Abstract: A thermal energy storage system utilizes a high temperature storage segment having flow passages extending through the storage segment whereby a working fluid can extract energy from the storage system for powering conventional downstream equipment. A mixing manifold cooperates with an outlet manifold for reducing the temperature of the working fluid to a temperature safe for the downstream equipment. The mixing manifold, an outlet manifold, an inlet manifold and a support base for the high temperature storage segment, are all of a high temperature tolerant material allowing the high temperature storage segment to operate at temperatures in excess of 1000° C. and preferably to temperatures above 1400° C. The temperature of the working fluid provided to the conventional equipment can be managed to be below a maximum temperature which in many cases may be about 700° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high temperature energy storage arrangements that utilize electrical heating elements for charging a carbon-based heat retaining core. A high temperature electrically isolating support element is used to support a resistive heating element. The components are designed for extended life in a high temperature thermal core with frequent thermal cycling. The heat retaining core is of graphite or carbon based material that is electrically conductive. The electrically isolating support element reduces leakage current losses while providing high mechanical strength and effective heat transfer from the resistive heating element to the heat retaining core. The contact surface of the electrically isolating support element and the resistive heating element is limited while still providing effective mechanical support. The support element and heating element engage in a manner to locate and position the support element on the heating element.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system utilizes a high temperature storage segment having flow passages extending through the storage segment whereby a working fluid can extract energy from the storage system for powering conventional downstream equipment. A mixing manifold cooperates with an outlet manifold for reducing the temperature of the working fluid to a temperature safe for the downstream equipment. The mixing manifold, an outlet manifold, an inlet manifold and a support base for the high temperature storage segment, are all of a high temperature tolerant material allowing the high temperature storage segment to operate at temperatures in excess of 1000° C. and preferably to temperatures above 1400° C. The temperature of the working fluid provided to the conventional equipment can be managed to be below a maximum temperature which in many cases may be about 700° C.

Abstract: A content server provides customized media items to present to a user using vehicle information. The content server receives environmental information, user feedback for presented media items, and vehicle information for an associated vehicle from a client device associated with a user. The client device receives the vehicle information from a vehicle platform of the vehicle. The content server analyzes the environmental information and user feedback to create a user profile for the user. The content server also analyzes the vehicle information to create a vehicle profile for the associated vehicle. Using the user profile and the vehicle profile, the content server selects media items to send to the client device to present to the user.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system utilizes a high temperature storage segment having flow passages extending through the storage segment whereby a working fluid can extract energy from the storage system for powering conventional downstream equipment. A mixing manifold cooperates with an outlet manifold for reducing the temperature of the working fluid to a temperature safe for the downstream equipment. The mixing manifold, an outlet manifold, an inlet manifold and a support base for the high temperature storage segment, are all of a high temperature tolerant material allowing the high temperature storage segment to operate at temperatures in excess of 1000° C. and preferably to temperatures above 1400° C. The temperature of the working fluid provided to the conventional equipment can be managed to be below a maximum temperature which in many cases may be about 700° C.

Abstract: An improved control arrangement is used in a high power rectifier and comprises two or more power controllers ganged together in parallel. Each power controller rectifies an AC voltage signal using zero voltage crossing switching to produce a binary switched signal and each power controller is connected to an independent connectable load. Each power controller includes a fast acting binary power switch that selectively connects the respective independent connectable load to the rectified AC voltage signal. The control arrangement selectively activates the power controllers to define a desired connected load. This high power rectifier and control arrangement is advantageously used to provide fast up down power regulation to a grid by selective storage of thermal energy and deriving power from the thermal energy storage system to add fill in power to the grid.

Abstract: A content server provides customized media items to present to a user using vehicle information. The content server receives environmental information, user feedback for presented media items, and vehicle information for an associated vehicle from a client device associated with a user. The client device receives the vehicle information from a vehicle platform of the vehicle. The content server analyzes the environmental information and user feedback to create a user profile for the user. The content server also analyzes the vehicle information to create a vehicle profile for the associated vehicle. Using the user profile and the vehicle profile, the content server selects media items to send to the client device to present to the user.

