Abstract: An adjustable fluid-filled lens or minor assembly 100 comprising a fluid-filled envelope and a supporting structure therefor; the fluid-filled envelope being constituted by a first wall that is formed of a distensible elastic membrane 15 having an exterior optical surface of variable focusing power, a second wall 18 that is spaced from the first wall on a z-axis, and a collapsible peripheral side wall 17 that extends between the first and second walls, and being filled with a substantially incompressible fluid 16; a membrane holding structure 14 that is attached to a peripheral edge of membrane 15 for holding the membrane under tension; and one or more selectively operable actuator assemblies r1, r2, r3 for moving one or more corresponding regions of the peripheral edge of the membrane on the z-axis towards and away from the second wall 18 for controlling the profile of the peripheral edge of the membrane; wherein the or each actuator assembly comprises a connecting member 91, 92, 93 that is attached to the m

Abstract: A method for donating to a charitable organization from a digital donation platform is provided. The method may include identifying a digital transmission from the charitable organization including a request for a donation of funds. The method may include creating a digital account for the charitable organization. The method may include assigning a score for the charitable organization based on a diversity of employees in the organization. When the score is equal to or above a pre-determined threshold, the method may include assigning one of a first tier of digital portals to the charitable organization including a first level of platform oversight over the funds being transferred. When the score is below the pre-determined threshold, the method may include assigning one of a second tier of digital portals to the charitable organization including a second level of platform oversight over the funds being transferred.

Abstract: An alternating current (“AC”)-powered light emitting diode (“LED”) driver is described herein for driving one or more arrays of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver includes a first transistor that includes a collector-emitter path connected in series with at least one LED of an array of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver also includes a second transistor configured to selectively activate the first transistor based on a level of current through the array of series-connected LEDs. The array of series-connected LEDs has a turn-on voltage.

Abstract: An alternating current (“AC”)-powered light emitting diode (“LED”) driver is described herein for driving one or more arrays of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver includes a first transistor that includes a collector-emitter path connected in series with at least one LED of an array of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver also includes a second transistor configured to selectively activate the first transistor based on a level of current through the array of series-connected LEDs. The array of series-connected LEDs has a turn-on voltage.

Abstract: An alternating current (“AC”)-powered light emitting diode (“LED”) driver is described herein for driving one or more arrays of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver includes a first transistor that includes a collector-emitter path connected in series with at least one LED of an array of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver also includes a second transistor configured to selectively activate the first transistor based on a level of current through the array of series-connected LEDs. The array of series-connected LEDs has a turn-on voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for dimming a light emitting diode is provided. The circuit includes an alternating current input voltage that is delivered to a light emitting diode. The circuit also includes a correction circuit configured to monitor the input voltage, which also delivers a current to the light emitting diode, wherein the current delivered to the light emitting diode is commensurate with the input voltage. The circuit also includes a simulation circuit electrically coupled to the correction circuit and configured to deliver an additional voltage to the correction circuit to modify a setpoint voltage when the input voltage falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Improving start-up time of a light emitting diode (led) driver at lower input voltage is accomplished with a quick start circuit comprising a constant current source that replaces the traditional trickle charge start-up path for charging of a Vcc capacitor supplying operating voltage to an SMPS controller. Also the constant current source will only be operational during SMPS start-up, then will turn off after the SMPS is capable of producing its own regulated power supply to the Vcc terminal of the SMPS controller, thereby minimizing E2/R power losses in the SMPS.

Abstract: A circuit for dimming a light emitting diode is provided. The circuit includes an alternating current input voltage that is delivered to a light emitting diode. The circuit also includes a correction circuit configured to monitor the input voltage, which also delivers a current to the light emitting diode, wherein the current delivered to the light emitting diode is commensurate with the input voltage. The circuit also includes a simulation circuit electrically coupled to the correction circuit and configured to deliver an additional voltage to the correction circuit to modify a setpoint voltage when the input voltage falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An alternating current (“AC”)-powered light emitting diode (“LED”) driver is described herein for driving one or more arrays of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver includes a first transistor that includes a collector-emitter path connected in series with at least one LED of an array of series-connected LEDs. The LED driver also includes a second transistor configured to selectively activate the first transistor based on a level of current through the array of series-connected LEDs. The array of series-connected LEDs has a turn-on voltage.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: A heat flux meter for measuring heat flux in a hot environment, such as, a coal-fired boiler, includes a cup-shaped body member of one-piece construction having an internal cavity in which is mounted an annular thermoelectrically-dissimilar member from that of the body member and in heat and electrically conducting contact with the body member. Electrically conducting wires of the same metal as the annular member enter the cavity and are connected to the center of the circular portion of the body member and to the annular member. An e.m.f. is induced by the difference in temperature between the center of the disc portion and the annular member. Since the body member is of one piece construction and the heat flux meter is sealed to the walls of the boiler, gases from the hot environment cannot enter the cavity and cause failure of the meter.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: The tubular flowmeter is capable of measuring two different physical parameters in a flowing mixture of liquid and gas (such as wet steam). These measurements are such that they can be used to determine the individual gas and liquid flowrates. The flowmeter comprises first means, such as an orifice plate or a twisted tape, for causing an accelerational or frictional pressure drop in the total flow. Suitable means measure such pressure drop. Downstream of the first means, is positioned means for inducing rotational motion of the total flow, to cause the mixture to separate while remaining within the same conduit into discrete liquid and gas flows. Such means may comprise a rib extending helically along the inner surface of the flowmeter. Means, such as a pitot-static tube assembly, measure a pressure head indicative of the velocity of the gas flow. Downstream from this velocity measurement device, the two phases are permitted to mix freely again, all the time remaining within the same conduit.

Abstract: The build up of ash in a pulverized coal-fired boiler and other similar ash producing combustion operations is achieved by comparing the heat flux simultaneously detected by a first flux detector which is maintained free of deposits and a second flux detector on which deposits are permitted to form. The net values from the heat flux comparison is proportional to the heat flux which is not reaching the boiler walls as a result of the ash deposits.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: The build up of ash in a pulverized coal-fired boiler is achieved by comparing the heat flux simultaneously detected by a first flux detector which is maintained free of deposits and a second flux detector on which deposits are permitted to form. The net values from the heat flux comparison is proportional to the heat flux which is not reaching the boiler walls as a result of the ash deposits.

Abstract: The build up of ash in a pulverized coal-fired boiler is achieved by comparing the heat flux simultaneously detected by a first flux detector which is maintained free of deposits and a second flux detector on which deposits are permitted to form. The net values from the heat flux comparison is proportional to the heat flux which is not reaching the boiler walls as a result of the ash deposits.