Abstract: An artificial aging apparatus for spirits and other alcoholic beverages to decrease the time it takes for alcoholic beverages to mature. The artificial aging apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, a processing pipe, a pump, a housing, a plurality of electromagnets, a plurality of copper probes, an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source, and a power source. The alcoholic beverage is pumped through the inlet and then into the processing pipe. Subsequently, the alcoholic beverages passes through an electromagnetic field generated to expedite aging, past a plurality of copper probes to smooth the alcoholic beverage, and exposed to the UV radiation source for sanitization. Then, the alcoholic beverage is discharged from the outlet for storage or packaged for consumption.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

Abstract: An artificial aging apparatus for spirits and other alcoholic beverages to decrease the time it takes for alcoholic beverages to mature. The artificial aging apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, a processing pipe, a pump, a housing, a plurality of electromagnets, a plurality of copper probes, an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source, and a power source. The alcoholic beverage is pumped through the inlet and then into the processing pipe. Subsequently, the alcoholic beverages passes through an electromagnetic field generated to expedite aging, past a plurality of copper probes to smooth the alcoholic beverage, and exposed to the UV radiation source for sanitization. Then, the alcoholic beverage is discharged from the outlet for storage or packaged for consumption.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated passive device include a high-aspect ratio conductive line positioned on a carrier, a substrate, and a bump that secures the high-aspect ratio conductive line to the substrate.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: Although results from preclinical studies in animal models have proven the concept for use of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies in cancer immunotherapy, two major obstacles have hindered their successful application for human cancer therapy. First, the lack of in vitro correlates of the anti-tumor effect of the antibodies makes it difficult to screen for the most efficacious antibody by in vitro analysis. Second, significant autoimmune side-effects have been observed In a recent clinical trial. In order to address these two issues, we have generated human CTLA-4 gene knock-in mice and used them to compare a panel of anti-human CTLA-4 antibodies for their ability to induce tumor rejection and autoimmunity. Surprisingly, while all antibodies induced protection against cancer and demonstrated some autoimmune side effects, the antibody that induced the strongest protection also induced the least autoimmune side effects. These results demonstrate that autoimmune disease does not quantitatively correlate with cancer immunity.

Abstract: One embodiment of an integrated circuit includes a discrete device that defines a top surface, an integrated circuit substrate, and a heat dissipation structure fully covering the top surface of the discrete device and being thermally connected to the integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: A traction control system combines a power limiting system having multiple operating modes with a power distributing system that resists differentiation between drive wheels. Sensors monitor vehicle turning, differentiation between the drive wheels, and wheel slipping of at least one drive wheel. The operating mode of the power limiting system is changed to reflect additional traction information available from monitoring the state of differentiation through turns.

Abstract: A traction control system combines engine output power limiting with a single point brake for controlling wheel slip. The brake is preferably connected to the engine to reduce torque requirements and avoid drive line shock. One friction member of the preferred brake is coupled to the engine block, and another friction member member is coupled together with a drive pulley to the engine output shaft. An electromagnetic actuator moves the two friction members into engagement with each other within a hollow interior of the drive pulley.

Abstract: A power limiting system, such as an engine output power regulator (32), is combined with a power distributing system, such as a torque proportioning differential (18), to limit excessive wheel slip while utilizing more of available traction. Slip determination and control logic (36) reduces drive power with respect to operator demand in response to a measure of wheel slip above a threshold "T". Threshold determining logic (56) adjusts the threshold "T" from a first target value "T1" to a higher second target value "T" from a the drive power is reduced and drive wheels (24 and 26) are rotating at the same speed.

Abstract: A warning system alerts a driver of a motor vehicle to different types of traction losses. A first sensing circuit (10) detects a loss of wheel adhesion by monitoring a vehicle drive line for a pronounced vibration within a range of between ten and fifteen hertz. A second sensing circuit (12) monitors a brake light circuit to detect application of a vehicle brake. A logic circuit (28) combines outputs (A and B) from the first and second sensing circuits and outputs command signals (C and D) that distinguish between a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel skidding and a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel slipping. A warning device includes two indicators (36 and 38) that receive the respective command signals and produce sensorially distinguishable warning signals for eliciting different responses from the driver.

Abstract: A traction control system combines engine output power limiting with a single point brake for controlling wheel slip. The brake is preferably connected to the engine to reduce torque requirements and avoid drive line shock. One friction member of the preferred brake is coupled to the engine block, and another friction member member is coupled together with a drive pulley to the engine output shaft. An electromagnetic actuator moves the two friction members into engagement with each other within a hollow interior of the drive pulley.

Abstract: A warning system alerts a driver of a motor vehicle to different types of traction losses. A first sensing circuit (10) detects a loss of wheel adhesion by monitoring a vehicle drive line for a pronounced vibration within a range of between ten and fifteen hertz. A second sensing circuit (12) monitors a brake light circuit to detect application of a vehicle brake. A logic circuit (28) combines outputs (A and B) from the first and second sensing circuits and outputs command signals (C and D) that distinguish between a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel skidding and a loss of wheel adhesion due to wheel slipping. A warning device includes two indicators (36 and 38) that receive the respective command signals and produce sensorially distinguishable warning signals for eliciting different responses from the driver.