Showing papers by "General Electric published in 1978"

Binary Decision Diagrams

Abstract: This paper describes a method for defining, analyzing, testing, and implementing large digital functions by means of a binary decision diagram. This diagram provides a complete, concise, "implementation-free" description of the digital functions involved. Methods are described for deriving these diagrams and examples are given for a number of basic combinational and sequential devices. Techniques are then outlined for using the diagrams to analyze the functions involved, for test generation, and for obtaining various implementations. It is shown that the diagrams are especially suited for processing by a computer. Finally, methods are described for introducing inversion and for directly "interconnecting" diagrams to define still larger functions. An example of the carry look-ahead adder is included.

A General Empirical Solution to the Macro Software Sizing and Estimating Problem

Abstract: Application software development has been an area of organizational effort that has not been amenable to the normal managerial and cost controls. Instances of actual costs of several times the initial budgeted cost, and a time to initial operational capability sometimes twice as long as planned are more often the case than not.

Temperature resistant abrasive compact and method for making same

Abstract: In one embodiment, a compact for tools, such as cutting, drilling and shaping tools, consists essentially of self-bonded abrasive particles. The bonded particles define a substantially continuous interconnected network of pores, dispersed throughout the compact. The method for making such a compact comprises the steps of bonding a mass of abrasive particles, aided by a sintering aid material, under high temperatures and pressures (HP/HT) to form an abrasive body comprised of said particles in a self-bonded form and said material infiltrated throughout the body. The body is then treated to remove substantially all infiltrated material, thereby to produce a compact consisting essentially of the self-bonded abrasive particles. In another embodiment, a composite compact which is made in a similar manner to the first embodiment consists essentially of a layer of self-bonded abrasive particle and a substrate layer (preferably of cemented carbide) bonded to the abrasive particle layer.

Tutorial review of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) with applications to imaging of the ocean surface

Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can produce high-resolution two-dimensional images of mapped areas. The SAR comprises a pulsed transmitter, an antenna, and a phase-coherent receiver. The SAR is borne by a constant velocity vehicle such as an aircraft or satellite, with the antenna beam axis oriented obliquely to the velocity vector. The image plane is defined by the velocity vector and antenna beam axis. The image orthogonal coordinates are range and cross range (azimuth). The amplitude and phase of the received signals are collected for the duration of an integration time after which the signal is processed. High range resolution is achieved by the use of wide bandwidth transmitted pulses. High azimuth resolution is achieved by focusing, with a signal processing technique, an extremely long antenna that is synthesized from the coherent phase history. The pulse repetition frequency of the SAR is constrained within bounds established by the geometry and signal ambiguity limits. SAR operation requires relative motion between radar and target. Nominal velocity values are assumed for signal processing and measurable deviations are used for error compensation. Residual uncertainties and high-order derivatives of the velocity which are difficult to compensate may cause image smearing, defocusing, and increased image sidelobes. The SAR transforms the ocean surface into numerous small cells, each with dimensions of range and azimuth resolution. An image of a cell can be produced provided the radar cross section of the cell is sufficiently large and the cell phase history is deterministic. Ocean waves evidently move sufficiently uniformly to produce SAR images which correlate well with optical photographs and visual observations. The relationship between SAR images and oceanic physical features is not completely understood, and more analyses and investigations are desired.

System level concurrency control for distributed database systems

Abstract: A distributed database system is one in which the database is spread among several sites and application programs “move” from site to site to access and update the data they need. The concurrency control is that portion of the system that responds to the read and write requests of the application programs. Its job is to maintain the global consistency of the distributed database while ensuring that the termination of the application programs is not prevented by phenomena such as deadlock. We assume each individual site has its own local concurrency control which responds to requests at that site and can only communicate with concurrency controls at other sites when an application program moves from site to site, terminates, or aborts.This paper presents designs for several distributed concurrency controls and demonstrates that they work correctly. It also investigates some of the implications of global consistency of a distributed database and discusses phenomena that can prevent termination of application programs.

