirt extending about the perimeter of the lower portion of the structure and outward from the anchoring enclosure for resting along the seabed and preventing water movement from disturbing the embedded bottom extension. The anchoring enclosure may be rendered sufficiently buoyant to be easily towed to a selected site of a body of water without the need for large and expensive equipment and to then be rendered less buoyant so as to sink, in a controlled manner, to the seabed.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float and a spar for guiding the up and down movement of the float in response to the waves. A power take off (PTO) device coupled between the float and the spar and mounted within one of the float and spar such that the PTO includes apparatus responsive to the mechanical interaction of the float with the portion of the spar in proximity to the float for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In one embodiment the PTO includes a linear rack extending along an external portion of the spar and a linear to rotary converter, mounted within the float, including a double sided toothed belt for engaging the rack and causing rotation of the rotary converter to drive an electric generator. In another embodiment the PTO includes tires mounted within the float which rotate as the float moves up and down. In another embodiment the PTO includes a rack and pinion arrangement with one of them connected to the spar and the other mounted in the float.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float which moves generally in phase with the waves and whose up and down motion is guided by and along a spar having an upper portion and a lower portion. A power take off (PTO) device is coupled between the float and the spar for converting their relative motion into useful energy. In some embodiments, the PTO includes (a) a drum having an axis of rotation rotatably mounted within one of the float and spar; and (b) cabling means connected between the drum and the other one of the float and spar for causing the drum to rotate as a function of the up and down motion of the float. In other embodiments, the PTO system is formed using a pre-tensioned roller chain wound around sprocket wheels located within one of the spar and float with the opposite ends of the chain connected to the other one of the spar and float to cause rotation of the sprocket wheels in response to movement of the float relative to the spar.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism to align a microelectronic device to a socket, the device including an array of contact pads thereon. The mechanism includes a socket system having a socket and a device positioning mechanism disposed adjacent the socket and adapted to position the device in the socket. The mechanism also includes a control system adapted to receive alignment data on a position of the array of contact pads relative to two reference sides of the device, the control system further being adapted to control the device positioning mechanism as a function of alignment data to align the device in the socket.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide accurate alignment for semiconductor sockets are described. In one embodiment, a carrier is utilized to align a device under test with a test socket. In some embodiments, alignment features on a carrier, a device under test, and/or a test socket are used to align the devices relative to each other.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism to align a microelectronic device to a socket, the device including an array of contact pads thereon. The mechanism includes a socket system having a socket and a device positioning mechanism disposed adjacent the socket and adapted to position the device in the socket. The mechanism also includes a control system adapted to receive alignment data on a position of the array of contact pads relative to two reference sides of the device, the control system further being adapted to control the device positioning mechanism as a function of alignment data to align the device in the socket.

Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.

Abstract: A compliant woven tubular seal is provided in an arcuate cavity opening through an axial face of a plurality of shroud segments in opposition to a nozzle retaining ring. The annular composite tubular woven compliant seal includes a stainless steel inner metal core surrounded by an annular layer of silica fiber. Surrounding the silica fiber is a metal foil which prevents flow past the supplemental seal. An outer wear-resistant braiding serves as a protective covering and wear surface.

Abstract: In a gas turbine including a nozzle retaining ring having a first annular axially sealing surface and a shroud segment having an axial registering second surface. To minimize or prevent leakage flow between the retaining ring and shroud segments, a generally U-shaped seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the second surface. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the first surface of the retaining ring to prevent leakage flow past the retaining ring/shroud segment interface. To install the seal, the seal body is first compressed and maintained in a compressed state by applying one or more wraps about the seal body and an epoxy is used to secure the seal when compressed in the cavity. At operating temperatures, the retention means releases the seal to engage marginal portions against opposite sealing surfaces of the shroud segments and retaining ring.

Abstract: A compliant woven tubular seal is provided in an arcuate cavity opening through an axial face of a plurality of shroud segments in opposition to a nozzle retaining ring. The annular composite tubular woven compliant seal includes a stainless steel inner metal core surrounded by an annular layer of silica fiber. Surrounding the silica fiber is a metal foil which prevents flow past the supplemental seal. An outer wear-resistant braiding serves as a protective covering and wear surface.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a low leakage sealing system comprising a pipe for directing the flow of a fluid medium and a housing surrounding the pipe. The housing is spaced radially outward of the pipe defining an annular space. A sealing assembly, comprising an inner seal, outer seal and a final seal are disposed in a spaced relationship in an axial direction in the annular space so as to reduce leakage flow therethrough that is created by the flowing fluid medium pressure. In addition, a ledge is disposed downstream from the sealing assembly and the final seal.

Abstract: A low leakage sealing system is provided between a steam pipe and a housing comprised of a pair of shells and a nozzle box movable relative to one another. The sealing system includes large and small diameter sealing rings engaging the pipe and shells or nozzle box and a secondary sealing element disposed between the sealing rings and one of the pipe and shells or nozzle box. The sealing elements comprise frustoconical elements having curved end surfaces forming primary seals with the sealing rings and the housing. In another form, the sealing system includes annular carrier elements having radially opening cavities for receiving sealing rings engageable with the pipe and housing, respectively. The carrier elements are axially spaced from a plurality of sealing rings to provide the low leakage sealing system.