Abstract: A wiring combiner box for combining wires from photovoltaic panels includes a fuse block mounted to a side wall of an enclosure. This construction design allows for combiner boxes to be manufactured in a more narrow enclosure, and also makes it easier to connect the solar panel circuit conductors to the fuse terminal inputs, as the fuse terminal inputs are now more visible.

Abstract: A wiring combiner box for combining wires from photovoltaic panels includes a fuse block mounted to a side wall of an enclosure. This construction design allows for combiner boxes to be manufactured in a more narrow enclosure, and also makes it easier to connect the solar panel circuit conductors to the fuse terminal inputs, as the fuse terminal inputs are now more visible.

Abstract: A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.

Abstract: A system for converting a conventional vertical milling machine into a lathe includes a tool adapted to insert into the vertical spindle of the milling machine and is adapted to present a cutting edge aligned with the center vertical axis of the vertical milling machine spindle. A turning head assembly includes a horizontal spindle driven by an electric motor having an electric cooling fan. The turning head couples to the vertical milling machine so that it is adjustable in both the x and y directions. When used together, the turning bar and turning head enable conversion of milling machine to a lathe.

Abstract: A molecular structure. In one embodiment, the molecular structure includes a nanotube formed with a plurality of carbon atoms having a first end, an opposite, second end, and a body portion defined therebetween, wherein the body portion has an interior surface defining a cavity, an opposite, exterior surface and a longitudinal axis therethrough the cavity, and a porphyrin molecule having a plurality of carbon atoms and a first plurality of hydrogen atoms, wherein at its original state the porphyrin molecule has a plurality of pyrrole units and each pyrrole unit is coupled to another pyrrole unit through a methine bridge so as to form a ring structure with a second plurality of hydrogen atoms positioned peripherally along the ring structure. The porphyrin molecule is chemically coupled to the interior surface of the nanotube such that at least one of the second plurality of hydrogen atoms positioned peripherally along the ring structure is replaced by a carbon atom of the nanotube.

Abstract: A method of making a solenoid actuator by laser direct metal deposition can comprise heating with a laser an outer surface of a circumferential groove of a solenoid tube blank constructed of a first material to create a heated area and depositing a second material upon the heated area to form a layer of second material. The second material can melt and then cool to thereby bond to the solenoid tube blank. A bore can be defined in the solenoid tube blank such that the bore includes an interior surface having a ring of second material disposed between a pair of portions of first material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heating device that defines a reaction zone therein and a susceptor made of a ferromagnetic material with a Curie temperature and placed in the reaction zone, where the Curie temperature substantially corresponds to a temperature at which the growth of desired nanostructures occurs and the heating device is capable of heating the susceptor substantially at the Curie temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor having a reaction zone and a conductive susceptor positioned in the reaction zone. The method includes the steps of transporting a gas mixture having an aerosolized catalyst, a feedstock and a carrier gas into the reaction zone of the reactor, inductively heating the reaction zone, and regulating a flow rate of the gas mixture to allow the catalyst to spend a sufficient amount of time in the reaction zone for the growth of nanostructures.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing nanostructures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heating device that defines a reaction zone therein and a susceptor made of a ferromagnetic material with a Curie temperature and placed in the reaction zone, where the Curie temperature substantially corresponds to a temperature at which the growth of desired nanostructures occurs and the heating device is capable of heating the susceptor substantially at the Curie temperature.

Abstract: A light controller capable of varying the brightness of a light emitting diode in a linear manner. The light controller may control a number of lights in a predetermined pattern or in a pattern designed by the user. A remote control may be used to control and interact with the light controller. The light controller may have inputs for audio signals, tachometer signals, or other external signals. The light controller may be coupled to other light controllers to enable the control of additional lights in a synchronized manner. The light controller may be particularly well suited to controlling light emitting diodes and controlling lights in a vehicle accent lighting application, although many other uses may be apparent.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing gas into a large body of liquid, including a horizontal frame on ballast adjustable floats, a pressurized gas source, a vertical shaft rotatable about its axis, and a plurality of blades submerged in the liquid and extending radially from a hub on the lower end of the shaft. The blades each have an elastomeric membrane around a longitudinal member, where the longitudinal member is hollow with a closed end and in communication with the pressurized gas source through the shaft on the other end, with openings through its lower side, and the elastomeric membrane has perforations which are spaced from the longitudinal member openings. A drive on the platform rotates the shaft via a ring gear around the shaft with a key connection thereto allowing axial movement therethrough, and an inwardly facing surface supported on bearings. A selectively driven and smaller pinion gear directly engages the ring gear.

Abstract: A solenoid valve utilizes a single unitary member as a combined core/spool which is axially moveable between an extended deactivated position to a retracted activated position upon actuation of its coil. The valve includes a coil in which the windings on a bobbin are encapsulated by injection molding an outer member therearound. The valve also includes a washer which becomes adhered to the outer member during injection molding, a plug member supported on the washer and a sleeve encircling the coil. The plug member has an end positioned to be contacted by the core/spool upon actuation which is contoured to provide minimal contact surface between it and the core/spool.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve is disclosed including a valve body, a pressure inlet port, a return port, and a regulated pressure port. A cavity is formed in the valve body, in fluid communication with the various ports. The cavity comprises a first chamber having a desired first diameter and a second chamber, having a desired second diameter greater than that of said first chamber. A solenoid-actuated spool is movably retained within said cavity for selectively connecting the regulated pressure port to the inlet port and return port in response to an actuation force. The spool comprises a first section, retained within the first chamber, and a second section, retained within the second chamber, and having a respective corresponding predetermined diameters. A fluid passage establishes fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber.