Abstract: An HVAC system is monitored or tested using a tube with a measurement instrument in the tube. The tube is connected to an HVAC system and an output of the HVAC system is measured using the measurement instrument. The tube is connected between the HVAC system and a volume to be conditioned. A reading of the measurement instrument is noted while the tube is connected between the HVAC system and volume. The volume is disconnected from the tube and a valve is connected to the tube. The valve is adjusted until the reading of the measurement instrument is approximately the same with the valve as when the volume was connected. A setting of the valve is noted and then used to test the HVAC system in the future or to test other HVAC systems simulating the same load.

Abstract: An HVAC system has a duct with an inlet and an outlet. A first supercharger is disposed in the duct. A second supercharger is disposed in the duct in parallel with the first supercharger. A gearbox has a first output shaft coupled to the first supercharger and a second output shaft of the gearbox coupled to the second supercharger. A first evaporation coil is disposed in the duct between the supercharger and inlet. A second evaporation coil is disposed in the duct between the supercharger and outlet. A heater is disposed in the duct between the supercharger and outlet.

Abstract: An HVAC system is monitored or tested using a tube with a measurement instrument in the tube. The tube is connected to an HVAC system and an output of the HVAC system is measured using the measurement instrument. The tube is connected between the HVAC system and a volume to be conditioned. A reading of the measurement instrument is noted while the tube is connected between the HVAC system and volume. The volume is disconnected from the tube and a valve is connected to the tube. The valve is adjusted until the reading of the measurement instrument is approximately the same with the valve as when the volume was connected. A setting of the valve is noted and then used to test the HVAC system in the future or to test other HVAC systems simulating the same load.

Abstract: An elastic cord having at least one tapered protruding portion along its length, wherein the extent of protrusion is reduced when the cord is axially stretched, and returns to its original size when the cord is relaxed, is described. One embodiment includes an elastic core about which a flexible sheath is fitted, wherein chosen axially spaced-apart portions of the sheath form tapered isolates or knots in accordance with selected patterns for protrusions therein when the elastic core is in its relaxed state. Such knots are formed when the sheath is cause to bunch up at these axial locations. Sheath patterns may be achieved by employing a woven structure for the sheath. The protruding portions or knots reversibly resist movement of the elastic cord through an opening having a chosen size, such as an eyelet of a shoe.

Abstract: A particulate monitor includes a housing, an air-moving device coupled to the housing, and an air passageway disposed at least partially within the housing. The air-moving device is operable to create an airflow through the air passageway. The particulate monitor also includes a real-time measuring device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway and a particulate collection device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway. The collection device is positioned downstream of the real-time measuring device.

Abstract: A cordage for threading through an opening. An elastic cord is provided with an elongated shank component and at least one outwardly expandable component. When the cord is under tension, the expandable component shrinks to a diameter which is sufficient to enable its movement through an opening, such as an eyelet of a shoe. In response to the tension being released, the expandable component enlarges to a diameter which is sufficiently large to resist movement through the opening.

Abstract: An improved planar color filter structure to reduce defects in the display devices incorporating the color filter structures, including active matrix displays. A color filter substrate has a thicker polyamide black matrix formed thereon and a transparent polyamide layer formed over the black matrix. The transparent layer is exposed through the black matrix and developed to remove the unexposed portions over the black matrix. The resulting surface is substantially planar and facilitates the forming of the remaining layers to form a substantially planar color filter structure.

Abstract: Improved thin film transistors to reduce defects in the devices incorporating the transistors, including active matrix displays. A first improvement is accomplished by forming a dual insulator layer over the bottom metal layer, which can be the gate line and also the row line in an active matrix display. The first insulator layer is formed by anodizing the metal layer and the second insulator layer is deposited onto the first layer. The dual insulator structure layer can be reanodized to eliminate the effect of pinholes. A second improvement includes providing an interdigitated transistor structure to increase the channel width, minimize internal shorting and minimize the drain capacitance. The interdigitated structure includes at least one source or drain finger formed between at least two drain or source fingers, respectively. A shorted source finger can be disconnected to maintain an operative transistor.

Abstract: Improved multilayer matrix line including inverted gate thin film matrix transistors to reduce defects in and enhance performance of matrix devices incorporating the transistors, including active matrix displays. The inverted gate line is formed in a multilayer metal structure deposited sequentially before patterning of a first bottom refractory layer, an aluminum layer and a second refractory layer for the gate structure. The aluminum layer is anodized adjacent the gate to prevent step coverage problems. A further improvement is provided when forming an active matrix display storage capacitor utilizing the multilayer gate structure.

Abstract: The present invention imports network communication concepts into a motor and/or motion control system. The motor and/or motion control system is divided into various modules. A preferred configuration includes a motor drive control module, a user command module, and a master control module. The modules are interconnected by a simple hardware bus, such as an RS-485 bus. Communication between the modules is accomplished using a time division protocol.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a stair climbing vehicle, such as a wheelchair is disclosed. Front and back sensors are provided for detecting a stairway or slope. The electronic control system determines from the sensor data whether the slope has an acceptable incline for traversing. If it is not acceptable, the vehicle will be prevented from entering onto the stairway or slope. A seat for a user is tilted in accordance with electronic controls to keep the user approximately vertical with respect to gravity as the vehicle traverses the stairs. The allowed operation of the vehicle is controlled via parameters which can be changed by removable memory which configures the vehicle for a particular user or group of users.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detecting the angle of an incline, such as a staircase, before it is reached by the wheelchair. A control signal is provided to a motor for tilting the seat to cause the seat to be tilted to a predetermined minimum safe angle before the wheelchair reaches the staircase. The minimum safe angle is an angle of tilt at which the wheelchair will not roll over if the tilting mechanism should fail to completely rotate the seat to a horizontal position and as the stairs are descended. The minimum safe angle is determined by the position of the center of gravity of the wheelchair which is affected by the users weight. If the seat does not achieve this minimum tilt, the wheelchair is prevented from going over the stairs.