| GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120131507 | PATIENT INFORMATION TIMELINE VIEWER - An example patient information viewer timeline includes a timeline arranged to provide a longitudinal visualization of a patient's record. The timeline provides visual indicators of clusters of patient encounters. The timeline expands to provide further detail on a patient encounter based on user input. The timeline includes a plurality of graphical indicators along the timeline, each graphical indicator corresponding to a patient encounter. The timeline includes a slider to facilitate user navigation along the timeline to view patient encounters. The timeline includes a scroll line associated with the slider to indicate a subset of patient encounters currently viewable in a detail view area of the timeline. The scroll line and associated detail view area are scalable based on available display real estate. The detail view area provides an expanded view of one or more encounters corresponding to a time period in the timeline encompassed by the scroll line. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131498 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING SERIES LEVEL OPERATIONS AND COMPARING IMAGES USING A THUMBNAIL NAVIGATOR - An example image layout and display navigator system includes a navigator that includes a miniature layout representation corresponding to the layout of images on the display. The navigator is to appear on the display based on user action with respect to displayed content and to allow a user to select an image series via the miniature layout and to select one or more series level operations for application to the image series via the miniature layout. The navigator is to apply a selected series level operation to the image series via the miniature layout based on user input. An action in one of the navigator and the display is to translate into a corresponding action on the other of the navigator and the display. The content display manager is to update the content displayed to reflect the selected series level operation applied to the image series. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131436 | AUTOMATED REPORT GENERATION WITH LINKS - An example method for image review and reporting includes providing access to a report including one or more entries associated with image content. The method includes facilitating user selection of an entry in the report. The method includes displaying one or more images and image annotations associated with the entry in a viewer for the user. The method includes configuring the viewer according to a presentation state and workflow associated with the entry. The method includes enabling user continuation of the workflow with respect to the presentation state and the one or more images and image annotations associated with the entry. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131233 | METHOD FOR ASSIGNING DEVICE ADDRESSES TO SENSORS IN A PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, A PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, AND A CONNECTOR ELEMENT FOR A PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method for assigning addresses to a plurality of physiological sensor units is disclosed. A physiological measurement system and a connector element for a physiological measurement system are also disclosed. To enable identification of identical sensor units in a measurement system, each input port of a connector element, such as a trunk cable, is adapted to determine at least part of a device address of a sensor unit connected to that input port, thereby to obtain a unique device address for each sensor unit connected to the connector element. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120131100 | DATA COLLECTION FROM UTILITY METERS OVER ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE - Communicating data via an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). An infrastructure is disclosed that includes: a plurality of communication modules incorporated into a plurality of associated utility meters; a data aggregator configured for communicating with each of the plurality of communication modules, wherein the data aggregator includes a system for translating meter specific data formats into an aggregated format that includes data quality attributes and a timestamp, and includes a system for synchronizing aggregated data over a back haul; and a head end system having a communication management system that receives and processes synchronization messages from the data aggregator received over the back haul, wherein the head end system includes a metering system for requesting and obtaining meter data from the associated utility meters via the data aggregator, and issuing signals to individual meters and groups of meters. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130767 | Methods and Systems Involving Power System Grid Management - A distribution control center includes a processor operative to receive damaged asset data, the damaged asset data including an identification and assessment of at least one damaged asset of a power grid, process the damaged asset data to associate a repair time with the damaged asset, generate a proposed switch plan, process the proposed switch plan to identify the damaged asset in the proposed switch plan and assigning a priority for repairing the damaged asset, generate switch plan modification data, modify the proposed switch plan to define a modified switch plan, and output the modified switch plan. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130741 | INTEGRATED PATIENT INFORMATION VIEWER INTERFACE - An example an integrated patient information viewer includes a header portion to be arranged to convey identification information for a patient to a user at a glance; a timeline arranged to provide a longitudinal visualization of a patient's record; a user viewspace to display a chronological view of patient encounters and associated documents; and a document workspace to store one or more patient documents based on user placement. The timeline is to be navigable to display different portions of the patient's record based on user input, is to provide visual indicators of clusters of patient encounters, and is to expand to provide further detail on a patient encounter based on user input. The viewspace is to enable a user to one or more documents for display and comparison. The one or more patient documents are to be retrievable for display and comparison in the user viewspace. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130730 | MULTI-DEPARTMENT HEALTHCARE REAL-TIME DASHBOARD - An example operation metrics collection and processing system is to mine a data set including patient and exam workflow data from information source(s) according to an operational metric for a workflow of interest. The method includes mining a data set for information related to one or more healthcare operational metrics; displaying information regarding one or more scheduled procedures and associated equipment involving one or more selected patients; accepting an input of one or more conditions to affect interpretation of the information; determining a completion time for an event associated with one of the one or more scheduled procedures; evaluating a delay associated with the event with respect to the input of one or more conditions; calculating at least one healthcare operational metric based on the completion time, the delay, and the input; and outputting the at least one healthcare operational metric for display and analysis. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130729 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATION OF EXAM RECORD UPDATES AND RELEVANCE - An example method includes receiving an update message regarding a first exam record; updating the first exam record based on the message; matching one or more additional exam records to the first exam record based on one or more predefined exam attributes; selecting one of the exam first record and the one or more additional exam records as an eligible exam record; hiding display of the one or more exam records not selected as the eligible exam record; displaying the eligible exam record; receiving an additional update message for the first exam record; evaluating the additional update message to determine applicability of the update message to the matching one or more additional exam records; and selecting one or more of the first exam record and the matching one or more additional exam records as one or more eligible exam records based on evaluating the additional update message. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYBRID RISK MODELING OF TURBOMACHINERY - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for enhancing turbomachine operations. Such systems and methods include a hybrid risk model. The hybrid risk model includes a physics-based sub model and a statistical sub model. The physics-based sub model is configured to model physical components of a turbomachine. The statistical sub model is configured to model historical information of the turbomachine. The hybrid risk model is configured to calculate a turbomachine parameter. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130568 | DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING DATA WITH A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST - A data communication system for a rail vehicle consist includes a data reading device and a processing module. The data reading device is disposed on the consist and is configured to interrogate and read data from a tangible and non-transitory medium that is spaced apart from the data reading device. The processing module is disposed on the rail vehicle consist and is communicatively coupled with the data reading device. The processing module receives the data from the data reading device and uses the data in connection with one or more operations of the rail vehicle consist. A method for communicating data with a rail vehicle consist includes interrogating and reading data from a tangible and non-transitory medium using an electronic reading device while the medium is spaced apart from the reading device and using the data in connection with one or more operations of the rail vehicle consist based on the data. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130562 | DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RAIL VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING DATA WITH A RAIL VEHICLE - A data communication system for a rail vehicle includes a data reading device and a processing module. The data reading device is disposed on the rail vehicle and is configured to at least one of electromagnetically interrogate or optically read identification data that is visually presented on a first operator control unit. The first operator control unit is configured to remotely control operations of one or more powered units of a rail vehicle consist when the operator control unit is disposed outside of the one or more powered units. The processing module is disposed on the rail vehicle and is communicatively coupled with the data reading device. The processing module receives the identification data from the data reading device and uses the identification data to identify the first operator control unit and allow the first operator control unit to remotely control operations of the one or more powered units. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130553 | SAFETY INSTRUMENTED SYSTEM (SIS) FOR A TURBINE SYSTEM - A retrofit kit for a turbine system is provided that includes a safety instrumented system (SIS) controller having a first plurality of functions and the SIS controller is configured to be coupled to a turbine-generator controller, wherein the SIS controller permits a startup function of the turbine-generator controller based on a plurality of inputs from a turbine. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130200 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED INFANT ASSESSMENT - A system for automatically assessing an infant includes a computer. The computer is configured to assess an infant's appearance and generate an appearance score based on the appearance assessment, assess the infant's pulse and generate a pulse score based on the pulse assessment, assess the infant's reaction to a stimulus and generate a grimace score based on the assessment of the infant's reaction to the stimulus, assess the infant's activity, and generate an activity score based on the activity assessment, and assess the infant's respiration and generate a respiration score based on the respiration assessment. The computer is also configured to generate a composite infant assessment based on the appearance score, the pulse score, the grimace score, the activity score and the respiration score. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129000 | VANADIUM RESISTANT COATING SYSTEM - A vanadium resistant coating system resistant to high temperature vanadium attack. The system comprises a high temperature superalloy substrate. A bond coat overlies the superalloy substrate. The bond coat may be applied in multiple layers. A ceramic coating overlies the bond coat. The ceramic coating further comprises a zirconium oxide stabilized by at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Yb | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128928 | APERTURE REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE - Aspects of the invention provide for an aperture reinforcement structure. In one embodiment, a composite laminate is disclosed, including: a first sheet of material having a first aperture therein; a second sheet of material having a second aperture therein corresponding to the first aperture; and a reinforcement structure having: a continuous fiber including a plurality of convolutions affixed to at least one of the first sheet of material or the second sheet of material, the plurality of convolutions surrounding at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture; and a resin binding the plurality of convolutions to one another. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128474 | FLOW PATH FOR STEAM TURBINE OUTER CASING AND FLOW BARRIER APPARATUS - A steam turbine may include a turbine section including a rotor. An inner casing is provided about the turbine, the inner casing including an upstream end, a downstream end and an inner casing exhaust port positioned at the downstream end allowing exhaust steam to exit the inner casing. An outer casing is provided about the inner casing, the outer casing including an upstream end, a downstream end and an outer casing exhaust port positioned at the upstream end of the outer casing. A flow path extends between the inner casing and the outer casing through which the exhaust steam passes in an upstream direction from the inner casing exhaust port to the outer casing exhaust port. A flow barrier may be provided in the flow path between the inner casing and the outer casing. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128472 | TURBOMACHINE NOZZLE SEGMENT HAVING AN INTEGRATED DIAPHRAGM - A turbomachine nozzle segment includes a vane having a first end extending to a second end through an airfoil portion. An outer member is positioned at the first end of the vane. The outer member includes a mounting element configured and disposed to secure the turbomachine nozzle segment to a turbomachine. An inner member is positioned at the second end of the vane. The inner member includes an upstream section and a downstream section. An upstream diaphragm member extends substantially radially outwardly from the inner member at the upstream section, and a downstream diaphragm member extends substantially radially outwardly from the inner member at the downstream section. Each of the upstream diaphragm member and down stream member includes an outer surface and an inner surface. One of the outer surface and inner surface of each of the upstream diaphragm member and downstream diaphragm member includes a cartridge mounting member. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128465 | SELF-ALIGNING FLOW SPLITTER FOR STEAM TURBINE - A steam turbine diaphragm stage having a self-aligning flow splitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine flow splitter body is disclosed, the steam turbine flow splitter body having a central portion and two end portions, and including: a flow divider proximate to the central portion; and a substantially radially outward extending hook proximate to at least one of the two end portions. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128264 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF OPTICAL IMAGING FOR TARGET DETECTION IN A SCATTERING MEDIUM - A method for enhancing contrast in fluorescence imaging is provided. The method comprises providing a patterned illumination source for illuminating one or more regions corresponding to a scan step, scanning at least a portion of a surface of a subject using a plurality of scan steps, acquiring image frames corresponding to two or more scan steps, deducting a background fluorescence from the image frames corresponding to the two or more scan steps to form one or more processed image frames, and reconstructing an image using one or more of the processed image frames. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128130 | PORTABLE X-RAY MACHINE WITH DRIVE WHEEL SUSPENSION - In one embodiment, a portable X-ray imaging system is provided with a base unit and at least one front wheel on which the base unit is mounted. The base unit is also mounted on a pair of rear wheels. The imaging system is provided with a suspension system coupled to the base unit and to the rear wheels. The suspension system is arranged to permit flexible movement of the base unit and the rear wheels with respect to one another. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128125 | REGION OF INTEREST DETERMINATION FOR X-RAY IMAGING - A radiography system allow for user determination of a region of interest on a subject prior to X-ray exposure. The region of interest is defined by user interaction with an image, a pointer system, or the like. The region of interest is then translated to the imaging coordinate system, such as in the plane of a digital detector. The region is then used for exposure control during an imaging sequence, either in an open or closed-loop manner. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128116 | DOSE LEVEL INDICATION - Providing an operator with information concerning radiation dose associated with an imaging operation is disclosed. In certain embodiments, the dose information may be provided in conjunction with indicators related to reference dose levels to facilitate evaluation of the dose in the context of the reference levels. The dose information may be based on real-time assessment of dose or may be an expected dose based on a proposed or planned sequence of exposure events. Further the indication may be prospective, providing an indication to the operator of when certain dose thresholds may be crossed. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127843 | SERVOING SYSTEM FOR MASTER WITH PARALLEL TRACKS IN A HOLOGRAPHIC REPLICATION SYSTEM - Techniques are provided for controlling the reading of optical data from a master disk in a holographic replication system. Imperfections in the master disk or movement of the disk during a recording process may cause source beams to deviate from target data tracks. In some embodiments, a detector system is used to determine the focus and alignment of the source beams on the master disk, as well as the tilt and rotation of the disk with respect to the holographic replication system. The detector system may detect deviations in the intensity distribution of the reflections of the source beams and generate an error signal corresponding to focusing, tracking, tilt, and/or rotational errors. Servo-mechanical devices may actuate optical components to compensate for such errors. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126991 | Device and Method of Determining Safety in a Battery Pack - A battery pack includes at least one battery cell that expands and contracts in relation to the chemical conditions of the battery cell. A substrate is configured to contact the at least one battery cell. A sensor is attached to the substrate and the sensor produces a signal indicative of the displacement of the substrate. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor such that the controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller processes the signal to produce an indication of a status of the battery cell. A method of monitoring battery safety includes movably securing a substrate across at least one cell of a battery. A displacement of the substrate is measured. The measured displacement is processed with a controller to identify a safety status of the at least one cell. An output device is operated with a controller to provide an indication of the safety status of the at least one cell of the battery. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126787 | MAGNETIC SHIELD FOR CURRENT TRANSFORMER IN ELECTRONIC WATT-HOUR METER - An electronic watt-hour meter; a current transformer operatively coupled to the electronic watt-hour meter; a first shield on a first side of the current transformer; and a second shield on a second side of the current transformer, wherein the second side is substantially parallel to the first side, wherein the first shield and the second shield each include a substantially magnetically permeable and conductive metal. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126751 | Device and Method of Battery Discharge - A battery pack includes a plurality of cells. A discharge circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of cells. A computer processor is electrically connected to the discharge circuit and to an input device. The computer processor operates the discharge circuit to selectively connect a first and a second discharge load of the discharge circuit to the plurality of cells. A method of discharging a battery for safe disposal includes connecting a first discharge load in parallel to a first cell. A first voltage across the first cell is monitored. A second discharge load is connected in parallel to a second cell. A second voltage is monitored across the second cell. A processor compares the first voltage and the second voltage to a predetermined cell voltage threshold. The first discharge load and the second discharge load are disconnected from the first cell and the second cell when the first and second voltages fall below the predetermined cell voltage threshold. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126321 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A substrate having semiconductor material and a surface that supports a gate electrode and defines a surface normal direction is provided. The substrate can include a drift region including a first dopant type. A well region can be disposed adjacent to the drift region and proximal to the surface, and can include a second dopant type. A termination extension region can be disposed adjacent to the well region and extend away from the gate electrode, and can have an effective concentration of second dopant type that is generally less than that in the well region. An adjust region can be disposed between the surface and at least part of the termination extension region. An effective concentration of second dopant type may generally decrease when moving from the termination extension region into the adjust region along the surface normal direction. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125910 | VOLTAGE SWITCHING MICROSWITCH FOR HOT SURFACE IGNITER SYSTEM - A voltage switching microswitch is provided for supplying power to a hot surface igniter in a gas burning system. The microswitch is configured to operate concurrently with manual operation of a gas control valve such that rotation of an operating stem of the gas control valve produces rotation of a cam within the microswitch. The cam is configured to operate a pair of reed switches so that a relatively high voltage from a power supply is applied to the hot surface igniter following a first predetermined amount of rotation of the cam and a relatively lower voltage is applied to the hot surface igniter following a second predetermined amount of rotation of the cam to maintain the temperature of the igniter. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125863 | METHODS OF PREPARING NOVEL HALIDE ANION FREE QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALT MONOMERS, POLYMERIZATION METHODS THEREFOR, AND METHODS OF USE OF THE RESULTING POLYMERS - Methods are provided for making halide-free quaternary ammonium salt monomers. Polymers prepared from the monomers and methods of using the polymers to clarify raw, untreated water or wastewater are also disclosed. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125709 | VANE TYPE SILENCERS IN ELBOW FOR GAS TURBINE - A silencer for a gas turbine includes a first duct portion; a second duct portion connected to the first duct portion, the first and second duct portions forming an elbow region at the connection; and a plurality of elbow shaped vanes provided in the elbow region. The plurality of elbow shaped vanes have equal lengths and are spaced equally apart. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125318 | FLEXIBLE COUPLING OF VALVE AND CONTROL FOR A GAS COOKING APPLIANCE - A coupling for connection of a valve and a control element in a gas cooking appliance is provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a flexible coupling to connect between a control element manipulated by the user and a gas valve that regulates the flow of fuel to a gas burner. By coupling the control and valve by a flexible coupling, options are created for the relative placement of the valve and control, which increases the space available in the interior of the appliance and/or upon its control panel. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125316 | VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR A RANGE HOOD WITH EXHAUST AND RECIRCULATION OPTIONS - A ventilation system for a range hood of a kitchen area is provided. More particularly, a kitchen ventilation system is provided that has both exhaust and recirculation options that are provided by internally contained features for directing the flow of air. The system can be installed as a modular unit as part of a new or existing range hood. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125131 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING A SENSOR - A system for positioning a sensor through an inner barrier and an outer barrier includes a first collar configured for engagement with the inner or outer barriers, a collapsible coupling, and a sensor support connected to the collapsible coupling. The collapsible coupling or the sensor support is in sealing engagement with the first collar, and the first collar, collapsible coupling, and sensor support define a passage therethrough. A method for positioning a sensor includes engaging a first collar to at least one of the inner barrier or the outer barrier and inserting a sensor support connected to a collapsible coupling through the outer barrier. The method further includes connecting the sensor support or the collapsible coupling to the first collar and inserting the sensor through the sensor support. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125054 | PNEUMATIC VARIABLE DAMPING DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES - A pneumatic variable damping device for attenuating the motion of a wash tub in a washing machine is disclosed. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a pneumatic cylinder defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston slidably mounted to the cylinder. The piston separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a first valve coupled to the first chamber and a second valve coupled to the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve are configured to restrict the flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. The first valve and the second valve can also be configured to allow the free flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125035 | CONSUMER APPLIANCE DRAWER WITH IMPROVED ANTI-RACKING SYSTEM - A consumer appliance, for example a refrigeration appliance, includes a compartment with a pull-out drawer. A slide member is configured on each opposite side of the compartment, with the drawer having a slide bracket mounted to each respective slide member for movement of pull-out drawer into and out of the compartment. A gear rail is configured on each opposite side of the compartment adjacent to the slide member. A gear assembly is mounted to each slide bracket and includes a first gear engaged with the gear rail and a pinion gear engaged with the first gear. The pinion gear has a rotational axis that is vertically displaced from the rotational axis of the first gear. A cross bar is connected between the pinion gears. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125018 | ICE DISPENSER SYSTEM FOR A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE, REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE, AND METHOD OF MAKING ICE - An ice dispenser system for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker located within the refrigeration appliance for making ice cubes. The ice maker has an ice making state and a paused state. An ice bucket is located within the refrigeration appliance located so as to receive the ice cubes from the ice maker. The ice bucket is removably securable in the refrigeration appliance in an ice-making position. A sensor is located within the refrigeration appliance, the sensor sensing and providing a signal as to whether the ice bucket is in the ice making position. The ice maker is placed in the ice making state only when the sensor provides a signal that the ice bucket is in the ice making position. A related refrigeration appliance and method of making ice are also disclosed. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125004 | COMBUSTOR PREMIXER - A combustor premixer is provided and includes a burner tube having a bell mouth-shaped opening, a plurality of tubular bodies telescopically disposed within the burner tube to deliver combustible materials to a premixing passage defined between the burner tube and an outermost one of the plurality of tubular bodies and a plurality of swirler vanes arrayed circumferentially in the opening, each one of the plurality of swirler vanes including a body extending along a radial dimension from the burner tube to the outermost tubular body and a leading edge protruding upstream from the opening. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125002 | RANKINE CYCLE INTEGRATED WITH ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE AND ABSORPTION CHILLER CYCLE - A power generation system is provided. The system comprises a first Rankine cycle-first working fluid circulation loop comprising a heater, an expander, a heat exchanger, a recuperator, a condenser, a pump, and a first working fluid; integrated with a) a second Rankine cycle-second working fluid circulation loop comprising a heater, an expander, a condenser, a pump, and a second working fluid comprising an organic fluid; and b) an absorption chiller cycle comprising a third working fluid circulation loop comprising an evaporator, an absorber, a pump, a desorber, a condenser, and a third working fluid comprising a refrigerant. In one embodiment, the first working fluid comprises CO | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124832 | TURBINE COMPONENTS WITH COOLING FEATURES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - The present disclosure is directed to the use and manufacture of cooling features within a component used in a hot gas path, such as within a turbine. In one embodiment, channels are formed within an external surface of the component and filled with a removable material. The external surface and channels may then be coated with one or more layers, such as a structural layer and/or top coat. The removable material may then be removed to leave the channels free of the removable material. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124551 | TEMPLATE INHERITANCE IN A CONFIGURATION OBJECT MODEL - A method for generating templates in a programming environment can include generating a first template having a plurality of object type definitions, defining properties for the object type definitions within the first template and deriving a second template from the first template, wherein the properties of the first template are defined in the second template, wherein the first template includes a link to a template link object in the second template. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120124549 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING PROJECT DESIGN DECISIONS - A computer-based method for capturing project design decisions includes: providing a main page and at least one secondary page; receiving information from users and placing it on the secondary page; forming a secondary page summary text portion on one of the secondary pages in response to a tag command received from an authorized user; and linking the secondary page summary text portion to a summary text portion on the main page. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120124484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLABORATION IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - A system for collaboration in project development includes a central server including a collaboration controller configured to support a virtual whiteboard and two or more remote servers located in different locations and coupled to the central server. The two or more remote servers are configured to receive user information from one or more input devices during an information gathering session, to provide the user information to the central server, to receive information from the central server and to provide the information received from the central server to the one or more input devices. The central server is further configured to prevent the virtual whiteboard from being displayed on the one or more input devices during the information gathering session. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123696 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STEAM QUALITY MONITORING - A method of determining a steam quality of a wet steam located in an interior of a steam turbine includes emitting from an optical probe a plurality of wavelengths through the wet steam, measuring with the optical probe a wet steam intensity corresponding to each of the plurality of wavelengths emitted through the wet steam, determining an intensity ratio vector by dividing the wet steam intensity by a corresponding dry steam intensity for each of the plurality of wavelengths, successively applying scaling factors to the intensity ratio vector to obtain a scaled intensity ratio vector, calculating a suitable value for each of the scaling factors to obtain a plurality of residuals, determining a minimum residual of the plurality of residuals, determining a droplet size distribution by calculating the droplet number density corresponding to the minimum residual, and determining the steam quality based on the droplet size distribution. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123601 | ENHANCED PLANT LEVEL SUPPORT OF GRID RECONSTRUCTION - Methodology is provided for enhancing plant level support for grid reconstruction following a blackout. A plant based grid reconstruction manager develops solutions for reconstruction sequence steps to be carried out automatically or to be communicated to site personnel for manual implementation. The sequence steps are based on high-fidelity modeling of the capabilities all of the power production units present in a power plant and take into consideration grid specified load expectations, ambient conditions including ambient temperature and gas turbine operating levels. The methodology also provides for consideration of possible subsequent steps in the sequence to maximize the ability to pick-up additional load in such subsequent steps. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122735 | COMPOSITION, DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A composition includes a first probe, a first initiator component bonded to the first probe, a second probe, and a second initiator component bonded to the second probe. The first probe and the second probe are capable of binding to a single analyte, and the first initiator component and the second initiator component are capable of forming an initiator when present in proximity to each other and when the first probe and the second probe are bonded to the analyte. An associated kit, device, and method are provided. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122734 | COMPOSITION, DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A composition includes a first probe and a first initiator bonded to the first probe. The first probe is capable of binding to an analyte and the first initiator is capable of initiating a controlled polymerization reaction. An associated kit, device, and method are provided. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122733 | COMPOSITION, DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - The composition includes a first probe and a first initiator bonded to the first probe. The composition further includes a second probe and a second initiator bonded to the second probe. The first probe and the second probe are capable of binding to a single analyte. An associated kit, device, and method are provided. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122040 | Methods and Systems for Analyzing Combustion System Operation - Systems and methods for analyzing combustion system operation are provided. According to one embodiment, a method can include receiving multiple CO measurements from respective CO sensors distributed within a combustion system; receiving multiple O | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122039 | PULSE DETONATION COMBUSTOR - A pulse detonation combustor including a plurality of nozzles engaged with one another via mating surfaces to support a gas discharge annulus in a circumferential direction. The pulse detonation combustor also including multiple pulse detonation tubes extending for the nozzles and a plurality of thermal expansion control joints coupled to the plurality of pulse detonation tubes. Each of the plurality of thermal expansion control joints is configured to facilitate independent thermal growth of each of the plurality of pulse detonation tubes. The thermal expansion control joints may be configured as a bellows expansion joint or a sliding expansion joint. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121466 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERY OF FLUIDIC SAMPLES TO SENSOR ARRAYS - Total analysis systems and methods for simultaneously monitoring a suite of biological and/or chemical species in water and/or other process systems are disclosed. The system provides a sample-volume controlled sensor array comprising a fluid delivery device and a plurality of optical sensor elements for determining the presence and total concentrations of multiple analytes in the process system simultaneously. Delivery means are provided to deliver a metered quantity of sample fluid to the sensor array. Image identification algorithms are provided for identifying the analytes based on image intensity, color pattern, positional arrangement, and the like. The methods incorporate multivariate optimization algorithms to analyze multiple sensor responses. This produces analytical results that are typically difficult to obtain without full system or variable compensation. The improved array response may then be utilized to measure, monitor, and control the concentration of analytes in the chemical or biological sample or water system. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121424 | TURBINE BLADE COMBINED DAMPER AND SEALING PIN AND RELATED METHOD - A damper pin for a turbine bucket includes an elongated main body portion having a first substantially uniform cross-sectional shape and axially-aligned, leading and trailing end portions having a second relatively smaller cross-sectional shape at opposite ends of the main body portion. A seal element is provided on one or both of the opposite leading and trailing end portions projecting radially outwardly beyond the main body portion. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121423 | TURBINE BLADE ASSEMBLY - A turbine has blade assemblies disposed about a rotor. Each of the blade assemblies have an airfoil and a bucket. Pockets are defined at trailing and leading sides of the bucket, with damper pin slots at an ends thereof. The damper pin slot at the trailing side has a depth sufficient for fully receiving a damper pin. The damper pin slot at the trailing side of a first adjacent blade assembly is positioned relative to the damper pin slot at the leading side of a second adjacent blade assembly to allow the damper pin to move. At each side of the pocket at the trailing side is a seal pin slot with seal pins therein. The seal pin slots extend beyond a line that is aligned with an inner edge of the damper pin slot at the trailing side, wherein the seal pins overlap the damper pin. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121415 | TURBOMACHINE VANE AND METHOD OF COOLING A TURBOMACHINE VANE - A turbomachine includes a housing, and at least one turbine vane arranged within the housing. The at least one turbine vane includes a platform portion operatively connected to the airfoil portion. A cooling cavity is formed in the platform portion. The cooling cavity includes a first wall, a second wall arranged opposite the first wall, a third wall linking the first and second walls, and a fourth wall linking the first and second walls and positioned opposite the third wall. An impingement cooling plate extends into the cooling cavity and defines an inner cavity portion and an outer cavity portion. The impingement cooling plate including at least one impingement cooling passage that is configured and disposed to guide an impingement cooling flow onto at least one of the first, second, third and fourth walls of the cooling cavity. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121405 | LOW PRESSURE EXHAUST GAS DIFFUSER FOR A STEAM TURBINE - A diffuser is provided for an exhaust steam housing adjacent a last stage row of buckets fixed to a rotor in a steam turbine, each bucket in the last stage row of buckets having a platform portion and an airfoil portion. The diffuser includes an annular inner diffuser ring and an outer annular diffuser ring defining a flow path for steam exiting the last stage row of buckets in a substantially axial direction at a diffuser inlet and turning substantially ninety degrees to a diffuser outlet. A first portion of the inner annular ring extends in a downstream direction beyond the last stage row of buckets substantially parallel to a center axis of the rotor, the first portion having a length dimension in the downstream direction from a radial center line of the last stage row of buckets in a range of between 0.40 and about 0.70 of a center line radial length from the platform portion to a radially outer tip of any bucket in the last stage row of buckets. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121404 | Exhaust Hood Diffuser - The present application provides a diffuser for an exhaust hood of a steam turbine. The diffuser may include a first end adjacent to a last bucket and a second end downstream of a steam guide and adjacent to a bearing cone. An exhaust flow path extends therethrough. The second end may include an axial extension enlarging the exhaust flow path. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121391 | ADJUSTMENT AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR STEAM TURBINE NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening substantially opposing the first opening; and a path accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the path fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121374 | Rotor Coupling Guard - The present application provides a rotor coupling guard for use with removing a flow of air about a rotor coupling of a turbo-machine. The rotor coupling guard may include an inner cover with a number of apertures surrounding the rotor coupling and an outer cover surrounding the inner cover. Rotation of the rotor coupling forces the flow of air through the apertures in the inner cover and away from the rotor coupling. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120386 | WATER COLOR SENSING HARDWARE AND METHODOLOGY FOR APPLIANCES - Apparatus and methodologies are provided to selectively activate a liquid usage option in a washing apparatus based on the color of the liquid. Light from different light sources is passed through a liquid to be tested and the intensity of the light passing through the liquid is measured. The measurement is adjust based on a measurement of the turbidity of the liquid and the measurement compared to a reference value derived from measurements of a clear liquid. A decision is made based on the adjust measured color of the liquid regarding retention of the liquid for further use in the washing apparatus. The liquid tested may correspond to grey water from a previous wash cycle. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119660 | LIGHTING COMPENSATION FOR APPLIANCES - Apparatus and methodology is provided to control lighting associated with an appliance. Ambient light proximate the appliance and/or light from one or more lighting devices associated with the appliance is monitored and used to control the energization of the appliance lighting devices. Lighting device may include illumination devices as well as indicia display devices. The controller is configured to compensate lighting levels over the lifetime of the lighting devices to provide consistent lighting from the appliance lighting under all operating conditions. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119633 | EXTERNAL CASING FUNCTIONAL ACCESS PORT - A functional access port in a machine casing, a machine having a functional access port, and a method of monitoring a machine via a functional access port are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an access port is provided in the external casing of an industrial machine. The access port comprises a passageway through the external casing of the machine, providing access to an interior of the machine. The access port further includes a removable passageway cover for removably occluding the passageway. A location, a size, a shape, and an orientation of the passageway relative to the external casing are strategically selected in accordance with engineering and design requirements to provide access through the passageway to a desired location on the interior of the machine while the external casing is in place, with minimal to no disassembly of the casing. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119622 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING MATERIAL THICKNESS - A piezoelectric sensing device is described for measuring material thickness of targets such as pipes, tubes, and other conduits that carry fluids. The piezoelectric sensing device includes a piezoelectric element mounted to a flexible circuit with glass reinforced polyimide C-stage cover layers surrounding a pure polyimide C-stage core. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119512 | POWER PLANT AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A main air compressor delivers a compressed ambient gas flow with a compressed ambient gas flow rate to a turbine combustor. A fuel stream with a flow rate is delivered to the turbine combustor and mixed with the compressed ambient gas flow and an exhaust gas flow and burned with substantially stoichiometric combustion to form the exhaust gas flow and drive a turbine, thus operating the power plant at a first load. A portion of the exhaust gas flow is recirculated from the turbine to the turbine compressor and a portion is delivered to an exhaust path. The fuel stream flow rate and the compressed ambient gas flow rate are reduced, and substantially stoichiometric combustion is maintained and the power plant is operated at a second load. The fuel stream flow rate is further reduced and lean combustion is achieved and the power plant is operated at a third load. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119449 | Transition Piece Sealing Assembly With Seal Overlay - The present application provides a sealing assembly for use with a transition piece and a stage one nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The sealing assembly may include a seal element, an overlay piece positioned on the seal element, and a side seal positioned on the overlay piece. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119447 | Transition Piece Sealing Assembly - The present application provides a seating assembly for use with a transition piece and a stage one nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The seating assembly may include a support member positioned between the transition piece and the stage one nozzle and a primary spring element positioned on the support member and in contact with the stage one nozzle. The primary spring element may include a single bend therein. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119098 | RUGGEDIZED ENCLOSURE FOR A RADIOGRAPHIC DEVICE - In one embodiment, a portable X-ray detector assembly is provided comprising a detector array and a housing for the detector array. The housing is provided as a multi-layer structure in which at least one layer improves or increases the structural integrity of other layers of the housing. In certain embodiments, the structural integrity layer also acts to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference that might otherwise affect the detector or other electronics in the vicinity of the detector. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118475 | METHODS OF FABRICATING ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLIES - A method of fabricating a plurality of ultrasound transducer assemblies is provided. The method includes applying one or more layers of patternable material to at least a portion of a surface of a wafer comprising a number of die. The method further includes patterning the patternable material to define a plurality of openings, where each of the openings is aligned with a respective one of the die, disposing ultrasound acoustic arrays in respective ones of the openings, coupling the ultrasound acoustic arrays to the respective die to form the respective ultrasound transducer assemblies, and separating the ultrasound transducer assemblies to form individual ultrasound transducer assemblies. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118111 | STRATEGICALLY LOCATED MAINTENANCE DEVICE - A strategically located device and a machine including such a device are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the device comprises a tool removably affixed to an external casing of the machine. The external casing of the machine includes an access port therethrough for providing access to an interior of the machine; and the tool is inserted into a desired location in the interior of the machine through the access port. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118001 | ICE MAKER FOR DISPENSING SOFT ICE AND RELATED REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - An ice-making assembly for a refrigeration appliance includes an ice maker for making ice cubes. An ice cube storage bin receives ice cubes from the ice maker. The ice cube storage bin is maintained at a temperature above the freezing temperature of water. A drain in communication with the ice cube storage bin for receives water melted from ice cubes located in the storage bin. A related refrigeration appliance is disclosed. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117985 | FLUID PATH SYSTEM FOR DISSOLUTION AND TRANSPORT OF A HYPERPOLARIZED MATERIAL - A fluid path system includes a vial containing a pharmaceutical product therein. A dissolution fluid path is also included in the fluid path system, the dissolution fluid path having an output end in fluid communication with the vial and an input end attached to a pressure vessel containing a dissolution medium. A delivery fluid path is also included in the system having a first end hermetically attached to the vial to transport therefrom a mixture of dissolved pharmaceutical product and dissolution medium and a second end connected to a receiving vessel to receive the mixture. A dissolution fluid path valve is positioned between the pressure vessel and the dissolution fluid path to control flow of the dissolution medium, and a delivery fluid path valve is also included in the fluid path system to control flow of the mixture from the delivery fluid path to the receiving vessel. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117976 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IGNITING A COMBUSTOR - A nozzle includes a center body that defines an axial centerline. A shroud circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A plenum is inside the center body and substantially parallel to the axial centerline, and an igniter is inside the center body and generally adjacent to the plenum. A method for igniting a combustor includes flowing a fuel through a center body axially aligned in a nozzle and flowing a working fluid through an annular passage, wherein the annular passage is substantially parallel to and radially outward of the center body. The method further includes projecting at least one of a beam, spark, or flame from an igniter located inside the center body. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117930 | PLASMA TREATED FILTER - A method, including receiving a turbine filter unit in a plasma treatment system, wherein the turbine filter unit comprises a filter media assembled with a framework, and applying at least one plasma treatment coating to the turbine filter unit via the plasma treatment system. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116723 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING DATA FROM A ROTATING COMPONENT - A system for transmitting data from a rotating component includes sensors on the rotating component, wherein each of the sensors detects at least one characteristic of the rotating component and transmits a signal reflective of the characteristic. Data slip rings are in communication with the sensors, and a signal conditioning circuit between the sensors and the data slip rings converts each of the signals from the sensors into a digital signal. A method for transmitting data from a rotating component includes sensing a characteristic of the rotating component using sensors and generating a signal from each of the sensors reflective of the characteristic of the rotating component. The method further includes converting each of the signals to a digital signal and transferring each of the digital signals from the rotating component through a plurality of data slip rings. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116692 | GIS ENABLED PIPELINE UPGRADING SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for evaluating pipeline using GIS data. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for evaluating pipeline using geographical information system (GIS) data. The method can include receiving component information from a GIS database for one or more components in a pipeline; determining a modified maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOPm) for the one or more components; determining an uprating pressure (MAOPm*) that the one or more components can withstand; and outputting a upgrade recommendation or an uprate recommendation based at least in part on the MAOPm and the MAOPm*. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116683 | HIGHLY SELECTIVE CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SENSORS - Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. Each sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) sensor that is coated with a sensing material. In order to collect data, an impedance spectrum is acquired over a relatively narrow frequency range, such as the resonant frequency range of the LCR circuit. A multivariate signature may be calculated from the acquired spectrum to discern the presence of certain fluids and/or fluid mixtures. The presence of fluids is detected by measuring the changes in dielectric, dimensional, resistance, charge transfer, and other changes in the properties of the materials employed by observing the changes in the resonant electronic properties of the circuit. By using a mathematical procedure, such as principal components analysis (PCA) and others, multiple fluids and mixtures can be detected in the presence of one another, even in a high humidity environment or an environment wherein one or more fluids has a substantially higher concentration (e.g. 10×, 1,000,000×) compared to other components in the mixture. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116600 | DEMAND RESPONSE LOAD REDUCTION ESTIMATION - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for estimating demand response load change. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for estimating energy usage change associated with a demand event. The method may include determining energy potential change during a demand event for one or more devices associated with a location; estimating energy usage patterns for the location over predefined time periods before and after the demand event; determining pre-demand event and post-demand event energy rebounds based at least in part on the estimated energy usage patterns; determining an energy change profile associated with the location based at least in part on the determined energy potential change, and the pre-demand event and post-demand event energy rebounds. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116224 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING - A system and method for ultrasound imaging includes acquiring volumetric data of a volume of interest with an ultrasound imaging system. The system and method includes acquiring planar data with the ultrasound imaging system during the process of acquiring the volumetric data, the planar data including data of a plane through the volume of interest. The system and method includes displaying a reference image based on the planar data during the process of acquiring the volumetric data. The system and method also includes displaying an image based on the volumetric data. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116150 | Infant Care System and Apparatus - An infant care system and apparatus includes a horizontal surface to support an infant. A microenvironment region is defined around the horizontal surface by at least one wall. A graphical display is disposed within the microenvironment region. A diagnostic imaging device is at least partially disposed within the microenvironment region to obtain diagnostic images of an infant disposed within the microenvironment region. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114912 | COMPONENT AND METHODS OF FABRICATING AND COATING A COMPONENT - A component is disclosed. The component comprises a substrate comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surface defines at least one hollow, interior space, where the outer surface defines one or more grooves, and where each of the one or more grooves extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate and has a base. One or more access holes extend through the base of a respective groove to place the groove in fluid communication with respective ones of the at least one hollow interior space. The component further comprises a coating disposed over at least a portion of the substrate surface, where the coating comprises one or more layers. At least one of the layers defines one or more permeable slots, such that the respective layer does not completely bridge each of the one or more grooves. The grooves and the coating together define one or more channels for cooling the component. Methods for fabricating and coating a component are also provided. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114868 | METHOD OF FABRICATING A COMPONENT USING A FUGITIVE COATING - A method of fabricating a component is provided. The method includes depositing a fugitive coating on a surface of a substrate, where the substrate has at least one hollow interior space. The method further includes machining the substrate through the fugitive coating to form one or more grooves in the surface of the substrate. Each of the one or more grooves has a base and extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate. The method further includes forming one or more access holes through the base of a respective one of the one or more grooves to connect the respective groove in fluid communication with the respective hollow interior space. The method further includes filling the one or more grooves with a filler, removing the fugitive coating, disposing a coating over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate, and removing the filler from the one or more grooves, such that the one or more grooves and the coating together define a number of channels for cooling the component. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114563 | OPTICAL IMAGING AGENTS - The present invention relates to a method of in vivo optical imaging, of the margins around tumours, which comprises an optical imaging contrast agent. The optical imaging agents comprise conjugates of near-infrared dyes with synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers having a molecular weight in the range 15-45 kDa. Also disclosed are optical imaging contrast agents, pharmaceutical compositions and kits. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114490 | TURBINE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR SECURING A CLOSURE BUCKET - According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly is provided, wherein the turbine assembly includes a drum rotor comprising a slot and a closure bucket configured to be placed in the slot, the closure bucket including a lock pin disposed in a base member of the closure bucket. In addition, a portion of the lock pin is configured to rotatably extend into a cavity in the slot thereby securing the closure bucket within the slot. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114480 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING A TURBINE BUCKET - A turbine bucket includes an airfoil, a platform adjacent to the airfoil, and a shank adjacent to the platform. The shank defines a shank cavity, and a divider in the shank cavity creates a pressure differential across the shank cavity. A method for cooling a turbine bucket includes directing a fluid to a forward shank cavity and creating a pressure differential between the forward shank cavity and an aft shank cavity. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114470 | EXTERNAL ADJUSTMENT AND MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR STEAM TURBINE NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening facing substantially radially outward; and a port accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the port fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114466 | Seal Assembly Segment Joints - The present application provides a sealing assembly for use between a first component and a second component of a rotary machine. The sealing assembly may include a first sealing segment having a first end with a first angled surface and a second sealing segment having a second end with a second angled surface. The first angled surface of the first end of the first sealing segment meets the second angled surface of the second end of the second sealing segment at a joint. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113550 | MEMS-BASED SWITCHING SYSTEMS - A device for controlling an electrical current includes control circuitry, a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch in communication with the control circuitry, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current, a Hybrid Arcless Limiting Technology (HALT) arc suppression circuit disposed in electrical communication with the MEMS switch to receive a transfer of electrical energy from the MEMS switch in response to the MEMS switch changing state from closed to open, the HALT arc suppression circuit including a capacitive portion, and a variable resistance arranged in parallel electrical communication with the capacitive portion of the HALT arc suppression circuit, the variable resistance to dissipate a portion of the transferred electrical energy. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112683 | WASHING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED METHOD OF BRAKING TO A NON-ZERO SPEED - A method of braking a washing machine from an operational speed to a reduced non-zero speed is provided (as well as a washing machine incorporating the method) for a washing machine driven by one of a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Upon receipt of a speed reduction signal, the motor rotating magnetic fields are collapsed for a defined time period. After the defined time period, DC braking voltage is applied to the motor stator windings at a controlled ramp-up rate to an amplitude to generate a controlled ramped braking torque on the motor until the motor has slowed to a defined reduced speed. Thereafter, the amplitude of the DC braking voltage is set to 0V and the motor is soft started to an amplitude and reduced frequency needed to maintain the defined reduced speed. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112571 | ENCAPSULATED STATOR ASSEMBLY - The present invention provides an encapsulated stator assembly comprising: (a) a stator having a stator core and a stator end region; and (b) a ceramic bore tube defining a surface of the stator core; wherein the stator end region is disposed adjacent to the stator core, and wherein the stator end region comprises a plurality of stator armature end-windings, and wherein the stator end region comprises an inwardly-facing stator wall, and wherein the ceramic bore tube and the inwardly-facing stator wall define an interior volume configured to accommodate a rotor, said inwardly-facing stator wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of said inner surface comprising a barrier layer of a conductive metal selected from the group consisting of copper, silver and aluminum, said inwardly-facing stator wall comprising a corrosion resistant metal. Also provided are motors comprising the novel encapsulated stator assemblies. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112074 | NEUTRON SCINTILLATOR COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A neutron scintillator composite (NSC) material is made of a neutron scintillator material and a binder material. The binder material has an index of refraction substantially identical to the neutron scintillator material. The neutron scintillator material and binder material are mixed into a solid or semi-solid neutron scintillator composite material with sufficient flowability for molding into a shaped article, such as a neutron sensing element of a radiation detector. The neutron scitillator composite material collects and channels photons through the material itself and into a photosensing element optically coupled to the material. Because the indices of refraction for both the neutron scintillator material and the binder material are substantially identical, scattering at the scintillator-binder interface(s) is minimized, thereby producing transmission efficiencies that approach single crystals. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111928 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BRAZING - Systems and methods are provided for improved brazing. A system includes a gap filling compound (GFC). The GFC includes a brazing alloy. The system also includes a GFC retention screen. The GFC retention screen configured to be disposed over the GFC to retain the GFC within the gap during brazing. The GFC retention screen is also configured to enable gas to escape from the GFC during brazing. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111852 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEMPERATURE MONITORING OF A COOK TOP - A method and apparatus for monitoring the temperature of a cook top is provided. Overhead sensors are used for temperature sensing of a heating element, cooking utensil, and/or food located on the cook top. The resulting temperature information is then communicated to the cook top. Features associated with use of the temperature information such as various notifications to the operator and/or regulation of the heating elements can be also provided. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111552 | FINNED TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER - A heat exchanger comprises a tube and fins extending from an outer surface of the tube in a helical path. The fins comprise serrated sections and solid sections that are disposed in a predetermined arrangement along the helical path. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111545 | COMPONENTS WITH RE-ENTRANT SHAPED COOLING CHANNELS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A method of fabricating a component is provided. The method includes forming one or more grooves in a surface of a substrate, where the substrate has at least one hollow interior space. Each of the one or more grooves extends at least partially along the substrate surface and has a base and a top. The base is wider than the top, such that each of the one or more grooves comprises a re-entrant shaped groove. The method further includes forming one or more access holes through the base of a respective groove, to connect the groove in fluid communication with respective ones of the hollow interior space(s), and disposing a coating over at least a portion of the substrate surface. The one or more grooves and coating define one or more re-entrant shaped channels for cooling the component. A component with one or more re-entrant shaped channels and a method of coating a component are also provided. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111316 | COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY APPARATUS FOR AN OVEN APPLIANCE - An oven appliance is provided with an apparatus that supplies combustion air (i.e. primary air) to gas burner(s) of the oven appliance. The apparatus includes an air channel that provides for a flow of fresh, combustion air from the exterior of the oven appliance to a gas burner and, more particularly, to the shutter of a gas burner. The air channel can also be provided with a flame arrestor. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111065 | WASHING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED BRAKING METHOD - A method of braking a washing machine from an operational speed to a zero speed is provided (as well as a washing machine incorporating the method) for a washing machine driven by one of a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Upon receipt of a stop signal, collapsing the motor rotating magnetic fields are collapsed for a predefined time period. After the predefined time period, DC braking voltage is applied to the motor stator windings at a controlled ramp-up rate to a fixed amplitude to generate a controlled ramped braking torque on the motor. The braking torque is applied until the motor is stopped. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111041 | FLOAT-TYPE ICE MAKING ASSEMBLY AND RELATED REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - An ice making assembly includes a reservoir holding water having a water level, at least one conductor extending into the reservoir below the water level, and a cooling device for cooling the conductor to a temperature sufficient to form an ice cube on the conductor. A heater heats the conductor to a temperature sufficient to harvest the ice cube from the conductor. A dispensing device removes harvested ice cubes from the water. Related refrigeration appliances are disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111021 | Integrated Turbomachine Oxygen Plant - An integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes a turbomachine and an air separation unit. One or more compressor pathways flow compressed air from a compressor through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. An air separation unit is operably connected to the one or more compressor pathways and is configured to separate the compressed air into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air. A method of air separation in an integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes compressing a flow of air in a compressor of a turbomachine. The compressed flow of air is flowed through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander of the turbomachine to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. The compressed flow of air is directed to an air separation unit and is separated into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111013 | SYSTEM FOR DIRECTING AIR FLOW IN A FUEL NOZZLE ASSEMBLY - According to various embodiments, a system includes a fuel nozzle assembly. