Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed in a well over the substrate and includes a working electrode, an inner filling solution disposed thereover, and an ion-selective membrane. The working electrode is in contact with the substrate and the ion-selective membrane is disposed over the inner filling solution and substantially seals the well.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed in a well over the substrate and includes a working electrode, an inner filling solution disposed thereover, and an ion-selective membrane. The working electrode is in contact with the substrate and the ion-selective membrane is disposed over the inner filling solution and substantially seals the well.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shutdown, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shutdown, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: An in-line loss-on-ignition measurement system includes an on-site extractor subsystem configured to collect fuel or a combustion by-product from a hydrocarbon fuel burning plant. An on-site analyzer is configured to receive the collected matter from the extractor subsystem and configured to weigh the collected matter, burn the collected matter, and weight the collected matter again. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to determine the loss-on-ignition data for the plant based on the weight of the collected matter before and after it is burned in the analyzer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configuring and managing solar panels to form strings of photovoltaic energy generators with improved performance and reduced cost. The photovoltaic energy generators are connected via one or more combined local management units (CLMUs), each having a plurality of direct current converters connected to and configured to receive direct current power from a respective solar panel. A controller unit shared by the CLMU's direct current converters is utilized to separately control the operation of each converter such that the power extracted from the solar panels is maximized. A communications unit coupled with the controller unit is utilized to facilitate communications between the controller unit and a system unit remote from the CLMU to report measurements and receive control signals.

Abstract: A sensor includes a proof mass suspended by a suspension beam, the suspension beam having a thickness less than a thickness of the proof mass.

Abstract: A system and method for automated shutdown, disconnect, or power reduction of solar panels. A system of solar panels includes one or more master management units (MMUs) and one or more local management units (LMUs). The MMUs are in communication with the LMUs with the MMUs and LMUs “handshaking” when the system is in operation. The MMUs are connected to one or more controllers which in turn are connected to emergency detection sensors. Upon a sensor detection of an emergency, the associated MMU is notified which in turn instructs associated LMUs to take appropriate action. In the event that communication with the MMUs has been cut off, the LMUs take the initiative to shutdown, disconnect, or reduce the output of associated string(s) of solar panels.

Abstract: An in-line loss-on-ignition measurement system includes an on-site extractor subsystem configured to collect fuel or a combustion by-product from a hydrocarbon fuel burning plant. An on-site analyzer is configured to receive the collected matter from the extractor subsystem and configured to weigh the collected matter, burn the collected matter, and weight the collected matter again. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to determine the loss-on-ignition data for the plant based on the weight of the collected matter before and after it is burned in the analyzer.

Abstract: An in-line loss-on-ignition measurement system featuring an extractor configured to collect fuel or a combustion by-product from a hydrocarbon fuel burning plant, an on-site analyzer configured to receive the collected matter and determine loss-on-ignition data for the plant, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the collected matter from the extractor to the analyzer, and a controller for displaying the loss-on-ignition data and/or for automatically adjusting one or more parameters associated with the plant.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed in a well over the substrate and includes a working electrode, an inner filling solution disposed thereover, and an ion-selective membrane. The working electrode is in contact with the substrate and the ion-selective membrane is disposed over the inner filling solution and substantially seals the well.

Abstract: A sensor includes a proof mass suspended by a suspension beam, the suspension beam having a thickness less than a thickness of the proof mass.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a Fourier transform mechanically, using an array of one or more resonators. By tuning the resonators so that their natural frequencies correspond to harmonics of an input signal, the vibration of the resonators in response to the input signal may be measured to provide phase and amplitude information that is equivalent to the Fourier coefficients of the input signal. Preferably, the resonators are microelectromechanical (MEMS) resonators. Using MEMS resonators, the Fourier transform of a signal can be determined using substantially less power than would be consumed by a digital signal processor (DSP) or microprocessor performing similar calculations. MEMS resonator-based apparatus and methods according to various embodiments may be used for applications including compression and image processing.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for gradients in a dual cavity device such as but not limited to an accelerometer. A first source drives a first cavity at least two different modes, at least one mode varying with changes in cavity length. A second source drives a second cavity at least two different modes, at least one mode varying with changes in cavity length. A processor determines changes in cavity length as a function of both modes in both cavities to compensate for non-uniform behavior between the cavities.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for gradients in a dual cavity device such as but not limited to an accelerometer. A first source drives a first cavity at least two different modes, at least one mode varying with changes in cavity length. A second source drives a second cavity at least two different modes, at least one mode varying with changes in cavity length. A processor determines changes in cavity length as a function of both modes in both cavities to compensate for non-uniform behavior between the cavities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing a Fourier transform mechanically, using an array of one or more resonators. By tuning the resonators so that their natural frequencies correspond to harmonics of an input signal, the vibration of the resonators in response to the input signal may be measured to provide phase and amplitude information that is equivalent to the Fourier coefficients of the input signal. Preferably, the resonators are microelectromechanical (MEMS) resonators. Using MEMS resonators, the Fourier transform of a signal can be determined using substantially less power than would be consumed by a digital signal processor (DSP) or microprocessor performing similar calculations. MEMS resonator-based apparatus and methods according to various embodiments may be used for applications including compression and image processing.

Abstract: A parts container for minimizing oxidation of heat-treated parts during transfer in an oxygen-containing environment. The container includes: a heat-resistant vessel having an interior space and including oppositely positioned first and second apertures; a heat-resistant, porous support element fluidly connected to the first aperture to provide a bottom to for the vessel; and a disposed in the interior space a plurality of fluidizable granular solids and at least one heat-treatment part. The fluidizable granular solids provide a transient protective environment for the parts after heat treatment thereby minimizing exposure of the parts to oxygen in the surrounding environment. Additional embodiments and methods of use are also described.