Abstract: The invention comprises a Thermal Energy Module comprising a tank adapted to hold water or other heat transfer medium (such as water), a water loop for introducing the heat transfer medium and removing the heat transfer medium, and a refrigeration loop comprising a heat exchanger further comprised of an inlet manifold, a heat transfer structure (such as a micro channel or pipe-in-plate panel) and an outlet manifold wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to transfer thermal energy between the heat transfer structure and the heat transfer medium. The Thermal energy Module may be utilized as a component of a heating and cooling system. Such a Thermal Energy Module may be used to store thermal energy during the day and return it during the evening. Additionally, such a Thermal Energy Module may be implemented as an array of such modules and such array of modules may be adapted to fit within the walls of a building or structure.

Abstract: A control system measures the pressure/temperature of the refrigerant within a Thermal Energy Module having a heat exchanger and calculates the thickness of ice within the Thermal Energy Module. A controller calculates an integral starting from the moment when ice accumulation begins: I(t)=?Tr(?)*d? where Tr is the refrigerant saturation temperature changing with time t. The thickness of the ice on one side of the heat exchanger can be calculated using the following formula: X=?(2*I*K*Ui/?i/ci) where Ui is the thermal conductance of ice ?i is the density of the ice Ci is the latent heat of the ice K is a correction coefficient associated with the type of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A control system measures the pressure/temperature of the refrigerant within a Thermal Energy Module having a heat exchanger and calculates the thickness of ice within the Thermal Energy Module. A controller calculates an integral starting from the moment when ice accumulation begins: I(t)=?Tr(?)*d? where Tr is the refrigerant saturation temperature changing with time t. The thickness of the ice on one side of the heat exchanger can be calculated using the following formula: X=?(2*I*K*Ui/?i/ci) where Ui is the thermal conductance of ice ?i is the density of the ice Ci is the latent heat of the ice K is a correction coefficient associated with the type of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention comprises a Thermal Energy Module comprising a tank adapted to hold water or other heat transfer medium (such as water), a water loop for introducing the heat transfer medium and removing the heat transfer medium, and a refrigeration loop comprising a heat exchanger further comprised of an inlet manifold, a heat transfer structure (such as a micro channel or pipe-in-plate panel) and an outlet manifold wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to transfer thermal energy between the heat transfer structure and the heat transfer medium. The Thermal energy Module may be utilized as a component of a heating and cooling system. Such a Thermal Energy Module may be used to store thermal energy during the day and return it during the evening. Additionally, such a Thermal Energy Module may be implemented as an array of such modules and such array of modules may be adapted to fit within the walls of a building or structure.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for automated parameter measurement includes strategically positioning an identifier tag at a location proximate a first object. The identifier tag stores location-specific information associated with the first object. A sensor in communications with the identifier tag receives the location-specific information from the identifier tag. Additionally, the sensor is used to collect quantitative data associated with a first parameter from the first object. The location-specific information received from the first identifier tag is used to process the quantitative data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and an infrared radiation (“IR”) sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The IR sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in IR index in a zone below the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in IR index to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in IR index. The autonomous ventilation system also includes an alignment laser to indicate a point at which the IR sensor is aimed and a field-of-view (“FOV”) indicator to illuminate the zone in which the IR sensor detects changes in IR index.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and a spillage sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The spillage sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in an environmental parameter in a spillage zone adjacent to the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in the environmental parameter.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for automated parameter measurement includes strategically positioning an identifier tag at a location proximate a first object. The identifier tag stores location-specific information associated with the first object. A sensor in communications with the identifier tag receives the location-specific information from the identifier tag. Additionally, the sensor is used to collect quantitative data associated with a first parameter from the first object. The location-specific information received from the first identifier tag is used to process the quantitative data.

Abstract: The invention provides multisegmented, multifunctional magnetic nanowires for the probing and manipulation of molecules at the cellular and subcellular level. The different segments of the nanowire may have differing properties, including a variety of magnetic, non-magnetic, and luminescent behavior. Differences in surface chemistry allow different segments of a single nanowire to be functionalized with different multiple functional groups and/or ligands, giving the wire chemical multifunctionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a surface is provided with a plurality of microscale magnets (“micromagnets”) disposed on a surface in a pattern to form a desired distribution of magnetic field strength. Cells and magnetic nanowires are attached, immersed in fluid, and flowed over the pattern. The nanowires and their bound cells are attracted to and bound to regions of the pattern as controlled by the geometry and magnetic properties of the pattern, the strength and direction of the fluid flow, and the strength and direction of an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: In a Graphical Programming System, Users may develop algorithmic programs for Controllers or Controller Assemblies utilizes Programming Tools located on a Central Server. Users access the Central Server utilizing a Client connected by the Internet, an Intranet, or a Local Area Network (“LAN”). A programming Project resides on the Central Server but is displayed on the Client, allowing the User to modify the project from the Client. Actions are transmitted as XML, or similar, files which are processed by the Programming Tools. Multiple Users may access the Project simultaneously and a Project may be temporarily interrupted, only to be re-initiated from any Client connected to the Central Server. Additionally, the Graphical Programming System may be utilized to simulate real-world processes. Once a Project is completed, respective machine code may be transmitted to Controllers or Controller Assemblies connected to the Central Server.

Abstract: In an Internet Based Distributed Control System, communication between one or more Clients and one or more controllers is managed by an Internet Hub. A small, inexpensive Web Server reduces the hardware and software resources required to remotely manage controllers through the Internet. One or more Internet Hubs maintain control of the human-machine interface of the system's controllers, increasing security and reducing system cost. Controllers only accept data packets from authorized Internet Hubs and send regular status update information to those Hubs. If alarms are generated, the system is capable of generating and transmitting human readable messages or alarms via e-mail, fax, SMS, or telephone. Controllers are grouped into Local Control Systems in either Peer-to-Peer networks or Master-Slave configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system recognizes the various factors that influence system performance. Some of the factors are compensated for using analog signal processing circuitry or techniques. Other factors are compensated for using digital signal processing techniques. The unique combination of analog and digital approaches, rather than pure analog or pure digital, provides an effective solution at addressing the various factors that influence signals and system performance in a vehicle weight classification system while keeping the cost and complexity of the system within acceptable limits.

Abstract: Multiple AECS sensors are attached to workstations or personal computers. A Local Area Network (“LAN”) connects the computers, and, by extension, the AECS sensors to system controllers. The system controllers direct the behavior of HVAC equipment such as variable air volume (“VAV”) boxes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. An Energy Management Server (“EMS”) is utilized to gather information regarding current utility rates and weather forecasts. Individual users may request environmental set-points using application software residing on the computer. A composite set-point may be generated using a weighted average algorithmic calculation. Requests from disparate users may be given varying weight in determining the composite set-point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds.

Abstract: In an Internet Based Distributed Control System, communication between one or more Clients and one or more controllers is managed by an Internet Hub. A small, inexpensive Web Server reduces the hardware and software resources required to remotely manage controllers through the Internet. One or more Internet Hubs maintain control of the human-machine interface of the system's controllers, increasing security and reducing system cost. Controllers only accept data packets from authorized Internet Hubs and send regular status update information to those Hubs. If alarms are generated, the system is capable of generating and transmitting human readable messages or alarms via e-mail, fax, SMS, or telephone. Controllers are grouped into Local Control Systems in either Peer-to-Peer networks or Master-Slave configurations.