Abstract: A deployable aerodynamic component configured to be mounted to a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The deployable aerodynamic component configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during deployment of the deployable aerodynamic component and to allow the passage therethrough of an incoming wind when non-deployed. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described deployable aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described deployable aerodynamic component to a wind turbine.

Abstract: A lightguide assembly including structures to provide for outcoupling of light from an internal reflection structure. In an embodiment, a lightguide assembly includes light transmissive bodies forming respective corrugations which are coupled to one another. Optical coatings are variously disposed between the respective corrugations, wherein the optical coatings provide for redirection of light from the lightguide assembly. In another embodiment, optical coatings are each applied to a respective one of alternate facets of a corrugation. Polymer film portions provide mechanical support for the optical coatings during application to the corrugation.

Abstract: A process is described for introducing a catalyst into a polymerization zone by detecting one or a combination of (i) a change in a concentration of the catalyst in a catalyst feed stream upstream of the polymerization zone, (ii) a change in a concentration of monomer in the polymerization zone, and (iii) a change in a polymer production rate of the polymerization zone, adjusting a first catalyst flow rate of the catalyst in the catalyst feed stream to a second catalyst flow rate based on the one or a combination of (i), (ii), and (iii), and introducing the catalyst into the polymerization zone downstream of a location in the catalyst feed stream where the step of adjusting is performed. A catalyst injection system for carrying out such a process is also provided.

Abstract: A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range.

Abstract: A system and method for startup of a polyolefin reactor temperature control system having a first reactor temperature control path, a second reactor temperature control path, and a shared temperature control path. In some embodiments, during startup the second reactor temperature control path is configured to allow the temperature of a second reactor to rise due to the heat of the exothermic polymerization reaction occurring within the reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature. In other embodiments, during startup a first reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a cooler, and a second reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a heater, to raise the temperature of the second reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to a photodiode-augmented infrared (IR) motion sensor are provided. The IR motion sensor can be used to sense mid-IR range radiation emitting from a person. Within the IR motion sensor, incident mid-IR range radiation impinges on an IR sensing element situated behind a Fresnel lens. Thus, when the person crosses a particular region in the range of the IR motion sensor, the IR sensing element detects a change in radiation signature, and can subsequently notify another system, such as a security system, of the change. The IR motion sensor also includes an ambient light-sensing element configured to provide information used to perform a quality check, such as to rule out “false positive” outputs, on information output from the IR sensing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a heat spreader including a vapor chamber, a fluid in the vapor chamber, a wick disposed in the vapor chamber, the wick comprising a metal wick structure, and a coating on wick comprising carbon nanotubes for promoting incipient boiling of the fluid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method can comprise facilitating display on an electronic display of one or more available time slots available at a store to a user. In many embodiments, the method can further comprise receiving a selection over an electronic transmission system of a first time slot from the user, the one or more available time slots comprising the first time slot and receiving, in an electronic order cart, a selection of a plurality of items from the user. In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, after receiving the selection of the plurality of items from the user, determining that the plurality of items are available in a store inventory of the store.

Abstract: A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range.

Abstract: Permanent magnets are used for several important applications, including dc electrical motors, wind turbines, hybrid automobile, and for many other applications. Modern widely used rare-earth based permanent magnet materials, such as Sm—Co and Nd—Fe—B, are generally intermetallic alloys made from rare earth elements and transition metals such as cobalt. However, the high costs of rare earth elements make the widespread use of these permanent magnets commercially unattractive. The present work focuses on producing a new permanent magnet material, with good magnetic properties, which is free from rare-earth elements and thus cost-effective. The present invention provides a process to synthesis boron doped manganese antimonide as an alternative to rare earth based permanent magnet materials. The boron doped manganese antimonide disclosed in this invention is free from rare-earth element with good magnetic properties.

Abstract: A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range.

Abstract: A high density capacitor comprises a housing having a cavity, and a plurality of capacitors forming at least one capacitor bank disposed in the housing cavity. A native cooling fluid is disposed in the cavity, and a heat exchanger is coupled to the housing. A pump is configured to circulate the native cooling fluid from the cavity, through the heat exchanger, through the spacings along an outer surface of each of the capacitors to cool the capacitors using forced convection. The heat exchanger is configured to communicate a secondary fluid through the heat exchanger and draw heat from the native cooling fluid flowing through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may have a plenum having a plurality of openings configured to dispense the native cooling fluid from the heat exchanger proximate the at least one capacitor bank.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for handling temperature variation with optoelectronic components of a hazard detection system are described herein. A power characteristic of an optoelectronic component of the hazard detection system may be used to determine a temperature of an environment of the hazard detection system. A power characteristic of an optoelectronic component of the hazard detection system may be used to determine a smoke condition of an environment of the hazard detection system. Optoelectronic components of the hazard detection system may be optically coupled to determine a smoke condition of an environment of the hazard detection system. Multiple optoelectronics of the hazard detection system may be operative to detect forward scatter and back scatter of one or more types of light to determine a characteristic of a hazard particle.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is provided. The wind turbine blade includes a first section and a second section adjacent the first section. At least one of the first section and the second section includes a skin segment and a network of support members disposed within the skin segment. The network of support members is configured for expansion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a smoke chamber for a smoke detector are presented. Such a smoke chamber may include a housing, having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be through which an electromagnetic sensor and two or more electromagnetic emitters interact with an airspace within the housing. The second portion may have an airflow surface that at least partially defines a curved airflow path between the airspace within the housing and an external environment. The curved airflow path may curve radially outward.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to a photodiode-augmented infrared (IR) motion sensor are provided. The IR motion sensor can be used to sense mid-IR range radiation emitting from a person. Within the IR motion sensor, incident mid-IR range radiation impinges on an IR sensing element situated behind a Fresnel lens. Thus, when the person crosses a particular region in the range of the IR motion sensor, the IR sensing element detects a change in radiation signature, and can subsequently notify another system, such as a security system, of the change. The IR motion sensor also includes an ambient light-sensing element configured to provide information used to perform a quality check, such as to rule out “false positive” outputs, on information output from the IR sensing element.

Abstract: A system and method for startup of a polyolefin reactor temperature control system having a first reactor temperature control path, a second reactor temperature control path, and a shared temperature control path. In some embodiments, during startup the second reactor temperature control path is configured to allow the temperature of a second reactor to rise due to the heat of the exothermic polymerization reaction occurring within reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature. In other embodiments, during startup a first reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a cooler, and a second reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a heater, to raise the temperature of the second reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for startup of a polyolefin reactor temperature control system having a first reactor temperature control path, a second reactor temperature control path, and a shared temperature control path. In some embodiments, during startup the second reactor temperature control path is configured to allow the temperature of a second reactor to rise due to the heat of the exothermic polymerization reaction occurring within reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature. In other embodiments, during startup a first reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a cooler, and a second reactor temperature control path is configured to include a heat exchanger used as a heater, to raise the temperature of the second reactor until reaching a predetermined setpoint temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to a pyroelectric IR (PIR) motion sensor are provided. The provided PIR motion sensor can be used to determine an angular position of a moving person relative to the PIR motion sensor. The provided PIR motion sensor can be used to determine a proximity of a moving person relative to the PIR motion sensor. The angular position and the proximity can be used to identify a false alarm, estimate occupancy of a region, enable tracking of a target, and the like. In an example, the provided PIR motion sensor includes multiple PIR sensors and a Fresnel lens including lenslets configured to direct received IR radiation to at least two of the PIR sensors.