Abstract: A system for changing the light level in one or more lighting fixtures connected to a control device such as a timer or lighting panel using only conventional power relays in the timer or lighting panel, wherein the conventional power relays are used to turn power on and off to control circuits and also to send predefined messages to receiving modules installed in the lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A pressure/vacuum relief system having one or more pressure relief/vacuum valve assemblies disposed within the controlled atmosphere room and a vent pipe to provide two-way fluid communication between the relief valve assembly and the outside environment. The relief valve assembly may be a split valve arrangement that includes a pressure valve that opens in response to positive pressure in the controlled atmosphere room and a vacuum valve that opens response to negative pressure in the controlled atmosphere room. The pressure and vacuum valves may be incorporated into a single valve body on opposite sides of a shared chamber that is coupled to the vent pipe. In one embodiment, the vent pipe is fitted through an external wall of the controlled atmosphere room.

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 servo valve has a heatsink housing with a plurality of external fins. The heatsink housing contains an electromagnet arrangement and a valve arrangement. The electromagnet arrangement has a magnet assembly, a coil assembly, pole pieces, and an armature acted upon by flux generated by the electromagnet. A conductive support member connects the coil assembly to the heatsink housing. The valve arrangement has a valve member driven by the armature to control flow between an inlet port and an outlet port. The valve arrangement is positioned in the heatsink housing on an opposite side of a seal plate from the electromagnet arrangement. The support member holds the coil assembly spaced from the seal plate and in a thermally conductive path to the heatsink housing.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for manipulating light beams using one or more mirror mount assemblies communicatively coupled through a communication channel to similar devices or an external device for sensing purposes, providing user interface, or connection to the internet cloud. This mirror mount assembly provides movement of a mechanical mount and further includes an actuator, a driver electrically coupled to the actuator to drive the actuator; a control module electrically coupled to the driver to provide drive signals to the driver, a position sensor, and a control module including a processor for generating the drive signals and for autonomously implementing user defined functions on the mirror mount assembly. The mirror mount assembly also includes one or more communication interfaces coupled to the control module to receive one or more input signals from external devices. The external interface devices can include optical sensors and user interfaces.

Abstract: A calibration tool assembly is operatively connected to a control unit of a vehicle. The calibration tool assembly includes a plug on device (POD) that is electrically connected to the control unit of the vehicle. The POD includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a debugger port, which is controlled by the FPGA. The POD is operatively connected to the control unit of the vehicle. The debugger port bidirectionally transmits instructions between the FPGA and the control unit for the vehicle to debug and send instructions to the control unit. The calibration tool assembly also includes a hub, which is removably connected to the FPGA. The hub receives all measurement variable data from the control unit through the FPGA for analysis.

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 therebetween, 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 also includes a float assembly extending inside the flow channel, the float assembly having a float that is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device which measures the displacement of the float, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device. A bracket assembly is secured to the inlet chamber inside the flow channel, with the measuring device retained by the bracket assembly.

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 therebetween, 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 also includes a float assembly extending inside the flow channel, the float assembly having a float that is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device which measures the displacement of the float, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device. A bracket assembly is secured to the inlet chamber inside the flow channel, with the measuring device retained by the bracket assembly.

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 fitting, a float extending through the flow channel from the fitting and which is limited for its movement inside the variable area chamber, a measuring device that measures the displacement of the float and which is secured to the fitting and positioned outside the flow channel, and a connecting rod which connects the float to the measuring device and extends through the flow channel.

Abstract: A calibration tool assembly is operatively connected to a control unit of a vehicle. The calibration tool assembly includes a plug on device (POD) that is electrically connected to the control unit of the vehicle. The POD includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a debugger port, which is controlled by the FPGA. The POD is operatively connected to the control unit of the vehicle. The debugger port bidirectionally transmits instructions between the FPGA and the control unit for the vehicle to debug and send instructions to the control unit. The calibration tool assembly also includes a hub, which is removably connected to the FPGA. The hub receives all measurement variable data from the control unit through the FPGA for analysis.

Abstract: A fire suppression and control system includes a unique fire pump controller which uses advanced technologies in a manner consistent with the need for high reliability in the fire protection industry. A preferred controller includes three PIC chips including a control PIC for controlling operation of the water pump, a power monitor PIC for receiving all voltage and current inputs to the controller, and a data recorder PIC for collection and storage of data relevant to the system.

