Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for loading and unloading a tape storage medium. In one embodiment, an apparatus for such purpose includes a mechanized take-up reel. The mechanized take-up reel includes an inner hub, an outer hub being selectively nonrotatably coupleable with the inner hub (where at least one of the hubs is coupled to a rotating mechanism), a tongue coupled to the inner hub, and a slot in the outer hub for permitting the tongue to extend beyond a periphery of a tape engaging surface of the outer hub upon relative rotation between the inner and outer hubs.

Abstract: An air handler unit (AHU) in communication with a building automation system (BAS) or through direct programming of one or more smart valves within the AHU operates to meter an amount of water that flows through a coil in the AHU. In one embodiment, the BAS transmits a temperature setpoint signal to the smart valve and allows the smart valve to control its valve position without additional input from the BAS. In another embodiment, the AHU includes a master smart valve and a second valve. The BAS provides the temperature setpoint signal to the master smart valve, which in turn provides another temperature setpoint signal to the second valve. The second valve may take the form of a slave smart valve or a slave non-smart valve.

Abstract: A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed.

Abstract: A device for drying and torrefaction of at least one carbon-containing material flow in a multiple-hearth furnace includes a drying zone, a torrefaction zone, a heat exchanger for heating the drying gas flow, the discharge point of the drying zone being connected via the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the drying zone; and a combustion assembly, wherein the discharge point of the torrefaction zone is connected via the combustion assembly and the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the torrefaction zone, wherein a torrefaction gas flow discharged via the discharge point of the torrefaction zone is combusted in the combustion assembly and the resulting exhaust gas is used in the heat exchanger to heat the drying gas flow and is fed to the torrefaction zone, wherein the drying zone and the torrefaction zone comprise two separate gas circulations.

Abstract: An air handler unit (AHU) in communication with a building automation system (BAS) or through direct programming of one or more smart valves within the AHU operates to meter an amount of water that flows through a coil in the AHU. In one embodiment, the BAS transmits a temperature setpoint signal to the smart valve and allows the smart valve to control its valve position without additional input from the BAS. In another embodiment, the AHU includes a master smart valve and a second valve. The BAS provides the temperature setpoint signal to the master smart valve, which in turn provides another temperature setpoint signal to the second valve. The second valve may take the form of a slave smart valve or a slave non-smart valve.

Abstract: A spring-like clip for a spool of tape, one end of the clip being attached to one end of the tape, and another end of the clip having an engagement feature that allows the clip to be pulled from the spool. The clip is configured to curve around the spool to hold the tape in place. In one general embodiment, a product includes a reel, a tape coupled to the reel, and a spring-like clip coupled to a free end of the tape. The clip is selectively positionable in a wrapped position where the clip wraps around a portion of the tape when the tape is wound onto the reel, thereby holding the portion of the tape in place on the reel. Systems for using various types of such products are presented, and generally include a tape drive configured for reading data from tape stored on such products.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system includes a tape support surface configured to receive a plurality of tape spools, and a plurality of robotic accessors capable of picking the tape spools from the tape support surface, transporting the tape spools, and releasing the tape spools at a drop location. The accessors are capable of passing each other during the transporting. Another system includes a first tape support surface configured to receive a plurality of tape spools, a second tape support surface facing the first tape support surface, and a plurality of robotic accessors capable of picking the tape spools from the tape support surface, transporting the tape spools, and releasing the tape spools at a drop location. At least one of the accessors is capable of picking tape spools from both tape support surfaces.

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a substance (144) using energy to protect, at a site of activation, against a side effect of another substance (156) that was delivered, is being delivered, and/or will be delivered, at another site. The activation may be non-invasive, remote and the energy beam (140) may be an ultrasound beam. A first of the substances can be activated at a particular energy level, and the second is then activated at a lower level so that a population of particles bearing the first substance is not inadvertently activated during activation of the second substance. The device may comprise a system to control the levels of energy applied.

Abstract: Ultrasound mediated delivery (USMD), real-time quantitative feedback derived (S264) therefrom, and proceeding by the system based on the feedback all are, in some embodiments, operable automatically and without need for user intervention. USMD may occur in a clinical setting accompanied by assays (S276) or real-time feedback, or by means of a wearable device that, based on feedback, regulates USMD in real time. Optionally, the user is provided an indication (S281) as to progress or success, of a treatment. Electrodes (128) may be attached across tissue in which transient pores are produced via sonoporation in the USMD procedure, and in vivo measurement is taken of an electrical parameter responsive to permeability. Therapeutic agent (S202) may be administered after particles activated for sonoporation are cleared from the circulation, to avoid, when it might exist, adverse interaction between the particles and agent.

Abstract: A method of generating and redeeming a plurality of coupons includes generating a first coupon, generating a second coupon, distributing the first coupon to the first consumer, and distributing the second coupon to the second consumer. Generating a first coupon includes selecting a first group of offers from a plurality of offers such that the first group of offers is individually customized to the first consumer, and printing a first bar code identifying a first account and indicating that the first coupon relates to the first group of offers. Generating a second coupon includes selecting a second group of offers, and printing a second bar. Each of the plurality of offers is redeemable for a discount on a corresponding one of a plurality of products offered for sale, and the first group of offers differs from the second group of offers.

Abstract: A chilled water distribution system includes a chilled water loop in fluid communication with a plurality of buildings and also in fluid communication with a plurality of chiller stations. A monitoring and control system communicates with one of the chiller stations, hereinafter referred to as a. “controlled” chiller station because it is configured with one or more variable frequency drives that are controlled by the monitoring and control system to modulate the speed of at least one chiller station component such as, but not limited to, a pump or a fan. By way of this modulation process, a differential pressure of the chilled water loop may be maintained in a “sweet spot” so as to optimize chiller station output while minimizing chiller station energy consumption.

Abstract: A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed.

Abstract: A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for drying and torrefaction of at least one carbon-containing material flow in a multiple-hearth furnace substantially comprises a drying zone, which comprises a feed device for feeding a carbon-containing material flow, a discharge point for discharging a drying gas flow containing water vapour and an infeed point for recycling at least a part of the drying gas flow, a torrefaction zone for degassing the material flow dried in the drying zone, which comprises a discharge point for discharging a torrefied material flow, at least one infeed point for an exhaust gas and a discharge point for a torrefaction gas flow, a heat exchanger for heating the drying gas flow, the discharge point of the drying zone being connected via the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the drying zone, a combustion assembly, wherein the discharge point of the torrefaction zone is connected via the combustion assembly and the heat exchanger to the infeed point of the torrefaction zone, wherei

Abstract: A system for controlling energy consumption in a building having a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) which includes using an external application to perform HVAC energy consumption optimization algorithms and other external energy control functions and transmit application control data to a building automation system (BAS), which in turn provides hardware level equipment control for the HVAC system. The external application evaluates equipment data received from the HVAC system by way of the BAS and processes these equipment data to provide application control data back to the BAS. The application control data are calculated to achieve a desired operating efficiency for the HVAC system.

Abstract: A controller is configured to exchange information with a building automation system and includes various executable programs for determining a real time operating efficiency, simulating a predicted or theoretical operating efficiency, comparing the same, and then adjusting one or more operating parameters on equipment utilized by a building's HVAC system. The controller operates to adjust an operating efficiency of the HVAC system. An adjustment module utilized by the controller may modify the HVAC equipment parameters based on the likelihood that various HVAC equipment operates in parallel and on-line near its natural operating curve. In addition, the adjustment module may include a self-learning aspect that permits the controller to more efficiently make similar, future adjustments as needed.