Abstract: A magnesium fuel cell with removable anodes and cathodes wherein the cathodes are enclosed in flat or curved frames or fixtures that are easily replaceable when damaged. The cathodes are designed to be particularly durable for heavy use. Multiple redundancies are incorporated that make the fuel cell less likely to fail and more suitable for use in places where other power sources are not available. The fuel cell is adapted for long use at low voltage levels and with a secondary battery with higher voltage that is continuously charged that in turn, can be used to charge other batteries.

Abstract: Command system for a plurality of network devices. The command system may comprise a network administrator provided on a network, the network administrator issuing a command signal over the network. A plurality of device interfaces provided between the network and each of the network devices. Each of the plurality of device interfaces having: at least one input line to receive the command signal over the network; a transceiver operatively associated with the input line, the transceiver detecting the command signal on the input line; and at least one switching element provided between the transceiver and the network device, the at least one switching element establishing a link to the network device when the command signal is detected by the transceiver. The plurality of device interfaces delivering the command signal to the plurality of network devices.

Abstract: A load control systems and methods. One embodiment of a load control system comprises at least two triac devices connected in parallel to a load, the at least two triac devices operable to deliver current to the load. At least one driver circuit is linked to the at least two triac devices. A controller is linked to the at least one driver circuit, the controller signaling the at least one driver circuit to actuate the at least two triac devices at about the same time.

Abstract: Implementations of lighting control systems and methods are described and claimed herein. An exemplary remote control system comprises a wireless interface configured to receive instructions from a wireless station in a building automation network. A ballast table identifying ballast control points is stored in computer-readable memory. A processor operatively associated with the wireless interface and the ballast table uses the ballast table to generate electronic control signals identifying ballast control points corresponding to the instructions received at the wireless interface.

Abstract: Control systems and methods. An embodiment of control system may comprise a processor for receiving control signals from at least one input device when linked thereto. Computer-readable program code is provided for generating output signals at the processor based on the control signals. An interface is operatively associated with the processor, the interface configures at least one regulator based on the output signals generated at the processor by delivering pulse width modulated signals to the at least one regulator.

Abstract: A load control systems and methods. One embodiment of a load control system comprises at least two triac devices connected in parallel to a load, the at least two triac devices operable to deliver current to the load. At least one driver circuit is linked to the at least two triac devices. A controller is linked to the at least one driver circuit, the controller signaling the at least one driver circuit to actuate the at least two triac devices at about the same time.

Abstract: A load control systems and methods. One embodiment of a load control system comprises at least two triac devices connected in parallel to a load, the at least two triac devices operable to deliver current to the load. At least one driver circuit is linked to the at least two triac devices. A controller is linked to the at least one driver circuit, the controller signaling the at least one driver circuit to actuate the at least two triac devices at about the same time.

Abstract: Building automation system and method. According to one embodiment of the invention, building automation system may comprise a controller area network (CAN) bus. At least one control device is operatively associated with the CAN bus, the at least one control device issuing a signal over the CAN bus. At least one controlled device is operatively associated with the CAN bus, the at least one controlled device responding to the signal.

Abstract: A frequency dependent controller utilizes a loosely coupled transformer, adapted to change the operating characteristics of the transformer by varying its operating frequency in accordance with the requirements of a load to be supplied with power. The controller is particularly adapted for dimming and adjustably controlling a set of gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps, connected in parallel such that failure of one lamp does not affect operation of the other lamps in the set.

Abstract: A dimmer ballast or output drive circuit and a drive method for a high intensity discharge lamp utilizes an overwound loosely coupled transformer having a turns ratio of preferably about one to one with a peaking capacitor across the secondary output terminals of the transformer and in parallel with the HID lamp arc electrodes. A control circuit provides a variable frequency drive voltage to the primary of the transformer. The frequency of the output voltage is adjustably controlled above the peak load power frequency. The load power and hence the light output of the lamp varies according to the frequency of the output voltage permitting a user to adjustably dim the high intensity discharge lamp.

Abstract: A method for producing a warning of the existence of low-level wind shear and an aircraftborne system for performing the method utilizes measured values of airspeed and temperature, to determine a temperature based hazard factor relating to the existence of a wind shear threat to the aircraft and to issue a warning whenever the hazard factor exceeds a predetermined threshold level based upon the performance characteristics of the aircraft. Temperatures may be sensed locally, such as by a resistive temperature sensor or, remotely, such as by an infrarred temperature detector. Furthermore, in accordance with preferred embodiments, an inertial reactive wind shear detector is utilized as an integrated safety measure. Moreover, the threshold level may be varied depending on such factors as aircraft altitude.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and apparatus utilizing a positive and negative electrode. A current is periodically provided in a first direction between the electrodes through the electrolyte of the electrochemical process. The direction of the current is periodically reversed through the electrolyte to repolarize the electrodes, to at least decrease the electric double layer at the electrodes, and to exercise the electrolyte. The current is changed in response to voltage changes occuring across the electrodes caused by perturbations in the electrochemical process itself where the slope of the function representing the current change with respect to a voltage change caused by the perturbations is sufficiently large to enhance the repolarizing, the decreasing of the electric double layer and the exercizing of the electrolyte to thus effect improvement in the electrochemical process.

Abstract: A radiometer apparatus is described that is particularly useful for detecting clear air turbulence by sensing infrared radiation. The radiometer includes optics for directing infrared radiation past a chopper, lens and infrared filter assembly to a radiation sensor which produces an analog output signal that is routed through an N-path filter unit and then demodulated and integrated by an averaging integrator to produce temperature indicative differences for determination of the presence of clear air turbulence in the area then being examined by the apparatus, the N-path unit and averaging intergrator providing a high signal to noise ratio. An automatic calibration unit is also provided to provide stability and reliability to the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for detecting air disturbances created by low level wind shear. The apparatus includes optics for directing infrared radiation towards a continuously rotating chopper wheel having a plurality of infrared filters which have effectively different distance sensitivities and therefrom to a radiation sensor which produces an analog output signal that is demodulated by a synchronous demodulator. The demodulated signal is then routed through a gated integrator to a selective multiplexing circuit which has a plurality of output channels and is controlled by an electronic detector connected with the chopper wheel. Each channel includes a low pass filter and the outputs therefrom are coupled to a signal processor which thus receives periodically updated information to provide a display indicative of sensed air disturbances due to low level wind shear.