Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in database hosting and other systems, such as systems for real estate and other transactions with distributed clients. The methods and systems are directed to maintaining and updating core data to ensure all clients and users have correct data for the transactions. Core data is maintained and updated, in part, by use of append-only ledger systems that assigns a unique identifier to events (inputs) received from users. Such methods and system may be implemented by a cloud-based hosting service. The methods and systems may use an append-only ledger and support schema validation, subscriptions and event replay. The replay of events from the ledger may use a subscription and replay fanout tables.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A magnetic device having height includes a magnetic core, a first foil winding, and a second foil winding. The magnetic core includes first and second inner posts separated from each other in the height direction by a first inner gap and first and second outer elements separated from each other in the height direction by a first outer gap. The first foil winding is wound around the first inner post without extending along a height of the first inner gap and without extending along a height of the first outer gap. The second foil winding is wound around the second inner post without extending along the height of the first inner gap and without extending along the height of the first outer gap.

Abstract: High power output may be obtained from a photovoltaic (PV) system by controlling each photovoltaic cell of a solar array individually to operate at its maximum power point. Each cell may have associated power electronics and control circuitry that may be integrated together on a chip which may be advantageously implemented in CMOS, enabling reductions in cost and size. A perturb and observe algorithm may be used to find the maximum power point by measuring the power produced at different operating points, and modifying the operating point in the direction of increased power production. In one aspect, performance of a perturb and observe algorithm may be improved in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: A system for optical communications may include a multiplicity of optical communications relay platforms that each move above a surface of the earth. Each relay platform may include a relay link for communications between adjacent relay platforms. The system may also include a plurality of ground stations. Each ground station may be configured to communicate with another of the ground stations through at least one of the relay platforms. Each ground station may include an optical communications link for optical communications with successive relay platforms. The optical link of each ground station may be configured for handover connections between the successive relay platforms as the relay platforms move relative to the earth. The system may additionally include a network operations center having a link controller. The link controller may be configured to control switching of the communications links for hitless transmission between the ground stations.

Abstract: High power output may be obtained from a photovoltaic (PV) system by controlling each photovoltaic cell of a solar array individually to operate at its maximum power point. Each cell may have associated power electronics and control circuitry that may be integrated together on a chip which may be advantageously implemented in CMOS, enabling reductions in cost and size. A perturb and observe algorithm may be used to find the maximum power point by measuring the power produced at different operating points, and modifying the operating point in the direction of increased power production. In one aspect, performance of a perturb and observe algorithm may be improved in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A mechanical scraper with synchronized pulse electrothermal deicing includes a heating element that is coupled to a power supply and that is operable to convert power from the power supply into heating energy. A controller controls the magnitude and duration in which power is applied to the heating element, such that only an interfacial layer of ice at an ice-object interface is disrupted for a sufficient period of time to allow the scraper to move or remove the dislodged ice/snow. A scraper then works over the surface to be deiced, thus removing the ice before the interfacial layer re-freezes. Another method of the present invention electromagnetically induces current at the ice-to-object interface, to melt interfacial ice, using coils and a high frequency power supply disposed proximal to the scraper.

Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied to ice (530) to generate a resistive AC having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice at interface (554). A first electrode (510) and a second electrode (514) proximate to the interface are separated by an electrical insulator (512). An AC power source (520) provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes to create the alternating electric field. A portion of the capacitive AC associated with the alternating electric field is present in the interfacial ice as conductivity (resistive) AC, which causes dielectric loss heating in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: A test fixture couples with a test instrument to measure impedance of a device. An upper layer of the test fixture has (a) a first and a second solder pad for electrical connection to the device, (b) a first, second, third and fourth multi-solder pad for electrical connection to four connectors, (c) a first conductor track for connecting the first solder pad to a signal solder pad of the first multi-solder pad, (d) a second conductor track for connecting the first solder pad to a signal solder pad of the second multi-solder pad, (e) a third conductor track for connecting the second solder pad to a signal solder pad of the third multi-solder pad, and (f) a fourth conductor track for connecting the second solder pad to a signal solder pad of the fourth multi-solder pad. Each multi-solder pad has at least one return path solder pad. A lower layer of the test fixture has conductor tracks connected to the return path solder pad of each multi-solder pad.

Abstract: An improved drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore comprising a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter, a lubrication system for a rolling cone cutter, at least one lubrication sensor for monitoring at least one condition of said lubricant during drilling operations, and an electronics member in the bit body for recording data obtained form said lubrication sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming mono-sized-dispersed spherical particles from a conductive liquid utilizes inductive coupling to cause a pressure oscillation in a plenum feeding a jet-forming nozzle. The inductive coupling is provided by a transformer where one loop is the conductive liquid. The invention also features a device with single or multiple orifice nozzle plates reliably manufactured using etching techniques. The invention also features methods for protecting jet-forming orifices from destruction attack by a corrosive liquid. The invention also features means to create simultaneously, tailored mixtures of mono-size-dispersed powder sizes. The invention also features a system and method for “pre-wetting” fine pores and orifices and for encouraging liquid penetration of the fine pores and filter without recourse to very high differential pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for handling customer requests regarding delivery services. These methods and systems include receiving via a network, such as the Internet, a customer request regarding delivery services, validating the received information and sending the information to a database for recordation. Then, in response, receiving an indication from the database regarding whether the information was successfully recorded and sending to the customer a confirmation number regarding the recorded information. For example, a user desiring hold mail or redelivery services may navigate to a web page of the delivery service for requesting these services. The user may then enter information regarding their request for services. This request may then be forwarded to a database that is accessible by the particular delivery unit that provides delivery services to the user's address. The delivery unit may then retrieve and handle the user's request accordingly.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.

Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied to ice (530) to generate a resistive AC having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice at interface (554). A first electrode (510) and a second electrode (514) proximate to the interface are separated by an electrical insulator (512). An AC power source (520) provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes to create the alternating electric field. A portion of the capacitive AC associated with the alternating electric field is present in the interfacial ice as conductivity (resistive) AC, which causes dielectric loss heating in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for modifying ice adhesion strength of ice adhered to an object. The system includes an electrode that is electrically insulated from the object and a DC source, e.g., a battery coupled to the object and the electrode. The source generates a DC bias to an interference between the ice and the object when the ice completes the circuit. The system preferably includes an electrically insulating material disposed-between the object and the electrode. In another embodiment, a coating comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is applied to a object. Electromagnetic energy causes the coating to generate heat, which melts snow and ice.