Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing the user of a power generator coupled to a time-varying load, to define an alternative reference impedance to enable on or more metrics to be provided relative to the alternative reference impedance. The metrics, for example, may provide indicia of performance of the power generator system. One illustrative embodiment provides a power delivery system that applies power to a plasma chamber to create a plasma therein; determines a reference impedance of the plasma at an operating condition; and controls the power delivery system based on the determined reference impedance.

Abstract: Improved power distribution architectures for the uniform delivery of single frequency RF power to plasma chambers are disclosed. The architectures include feeding into multiple points across a single large-area electrode, multiple electrodes driving a common plasma discharge as well as multiple coils driving a common plasma discharge. The time-averaged electromagnetic field distribution may be controlled using an array of generator and match (delivery) systems, one of which may be capable of absorbing net power and presenting controlled impedance to the plasma load. In variations, an M+N port network (with M the number of generators and N the number of feed points on the electrode) may be implemented to level the power required from each generator while maintaining a desired field strength distribution.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for stabilizing interactions between an electrical generator and a nonlinear load are described. One illustrative embodiment includes an impedance element that is coupled to an output of the generator and a power source coupled to the impedance element. The power source applies power to, or across, the impedance element so as to reduce energy loss that would ordinarily occur due to energy dissipation by way of the impedance element. In many variations, the power source operates within a defined bandwidth so that a stabilizing effect is achieved outside of this bandwidth.

Abstract: One method of obtaining an initial adjusted mass flow controller valve start position comprises obtaining a mass flow controller delay period and setting a mass flow controller valve to an initial valve opening position that is less than an expected optimal valve opening position. An initial desired flow rate and initial operating conditions are input into a control system that is in communication with the valve, and the control system is initiated. The control system is adapted to adjust the valve opening position to achieve the initial desired flow rate, while taking into account flow rate and valve position feedback to the control system. During operation of the MFC and control system, the valve position and the flow rate are recorded in one embodiment and a flow rate that one of meets and exceeds a threshold is detected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and Apparatus for controlling the spatial distribution of a plasma in a processing chamber are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a primary inductor disposed to excite the plasma when power is actively applied to the primary inductor; at least one secondary inductor located in proximity to the primary inductor such that substantially all current that passes through the secondary inductor results from mutual inductance through the plasma with the primary inductor. In addition, at least one terminating element is coupled to the at least one secondary inductor, the at least one terminating element affecting the current through the at least one secondary inductor so as to affect the spatial distribution of the plasma.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of determining a mobile computing device location. The method may comprise emitting at least one audio signal from at least one audio signal emitter and determining a sending time of the at least one audio signal. The method further comprises receiving the at least one audio signal at the mobile computing device and determining a receiving time of the at least one audio signal. A difference between the receiving time and the sending time is calculated and this difference is used to determine a distance from the at least one audio signal emitter to the mobile computing device. The distance is then used to obtain a location of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being remotely controllable.

Abstract: A server-based hosted application used to transmit and manage multiple media across the Internet. Digital video recorders (DVRs) collect media (such as video with or without audio) and record it to a local disk. DVRs are located in sites or stores where they are attached to cameras, microphones and point-of-sale (POS), or other data collection devices. The DVR accesses the Internet through a typical “residential” broadband connection. A hybrid peer-to-peer network allows peers (a DVR and an Internet browser) to directly transmit and receive video and audio (and other information, such as POS data). A hosted infrastructure tracks the presence of DVRs. A server-based application exposes a presence database to users. Users find DVRs via an Internet interface. Viewers can then connect to the DVR and its corresponding media collection devices (such as cameras, microphones and POS devices) and control collection and use of media information directly.

Abstract: A managed services platform. An applications management server is provided for managing relationships with application service providers and other entities over a wide area network such as the Internet. The applications management server interfaces with a master database server and the servers of one or more application service providers, or other entities, to facilitate selection and deselection of applications, services, and capabilities that may be available for use by the information technology network of a company.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for managing an application of power with a power generator to a load, the apparatus comprising a power generator configured to apply power to the load; a controller coupled to the power generator, the controller configured to control a plurality of parameters to optimize operational performance of the power system in response to indicia of operational performance of the power system; and a performance assessor, coupled to the power generator and coupled to the controller, the performance assessor configured to provide the indicia of operational performance of the power system to the controller, where the indicia of the operational performance are relative to a plurality of metrics indicative of operational efficiency of the power system.

