Abstract: A capacitor discharge circuit for discharging a capacitor to a discharge load. The discharge circuity includes current level sensing circuitry for producing a control signal circuity response to current passing to the discharge load. The discharge circuity modulates a level of current passing from the capacitor to the discharge load over time between predetermined ranges of current levels in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A floating pond cover comprised of a plurality of convex spherical lenses of suitable polymer and uniform thickness arranged symmetrically at maximum packing density within a singular hexagonal floatation-cell-body (Cell), said Cell comprising one of a plurality of >10{circumflex over (?)}3 identical Cells, whereupon dispersed on totality of a Salt-Gradient-Solar-Pond (SGSP) or other pond-function/lagoon surface, providing coverage of >99%, forming a floating thermal insulation and evaporation barrier, whilst maximizing absorptance or reflectance of incident solar irradiance into/from the pond media.

Abstract: Multi-effect-distillation (MED) systems of several designs are among the most energy-efficient technologies used in seawater desalination, throughout the world today; typically, energy consumed being <15 kWh / m^3 distillate produced. One caveat in all MED systems is the disposition of the brine-waste reject product with respect to the environment; per unit volume fresh water produced, typically, two units of waste brine media with salinity in excess of 50 g/l, must be dispersed responsibly. Herein is described a MEDX design coupled with thermal-vapor-expanders (TVX) utilizing energy recovered in said brine-waste media, wherein salt-gradient-solar-ponds (SGSP) are used alongside molten salts single-temperature thermal energy storage (SITTES) as principle thermal energy sources (TES) redirected to the MEDX plant, 24/7.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include devices and systems for thermal energy storage. A single-temperature-thermal-energy storage (SITTES) system for desalinating seawater and/or producing electrical power is described. The SITTES system includes insulated tanks, a molten eutectic salt media arranged within the insulated tanks, heat exchangers arranged within the insulated tanks, and an outlet. In the SITTES system the heat exchangers are coupled to one another and configured to transfer heat between the salt media and a seawater media, and the outlet is configured to output a steam portion of the seawater media, thereby providing desalination of the portion of the seawater media and steam for electrical power generation.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for generating electric power and desalinating seawater, combining concentrated solar energy with one-or-more cogeneration alternatives; utilizing seawater as a working fluid. An inclined Fresnel-mirror-system of east-west primary axis, and site-latitude justification, is utilized to reflect the sun's incidental irradiance to a central receiving tube, and raising temperature of working-fluid therein, producing dry saturated, or wet steam, whereby resultant energy turns a rotary-screw-expander engine, providing mechanical power, thence turning a generator; producing electric power. Heat recovered in the working-fluid is utilized in seawater desalination using a Multi-Effect-Distillation system, whereby, during non-solar-dependent productive hours, a molten-salts Single-Temperature-Thermal-Energy storage system is utilized as a battery.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge circuit for discharging a capacitor to a discharge load. The discharge circuity includes current level sensing circuitry for producing a control signal circuity response to current passing to the discharge load. The discharge circuity modulates a level of current passing from the capacitor to the discharge load over time between predetermined ranges of current levels in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit assembly includes an integrated metal substrate (IMS) having high-voltage, high-power components mounted thereon. The IMS includes a metal base plate an insulating adhesive on the metal base plate, and one or more wiring layers on the insulating adhesive. The hybrid circuit assembly includes a multi-layer printed wiring board (PWB) having low-voltage, low-power components mounted thereon. The multi-layer PWB is connected to the IMS and has an upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the IMS. The PWB is mounted on the metal base plate via the insulating adhesive.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit assembly includes an integrated metal substrate (IMS) having high-voltage, high-power components mounted thereon. The IMS includes a metal base plate an insulating adhesive on the metal base plate, and one or more wiring layers on the insulating adhesive. The hybrid circuit assembly includes a multi-layer printed wiring board (PWB) having low-voltage, low-power components mounted thereon. The multi-layer PWB is connected to the IMS and has an upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the IMS. The PWB is mounted on the metal base plate via the insulating adhesive.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit assembly includes an integrated metal substrate (IMS) having high-voltage, high-power components mounted thereon. The IMS includes a metal base plate an insulating adhesive on the metal base plate, and one or more wiring layers on the insulating adhesive. The hybrid circuit assembly includes a multi-layer printed wiring board (PWB) having low-voltage, low-power components mounted thereon. The multi-layer PWB is connected to the IMS and has an upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the IMS. The PWB is mounted on the metal base plate via the insulating adhesive.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit assembly includes an integrated metal substrate (IMS) having high-voltage, high-power components mounted thereon. The IMS includes a metal base plate an insulating adhesive on the metal base plate, and one or more wiring layers on the insulating adhesive. The hybrid circuit assembly includes a multi-layer printed wiring board (PWB) having low-voltage, low-power components mounted thereon. The multi-layer PWB is connected to the IMS and has an upper surface that is co-planar with an upper surface of the IMS. The PWB is mounted on the metal base plate via the insulating adhesive.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a DC/DC converter having a first configuration to output a first voltage level and a second configuration to output a second voltage level.

