Abstract: A multi-level, step-up converter circuit includes an inductor including one terminal in communication with an input voltage supply. N transistor pairs are connected in series, where N is an integer greater than one. First and second transistors of a first pair of the N transistor pairs are connected together at a node. The node is in communication with another terminal of the inductor. Third and fourth transistors of a second pair of the N transistor pairs are connected to the first and second transistors, respectively. (N?1) capacitors have terminals connected between the N transistor pairs, respectively. An output capacitor has a terminal in communication with at least one transistor of the N transistor pair.

Abstract: A control circuit for a step-up converter includes a soft start module configured to control states of N transistor pairs of the step-up converter, where N is an integer greater than two. A driver module is in communication with the soft start module and configured to generate a first signal when N transistor pairs of the step-up converter are ready to switch. A first charging circuit is configured to charge (N?1) capacitors of the step-up converter to an input voltage of the step-up converter in response to the first signal and to generate a second signal when charging is complete. A second charging circuit is configured to sequentially charge the (N?1) capacitors of the step-up converter to (N?1) predetermined voltage values in response to the first signal and the second signal and before operation of the step-up converter begins.

Abstract: A natural light emulation system employs at least one lighting assembly for providing light simulating natural light. The lighting assembly has several light engines around a light well. The light engines each have a number of light sources capable of providing light to the light well. A controller calculates lighting parameters for natural light received at a location on earth, at a day of the year and time of day. The controller then selectively operates light sources to provide light of a calculated spectrum and intensity that simulates light of a given direction. A master controller may be employed to control a group of lighting assemblies, or to control several different groups which may be simulating natural light relating to different locations, time of day or day of the year parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles, e.g., sheet metal, comprising surface coatings that have the appearance of polished stone and methods for making such articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles, e.g., sheet metal, comprising surface coatings that have the appearance of polished stone and methods for making such articles.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an electric vehicle includes a motor circuit for cooling a motor circuit thermal load, a cabin heating circuit for heating a cabin heater and a battery circuit for managing the temperature of a battery circuit thermal load. All of these circuits can fluidically communicate with each other and a single radiator can cool the fluid from all of these circuits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of modular building systems. Embodiments of the invention include, a modular building system comprising planar sheets of material and moment connections, which are combined with tool-less or limited tool assembly mechanisms and can be used, for example, as spatial partitions, platforms, structural supports, or supports for articles. Specific embodiments of the invention provide structures having a seemingly homogenous, flowing ribbon structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel aza-thia-benzoazulene derivatives of formula I as defined in the claims, their preparation, the use of these novel compounds for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, the use of these novel compounds and compositions for managing arthritis and arthritis-related conditions as well as in the treatment of pain in animals and humans. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical, preferably veterinary compositions and methods for reducing inflammation and pain associated with acute inflammation of body parts, particularly joints, due to injury or due to arthritic conditions or other disease conditions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic lock monitoring system for monitoring the strength of a magnetic field in an electromechanical lock which is created when a steel armature plate is closed against an electromagnet. The system utilizes dual Hall Effect devices positioned in such a way that both ends of the electromagnet and both magnetic fields are monitored, and that the resulting monitoring effectively covers the complete contact surface between the electromagnet and the armature plate. Preferably, the Hall Effect devices are disposed in series at the point of maximum flux density within the center element of an E-shaped electromagnetic core, at opposite ends of the core. If the magnetic flux is below a preset limit, a relay also in series drops out, triggering an alarm which may be sonic, electronic, and/or visual, as is known in the prior art.

Abstract: A door release system including a capacitive circuit that includes a touch bar, a microprocessor within the touch bar programmed with noise-discrimination software to sense touching of the bar, and at least one micro-switch within the bar to function as a back-up that picks up movement of the bar to release the latch should the capacitive circuit fail. Optionally, a sign illuminated by LEDs and an antimicrobial coating/treatment may be applied to the bar. The system is intended for use on magnetically locked doors. The addition of the micro-switches that are actuatable by continued movement on the touch bar after the bar is initially touched provides a redundant access function initiated by other than the capacitive effect of human touch, which is expected to simplify use and ease accessibility for personnel with prosthetics or who may otherwise have their hands occupied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of modular building systems. Embodiments of the invention include, a modular building system comprising planar sheets of material and moment connections, which are combined with tool-less or limited tool assembly mechanisms and can be used, for example, as spatial partitions, platforms, structural supports, or supports for articles. Specific embodiments of the invention provide structures having a seemingly homogenous, flowing ribbon structure.

