Abstract: A method for slow starting a reciprocating engine having a crankshaft, piston, and piston chamber is disclosed. The method includes applying a force to the crankshaft, sensing an engine characteristic, and determining if an error or fault is present in the engine.

Abstract: A method of slow starting a combustion engine with an air starting system having a pressure source coupled to an air starter via a control valve, the method comprising: supplying bursts of air from the pressure source to the air starter by reciprocating a piston of the control valve between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A control valve and an air starting system for an engine having a pressurized air source, an air starter, and a control valve. The control valve having a housing defining a flow passage with an inlet port fluidly coupled to the pressurized air source and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the air starter, a valve body movable between an opened and closed positions to selectively open and close one of the inlet and outlet ports, resulting in a corresponding opening and closing of the control valve, and a linear motor operably coupled to the valve body to move the valve body between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A locking firearm holder that can be mounted in a vehicle; the holder employs a capture lever to lock or grip against the trigger guard of a firearm, such as a hand gun. The holder exhibits two stable states: a capture lever lock state or a capture lever unlock state. The method of switching between these two stable states is the same in either case: the user pushes against the firearm, along the axis of the firearm. This initial action by the user either locks the firearm in place, or unlocks the holder to allow the user to withdraw the firearm from the holder. The holder includes a withdrawal limiter to prevent premature re-locking as the firearm is being released. The holder includes a lock tab positioned near the locked firearm; the lock tab must be actuated to unlock the holder, thus preventing an accidental unlocking due solely to vibration.

Abstract: A method for slow starting a reciprocating engine having a crankshaft, piston, and piston chamber is disclosed. The method includes applying a force to the crankshaft, sensing an engine characteristic, and determining if an error or fault is present in the engine.

Abstract: A control valve and an air starting system for an engine having a pressurized air source, an air starter, and a control valve. The control valve having a housing defining a flow passage with an inlet port fluidly coupled to the pressurized air source and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the air starter, a valve body movable between an opened and closed positions to selectively open and close one of the inlet and outlet ports, resulting in a corresponding opening and closing of the control valve, and a linear motor operably coupled to the valve body to move the valve body between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A system (and corresponding methodology) for testing, evaluating and diagnosing quality of solar concentrator optics is provided. The innovation discloses mechanisms for evaluating the performance and quality of a solar collector via emission of modulated laser radiation upon (or near) a position of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The innovation discloses positioning two receivers at two distances from the source (e.g., solar collector or dish). These receivers are employed to collect modulated light which can be compared to standards or other thresholds thereby diagnosing quality of the collectors.

Abstract: A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.

Abstract: When using a solar concentrator to obtain energy collected from the sun, it can be beneficial to place the concentrator accurately. As the concentrator moves, a position of the concentrator with respect to gravity can be determined, such as through the use of an inclinometer. A comparison can be made of the determined position against a desired position. The comparison can be made to determine if the concentrator should move. If a positive determination is made, then the concentrator can be moved accordingly.

Abstract: An operator controllable machine is retrofitted to be operator controlled or to be automatically controlled. An electrical joystick output is provided by a manually actuated joystick control, including a joystick, to a machine control in the manually controlled machine. An interface is added between the joystick control and the machine control to permit an external source, such as a GPS receiver or a laser receiver, to apply an electrical automatic control output to the machine control, as well. The interface includes a number of optical isolation circuits and a microprocessor. The isolated microprocessor output is supplied to the machine control, which produces valve control signals to control the hydraulic valves of the machine. The application of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the machine is then controlled by either the joystick control output or the automatic control output.

Abstract: When using a solar concentrator to obtain energy collected by a sun, it can be beneficial to place the concentrator accurately. As the concentrator moves, a position of the concentrator with respect to gravity can be determined, commonly though use of an inclinometer. A comparison can be made of the determined position against a desired position can be made to determine if the concentrator should move. If a positive determination is made, then the concentrator can be moved accordingly.

Abstract: A solar collector can be rotated and tilted about a polar mount. The solar collector can be designed such that the center of gravity of the collector is aligned with the axis of the polar mount facilitating the use of smaller positioning devices. The collector can be placed in a position to prevent damage by inclement weather and allow easy access for maintenance and installation.

Abstract: Tracking the position of the sun is provided where light from sources other than direct sunlight can be ignored. In particular, lights from various sources can be passed through differently angled polarizers to determine radiation energies from the polarizers. This can indicate whether the original light is polarized or substantially non-polarized, like the sun. Additionally, the light can be passed through a spectral filter to reject light not falling within a spectrum of wavelengths or having weak intensity with respect to direct sunlight. Subsequently, the light can pass through a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration to optimally align a device or apparatus to receive the direct sunlight. Additionally, the size of a focus point of the light through the ball lens and onto the quadrant cell can determine a collimation of the light, which can indicate direct sunlight as well.

Abstract: Systems and methods that regulate (e.g., in real time) heat dissipation from solar concentrators. A heat regulating assembly removes heat from the PV cells and other hot regions, to maintain the temperature gradient within predetermined levels. A control component can regulate (e.g., automatically) operation of valves (which the cooling medium flows through) based on sensor data (e.g., measurement of temperature, pressure, flow rate, velocity of the cooling medium, and the like throughout the system.

Abstract: A system (and corresponding methodology) for testing, evaluating and diagnosing quality of solar concentrator optics is provided. The innovation discloses mechanisms for evaluating the performance and quality of a solar collector via emission of modulated laser radiation upon (or near) a position of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The innovation discloses positioning two receivers at two distances from the source (e.g., solar collector or dish). These receivers are employed to collect modulated light which can be compared to standards or other thresholds thereby diagnosing quality of the collectors.

Abstract: An operator controllable machine is retrofitted to be operator controlled or to be automatically controlled. An electrical joystick output is provided by a manually actuated joystick control, including a joystick, to a machine control in the manually controlled machine. An interface is added between the joystick control and the machine control to permit an external source, such as a GPS receiver or a laser receiver, to apply an electrical automatic control output to the machine control, as well. The interface includes a number of optical isolation circuits and a microprocessor. The isolated microprocessor output is supplied to the machine control, which produces valve control signals to control the hydraulic valves of the machine. The application of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the machine is then controlled by either the joystick control output or the automatic control output.

Abstract: A laser receiver detects a thin beam of laser light and distinguishes between the beam of laser light and an omni-directional pulse of light from a strobe by the use of an additional photo-detector. The device takes into account the possibility that the additional photo-detector could be illuminated simultaneously with the main photo-detectors at the end of the main photo-detectors closest to the additional photo-detector.

Abstract: A system for counting a series of progressively moving articles using one or more sidewardly positioned and angularly oriented ultrasonic transducers which bathe the articles with ultrasonic waves and receive echoes reflected backwardly therefrom. Distances to the articles are determined by measuring round-trip sonic travel times. Count adjustment signals are generated when articles pass through the fields of view of the transducers and are replaced by other articles at measurably different distances.

Abstract: A laser receiver detects a thin beam of laser light and distinguishes between the beam of laser light and an omni-directional pulse of light from a strobe by the use of an additional photo-detector. The device takes into account the possibility that the additional photo-detector could be illuminated simultaneously with the main photo-detectors at the end of the main photo-detectors closest to the additional photo-detector.

Abstract: A laser receiver detects a thin beam of laser light and distinguishes between the beam of laser light and an omni-directional pulse of light from a strobe by the use of an additional photo-detector. The device takes into account the possibility that the additional photo-detector could be illuminated simultaneously with the main photo-detectors at the end of the main photo-detectors closest to the additional photo-detector.