Abstract: Automatically determining issues associated with a photovoltaic (PV) system. Information regarding the PV system may be stored. The information may include logical information regarding a logical configuration of the PV system and physical information regarding a physical layout of the PV system. Measurement data regarding the PV system may be received. The measurement data regarding the PV system may be automatically analyzed using the logical information and the physical information. An indication of any issues determined by said analyzing may be automatically provided.

Abstract: A flexible driver for use within a lumen or other winding cavity. This driver is flexible, versatile, and user customizable. It may consist of a plurality of links and tips depending on the user's needs and the cavity in which it is to be used. It is designed to reduce the amount of unintended and uncontrolled movement between individual link thus eliminating accidental disengagement during use and unintentional rotational movement within the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for monitoring an operation parameter of a process tool, independently of a process system recipe, are provided. In general, an indirect effect that results from implementing an event from a process system recipe on the process system is monitored without using the specific values or setpoints that are entered for such event into the process system to thereby change a state of such process system. In one embodiment, the behavior of a process device as it transitions between different states is monitored for a single cycle of operation or over time to detect trends that indicate a potential failure of the process device. When a trend that indicates a potential failure is detected, an alarm is generated. In one implementation, the time for reaching a particular stage of operation may be repeatedly monitored over a plurality of device cycles. For example, the time to open a valve or door may be monitored.

Abstract: A solar power array includes solar power panels, where each solar panel provides output current and voltage, separate DC-DC converters, where each solar panel is connected to a unique DC-DC converter, where each DC-DC converter is designed to maximize the power from each solar panel, and where each DC-DC converter produces a high voltage output, a high voltage DC bus coupled to the DC-DC converters that receives the high voltage output, and a DC-AC inverter that inverts the high voltage DC on the high voltage DC bus to an AC power signal for distribution to one or more AC loads.

Abstract: A solar power array includes solar power panels, where each solar panel provides output current and voltage, separate DC-DC converters, where each solar panel is connected to a unique DC-DC converter, where each DC-DC converter is designed to maximize the power from each solar panel, and where each DC-DC converter produces a high voltage output, a high voltage DC bus coupled to the DC-DC converters that receives the high voltage output, and a DC-AC inverter that inverts the high voltage DC on the high voltage DC bus to an AC power signal for distribution to one or more AC loads.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for prioritizing assignment of a packet data session for a plurality of applications of a mobile communication device, especially when operating in wireless networks that limit the number of simultaneous packet data sessions available to the mobile device. The plurality of applications include at least a first (priority) application operative in connection with a first (priority) communication service and a second application operative in connection with a second communication service. The first (priority) service may be or include a “push” type data or message synchronization service. The mobile device causes a packet data session associated with the first (priority) application to be activated for accessing the first (priority) service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for displaying information on a flat panel display. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of serial data sources, where each serial data source provides pixel data for display within a corresponding respective portion of the display where the respective corresponding portions are each discrete, incorporate a plurality of horizontal and vertical lines of pixel data and are non-overlapping. The method further includes the steps of reformatting and combining the data from the plurality of data sources into a single parallel data stream and displaying the reformatted data on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A change monitor as part of an online editor of a sequential function chart (SFC) programming environment monitors edits to a control routine. The change monitor provides warning to users before taking actions that would result in a reset of the control routine currently being executed by an industrial controller. The change manager reduces or eliminates many situations that would otherwise result in a reset as well by instructing online editor as to what language elements need to be assembled to implement the change. The change monitor also filters the manner in which reset warnings are given to reduce unnecessary distractions.

Abstract: A radio frequency power amplifier system includes a power amplifier coupled to an input signal and configured to provide an output signal at a radio frequency; a signal cancellation system coupled to the input signal, and a first feedback signal, which is based on the output signal, and configured to provide an error signal with a reduced level of the input signal; and a feedback control system coupled to the error signal and configured to provide a correction signal that is used to reduce distortion in the output signal. A corresponding method includes amplifying in a forward path an input signal to provide an output signal at a radio frequency; combining a reference and a first feedback signal to provide an error signal with a reduced level of the input signal; providing, responsive to the error signal and in a. feedback control system that is separate from the forward path, a correction signal; and then using the correction signal to reduce distortion in the output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides the capability of ascertaining, through a quick and simple measurement, locations on a structure that may have experienced damage that could result in reduced structure lifetime, strength, or reliability. The sensing element is a connectorized section of polarization maintaining (“PM”) optical fiber, where a length of PM fiber represents a fully distributed sensor array. Stress-induced changes to the sensor are measured through white-light Polarimetric interferometry. The output of the measurement is a data array representing the stress concentration magnitude at an array of locations along the length of the sensor. In an application, the knowledge of the optical fiber position on the structure, coupled with the measurement of stress locations along the fiber length, allows the user to determine locations on the structure with large stress concentrations. These locations may signify structural damage.

