Abstract: A system for detecting a short-circuited ultracapacitor cell in a machine is disclosed. The system may have a memory that stores instructions and one or more processors capable of executing the instructions. The one or more processors may be configured to perform cell balancing among ultracapacitor cells arranged within two or more ultracapacitor modules, each ultracapacitor module including at least two ultracapacitor cells connected in series. The one or more processors may be further configured to measure a module voltage generated by each of the plurality of ultracapacitor modules after performing the cell balancing and before applying a load of the machine to the ultracapacitor modules, and determine whether an ultracapacitor cell among the plurality of ultracapacitor cells is short-circuited based on a comparison of the measured module voltages.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a power converter includes: a plurality of power amplifier units, each having: a plurality of slice each with a power conversion module including an AC/DC/AC converter; a mains controller to control the plurality of slices; and a feedback conditioning system coupled to the mains controller; a plurality of input contactors and a plurality of output contactors via which each of the plurality of power amplifier units is to couple between a transformer and a load; and a master controller coupled to the plurality of power amplifier units.

Abstract: A forward osmosis membrane (10) and method (50) of forming the forward osmosis membrane (10) are provided. The forward osmosis membrane (10) has an integral hydrophilic asymmetric layer (12). The integral hydrophilic asymmetric layer (12) includes a first sublayer (18) having a plurality of first elongated pores (20) extending along a depth of the first sublayer (18) and a second sublayer (22) having a plurality of second elongated pores (24) extending along a thickness of the second sublayer (22). The first elongated pores (20) are dimensionally smaller than the second elongated pores (24). A polyamide layer (14) is formed over a surface of the integral hydrophilic asymmetric layer (12).

Abstract: A system for detecting a short-circuited ultracapacitor cell in a machine is disclosed. The system may have a memory that stores instructions and one or more processors capable of executing the instructions. The one or more processors may be configured to perform cell balancing among ultracapacitor cells arranged within two or more ultracapacitor modules, each ultracapacitor module including at least two ultracapacitor cells connected in series. The one or more processors may be further configured to measure a module voltage generated by each of the plurality of ultracapacitor modules after performing the cell balancing and before applying a load of the machine to the ultracapacitor modules, and determine whether an ultracapacitor cell among the plurality of ultracapacitor cells is short-circuited based on a comparison of the measured module voltages.

Abstract: Compositions comprising anti-fibrotic agent(s) and/or polymeric compositions can be used in various medical applications including the prevention of surgical adhesions, treatment of inflammatory arthritis, treatment of scars and keloids, the treatment of vascular disease, and the prevention of cartilage loss.

Abstract: Silk-containing stent grafts are provided comprising an endoluminal stent and a graft, wherein the silk induces the in vivo adhesion of the stent graft to vessel walls, or, otherwise induces or accelerates an in vivo fibrotic reaction causing said stent graft to adhere to vessel wall. Also provided are methods for making and using such stent grafts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a micro-container. The method comprises the step of evaporating a swelling agent solution absorbed in a polymer micro-particle to form an inner void therein. The evaporating step is undertaken under conditions to form a conduit extending through the shell wall of said micro-particle and into the inner void.

Abstract: A ballast (10) for powering at least one gas discharge lamp (70) in a program start mode comprises an inverter (200), a resonant output circuit (400), and a control circuit (600). During operation of ballast (10), control circuit (600) monitors a voltage within resonant output circuit (400). When the monitored voltage reaches a first specified level that is indicative of sufficient filament preheating, control circuit (600) maintains the inverter operating frequency at a first present value for a preheating period so as to provide preheating of lamp filaments (72,74). Following completion of the preheating period, control circuit (600) allows the inverter operating frequency to decrease. When the monitored voltage reaches a second specified level that is indicative of sufficient ignition voltage, control circuit (600) maintains the inverter operating frequency at a second present value for an ignition period so as to provide ignition of lamp (70).

Abstract: A ballast (10) for powering at least one gas discharge lamp (70) in a program start mode comprises an inverter (200), a resonant output circuit (400), and a control circuit (600). During operation of ballast (10), control circuit (600) monitors a voltage within resonant output circuit (400). When the monitored voltage reaches a first specified level that is indicative of sufficient filament preheating, control circuit (600) maintains the inverter operating frequency at a first present value for a preheating period so as to provide preheating of lamp filaments (72,74). Following completion of the preheating period, control circuit (600) allows the inverter operating frequency to decrease. When the monitored voltage reaches a second specified level that is indicative of sufficient ignition voltage, control circuit (600) maintains the inverter operating frequency at a second present value for an ignition period so as to provide ignition of lamp (70).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, devices, and methods for maintaining or improving the integrity of body passageways following surgery, such as at a graft site, or injury. Delivery devices including one or more therapeutic agents and a mesh are described. Representative examples of therapeutic agents include microtubule stabilizing agents, anti-angiogenic factors, inhibitors of smooth muscle cell growth or proliferation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other factors useful preventing and/or reducing a proliferative biological response that may obstruct or hinder the optimal functioning of the passageway or cavity.

Abstract: Silk-containing stent grafts are provided comprising an endoluminal stent and a graft, wherein the silk is induces the in vivo adhesion of the stent graft to vessel walls, or, otherwise induces or accelerates an in vivo fibrotic reaction causing said stent graft to adhere to vessel wall. Also provided are methods for making and using such stent grafts.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, devices, and methods for maintaining or improving the integrity of body passageways following surgery, such as at a graft site, or injury. Delivery devices including one or more therapeutic agents and a mesh are described. Representative examples of therapeutic agents include microtubule stabilizing agents, anti-angiogenic factors, inhibitors of smooth muscle cell growth or proliferation, non-steroidal anti-inflammaory drugs, and other factors useful preventing and/or reducing a proliferative biological response that may obstruct or hinder the optimal functioning of the passageway or cavity.