Abstract: A system for assisting a user with navigating a set of stairs includes a pulley system positioned adjacent to the stairs, the pulley system including a first pulley, a second pulley, and an elongated member coupled to and looped around the first pulley and the second pulley. The system further includes a motor coupled to the first pulley, a sensing assembly operatively coupled to the pulley system, the sensing assembly being structured and configured to sense that a force is being applied to or that is about to be applied to the elongated member by the user, and a controller coupled to the motor and the sensing assembly. The controller is structured and configured to, responsive to the sensing assembly sensing the force, turn the motor on to drive the first pulley.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a dispatch operation of an energy storage system are provided. In particular, a degradation value of a present dispatch state of an energy storage system can be determined. The present dispatch state can specify one or more energy storage units presently coupled to the system. The degradation value can be determined based at least in part on one or more operating parameters, such as temperature, open circuit voltage, charge or discharge current, and/or contactor life. The degradation value can then be compared against one or more degradation values associated with one or more candidate dispatch states. A dispatch state can then be selected based on the comparison. One or more energy storage units can be selectively coupled to the energy storage system based at least in part on the selected dispatch state.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a dispatch operation of an energy storage system are provided. In particular, a degradation value of a present dispatch state of an energy storage system can be determined. The present dispatch state can specify one or more energy storage units presently coupled to the system. The degradation value can be determined based at least in part on one or more operating parameters, such as temperature, open circuit voltage, charge or discharge current, and/or contactor life. The degradation value can then be compared against one or more degradation values associated with one or more candidate dispatch states. A dispatch state can then be selected based on the comparison. One or more energy storage units can be selectively coupled to the energy storage system based at least in part on the selected dispatch state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes a plurality of battery strings connected in parallel with the battery strings having a plurality of batteries connected in series. The method includes determining, via a controller, one or more operating parameters of the energy storage system. The method also includes determining, via the controller, a maximum current rating of one or more of the battery strings. Another step includes estimating, via the controller, a voltage range for the one or more battery strings as a function of the one or more operating parameters and the maximum current rating. The method also includes dynamically controlling the one or more battery strings based on the voltage range so as to prevent over-current recharge or discharge of the parallel battery strings.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage device by more accurately detecting an end-of-discharge voltage of the energy storage device. More specifically, in one embodiment, the method includes determining an end-of-discharge voltage threshold for the energy storage device. Another step includes filtering the end-of-discharge voltage threshold via a filter. The method also includes adjusting a time constant of the filter based on at least one voltage-current condition. Still a further step includes comparing the filtered end-of-discharge voltage threshold and a terminal voltage of the energy storage device. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining a change of state of the energy storage device. Thus, the energy storage device can be controlled based on the change of state.

Abstract: An engine system includes a first motor-generator that generates electricity in a first mode and drives a first output shaft in a second mode and a first engine that is coupled to the first motor-generator and drives the first motor-generator in the first mode to generate electricity. The engine system also includes a second motor-generator that generates electricity in a first mode and drives a second output shaft in a second mode and a second engine that is coupled to the second motor-generator and drives the second motor-generator in the first mode to generate electricity. A control module changes the mode of operation of at least one of the first motor-generator and the second motor-generator from the first mode to the second mode based on a state of at least one of the first engine and the second engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes a plurality of battery strings connected in parallel with the battery strings having a plurality of batteries connected in series. The method includes determining, via a controller, one or more operating parameters of the energy storage system. The method also includes determining, via the controller, a maximum current rating of one or more of the battery strings. Another step includes estimating, via the controller, a voltage range for the one or more battery strings as a function of the one or more operating parameters and the maximum current rating. The method also includes dynamically controlling the one or more battery strings based on the voltage range so as to prevent over-current recharge or discharge of the parallel battery strings.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a dispatch operation of an energy storage system are provided. In particular, a degradation value of a present dispatch state of an energy storage system can be determined. The present dispatch state can specify one or more energy storage units presently coupled to the system. The degradation value can be determined based at least in part on one or more operating parameters, such as temperature, open circuit voltage, charge or discharge current, and/or contactor life. The degradation value can then be compared against one or more degradation values associated with one or more candidate dispatch states. A dispatch state can then be selected based on the comparison. One or more energy storage units can be selectively coupled to the energy storage system based at least in part on the selected dispatch state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for controlling an energy storage device by more accurately detecting an end-of-discharge voltage of the energy storage device. More specifically, in one embodiment, the method includes determining an end-of-discharge voltage threshold for the energy storage device. Another step includes filtering the end-of-discharge voltage threshold via a filter. The method also includes adjusting a time constant of the filter based on at least one voltage-current condition. Still a further step includes comparing the filtered end-of-discharge voltage threshold and a terminal voltage of the energy storage device. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining a change of state of the energy storage device. Thus, the energy storage device can be controlled based on the change of state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining health of an engine-generator set of a hybrid power system having at least one battery power source. For example, in one embodiment, a battery management system sends a start-up command to the engine-generator set. After sending the command, at least one start-up condition (e.g. a start-up time lapse, a start-up voltage parameter of a starter battery of the engine-generator set, or a voltage of the battery power source before sending the start-up command) is determined for the hybrid power system. Next, a start-up condition trend is generated based on a plurality of the start-up conditions over multiple start-ups. Thus, the engine-generator set health can be determined based on a comparison of the start-up condition trend and a threshold start-up condition for the engine-generator set.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for reducing current variability between a plurality of energy storage devices, e.g. battery modules. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a resistance of at least two of the plurality of energy storage devices. Another step includes modifying an operating temperature of one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices when the resistance of one or more of the energy storage devices is outside of a predetermined tolerance range for the energy storage devices. Thus, the step of modifying the operating temperature of one or more of the plurality of energy storage devices causes the plurality of energy storage devices to operate within the predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a medical use of cucurbitane triterpenoids represented by the following formula and isolated from Momordica charantia L. of Cucurbitaceae family in the preparation of medications for prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity. The above cucurbitane triterpenoids may be acted as a glucose uptake stimulator, an agonist for the translocation of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) to the cell membrane, and an activator of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). They may have potential for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides 13,13a-dihydroberberine derivatives or their physiologically acceptable salts represented by the following formula, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof. The 13,13a-dihydroberberine derivatives have an activity of promoting glucose absorption in muscle cells, and the whole animal tests show that the present compounds have effects on improving glucose-tolerance and insulin-resistance, facilitating weight loss, relieving fatty liver and the like. Thus, the present compounds can be used in treating diabetes mellitus, adiposity, fatty liver and complications thereof induced by insulin resistance.

Abstract: Configurable animal housing (caging) is arranged from an assortment of modules consisting of interchangeable frame cores, interstages, walls and divider panels that address a broad spectrum of animal housing needs. Various configurations include both open living and enrichment areas as well as isolation housing and are easily achieved using a quick-disconnect approach to assembly. Animal resistant lock assemblies hold modules together and use a common key to permit rapid changes of configuration without tools. Systems can address configurations for wall mounting, mobile racking, individual, and group housing, and almost any other configuration animal caregivers would want.

Abstract: An integrated fluidized bed ash cooler for a fluidized bed boiler, particularly a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler, employs at least two fluidized bed sections positioned in series along a solids flow path. Each section contains fluidizing means, the first section along the solids path being separated from a following section with a threshold. The first section contains means for measuring a bed temperature in the vicinity of the fluidizing means and at a higher elevation within the fluidized bed. Means are provided for removing oversized bed material from the first section to facilitate the removal of ash while minimizing the possibility of ash plugging during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fuel cell subsystem, a first circuit and a second circuit. The fuel cell subsystem produces power for a load in response to receiving a flow of a reactant, and the first circuit is coupled to the fuel cell subsystem to halt the flow to the fuel cell stack and isolate the fuel cell stack from the load after the flow is halted. The second circuit monitors a characteristic of the fuel cell subsystem and receives power from the stack to dissipate a portion of the reactant that remains in the stack while the flow is halted.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler includes plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of cooling tubes located within the CFB in a plurality of staggered rows. One embodiment employs a plurality of stacked, slip fit elements having apertures which accept the cooling tubes. The slip fit elements cooperate with one another to form a collecting channel, typically U-shaped, which separates particles from flue gases conveyed across the particle separators. Shiplap joints in between the individual slip fit elements prevent gas and solids from leaking therebetween and allow for thermal expansion. Alternatively, the impact type particle separators include cooling tubes connected to one another to form a unitary structure. Pin studs welded to the cooling tubes and covered with a coating of refractory; ceramic tiles; metal or ceramic spray coatings; metal or ceramic castings; weld overlay; and/or shields provide erosion resistance.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic monomers useful for forming polyesters are disclosed. Cost effective steps employed in the processes permit small amounts of process-related materials typically removed from monomer to remain in an aromatic monomer product. In many cases, the presence of the process-related materials left in the monomer product by the cost effective process steps can enhance the performance of the monomer in certain applications.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fuel cell subsystem, a first circuit and a second circuit. The fuel cell subsystem produces power for a load in response to receiving a flow of a reactant, and the first circuit is coupled to the fuel cell subsystem to halt the flow to the fuel cell stack and isolate the fuel cell stack from the load after the flow is halted. The second circuit monitors a characteristic of the fuel cell subsystem and receives power from the stack to dissipate a portion of the reactant that remains in the stack while the flow is halted.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from flue gas in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprises plural vertical, impact type particle separators made of cooling tubes located within the CFB in a plurality of staggered rows. One embodiment employs a plurality of stacked, slip fit elements having apertures which accept the cooling tubes. The slip fit elements cooperate with one another to form a collecting channel, typically U-shaped, which separates particles from flue gases conveyed across the particle separators. Shiplap joints in between the individual slip fit elements prevent gas and solids from leaking therebetween and allow for thermal expansion. Alternatively, the impact type particle separators comprise cooling tubes connected to one another to form a unitary structure. Pin studs welded to the cooling tubes and covered with a coating of refractory; ceramic tiles; metal or ceramic spray coatings; metal or ceramic castings; weld overlay; and/or shields provide erosion resistance.