Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the total load presented to an AC power source such as a generator or inverter used to provide backup or portable power. The frequency of the output AC power is controlled in response to the loading on the power source, thereby providing information about that loading of the power source which is carried by the AC power itself, thus reducing or eliminating the need for traditional wired and wireless communications. By controlling the frequency of AC power, controllable loads and load control devices can determine the amount of remaining power available from the power source in order to determine if a given load can be connected without creating an overload. The frequency may also be controlled at the power source to indicate an overload, with the loads being responsive to that overload frequency to reduce the load and thereby alleviate the overload.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle, for example an automobile or aircraft. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device and its location. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display. The display may be updated as the vehicle travels to display radio device information as the radio devices come into range of the vehicle and remove radio device information from the display as the vehicle travels out of range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing an AC backup power source utilizing energy stored in an electric or hybrid vehicle and one or more AC loads powered thereby. The method and apparatus is preferred to be used as a home backup power system comprising a battery contained within an electric or hybrid vehicle providing DC power which is converted to AC backup power, charging the battery, monitoring the amount of power supplied to one or more loads and controlling AC power provided thereto.

Abstract: The main objective of this invention is to improve the efficiency and service life of a rubber tree rain guard seal. The performance of existing rubber tree rain guard seals depends on a fixed mechanical and or chemical attachment of the seal to the tree. These methods of attachment prevent the seal from expanding with the circumferential growth of the tree resulting in premature seal failure and damage to the tree within a year of operation. In this invention the seal is comprised of five components that are not fixed to the tree, allowing the seal to expand along with tree growth. An adjustable outer seal connector regulates the pressure required to establish consistent sealing contact against the tree, thus providing extended service life of the seal assembly. The seal assembly comes apart for easy maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for conveying the amount of loading of a power source to a load control device by controlling the frequency of the AC power output from that power source in a manner that controlled frequency represents the loading. At a different location in the power system, the frequency is measured and the corresponding loading of the power source is used to prevent or alleviate a power source overload.

Abstract: Provided in an adaptor and leveling base for mounting a grill to a utility vehicle and leveling the grill. Vertical legs of an adaptor may allow the adapter to mount via a mounting interface, such as spaced pockets of a side panel of a utility vehicle bed, or other vehicle mounted fixture, having pockets or brackets sized to receive and support the vertical legs. Support members coupled to the vertical legs may position a platform to which a grill is mounted in a use position, and alternatively, in a stowage position.

Abstract: Provided in an adaptor and leveling base for mounting a grill to a utility vehicle and leveling the grill. Vertical legs of an adaptor may allow the adapter to mount via a mounting interface, such as spaced pockets of a side panel of a utility vehicle bed, or other vehicle mounted fixture, having pockets or brackets sized to receive and support the vertical legs. Support members coupled to the vertical legs may position a platform to which a grill is mounted in a use position, and alternatively, in a stowage position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing one or more loads powered by an alternating current power source in order to prevent and mitigate overloads and other abnormal conditions of the power source. The management includes monitoring the amount of power supplied to one or more or all loads by the power source and selectively connecting, disconnecting, limiting and controlling various loads which are powered thereby. The method and apparatus include conveying information by use of AC frequency to controllable loads and load control devices, the frequency relating to the amount of power being supplied by the power source, overloading and other power source conditions. The amount of power consumed by the loads is controllable by the loads and load control devices in response to the frequency of the AC power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle, for example an automobile or aircraft. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device and its location. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display. The display may be updated as the vehicle travels to display radio device information as the radio devices come into range of the vehicle and remove radio device information from the display as the vehicle travels out of range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the load presented to one or more power sources such as a power grid, backup power generator or solar panel is described. By selectively connecting, disconnecting, limiting and controlling various loads which are powered, the power grid service connection and power sources may be economically sized and operated while allowing reliability and convenience in selecting and powering loads. The control of the loads connected to the power sources is prioritized by various parameters including the power source operation parameters including load handling capability, type of load, load size, environmental factors, load usage during and subsequent to load connection, load priority and operator wishes. The control may also operate to facilitate transfer of power from one power source or load to another power source or load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the load presented to one or more power sources such as a power grid, backup power generator or solar panel is described. By selectively connecting, disconnecting, limiting and controlling various loads which are powered, the power grid service connection and power sources may be economically sized and operated while allowing reliability and convenience in selecting and powering loads. The control of the loads connected to the power sources is prioritized by various parameters including the power source operation parameters including load handling capability, type of load, load size, environmental factors, load usage during and subsequent to load connection, load priority and operator wishes. The control may also operate to facilitate transfer of power from one power source or load to another power source or load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing one or more grid supplied and separately metered power services, backup power sources, transfer switches and related powered loads using load monitoring and control which allow selectively connecting, disconnecting, limiting and controlling various loads which are powered thereby. The method and apparatus include operating with a system with a dual revenue meters providing grid power, a backup power source and a dual transfer switch wherein the power capabilities of each are economically sized while allowing reliability and convenience in selecting and powering loads. The connections to power sources and control of the loads powered thereby take into account various parameters including cost of power, load handling capability, type of load, load size, environmental factors, load usage during and subsequent to load connection, load priority and operator wishes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle, for example an automobile or aircraft. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device and its location. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display. The display may be updated as the vehicle travels to display radio device information as the radio devices come into range of the vehicle and remove radio device information from the display as the vehicle travels out of range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transponder, etc.) and a location of the radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices, or lists of radio devices, which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display such as a GPS moving map.

Abstract: Method, system, and program product for measuring audio video synchronization. This is done by first acquiring audio video information into an audio video synchronization system. The step of data acquisition is followed by analyzing the audio information, and analyzing the video information. Next, the audio information is analyzed to locate the presence of sounds therein related to a speaker's personal voice characteristics. In Analysis Phase Audio and Video MuEv-s are calculated from the audio and video information, and the audio and video information is classified into vowel sounds including AA, EE, OO, B, V, TH, F, silence, other sounds, and unclassified phonemes. The inner space between the lips are also identified and determined. This information is used to determine and associate a dominant audio class in a video frame. Matching locations are determined, and the offset of video and audio is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transponders, etc.) and a location of the radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. These radio device records may be used to generate a radio device list that may be presented to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transponders, etc.) and a location of the radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. These radio device records may be used to generate a radio device list that may be presented to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device (e.g., a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transponders, etc.) and a location of the radio device using a suitable coordinate system. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. These radio device records may be used to generate a radio device list that may be presented to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.