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a hub, a shroud disposed about the hub, a flow sleeve disposed about the shroud, and an air flow path extending between the flow sleeve and the shroud in an upstream direction toward an opening region between the shroud and the hub, wherein the air flow path extends between the hub and the shroud in a downstream direction from the opening region toward an outlet region of the fuel nozzle assembly. The fuel nozzle assembly also includes a fuel flow path extending to at least one fuel port along the air flow path, and a flow guide disposed along the air flow path in the opening region, wherein the flow guide includes a first guide portion configured to guide an air flow radially outward from the hub toward the shroud. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111011 | BYPASS TURBINE INTAKE - A system, that includes a bypass turbine intake configured to route a bypass supply of air to a turbine engine to bypass an air filter of a main turbine intake, wherein the bypass turbine intake comprises a louvered door having a plurality of louvers configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the open position enables flow of the bypass supply of air to the turbine engine, and the closed position disables flow of the bypass supply of air to the turbine engine. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111009 | SYSTEM FOR COOLING SYNGAS - A system includes a syngas cooler configured to cool a syngas. The syngas cooler includes a first syngas cooler section configured to cool the syngas and a second syngas cooler section configured to cool the syngas and generate a first superheated steam with an enthalpy of less than approximately 3800 kJ/kg. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110974 | LATE LEAN INJECTION WITH ADJUSTABLE AIR SPLITS - A gas turbine engine is provided and includes a combustor having a first interior in which a first fuel is combustible, a turbine into which products of at least the combustion of the first fuel are receivable, a transition zone, including a second interior in which a second fuel and the products of the combustion of the first fuel are combustible, a plurality of fuel injectors which are configured to supply the second fuel to the second interior in any one of a single axial stage, multiple axial stages, a single axial circumferential stage and multiple axial circumferential stages, a compressor, by which air is supplied to the first and second interiors for the combustion therein, and a control system configured to control relative amounts of the air to the first and second interiors and relative amounts of the first and second fuels supplied to the first and second interiors. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110908 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONCENTRATING A SOLID FUEL IN A SLURRY - According to various embodiments, a system includes a first cross-flow filter configured to remove at least a first portion of a liquid from a fuel slurry to increase a concentration of a solid fuel in the fuel slurry. The system also includes a gasifier configured to generate a syngas from the fuel slurry. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110847 | METHOD FOR SERVICING A TURBINE PART - According to one aspect of the invention, a method for in situ repair of a turbine part is provided. The method includes the steps of accessing the turbine part while assembled to other turbine components, wherein the turbine part comprises a region with a structural flaw near a hole in the turbine part, wherein the hole is configured to flow a cooling fluid and welding the structural flaw without performing a heat treatment of the turbine part, wherein welding the structural flaw comprises laser welding that maintains a structure of the region. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110016 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR COMPUTER-ASSISTED FULL MEDICAL CODE SCHEME TO CODE SCHEME MAPPING - An example method for mapping of medical code schemes includes processing a plurality of coded concepts to determine a potential match between a code from a first code scheme in the plurality of coded concepts and a code from a second code scheme in the plurality of coded concepts. The method includes assigning a probability to each potential match of a code from the first code scheme and a code from the second code scheme. The method includes generating an alphanumeric indication of the probability of each potential match between the first code scheme and the second code scheme from the plurality of coded concepts and generating a graphical representation of the plurality of coded concepts. The method includes outputting the alphanumeric indication and the graphical representation to a user and accepting user input to select a match between the first code scheme and the second code scheme. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109684 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPARING MEDICAL SERVICES - A method for comparing medical services provided by a plurality of healthcare entities includes creating a performance criterion that is associated with the medical services provided to patients by first and second healthcare entities and using a processor to determine first and second compliance indices by comparing the performance criterion to first and second sets of electronic health records (EHRs) of the patients that are maintained by the first and second healthcare entities, respectively. The first and second compliance indices represent quantities of the patients having medical data in the first and second sets of EHRs that satisfies the performance criterion. The method also includes presenting the first and second compliance indices associated with the first and second healthcare entities to a user. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109569 | DIAGNOSIS OF BEARING THERMAL ANOMALIES IN AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A system for evaluating bearing metal temperature (BMT) to diagnose rotor misalignment and/or bearing wipe in an electrical machine. A first system is provided that includes: an input system for obtaining bearing metal temperature (BMT) readings from a first BMT sensor located proximate the turbine and a second BMT sensor located proximate the generator, and for obtaining operational data including lube oil inlet temperature, speed and power; a filter system for filtering bad input data; and a misalignment analysis system that issues a misalignment warning in response to one of the BMT sensor reporting an increasing temperature and the other BMT sensor reporting a decreasing temperature. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109546 | IDENTIFICATION OF ROTOR BROKEN BAR IN PRESENCE OF LOAD PULSATION - A method for detecting an anomaly in a rotor of an induction machine is provided. The method includes obtaining or receiving three-phase stator voltage and current signals from the induction machine connected to a time varying load. The method also includes processing the three-phase stator voltage and current signals by transforming into corresponding two-phase quantities. Further, the method includes transforming the two-phase quantities into two quadrature components into a two-phase reference frame. The method includes analyzing a plurality of in-phase components and the quadrature components. Finally, the method includes detecting the presence of an anomaly and segregating the anomaly from load variations based on the analysis of the plurality of in phase components and the quadrature components, thereby reducing false alarm. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108975 | MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME - A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108699 | Composite Compositions - In one embodiment, the present invention provides an uncured composite composition. The uncured composite composition includes an uncured resin and a triaxial braid. The triaxial braid includes a longitudinal axis, a first bias fiber extending in a first bias direction at a first bias angle to the longitudinal axis, a second bias fiber extending in a second bias direction at a second bias angle to the longitudinal axis, and an axial fiber extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; wherein the first bias fiber, the second bias fiber, and the axial fiber have a substantially same tow size, and the tow size is in a range of from about 1 k to about 11 k. A cured composite and a method of making the cured composite are also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108132 | Composite Compositions - In one embodiment, the present invention provides a preform. The preform includes (a) a reinforcing fabric layer; and (b) a thermoplastic block copolymer fiber incorporated into the reinforcing fabric layer. The thermoplastic block copolymer includes methylmethacrylate structural units and is substantially soluble in an uncured epoxy resin and substantially insoluble in a corresponding cured epoxy resin. An uncured composite composition, a cured composite, and a method of making the cured composite are also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107806 | METHOD AND KITS FOR REPAIRING NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCES - Methods and kits for DNA repair are provided. The methods and kits described herein repair multiple types of DNA damage. The kit may include a plurality of enzymes to repair a greater variety of lesions than any single enzyme is capable of repairing. Repair of damaged DNA may include releasing damaged bases from the DNA strand, nicking the DNA at the damaged sites, translating the nicks via 5′-3′ exonuclease activity, and sealing the nicks. The enzymes employed in the repair process may then be heat-inactivated, thereby obviating a purification process. The repaired DNA may then be analyzed using a variety of DNA analysis methods. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107750 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IGNITING A COMBUSTOR - An ignition system for a combustor includes an access port through a wall of the combustor and a laser outside the combustor and aligned with the access port to generate a beam along a path. A lens in the path of the beam focuses the beam at a focal point inside the combustor, and a shutter has a first position in the path and a second position out of the path. A method for igniting a combustor includes generating a beam along a path, focusing the beam to a focal point inside the combustor, and moving a shutter from a first position in the path to a second position outside of the path. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107603 | ARTICLE FORMED USING NANOSTRUCTURED FERRITIC ALLOY - In one embodiment, an article is provided. The article comprises a soft magnetic component. The soft magnetic component includes a nanostructured ferritic alloy. The nanostructured ferritic alloy includes a plurality of nanofeatures disposed in an iron-containing alloy matrix, wherein the nanofeatures comprise an oxide. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107551 | POLYETHERIMIDE STITCHED REINFORCING FABRICS AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS COMPRISING THE SAME - In one aspect, the present invention provides a preform, comprising: (a) a reinforcing fabric layer; and (b) a polyetherimide fiber incorporated into the reinforcing fabric layer as a stitch thread material. The reinforcing fabric layer comprises less than about 10% by weight polyetherimides. In another aspect, the present invention provides an uncured and a cured composite composition comprising the perform. Articles and method of making the cured composite compositions are also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107207 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF NOX - A system for reducing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust fluid is provided. The system includes an exhaust source, a hydrocarbon reductant source, a first injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the first injector receives a first hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the first portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream. The system further includes a first catalyst that receives the exhaust stream and the first hydrocarbon reductant stream, a second injector in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon reductant source, where the second injector receives a second hydrocarbon reductant stream from the hydrocarbon reductant source, and expels the second hydrocarbon reductant stream, and a second catalyst disposed to receive an effluent from the first catalyst and the second portion of the hydrocarbon reductant stream. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107122 | RESILIENT MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR LOW-DUCTILITY TURBINE SHROUD - A turbine flowpath apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes: a flowpath component exposed at least partially to a primary combustion gas flowpath of the engine, the flowpath component comprising low-ductility material; a metallic annular stationary structure surrounding the flowpath component, including a bearing surface which bears against the flowpath component, so as to restrain the flowpath component from axial movement in a first direction; and a spring element disposed between the flowpath component and the stationary structure which resilient urges the flowpath component in the first direction against the bearing surface. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107060 | BACK MIXING DEVICE FOR PNEUMATIC CONVEYING SYSTEMS - The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107058 | SOLIDS FEEDER DISCHARGE PORT - The present application provides a solids feeder in communication with a flow of solids and a flow of a conveying fluid. The solids feeder may include an outlet channel with the flow of the solids therein and a discharge port in communication with the outlet channel. The discharge port further may include an inlet in communication with the flow of the conveying fluid and a flow channel. The flow channel may include a reduced cross-sectional area about the outlet channel as compared to the inlet. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106823 | Systems and Methods for Computer Aided Analysis of Images - Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems, methods and computer instructions for computer aided analysis of images. In certain embodiments, for example, such a method includes: isolating a motion area in an image; segmenting the image; utilizing a support vector machine to identify a region of interest in the image; utilizing a graph-cut algorithm to refine the region of interest; and verifying the region of interest. In certain embodiments, for example, such a method further includes: aligning a set of images and/or outputting a set of aligned images sequentially. In certain embodiments, the systems, methods and computer instructions disclosed herein can be used to aid analysis of cardiac images, for example. In certain embodiments, the systems, methods and computer instructions disclosed herein can be used to aid analysis of four dimensional images, for example. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106778 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING LOCATION OF PERSONS AND OBJECTS - A method for detecting changes in locations of persons and objects is disclosed. The method includes projecting a plurality of imaging planes across a specified area near a ground level and at none or least one pre-determined height from the ground level. The method also includes capturing respective imaging lines from the plurality of planes via one or more imaging components, observed when the objects or persons intersect the projected imaging planes. The method further includes recording a standard shape of the respective imaging lines in absence of any person or object within the specified area to establish a baseline image. The method also includes comparing each of successive captured imaging lines with the baseline image of the respective lines. The method further includes determining one or more changes in discontinuities in the captured imaging lines due to interception caused by movement of the object based upon the comparison. The method also includes translating the changes in discontinuities to determine an occurrence of an event of interest and alerting an operator in case of occurrence of the event of interest. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106712 | ENHANCED BARRIER FOR LIQUID METAL BEARINGS - The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106711 | X-RAY TUBE WITH BONDED TARGET AND BEARING SLEEVE - The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the thermal regulation of components within an X-ray tube by transferring heat between the anode and the rotary mechanism to which the anode is attached. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a fixed shaft, a rotating bearing sleeve disposed about the fixed shaft and configured to rotate with respect to the fixed shaft via a rotary bearing, and an electron beam target disposed about the bearing sleeve and configured to rotate with the bearing sleeve. The electron beam target is permanently bonded to the bearing sleeve. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106710 | X-RAY TUBE THERMAL TRANSFER METHOD AND SYSTEM - The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the thermal regulation of components within an X-ray tube, and more specifically to heat transfer between the anode and the rotary mechanism to which the anode is attached. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a fixed shaft, a rotating bearing sleeve disposed about the fixed shaft and configured to rotate with respect to the fixed shaft via a rotary bearing, an electron beam target disposed about the bearing sleeve and configured to rotate with the bearing sleeve, and a thermally conductive, deformable metallic gasket disposed between the target and the bearing sleeve and configured to conduct heat between the target and the bearing sleeve in operation. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106709 | ACTIVE THERMAL CONTROL OF X-RAY TUBES - The present embodiments relate to active thermal control of X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, a system for thermal control of an X-ray tube is provided. The system includes an X-ray tube having an electron beam target, a rotary bearing supporting the target in rotation, and a coolant flow passage, at least a portion of the coolant flow passage being disposed in the center of the rotary bearing, and the coolant flow passage is configured to receive a coolant. The system also includes a coolant circulating system coupled to the coolant flow passage and configured to circulate the coolant thorough the coolant flow passage, and a control circuit coupled to the coolant circulating system and the rotary bearing, the control circuit being configured to control heat flow between components of the X-ray tube by regulating extraction of heat from the X-ray tube via the coolant and by regulating a rotation rate of the rotary bearing. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105852 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND IMAGING OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL SAMPLE ARRAYS - A detection system for a two-dimensional (2D) array is provided. The detection system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source, a phase difference generator, a detection surface having a plurality of sample fields that can receive samples, and an imaging spectrometer configured to discriminate between two or more spatially separated points. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105619 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING IN REAL TIME, A GAP BETWEEN PORTIONS IN A MACHINE - A monitoring system for monitoring, in real time, a gap between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of a machine. The monitoring system includes an imaging device for forming a reference image of the gap and one or more next images of the gap, the imaging device including a portion disposed within the machine and a portion external to the machine. The system also includes an image processor coupled to the imaging device configured to monitor whether the gap is increasing or decreasing by comparing the reference image to the one or more next images. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105246 | CONTACTLESS UNDERWATER COMMUNICATION DEVICE - This invention provides, inter alia, communication devices for contactless underwater data transmission and reception. In one embodiment the present invention provides a transmitting device comprising (a) a water-tight housing; (b) a radiative element disposed outside of the housing, said radiative element comprising at least two antennae, wherein the radiative element is configured to propagate an electric field signal through water; and (c) a communications section disposed within the housing, said communications section being coupled to said radiative element, said communications section comprising at least one transmitter, wherein the communications section is configured to transmit digitally modulated data as an electric field signal propagated by the radiative element. Also provided are similarly constituted receiving devices, transceiving devices, systems containing such devices and methods of using such devices and systems. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105236 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLIANCE GAS LEAK DETECTION - A method and apparatus for determining whether an appliance is leaking gas is provided. Pressure measurements are taken after closing off the flow of gas to the appliance and within the appliance so as to isolate the gas within the distribution system of the appliance. If unacceptable changes in the pressure of the gas are detected, a warning signal can be provided and the flow of gas into the appliance can be maintained in an off state until further corrective steps are undertaken. Corrections for temperatures changes between pressure measurements can also be provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105074 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEROPERABILITY TESTING - A method and system for interoperability testing is provided. Various network communications messages are sent to a device under test (DUT) and a number of similar devices from different sources including different manufacturers. Responses to the test signals from the device under test and the similar devices are compared to expected responses in accordance with the standard, and adjustments are made in the device under test if deviations in responses are detected. The device under test may be a intelligent electronic device or IEC 61850 protocol client device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105022 | PREDICTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for predicting a condition includes an electric machine having slip rings and an exciter providing current and voltage to the electric machine through the slip rings. The system also includes a monitoring device that measures the current and voltage provided by the exciter to the electric machine and that forms a regression model from a current sample and compares values from a next sample to values predicted by the regression model. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105021 | DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS OF ROTOR THERMAL SENSITIVITY - A system and method for diagnosis and prognosis of thermal sensitivity in a rotor of an electrical machine. A first system is provided for evaluating thermal sensitivity in a rotor of an electrical machine and includes: an input system for obtaining vibration data and field current from the rotor and for obtaining a set of operating parameter; a system for calculating a relationship between vibration and field current; an evaluation system for determining whether the relationship is significant; and a system for issuing a notification of thermal sensitivity in response to a determination of a significant relationship. A second system includes a system for calculating a series of relationships between vibration and field current over a period of time; an evaluation system for determining whether a change in the series of relationships over the period of time is significant; and a system for issuing a notification of thermal sensitivity in response to a determination of a significant change in the series of relationships. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104925 | SHELF ASSEMBLY PARTICULARLY SUITED FOR USE IN A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - A shelf assembly is provided that is particularly suited for use in a refrigeration appliance. The shelf assembly includes a pane having edges that define a perimeter around the pane. A single-piece frame structure is fitted around the perimeter of the pane. The frame structure includes a unitary upper frame member having a flange portion extending inwardly from the pane edges and sealed against a top surface of the pane. A unitary lower frame member is connected to the upper frame member along a hinge line such that the upper and lower frame members are closed on each other with the pane seated between opposed flange portions of the frame members. An attachment mechanism is configured between the upper and lower frame members outward of the pane edges. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104924 | SHELF ASSEMBLY WITH A SINGLE-PIECE FRAME PARTICULARLY SUITED FOR USE IN A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - A shelf assembly is provided that is particularly suited as a spill-proof shelf for a refrigeration appliance. The shelf assembly includes a shelf pane having perimeter edges. A single-piece frame structure is fitted around the perimeter of the shelf pane. The frame structure includes a unitary upper frame member that extends inwardly from the pane edges along a top surface of the shelf pane. A respective lower frame member is connected to the upper frame member along each edge of the shelf pane and is pivotally configured with the upper frame member. The lower frame members are folded under and extend inwardly along a bottom surface of the shelf pane. An attachment mechanism is configured between the respective lower frame members and the upper frame member outward of the edges of the shelf pane. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104760 | DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE SUPPORT SYSTEM - A support system for a dynamoelectric machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the support system includes: a mounting pad having a first face and a second face, the second face including a pair of slots; a pair of spring bars welded or brazed to the mounting pad at the pair of slots; a collar welded or brazed to the first face of the mounting pad; and a key bar between and affixed to the pair of spring bars. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104750 | LOOSE ANTI-ROTATION LOCK SLEEVE FOR PIPE/FLANGE ASSEMBLY - Disclosed herein is a loose anti-rotation lock sleeve design for use in a flange and pipe assembly. The design includes a lock sleeve positioned between a pipe and a flange to prevent rotation of the pipe relative to the flange. The lock sleeve includes at least two openings in a first end of the lock sleeve configured to receive at least two pipe pins extending radially outward from the pipe. The lock sleeve further includes at least four openings in a second end of the lock sleeve configured to receive at least four flange pins extending radially inward from the flange. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104748 | VENTURI ADAPTER - A venturi adapter is provided and includes a first collar having an inward projection, a second collar having an outward projection and a shoulder defining an aperture extending between opposing axial faces thereof and having an axial projection, the first and second collars extending in opposing axial directions from the shoulder. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103892 | SEPARATION MODULE - A separation module utilizing a feed spacer and a method for forming such a separation module are provided. A gasket comprising a flexible waterproof material is disposed on at least part of one or more edges of the feed spacer. A membrane layer is disposed on a first surface of the feed spacer. A permeate carrier is disposed on a surface of the membrane element opposite the feed spacer. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103891 | MULTI-LEAF REVERSE OSMOSIS ELEMENT - A reverse osmosis element is provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a plurality of permeate tubes arranged to form a core frame. The reverse osmosis element further includes a plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. Each leaf of the plurality of leaves is coupled to one permeate tube of the plurality of permeate tubes. A retentate channel is defined by the plurality of permeate tubes of the core frame, and sealed by the plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. The reverse osmosis element includes first and a second end caps coupled to the plurality of permeate tubes. At least one of the first and the second end caps includes a retentate discharge port, and at least one of the first and second end caps includes one or more permeate discharge ports. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103659 | SUPERCONDUCTING CABLE SYSTEM - In an embodiment, an apparatus including a cable is disclosed. The cable includes at least two conductors, each conductor comprising a high-temperature superconductor material, wherein a first conductor is concentric within a second conductor, and wherein the first conductor is tapered at a first end of the cable and the second conductor is tapered at a second end of the cable. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103604 | SUBSURFACE HEATING DEVICE - In one aspect, the present invention provides a subsurface heating device comprising: (a) a combustion conduit casing defining a combustion conduit; (b) at least two combustors disposed within the combustion conduit casing; (c) at least one fuel supply conduit; d) at least one oxygen supply conduit configured to supply oxygen to at least one combustor; and (e) a combustion product gas outlet. The at least two combustors are characterized by an inter-combustor distance of at least one thousand feet and a combustion power of at least 3.41 million BTU per hour. The at least one fuel supply conduit is configured to supply a combustible fuel to at least one combustor. Also provided in another aspect of the present invention, is a method for heating a subsurface zone. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103454 | SPIRAL WOUND MEMBRANE ELEMENT PRODUCT WATER TUBE WITH EXTERNAL FLOW GROOVES - The disclosed product water tube is for use with a filter element having a filter membrane. The product water tube has a tube wall with a plurality of apertures formed therein to allow permeate from the filter membrane to pass through the tube wall and into a center portion of the tube. The tube wall has an outer surface having a pattern of ridges and channels that conduct the permeate across the outer surface of the tube to the apertures. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103336 | Ventilator System and Method - A ventilator is disclosed herein. The ventilator may include a blower, and a controller operatively connected to the blower. The controller is configured to automatically identify an optimal target inspiratory and expiratory pressure level for the treatment of a sleep related breathing disorder. The controller is also configured to regulate the operation of the blower in a manner adapted to deliver the optimal target inspiratory and expiratory pressure level. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103261 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERMIXING CADMIUM SULFIDE LAYERS AND CADMIUM TELLURIDE LAYERS FOR THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - An apparatus for sequential deposition of an intermixed thin film layer and a sublimated source material on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate is provided, along with associated processes. The process can include introducing a substrate into a deposition chamber, wherein a window layer (e.g., a cadmium sulfide layer) is on a surface of the substrate. A sulfur-containing gas can be supplied to the deposition chamber. In addition, a source vapor can be supplied to the deposition chamber, wherein the source material comprises cadmium telluride. The sulfur-containing gas and the source vapor can be present within the deposition chamber to form an intermixed layer on the window layer. In one particular embodiment, for example, the intermixed layer generally can have an increasing tellurium concentration and decreasing sulfur concentration extending away from the window layer. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103001 | ILLUMINATED DISPENSING TARGET FOR DISPENSER RECESS AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCORPORATING SAME - An illuminated dispenser assembly for a consumer appliance panel includes a dispenser recess area located in the panel. The dispenser recess area is defined by walls including a bottom wall, a back wall and a top wall. The bottom wall has a top surface. A dispenser is located in the panel. The dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior of the consumer appliance to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element includes a light source located below the top surface of the bottom wall for illuminating a target area in the bottom wall of the dispenser recess. The target area is located relative to the dispenser outlet so as to identify a location for placement of a receptacle for receiving the substance from the dispenser. A related refrigeration appliance incorporating such an illuminated dispensing target is also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103000 | DISPENSER RECESS WITH LIGHT PIPE AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCORPORATING SAME - An illuminated dispenser assembly may include a dispenser recess area defined by walls, such as a bottom wall, two side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior area to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element is located for illuminating the dispenser recess. The lighting element includes at least one light source and at least one light pipe for transmitting light from the light source to the dispenser recess. The light source may be placed in different states and/or may illuminate with different colors depending on status, user selection, time of day, etc. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102996 | RANKINE CYCLE INTEGRATED WITH ABSORPTION CHILLER - A power generation system is provided. The system includes a carbon-dioxide waste heat recovery Rankine cycle, integrated with an absorption chiller cycle. The Rankine cycle includes a condenser and a desorber. The condenser of the Rankine cycle is combined with the evaporator of the absorption chiller cycle. The Rankine cycle and the absorption chiller cycle can be integrated at the desorber. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102985 | CONDUCTIVE SURFACE HEATER FOR A REFRIGERATOR - A heater is provided for elevating the temperature of a surface of a refrigerator above the dew point of air surrounding the surface so as to avoid condensation. Heat energy is recovered from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator by using a portion of the appliance's refrigeration loop to provide heat to the desired surface. A conductive element is connected with the desired surface and also placed into contact with a heated portion of the refrigeration loop to conduct heat energy therebetween. The surface and conductive element may be selectively removed and replaced from the refrigerator without the use of electric heating elements as conventionally required for removable surfaces. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102967 | Method and system for preventing combustion instabilities during transient operations - A method and system for preventing or reducing the risk of combustion instabilities in a gas turbine includes utilizing a turbine controller computer processor to compare predetermined and stored stable combustion characteristics, including rate of change of the characteristics, with actual operating combustion characteristics. If the actual operating combustion characteristics are divergent from stable combustion characteristics then the controller modifies one or more gas turbine operating parameters which most rapidly stabilize the operation of the gas turbine. