Abstract: A method for operating a combined-cycle electrical power grid system including the steps of: accepting, from a plurality of combined cycle power generation participants, combined cycle offers for a set of valid combined cycle configurations, each combined cycle configuration in the set including identification of power generator type(s) for the configuration and the offers including at least three levels of parameter information pertaining for the valid combined cycle configurations, the three levels of parameter information including, (a) resource level parameters that describe transition information between the valid combined cycle configurations, (b) configuration level parameters that describe operating parameters for each valid combined cycle configuration in the set; and (c) component level parameters that describe operating parameters for specific power generator components included in one or more of the valid combined cycle configurations; selecting commitments from the combined cycle offers based upo

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for debris removal using a debris removal tool. The tool has a generally-cylindrical tool body having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, an interior chamber and an external surface. A nozzle plate, disposed within the tool body, has an array of nozzles disposed therein. Each of the nozzles has a principal axis angled with respect to the central axis of the body of the debris removal tool, in order to direct fluid from the interior chamber of the tool body to the exterior of the tool at an angle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A theater system for a proton treatment system, including a tunnel structure configured around an isocenter of a proton treatment system, and one or more devices mounted on the tunnel structure to communicate with a patient located on a treatment bed of the proton treatment system.

Abstract: An elongated x-ray tube that can emit a linear curtain of x-rays along its length. Methods of using an elongated curtain of x-rays.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors are described. The method generally allows the system, for example, a heating, ventilating, and air condition (HVAC) system that includes fixed speed and variable speed compressors, to maximize unit modulating capability. The method allows the use of a variable speed compressor that is relatively smaller, which can lead to cost savings, easier installation, manufacturing, etc.

Abstract: A system includes a tuning element comprising a shaft and a tuning stub. The tuning stub includes a surface with a center point. The shaft is connected to the surface of the tuning stub at a location that is offset from the center point. A waveguide includes an opening into an inner portion of the waveguide. The shaft passes through the opening and the tuning stub is arranged in the inner portion of the waveguide. A first actuator selectively rotates the shaft.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for preventing and treating viral infections are provided. In some embodiments, novel compounds broad-spectrum antiviral activity are provided. In more specific embodiments, the compounds and methods are effective against viruses such as Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Hepatitis C.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing fluid into a wellbore includes a piston element releasably coupled to a housing and a detonator in the housing that applies a force sufficient to release the piston element from the housing when activated. The apparatus also has an intermediate section that mates with the upper section, an elongated member coupled to the piston and that is positioned in a bore of the intermediate section; and a lower section having a housing that mates with the intermediate section. The housing includes at least one opening providing communication between a bore of the housing and an exterior of the housing; and a movable barrier in the lower section. The movable barrier has a first position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening, and a second position, wherein the barrier does not substantially block communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for preventing and treating viral infections are provided. In some embodiments, novel compounds broad-spectrum antiviral activity are provided. In more specific embodiments, the compounds and methods are effective against viruses such as Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Hepatitis C.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing fluid into a wellbore includes a piston element releasably coupled to a housing and a detonator in the housing that applies a force sufficient to release the piston element from the housing when activated. The apparatus also has an intermediate section that mates with the upper section, an elongated member coupled to the piston and that is positioned in a bore of the intermediate section; and a lower section having a housing that mates with the intermediate section. The housing includes at least one opening providing communication between a bore of the housing and an exterior of the housing; and a movable barrier in the lower section. The movable barrier has a first position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening, and a second position, wherein the barrier does not substantially block communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening.

Abstract: A Composite Pattern with BLOB data types is used to model a hierarchical network, and includes a path-like construct for locating each component within the network model. Database procedures are used to efficiently search, modify and retrieve individual nodes from the network model using the database server's memory pool so that client applications are not required to retrieve and deserialize the entire Composite-BLOB hierarchy in order to make modifications or search for individual elements, thereby substantially reducing the transfer of data between the application layer and database. To avoid the need for dynamic memory restructuring during deserialization, the size required to store component data at each composite is stored when the composite is serialized, and during deserialization, the size is retrieved and used to obtain sufficient memory for the deserialized composite.

Abstract: A method of constructing a virtual construction model, comprising: displaying a plurality of construction elements corresponding to respective types of construction elements, allowing a user to select one or more instances of each of the types of construction elements; maintaining a counter of available elements for each type of construction elements; decrementing said counter of available elements of a type of construction elements each time a user selects a construction element of said type; providing an indication to the user when the available number of construction elements of one of the types of construction elements has been used in the virtual construction model.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the passage of small animals into tubular structures. with a plurality of contoured sections, contoured sections fitting against inside of tubular structure, contoured sections in opposing arrangment, cylinder nubs connected to the contoured sections, threaded rods connect the contoured sections by fitting into the cylinder nubs, nuts at each end of rod, contoured sections adjusted by changing position of nuts on connecting rods, and contoured sections, cylinder nubs, threaded rods, and nuts made from a plurality of materials. In the preferred embodiment this apparatus is installed in the exhaust outlet of a marine vessel where it prevents small animals such as muskrats, beavers, otters, and rats from entering the exhaust system. In other embodiments it would be installed it piping, hoses, duct work, drainage systems, sewer systems, where it would prevent the passage of small animals while allowing the passage of gases and fluids.

Abstract: Methods for producing substantially pure porcine reticulocyte lysate are provided. In one embodiment, the methods include inducing a reduction in the hematocrit of a pig to a level of between about 20% and about 25%; extracting at least a portion of blood from the pig; isolating a fraction of the blood containing substantially red blood cells; and preparing a porcine reticulocyte lysate preparation from the isolated fraction.