Operating under stress and strain [electrical power systems control under emergency conditions]

Abstract: Power system control objectives for various levels and types of emergencies, e.g., overloads, faults, frequency drop, equipment damage, control system failure, are defined. Normal system operation, emergency prevention, emergency control, and recovery from emergencies are discussed. The need for ongoing research in power system control and for a concerted effort to develop an approach to system planning, design, and operation that properly recognizes all the system operating states and the state-transition mechanisms is emphasized. (LCL)

Patient monitoring and data processing system

Abstract: The system is composed of a plurality of bedside stations, each in the vicinity of a hospitalized patient, and each interconnected to a central station for monitoring and controlling the bedside stations. The bedside stations contain a plurality of physiological sensing and data sending modules. Each bedside unit contains a central processor for controlling the flow and format of data from the module and to the central station. The central station includes peripheral display units for selectively displaying data from each of the bedside stations. A central processor controls the flow of data from each bedside station to the peripheral displays and for communicating with each bedside processor. Data links are provided for the analog data from the central stations and data links for serial asynchronous data transmission from the bedside station to the central station and for commands from the central station to the bedside station. The waveforms from the bedside stations are frequency modulated through optical couplers to isolate the electric currents between each bedside station while delivering a distortion-free signal. The physiological sensing and data sending modules each include addressable memory which identifies the module to the bedside processor and the central processor. The system includes instructions which automatically perform diagnostic analysis of the circuitry of the system and at regular intervals. The system can be serviced by inserting a diagnostic memory board which displays questions that require responses by an operator which sequentially checks out all circuitry and peripherals of the system.

Polycarbonate transesterification process

Abstract: A polycarbonate process comprising contacting in the presence of a base, a β-fluoroaliphatic carbonate, and a polyhydroxy compound selected from alcohols and/or phenols. The resulting polycarbonates are useful as polycarbonates per se, or useful in the preparation of high molecular weight polycarbonates which can be molded or formed into films, laminates or reinforced plastics by conventional techniques.

Composite compact of interleaved polycrystalline particles and cemented carbide masses

Abstract: One or more masses of bonded particles of diamond, cubic boron nitride (CBN), and wurtzite boron nitride (WBN) are sandwiched between or encapsulated by two masses of cemented carbide bonded to the particle masses. In the preferred embodiment, the particle masses are comprised of (1) at least 70% by volume of said particles, and (2) a metallic phase comprised of the cementing agent of the carbide mass. The composite compacts find utility in drill bit, mining tool and wear part applications. A method for making such a composite compact comprises (1) placing within a reaction cell masses of abrasive particles and at least two carbide masses interleaved with the abrasive particle masses, (2) the masses are placed in the cell in such a manner to allow for the accommodation of pressure and (3) simultaneously subjecting the cell and the contents thereof to temperature and pressure conditions at which the particles are stable. A method for abrading or cutting a workpiece with a composite compact comprises providing (1) a tubular carbide mass and a bonded mass of abrasive particles disposed in and bonded to the carbide mass in a central cavity thereof and (2) moving either the compact or workpiece relative to the other to provide the cutting or abrading action.

Introduction to computer aided tomography

Abstract: In recent years, Computer Aided Tomography (CAT) has had a major impact on the medical fields of radiology and neurology and nuclear medicine. This paper introduces the basic physics and mathematics underlying the production of reconstructed tomographic images. It discusses the evolution and philosophies of different possible data collection and reconstruction schemes.

Rotary drill bit and method for making same

Abstract: A rotary rock drill bit comprising a plurality of cutting elements or cutters mounted in the crown of the drill bit. Each cutting element comprises a thin planar layer of polycrystalline diamond bonded in the crown of the bit at a rake angle of between -10° and -25°. In another embodiment each cutting element comprises an elongated pin mounted at one end in the drill crown and thin layer of polycrystalline diamond bonded to the free end of the pin so as to be disposed at a rake angle of between -10° and -25°.

Progress in the Field of Electric Breakdown in Dielectric Liquids

Abstract: For some fifty years the mechanism of electric breakdown in liquid insulation has been a subject of great interest for both theoretical as well as practical reasons. Over the years a number of promising hypotheses of breakdown have been advanced and it has been necessary to modify, and sometimes reject, interpretations of the breakdown data as additional experimental evidence has been accumulated.

A simple method of estimating the minor loop hysteresis loss in thin laminations

Abstract: A simple and practical method of correcting the hysteresis loss in a thin lamination for the effects of minor loops is described. The necessary correction is applied to the losses that would occur under conditions of sinusoidal flux density and the required empirical factor is derived using a broad range of loss measurement data. It is shown that the correction, to a very good approximation, varies linearly with the unweighted algebraic sum of the flux density reversals in the driving waveforms. Used together with a similar factor that corrects the eddy current component of loss for the effects of flux density harmonics, the total loss can be easily estimated to an accuracy of less than 5%.

