Abstract: A satellite television antenna system can include a self-pointing satellite antenna and a power inserter coupled to the self-pointing satellite antenna. The power inserter can include an enclosure body and a circuit board disposed inside of the enclosure body. The circuit board includes a microprocessor. The microprocessor can be configured via software code to determine whether a first type of communication protocol is being received from a set top box (STB) coupled to the power inserter, determine a configuration for a first constellation of spacecraft if the first type of communication protocol is being received from the STB, and determine a configuration for a second constellation of spacecraft if the first type of communication protocol is not being received from the STB. The first constellation of spacecraft is different than the second constellation of spacecraft.

Abstract: An antenna system with network awareness includes a control system that points the antenna to a compatible network. The user provides the antenna with an input of a particular wireless service carrier and the control system begins searching for radio frequency signals that indicate the antenna is pointed at a compatible tower. Once a tower is located, the control system reads the carrier identification data transmitted from that tower to determine if the wireless carrier is compatible with the user's service. If an appropriate signal is not found, the control system will continue moving the antenna until another tower is found and the carrier identification information will again be checked. This process is repeated until a compatible tower is identified. Additional iterations can locate additional compatible towers. The antenna can be moved to a final position where the desired network signal is at the highest detected RF power.

Abstract: An improved system and method for evaluating stored agricultural or horticultural commodities is provided. The system and method generally include performing atmospheric measurements within multiple controlled atmosphere rooms, or sampling enclosures coupled to controlled atmosphere rooms, and determining a change over time of a respiratory value of the commodities stored therein. Based on the change over time of the respiratory value, the system and method selects commodities from among at least one of the controlled atmosphere rooms for delivery, marketing, storage, or other disposition.

Abstract: An improved system and method for evaluating stored agricultural or horticultural commodities is provided. The system and method generally include performing atmospheric measurements within multiple controlled atmosphere rooms, or sampling enclosures coupled to controlled atmosphere rooms, and determining a change over time of a respiratory value of the commodities stored therein. Based on the change over time of the respiratory value, the system and method selects commodities from among at least one of the controlled atmosphere rooms for delivery, marketing, storage, or other disposition.

Abstract: A particle sizing method which allows for counting and sizing of particles within a colloidal suspension flowing through a single-particle optical sizing sensor SPOS apparatus using pulse height detection and utilizing non-parallel and non-uniform illumination within the sensing region of the flow cell. The method involves utilizing a deconvolution process which requires the SPOS apparatus to be characterized during a calibration phase. Once the SPOS apparatus has been characterized, the process of deconvolution after a data collection run, recursively eliminates the expected statistical contribution to the pulse height distribution PHD histogram in all the lower channels from the highest channel height detected, and repeating this for all remaining channels in the PHD, removing the contributions from largest to smallest sizes.

Abstract: A wash equipment assembly for a car wash and method of operating the equipment are described. For example, the assembly includes a cleaning element configured to clean a vehicle, an arm assembly operably attached to the cleaning element and configured to move the cleaning element to a vehicle cleaning position, the arm movably fixed to a support at a first end and the cleaning element mounted on the arm at a second end, a controlled locator for positioning the arm relative to the support such that the cleaning equipment is moved to the vehicle cleaning position, and a sensor for evaluating an actual orientation of the cleaning element relative to a default orientation of the cleaning element. In certain implementations, the controlled locator can modify the position of the arm in response to a signal from the sensor, thereby providing a closed loop control system.

Abstract: A solar generator includes a base, a rotary plate provided to the base such that the rotary plate can rotate with respect to the base, a cover disposed atop the rotary plate, solar panel disposed atop the cover such that the solar panel is angled with respect to a horizontal plane, and a motor provided to the rotary plate such that the motor can engage the base to enable rotation of the rotary plate with respect to the base. A photosensor and a method of rotationally aligning a solar panel with the sun in an azimuth orientation are also provided.

Abstract: A particle sizing method which allows for counting and sizing of particles within a colloidal suspension flowing through a single-particle optical sizing sensor SPOS apparatus using pulse height detection and utilizing non-parallel and non-uniform illumination within the sensing region of the flow cell. The method involves utilizing a deconvolution process which requires the SPOS apparatus to be characterized during a calibration phase. Once the SPOS apparatus has been characterized, the process of deconvolution after a data collection run, recursively eliminates the expected statistical contribution to the pulse height distribution PHD histogram in all the lower channels from the highest channel height detected, and repeating this for all remaining channels in the PHD, removing the contributions from largest to smallest sizes.

Abstract: Technologies are disclosed for providing a virtual control panel for a controlled device using a controller connected to the controlled device via a near-field communications (NFC) connection. The controlled device may include a transfer memory that is connected to a wireless (NFC) port and a wired port, the wired port being coupled to other internal memory of the controlled device. The controlled device may write parameter data to the transfer memory via the wired port, which is later transmitted to the controller via the NFC connection for presentation via a user interface. The controller may receive (e.g., while the controller is connected or disconnected from the controlled device) adjustments to configurable parameters of the parameter data and transmit the adjustments to the transfer memory via the wireless port for updating the internal memory of the controlled device and thereby adjusting operation of the controlled device.

