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 microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

Abstract: A method and system for gas sensor drift correction is disclosed, appropriate for use in a system placed in an environment that with some regularity reaches a background gas concentration. A background gas concentration range is defined. When the gas sensor readings drop below the background gas concentration range for at least a defined short dwell time, an upwards calibration adjustment is effected. When the gas sensor readings stay above the background gas concentration range for a defined long dwell time (longer than the maximum expected interval between excursions to the background gas concentration), a downwards calibration adjustment is effected.

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 microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a device and method for accurately extracting individual organic acid and/or Total Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA), ammonium (NH4+) and buffering inorganic carbon compound or hydrogen carbonate (HCO3?) concentrations trends from an active Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process. The substantially real-time individual and/or total VFA, NH4+ and HCO3? information allows the AD operator to effectively operate the system at optimal efficiency and ensure that VFA and NH4+ concentrations do not reach toxic levels that can potentially cause the AD process to fail. The general health of an AD digester and process may be determined by using a ratio of total organic acids to total inorganic carbon as determined by the method.

Abstract: A method for installation capacities of a hybrid energy generation system is disclosed. The hybrid energy generation system may include a plurality of power systems. According to the environment factors and practical requirements of the installation site, the mechanism of the present invention may find the golden ratio of the installation capacities among the different power systems. Furthermore, the present invention may obtain the combination of installation capacities associated with the minimum recovery period, thereby further decreasing the installation cost and the efficiency of the hybrid energy generation system.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method of monitoring an asset including an independent component, the method including: receiving at an electronic device data related to operation of an asset, the data including utilization data of an independent component of the asset; interpreting, using a processor, the utilization to determine an utilization or operational characteristic of the asset; performing, using a processor, analysis of the utilization or operational characteristic in view of a stored target to produce a performance output; filtering, using a processor, to improve accuracy; and providing a report that includes the operational characteristic and/or utilization output; wherein utilization data of the independent component is generated by detecting the engine status of a prime mover of the asset; detecting a position of the independent component; wherein the independent component provides work functionality independent of the engine status.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

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 computer-implemented method for asset operation information services is described. In one example embodiment, the method can comprise receiving data related to operation of an asset, the data including positional data and at least one machine operational data, interpreting the positional data with the machine operational data to accurately determine an operational characteristic of the machine, performing analysis of the operational characteristic in view of a stored target to produce a performance output, and providing a report that includes the operational characteristic and the performance output.

Abstract: A split discharge vane pump is disclosed having a pump body that includes an interior pumping chamber having a central axis and defining a continuous peripheral cam surface, the cam surface including four quadrantal cam segments, wherein diametrically opposed cam segments have identical cam profiles, and each cam segment defines an inlet arc, a discharge arc and two seal arcs. A rotor is mounted for axial rotation within the pumping chamber and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially extending vanes are mounted for radial movement within the rotor, wherein the plurality of vanes define an equal number of circumferentially spaced apart buckets which extend between the rotor and the cam surface of the pumping chamber for carrying pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for transmission of digital data between two or more devices via powerline particularly suited for use in high attenuation, high noise commercial/industrial powerline environments, including transmission of pulses generated by a capacitor charged in the positive half cycle of the sine wave and discharged during the negative half-cycle, placing the pulse at one of two predetermined signal timing positions related to zero voltage crossing points or to previously transmitted pulses so that the pulses are substantially in the powerline temporal quiet zone near zero crossing and so that the powerline voltage at the time of the pulse is additive to the capacitor voltage.

Abstract: A split discharge vane pump is disclosed having a pump body that includes an interior pumping chamber having a central axis and defining a continuous peripheral cam surface, the cam surface including four quadrantal cam segments, wherein diametrically opposed cam segments have identical cam profiles, and each cam segment defines an inlet arc, a discharge arc and two seal arcs. A rotor is mounted for axial rotation within the pumping chamber and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart radially extending vanes are mounted for radial movement within the rotor, wherein the plurality of vanes define an equal number of circumferentially spaced apart buckets which extend between the rotor and the cam surface of the pumping chamber for carrying pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A cover for securing a load in an environment includes a sheet; a strap having a length that is extendable, and that includes a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion; a first coupler attached to the strap's first end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's first end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; a second coupler attached to the strap's second end portion and operable to releasably attach the strap's second end portion to a structure other than the sheet to anchor the cover; and a fastener operable to fasten the strap's first end portion to the sheet. When the sheet is used to secure and/or cover a load the first coupler is disposed between the fastener and the strap's middle portion. By having the first coupler located between the fastener and the strap's middle portion, one can both secure the load with the strap and secure the cover 10 to the structure.

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.

Abstract: A multiple stage pump for delivering fuel to an engine is disclosed which includes a pump housing, a boost stage operable at engine start to draw fuel into the pump housing at a boost stage pressure, a first pumping stage operable upon engine start for receiving fuel from the boost stage and delivering the fuel from the pump housing to a fuel metering unit, a second pumping stage operable upon engine start and during engine cruise operation for receiving fuel from the boost stage and delivering the fuel from the pump housing to said fuel metering unit, and a switching valve in fluid communication with the first and second pumping stages, and configured to control fuel flow through the first pumping stage in dependence on changes in boost stage conditions such as pressure or shaft speed.

Abstract: An antenna array for use in an aviation application setting comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering. A deposit of phosphor material is also disposed beneath this covering. This external covering is at least partially permeable to radio frequency signals and will provide at least a substantial barrier against external moisture and objects that might otherwise harm the antennas. This external covering can be fixed to an exterior surface of an aircraft. The four radio frequency antennas are electrically discrete from one another though also being configured as an integral mechanical structure. The phosphor material, in turn, can serve to facilitate detection of a parameter of interest, such as temperature or airspeed.

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.

Abstract: A moisture metering calibration method and system for, e.g., determining the moisture lumber within a lumber drying kiln is disclosed. Calibration of moisture indicative electrical signals obtained from, e.g., moisture sensing capacitive plates spaced apart within a stack of drying lumber is performed, wherein long lengths (e.g., up to 1000 linear feet or more) of coaxial cable can be used for transmitting the signals, and effectively removing signal anomalies induced in such cabling so that accurate lumber moisture measurements result. Such extended cable lengths provides flexibility with respect to placement of electronic moisture metering equipment. This flexibility allows such equipment to be placed in an environmentally-controlled enclosure, rather than on the weather exposed exterior of a kiln whose lumber is being monitored.