Abstract: An electrical switching system for use in various types of electrosurgical instruments and related tools comprises a system adapted to automatically determine which of at least two electrical current modes to deliver through an electrosurgical instrument based on a condition sensed by the electrosurgical instrument. In another embodiment, the electrical switching system comprises a generator, the generator including a first electrical distribution systems for delivering monopolar electrical energy, and a second electrical distribution system for delivering bipolar electrical energy, a controller coupled to the generator for selecting based on an input which of the first and second electrical distribution systems to activate.

Abstract: A temperature insensitive mass flow controller comprising a main flow line, a capillary tube coupled to the main flow line across a bypass a thermal sensing element coupled to the capillary tube and a mass flow controller housing adapted to at least cover the capillary tube. A first heat sink has been coupled to the mass flow controller internal to the mass flow controller housing and coupled to the capillary tube. The heat sink being adapted to control a temperature of a gas in the capillary tube.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a thermally regulating construction material comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the building construction material. In accordance with another aspect, an insulation material for use in building construction comprises a base material and a polymeric phase change material bound to the base material, wherein the base material provides reversible temperature regulation properties to the insulation material. The base material may be selected from the group consisting of foam insulation, loose fill insulation, and batted insulation.

Abstract: A system and method for over-voltage protection is described. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes an output port configured to deliver power to a plasma chamber to ignite a plasma. The apparatus also includes a shunt switch in parallel with the output port and a processor configured to receive an indicator of an arc in the plasma. The processor is configured to close the shunt switch for a period of time to divert current away from the arc. The processor is also configured to trigger a pulse of the shunt switch to limit a voltage of an increasing voltage condition associated with the arc.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being controllable by an electric control signal; and a control input adapted to couple the switch to a remotely located controller so as to enable the controller to control the first switch by sending the electric control signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a thermal flow sensor having a first capillary tube coupled to a mass flow controller main flow line across a mass flow controller bypass. A first pair of sensing elements is coupled to the first capillary tube. The thermal sensor also comprise a second capillary tube having a substantially similar cross-sectional area to the first capillary tube, a first end thermally coupled to one of a mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the first tube inlet port, and a second end thermally coupled to one of the mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the outlet port. The second tube is not adapted to receive and eject a fluid flow. A second pair of sensing elements is coupled to the second tube.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a mass flow controller comprising a digital controller, a valve, and a sensor. The digital controller is adapted to implement a control loop having a proportional signal modifier in series with an integral signal modifier. The integral signal modifier is adapted to receive a combination signal and output an integrated signal. The valve is adapted to receive the integrated signal and adjust a valve opening in accordance with the integrated signal. The sensor is adapted to output a measured flow rate signal indicative of an actual fluid flow rate in the mass flow controller. The measured flow rate signal is received by the proportional signal modifier and used in conjunction with a setpoint signal to determine the error signal.

Abstract: An encoded image and methods for encoding and decoding encoded images. In one example, an encoded image may include at least one identifiable mark (also referred to herein as an anchor image); a triggering image that indicates the presence of the encoded image; and at least one encoded element adjacent to the identifiable mark, the at least one encoded element positioned at a location relative to the identifiable mark, the location representing a value. In one embodiment, a method to form an encoded image may include the operations of selecting a value, the value having one or more digits; based on at least one or more of the digits, selecting an anchor image; selecting at least one element for positioning proximate to the anchor image; forming the image using the anchor image and the at least one element; and based on at least one or more of the digits, forming a characteristic of the at least one element.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for predicting electrical power output from wind farms using statistical methods and measured wind speeds near boundaries of control volumes that encompass the wind turbines of interest. These systems, methods, and apparatus can provide electrical power output predictions of up to 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours in advance of actual power reaching the grid.

Abstract: A managed services platform. An applications management server is provided for managing relationships with application service providers and others over a wide area network such as the Internet. The applications management server interfaces with a master database server and the servers of one or more application service providers, or other entities, to facilitate selection and deselection of applications, services, and capabilities that may be available for use by the information technology network of a company.