Abstract: A system for configuring a solar concentrator has a parabolic solar concentrator that is moved by a mechanical alignment system for aligning the concentrator relative to the sun. A GPS receiver receives GPS signals and extracts a local time value for use in calculating the sun's position. An optical encoder provides a position of the solar concentrator relative to a known reference point, and a calibration circuit returns the parabolic solar concentrator to the known reference point at intervals in order to reduce effects of cumulative error within the optical encoder. A processor determines a position of the sun based on the local time value, and determines an adjustment for moving the solar concentrator from a current position thereof into an aligned condition with the sun. A signal is provided from the processor to a controller for moving the solar concentrator into the aligned condition.

Abstract: A quasi-parabolic reflector and method are provided for a solar concentrator which produces a unique radiation pattern which is less susceptible to surface defects, less sensitive to target distance irregularities, and having greater uniformity of intensity for PV applications in comparison to that produced by true parabolic reflectors. Cross-sections of the quasi-parabolic reflector include spaced reflective surfaces which have focal areas spaced one from the other about an axis of symmetry. A method for forming petals of a quasi-parabolic reflector includes stamping them into shape using a stamping apparatus with a higher radius of curvature than the finished petal and iteratively testing and stamping the petal until the petal passes or fails a quality and accuracy threshold.

Abstract: A quasi-parabolic reflector and method are provided for a solar concentrator which produces a unique radiation pattern which is less susceptible to surface defects, less sensitive to target distance irregularities, and having greater uniformity of intensity for PV applications in comparison to that produced by true parabolic reflectors. Cross-sections of the quasi-parabolic reflector include spaced reflective surfaces which have focal areas spaced one from the other about an axis of symmetry. A method for forming petals of a quasi-parabolic reflector includes stamping them into shape using a stamping apparatus with a higher radius of curvature than the finished petal and iteratively testing and stamping the petal until the petal passes or fails a quality and accuracy threshold.

Abstract: A method of providing a collaborative shopping experience is provided to a shopper accessing an on-line shopping experience. Whilst it is extremely convenient to order products and services over the World Wide Web this is not the social activity physically shopping with friends and family provides. Accordingly the invention provides an online shopping experience wherein a group of collaborative shoppers may provide suggestions, modifications, help and advice to each other within the online shopping activity. The online shopping experience may be provided by a single store or may multiple stores collaborating themselves to provide essentially an online mall with browsing, reserving, changing and finally buying. Advantageously the method allows online retailers to maintain relationships to their online customers as an online store assistant may be brought into collaborative group upon request.

Abstract: A circuit and method for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level through a buffered transition includes two voltage sources, a resistor and first switch connected in series and electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the output terminal for providing a suitable resistance for buffering a transition from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. A second switch is electrically coupled between the first voltage and the output terminal. A third switch is electrically coupled between the second voltage source and the output terminal. A programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the three switches in a predetermined sequence to allow switching a voltage source from the first source to the second source through a buffered transition provided by the resistor.