Abstract: In one aspect, a busbar connector includes first and second portions. Each portion includes a rigid member forming an exterior portion of the busbar connector, a conduction member forming an interior portion of the busbar connector and a compliant member having a stiffness less than the rigid member and including a first surface attached to the rigid member and a second surface opposite the first surface attached to the conduction member. The busbar connector also includes a fastener structure configured to secure a first busbar and a second busbar between and in contact with the conduction members of the first and second portions to allow current to flow between the first and second busbars.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sand reservoir includes: (a) a sand reservoir carried on an off-highway vehicle; and (b) at least one sand level indicator carried by the sand reservoir which provides a visual display external to the sand reservoir indicative of the quantity of sand within the sand reservoir.

Abstract: A system is provided to wirelessly interface a locomotive consist including a plurality of locomotives. One locomotive of the plurality of locomotives includes a plurality of trainline cables to transmit a respective plurality of trainline signals during operation of the locomotive. The plurality of trainline cables extend between a trainline connector positioned adjacent to each end of the locomotive. The system includes at least one first connector device to wirelessly transmit the plurality of trainline signals of at least one first locomotive to at least one second connector device of at least one second locomotive. Each first connector device is coupled to at least one trainline connector of at least one first locomotive, and each second connector device is coupled to at least one trainline connector of at least one second locomotive.

Abstract: A between-joist gutter and hanger apparatus and method having hangers and pans for enclosing the open spaces between each pair of adjacent joists. Hangers are attached on each side of the joist space and a pan is placed therebetween providing a continuous top over the area below. Some embodiments of the present invention include a two-part hanger with one-part securable to the joist and the second part securable to the pan and the joist. The first hanger part is securable to the joists and supports the pan and second hanger part. The second hanger attached to the pan and supported by the first hanger is securable to the joist, providing further support for the pan. In some embodiments, the first hanger part includes a mechanism for selectively detaching the pan and second hanger parts after installation to allow cleaning and maintenance. Some embodiment include cross bracing for additional strength.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided, which includes a transistor device under test, an AC drive circuit, an AC bias circuit and a DC bias circuit. The AC drive circuit generates an AC drive signal. The AC bias circuit biases the transistor device under AC bias conditions in response to the AC drive signal. The DC bias circuit biases the transistor device under DC bias conditions. A switch circuit selectively couples the transistor device to the AC bias circuit in an AC stress mode and to the DC bias circuit in a DC measurement mode.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and molding method are provided for molding of small objects from a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus includes a heated transfer plate assembly, an insulation plate assembly adjacent the transfer plate assembly and a cooled cavity plate assembly. The transfer plate assembly is heated sufficiently to maintain a thermoplastic elastomer in a molten state. The cavity plate assembly is cooled sufficiently to solidify a thermoplastic elastomer injected into cavities of the cavity plate assembly.

Abstract: A detachable balloon system includes an inflatable balloon with a self-sealing valve. The balloon has an elastomeric membrane and a proximal opening. The self-sealing valve is made up of a valve body for receiving an inflation instrument to inflate the balloon. The valve body is preferably formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material and includes a base portion and a sealing portion. The base portion is bonded to the elastomeric membrane so as to seal the proximal opening of the balloon. The sealing portion is located within the balloon and extends distally from the base into the balloon. The sealing portion is compressibly sealable in response to a pressure within the balloon following inflation of the balloon and removal of the inflation instrument. A balloon dispenser for housing a balloon prior to receipt of an inflation instrument is also described.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and molding method are provided for molding of small objects from a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus includes a heated transfer plate assembly, an insulation plate assembly adjacent the transfer plate assembly and a cooled cavity plate assembly. The transfer plate assembly is heated sufficiently to maintain a thermoplastic elastomer in a molten state. The cavity plate assembly is cooled sufficiently to solidify a thermoplastic elastomer injected into cavities of the cavity plate assembly.