Abstract: A dynamic high-energy switch used for correcting load imbalance through connecting and disconnecting capacitance in a power feed circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are directed to a dynamic means for correcting imbalance and harmonic distortion in an electrical system. In one embodiment, the device includes an imbalance and harmonics measurement module configured to measure power parameters for determining imbalance and harmonics within the electrical three-phase system. Within this system a series of capacitors are configured to respond to measured demands reported and designated to correct for imbalance and harmonics distortion. The device is networked among various source load controllers are responsible for designating master and slave relationships within the closed system.

Abstract: A dynamic high-energy switch used for correcting load imbalance through connecting and disconnecting capacitance in a power feed circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are directed to a dynamic means for correcting imbalance and harmonic distortion in an electrical system. In one embodiment, the device includes an imbalance and harmonics measurement module configured to measure power parameters for determining imbalance and harmonics within the electrical three-phase system. Within this system a series of capacitors are configured to respond to measured demands reported and designated to correct for imbalance and harmonics distortion. The device is networked among various source load controllers are responsible for designating master and slave relationships within the closed system.

Abstract: A dynamic high-energy switch used for correcting load imbalance through connecting and disconnecting capacitance in a power feed circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand-held electronic device for injecting an agent into a tree with continuous pressure sensing technology for real-time measurements of the pressure within the tree. The pressure measurement information is conveyed to an onboard central processing unit for data collection, analysis and optimization of the speed of injecting the agent into the tree. By continually monitoring the pressure and injection power, the injection pressure can be modified to adapt to back pressure fluctuations. In one embodiment of the invention the agent is injected into the tree under a preprogrammed pressure profile. In another embodiment of the invention the agent is injected into the tree under a variable pressure profile until the fastest injection time is obtained.

Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided to reduce pressure in the flow of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The flow restrictor takes the form of a capillary that is void of any abrupt flow disruptions. The flow restrictor may be used in place of an orifice and provides the advantage that it has a larger diameter than an orifice of similar function. Precipitation is less likely to form on the restrictor and any precipitation is less likely to have an adverse affect on performance.

Abstract: A method for scanning an object is provided. The method involves placing the object on a scanning platform. The scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around the object to be scanned. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. A positioning system including at least one sensor is used to determine if the foot is located within a predetermined scanning area. The method can be used to measure foot dimensions for the production of shoe lasts and construction of shoes. The method can be used in a system for selecting shoes that properly fit.

Abstract: A method for scanning an object is provided. The method involves placing the object on a scanning platform. The scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around the object to be scanned. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. A positioning system including at least one sensor is used to determine if the foot is located within a predetermined scanning area. The method can be used to measure foot dimensions for the production of shoe lasts and construction of shoes. The method can be used in a system for selecting shoes that properly fit.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. A positioning system, either visual or automatic, is included on the scanner platform. If automatic, a sensor array is affixed to the platform such that a scan will only initiate when certain sensors or combinations of sensors are ON. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high voltage generator circuit is provided. The high voltage generator circuit can generate a high voltage suitable for use with an igniter. While generating the required high voltage, the circuit results in a significantly reduced amount of electrical noise such that the disruption of adjacent, sensitive circuitry is minimized. More specifically, the circuit periodically generates a high voltage on an inductor and causes the high voltage generated to incrementally charge up and build up the voltage on a capacitor connected to the inductor. The capacitor is isolated from the adjacent, sensitive circuitry by way of a relay. Also, to minimize the number of components and complexity of the high voltage generator circuit, the inductor which is used to generate the high voltage is the inductor located within the relay, which is also used to switch the contacts of the relay.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided to reduce pressure in the flow of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The flow restrictor takes the form of a capillary that is void of any abrupt flow disruptions. The flow restrictor may be used in place of an orifice and provides the advantage that it has a larger diameter than an orifice of similar function. Precipitation is less likely to form on the restrictor and any precipitation is less likely to have an adverse affect on performance.

Abstract: A high voltage generator circuit is provided. The high voltage generator circuit can generate a high voltage suitable for use with an igniter. While generating the required high voltage, the circuit results in a significantly reduced amount of electrical noise such that the disruption of adjacent, sensitive circuitry is minimized. More specifically, the circuit periodically generates a high voltage on an inductor and causes the high voltage generated to incrementally charge up and build up the voltage on a capacitor connected to the inductor. The capacitor is isolated from the adjacent, sensitive circuitry by way of a relay. Also, to minimize the number of components and complexity of the high voltage generator circuit, the inductor which is used to generate the high voltage is the inductor located within the relay, which is also used to switch the contacts of the relay.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. A positioning system, either visual or automatic, is included on the scanner platform. If automatic, a sensor array is affixed to the platform such that a scan will only initiate when certain sensors or combinations of sensors are ON. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanner has a plurality of cameras positioned around an object to be scanned. The object is illuminated by unstructured light and the object is covered by a textured surface. The cameras can be arranged as pairs and each camera pair is supported on a single support. The scanned object can be a foot, among other things, and the scanner is positioned at a predetermined incline so that the foot is evenly supported. Method for attaching the camera pairs on the support, method for calibrating the camera pairs and method of scanning the foot to provide shoe sizes and shoe lasts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of measuring distance includes the steps of providing an optical device with an optical emitter and an optical sensor that are aligned with one another. An interrupter pin is movably positioned between the optical emitter and the optical sensor. When the interrupter pin is positioned between the optical emitter and the optical sensor, an amount of optical radiation passes from the optical emitter to the optical sensor. The amount of optical radiation that passes from the optical emitter to the optical sensor correlates to the position of the interrupter pin therebetween and the amount of optical radiation that the interrupter pin permits to pass from the optical emitter to the optical sensor. The amount of optical radiation is senses by the optical sensor. The amount of radiation sensed by the radiation sensor is correlated to the position of the interrupter pin. The interrupter pin is connected to an object, the position of which is to be measured.

Abstract: An valve actuator in a hydronic heating and cooling system includes a motor for changing the position of a valve, a switch for switching power to the motor, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of the valve at a desired position and for stopping the motor without using a mechanical stop. The motor's power source includes a capacitive power source which can be used to drive the motor under low-power conditions. A worm gear is used in the drive train, and combined with a clutch assembly to permit the valve to be operated manually.