Abstract: A cycloconverter configured for use with a power converter is provided herein and comprises a bidirectional switch operable in a first mode of operation when an AC mains voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage and a second mode of operation when the AC mains voltage is less than the predetermined voltage, such that during zero voltage switching (ZVS) commutations a first Gate of a first pair of Gallium-Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors is on, a second Gate of the first pair of Gallium-Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors is off, and the first Gate and the second Gate of a second pair of Gallium-Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors are off.

Abstract: A resonant parallel triple active bridge converter comprising a DC port configured to receive DC energy, an AC port configured to produce AC energy, and an AC line cycle energy storage port, coupled to both the DC port and the AC port, where the AC line cycle energy storage port comprises an energy storage device for storing energy during an energy conversion process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cinnolinyl and quinolinyl pyrazol-4-yl-pyridine compounds which are allosteric modulators of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. The present invention is also directed to uses of the compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these compositions in the potential prevention or treatment of such diseases in which M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are involved.

Abstract: A system and a method for the remote monitoring of an irradiated salt mass within a decay enclosure is provided. The system and the method determine a mass ratio of a first radioisotope relative to a second radioisotope, the second radioisotope having a significantly shorter half-life than the first radioisotope. In addition, the second radioisotope includes a shorter half-life than an effective half-life of the decay enclosure, and the first radioisotope includes a longer half-life than the effective half-life of the decay enclosure. The mass ratio quickly decreases outside of a target range after material diversion, while remaining below the target range for several years. As a consequence, the isotopic mass ratio presents a rapid and enduring indicator of inventory change, which is of extreme importance in detecting a diversion of the irradiated salt mass, which remains a potential proliferation target.

Abstract: A microinverter inverter is provided and comprises an output comprising a four-way connector comprising three power input/output connecters and a voltage monitoring and power line communications connector. The output is configured to connect to an AC cable comprising a rotatable four-way connector comprising three phase wires and a neutral wire which allows the microinverter to operate in at least one of a three-phase grid-tied mode of operation, a three-phase off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation, a two-phase grid-tied mode of operation, a two-phase off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation, or a split-phase and single-phase grid tied and off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation when the microinverter is connected to the AC cable.

Abstract: One aspect of the present application relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a sulfated glycosaminoglycan having an average molecular weight ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 Daltons, a skin penetrating agent, where the skin penetrating agent promotes transdermal penetration of the sulfated glycosaminoglycan when applied to intact skin surfaces, and a pharmaceutical carrier for topical application, where the pharmaceutical carrier is mixed with the sulfated glycosaminoglycan and the skin penetrating agent. This composition is useful in carrying out a method of treating a subject for pain, joint stiffness, soft tissue injury, connective tissue disorders, and/or muscle soreness.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing helix windings used for a transformer are provided. For example, apparatus comprise an electrically conductive mandrel comprising an elongated body, a head comprising an eyelet detail, and a winding structure disposed along the elongated body.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high fat extruded protein product includes feeding water, a first fat, and a blend of plant proteins to an extruder to produce an extruded protein mixture. The extruded protein mixture is directed through a cooling die and divided into pieces, with the pieces being subsequently tumbled with oil. The resulting high fat extruded protein product will have at least 15-23% total fat by weight and, upon cooking, exhibits a desirable grease-out effect (e.g., reminiscent of a traditional pepperoni product). The blend of plant proteins preferably includes soy protein, wheat gluten and a grain or starch-based ingredient, and makes up at least 40-50%, by weight, of the high fat extruded protein product.

