Abstract: A primary controller comprising a control circuit coupled to determine a mode of operation and to generate a first mode of operation signal and a second mode of operation signal. The control circuit coupled to generate a control signal in response to the first mode of operation signal or the second mode of operation signal, the control signal causes a delay time to enable a turn ON of a power switch after a turn OFF of a clamp switch. The control circuit coupled to output a clamp drive signal to control the clamp switch and comprises a delay circuit coupled to receive the first mode of operation signal and the second mode of operation signal, wherein the delay circuit is coupled to apply a first delay time or a second delay time to the control signal, the second delay time being longer than the first delay time.

Abstract: A primary controller comprising a control circuit coupled to determine a mode of operation and to generate a first mode of operation signal and a second mode of operation signal. The control circuit coupled to generate a control signal in response to the first mode of operation signal or the second mode of operation signal, the control signal causes a delay time to enable a turn ON of a power switch after a turn OFF of a clamp switch. The control circuit coupled to output a clamp drive signal to control the clamp switch and comprises a delay circuit coupled to receive the first mode of operation signal and the second mode of operation signal, wherein the delay circuit is coupled to apply a first delay time or a second delay time to the control signal, the second delay time being longer than the first delay time.

Abstract: A primary controller configured for use in a power converter comprising a control circuit configured to determine a mode of operation of the power converter in response to a drive signal of a power switch. The control circuit further configured to generate a control signal in response to a signal representative of the mode of operation of the power converter, wherein the control signal represents a delay time to enable a turn on of the power switch after a turn off of a clamp switch. The control circuit further configured to generate a clamp drive signal to control the clamp switch. The primary controller further comprises a drive circuit configured to generate a drive signal to enable the power switch to transfer energy from an input of the power converter to an output of the power converter.

Abstract: An auxiliary converter coupled to an output of a main power converter comprising an auxiliary switch, a timing circuit, and an energy transfer element. The auxiliary switch coupled to the output of the main power converter. A timing circuit coupled to receive a control signal from a controller of the main power converter, wherein the controller regulates the output of the main power converter, the timing circuit configured to output an auxiliary drive signal to control switching of the auxiliary switch in response to the control signal. The energy transfer element coupled to the auxiliary switch, wherein the energy transfer element is configured to transfer energy from the output of the main power converter to a supply of the controller, the supply provides operational power for the controller of the main power converter.

Abstract: A fire-resistant cover is configured for placement over a stove top. The cover is composed of three sections, which can be autonomous of or conjoined to each other. This allows for facile cleaning, removal, and placement of the cover on the surface of the stove top. The cover comports to uneven surfaces and heterogeneities on the surface to form a leveled environment.

Abstract: An auxiliary converter coupled to an output of a main power converter comprising an auxiliary switch, a timing circuit, and an energy transfer element. The auxiliary switch coupled to the output of the main power converter. A timing circuit coupled to receive a control signal from a controller of the main power converter, wherein the controller regulates the output of the main power converter, the timing circuit configured to output an auxiliary drive signal to control switching of the auxiliary switch in response to the control signal. The energy transfer element coupled to the auxiliary switch, wherein the energy transfer element is configured to transfer energy from the output of the main power converter to a supply of the controller, the supply provides operational power for the controller of the main power converter.

Abstract: A primary controller configured for use in a power converter comprising a control circuit configured to determine a mode of operation of the power converter in response to a drive signal of a power switch. The control circuit further configured to generate a control signal in response to a signal representative of the mode of operation of the power converter, wherein the control signal represents a delay time to enable a turn on of the power switch after a turn off of a clamp switch. The control circuit further configured to generate a clamp drive signal to control the clamp switch. The primary controller further comprises a drive circuit configured to generate a drive signal to enable the power switch to transfer energy from an input of the power converter to an output of the power converter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass. More specifically, the present invention lies in the field of cellulose solvent- and organic solvent-based lignocellulose fractionation (COSLIF) of lignocellulosic biomasses. In this type of process, a cellulose solvent, such as phosphoric acid or an ionic liquid is used to disrupt the structure of cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. Subsequent washing and treatment steps are used to fractionate the biomass.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.

