Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into electricity includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, a wiring harness, and a connection subsystem. The plurality of photovoltaic cells are electrically interconnected to form a positive node for supplying current to a load and a negative node for receiving current from the load. The wiring harness includes a plurality of flexible electrical conductors, each electrical conductor being electrically isolated within the wiring harness. The connection subsystem is operable to selectively connect the positive node to one of the electrical conductors of the wiring harness. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic modules may be connected to form a photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible photovoltaic submodules monolithically integrated onto a common flexible substrate. Each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells monolithically integrated onto the flexible substrate. A flexible photovoltaic module for converting light into an electric current includes a backplane layer for supporting the photovoltaic module. A first pottant layer is disposed on the backplane layer, and a photovoltaic submodule assembly is disposed on the first pottant layer. The photovoltaic submodule assembly has at least one photovoltaic submodule, where each photovoltaic submodule includes a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic cells. A second pottant layer is disposed on the photovoltaic submodule assembly, and a upper laminate layer disposed on the second pottant layer.

Abstract: A current limiting circuit comprises a current limiting element (R1) coupled between an input and an output of the current limiting circuit, and a controllable shunt element (M1) connected in parallel with the current limiting element. The current limiting circuit further comprises a control circuit (102) and a time delay circuit (104). The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal for application to a control input of the shunt element for controlling the shunt element between at least a first state and a second state responsive to a timing signal. The time delay circuit is configured to generate the timing signal, and is coupled between the input of the current limiting circuit and an input of the control circuit. The time delay circuit generates the timing signal based on a designated time constant and in a manner substantially independent of an amount of current passing through the current limiting element.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system for vehicles including but not limited to trailers of tractor-trailer rigs is provided. The system requires no modification to the wheel hubs or axle tubes and therefore may be incorporated as original equipment or in the form of retrofit kits. Communication is provided between a pressurized air reservoir through the axle tubes and through a spindle sleeve disposed on the end of each tube into a sealed chamber. The chamber is defined by the spindle hub, hub cover, rotary seal and spindle sleeve or seal carrier attached to a spindle nut. The seal carrier encloses the end of the axle. At least one air passageway is provided in the spindle hub which provides communication to the wheel valves. The control system includes a plurality of multi-port two-way pneumatic valves.

Abstract: The plunger of the valve has a semi-spherical valve member of reduced diameter, so that it is inwardly spaced from the ribs of the cage. The plunger is centralized and guided by top and bottom stems attached to the ball and working loosely in apertured webs carried by the cage and seat member. The cage has 2 or 3 ribs only, so that the windows are wider. The cage web is downwardly spaced from the top of the cage, to maximize the area of the cage outlet. The valve member has a reduced diameter neck at its upper end, to keep the valve member downwardly spaced from the cage web when the valve is fully open. As a result of these features the cross-sectional areas of the flow passage through the opened valve are increased. The stems are preferably straight-sided and the web openings are circular so fluid may flush out solids packing between the stems and webs. The valve has been improved to increase flow capacity and ensure line contact seating which can be maintained even though there is wear of the parts.

Abstract: The travelling check valve of the pump is adapted to be automatically opened at the bottom of the down stroke, so that gasses trapped between the travelling and standing check valves may escape and eliminate gas locking. The valve member of the travelling check valve is provided with a downwardly extending, axial stem. The barrel carries a stationary pin extending transversely across its bore just above the standing check valve. The pump piston, carrying the travelling check valve, brings the stem into contact with the pin as the piston reaches the bottom of its down stroke. This causes the valve member to temporarily unseat until the piston commences the up stroke.

Abstract: The plunger of the valve has a ball of reduced diameter, so that it is inwardly spaced from the ribs of the cage. The plunger is centralized and guided by top and bottom stems attached to the ball and working in apertured webs carried by the cage and seat member. The cage has 3 ribs only, so that the windows are wider. As a result of these features the areas of the flow passage through the valve are increased. The stems are straight-sided and the web openings are circular so fluid may flush out solids packing between the stems and webs. The valve has been improved to increase flow capacity.