Abstract: An improved control arrangement is used in a high power rectifier and comprises two or more power controllers ganged together in parallel. Each power controller rectifies an AC voltage signal using zero voltage crossing switching to produce a binary switched signal and each power controller is connected to an independent connectable load. Each power controller includes a fast acting binary power switch that selectively connects the respective independent connectable load to the rectified AC voltage signal. The control arrangement selectively activates the power controllers to define a desired connected load. This high power rectifier and control arrangement is advantageously used to provide fast up down power regulation to a grid by selective storage of thermal energy and deriving power from the thermal energy storage system to add fill in power to the grid.

Abstract: The apparatus for cleaning surfaces of the present invention such as for cleaning solar collectors preferably alternates different fluids and gas decompression to create a cleansing fluid evacuation to clean outdoor solid surfaces. The method of the present invention utilizes alternating fluids in order to avoid mineral deposits contaminating the collector. The apparatus of the present invention is a tool to achieve the ends of the method. The apparatus preferably uses copper piping and turbulence to regulate water flow and to create the high velocity fluid evacuation that achieves the ends of the method invention. The use of a constant pressure pump and turbulence inducing fibers allows passive regulation of pressure that is equalized across a plurality of sprayers to deliver an even amount of high velocity fluid from each sprayer. Sonication accelerates cleaning, rinsing or snow/ice removal.

Abstract: This invention relates to therapeutic infusion assemblies, more specifically a device for the subcutaneous delivery of a fluid from a remote source. Applicant provides a base assembly which has a fluid channel therein and a cannula extending vertically downward from a flat bottom. A fluid connector member which receives a fluid bearing line from the remote fluid source and the fluid connector member pivotably and removably connects to the base member. The manner of connection is “hinged” allowing the fluid connector to move from a non-use position by rotation downward to a used position. In the use position a fluid channel in the fluid connector will connect with a fluid channel in the base to provide fluid to the cannula and to the patient.

Abstract: A novel one-piece fluid reservoir assembly for use in conjunction with an insulin infusion pump. The single piece fluid reservoir assembly includes a barrel body, a male luer fitting integral with the barrel body, a sealing surface integral with the barrel body, the sealing surface for sealing against the pump housing when the fluid reservoir assembly is inserted into the pump housing. Further, the barrel includes, as part of the one-piece fluid reservoir assembly, threads for engagement with threads on an opening in the fluid pump so that the fluid assembly can be inserted into the fluid pump, engage the threads and rotation therewith will locate the fluid reservoir assembly within the pump. Thereafter, a piston in the pump may be incrementally advanced to act upon a plunger in the barrel assembly to force a fluid within the barrel assembly through the male luer fitting and through a conduit engaged therewith to a remote infusion set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single layer or multilayer polymeric structures that comprise a liquid crystalline polymer barrier resin. Such films have improved optical clarity and lower surface roughness measurements, without sacrificing desired barrier properties. These structures are useful for many packaging applications including pouches and bags and lidding applications.

Abstract: An infusion system for delivery of therapeutic fluids from a remote source into a patient's body. The system has an infusion assembly, a rotating pivot joint member, a fluid connector assembly, and a sealing assembly retained within the infusion assembly between the housing of the infusion assembly and the rotating pivot joint member. The seal reduces leakage of fluids. The rotating joint may be pivoted to three distinct positions to allow for emplacement on the patient, delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the patient, and protected, sealed closure of the fluid channels to avoid patient fluid backflow.

Abstract: To control the rotation of wire being fed from a reel, the tension of the wire is sensed by a pivotable arm which, through a valve system, controls operation of a pneumatic cylinder having a reciprocatable piston rod which coacts with a friction clutch. The rod in one position causes the clutch to brake the reel, in response to low tension, and in another position allows the reel to rotate freely, in response to a higher tension, and the rod is reciprocatable to impart accelerating pulses to the reel through the clutch in response to a still higher tension.