Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: A method for increasing load capacity of a foundation pile installed in a ground material is described. At least one electrode is embedded in the ground material at a predetermined distance from the installed pile. A direct current power source is provided, with the power source including at least one cathode connection and at least one anode connection. One of the at least one cathode connection is secured to the foundation pile. One of the at least one anode connections is secured to each of the at least one electrodes. The direct current power source is activated to generate an electric gradient between the foundation pile and the at least one electrode, with the electric gradient being selected to direct charged soil particles in the ground material toward the foundation pile.

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously surveying the status of a large number of DNA mutation markers are described. In addition, methods for simultaneously determining the methylation status at multiple sites of a collection of genes, in a single assay, are described.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for controlling a system or plant using an extended active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) based controller are presented. The extended ADRC controller accepts sensor information from the plant. The sensor information is used in conjunction with an extended state observer in combination with a predictor that estimates and predicts the current state of the plant and a co-joined estimate of the system disturbances and system dynamics. The extended state observer estimates and predictions are used in conjunction with a control law that generates an input to the system based in part on the extended state observer estimates and predictions as well as a desired trajectory for the plant to follow.

Abstract: A wind turbine transmission system includes a rotor, at least one hydraulic pump coupled to the rotor, a branch manifold, a plurality of hydraulic motors, and a plurality of generators each coupled to at least one of the plurality of hydraulic motors. The branch manifold includes a trunk portion defining a main flow path connected to an outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a plurality of branch portions each defining a branch flow path extending from the main flow path and connected to an inlet port of at least one of the hydraulic motors to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic pump and the plurality of hydraulic motors.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the application. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Methods for simultaneously surveying the status of a large number of DNA mutation markers are described. In addition, methods for simultaneously determining the methylation status at multiple sites of a collection of genes, in a single assay, are described.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also apply to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection (ADRC) controllers. Parameterization simplifies the use of ADRC. A discrete extended state observer (DESO) and a generalized extended state observer (GESO) are described. They improve the performance of the ESO and therefore ADRC. A tracking control algorithm is also described that improves the performance of the ADRC controller. A general algorithm is described for applying ADRC to multi-input multi-output systems. Several specific applications of the control systems and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also applies to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection controllers.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of silicon particles as redox catalyst, an electrochemical device and method thereof. As electrocatalyst, the silicon particles catalyze a redox reaction such as oxidization of the redox reactant such as renewable fuels e.g. methanol, ethanol and glucose. The device such as a fuel cell comprises a redox reactant and a catalytic composition comprising silicon nanoparticles. The silicon particles catalyze the redox reaction on an electrode such as anode in the device. In preferred embodiments, the electrocatalysis is dramatically improved under low illuminance such as in darkness. The invention can be widely used in applications related to for example a fuel cell, a sensor, an electrochemical reactor, and a memory.

Abstract: A wind harnessing system comprises a substantially helical structure including at least a portion of a spiraling groove and at least one energy converter positioned at least partially within the portion of the spiraling groove. In other embodiments, wind grooves formed by adjacent bands which are fixed with respect to one another, carry energy converters which are moveable with respect to these fixed bands.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that employ high-intensity lasers to set up a thin plasma sheet, also called a waveguide or “hot shell”, in the atmosphere as a function of beam intensity and geometry. A laser beam can be spread and directed with physical optics (e.g., lenses, mirrors, other optical elements, etc.) to generate a thin inverted cone-shaped hot shell waveguide in the atmosphere. The hot shell of the waveguide has a different index of refraction (n) from that of the surrounding air layers and as such serves to internally reflect portions of the entering solar rays entering an aperture in the hot shell, toward the tip of the cone and a solar energy storage component positioned there, thus providing a virtual solar energy concentration system. In another embodiment, the solar energy storage component shuts down or otherwise rejects incoming solar energy when fully charged, to mitigate damage to system components.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are disclosed. The ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are located within the electrode or as a coating thereon. The electrode is especially suited for measuring the presence and/or concentration of nitric oxide in a sample.

Abstract: A wind harnessing system comprises a substantially grooved shell disposed about a rigid frame. The grooved shell can be constructed of lightweight shell panels connected to one another and to the frame. Alternatively, the grooved shell can be constructed of inflatable shell sections.

Abstract: Disclosed are an amino acid sequence of the human blood clotting factor Va, peptides containing such sequence, and additional peptides of interest that significantly inhibit thrombin generation. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing these peptides and related therapeutic methods for inhibiting thrombin generation and treating blood coagulation disorders.

Abstract: An electrical energy generating system converts wind power to electrical power with a wind deflecting structure that divides wind impinging on the structure into two separate accelerated flow paths. One or more turbines are positioned in proximity to the wind deflecting structure such that a portion of the vanes of the turbine is placed within one of the accelerated flow paths. An energy converter is coupled to the turbine that converts rotary motion of the turbine into electricity.

Abstract: Methods and related compositions are disclosed for treating an array of myeloproliferative disorders and hematological malignancies. In particular, treatment methods and compositions for treating chronic myelogenous leukemia are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize certain casein kinases, and specifically CK2? agents.

Abstract: A wind harnessing system comprises a substantially helical structure including at least a portion of a spiraling groove and at least one energy converter positioned at least partially within the portion of the spiraling groove. In other embodiments, wind grooves formed by adjacent bands which are fixed with respect to one another, carry energy converters which are moveable with respect to these fixed bands.

Abstract: Controller scaling and parameterization are described. Techniques that can be improved by employing the scaling and parameterization include, but are not limited to, controller design, tuning and optimization. The scaling and parameterization methods described here apply to transfer function based controllers, including PID controllers. The parameterization methods also apply to state feedback and state observer based controllers, as well as linear active disturbance rejection (ADRC) controllers. Parameterization simplifies the use of ADRC. A discrete extended state observer (DESO) and a generalized extended state observer (GESO) are described. They improve the performance of the ESO and therefore ADRC. A tracking control algorithm is also described that improves the performance of the ADRC controller. A general algorithm is described for applying ADRC to multi-input multi-output systems. Several specific applications of the control systems and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A wind harnessing system comprises a substantially helical structure including at least a portion of a spiraling groove and at least one energy converter positioned at least partially within the portion of the spiraling groove. In other embodiments, wind grooves formed by adjacent bands which are fixed with respect to one another, carry energy converters which are moveable with respect to these fixed bands.