Engineering Commons^™

10 Inventions On Improving Keyboard Efficiency: A Triz Based Analysis, Umakant Mishra

Umakant Mishra

A keyboard is the most important input device for a computer. With the development of technology a basic keyboard does not want to remain confined within the basic functionalities of a keyboard, rather it wants to go beyond. There are several inventions which attempt to improve the efficiency of a conventional keyboard. This article illustrates 10 inventions from US Patent database all of which have proposed very interesting methods for improving the efficiency of a computer keyboard. Some interesting inventions include, adding toolbar buttons on the keyboard, power saving method, keyboard-cooling mechanism, robust keyboard for public use, keyboard enhancement for …

10 Inventions On Keyboard Key Layout: A Triz Based Analysis, Umakant Mishra

Umakant Mishra

The standard QWERTY keyboard was developed in the late 1800’s for the typewriters. As people were acquainted with that the same layout was retained for the computer keyboards. Many people feel that the QWERTY layout is not very efficient layout and there have been many inventions on different layouts of character keys.

In order to improve the key arrangement, two major issues should be addressed. (i) The improved key arrangement should offer significantly improved productivity. (ii) The training time for learning the improved key arrangement should be minimized.

This article analyzes 10 inventions from US patent database each of which …

Emisja Zanieczyszczeń Ze Spalania Odpadów Podestylacyjnych Z Produkcji Witaminy C W Piecu Fluidalnym, Robert Oleniacz

Robert Oleniacz

Some results of continuous or periodical measurements of selected air pollutant concentrations and mass streams in the flue gases from liquid waste incineration in a fluidized bed incinerator were presented in the paper. During the researches distillation tails from vitamin C production, that is waste traces from regeneration such solvents as for example ethylene chloride, chloroform or trichloroethylene were incinerated. As a result of the researches there was determined optimal temperature of the fluidized bad in which the waste incineration should be carried out to minimization of CO and NOx formation. Required effectiveness of HCl removal from combustion gases to …

Emisja Zanieczyszczeń Z Procesu Grafityzacji Elektrod Węglowych W Piecach Lwg (Castnera). Cz. 1. Wybrane Substancje Gazowe, Marian Mazur, Robert Oleniacz, Marek Bogacki, Przemysław Szczygłowski

Robert Oleniacz

The results of measurements of quantity pollutants originated and emitted to air from LWG (Castner) furnaces were introduced. The investigation was carried out during the graphitisation process of coal electrodes, until moment of end of ventilation the stove across applied installations of cleaning of cool gases (catalytic burning and the wet desulphurization). The measurement results of CO, CO2, HC+H2, SO2, H2S, CS2, NO, NO2, NH3 as well as chosen hydrocarbons (C1-C6) and aromatic hydrocarbons (BTX) were presented. In result of conducted investigations was qualified courses of changeability of concentrations in gases these substances before and for the cleaning system. The …

Jump Condition At The Boundary Between A Porous Catalyst And A Homogeneous Fluid, Francisco J. Valdes-Parada, J. Alberto Ochoa-Tapia

Francisco J. Valdes-Parada

The method of volume averaging (Whitaker, 1999) is used to derive the jump conditions between a porous catalyst and a homogeneous fluid. To simplify the analysis a first order kinetics is used and the convective transport is neglected. The statement for the derivation is in terms of the spatially smoothed equations obtained by Wood et al. (2000). We have followed a similar procedure to the one used by those authors to derive, besides a jump boundary condition that couples the two media transport, a closure problem to predict the effective reaction rate coefficient at the interregion dividing surface as a …

Using A Subsurface Drip Irrigation System To Measure Crop Coefficients And Water Use Of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata), William R. Detar, Howard A. Funk

William R DeTar

This is a progress report for the first year of growing cowpea on a 1.8-acre experimental plot where a subsurface drip irrigation system is installed with dripperlines buried 10-11" below grade in each plant row. Row spacing is 30" and it is irrigated on a daily basis. The field is level in both directions and extra-large diameter tubing (7/8") was used so that pressures throughout the field are very uniform, with a distribution uniformity (DU) of 96%. The main goal was to find out how much water the cowpea uses. The water use is calculated by multiplying a crop coefficient …

Failure Analysis Of Superheater Tube Supports Of The Primary Reformer In A Fertilizer Factory

A.S. Md Abdul Haseeb

A failure analysis of superheater tube supports of the primary reformer in a local fertilizer factor is presented. A number of tube supports failed at approximately half of their designed service life. Following the failure, the factory was visited, and relevant information and samples were collected. The samples were investigated in the laboratory by chemical analysis, macro- and microhardness measurements, macro-and micrometallographic examinations, and X-ray diffractometry. The analysis showed the supports were fabricated from HH-type heat-resisting alloy and that the failure mode was high-temperature creep. The microstructure of the alloy showed the presence of massive intergranular as well as intragranular …

