Abstract: Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided herein for sensing rain fall for use in irrigation control. In one embodiment, a wireless rain sensor comprises a housing at least partially covering a first sensor, a controller and a wireless transmitter. The first sensor comprises a moisture absorptive material located to be contacted by rain fall and configured to expand in response to the contact with the rain fall and contract in response to an absence of the rain fall. The controller is coupled to the first sensor and configured to output signals corresponding to a variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material. The wireless transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals, at least one wireless signal comprising data corresponding to the variable amount of expansion and contraction of the moisture absorptive material.

Abstract: A multilayer film comprises (a) two or more non-plasticized layers comprising lactic acid polymer and (b) one or more plasticized layers comprising lactic acid polymer and plasticizer sandwiched between the two or more lactic acid polymer layers; wherein the thickness of the one or more plasticized layers comprises from about 60% to about 70% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Abstract: A multilayer film comprises (a) two or more non-plasticized layers comprising lactic acid polymer and (b) one or more plasticized layers comprising lactic acid polymer and plasticizer sandwiched between the two or more lactic acid polymer layers; wherein the thickness of the one or more plasticized layers comprises from about 60% to about 70% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system includes a head support apparatus for engaging and securing the head of a patient, and a targeting frame configured to be secured to the body of a patient. The targeting frame includes a cooperating targeting cannula that is configured to guide placement of an interventional device through a burr hole in a patient's skull in vivo. The system includes an MRI-compatible camera positioned proximate to the head support apparatus, and an MRI-compatible imaging device having one end attached to the targeting frame to provide a local field of view of the burr hole, and an opposite end in communication with the camera. The system also includes a display output module coupled to the camera for receiving electrical signals therefrom and for displaying images corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system includes a head support apparatus for engaging and securing the head of a patient, and a targeting frame configured to be secured to the body of a patient. The targeting frame includes a cooperating targeting cannula that is configured to guide placement of an interventional device through a burr hole in a patient's skull in vivo. The system includes an MRI-compatible camera positioned proximate to the head support apparatus, and an MRI-compatible imaging device having one end attached to the targeting frame to provide a local field of view of the burr hole, and an opposite end in communication with the camera. The system also includes a display output module coupled to the camera for receiving electrical signals therefrom and for displaying images corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A solar concentrator panel having an array of off axis cylindrical parabolic mirrors with an optical design of relatively short focal length solar cells arranged in line that converts sunlight to electricity. The back surface of the mirrors are used as the solar cell mount and the heat sink for the adjacent mirror.

Abstract: A deployable/retractable photovoltaic concentrator solar array assembly for space applications that includes a plurality of solar array panels that are carried by a pantograph arm arrangement that is deployable to position the panels in a predetermined canted arrangement for receipt of solar radiation. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced cylindrical off axis parabolic mirrors that concentrate the reflected light on a line that falls upon a series of photovoltaic cells arranged longitudinally along the back of each mirror. The cylindrical parabolic mirrors are aligned with the cylindrical axis perpendicular to the axis about which the panels are canted, so that such canting causes no loss of focus. The array panels may be hardened to resist perceived threats and the pantograph arm arrangement is operable to position the array panels in a preferred orientation according to the nature of the threat.

Abstract: A solar energy splitting photovoltaic concentrator system that includes a first reflector that concentrates and directs sunlight to a high energy bandgap first photovoltaic array that absorbs and converts into electricity high energy photons. A second reflector formed integrally with the first photovoltaic array concentrates and reflects low energy photons back through the first photovoltaic array, which is transparent to the low energy photon, to a low energy bandgap second photovoltaic array that absorbs and converts the low energy photons.