A Review and Evaluation of Software Science

Abstract: During recent years, there have been many attempts to define and measure the \"complexity\" of a computer program. Maurme Halstead has developed a theory that gives objective measures of software complexity. Various studms and experiments have shown that the theory's predictmns of the number of bugs in programs and of the time required to implement a program are amazingly accurate. It is a promising theory worthy of much more probing scientific investigation. This paper reviews the theory, called \"software science,\" and the evidence supporting it. A bmef description of a related theory, called \"software physics,\" is included. INTRODUCTION The increasing complexity of computer programs has increased the need for objective measurement of software quality and complexity. To meet this need, a theory known as Software Science has been developed and refined by Maurice Halstead [19]. This theory applies the scientific method to the properties and structure of computer programs. It provides precise, objective measures of the complexity of existing software, predicts the length of programs, and estimates the amount of time an average programmer can be expected to use to implement a given algorithm. Numerous statistical studies have shown very high correlations between the theory's predictions and actual program measures such as programming time and the mean number of bugs in programs. The theory does all this simply by counting operators and operands in programs. Because Halstead originally called his theory \"Software Physics\" to emphasize the similarity of approach to that of ther-modynamics, it is sometimes confused with Kolence's theory of computer system measurement. We will take a brief look at Kolence's software physics in order to show how it differs from Halstead's software science. The primary purpose of this paper is to review Halstead's theory of software science and to evaluate the major studies and experiments relating to that theory. Section 1 describes Kolence's software physics. Section 2 outlines the theory of software science as described by Halstead [19]. The measurable properties of pro-General permission to make fair use m teaching or research of all or part of this maternal is granted to individual readers and to non-profit libraries acting for them provided that ACM's copyright notice m gtven and that reference is made to the publication, to its date of issue, and to the fact that reprinting ~rivdeges were granted by perrmssion of the Association for Computing Machinery. To otherwise reprint a figure, table, other substantial excerpt, or …

Meter terminal unit for use in automatic remote meter reading and control system

Abstract: A meter terminal unit for use in automatic meter reading systems of the type including a control center for transmitting commands to and receiving measurement data from the terminal unit via a distribution unit serving several terminal units. The terminal unit is selectively responsive to commands generated by the control center to carry out load control operations, encoder meter reading and store operations, or transfer previously stored meter data from the terminal unit to the control center in accordance with functions specified by the various commands.

Wear plate for piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer arrays

Abstract: A linear transducer array for 90° or other wide angle sector scans is covered by a body contacting wear plate made of a material such as filled silicone rubber or polyurethane epoxy in which the longitudinal sound velocity is equal to or less than that in the body and in which the acoustic impedance for longitudinal sound waves is approximately equal to that of the body. Refraction, if it occurs, enhances the field of view without reducing the transmission of acoustic energy. The wear plate provides mechanical support for a fragile front surface matched array.

Production of halogens in an electrolysis cell with catalytic electrodes bonded to an ion transporting membrane and an oxygen depolarized cathode

Abstract: A halogen such as chlorine is generated by the electrolysis of aqueous halides in an electrolysis cell which includes an anode and a cathode separated by an ion transporting membrane. At least the cathode, which is a mass of noble metal catalytic particles and particles of a suitable binder, is bonded to the surface of the membrane. An oxygen containing gaseous stream is brought into contact with the bonded cathode to depolarize the cathode and prevent or limit discharge of hydrogen at the cathode, thereby substantially reducing the cell voltage.

Front surface matched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer array with wide field of view

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array with high sensitivity, for use in water tanks and with human subjects in steered beam imagers to make wide angle sector scans, has narrow transducer elements and one or more quarter-wavelength impedance matching layers on the front surface of each element. The matching layers as well as the piezoelectric ceramic are completely cut thorugh and guide acoustic energy incident at any angle to the ceramic. A continuous covering or wear plate is attached to the matching layers and a continuous damping material can cover the backs of the elements.

Dye‐sensitized photoinitiated cationic polymerization

Abstract: Several dyes have been discovered which sensitize the photolysis of diaryliodonium salts at visible wavelengths. By using the combination of a dye and a diaryliodonium salt, visible light can be used to photoinitiate cationic polymerization. In this article, the dye-sensitized photopolymerizations of cyclohexene oxide, epichlorohydrin, and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether are described.