Robust Stability Analysis Of Large Power Systems Using The Structured Singular Value Theory, R. Castellanos, A. R. Messina, H. Sarmiento

A. R. Messina

This paper examines the application of structured singular value (SSV) theory to analyse robust stability of complex power systems with respect to a set of structured uncertainties. Based on SSV theory and the frequency sweep method, techniques for robust analysis of largescale power systems are developed. The main interest is focused on determining robust stability for varying operating conditions and uncertainties in the structure of the power system. The applicability of the proposed techniques is verified through simulation studies on a large-scale power system. In particular, results for the system are considered for a wide range of uncertainties of operating …

Aplicación Del Método De Optimización De Recocido Simulado En La Regresión De Isotermas De Adsorción, Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet, María Guadalupe Lira-Padilla, Carlos A. Soto-Becerra

Adrian Bonilla-Petriciolet

The nonlinear parameter estimation of thermodynamic models, including the adsorption isotherms, is a multivariable and nonlinear problem that can present several local optimums. The conventional optimization methods used in the parameter estimation of adsorption isotherms are efficient but they are not reliable to solve such problem. In this paper, we describe the application of the stochastic global optimization method simulated annealing in the nonlinear regression of adsorption isotherms. This method has been applied with Toth and Sips models. Our results indicate that this method is a reliable optimization strategy for parameter estimation in adsorption isotherms.

The Influence Of Titanium And Cerium On Microstructure And Properties Of Fe-C-Cr-Nb Alloys, Zeljko J. Kamberovic

Zeljko J Kamberovic

In this paper, the influence of titanium and cerium on the microstructure and properties of Fe- C-Cr-Nb alloys are examined, in both as-cast and heat treated state. These elements affect the crystallisation process of Fe-C-Cr-Nb alloys and the transformation of austenite during the cooling process after solidification. Titanium changed the morphology of NbC carbides. Further, in the austenite of the examined Fe-C-Cr-Nb-Ti alloys, very fine particles of precipitated secondary carbide can be seen. The alloy containing 0,28%Ti and 0,19%Ce has martensite-perlite-austenitic matrix microstructure in as-cast condition. Adding titanium and cerium to Fe-C-Cr-Nb alloys will also changed its properties, since the …

Regional Osteoporosis In The Spinal Cord Of Disabled War Veterans, Hossein Gholizadeh

Hossein Gholizadeh

Introduction: Osteoporosis, the result of an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, is a potential problem for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) because of immobility commonly associated with this impairment. Bone mineral content decreases by 25% to 50% and the magnitude of this reduction is dependent on the level, completeness and duration of SCI. This study was designed to evaluate osteoporosis in war veterans with SCI in Isfahan province. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, by use of a cluster sampling frame, SCI veterans underwent-dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to define bone mineral density (BMD) in 2nd to 4th lumbar …

Study Of Physical Effects As A Performance Parameter In Optical Burst Switched Networks, Ioannis Karamitsos, Anna Tzanakaki, Ioannis Tomkos

John P. Karamitsos

No abstract provided.

Analytical Model For Optical Burst Switching (Obs) Networks With Linear Transmission Impairments, Ioannis Karamitsos

John P. Karamitsos

No abstract provided.

Efficiency Of Heat Recovery Versus Maximum Catalyst Temperature In A Reverse-Flow Combustion Of Methane, Krzysztof Gosiewski

Krzysztof Gosiewski

Results of simulations are presented concerning a reverse-flow reactor for the catalytic combustion of methane that occurs in coal-mine ventilation air. The simulations were performed for two types of catalyst: 12% MnO2/-Al2O3 and 0.5% Pd/-Al2O3. A special attention is given to maximum temperature of the catalyst bed in order to minimize occurrence of homogeneous combustion. The simulations revealed that there is a visible contradiction between efficiency of heat recovery aimed to high-pressure steam production and efforts to constraint maximum temperature in the bed.

Design And Development Of Orifice-Type Aerostatic Thrust Bearing, Jitendra P. Khatait

Jitendra P Khatait

Air bearings are extensively used in precision machines and equipment in recent years. Unlike conventional bearings, there is no physical contact between the sliding surfaces. The moving surface can glide smoothly on the other surface, minimising the control effort to achieve high accuracy and precision. Analytical study was carried out avoiding complexities in the formulation. The governing parameters were kept at a minimum. This helped in easy understanding of the dynamics and performance behavior of the air bearings. A simple design methodology was also developed to assist in the design or the selection process of the bearing. Finally, a three-dimensional …

Avoid Sulfuric Acid Corrosion In Metallic Stacks, João F. Gomes

João F Gomes

Acidic gaseous effluents frequently cause corrosion on metallic stacks. This paper presents a method for prevision of probability of corrosion occurrence caused by gaseous effluents containing sulphur oxides which is based on the sulphur trioxide and moisture content measured in stack

Emissions Of Dioxin And Dibenzofuran From Electric Arc Furnaces, João F. Gomes

João F Gomes

This paper describes work done in order to clarify the formation mechanism of highly toxic micropollutants, such as dioxins and dibenzofurans, from electric arc furnaces used in the production of carbon steel from scrap. The study is allowing to derive relationships between the levels of airborne micropollutants and the operational parameters of the production process so that an abatement of pollution could be achieved. By using the European standard method CEN 1948 for dioxin like compounds sampling and measurement, it was possible to determine the characteristic fingerprint of micropollutants emitted by this particular stationary source.