Abstract: A new method for making pulp out of agricultural residue includes harvesting certain portion of plant stalk. The harvested plant stalk is bailed, transported and stored. At the mill, the plant stalk is chopped and goes through pulping process. The pulp is used to make varieties of papers with or without blending other wood based pulp.

Abstract: A drive belt, such as a toothed belt such as for an automotive or other engine timing belt or a V-belt for driving machinery comprises a belt with a thin conductive wire or strip embedded in the belt material in the form of a closed loop. Such a wire tends to exhibit damage typically some time before belt failure is imminent. First and second coils are coupled by mutual inductance to the closed loop formed by embedded wire which functions as a link coupling between the first and second coils. In one embodiment, an ac current is passed through the first coil and the current in the second coil is monitored for a drop in amplitude when the embedded wire is broken and the closed loop is interrupted.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a change of condition in a drive belt, such as timing belt, includes a first inductance coil, a second inductance coil, and an electrically conductive loop embedded in the drive belt. Such a conductive wire or strip embedded in the belt material in the form of a closed loop tends to exhibit damage typically some time before belt failure is imminent. The conductive loop forms a mutual inductive link coupling between the first and second inductance coils. An amplifier has an input coupled to the first coil and an output coupled to the second coil poled for causing oscillation and a detector detects change in the oscillation.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has keys for operation by a user. The keyboard includes a first plurality of keys being coupled to electrical generator apparatus for generating electricity from their operation. A second plurality of the keys is not coupled to electrical generator apparatus. The first plurality of keys exhibits a greater average statistical frequency of usage per key than does the second plurality.

Abstract: A method using biological processes in the production of pulp from industrial wood waste is described. The process makes use of various species of white-rot fungi which selectively degrade lignin. The industrial wood waste must be cleaned and hydrated prior to inoculation with the fungus. Paper produced by this process has excellent strength characteristics as compared to both non-treated industrial wood waste and pulp produced from virgin wood chips. Substantial energy savings are also realized when the biopulped industrial wood waste chips are further refined by conventional mechanical pulping procedures. Kraft pulping of wood waste resulted in strength properties comparable to those of virgin wood. Fungal pretreatment subsequently enhanced the resulting kraft pulp properties.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has keys for operation by a user. The keyboard includes a first plurality of keys being coupled to electrical generator apparatus for generating electricity from their operation. A second plurality of the keys is not coupled to electrical generator apparatus. The first plurality of keys exhibits a greater average statistical frequency of usage per key than does the second plurality.

Abstract: A sensing coil is mutually inductively coupled with the coil formed by a wire loop embedded in a belt, as in a timing belt as for a camshaft drive in an internal combustion engine. When the embedded wire loop breaks, a circuit senses the change in impedance in the sensing coil and operates an alarm. The method is non-contacting with the belt and requires no sliding contacts.

Abstract: A timing belt system for an engine includes a first timing belt coupling the camshaft to the crankshaft and a parallel second timing belt coupling the camshaft to the crankshaft. A belt sensor provides an alarm signal upon failure of either timing belt. While the other belt continues to function and thereby prevents damage to the engine from occurring, the alarm signal alerts the operator that a broken belt should be replaced.

Abstract: An electronic circuit arrangement automatically provides an energizing current to a solenoid for ejecting a plug from an outlet coupled to a source of supply voltage upon substantial cessation of current flow being drawn by an appliance by way of the plug while the supply voltage is present. The energizing current is controlled by a controlled switching device. An optional keyed plug is utilizable for selectively enabling operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: A method for controlling the casting rate in the continuous casting of liquid metals by monitoring the casting temperature downstream from the continuous casting mold and opening or closing the bottom-pour nozzles on the hot metal vessels when the casting temperature at such point deviates from a preselected temperature range. The method includes switching of the control strand in multiple strand casters whenever the control strand has some difficulty.