Abstract: A modulated LED array apparatus includes a modulation signal generator that produces a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal that is applied as input to an LED power drive circuit that produces an LED power drive signal; the LED power drive signal is applied as input to an array of LEDs and, in response, the LED array outputs PWM radiation, wherein the LEDs in the array output radiation in a predetermined band of wavelength.

Abstract: Method of operating a bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter) to control the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during peak energy source production can be stored and can later be released to the energy usage system at predetermined times.

Abstract: Method of operating a bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter) to control the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during peak energy source production can be stored and can later be released to the energy usage system at predetermined times.

Abstract: A bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter). The converter controls the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during daylight can be metered to the DC AC inverter at predetermined times. During charge times, the converter utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and during discharge times the converter utilizes variable overlapping of switch drive signals to provide a continuous range of voltage levels of transferred power from the energy storage system to the DC AC inverter.

Abstract: A DC AC inverter system includes a full bridge DC AC inverter, a first module with a first capacitance connected to a positive DC input and an intermediate output, and a second module with a second capacitance connected to a negative DC input and to the intermediate output, wherein the first and second capacitance is greater than P?A/(V?*Vnom*2?f); (a) P? is a predetermined power imbalance between a first output and the intermediate output and a second output and the intermediate output; (b) Vnom is a predetermined nominal output voltage between the first output and the intermediate output (V1) and the second output and the intermediate output (V2); (c) V? is a predetermined fraction of voltage difference, relative to Vnom, between V1 and V2 when there is a power imbalance P?; and (d) f is a frequency of V1 or V2.

Abstract: A bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power among an energy source (for example, a solar PV array), an energy storage system, and an energy usage system (for example, a DC AC inverter). The converter controls the charge and discharge times of the energy storage system so that power harvested during daylight can be metered to the DC AC inverter at predetermined times. During charge times, the converter utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and during discharge times the converter utilizes variable overlapping of switch drive signals to provide a continuous range of voltage levels of transferred power from the energy storage system to the DC AC inverter.

Abstract: An embodiment replaces a transformer with a capacitor-based circuit module in a DC AC converter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a unique bidirectional DC DC converter that transfers power between a high voltage source, such as the DC voltage in a solar PV array, a low voltage energy storage element such as a battery pack, and an inverter that is controlling the operating voltage of the solar PV array. Its novelty is that it is transparent to the inverter's control mechanism and is perceived as a source equivalent to the existing solar PV. By controlling the charge and discharge times of the energy storage element, the solar power that is harvested during the sun hour day can be metered back to the inverter at more optimal times, either for self consumption or to take advantage of higher rates of power sold to a connected utility. The bidirectional DC DC converter is unique in its operation in that it utilizes synchronous rectification when down-converting higher voltages to lower voltages and in that it uses high speed Silicon Carbide, or Gallium Nitride devices necessary for such rectification.

Abstract: A complementary converter is a switch mode converter circuit that uses one pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller and one power MOSFET to run a two-stage power-factor-corrected (PFC) power supply. The two-stage power-factor-corrected power supply can include a power-factor-corrected boost converter, and a DC-to-DC converter (either step-up or step-down). The DC-to-DC converter can be, e.g., a Flyback, Forward, Cuk, or Buck Converter. The complementary converter circuit includes a voltage input section that takes a universal VAC input and rectifies the input. Then the PFC boost converter boosts the rectified half-cycle DC to a DC line at a higher voltage. The complementary converter circuit further includes an integrated circuit with the power-factor-correction and PWM switching capabilities to control the converters. The DC-to-DC converter brings the voltage down to an appropriate level for the final load (e.g., LEDs).

Abstract: A complementary converter is a switch mode converter circuit that uses one pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller and one power MOSFET to run a two-stage power-factor-corrected (PFC) power supply. The two-stage power-factor-corrected power supply can include a power-factor-corrected boost converter, and a DC-to-DC converter (either step-up or step-down). The DC-to-DC converter can be, e.g., a Flyback, Forward, Cuk, or Buck Converter. The complementary converter circuit includes a voltage input section that takes a universal VAC input and rectifies the input. Then the PFC boost converter boosts the rectified half-cycle DC to a DC line at a higher voltage. The complementary converter circuit further includes an integrated circuit with the power-factor-correction and PWM switching capabilities to control the converters. The DC-to-DC converter brings the voltage down to an appropriate level for the final load (e.g., LEDs).