Abstract: An intelligent uninterruptible power supply (IUPS) for an access point (AP) within a wireless Internet service provider (WISP) network allows for the interaction with and integration of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. This results in an integrated wireless network management system allows for the control, monitoring and reporting of the system. The access points include at least one antenna, CPU, supporting passive and dynamic component electronics and an access point program module including volatile and/or non-volatile memory. Further, the IUPS includes one or more batteries, power regulation and charging circuits, logic circuits and a resident power supply program module for communication with the access point. Commands can be initiated remotely and status communication requests can be initiated either locally from the access point to the IUPS or from a remote central control console and relayed from the IUPS via the access point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a biocompatible polymer with phosphorous linkages and a radiosensitizer, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A cab enclosure for a self-propelled earth moving machine which includes a plurality of flexible planar fabric panels namely, a front panel, a rear panel, a right side panel and a left side panel. Each of the panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposed side edges, and at least one transparent viewing window. Mating fasteners are positioned along the opposed edges of each of the panels, whereby adjoining panels are secured together to form an enclosure. The top edge of each of the panels being secured to a canopy of an open metallic cab structure of the self-propelled earth moving machine, whereby the panels hang like drapes to enclose the cab.

Abstract: A die cast article such is composed of nickel base superaloy IN 718 is disclosed. The microstructure is characterized by an absence of flowlines and includes a fine average grain size, e.g., ASTM 3 or smaller. Exemplary articles include gas turbine engine components, such as blades, vanes, cases and seals.

Abstract: A completely implantable apparatus is provided for treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity left by surgical removal of a brain tumor. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon constructed for placement in the cavity. A subcutaneously implantable treatment fluid receptacle is provided for receiving a transdermal injection of a treatment fluid. A catheter connects the receptacle to the inflatable balloon. Various embodiments provide for simultaneous application of heat therapy and/or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to the remaining tissue surrounding the cavity from which the tumor was removed.

Abstract: A driver circuit is presented for producing particular output voltage levels at high speeds using a current switching technique. The circuit employs driver transistors connected in series between switchable current sources. The driver transistors switch current within the current sources through a resistor coupled between an output of the driver circuit and a reference terminal voltage. Switching the current occurs in rapid fashion within an opened loop arrangement. The switchable current sources are configured so that current is present through the current sources whenever a corresponding driver transistor is turned on. Current through the current sources, as switched through the resistor separating the reference terminal voltage and the driver output, is regulated by a closed loop replica circuit. The replica circuit may include an opamp whose output operably produces the regulated current via feedback from the current path to an input of the opamp.

Abstract: A completely implantable apparatus is provided for treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity left by surgical removal of a brain tumor. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon constructed for placement in the cavity. A subcutaneously implantable treatment fluid receptacle is provided for receiving a transdermal injection of a treatment fluid. A catheter connects the receptacle to the inflatable balloon. Various embodiments provide for simultaneous application of heat therapy and/or radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to the remaining tissue surrounding the cavity from which the tumor was removed.

Abstract: Implantable devices for treatment of proliferative disorders are described. In one aspect, the invention provides an implantable apparatus for treating a proliferative disorder in a patient. The device comprises a treatment fluid receptacle for receiving a treatment fluid, an inflatable balloon having a balloon body, a catheter connected between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon and defining a fluid flow path therebetween, and a diffusion barrier disposed in the fluid flow path between the treatment fluid receptacle and the balloon. Methods for treating proliferative disorders with the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument for use in brachytherapy comprises a concentric arrangement of inner and outer distensible, spherical chambers disposed near the proximal end of a catheter body where one of the chambers is made to contain a radioactive material with the other chamber containing a radiation absorptive material, the apparatus functioning to provide a more uniform absorbed dose profile in tissue surrounding a cavity created by the removal of a tumor. An alternative embodiment includes non-spherical inner and outer chambers whose respective walls are spaced equidistant over the entire surfaces thereof.