Abstract: An integrated controller for controlling a vapor compression based heating and cooling system. The integrated controller includes modules for independently controlling dry bulb temperature, humidity level, and incorporating a fault detection module therewith. The fault detection module being capable of detecting abnormal refrigerant levels using only temperature sensors on the condenser with thermal expansion valve or evaporator with fixed orifice type of expansion valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, reducing cycling of heating and cooling systems by varying the deadband of a thermostat. The deadband is varied such that it does not impact human comfort significantly. The deadband is kept narrow (at its current normal value) during peak heating/cooling period, while it is made wider during periods of non-occupancy, shoulder months with low heating/cooling requirements, and set-back periods. The variation of deadband can be based on an internal clock/calender, an outdoor temperature sensor or a combination of both. The apparatus may be an electronic thermostat which may be programmable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a passive, fiber-optic day-lighting system collects and transports sunlight as a cost-effective technology solution for day-lighting applications. The system utilizes a low concentration ratio sunlight collection system, in expensive optical fibers, and an inexpensive passive solar thermal tracker. The sun-light collection system uses an array of conical compound parabolic concentrators with concentration ratio in the range of 50-500. The sun-light collection system may also use an array of square or rectangular shaped Fresnel lenses with circular concentric grooves. The array of Fresnel lenses can be formed on a single sheet of plastic, which will minimize the cost of manufacturing and reduce the cost of assembly of individual lenses into an array. The sun-light collection may also use arrays of two concentrators in tandem.

Abstract: A versatile three-dimensional billboard capable of remote control operation, animation, and color accentuation. The billboard includes a board defining a plurality of holes arranged in a matrix. A plurality of rods are slidably mounted in the holes. At least one actuator is operatively coupled to the rods, the actuator being capable of moving each of the rods independently of the other rods. A controller is coupled to the actuator, the controller being operable to move the rods to desired positions such that outer ends of said rods define a three-dimensional display. This billboard has a broad range of uses, for example from a corner grocery store display to a giant advertising billboard at a major downtown location such as Times Square in New York City.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and pultruded product formed by adding resin coated fibers at each of successive heated dies having respectively larger die openings to build up a composite pultruded product in stages. Each successive pultruded layer is cured at an exterior surface by heat from the die wall and at an interior surface by heat from the cured product emerging from the previous heated die. By forming the pultruded product in layers, higher line speeds, and a higher quality product which is consistently cured throughout its cross-section are achieved. Hybrid composites can be produced by varying the fiber type and/or the resin type in one or more stages.