Abstract: A method that compensates for fluid pressure variations in a vehicle brake system so that the fluid pressure, brake torque and/or brake force at the wheel more accurately reflects that requested by the driver. In an exemplary embodiment, the method determines the braking intent of the driver, determines a current stage of the braking event (e.g., an apply stage, release stage, etc.), uses the braking event stage and the driver braking intent to select a pressure compensation, and uses the pressure compensation to generate compensated brake command signals for operating the vehicle brake system. This method is well suited for use with brake-by-wire systems, such as an electrohydraulic braking (EHB) system.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for concentrating and communicating lower energy light than sunlight to a solar cell, having a chromophore comprised of at least one of neodymium, ytterbium, or vanadium, and having an optical waveguide for directing light to an optical communication region.

Abstract: An electromagnetic lock monitoring system for monitoring the strength of a magnetic field in an electromechanical lock which is created when a steel armature plate is closed against an electromagnet. The system utilizes dual Hall Effect devices positioned in such a way that both ends of the electromagnet and both magnetic fields are monitored, and that the resulting monitoring effectively covers the complete contact surface between the electromagnet and the armature plate. Preferably, the Hall Effect devices are disposed in series at the point of maximum flux density within the center element of an E-shaped electromagnetic core, at opposite ends of the core. If the magnetic flux is below a preset limit, a relay also in series drops out, triggering an alarm which may be sonic, electronic, and/or visual, as is known in the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel aza-thia-benzoazulene derivatives of formula I as defined in the claims, their preparation, the use of these novel compounds for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions, the use of these novel compounds and compositions for managing arthritis and arthritis-related conditions as well as in the treatment of pain in animals and humans. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical, preferably veterinary compositions and methods for reducing inflammation and pain associated with acute inflammation of body parts, particularly joints, due to injury or due to arthritic conditions or other disease conditions.

Abstract: A method for treating an area of the skin containing scar tissue is provided to include the steps of perforating the area of the skin containing the scar tissue with at least one perforation to initiate a wound healing response therein, and simultaneously introducing a scar treating liquid to the perforation for diffusion into the scar tissue. The present invention is further directed to an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a system for conditionally releasing a rinse aid into a washing chamber. The dishwasher includes a dispenser for storing rinse aid, a sensor for detecting a temperature of washing fluid in the washing chamber and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and the dispenser. The controller, based upon a signal received from the sensor indicating a temperature of the washing fluid, activates the dispenser to release the rinse aid. The controller is programmed to only release the rinse aid when the temperature is above a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for managing supply chain risk are provided. The apparatus, system and method identify which components are most critical to the assembly of the final product, in terms of placing the largest amount of revenue or profit at risk. The impact on profit and revenue of the failure to effectively deliver one or more of these critical products along one or more of the dimensions of quantity, time, space, or quality, is then quantified. The revenue and profit distribution from the supply chain is characterized given a projected distribution supply uncertainty, taking into consideration that input products are only useful if all of the BOM components are present. The revenue at risk is then determined. From the set of possible final products that can be produced, the portfolio of final products with the best risk-return characteristics are determined. Efficient hedges may then be developed.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dishwasher includes first and second washing units defining corresponding first and second washing tubs or chambers. The dishwasher also includes first and second control boards operatively associated with the first and second washing units respectively. Preferably, the first and second control boards are joined by a communication link that serves as a conduit for sharing data. The dishwasher further includes at least one ID designator that identifies one of the first and second washing units as a primary washing unit and the other of the first and second washing units as a secondary washing unit. The primary and secondary washing units share certain system resources during an overall washing operation, with the primary washing unit having preference over the secondary washing unit.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.