Abstract: A conditioner assembly and a conditioner back support for conditioning a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing device. The conditioner assembly comprises a conditioning head having a gimbal assembly, a shaft engaged to the conditioning head, and a linear torque bearing assembly slidably receiving the shaft. The linear torque bearing assembly is configured to operatively rotate the shaft assembly contemporaneously with allowing the shaft to extend and retract from a first open end of the linear torque bearing assembly. The conditioner assembly additionally comprises a bellows secured over the first open end and engaged to the conditioning head and a bearing housing disposed over a second open end of the linear torque bearing assembly. The conditioner back support respectively opposes the conditioner assembly such that the polishing belt supporting the polishing pad is disposed intermediate to the conditioner back support and the conditioner assembly.

Abstract: A conditioner assembly and a conditioner back support for conditioning a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing device. The conditioner assembly comprises a conditioning head having a gimbal assembly, a shaft engaged to the conditioning head, and a linear torque bearing assembly slidably receiving the shaft. The linear torque bearing assembly is configured to operatively rotate the shaft assembly contemporaneously with allowing the shaft to extend and retract from a first open end of the linear torque bearing assembly. The conditioner assembly additionally comprises a bellows secured over the first open end and engaged to the conditioning head and a bearing housing disposed over a second open end of the linear torque bearing assembly. The bearing housing rotatably supports the linear torque bearing assembly such that a motor assembly can operatively drive the linear torque bearing assembly, the shaft, and the conditioning head.

Abstract: A grapple is constructed for quick attachment to and detachment from holders of an implement carrier. The implement holders of the implement carrier are also designed for quick attachment to and detachment from an implement, such as a loader bucket, to be selectively used in conjunction with the grapple or alone. The grapple has provision for parking it in an attitude ready for attachment to the implement holders when the grapple is not needed for grasping the material being handled.

Abstract: Succinic acid or succinic anhydride grafts of HDPE are blended with LLDPE, especially ethylene/1-octene copolymers, to form blends having useful adhesive properties at elevated temperatures. The succinic acid or succinic anhydride groups are provided by grafting, respectively, maleic acid or maleic anhydride onto HDPE. The resin blends are useful for coating metal foil substrates. The adhesion of the resin blend to the metal foil substrate is particularly good at elevated temperatures (e.g., temperatures above about 60.degree. C.).

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing ethylene polymers are blended with vinyl alcohol polymers, including vinyl alcohol homopolymers and copolymers, to prepare oxygen barrier resins having good processability.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing ethylene polymers are blended with vinyl alcohol polymers, including vinyl alcohol homopolymers and copolymers, to prepare oxygen barrier resins having good processability.

Abstract: Succinic acid or succinic anhydride grafts of HDPE are blended with ungrafted LLDPE and with ungrafted LDPE to form blends having useful adhesive properties. The succinic acid or succinic anhydride groups are provided by grafting, respectively, maleic acid or maleic anhydride onto HDPE. Laminates of the blends on various metals and polymers are shown.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing polymers are disclosed which are heatable with high frequency (HF) electromagnetic radiation, including RF-frequencies and MW-frequencies, and which are used in imparting RF-sealability in structures, packaging material, laminates, and the like, including, e.g., multi-wall bags or containers, and co-extruded laminates.

Abstract: Blends of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer (E/AA) are prepared which exhibit improved optical, impact, heat-seal, and anti-blocking properties as compared to the E/AA copolymer alone.

Abstract: Olefin polymers which are unsuited, or ill-suited, for heating, sealing, or bonding by the action of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, especially microwave radiation, are rendered heatable by such radiation by incorporating carbon monoxide, as a comonomer, into the polymer structure. Novel adhesives comprising terpolymers of ethylene/carbon monoxide/acids are disclosed, where the acid moiety of the terpolymer is at least one carboxylic acid which is polymerizable through carbon-to-carbon unsaturation, and salts thereof.