Abstract: A battery network includes a plurality of heterogeneous batteries coupled to at least one energy source and one energy load, a plurality of switches coupled to the heterogeneous batteries, and the switches controllable having a duty cycle between 0 and 1. A controller is configured to characterize each of the plurality of heterogeneous batteries characteristics, determine duty cycles for each of the plurality of switches based on the characterization such that a charge applied from the at least one energy source or a discharge to the at least one energy load converges to a balanced state for the plurality of heterogeneous batteries, and apply the determined duty cycles to the plurality of switches.

Abstract: A battery network includes a plurality of heterogeneous batteries coupled to at least one energy source and one energy load, a plurality of switches coupled to the heterogeneous batteries, and the switches controllable having a duty cycle between 0 and 1. A controller is configured to characterize each of the plurality of heterogeneous batteries characteristics, determine duty cycles for each of the plurality of switches based on the characterization such that a charge applied from the at least one energy source or a discharge to the at least one energy load converges to a balanced state for the plurality of heterogeneous batteries, and apply the determined duty cycles to the plurality of switches.

Abstract: A generic model structure captures basic characteristics in BIS-based patients' responses to anesthesia and surgical stimulation, the model being used in combination with the insight of an anesthesiologist. The model structure represents the patient response with a time delay, a time constant for response speed, and a nonlinear function for drug sensitivity. Clinical data confirms the model structure and is used to establish parameters and function forms for individual patients. A feedback and predictive control strategy for anesthesia drug infusion is then introduced on the basis of the patient model. Feedback control alone cannot avoid large fluctuations in BIS values when significant surgical stimulation is imposed, as a result of time delays in a patient's response to drug infusion. Predictive control attenuates fluctuations of BIS levels from surgical stimulation.

Abstract: A steam on demand generator uses a stainless steel cup and cap arrangement and hollow cone spray nozzle. The nozzle directs a cone of water onto a wall of the cup. A heating device and a thermocouple are brazed to the cup, with the thermocouple positioned on a part of the wall to enhance control of the operation and steam generation.

Abstract: A quick, easy and reliable release for window guards from the inside so that windows are not eliminated as an escape route from the inside when window guards must be removed on an expedited basis, which quick releasable mounting is effective for use with at least one of wood, metal, concrete and brick stud walls. Likewise, a process for the quick release of those guards found around windows in the event of an emergency, when the only available route out of the building may be the window is taught by use of construction including, in combination, an elongated cylindrical casing, a threaded flange, a resilient cap, a retractable flat locking member, a conical tail key, a flat bracket connector, a pair of springs, and a mounting base.