Abstract: A radio transmitter used to transmit an activation signal for radio tags held by individuals or the like provides multi-dimensional polarization to an activation signal so as to allow more consistent range detection of an individual with a tag having a single axis of sensitivity. Circular or spherical polarization can be obtained using the system which may include an antenna design permitting decoupling of antennas necessary for the polarization, a quadrature locking system simplifying proper phase control of the necessary signals and a system for tuning the same.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a pressure vessel configured to hold water under pressure, and configured to expand and contract based on the pressure of the held water; a selectable throttle configured to receive water at a first pressure, configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a first setting, and configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a second setting; a control circuit configured to control whether the selectable throttle is at the first setting or at the second setting; and a piezoelectric element attached to the pressure vessel and configured to generate electricity when the pressure vessel expands or contracts.

Abstract: An electrical control system consisting of two or more electrical transmitting devices each capable of transmitting synchronized messages consisting of electrical pulses to devices connected to one or more of the three phases of the AC power lines in a typical three phase power system. The synchronized transmitters are each connected to neutral and to one or more of the three phases, A, B, and C, or across two of the phases, of different circuit breaker panels in a typical three phase power system, and are capable of transmitting messages to one or more of the three phases. The transmissions from the two or more transmitters are synchronized such that the transmitted pulses from each transmitter are transmitted at the same time to produce a message that can be received correctly at any receiving device connected to any of the connected circuit breaker panels.

Abstract: A system and method for intelligent management of an array of fans. The system uses mean-time-between-failure, fan usage and other data in add ventilation, subtract ventilation and recycle array routines to maximize the life of the fans and the array. The system comprises a primary embodiment making use of smart fans in the array, each smart fan including a fan and appropriate control electronics capable of processing commands received from a smart fan array controller. Fan control signals are multiplexed over a local operating network power line using carrier communication protocols, command messages and data values, all to accomplish a goal of the system to maximize fan life. In an alternate embodiment, fan and array control electronics are integrated onto the fan array controller itself and power is provided to conventional fans using a conventional wiring harness.

Abstract: Roof ridge vent system adapted for housing a plurality of fans in a central airflow channel positioned directly over the opening in a ridge portion of a roof for ventilating a plurality of vent chutes or attic space comprising: a hood member engaged with outer edge portions of vent members having air-passageway holes defined therein and inner edge portions preferably being hinged respectively to inner edge portions of base members so as to be adapted for installation on variously-pitched roofs, each base member also having outer edge portions defining a wall adapted for blocking wind from being blown into the vent and for causing airflow over the top of the vent to encourage airflow through the vent system. Vent member sections may be installed end-to-end to define an elongated airflow channel adapted for ventilating with or without assistance from the fans.

Abstract: A sprinkler for producing a fixed spray pattern includes an inner flow conduit having a nozzle at an outlet. A filter screen is held in place beneath the nozzle. The filter screen engages a push rod of a valve of a flow stop mechanism. The push rod spaces a valve member away from a valve seat to permit water flow through the inner flow conduit when the filter screen and nozzle are in place. If the nozzle is removed or if the inner conduit is severed, the filter screen can be removed, which causes the valve member to close under the force of water pressure and to shut off flow through the inner flow conduit. The valve is located upstream of parts that are vulnerable to damage.

Abstract: An automatic inspection system includes intelligent sensor monitors. A sensor monitor receives input from at least one sensor. The sensor monitor conserves power and communications link bandwidth by transmitting data to an aggregator or server only when relevant to rules of the inspection system or when prompted by the inspection system for data. The sensor monitor also provides an alarm when the sensed data indicates an alarm condition, and the alarm provided is indicative of the alarm condition.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a pressure vessel configured to hold water under pressure, and configured to expand and contract based on the pressure of the held water; a selectable throttle configured to receive water at a first pressure, configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a first setting, and configured to provide the water to the pressure vessel at a second pressure that is smaller than the first pressure when the selectable throttle is at a second setting; a control circuit configured to control whether the selectable throttle is at the first setting or at the second setting; and a piezoelectric element attached to the pressure vessel and configured to generate electricity when the pressure vessel expands or contracts.

Abstract: A method provides information about stations in an irrigation system which are simultaneously active. An irrigation flow curve image is displayed which summarizes flow information for an irrigation system. The method interacts with a user to receive an indication from a user interface pointing device of a position within a flow curve area of the irrigation flow curve image on the display. The method retrieves detail information for stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at a time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device. Detail information is displayed isolating the stations in the irrigation system which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device, wherein the detail information further individually indicates irrigation activity for stations which are simultaneously active at the time indicated by the position of the user interface pointing device.