Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for determining online stress and life of a heat recovery steam generator. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for assessing components of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided. The method includes receiving HRSG design parameters; monitoring thermal stress data from one or more temperature sensors in communication with one or more HRSG components; and determining cycle-related life consumption data associated with the one or more HRSG components based at least in part on the HRSG design parameters and the monitored thermal stress data.

Abstract: Improved network authentication process (NAP) allows omission of difficult-to-remember credentials, such as domain names/contexts, when users log on to a device via a local user interface (UI). Embodiments receive some authentication credentials, such as username and password, and obtain and parse reply data containing additional authentication credentials, such as domain name or context associated with the user, from a network directory server. The process sends now-complete authentication credentials to the authentication server, and authentication results are returned to the authentication service, which trickles the information to the local UI used to enter credentials.

Abstract: A bi-solvent cleaning system for cleaning precision components without the use of VOC solvents. The bi-solvent cleaning system provides for is a two mode operation for cleaning and rinsing precision components using VOC exempt solvents that is as effective as prior art VOC solvent based systems while subsequently allowing for recovery and reuse of a VOC exempt solvent.

Abstract: A bi-solvent cleaning system for cleaning precision components without the use of VOC solvents. The bi-solvent cleaning system provides for is a two mode operation for cleaning and rinsing precision components using VOC exempt solvents that is as effective as prior art VOC solvent based systems while subsequently allowing for recovery and reuse of a VOC exempt solvent.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for displaying a multi-dimensional image. The present invention enables real time extraction and interaction with surfaces contained within a multi-dimensional image volume.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a conduit is provided. The composition is preferably a liquid polymer mixture including water and polyacrylamide polymers. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful, in a method of priming a pump, and in pumping concrete slurry, and improves the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a conduit is provided. The composition is preferably a liquid polymer mixture including water and polyacrylamide polymers. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful, in a method of priming a pump, and in pumping concrete slurry, and improves the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a conduit is provided. The composition is preferably a liquid polymer mixture including water and polyacrylamide polymers. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful, in a method of priming a pump, and in pumping concrete slurry, and improves the flow of the slurry through a conduit.

Abstract: A bi-solvent cleaning system for cleaning precision components without the use of VOC solvents. The bi-solvent cleaning system provides for is a two mode operation for cleaning and rinsing precision components using VOC exempt solvents that is as effective as prior art VOC solvent based systems while subsequently allowing for recovery and reuse of a VOC exempt solvent.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a vehicle sliding door 12 which includes a first wheel 24, which is movably disposed within a first track 40 located on the vehicle and having a ramped portion 44, and a second wheel 32 which is movably disposed within a second track 60. The assembly includes a brake pad 62, which is disposed within the second track 60, which frictionally engages the second wheel 32, and which cooperates with the ramped portion 44 to hold door 12 in an open position.

Abstract: A method of treating bacterial infection is disclosed. The method comprises the step of applying to a plant having a bacterial infection a composition comprising a xylene source and a wood rosin source, wherein xylene and wood rosin from the xylene source and wood rosin source are present in amounts effective to treat bacterial infection in the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and instruction device for teaching a language based on kanji characters by presenting a compilation of approximately 210 to 420 key kanji in a systematic order. The student is then provided with the phonetic reading of the key kanji in Roman characters, hiragana and katakana. The method involves multiple reinforcement of the phonetic readings and recognition of the key kanji by providing homophones, radicals, Japanese names of the key kanji and the meanings of the key kanji. The final step includes presenting a Japanese writing for the student accompanied by the English translation, the phonetic reading and information on looking up words that the student does not know.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided with a fine wire platinum firing tip. The platinum tip is preformed in a rivet before being welded to the center electrode during manufacture of the spark plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method to automatically focus an incident beam of monochromatic parallel planar light on a work piece, using a fringe plate and a vision detector. The work piece may have a perfect mirror surface, or have a non-reflective patterned surface. The incident light beam is focused on the work piece and then reflected through a fringe plate forming an interference pattern on the vision detector. The incident light beam is then scanned or wobbled. The wobbling incident light beam forms a distinctively oscillating output signal from the vision detector when the light is focused on the work piece. When the light is not focused on the work piece a distinctive and more constant output signal is produced by the vision detector. For a given position of the work piece, by noting whether the output signal is rapidly changing or relatively constant, the invention can automatically determine whether or not the work piece is at the focal point of the incident light beam.

Abstract: A system guides a vehicle along a predefined path by correlating vehicle side range profiles. A lead vehicle gathers side range data using active radiation sources such as light emitting diodes. A microprocessor-based system on board the lead vehicle stores the data into records of a database file, tagging each record to indicate a relative position along the path when the lead vehicle obtained the data. A system on board a follower vehicle gathers its own side range data and also generates a side range profile for the follower vehicle. The follower vehicle's system receives by radio communication the side range profiles from the lead vehicle and, using the tagging information, correlates these profiles with the follower vehicle side range profiles at appropriate points along the path.

Abstract: A compact, easily stowed removable drain line for a Recreational Vehicle holding tank provides a rigid straight line flow path to prevent puddling or trapping of waste flows between Recreational Vehicle holding tank and sewage dump station. The invention also provides for minimal force transfer into the holding tank structure and the drain valve, minimizing the possibility of accidental damage or rupture of these sensitive components. In particular, no exposed components exist during movement of the Recreational Vehicle, minimizing the risk of breaching of sewage during over road movement, and the invention particularly protects against damage from accidental movement of the vehicle while attached to the sewage dump station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser beam drift compensation. A portion of the laser beam is split off and focused onto a photocell through a reticle. As the laser beam scans the reticle, the actual position of the laser beam is determined and compared with its anticipated position. Compensation is made for any deviation in the beam position in a closed-looped manner to provide accurate optical alignment of the laser beam to the workpiece.

Abstract: An automatic leveling system and a method of use of the leveling system that is suited for use with electronic components. The system uses an automatic laser focus system to focus on three separate locations on a workpiece, and the information about the focus positions is sent to a control computer. In the control computer the focus information is transformed into information concerning how far the workpiece is from being level. The computer sends signals to pitch and roll goniometers that move in response to the signals, thus leveling the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode (20) for a spark plug (32) wherein a platinum cup member or (54) cap is attached to a tip (12) that extends from an extruded inconel body (10). The inconel body (10) is sequentially extruded from a cylindrical blank to produce a tip (12) on a first end (12) and a cup shaped (16) opening that extends from a second end (14) toward the first end (12). A copper core (18) is inserted into the cup (16) and the cylindrical blank (10) thereafter extruded to a substantially final length for the resulting center wire (20). In order to assure a uniform thickness, a source of platinum (38) is roller into a thin strip and a (44) disc is punched therefrom. The disc (44) is formed into a cap member (54) which has the shape of a cup . The resulting cap member (54) and center wire (20) are placed in a fixture and the cap member (54) is moved toward the center wire (20) until the cap member surrounds the tip (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode (40) for a spark plug. A cylindrical length (10) of inconel wire has a first end (12) with a flat surface thereon. The inconel wire (10) is placed in a die and partially extruded to create a cylindrical bore (16) that extends from a second end (14) toward the first end (12). A strip of platinum (18) is welded to the flat surface (12) after which a chamfering (22) operation removes any excess platinum and weld flash to produce a cylindrical tip (18) on said first end. The inconel wire (10) with its platinum tip (18) is placed in a die and struck with a force causing the cylindrical bore (16) to be extended while the platinum flows (24) along the chamfer (22) to completely cover the weld (20). A copper core (26) is inserted in said cylindrical bore (16) and then further struck to extrude the resulting electrode (36) to a desired length.