Abstract:
Gross calorific content available from natural gas combustion determined from proportionality to molar oxygen demand in an apparatus including: provision for supplying gas and air at fixed, standard volumetric rates such that oxygen is present in excess; a combustion chamber employing swirled mixture introduction to effect complete gas burning; an oxygen sensor to detect deviation of combustion product oxygen content from an optimum setpoint value; an electrolytic hydrogen (oxygen) generator, the output of which adds to the gas and air mixture prior to combustion; and electronic control circuitry to maintain setpoint through regulation of an electrolysis current. Said current, or its control signal, also serves as a direct electronic meter of the generated species. Thus, through calibration, a measure of oxygen demand and calorific value is provided.
Abstract:
Formulated animal feeds having excellent digestibility with high energy and good protein content based on lactose-rich whey products are produced by supplementation with small quantities of water insoluble poly-N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosamine glycosides having a molecular weight of at least 5,000 and are fed to farm type animals. Most of the formulated feeds contain at least 7% lactose and up to 5% poly-N-acetyl-.beta.-D-glucosamine glycoside in addition to the usual protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral constitutents of the feed. For poultry, which are among the least efficient metabolizers of lactose, such feeds may contain 5-25% lactose.
Abstract:
Method for converting dextro rotatory chitin to levo rotatory chitin comprising dissolving chitin in a composition containing dimethyl acetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone or mixture thereof and lithium chloride.
Abstract:
Apparatus for storing a mobile forklift truck on top of a raised platform such as a loading dock or the floor of a transport truck, and to an improved forklift truck for use in such apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of stirrups mounted on top of the raised platform to receive the fork tines of the forklift truck, so that when the tines are lowered far enough, the forklift truck is lifted up until its drive wheel is level with the top of the raised platform. The apparatus also includes a collapsible support arm movable between an out-of-the-way position and an operative position level with the platform top, where the support arm engages the drive wheel of the forklift truck. The improved mobile forklift truck of this invention has a "ready condition" in which it can be brought into position for self-storage on the raised platform, in which condition forwardly extending wheels can move through a restricted "collapsing zone" having specified boundaries into out-of-the-way storage positions. Several embodiments of the improved forklift truck are disclosed, in each of which the upper boundary of the forward portion of the collapsing zone is low enough that the support wheels retracted into out-of-the-way storage positions do not strike any downhanging parts of the raised platform, and the rear boundary of the collapsing zone is far enough forward to avoid any protrusions that would interfere with freedom of movement of the operator behind the forklift truck.
Abstract:
Apparatus providing a work area at which one or several people can perform tasks requiring ultra-high efficient air filtration. The work area includes an air passageway throughwhich laminar flow of air occurs from a HEPA filter. The apparatus has a leading edge around the work area from which a certain of air flows in an enclosing and parallel relationship to the laminar flow air to extend the laminar air zone a distance beyond the work surface of the apparatus. The curtain air is passed through a HEPA filter prior to discharge. Dual air blowers supply air for the laminar flow air and the enclosing air curtain. The passageways for the two sources of air are in communication so that if necessary, one blower can be the source for both the laminar flow air and the air curtain. When both sources are in operation the communication means also serves to eliminate undesirable harmonics that might originate from either blower if it were to operate alone. The apparatus provides illumination of the work area, and the passageway for the air providing the air curtain serves as a heat transfer means for cooling the illuminating means.
Abstract:
A control rod assembly including at least one movable control rod including a neutron absorbing material, a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) for controlling movement of the at least one control rod, and a coupling operatively connecting the at least one control rod and the CRDM. The coupling includes a terminal element engaged with a connecting rod of the CRDM and the at least one moveable control rod, and a kinetic energy absorbing element supported by the terminal element for absorbing kinetic energy during a SCRAM event, the kinetic energy absorbing element configured to act between the terminal element and an upper plate of an associated fuel assembly.
Abstract:
What is disclosed is a system and method for processing a time-series signal generated by video images captured of a subject of interest in a non-contact, remote sensing environment such that the existence of a cardiac arrhythmia can be determined for that subject. In one embodiment, a time-series signal generated is received. The time-series signal was generated from video images captured of a region of exposed skin where photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals of a subject of interest can be registered. Signal separation is performed on the time-series signal to extract a photoplethysmographic signal for the subject. Peak-to-peak pulse points are detected in the PPG signal using an adaptive threshold technique with successive thresholds being based on variations detected in previous magnitudes of the pulse peaks. The pulse points are then analyzed to obtain peak-to-peak pulse dynamics. The existence of cardiac arrhythmias is determined for the subject based on the pulse dynamics.
Abstract:
An unmanned underwater vehicle incorporates a structure having an integral scintillating material for a radiation detector and detection electronics connected to the radiation detector for measurement of the scintillation. A communication system is employed for transmission of scintillation measurement to a remote facility and a navigation control system provides for autonomous operation of the unmanned underwater vehicle or remote operation through the communications system.