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102964 | TURBOMACHINE INCLUDING A CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) CONCENTRATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A turbomachine includes a compressor section, a turbine section operatively connected to the compressor section, a combustor fluidly connected between the compressor section and the turbine section, and a carbon dioxide (CO | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102962 | HEAT EXCHANGER FOR A COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANT - A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbomachine, a steam turbomachine operatively connected to the gas turbomachine, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) operatively connected to the gas turbomachine and the steam turbomachine, and a cooling system fluidly connected to the gas turbomachine. The cooling system is configured and disposed to pass a coolant through the gas turbomachine to absorb heat. A condensate system is fluidly connected to the steam turbine and the HRSG. The condensate system is configured and disposed to deliver a steam condensate from the steam turbine to the HRSG. A heat exchange member is fluidly connected to the cooling system and the condensate system. The heat exchange member is configured and disposed to transfer heat entrained in the coolant to the steam condensate. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102961 | Side-Initiated Augmentor for Engine Applications - A gas turbine engine augmentor includes at least one fluid based augmentor initiator defining a chamber in flow communication with a source of air and a source of fuel. The chamber includes a plurality of ejection openings in flow communication with an exhaust flowpath. The at least one fluid based augmentor initiator is devoid of any exhaust flowpath protrusions thereby minimizing any pressure drops and loss of thrust during dry work phase of operation. The source of fuel is operable for injecting fuel into the chamber such that at least a portion of the fuel flow is ignited at the plurality of ejection openings to produce a plurality of fuel-rich hot jets radially into the exhaust flowpath. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102958 | LATE LEAN INJECTION MANIFOLD - A late lean injection (LLI) manifold is provided and includes a central nozzle and first and second side nozzles positioned at circumferential locations defined around a vessel, a connector, a first leg, to which the connector is connected, formed to define a tube extending from the central nozzle to the first side nozzle such that fuel is communicable between the connector, the central nozzle and the first side nozzle and a second leg. The second leg is formed to define a tube extending from the central nozzle to the second side nozzle such that the fuel is communicable between the central nozzle and the second side nozzle. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102957 | PREMIXING NOZZLE - A premixing nozzle of a combustor is provided and includes a gas premixer module, a centerbody, which is breech-loadable into the gas premixer module and a deformable, compliant interface between the gas premixer module and the centerbody. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102956 | TURBINE EXHAUST DIFFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system includes multiple blades coupled to a rotor, a stationary shroud disposed about the multiple blades, and a clearance between the stationary shroud and each blade end of the multiple blades, wherein the clearance is configured to enable over tip leakage flow. The system also includes a diffuser section that includes an outer wall defining an expanding flow path downstream from the multiple blades. The outer wall includes a first wall portion having a first angle relative to a rotational axis of the multiple blades, and the clearance is configured to enable an increase in the first angle by maintaining the boundary layer along the outer wall with the over tip leakage flow. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102916 | Pulse Detonation Combustor Including Combustion Chamber Cooling Assembly - A pulse detonation combustor including a combustion chamber and a cooling assembly circumscribing the combustion chamber. The cooling assembly is configured to provide a flow of cooling fluid therethrough and provide cooling of the combustion chamber. The cooling assembly includes a cooling flow sleeve positioned about the combustion chamber. The cooling flow sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart axially extending structural members defining a plurality of flow passages therebetween. The cooling assembly is configured mechanically and thermally separate from the combustion chamber and provides axisymmetric cooling to the combustion chamber. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102914 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR COMPENSATING FUEL COMPOSITION VARIATIONS IN A GAS TURBINE - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for compensating fuel composition variations in a gas turbine. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for compensating for fuel composition variations in a turbine. The method can include: monitoring at least one fuel parameter associated with a turbine combustor; monitoring one or more combustion dynamics characteristics associated with the turbine combustor; monitoring one or more performance and emissions characteristics associated with the turbine; estimating fuel composition based at least in part on the at least one fuel parameter, the one or more combustion dynamics characteristics, and the one or more performance and emissions characteristics, and adjusting at least one fuel parameter based at least in part on the estimated fuel composition. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102835 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING GASIFIER QUENCH RING - A system includes a gasifier, which includes a reaction chamber configured to convert a feedstock into a synthetic gas, a quench chamber configured to cool the synthetic gas, a quench ring configured to provide a water flow to the quench chamber, and a quench ring protection system configured to protect the quench ring from the synthetic gas or a molten slag. The quench ring protection system includes a protective barrier disposed within an inner circumferential surface of the quench ring. The protective barrier substantially overlaps the inner circumferential surface in an axial direction along an axis of the quench ring. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102834 | STAGED GASIFIER AND RELATED PROCESSES - A gasifier system which includes a reactor; a feedstock inlet; an oxidant inlet; a raw product gas outlet; and a recycle conduit, is provided. The reactor usually includes an upper section, a central section, and a lower section. The feedstock inlet is disposed in the upper section of the reactor to receive a carbonaceous feedstock. The oxidant inlet is disposed in the lower section of the reactor to receive an oxidant. The raw product gas outlet is disposed in the upper section of the reactor. The recycle conduit is configured to couple the raw product gas outlet to the lower section of the reactor, and to recycle a raw product gas from the upper section of the reactor to the lower section of the reactor. A method for converting a carbonaceous stream into a product gas in a gasifier system is also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120101845 | MEDICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM - A medical support system and method for performing at least one medical support process relating to diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition and that includes or employs medical records relating to patients and medical support databases including medical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of a medical condition. A medical support process includes one or more process phases. Each process phase includes one or more process operations wherein each of the process operations of a process phase includes one or more process forms providing interfaces between a user and the process operations. The medical records and the guidelines are to execute an interactive dialogue between the medical support process and the user to provide guidance to the user in performing the medical support process according to the guidelines and dependent upon the user inputs and the medical record. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101768 | DIAGNOSIS OF STATOR THERMAL ANOMALIES IN AN ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A system, method and computer program for diagnosing thermal anomalies in a stator of an electrical machine. A first system is provided that includes an input system for obtaining RTD readings over time from at least one sensor in a stator winding; a normalization system for normalizing each RTD reading with respect to armature current; and an analysis system for analyzing a trend in a set of normalized RTD readings to indicate thermal behavior of the stator winding. A second system is provided that includes an input system for obtaining a set of RTD readings from a plurality of sensors in a common axial location in a stator winding; a calculation system for calculating a difference value between a maximum value and a median value from the set of RTD readings; and an analysis system for analyzing a trend over time in a set of difference values to indicate thermal behavior of the stator winding. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099996 | ROTARY MACHINE HAVING GROOVES FOR CONTROL OF FLUID DYNAMICS - A system includes a rotary machine including, a stator, a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator, a plurality of axial grooves disposed along a circumference of the stator or the rotor, a plurality of blade segments disposed along the circumference, wherein each blade segment of the plurality of blade segments comprises a blade coupled to a mounting base supported in a respective axial groove of the plurality of axial grooves, and the plurality of blades has a non-uniform blade spacing about the circumference. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099995 | ROTARY MACHINE HAVING SPACERS FOR CONTROL OF FLUID DYNAMICS - A system includes a rotary machine with a fluid flow path extending along an axis of the rotary machine, a plurality of airfoils disposed about the axis, and a plurality of spacers disposed about the axis. Each spacer of the plurality of spacers is disposed circumferentially between adjacent airfoils of the plurality of airfoils to define a circumferential spacing of the airfoils about the axis. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099961 | ROTARY MACHINE HAVING NON-UNIFORM BLADE AND VANE SPACING - A system, including a rotary machine including: a stator, a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of blades having a non-uniform spacing about a circumference of the rotor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099960 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING A NOZZLE - A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. The nozzle further includes apertures through at least one of the center body or shroud, a plenum in fluid communication with the apertures, and a louvers proximate to the apertures and connected to at least one of the center body or shroud. A method for cooling a nozzle includes flowing a cooling medium through a plenum inside a center body of the nozzle and flowing the cooling medium through apertures in the center body. The method further includes redirecting the cooling medium with louvers to flow the cooling medium across a surface of the center body. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099913 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAUGING PAPER WORKFLOW - Systems and methods of monitoring a paper supply include a paper receptacle retains a supply of paper. The supply of paper includes at least one queue mark. A sensor detects the at least one queue mark. A processor receives a signal indicative of the at least one queue mark and calculates a value representative of a remaining amount of paper in the paper supply. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099775 | Methods and Apparatus to Analyze Computed Tomography Scan Data - Methods and apparatus to analyze healthcare images are disclosed. An example method includes performing a threshold procedure and a watershed procedure on data obtained via a scan of a brain to generate a plurality of segments based on blood volumes associated with the segments; generating one or more statistics related to the each of the segments; and integrating the statistics into image data associated with the scan such that a first one of the statistics corresponding a first one of the segments is to be displayed to a user of the image data in response to receiving an input from the user in connection with the first one of the segments. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099773 | Method to Achieve Frame Rate or Resolution in Diagnostic Ultrasound - Systems and methods for toggling between a high frame rate setting and a high resolution setting while acquiring image data are provided. A method can include: receiving an indication that a high frame rate setting or a high resolution setting should be used to acquire image data, retrieving scan parameters that are associated with the indicated setting from real-time accessible and rewriteable memory, and using the scan parameters to acquire image data using an image acquisition device. An indication to toggle between settings can be triggered manually by an operator of the image acquisition device or automatically based on acquired image data. When successive sets of image data indicate image data is changing at least a minimum amount, a high frame rate setting can be automatically selected. When successive image frames indicate image data is not changing at least a minimum amount, a high resolution setting can be automatically selected. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098834 | SMART PLOT METHODOLOGY - The present subject matter relates to a method and a system for generating data plots illustrating aspects relating to relationships among entities. Plot definitions are established defining relationships among plural entities where the definitions include data paths identifying data locations. Data may be provided to the data locations either manually or automatically and various selectable diagnostic plots may be generated. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098552 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Rub Detection in a Machine - Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring rub detection in a machine are provided. An electrical signal may be provided for transmission to and into a component of the machine. A capacitance associated with the electrical signal in the component may be monitored. Based at least in part upon a determined change in the monitored capacitance, a potential rub condition for the component of the machine. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098538 | SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNET HAVING COLD IRON SHIMMING CAPABILITY - A method of shimming a superconducting magnet assembly that includes a cryostat and a superconducting magnet configured to be installed in the cryostat. The method includes determining a plurality of field inhomogeneity characteristics of the superconducting magnet while the superconducting magnet is at room temperature and prior to the superconducting magnet being sealed in the cryostat, and installing an initial set of passive shims inside the cryostat while the superconducting magnet is at room temperature, the initial set of passive shims reducing the determined field inhomogeneity characteristics when the superconducting magnet is operating at a normal operational temperature. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098425 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH HEAT DISTRIBUTION FACE PLATE - Lighting systems having a light source and a thermal management system are provided. The thermal management system includes synthetic jet devices, a heat sink and a heat distribution face plate. The synthetic jet devices are arranged in parallel to one and other and are configured to actively cool the lighting system. The heat distribution face plate is configured to radially transfer heat from the light source into the ambient air. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098424 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HAVING POINT CONTACT SYNTHETIC JETS - Lighting systems having unique configurations are provided. For instance, the lighting system may include a light source, a thermal management system and driver electronics, each contained within a housing structure. The light source is configured to provide illumination visible through an opening in the housing structure. The thermal management system includes a plurality of synthetic jets. The synthetic jets are arranged within the lighting system such that they are secured at contact points. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098385 | GENERATOR ROTOR MAIN LEAD SUPPORT AND LEAD PATH CONFIGURATION - Embodiments of the invention relate generally to lead path configurations in generator rotors and, more particularly, to a support apparatus for a main lead and generator rotors incorporating such a support apparatus. In one embodiment, the invention provides a support apparatus for a main lead of a generator rotor, the support apparatus comprising: a cross-sectionally L-shaped body having: a first portion; and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion, wherein the first portion includes an arcuate first surface for interfacing with a centering ring of the generator rotor and an arcuate second surface adapted to be substantially parallel to a rotor shaft of the generator rotor; a main lead passage extending along the arcuate first surface of the first portion and through the second portion. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098362 | DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE COIL SPACERBLOCK HAVING FLOW DEFLECTING CHANNEL IN COIL FACING SURFACE THEREOF - A dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor having a plurality of adjacent coils; and a spaceblock disposed between adjacent coils so as to define at least a first cavity adjacent the spaceblock and between mutually adjacent coils, the spaceblock including a channel disposed in a coil facing surface of the spaceblock for intercepting and redirecting a circulating coolant flow to the first cavity. