Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, at each electrical load of an aggregation of loads, a load status report is generated comprising an urgency value and a power level. At an aggregation dispatch controller, a dispatch signal is generated based on the generated load status reports and information indicative of electrical frequency. At each electrical load of the aggregation, the load is operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value satisfies the dispatch signal and is not operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value does not satisfy the dispatch signal.

Abstract: Light is transmitted through or from a separator of a battery cell or scattered within a battery cell and received by one or more light detectors. The light that is normally transmitted through the separator is scattered, absorbed, wavelength-shifted or otherwise distorted by an impending fault in the vicinity of or within the separator. The change in light due to the impending fault is measured by a detector and a signal from the detector is processed to identify the impending fault so that a warning can be generated indicative of the impending fault.

Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, loads are grouped into a plurality of load aggregations based on electrical power draw characteristics of the loads, e.g. power draw magnitude characteristic and transient slew rate. A best-fit dispatch signal is generated for each load aggregation to match a desired load response with a sum of predicted load responses of the aggregations each operating in accord with its best-fit dispatch signal. For each load aggregation, its best-fit dispatch signal is communicated to the loads of the load aggregation, and the loads of the load aggregation are operated in accord with the best-fit dispatch signal communicated to the loads. The desired load response may be generated based on historical Automatic Generation Control (AGC) signal data and at least one of (1) a weather forecast and (2) daily, weekly, and seasonal cycles.

Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, at each electrical load of an aggregation of loads, a load status report is generated comprising an urgency value and a power level. At an aggregation dispatch controller, a dispatch signal is generated based on the generated load status reports and information indicative of electrical frequency. At each electrical load of the aggregation, the load is operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value satisfies the dispatch signal and is not operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value does not satisfy the dispatch signal.

Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, at each electrical load of an aggregation of loads, a load status report is generated comprising an urgency value and a power level. At an aggregation dispatch controller, a dispatch signal is generated based on the generated load status reports and information indicative of electrical frequency. At each electrical load of the aggregation, the load is operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value satisfies the dispatch signal and is not operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value does not satisfy the dispatch signal.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a radioactive concentration of a radiopharmaceutical is disclosed. The system includes a container, an interrogation region associated with the container, a radiation detector, a signal capture device, and a microprocessor system. The radiation detector focuses radiation emitted from the interrogation region, a measurement of which is then obtained by the signal capture device. The microprocessor system is in data communication with the signal capture device, and is capable of calculating the radioactive concentration of the radiopharmaceutical contained in the interrogation region from the radiation measurement obtained by the signal capture device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for removing droplets from a droplet-laden gas by means of an electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation of an injection fluid infused into a tissue during an imaging procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first source of energy to supply an X-ray or gamma ray imaging energy to tissue in the vicinity of a site and at least a first sensor to measure an energy signal resulting from the energy supplied to the tissue by the first imaging energy source, and circuitry configured to compare the energy signal detected by the first sensor to a baseline measurement and provide an alert that extravasation is occurring.

Abstract: Vapor phase catalytic reactors and methods for using the same for upgrade of fuels produced by fast pyrolysis of biomass are disclosed.

Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, loads are grouped into a plurality of load aggregations based on electrical power draw characteristics of the loads, e.g. power draw magnitude characteristic and transient slew rate. A best-fit dispatch signal is generated for each load aggregation to match a desired load response with a sum of predicted load responses of the aggregations each operating in accord with its best-fit dispatch signal. For each load aggregation, its best-fit dispatch signal is communicated to the loads of the load aggregation, and the loads of the load aggregation are operated in accord with the best-fit dispatch signal communicated to the loads. The desired load response may be generated based on historical Automatic Generation Control (AGC) signal data and at least one of (1) a weather forecast and (2) daily, weekly, and seasonal cycles.

Abstract: In a direct load control system supporting frequency control of an electrical grid, at each electrical load of an aggregation of loads, a load status report is generated comprising an urgency value and a power level. At an aggregation dispatch controller, a dispatch signal is generated based on the generated load status reports and information indicative of electrical frequency. At each electrical load of the aggregation, the load is operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value satisfies the dispatch signal and is not operated at the reported power level if the reported urgency value does not satisfy the dispatch signal.

Abstract: Light is transmitted through or from a separator of a battery cell or scattered within a battery cell and received by one or more light detectors. The light that is normally transmitted through the separator is scattered, absorbed, wavelength-shifted or otherwise distorted by an impending fault in the vicinity of or within the separator. The change in light due to the impending fault is measured by a detector and a signal from the detector is processed to identify the impending fault so that a warning can be generated indicative of the impending fault.

Abstract: The system for measuring the radioactive concentration of a radiopharmaceutical includes a container, an interrogation region, a radiation detector, a signal capture device and microprocessor system. The interrogation region associated with the container. The radiation detector to focus detecting radiation emitted from the interrogation region. The signal capture device capable of obtaining a radiation measurement of the interrogation region. The microprocessor system in data communication with the signal capture device. The microprocessor system is capable of calculating a radioactive concentration of a radiopharmaceutical emitting radiation contained in the interrogation region from the signal capture device.

Abstract: A low cost, high efficiency, high voltage DC to DC power converter that operates from batteries to provide support to products using Electric Field Effect Technology to generate aerosols.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: An improved Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzle particularly suitable for a handheld pulmonary aerosol inhaler increases the consistent and efficient dispensing of therapeutic liquids by reducing or eliminating wetting through shielding of discharge electrodes. Some versions further eliminate wetting while enhances neutralization of the aerosol through presentation of a corona wind of ions annularly surround the aerosol. Incorporation of improved liquid distribution with consistent pressure drops to each EHD nozzle tip allows horizontal dispensing, and by using dielectric nozzle tips with low surface energy to thereby avoid wicking between dispenses and to advantageously reduce achievable particle size when dispensing. Some versions feature enhanced snap-fit assembly and other manufacturability advantages. One of the unique features of the EHD nozzles is achieved high dose rate (microliters/minute) with low wetting and small particle size (1.0-5 microns), although these properties tend to be mutually exclusive.

Abstract: A method for delivering an aerosol, especially an aromatic aerosol, comprising the steps of contacting a capillary wick, comprising an EHD comminution site, with a liquid source, whereby at least a portion of the liquid transports to the EHD comminution site; applying a voltage to the liquid within the capillary wick at a location spaced apart from the liquid source and proximate the EHD comminution site; and applying a ground reference at a location external to the EHD comminution site, wherein at least a portion of the liquid EHD comminutes to form a spray having a generally-consistent flowrate and a device therefor.

Abstract: An access site disconnection system and method employ RFID sensors that are sensitive to moisture and their presence may not be detected if the sensor is wetted. When a patient receives dialysis treatment, wetness may arise from blood if the access needle becomes disconnected from the access site. At least one RFID sensor is mounted on or near gauze or other absorbent material placed adjacent the access site. After the sensors are placed, the dialysis machine and RFID control circuit may be initialized and dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis, begun. If blood leaks from the access site, such as if the access needle is dislodged, the RFID sensor is wetted and sends a different or no response to periodic inquiries from an RFID reader. A signal is sent to a controller or to an output device to raise an alert or sound an alarm.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the control of high voltage power, and in particular to control of high voltage power from low voltage sources while reducing unwanted self resonance in the windings of a self oscillating flyback converter.