Abstract: A flyback converter is provided that includes a base driver for driving a base current into a base of a BJT power switch. The base driver is controlled so as to adaptively vary the base current across at least some of the pulses.

Abstract: A switching power converter is provided that includes a detector to detect whether a controller power supply voltage has fallen below a threshold voltage during a dormant period in which a power switch is no longer cycling to deliver power to a load. In response to a detection of such a threshold crossing by the detector, a controller powered by the controller power supply voltage is configured to cycle the power switch to replenish the controller power supply voltage.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy dissipating unit and a controller. The power converter comprises a generator-side converter, a grid-side converter and a DC (direct current) link there between. The energy dissipating unit is operatively coupled to the DC-link. The controller is adapted to activate the energy dissipating unit to dissipate energy from the DC-link in response to a shutdown request.

Abstract: A method for estimating an output voltage of a power converter comprises sensing a voltage waveform representative of the output voltage; and detecting a first gap and a second gap. The first gap is between a time when the sensed voltage waveform crosses a first voltage reference and a time when the sensed voltage waveform crosses a second voltage reference at a voltage offset below the first voltage reference. The second gap is between a time when the sensed voltage waveform crosses a third voltage reference and a time when the sensed voltage waveform crosses the second voltage reference, the third voltage referenced at a predetermined voltage above the second voltage reference. Responsive to the first gap exceeding a threshold, a tracking error is computed based on the first gap; and responsive to the first gap not exceeding the threshold, the tracking error is computed based on the second gap.

Abstract: Novel peptidomimetics comprising N-amino cyclic urea residues are disclosed. Use of such peptidomimetics for modulating the activity of CD36 or IL-1 receptor in a cell, and for treating CD36- or IL-1-related disease, disorder or condition is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlled shutdown of wind turbines. The method involves using a generator side converter, and optionally a DC chopper, as a generator load during controlled shutdown. In this way gearbox back-lashing and drive train oscillations can be avoided. The present invention also relates to a wind turbine capable of performing controlled shutdown in accordance with the before-mentioned method.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy dissipating unit and a controller. The power converter comprises a generator-side converter, a grid-side converter and a DC (direct current) link there between. The energy dissipating unit is operatively coupled to the DC-link The controller is adapted to activate the energy dissipating unit to dissipate energy from the DC-link in response to a shutdown request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to an interior region of a hollow, tubular, high aspect ratio workpiece are disclosed. A plurality of anodes are disposed in axially spaced apart arrangement, to the interior of the workpiece. A process gas is introduced into the region. A respective individualized DC or pulsed DC bias is applied to each of the anodes. The bias excites the process gas into a plasma. The workpiece is biased in a hollow cathode arrangement. Pressure is controlled in the interior region to maintain the plasma. An elongated support tube arranges the anodes, and receives a process gas tube. A current splitter provides a respective selected proportion of a total current to each anode. One or more notch diffusers or chamber diffusers may diffuse the process gas or a plasma moderating gas. Plasma impedance and distribution may be controlled using various means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to an interior region of a hollow, tubular, high aspect ratio workpiece are disclosed. A plurality of anodes are disposed in axially spaced apart arrangement, to the interior of the workpiece. A process gas is introduced into the region. A respective individualized DC or pulsed DC bias is applied to each of the anodes. The bias excites the process gas into a plasma. The workpiece is biased in a hollow cathode arrangement. Pressure is controlled in the interior region to maintain the plasma. An elongated support tube arranges the anodes, and receives a process gas tube. A current splitter provides a respective selected proportion of a total current to each anode. One or more notch diffusers or chamber diffusers may diffuse the process gas or a plasma moderating gas. Plasma impedance and distribution may be controlled using various means.

Abstract: Novel peptidomimetics comprising N-amino cyclic urea residues are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to an interior region of a hollow, tubular, high aspect ratio workpiece are disclosed. A plurality of anodes are disposed in axially spaced apart arrangement, to the interior of the workpiece. A process gas is introduced into the region. A respective individualized DC or pulsed DC bias is applied to each of the anodes. The bias excites the process gas into a plasma. The workpiece is biased in a hollow cathode arrangement. Pressure is controlled in the interior region to maintain the plasma. An elongated support tube arranges the anodes, and receives a process gas tube. A current splitter provides a respective selected proportion of a total current to each anode. One or more notch diffusers or chamber diffusers may diffuse the process gas or a plasma moderating gas. Plasma impedance and distribution may be controlled using various means.

Abstract: A hand wielded weapon including a flexible elongated lanyard with connector means for receiving an innocuous container and keys and/or other objects, the container configured for releasably dispensing upon sufficient impact a selected substance capable of marking for identification of, distracting, and/or temporarily incapacitating, an assailant. The lanyard provides increased length for distancing the user from the assailant when using the weapon.

Abstract: The invention provides traffic safety apparatus including light-to-frequency converters for monitoring the status of traffic signals and tail lights of same lane close proximity preceding vehicles and when dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are detected, visually and/or audibly providing an alert signal to the driver. The monitored information can be real-time recorded in the drivers vehicle and if desired, transmitted by wireless to off-vehicle receivers. Recording the information in the vehicle establishes an operational history that can be important for such uses as accident reconstruction, whereas information transmitted by wireless can be recorded by entities such as law enforcement, thereby adding an additional measure of traffic safety as well as providing documentation of driving infractions.

Abstract: An information assembly for monitoring vehicular operational parameters that contributes to dangerous vehicular operation. The driver of the vehicle may also be monitored. The assembly includes a microprocessor for data analysis to determine driver and vehicular operational anomalies. An information display area is installed interior of the vehicle to be viewable by the driver, and at least one display unit installed to be viewable exterior of the vehicle. The display viewable by exterior observers can be installed on the vehicle or at some other convenient location. Wireless transmission capabilities are included for exterior display of the processed information.

Abstract: A telephone mounting stand or display holder includes a base member having a plug for tight fitting frictional engagement into the finger sockets of a standard telephone and includes vertically extending support members supporting a generally outwardly opening U-shaped display holding frame having a plurality of slots for receiving and holding sheets of display material. The holder includes a hand grip of a similar configuration to that of the standard telephone formed in the base member, substantially co-extensive with the finger sockets of the standard telephone and further includes a business card holding rack of the back side thereof.

Abstract: A solar powered street lighting system that is totally independent of any external power supply. Solar panels are connected in such a manner to charge a maintenance-free storage battery with sufficient capacity to light street lights and/or traffic signals. An auxiliary generator may also be provided having a wind driven vane for also charging the battery if sufficient sun light is not available.

Abstract: A vidicon reader consisting of a vidicon camera dimensioned to the size of a penlight for being handheld, e.g., approximately 20 millimeters in diameter, with associated video electronics integrally packaged therewith having an FM modulated composite video output for reception by a television receiver for video display. The user holds the vidicon camera in his hand like a pen as he uses it to scan a printed page, for example, which is then magnified on the television receiver screen for better readability.

Abstract: A visor optical camera viewing system for sighting a camera for taking candid photographs includes a visor mounted mirror utilized in combination with a vertically oriented viewing screen on a camera for permitting a photographer to hold the camera at waist level and sight the camera in any direction from side to side or ahead while having the head and eyes turned straight ahead. This arrangement permits the taking of candid photographs without the subject being aware of the taking of the picture.