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098360 | SYSTEM HAVING FIBER OPTIC PURITY SENSOR - A system includes an electrical generator comprising a stator, a rotor, and a gas coolant path through an interior of the electrical generator and at least one fiber optic purity sensor configured to sense a gas purity of a flow of a gas coolant through the gas coolant path. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098276 | DRY 3-WAY CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF GAS TURBINE NOX - A power generation system capable of eliminating NO components in the exhaust gas by using a 3-way catalyst, comprising a gas compressor to increase the pressure of ambient air fed to the system; a combustor capable of oxidizing a mixture of fuel and compressed air to generate an expanded, high temperature exhaust gas; a turbine that uses the force of the high temperature gas; an exhaust gas recycle (EGR) stream back to the combustor; a 3-way catalytic reactor downstream of the gas turbine engine outlet which treats the exhaust gas stream to remove substantially all of the NO | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098211 | SEAL APPARATUS - A seal apparatus including at least first and second adjacent seal segments, each including an elongate body with ends defined at opposing elongate body ends, to be arranged such that an end of the first seal segment joins with a complementary end of the second seal segment, the end of the first seal segment including a first male component protruding from a plane of a first seal surface to define a first female mating section about the first male component, the end of the second seal segment including a second male component protruding from a plane of a second seal surface to define a second female mating section about the second male component, the first and second male components being receivable in the second and first female mating sections, respectively, to form first and second male component overlaps in at least two dimensions. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097757 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING A NOZZLE - A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A plurality of apertures pass through the center body to the annular passage, and a plenum extends inside the center body and is in fluid communication with the plurality of apertures. A cooling medium is in fluid communication with the plenum. A method for cooling a nozzle includes flowing a cooling medium through a plenum across a surface of the nozzle. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097756 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING A NOZZLE - A nozzle includes a center body. A shroud circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. A closed loop cooling circuit extends inside the center body. A method for cooling a nozzle includes flowing a cooling medium through a closed loop cooling circuit inside the nozzle. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097614 | NORM REMOVAL FROM FRAC WATER - A method for treating low barium frac water includes contacting a frac water stream with a radium selective complexing resin to produce a low radium stream, passing the low radium stream through a thermal brine concentrator to produce a concentrated brine; and passing the concentrated brine through a thermal crystallizer to yield road salt. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097377 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system includes at least one heat sink including one or more respective fins, wherein the one or more fins include one or more respective cavities. The thermal management system also includes a synthetic jet stack including at least one synthetic jet mounted within each of the respective cavities employing at least one engaging structure to provide a rigid positioning of the synthetic jet stack within the fins, wherein the synthetic jet includes at least one orifice through which a fluid is ejected. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097190 | DISHWASHER THAT USES COLD WATER DURING PEAK ELECTRICITY DEMAND AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF CONTROL - A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate cold water inlet, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or cold water inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only cold water from the outlet to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097147 | EXTENSION RACK ASSEMBLY FOR CONSUMER APPLIANCE AND CONSUMER APPLIANCE INCORPORATING SAME - An extension rack assembly is mountable within and removable from a consumer appliance side walls. The extension rack assembly is movable between an overlapped position and an extended position. A mechanism is provided for automatically securing the extension rack assembly in the consumer appliance when the extension rack assembly within the side walls is moved from the overlapped position to the extended position and for allowing removal of the extension rack assembly when the extension rack is maintained in the overlapped position and slid from the side walls. The extension rack assembly may also or alternatively be configured to receive a rack in a first orientation having a first height within the consumer appliance and in a second orientation having a second height within the consumer appliance | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096961 | PROBE HOLDER FOR TURBINE ENGINE SENSOR - A turbine is provided and includes a component having a body, which is rotatable about a rotor centerline and which is formed to define a cavity radially proximate to a point of measurement interest defined at a radial distance from the centerline, a sensor to measure a condition at the point of measurement interest, a communication system by which condition measurements are transmittable from the sensor to a non-rotating recording system and a probe holder insertible into the cavity to secure the sensor proximate to the point of measurement interest. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096946 | SENSOR PACKAGING FOR TURBINE ENGINE - A turbine is provided and includes a rotor, which is rotatable about a centerline thereof, a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, a communication system by which condition measurements are transmittable from the sensor to a non-rotating recording system and a probe holder to secure the sensor and a portion of the communication system on the rotor proximate to the point of measurement interest. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096934 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR TURBINE ENGINE - A communication system is provided and includes a sensor to measure a condition at a point of measurement interest defined on a rotor of a turbine at a radial distance from a centerline about which the rotor is rotatable, wiring disposed on the rotor at a radial distance from the centerline, the wiring including a first wiring section coupled to the sensor, a second wiring section and a first connection by which the first and second wiring sections are connectable, a second connection by which the second wiring section transmits a signal reflective of the detected condition to a non-rotating recording element and a temperature compensation module disposed on the second wiring section to adjust the signal. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096933 | SENSOR WITH G-LOAD ABSORBING SHOULDER - A sensor is provided and includes a body disposed at a point of measurement interest on a rotor at a radial distance from a centerline thereof and having a substantially cylindrical shape and first and second opposing ends and a sensing end coupled to one of the first and second opposing ends, the other of the first and second opposing ends being coupled to a communication system, the sensing end including a sensing device configured to generate a signal reflective of a detected condition at the point of measurement interest, and at least one of the first and the second opposing ends being formed to define a shoulder portion for absorbing gravitational loading. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096927 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A TURBOCHARGED SYSTEM - A method includes detecting a presence of a fouling layer in an exhaust gas recirculation cooler of an internal combustion engine. The flow of a coolant through the exhaust gas recirculation cooler is stopped for a predetermined period of time while the engine exhaust gas flows through the exhaust gas recirculation cooler. The flow of an engine exhaust gas exiting from the exhaust gas recirculation cooler is diverted to at least one of a turbine of a turbocharger, and an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine. The fouling layer from the exhaust gas recirculation cooler is expelled along with the engine exhaust gas exiting the exhaust gas recirculation cooler. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEAR NET SHAPE FORGING - A method for near net shape forging a titanium component includes heating a titanium billet to a temperature in the alpha-beta temperature range and extruding the titanium billet into a first die having a temperature approximately 500° F. below the temperature of the titanium billet. A system for near net shape forging a titanium component includes a titanium billet having a temperature in the alpha-beta temperature range and a punch in contact with the titanium billet. A first die proximate to the titanium billet for receiving the titanium billet has a temperature approximately 500° F. below the temperature of the titanium billet. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096892 | WATER FILTER WITH PERFORMANCE INDICATING DEVICE AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCLUDING SAME - An assembly for filtering water includes a housing and a water inlet for supplying unfiltered water to the housing. A water filter includes an outer casing attached to the housing in communication with the water inlet and a filter medium within the outer casing. The outer casing has at least one portion that is at least partially translucent. The water filter filters the unfiltered water through filter medium to provide filtered water. A water outlet is attached to the housing for transferring filtered water from the outer casing to a device via the housing. An illumination device is mounted adjacent to the outer casing for selectively illuminating the portion of the outer casing that is at least partially translucent. Related refrigeration appliances incorporating such devices are also disclosed. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096891 | AUGER STYLE ICE MAKER AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCORPORATING SAME - An ice making assembly includes a support and a mold rotatably mounted to the support configured for forming an ice cube therein. The mold has a base, a side wall attached to the base, and an opening in the side wall spaced from the base. An auger has a shaft with a proximal end fixed to the base of the mold, a distal end outside of the mold, and a central section between the proximal end and the distal end and extending through the opening. The auger also has a threaded portion. An inner mold is non-rotatably fixed to the support and extends into the mold. The inner mold defines an outer shape of the ice cube. The inner mold has at least one wall non-concentric with reference to a center line of the auger. A motor rotates the mold and auger relative to the support and inner mold. The inner mold is configured to prevent the ice cube from rotating with the mold and auger, the auger thereby moving the ice cube out of the mold and the inner mold via the opening. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096890 | MISTING ICE MAKER FOR CUP-SHAPED ICE CUBES AND RELATED REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - An ice cube maker includes an ice-making compartment having side walls, at least one rod-shaped conductor extending distally into the compartment through one of the side walls, and a cooling device for cooling the conductor to a temperature sufficient to form ice on the conductor. A misting system includes a reservoir for water and a nebulizer for creating a liquid mist from water in the reservoir and introducing the liquid mist into the ice-making compartment so that a portion of the liquid mist freezes on the conductor to form a cup-shaped ice cube thereon. A return conduit connects a drain of the ice-making compartment and the reservoir for transferring liquid mist not freezing on the conductor to the reservoir. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096889 | AUGER STYLE ICE MAKER AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCORPORATING SAME - An ice making assembly includes a mold configured for forming an ice cube. The mold has a base, a side wall, and an opening in the side wall spaced from the base. An auger has a shaft with a proximal end above and outside of the mold, a distal end within the mold, and a central section between the distal end and the proximal end and extending through the opening. The auger further has a threaded portion configured for moving the ice cube out of the mold through the opening via rotation of the auger. A motor may be located above the mold and attached to the proximal end of the shaft for rotating the auger to lift the ice cube from the mold. The ice cubes may be formed with a gap and a splitter may split the ice cubes at the gap. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096870 | COMBINED CYCLE POWER PLANT INCLUDING A CARBON DIOXIDE COLLECTION SYSTEM - A combined cycle power plant includes a compressor section including a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, and a turbine section operatively connected to the compressor section. The turbine section includes a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet. A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is fluidly connected to the turbine outlet. A combustor includes a head end and a combustor discharge. The head end is fluidly connected to the compressor outlet and the combustor discharge is fluidly connected to the turbine inlet. A carbon dioxide collection system is fluidly connected to one of the compressor outlet and the head end of the combustor. The carbon dioxide collection system is configured and disposed to extract a first fluid comprising carbon dioxide and a second fluid from a substantially oxygen free fluid flow passed from the one of the compressor outlet and the head end of the combustor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096868 | Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle System with a Nitrogen Cooled Gas Turbine - The present application provides an integrated gasification combined cycle system. The integrated gasification combined cycle system may include a nitrogen source, a combustor, and a turbine. A flow of nitrogen from the nitrogen source passes through and cools the turbine and then flows into the combustor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096866 | FUEL NOZZLE FOR COMBUSTOR - A nozzle for a combustor is disclosed. The nozzle includes a center body, a burner tube provided around the center body and defining a fuel-air mixing passage therebetween, and an outer peripheral wall provided around the burner tube and defining an air flow passage therebetween. The nozzle further includes a nozzle tip connected to the center body. The nozzle tip includes a pilot fuel passage configured to deliver a flow of pilot fuel to a combustion zone, and a plurality of transfer passages. The plurality of transfer passages are configured to deliver a flow of air for combustion with the flow of pilot fuel in the combustion zone and further configured to deliver a flow of transfer fuel to the combustion zone. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096864 | AIR COOLED CONDENSER FOGGING CONTROL SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling turbine steam output. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling steam turbine output. The method can include measuring one or more temperatures or back pressures associated with one or more cells associated with a turbine cooling condenser and controlling temperature distribution of the one or more cells in response, at least in part, to the measured one or more temperatures or back pressures. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096829 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SEMI-CLOSED POWER CYCLE SYSTEM - A system includes a controller configured to control a semi-closed power cycle system. The controller is configured to receive at least one of a first signal indicative of an oxygen concentration within a first gas flow through a primary compressor, a second signal indicative of power output by the semi-closed power cycle system, a third signal indicative of a temperature of a second gas flow through a turbine, and a fourth signal indicative of a mass flow balance within the semi-closed power cycle system. The controller is also configured to adjust at least one of the first gas flow through the primary compressor, a fuel flow into a combustor, a fraction of the first gas flow extracted from the primary compressor, and an air flow through a feed compressor based on the at least one of the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120095923 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING A LOCAL ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORD DATA STORE USING A REMOTE PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD SERVER - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing medical information. Certain embodiments provide a local electronic medical record system including a local personal health record (PHR) client, the PHR client downloading encrypted patient documents from a remote PHR server and parsing the downloaded encrypted patient documents to form a local PHR database. The example system also includes an interface receiving user input including an encryption key to decrypt the downloaded encrypted patient documents and displaying patient medical information to the user based on the downloaded decrypted patient documents. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095701 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ONLINE STRESS AND LIFE CONSUMPTION OF A HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATOR - 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. | 04-19-2012 |
