Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Abstract: A p-n photovoltaic cell (10) comprising a crystalline-silicon structure (11) coated with a conductive film (12) formed using a p-type dopant solution and an n-type dopant solution, the p-type and n-type dopant solutions including carotenoid components. A method for manufacturing an encapsulated p-n photovoltaic cell using the p-n photovoltaic cell (10) and the use of these encapsulated photovoltaic cells (19) forming modules (15) that are used to form, with photovoltaic tiles (20), single parts with electrical energy generation and coverage functions. An electrical connection unit for a photovoltaic tile (20) that is used to simply and safely conduct the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic tiles (20) to an inverter.

Abstract: The disclosed receptacle and method of the present invention enables light, such as port status/operation indicator light for example, to pass through at least a portion of the receptacle, and in turn illuminate at least a portion of the receptacle. In one example application or embodiment the light that so illuminates the receptacle originates from a light source that is external to the receptacle, while in another example application or embodiment the light originates from a light source within the receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in a payload of a precision instrument are described. The payload may be supported by an intermediate mass. A feedback signal based upon sensed motion of the intermediate mass may be applied to an intermediate-mass actuator arranged to drive the intermediate mass. Additionally, a feedforward signal may be applied to a payload actuator arranged to drive the payload and used to suppress unwanted motion of the payload. The feedforward signal may be derived from a source within the apparatus or external to the apparatus that would otherwise cause unwanted motion of the payload.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in precision instruments are described. An active vibration-isolation system may include a feedback loop that senses motion of an intermediate mass. In noisy environments, where the feedback loop would otherwise fail or provide inadequate isolation, feedforward control can be implemented to sense floor vibrations and reduce motion of the intermediate mass that would otherwise be induced by the floor vibrations. The feedforward control can reduce motion of the intermediate mass to a level that allows the feedback loop to operate satisfactorily.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in a payload of a precision instrument are described. The payload may be supported by an intermediate mass. A feedback signal based upon sensed motion of the intermediate mass may be applied to an intermediate-mass actuator arranged to drive the intermediate mass. Additionally, a feedforward signal may be applied to a payload actuator arranged to drive the payload and used to suppress unwanted motion of the payload. The feedforward signal may be derived from a source within the apparatus or external to the apparatus that would otherwise cause unwanted motion of the payload.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in a payload of a precision instrument are described. The payload may be supported by an intermediate mass. A feedback signal based upon sensed motion of the intermediate mass may be applied to an intermediate-mass actuator arranged to drive the intermediate mass. Additionally, a feedforward signal may be applied to a payload actuator arranged to drive the payload and used to suppress unwanted motion of the payload. The feedforward signal may be derived from a source within the apparatus or external to the apparatus that would otherwise cause unwanted motion of the payload.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a storage container; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and at least partially separated from the upper portion by the cooling table section defining a plenum defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to circulate air to the cooling table section.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a storage container; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and at least partially separated from the upper portion by the cooling table section defining a plenum defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to circulate air to the cooling table section.

Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.

Abstract: An active damping system for use in connection with a vibration isolation system includes an intermediate mass between a base and an isolated payload. The intermediate mass is supported by at least one support element which also supports at least substantially all of the static forces of the isolated payload. An actuator dampens and isolates dynamic forces acting on the intermediate mass from the isolated payload. The active damping system also includes a payload support element and a passive damping element, both of which are coupled at one end to the payload platform and at an opposite end to the intermediate mass. A sensor is affixed to the intermediate mass to generate a feedback signal to a processor coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to reduce unwanted motion in a payload of a precision instrument are described. The payload may be supported by an intermediate mass. A feedback signal based upon sensed motion of the intermediate mass may be applied to an intermediate-mass actuator arranged to drive the intermediate mass. Additionally, a feedforward signal may be applied to a payload actuator arranged to drive the payload and used to suppress unwanted motion of the payload. The feedforward signal may be derived from a source within the apparatus or external to the apparatus that would otherwise cause unwanted motion of the payload.

Abstract: An active damping system for use in connection with a vibration isolation system includes an intermediate mass between a base and an isolated payload. The intermediate mass is supported by at least one support element which also supports at least substantially all of the static forces of the isolated payload. An actuator dampens and isolates dynamic forces acting on the intermediate mass from the isolated payload. The active damping system also includes a payload support element and a passive damping element, both of which are coupled at one end to the payload platform and at an opposite end to the intermediate mass. A sensor is affixed to the intermediate mass to generate a feedback signal to a processor coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.

Abstract: An active damping system for use in connection with a vibration isolation system includes an intermediate mass between a base and an isolated payload. The intermediate mass is supported by at least one support element which also supports at least substantially all of the static forces of the isolated payload. An actuator dampens and isolates dynamic forces acting on the intermediate mass from the isolated payload. The active damping system also includes a payload support element and a passive damping element, both of which are coupled at one end to the payload platform and at an opposite end to the intermediate mass. A sensor is affixed to the intermediate mass to generate a feedback signal to a processor coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a winemaking process using the traditional method of vinification except that, after fermentation, a chitosan-based film is placed in contact with the wine and no sulfur dioxide is added. The present invention also relates to a process for preparation of a chitosan-based film by modification of the chitosan with natural compounds, which allows to produce chitosan films stable in acidic medium, with high antioxidant activity, while maintaining the antimicrobial activity. In one embodiment, the films are prepared by covalent linkage to the chitosan of molecules, such as genipin, which results in decreasing its solubility in acidic medium, and also of molecules with high antioxidant activity, such as caffeic acid, or grape and wine extracts rich in compounds with antioxidant activity.

Abstract: An active damping system for use in connection with a vibration isolation system includes an intermediate mass between a base and an isolated payload. The intermediate mass is supported by at least one support element which also supports at least substantially all of the static forces of the isolated payload. An actuator dampens and isolates dynamic forces acting on the intermediate mass from the isolated payload. The active damping system also includes a payload support element and a passive damping element, both of which are coupled at one end to the payload platform and at an opposite end to the intermediate mass. A sensor is affixed to the intermediate mass to generate a feedback signal to a processor coupled to the actuator.