Abstract: A power controller system and method for monitoring available power from an input power source, such as one or more photovoltaic (“PV”) cells/panels, and controlling power output to one or more loads. A predetermined threshold input voltage value is assigned to the system. Using the predetermined value, the system determines whether there is enough available power to power the load by measuring only input voltage. In the event the input voltage is greater than the threshold voltage value, then the system delivers power to the load. In the event the load is greater than the available power, the input voltage will drop below the threshold voltage and the system stops delivering power to the load. Power to the loads may be prioritized based on available power so the system turns ON and OFF power to different loads in a particular order.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying activity levels in a kitchen workspace and recommending zones which will facilitate the design and/or redesign of the kitchen workspace. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a software package for receiving user input relative to the user's activity level in the kitchen workspace and using that user input to identify the user's activity level and associate an identified activity level profile with one or more recommended zones for the kitchen workspace.

Abstract: A burner-based exhaust gas generation system, for producing exhaust gas, typically for use in testing exhaust system devices. Post-burner exhaust gas is recirculated back to a main exhaust line, and used for purposes such as cooling or enhancing the burner output.

Abstract: A method and device for docking a rimmed crust carried on an intermittently moving conveyor is provided. The device has a vertical reciprocating piston positioned above the rimmed crest, a plate supported by the piston, a plurality of pins protruding downwardly from the plate in a predetermined docking pattern, a stripper plate supported from and below the plate wherein the stripper plate has a plurality of holes arranged to allow the pins to penetrate therethrough, resilient springs positioned between the stripper plate and the plate to force the stripper plate and the plate apart, and a controller to operate the piston to move the plate toward the conveyor and to lift the plate away from the conveyor. A method of perforating a plurality a rimmed crust of dough is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing dough is provided for automatically processing a large mass of dough into a plurality of smaller, shaped dough pieces. A dough divider is used to receive the large mass of dough and to divide the large mass into smaller dough pieces. A dough rounder is used to receive the smaller dough pieces, round the pieces into dough balls and eject the dough balls serially from a discharge outlet thereof. A first conveyor is provided to receive the ejected dough balls from the discharge outlet and to deposit the dough balls in a predetermined spacing on a second conveyor. The second conveyor intermittently carries the dough balls along a length of the second conveyor. A prepressing device is arranged with a portion for engaging the dough balls being carried on the second conveyor when the second conveyor is stopped, so as to deform the dough balls into thick dough disks.

Abstract: To electrically and mechanically connect an antenna to an automobile, a trunk-lid antenna mount includes: (1) a conductive pin that is connected to a printed circuit board at one of its ends and is spring loaded against the base of a pivotally mounted radiator at its other end, with the contacting portions of the base of the radiator and the pin being serrated so that the radiator can be pivoted to different positions by rotating it; (2) a ground strap that electrically contacts the printed circuit at one end and is riveted by a conductive rivet to a trunk-lid bracket at its other end, with an aperture between the two ends receiving the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, the inner conductor of which passes through the aperture and is connected to an eyelet in the printed circuit board; and (3) a mounting cap that includes the antenna base and the conductive pin and snaps onto the base of the antenna mount.