X-ray Optical Systems Incorporated

Other

General Electric Company

Michael D Moore

Ian Radley

John H Burdett

Stuart Shakshober

Brian William Gallagher

Zewu Chen

Thomas J Bievenue

Mark Fitzgerald

Stuart M Shakshober

An x-ray source assembly and method of operation are provided having enhanced output stability. The assembly includes an anode having a source spot upon which electrons impinge and a control system for controlling position of the anode source spot relative to an output structure. The control system can maintain the anode source spot location relative to the output structure notwithstanding a change in one or more operating conditions of the x-ray source assembly. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

X-ray source assembly having enhanced output stability, and fluid stream analysis applications thereof

An x-ray source assembly includes an anode having a spot upon which electrons impinge based on power level supplied to the assembly, and an optic coupled to receive divergent x-rays generated at the spot and transmit output x-rays from the assembly. A control system is provided for maintaining intensity of the output x-rays dynamically during operation of the x-ray source assembly, notwithstanding a change in at least one operating condition of the x-ray source assembly, by changing the power level supplied to the assembly. The control system may include at least one actuator for effecting the change in the power level supplied to the assembly, by, e.g., controlling a power supply associated with the assembly. The control system may also change the temperature and/or the position of the anode to maintain the output intensity.

X-ray source assembly having enhanced output stability using tube power adjustments and remote calibration

An x-ray source assembly () and method of operation are provided having enhanced output stability. The assembly includes an anode () having a source spot upon which electrons () impinge and a control system () for controlling position of the anode source spot relative to an output structure. The control system can maintain the anode source spot location relative to the output structure () notwithstanding a change in one or more operating conditions of the x-ray source assembly. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

A diagnostic technique for an x-ray source. A system monitors existing conditions (e.g., tube current Y) in the source to track degradation of certain components to anticipate failure. Storage of past characteristics and reference characteristics is also provided for predicting failure and other operating conditions of the source. Communication techniques are provided for the monitoring and warning functions.

Diagnosing system for an x-ray source assembly

A measurement and processing technique enabling x-ray analysis systems to handle dynamically changing samples and other conditions resulting in both significant and insignificant measurement changes. A stream of input values related to measured compositional information of the sample is received, and a stream of output compositional values is produced. The current output value y[n] is set as a function of the received input value x[n] if the received input value x[n] differs from x[n&#x2212;1] by more than an intensity-dependent deviation limit; and alternatively the current output y[n] is set as a function of the previous output y[n&#x2212;1] and the received input value x[n] if the received input value x[n] differs from x[n&#x2212;1] by less than the intensity-dependent deviation limit. The intensity-dependent deviation limit is maintained as a function of the intensity of the measured compositional information. Types of dynamically changing samples to which the technique is applicable include fluid streams and sheet production, monitored by, e.g., XRF and XRD systems.

Apparatus and method for suppressing insignificant variations in measured sample composition data, including data measured from dynamically changing samples using x-ray analysis techniques

A technique for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence applicable to any fluid, including liquids and gases, which emit x-ray fluorescence when exposed to x-rays. The apparatus includes an x-ray source () including an x-ray tube () having improved heat dissipating properties due to a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (). The x-ray tube also includes means for aligning () the tube with the source housing whereby the orientation of the x-ray beam produced by the source can be optimized, and stabilized over various operating conditions. The method and apparatus may also include an x-ray detector having a small-area, for example, a PIN-diode type semiconductor x-ray detector (), that can provide effective x-ray detection at room temperature. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.

X-ray tube and method and apparatus for analyzing fluid streams using x-rays

A compiler and compiling method providing modification of a value of a variable at run-time of a computer program wherein additional space in memory is allocated for variable modification parameters, assembly or object code is added upon compilation of the computer program, the added code being dependent on the variable modification parameters, and the value of the variable is modified at run time based on the added code and at least one of the variable modification parameters such that the value of the variable at run time is set to be equivalent to at least one of a fault value, a value multiplied by a predetermined gain and a value offset from the value of the variable or remains unchanged (unscaled) if so desired. The application of the compiler functionality or method is preferably controllable by a software switch for individual and/or all variables.

Compiler having real-time tuning, I/O scaling and process test capability

The artificial reef module for coral reef remediation of the present invention includes a central body having an upper settling plate, a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. Extending from the central body is a plurality of primary tines which further include a plurality of secondary tines extending from them. The primary tines include the supporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space filling tines. The branching of the tines closely replicates the appearance of natural branching coral. Over time the individual artificial reef modules for coral reef remediation would slowly degrade and allow the tines to break off. This degradation closely approximates the fragmentation that occurs with natural branching coral.

Artificial reef module for coral reef remediation

An articulating attachment is provided for use in conjunction with tractors, front loaders and the like wherein the attachment facilitates rotary and sliding motion of a working member such as a blade or bucket carried by the tractor or front loader having a mounting plate for connecting the attachment to said loader, a hydraulically driven rotary drive carried by the mounting plate and a hydraulically driven sliding drive carried by the rotary drive. The rotary drive and sliding drive may be operated simultaneously. A clam shell drive is also provided capable of opening and closing a bucket having two opposed jaws.

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Alplaus, NY, United States of America

Michael D Moore