Abstract: A utility-scale photovoltaic array composed of ground modules that have a contact region resting on the ground or a structure, with a three-dimensional region between the contact surface and the ground. The array includes connector systems between some modules that limit module movement, and the ground supports greater than 800 adjacent or conterminous modules that are flexibly joined in two dimensions. The array is capable of withstanding winds with speeds of greater than 150 mph (240 kph) and does not contain wind abatement stowing functionality or wind abatement extreme dampening functionality. The maximum height difference between adjacent modules is less than 4 inches, and the array comprises more than 10 rows and more than 10 columns of modules.

Abstract: An earth mount-enabled utility-scale solar photovoltaic array has plural rows of solar panels supported on the ground s to establish an earth orientation of the solar panels. Edge portions of the panels rest on a ground support area and provide mechanical support, and an end curb member abuts at least one edge of the arrangement. The panels are interconnected in at least one series-connected string extending in at least two rows so that the string has a total distance between terminal ends of the series connection less than a lengthwise dimension of the solar panels constituting the string, routed to reduce “home run” connections at the end of the string.

Abstract: The invention provides for an improved medical device used to remove gas and liquid from the plural cavity between the lung and the chest wall in both stationary and mobile applications. The present invention generally comprises a hollow needle with a hollow closed end stylet slidably received in the needle. The stylet is spring-biased to extend out of the needle end as a safety tip but when pressured is moved to a retracted position to allow for insertion through the chest wall. The pressure needed to insert the needle/stylet combination through the chest wall is applied by a housing at the end of the needle which is contoured for easy grip. While not being applied to the chest wall, the stylet comprises a safety tip, which makes the device safe to handle and apply in stationary or mobile applications. Further, the housing includes a one-way valve is configured permit only the passage of air and bodily fluid out of the pleural cavity without a secondary structure needed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided whereby a component can be cleaned while the furnace is operational. Additionally, particulates that have accumulated on the component can be collected and retained. The apparatus may include a portable frame, a tubular lance supported by the frame and having a nozzle at a distal end thereof, and a suction generator operatively connected to a proximal end of the lance to generate a suction at the nozzle. Manipulation of the lance to move the nozzle across a component allows accumulated particulates to be removed therefrom through the lance.

Abstract: The invention provides for an improved medical device used to remove gas and liquid from the plural cavity between the lung and the chest wall in both stationary and mobile applications. The present invention generally comprises a hollow needle with a hollow closed end stylet slidably received in the needle. The stylet is spring-biased to extend out of the needle end as a safety tip but when pressured is moved to a retracted position to allow for insertion through the chest wall. The pressure needed to insert the needle/stylet combination through the chest wall is applied by a housing at the end of the needle which is contoured for easy grip. While not being applied to the chest wall, the stylet comprises a safety tip, which makes the device safe to handle and apply in stationary or mobile applications. Further, the housing includes a one-way valve is configured permit only the passage of air and bodily fluid out of the pleural cavity without a secondary structure needed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided whereby a component can be cleaned while the furnace is operational. Additionally, particulates that have accumulated on the component can be collected and retained. The apparatus may include a portable frame, a tubular lance supported by the frame and having a nozzle at a distal end thereof, and a suction generator operatively connected to a proximal end of the lance to generate a suction at the nozzle. Manipulation of the lance to move the nozzle across a component allows accumulated particulates to be removed therefrom through the lance.

Abstract: A method for converting a trading position is expressed in terms of futures contracts into a trading position expressed in terms of at least butterflies of futures contracts. The method comprises: providing a trading position; for the earliest maturity date t1, converting the trading position into an interim trading position by subtracting n(t1) contracts associated with maturity date t1, ?2n(t1) contracts associated with maturity date t2 and n(t1) contracts associated with maturity date t3, the total number of futures contracts subtracted together being equivalent to n(t1) butterflies associated with maturity dates t1, t2 and t3; repeating the step for maturity dates t2 to tm-2, wherein each step converts the previous interim trading position into a new interim trading position, and each step comprises subtracting a number n(t) of butterflies; extracting the number of butterflies subtracted, from the results to give a trading position expressed in terms of butterflies.

Abstract: There is provided a method for analysing the trading results of a product by deriving a fair price for the product. The fair price is determined by analysing the best current bid price, the best current offer price, the quantity available for purchase at the best current bid price, the quantity available for sale at the best current offer price, the previous day's closing price and/or the minimum increment of price change as stipulated by an exchange on which the product is traded. The fair price derived for the product may be computed and used as a tool for analysing past or future trading results and for providing trading indications and guidelines.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a plasma treatment device operable to produce a plasma treated surface on a part and a dispensing module and operable to dispense an adhesive/sealant onto the plasma treated surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for shielding a feature projecting from a first area on a substrate to a plasma while simultaneously removing extraneous material from a different area on the substrate with the plasma. The apparatus includes at least one concavity positioned and dimensioned to receive the feature such that the feature is shielded from the plasma. The apparatus further includes a window through which the plasma removes the extraneous material. The method generally includes removing the extraneous material while shielding the feature against plasma exposure.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate with a plasma. The apparatus includes first and second electrodes positioned with a spaced apart relationship. A separating ring has a vacuum-tight engagement with confronting surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode to define an evacuatable processing region therebetween. Communicating with the processing region is a process gas port for introducing a process gas to the processing region. The processing region may be evacuated through a vacuum port defined in one of the first and second electrodes to a pressure suitable for exciting a plasma from the process gas in the processing region when the first and second electrodes are powered.

Abstract: A plasma treatment system for treating a workpiece with a downstream-type plasma. The processing chamber of the plasma treatment system includes a chamber lid having a plasma cavity disposed generally between a powered electrode and a grounded plate, a processing space separated from the plasma cavity by the grounded plate, and a substrate support in the processing space for holding the workpiece. A direct plasma is generated in the plasma cavity. The grounded plate is adapted with openings that remove electrons and ions from the plasma admitted from the plasma cavity into the processing space to provide a downstream-type plasma of free radicals. The openings may also eliminate line-of-sight paths for light between the plasma cavity and processing space. In another aspect, the volume of the processing chamber may be adjusted by removing or inserting at least one removable sidewall section from the chamber lid.

Abstract: An injection vessel for injecting liquid amendment into contaminated subsurface sediment in ecologically sensitive areas such as shallow water salt marshes, tidal flats, or fresh water wetlands is disclosed. The injection vessel described herein includes a shallow-draft floating platform that has an injection system mounted thereon. The injection system includes an injection grid containing a plurality of injection syringes that receive liquid amendment from a metering pump. The injection grid is lowered such that the output of the injection syringes is within the contaminated sediment. The metering pump provides the liquid amendment to the injection syringes and a fluid path is established that injects the liquid amendment into the contaminated sediment. A propulsion system mounted on the floating platform provides for locomotive and maneuvering power.