Abstract: An enhanced safety coil that prevents crack formation and propagation to the coil windings from external sources and prevents exposure to fuel is provided. The enhanced safety coil may be used in a solenoid operated gas admission valve (SOGAV), and includes a plastic encapsulation body having at least one body de-stress feature, a coil wound on the plastic encapsulation body, a sleeve forming an outermost side protective wall configured to accommodate the plastic encapsulation body and coil therewithin, and potting provided between the plastic encapsulation body and the sleeve to seal the coil therein. The body de-stress feature is configured to reduce at least one of a formation or a propagation of a crack through the potting to the coil. The plastic encapsulation body forms retention latches configured to mate with a stator.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring current in a power converter is provided. The apparatus comprises a state space observer configured to provide a statistically most probable state of the power converter and an analog digital converter comprising a comparator configured to compare a first state space observer current approximation to a real time current input signal to determine if the first state space observer current approximation is too high or too low and a counter configured to be incremented or decremented based on a result of a comparison at the comparator, wherein an output of the counter is input to the state space observer and added to the first state space observer current approximation to calculate a second state space observer current approximation that will be one count closer to a final correct value.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing substrate voltage management is provided herein and comprises an active substrate voltage management circuit configured to be coupled to a substrate of a bidirectional gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor comprising a first source and a second source. The active substrate voltage management circuit comprises a first circuit that is connected to the first source and a second circuit that is connected to a second source such that when the bidirectional gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor is operational one of the first circuit or the second circuit connects one of the first source to the substrate or the second source to the substrate, respectively, to control a bias voltage applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A chlorinated fluoroaromatic compound having structural formula (I): where G is an oxygen or sulfur atom; each R1 is, independently, a fluoroalkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally comprises one or more catenated heteroatoms; each R2 is, independently, (i) a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; or (ii) a fluoroalkyl group or a fluoroalkenyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms and optionally comprises one or more catenated heteroatoms; R3 is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; a is 1-3; x is 1 or 2; y is 1-4; and z=6-a-x-y.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling reactive power. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a bidirectional power converter comprising a switched mode cycloconverter for generating AC power having a desired amount of a reactive power component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus which use a microinverter comprising integrated neutral forming function for off-grid facilities are provided herein. For example, a microinverter configured for use with an AC storage system comprises switching circuitry connected at an AC output of the microinverter, a three-line connector connected at the AC output and comprising a neutral line connected between two lines configured to connect to at least one of a single phase grid system or a split phase grid system, wherein the neutral line is connected to the microinverter at a point that maintains a mid-way voltage between the two lines voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting power comprising an input bridge having an input adapted for coupling to a DC source, a piezoelectric transformer having an input coupled to an output of the input bridge, and an output bridge having an input coupled to an output of the piezoelectric transformer and an output adapted to couple to a load. A trajectory controller, coupled to the input bridge and output bridge, (1) measures current and voltage in the input bridge, the output bridge or both, (2) measures a current into or out of the piezoelectric transformer, (3) determines switch timing for control signals for the input bridge and output bridge based upon the measured current and/or voltage, and (4) applies the control signals to the input bridge and output bridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing helix windings used for a transformer are provided. For example, apparatus comprise an electrically conductive mandrel comprising an elongated body, a head comprising an eyelet detail, and a winding structure disposed along the elongated body.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a watch, has a housing to which a carrier is attached. The carrier has a first surface interior to the electronic device, and a second surface exterior to the electronic device. A set of electrodes is deposited on the exterior surface of the carrier. An additional electrode is operable to be contacted by a finger of a user of the electronic device while the first electrode is positioned against skin of the user. The additional electrode may be positioned on a user-rotatable crown of the electronic device, on a button of the electronic device, or on another surface of the housing of the electronic device. A processor of the electronic device is operable to determine a biological parameter of the user based on voltages at the electrodes. The biological parameter may be an electrocardiogram.

Abstract: A microinverter inverter is provided and comprises an output comprising a four-way connector comprising three power input/output connecters and a voltage monitoring and power line communications connector. The output is configured to connect to an AC cable comprising a rotatable four-way connector comprising three phase wires and a neutral wire which allows the microinverter to operate in at least one of a three-phase grid-tied mode of operation, a three-phase off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation, a two-phase grid-tied mode of operation, a two-phase off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation, or a split-phase and single-phase grid tied and off-grid neutral-forming mode of operation when the microinverter is connected to the AC cable.

Abstract: A catheter pump includes an elongate cannula with a formed mesh structure extending cylindrically between opposing ends thereof. The formed mesh structure defines a pattern configured to be stably expandable and collapsible without fracturing in a percutaneous delivery and re-sheathing in the provision of mechanical circulatory support of a patient’s heart.

Abstract: A catheter pump is provided that includes a rotatable impeller and an elongate cannula. The elongate cannula has a mesh that has a plurality of circumferential members disposed about the impeller. The elongate cannula has a plurality of axial connector extending between a proximal side of a distal circumferential member and a distal side of a proximal circumferential member. The circumferential members are radially self-expandable. The cannula is configured to minimize fracture within at least in the distal zone of the mesh as the elongated cannula moves into a sheathing device.