Fuel injection staged sectoral combustor for burning low-BTU fuel gas

Abstract: A high-temperature combustor for burning low-BTU coal gas in a gas turbine is described. The combustor comprises a plurality of individual combustor chambers. Each combustor chamber has a main burning zone and a pilot burning zone. A pipe for the low-BTU coal gas is connected to the upstream end of the pilot burning zone: this pipe surrounds a liquid fuel source and is in turn surrounded by an air supply pipe: swirling means are provided between the liquid fuel source and the coal gas pipe and between the gas pipe and the air pipe. Additional preheated air is provided by counter-current coolant air in passages formed by a double wall arrangement of the walls of the main burning zone communicating with passages of a double wall arrangement of the pilot burning zone: this preheated air is turned at the upstream end of the pilot burning zone through swirlers to mix with the original gas and air input (and the liquid fuel input when used) to provide more efficient combustion. One or more fuel injection stages (second stages) are provided for direct input of coal gas into the main burning zone. The countercurrent air coolant passages are connected to swirlers surrounding the input from each second stage to provide additional oxidant.

Synthetic aperture radar in geosynchronous orbit

Abstract: Radar images of the earth were taken with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) from geosynchronous orbital ranges by utilizing satellite motion relative to a geostationary position. A suitable satellite motion was obtained by having an orbit plane inclined relative to the equatorial plane and by having an eccentric orbit. Potential applications of these SAR images are topography, water resource management and soil moisture determination. Preliminary calculations show that the United States can be mapped with 100 m resolution cells in about 4 hours. With the use of microwave signals the mapping can be performed day or night, through clouds and during adverse weather.

Cutting and drilling apparatus with threadably attached compacts

Abstract: An apparatus for rock cutting and drilling. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is a drill bit comprised of composite compact cutters removably secured or attached to the drill crown. The cutter is preferably comprised of a stud or pin with an abrasive composite compact bonded at one end of the stud. The securing means for the cutter is comprised of a sleeve and a bushing fixed in the recess of the bit crown. The sleeve has a threaded outer wall for engagement with a threaded inner wall of the bushing. The height of the cutter is adjustable by the provision of metal shims between the bottom of the recess and the base of the stud of the cutter.

Shaped article obtained from a carbonate-polyester composition

Abstract: A shaped article of an aromatic carbonate polymer and a polyester derived from cyclohexanedimethanol and a mixture of iso- and terephthalic acids.

High power density brushless dc motor

Abstract: A multiple disk, pancake, self-fed brushless dc motor characterized by high power density has a variable number of interleaved, axially spaced rotor and stator disks. The annular rotor disks are made of high coercive force permanent magnets such as cobalt-samarium and ferrites which do not demagnetize easily. The annular stator disks are yokeless and include a spirally wound laminated magnetic core made of steel strip or amorphous metal ribbon with opposing sets of stator slots and windings on both sides of the core. The permanent magnet machine can be operated as a generator.

Silicon carbide and silicon bonded polycrystalline diamond body and method of making it

Abstract: A mass of diamond crystals contacting a mass of elemental silicon are confined within a pressure-transmitting medium. The resulting charge assembly is subjected to a pressure of at least 25 kilobars causing application of isostatic pressure to the contacting masses which dimensionally stabilizes them and increases the density of the mass of diamond crystals. The resulting pressure-maintained charge assembly is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the silicon and at which no significant graphitization of the diamond occurs whereby the silicon is infiltrated through the interstices between the diamond crystals producing, upon cooling, an adherently bonded integral body.

Analytical Method of Capacitor Allocation on Distribution Primary Feeders

Abstract: This paper reports the development of an analytical method to determine the best capacitor locations, reactive compensation level, and yearly loss reductions under a wide range of annual reactive load conditions for use in distribution system design. The results show that, not only is more than 80 percent yearly loss reduction possible with non-switched capacitor banks, but also optimum reacttve-compensation level and maximum yearly loss reduction can be expressed in a simple mathematical equation.

Toward a Mediational Model of Coach-Player Relationships.

Abstract: A mediational model for conceptualizing and investigating coach-player relationships is presented. The research paradigm suggested by this model requires the measurement of overt coaching behaviors, player perception and recall of these behaviors, and players' evaluative reactions to the coach and other aspects of their athletic experience. Data from a study of 51 Little League Baseball teams indicate that there are meaningful relationships among coaching behaviors, children's perceptions, and their evaluative responses. Although there were areas of substantial agreement between observed and player-perceived behaviors, factor analytic data indicated that the patterning of overt coaching behaviors was different from the perceptual organization of coaching behaviors by the players. Observed and perceived behaviors independently accounted for substantial proportions of variance in attitudes toward the coach, but when both data sources were taken into account the amount of variance accounted for was ...