Abstract: Heat energy storage systems described herein can be used for long-term storage of large amounts of thermal energy. In some cases, such systems receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. Using novel techniques, the heat energy storage systems covert the electrical energy to thermal energy that is stored in hot materials such as molten silicon or any other material that can store large amounts of heat. The heat energy storage systems incorporate extremely good thermal insulation of the thermal energy storage tank that contains the hot materials. The systems are also configured to release thermal energy in an efficient manner to one or more electricity-producing steam turbines and/or to one or more industrial heating systems of manufacturing plants, using novel heat exchanger systems and techniques described herein. The energy storage systems described herein have higher overall real-world efficiencies than energy storage systems currently available.

Abstract: Heat energy storage systems described in this disclosure can be used for long-term storage of large amounts of thermal energy. In some cases, such systems receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. Using novel techniques, the heat energy storage systems covert the electrical energy to thermal energy that is stored in hot materials such as molten silicon, molten salts, or any other material that can store large amounts of heat. The heat energy storage systems incorporate extremely good thermal insulation of the thermal energy storage tank that contains the hot materials. The systems are also configured to release thermal energy in an efficient manner to an electricity-producing steam turbine using novel heat exchanger systems and techniques that are described. The energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel hybrid energy storage systems for providing short-term and long-term storage and delivery of electricity generated by any energy source including renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy. The hybrid energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.

Abstract: Heat energy storage systems described in this disclosure can be used for long-term storage of large amounts of thermal energy. In some cases, such systems receive electrical energy from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. Using novel techniques, the heat energy storage systems covert the electrical energy to thermal energy that is stored in hot materials such as molten silicon, molten salts, or any other material that can store large amounts of heat. The heat energy storage systems incorporate extremely good thermal insulation of the thermal energy storage tank that contains the hot materials. The systems are also configured to release thermal energy in an efficient manner to an electricity-producing steam turbine using novel heat exchanger systems and techniques that are described. The energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel hybrid energy storage systems for providing short-term and long-term storage and delivery of electricity generated by any energy source including renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy. The hybrid energy storage systems described herein have a higher overall real-world efficiency than energy storage systems currently available.

Abstract: In some example, the disclosure relates to a fabric assembly comprising a flexible substrate including a top surface; a plurality of plates attached to the top surface of the flexible substrate and arrayed in a pattern such that a plurality of continuous gaps are defined between adjacent plates; and one or more antibacterial agents are contained in or on at least one of the substrate and the plurality of guard plates wherein the antimicrobial agents are selected to reduce the fabric assembly's surface population of at least one of bacteria, virus, mold, fungus, or algae.

Abstract: An improved protective knitted glove assembly includes a knitted glove and two or more non-coplanar arrays of printed guard plates. The guard plates are small, regularly-spaced, generally uniform thickness, non-overlapping, hard polymer material members arranged in a predetermined pattern having an area parallel to a surface of the glove with major and minor dimensions. The major dimension to minor dimension aspect ratio of the guard plates is between about 3 and 1. The overall abrasion resistance of the glove assembly is substantially greater than an abrasion resistance of the knitted glove without the guard plates.

Abstract: In some example, the disclosure relates to a fabric assembly comprising a flexible substrate including a top surface; a plurality of plates attached to the top surface of the flexible substrate and arrayed in a pattern such that a plurality of continuous gaps are defined between adjacent plates; and one or more antibacterial agents are contained in or on at least one of the substrate and the plurality of guard plates wherein the antimicrobial agents are selected to reduce the fabric assembly's surface population of at least one of bacteria, virus, mold, fungus, or algae.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to a fabric assembly comprising a flexible substrate including a top surface; a plurality of plates affixed to the top surface of the flexible substrate and arrayed in a pattern such that a plurality of continuous gaps are defined between adjacent plates; and a coating formed on at least one of the substrate and plurality of guard plates, wherein the coating is selected to increase at least one of scuff resistance, oil resistance, water resistance, stain resistance of the fabric assembly.

Abstract: New aerodynamically improved rotors for use in vertical axis wind turbine (VAWTs) are disclosed. In some examples, the VAWT rotors include one or more blades with an aerodynamic front shape with low drag coefficient and a blunt or concave back shape that effectively catches the wind. Example rotors can be used by themselves or in conjunction with vertically attached rotating airfoils. The new rotors add to the overall energy production while acting as supports for the vertical airfoils. Furthermore, the new rotors provide energy in low wind speed conditions where the vertical airfoils are ineffective and can act as jump starters for the vertical airfoils. Guy wire structures for stabilizing VAWTs are also disclosed. The structures allow for reduced construction costs for a given tower height compared to conventional HAWTs and allows for taller towers for a given construction cost.

Abstract: A puncture, pierce, and cut resistant fabric comprised of a plurality of sheets of plates arranged in a repeating pattern. A material interconnects the plates. The fabric is twistable, bendable, and flexible. It is constructed of substances that will withstand cutting, puncture, and piercing forces encountered in medical or other environments.

Abstract: An elastomeric or polymer material or glove having enhanced cut or penetration resistance. The elastomeric or polymer material includes a penetration resistant structure while providing tactile sensitivity and flexibility.

Abstract: An improved protective knitted glove assembly includes a knitted glove and two or more non-coplanar arrays of printed guard plates. The guard plates are small, regularly-spaced, generally uniform thickness, non-overlapping, hard polymer material members arranged in a predetermined pattern having an area parallel to a surface of the glove with major and minor dimensions. The major dimension to minor dimension aspect ratio of the guard plates is between about 3 and 1. The overall abrasion resistance of the glove assembly is substantially greater than an abrasion resistance of the knitted glove without the guard plates.

Abstract: A protective material comprising a flexible substrate including a top surface and a plurality of discrete guard plates affixed to the top surface in a spaced relationship to each other. The guard plates comprise a material which significantly expands upon the addition of sufficient heat forming a thermally insulating, flame retardant layer.

Abstract: A supple, globally flexible, composite protective material having guard plates on a substrate with a clearly visible pattern. The substrate is flexible and has a surface with a colored pattern including two or more colors. The guard plates are small, non-overlapping, printed resin material members having major and minor dimensions and are arranged in a predetermined pattern over a substantial portion of the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment of the invention the guard plates are transparent or translucent to visible light so that the colored pattern on the surface of the substrate is visible. In another embodiment the colors of the guard plates blend in with the colored pattern of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible scrubbing material that combines at least two discrete components. One component is a continuous flexible substrate. A second component is a discontinuous abrasive layer affixed to the flexible substrate. The abrasive layer is a set of plates formed from a material different than the continuous flexible substrate. One or two flexible substrates with affixed plates can be combined with an intermediate layer such as sponge or terry cloth. The gaps between plates are relatively large and are generally larger than one-third the largest plate dimension. The flexible substrate can be tightly woven fabric that can be printed with visually attractive colors, patterns and images. The plate material is a printable material that subsequently solidifies, such as epoxy. The inventions include associated methods of use and manufacture.