Abstract: An air diffuser includes a mask plate spaced upstream from an orifice plate in a generally parallel relationship. The orifice plate includes openings in a first zone arranged in a non-linear pattern, inside a second zone arranged in a linear pattern. Both zones can be within a peripheral wall defining the spacing between the mask plate and the orifice plate. The mask plate has a large opening for air, with a footprint slightly larger than the first zone. The density and zone arrangement of the mask plate and the orifice plate results in a better umbrella pattern flow of air exiting the diffuser.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a carwash with flexible service offerings comprises providing an automated computer terminal at which a user of a vehicle can purchase a car wash and at least one additional service, such as a hand service, after receiving the car wash, determining a queue for the at least one additional service at the time a user purchases a car wash, calculating a price for the at least one additional service based on the queue and displaying the price for the at least one additional service on the automated computer terminal. If the queue for the at least one additional service is low or empty, the user is provided with a discount to incentivize the user to purchase such service.

Abstract: A method of controlling wash equipment in an automated vehicle wash system having a conveyor includes, measuring one or more contours of a vehicle as the vehicle moves thorough an entry area of the automated vehicle wash system on the conveyor; tracking the distance a fixed point relative to the conveyor moves; associating the one or more contours of the vehicle with the position of the fixed point; determining, based on the one or more contours of the vehicle and the position of the fixed point, commands for operating the wash equipment; delivering the commands to the wash equipment; and operating the wash equipment in accordance with the commands.

Abstract: A high accuracy open phase detection system for power transformers that uses a combination of logic controllers and current transformers to recognize an open phase condition experienced by the power transformers under no load, light load, and full load conditions. A current to voltage and current to current transformer on each phase are employed to detect the excitation current and load current conditions. During an open phase condition, a microprocessor detecting device, connected to the current to voltage and current to current transformers, monitors the appropriate power system quantities to determine the existence of one or more open phase(s) with or without a ground or an open phase with line charging capacitance. Through the microprocessor monitor, the microprocessor detecting device can alert operators to the loss of phase or abnormal conditions in the power source.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided there between, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly further includes a float assembly having a float extending through the flow channel and which is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a connecting rod extending through the flow channel and which has an upper end that is connected to the float and a lower end that is connected to a magnet. A measuring device is positioned outside the fluid chamber at the bottom of the at least one manifold, and spaced apart from the magnet.

Abstract: A self-aiming directional Wi-Fi antenna system includes a directional antenna that is motorized. A motion controller operates the motors to move the antenna position to sources of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) transmissions, determines an SSID for each source that satisfies a selection criterion and stores a position data corresponding to each SSID. The directional Wi-Fi antenna is moved to a final position corresponding to the antenna position data for one of the SSIDs stored in memory.

Abstract: A reset relief valve with dampening reservoir having a piston disposed in fluid flow-blocking relationship between an inlet port and the outlet port of the body and a second position at which the piston is removed from the fluid flow-blocking position, the piston partially defines an enclosed first chamber and at least one flow passageway extending between the chamber and a reservoir chamber mounted on the body for controlled flow of hydraulic fluid to dampen the movement of the piston upon activation, The reservoir has a pressure monitor to measure fluid pressure in the system, a sight glass and index to view and measure the hydraulic fluid and a tubular flow passageway.

Abstract: A satellite television antenna apparatus is connectable to a remotely-located set top box (STB). The satellite television antenna apparatus can include a motorized reflector dish movable in at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation, and an antenna control system. The antenna control system can be configured to conduct two-way communication through a physical connection or a wireless connection between the satellite television antenna apparatus and the STB.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has at least one manifold having an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, and a flow channel provided there between, the flow channel having an inlet chamber, a variable area chamber and an outlet chamber, with fluid flowing from the inlet flow port to the inlet chamber, the variable area chamber and the outlet chamber, in that order, before exiting the outlet flow port. The flow control valve assembly further includes a float assembly having a float extending through the flow channel and which is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a connecting rod extending through the flow channel and which has an upper end that is connected to the float and a lower end that is connected to a magnet. A measuring device is positioned outside the fluid chamber at the bottom of the at least one manifold, and spaced apart from the magnet.

Abstract: A self-aiming directional Wi-Fi antenna system includes a directional antenna that is motorized. A motion controller operates the motors to move the antenna position to sources of Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) transmissions, determines an SSID for each source that satisfies a selection criterion and stores a position data corresponding to each SSID. The directional Wi-Fi antenna is moved to a final position corresponding to the antenna position data for one of the SSIDs stored in memory.