Altered Hydrology In Connecticut Watersheds Prioritized For Protection, Denise Burchsted

Denise Burchsted

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has selected the Saugatuck, Salmon, Eight Mile, Mount Hope / Natchaug, and Hollenbeck River watersheds for priority protection in Connecticut. A number of threats, including altered hydrology, have been identified in these watersheds. This project has been designed to better understand that threat and provide some context for future protection or restoration of the hydrology within those watersheds. The definition of altered hydrology is problematic, as the time at which the watersheds are considered unaltered is ambiguous and historic data is often unavailable. In order to address that difficulty, this project used the following approach: 1. …

Paramètres Capacitifs Et Surtensions Dans L’Enroulement D’Un Moteur Asynchrone, Alimenté Par Un Convertisseur Mli, M.T. Belassel, Victor Bespalov, Boukhemis Chetate

Boukhemis Chetate

Dans ce travail nous présentons une méthode de calcul des paramètres capacitifs et des surtensions dans un enroulement d’un moteur asynchrone à cage alimenté par un convertisseur M.L.I La détermination des paramètres capacitifs est l’une des étapes les plus importantes dans le processus de modélisation mathématique des processus ondulatoires dans les moteurs asynchrones (MA), de ces paramètres dépend ce qu’on appelle la distribution initiale des tensions dans les capacités de l’enroulement. La machine étudiée dans ce travail possède un enroulement concentrique à deux couches avec une distribution anarchique des conducteurs circulaires ronds dans l’encoche, elle est fabriquée par l’entreprise ELECTRO-INDUSTRIES …

Darcy's Law For Immiscible Two-Phase Flow: A Theoretical Development, Francisco J. Valdes-Parada, Gilberto Espinoza-Paredes

Francisco J. Valdes-Parada

The aim of this paper is to show how the method of volume averaging can be used to obtain a closed set of averaged equations for bubbling flow. The Navier–Stokes equations are considered as the starting point for the volume-averaging method. The closure was formulated as an associated problem with the deviations around averaged values of the local variables. When the traditional length-scale restrictions are imposed, the volume-averaged momentum equation can be given by &#;vk k – &#;vm m = Kk⋅ (–∇ &#;pk k + ρkgk), which is equivalent to Darcy’s law. The tensor Kk is determined by closure problems …

Evaluation Of The Particle Swarm Algorithm For Biomechanical Optimization, J. F. Schutte, B. I. Koh, Jeffrey A. Reinbolt, B. J. Fregly, R. T. Haftka, A. D. George

Jeffrey A. Reinbolt

Optimization is frequently employed in biomechanics research to solve system identification problems, predict human movement, or estimate muscle or other internal forces that cannot be measured directly. Unfortunately, biomechanical optimization problems often possess multiple local minima, making it difficult to find the best solution. Furthermore, convergence in gradient-based algorithms can be affected by scaling to account for design variables with different length scales or units. In this study we evaluate a recentlydeveloped version of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to address these problems. The algorithm’s global search capabilities were investigated using a suite of difficult analytical test problems, while …

Cross-Language Retrieval For Arabic Texts: The Creation Of An English-Arabic Cross-Language Information Retrieval Environment, Robert N. Oddy, Anne R. Diekema, Jean Hannouche, Grant Ingersoll, Elizabeth D. Liddy

Robert Oddy

An English-Arabic Cross-Language Information Retrieval Environment was created in which the user can query an Arabic database in English and retrieve a set of relevant Arabic documents. The retrieved Arabic documents will be automatically translated into English to facilitate readability by the English language user. Proper names of people, places, and organizations are extracted from the retrieved documents and transliterated from Arabic into English. They are presented to the user and serve to provide a brief summarization of the retrieved document. Another feature of the AIR design is the user’s ability to group searches and search results into what we …

Analyst-Focused Arabic Information Retrieval, Robert N. Oddy, Ann R. Diekema, Jean Hannouche, Elizabeth Liddy, Grant Ingersoll

Robert Oddy

An English-Arabic Cross-Language Information Retrieval Environment was created in which the analyst can query an Arabic database in English and retrieve a set of relevant Arabic documents. The retrieved Arabic documents are automatically translated into English to facilitate readability by the English-only analyst. Proper names of people, places, and organizations are extracted from the retrieved documents and transliterated from Arabic into English. They are presented to the analyst and serve to provide a brief summarization of the retrieved document search query in English. Cross-Language Information Retrieval (CLIR), itself a desideratum in the ARDA workshop, is a special case of Information …