Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A structural panel for a satellite comprising an elongate pipe mounted thereto. The heat pipe is bonded to the panel intermediate its remote ends with a thermally conductive adhesive. The adhesive is omitted proximate at least one distal end of the heat pipe. The at least one distal end of the heat pipe without adhesive is mechanically secured to the panel by at least one bolt received in a cooperating threaded receiving element. A method of manufacturing such a panel is also provided.

Abstract: A contactor assembly and method for operating the contactor assembly can include a first conductor having a first set of axially extending protrusions and a second conductor having a second set of axially extending protrusions interdigitally arranged with the first set of protrusion. At least a subset of the first set of extending protrusions and at least a subset of the second set of protrusions can be conductively connected.

Abstract: A contactor apparatus and method for operating the contactor apparatus can include a contactor assembly with a contactor coil operably coupled to a contactor switch. One or more sensors can be provided in the contactor assembly adapted to measure one or more aspects of the contactor assembly. Based upon the measured aspects, a controller can initiate operation of the contactor switch to effectively toggle the contactor switch at a zero-crossing point along an alternating current waveform.

Abstract: A structural panel for a satellite comprising an elongate pipe mounted thereto. The heat pipe is bonded to the panel intermediate its remote ends with a thermally conductive adhesive. The adhesive is omitted proximate at least one distal end of the heat pipe. The at least one distal end of the heat pipe without adhesive is mechanically secured to the panel by at least one bolt received in a cooperating threaded receiving element. A method of manufacturing such a panel is also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for an audio speaker with proximity sensing are presented. Aspects of a system for audio signal processing may include a proximity detector that enables adjustment of audio volume of a speaker in a wireless communication system based on detection of a location of at least one object in relation to the speaker.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapour to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odour. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapour. The sample gas or vapour is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odour profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapour is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17,18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical radiation sensor system. The system includes a sensor device and a cleaning device. The sensor device detects and responds to radiation from a radiation field and includes a surface that is movable with respect to the radiation field between a first position in which the surface is in the radiation field and a second position in which at least a portion of the surface is out of the radiation field. The cleaning device operates to remove fouling materials from at least a portion of the surface in the second position. The cleaning device may be a chemical cleaning device, a mechanical cleaning device or a combined chemical/mechanical device.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapor to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odor. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapor. The sample gas or vapor is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odor profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapor is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17, 18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided coating compositions for preparing crosslinked fluorinated polyurethane coatings and liners that exhibit high optical clarity and transparency, as well as resilience against adverse environmental effects. The present invention also provides methods for coating solid substrates with transparent, environmentally-resistant crosslinked, fluorinated polyurethane coatings, as well as the resulting coated articles.