Abstract: An approved method and apparatus for detecting partial discharge events within a transformer comprises asserting a MEMS acoustical probe through the wall of the transformer to optically measure partial discharge events. In an enhanced embodiment, temperature compensation is also possible, and detection may be confirmed via an independent electromagnetic or other sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating electrical power from multiple vehicles powered by fuel cells while the vehicles are parked in a parking lot. A plurality of spaced-apart electrical receptacles are provided for receiving an electric cable for connection to a parked vehicle for electrically connecting the fuel cell in each of the parked vehicles to the plurality of electrical receptacles. An electric power grid is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles for transferring D.C. electrical power from the fuel cells in the parked vehicles to the electric power grid. At least one electric power collection station is electrically connected to the electric power grid for collecting at a common point the D.C. electric power in the electric power grid. In addition, at least one inverter is electrically connected to the electric power collection station for converting the D.C. electric power to A.C. electric power. Apparatus is provided for supplying the A.C.

Abstract: A method for accelerating the growth of Taxus X media `Hicksii` and related Taxus species to enhance the production and recovery of taxol and Taxotere from plant tissues is described. The method includes the steps of increasing the production of biomass by cycling growth periods of Taxus plants within a greenhouse or other enclosed structure, harvests of plant parts and cold storage of the remaining unharvested plants to break dormancy and condition the plant for the next cycle of growth and harvest. After at least several cycles, entire plants are harvested for extraction from all plant parts while other plants are saved for stock plants or reforesting. The collected plant material is prepared for extraction of taxol or Taxotere, compounds used in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position of a vehicle in a tank of fluid. At least one transducer is disposed on the vehicle and a plurality of transducers are disposed on the outside wall of the tank. The transducers are arranged in a substantially common plane. The travel time of energy can be measured between any two of the transducers. Accordingly, the velocity profile of the liquid can be determined based on travel times measured between the transducers on the tank and position can be determined based on travel times measured between the transducers on the vehicle and the transducers on the tank.

Abstract: A method and device, including a portable embodiment, for the automated inspection of devices having different visual changeable and non-changeable indicia on the faces thereof. Specific devices include meters, particularly electric usage meters, for detection of tampering, for improving efficiency of maintenance procedures and for usage in reading the meters for billing purposes. Meters of various heights, configuration and construction are fixed into designated positions and are inspected by visual computer-linked camera scanning, to determine meter periphery and a location reference point, and imaging of identifying portions of meter faces relative to the determined location reference point. The identifying portions are compared with correlative templates of existing meter types, stored in computer memory. Identification of specific meter type permits exact location and subsequent OCR identification of the specific meter number (with use history) and parameters (voltage, amperage, wire connections etc.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point in three dimensional space has at least three reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least three spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A system for positioning a work point has a plurality of reeving systems spaced apart from one another, with each reeving system having a adjustable support element connected to it. These support elements are also connected to the work point, with the length of the support elements between the work point and the reeving determining the work point's location. Associated with each reeving system is an actuator adapted for releasing and taking up the support element. A control system controls the actuators to release and take up each of the support elements to move the work point with respective to at least two spatial coordinate axes while controlling at least one motion parameter of the work point in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of preparing and inspecting a submerged surface of a fluid reservoir. The apparatus includes a chassis sized and shaped to provide an optimally low center of gravity, a propulsion system comprising two independently controllable motor and track means, a scrubbing/vacuuming system disposed at the front of the chassis which includes a scrubbing system designed to mechanically break up sediment on the surface beneath the apparatus and a vacuuming system to remove sediment and sediment-containing fluid from beneath the apparatus, and an inspection system located immediately behind the scrubbing/vacuuming system with respect to the direction of apparatus travel and operative to inspect the freshly cleaned surface with either ultrasonics, optics, or a combination of both.