Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network and utilizes a split-core transformer to harvest energy from the conductors. The monitoring devices can be configured to harvest energy from the AC power grid and apply a DC bias to core halves of the split-core transformer to maintain a positive magnetic force between the core halves. Methods of installing and using the monitoring devices are also provided.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network. The monitoring devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current and electric-field on the conductors. Methods of calibrating the monitoring devices to accurately measure electric-field are also provided. In one embodiment, a first monitoring device on a first conductor can transmit a calibration pulse to a second monitoring device on a second conductor. The second monitoring device can determine a degradation of the calibration pulse, and use that degradation to calibrate electric-field measurements around the conductor.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of power line sensing devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, the power line sensors can include a split-core transformer. In some embodiments, a power line sensing device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network. The sensing devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current and electric-field on the conductors. Methods of installing, sealing, and protecting the split-core transformers of the power line sensors are also discussed.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network and utilizes a split-core transformer to harvest energy from the conductors. The monitoring devices can be configured to harvest energy from the AC power grid and apply a DC bias to core halves of the split-core transformer to maintain a positive magnetic force between the core halves. Methods of installing and using the monitoring devices are also provided.

Abstract: A device comprises a substrate (22); a first MiM capacitor (10,20,11) disposed over the substrate; and a second MiM capacitor (10?,20?,11) disposed over the first MiM capacitor. The first MiM capacitor and the second MiM capacitor are electrically connected in parallel. The two MiM capacitors are vertically stacked one above the other. Each MiM capacitor comprises an interconnection layer (10,10?) of the CMOS process as one plate and a thinner conductive layer (11,11?) as the second plate, with an insulating layer (20,20?) disposed therebetween. This allows each MiM capacitor to be formed between two CMOS process interconnection layers. The second plate of the second MiM capacitor is substantially co-extensive with the second plate of the first MiM capacitor, and is disposed substantially directly over the second plate of the first MiM capacitor. The same mask may be used to pattern the second plate of the second MiM capacitor and the second plate of the first MiM capacitor.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of monitoring devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. In some embodiments, a monitoring device is disposed on each conductor of a three-phase network. The monitoring devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current and electric-field on the conductors. Methods of calibrating the monitoring devices to accurately measure electric-field are also provided. In one embodiment, a first monitoring device on a first conductor can transmit a calibration pulse to a second monitoring device on a second conductor. The second monitoring device can determine a degradation of the calibration pulse, and use that degradation to calibrate electric-field measurements around the conductor.

Abstract: A device comprises a substrate (22); a first MiM capacitor (10,20,11) disposed over the substrate; and a second MiM capacitor (10?,20?,11) disposed over the first MiM capacitor. The first MiM capacitor and the second MiM capacitor are electrically connected in parallel. The two MiM capacitors are vertically stacked one above the other. Each MiM capacitor comprises an interconnection layer (10,10?) of the CMOS process as one plate and a thinner conductive layer (11,11?) as the second plate, with an insulating layer (20,20?) disposed therebetween. This allows each MiM capacitor to be formed between two CMOS process interconnection layers. The second plate of the second MiM capacitor is substantially co-extensive with the second plate of the first MiM capacitor, and is disposed substantially directly over the second plate of the first MiM capacitor. The same mask may be used to pattern the second plate of the second MiM capacitor and the second plate of the first MiM capacitor.

Abstract: A multi wheeled single track vehicle comprising of three or more wheels in a line, where two or more wheels are steered by an amount to enable the vehicle to follow a single track. Two or more wheels of the wheels are driven by a transmission comprising a chain and sprocket for drive from the engine to one wheel and another chain and sprocket for drive from one wheel to another. Suspension is provided for each wheel by a pair of equal, or near equal length of swinging arms, one above the other, (upper swinging arm and lower swinging arm) where both arms are positioned with the wheel end pivot axis above the wheel axle, and the motorcycle frame pivot axis above the final drive engine sprocket axis, with a spring damper (shock absorber) positioned between upper and lower swinging arms and a wheel axle support strut supporting the wheel axle.

Abstract: A bucket elevator conveyor system of the straight horizontal, “C” and “Z” configurations. In these bucket elevator conveyor systems, loading of the buckets can occur anywhere along the horizontal run adjacent the take-up end and discharge of the buckets can be made at the drive area or along the bottom run of the upper horizontal sections of the “Z” and “C” configuration. This provides not only for discharge of the product from the buckets traveling along the lower path of the conveyor, but also provides for simple, intermediate discharge. In addition, there are provided relapping mechanisms to assure proper relapping of the buckets, This is accomplished by reason of a unique bucket design having a cam on one end combined with the front and rear flanges angled to assure proper operation and lapping of the buckets.

Abstract: A bucket elevator conveyor system of the straight horizontal, “C” and “Z” configurations. In these bucket elevator conveyor systems, loading of the buckets can occur anywhere along the horizontal run adjacent the take-up end and discharge of the buckets can be made at the drive area or along the bottom run of the upper horizontal sections of the “Z” and “C” configuration. This provides not only for discharge of the product from the buckets traveling along the lower path of the conveyor, but also provides for simple, intermediate discharge. In addition, there are provided relapping mechanisms to assure proper relapping of the buckets, This is accomplished by reason of a unique bucket design having a cam on one end combined with the front and rear flanges angled to assure proper operation and lapping of the buckets.

Abstract: A stethoscope amplifier headset for receiving, isolating and transferring sound received from a stethoscope to a user's ears, the stethoscope sound isolation headset including left and right ear assemblies connected by an adjustable length headband, ear receiving cavities, stethoscope receiving apertures, and acoustic insulators. Each of the left and right ear assemblies may also include an amplifier assembly including an adjustable volume control.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a deployable airbag of a vehicle is provided with first and second airbag controllers for receiving a fault signal at the first airbag controller, and for producing at the second airbag controller a deployment command signal that indicates that the deployable airbag is to be deployed. The second airbag controller receives the deployment command signal, and is provided with a communication controller for receiving the deployment command signal, a squib for firing in response to the deployment command signal whereby the deployable airbag is deployed, and an energy transfer arrangement coupled to the communication controller and the squib for transferring a deployment energy to the squib in response to the deployment command signal. The squib is configured to require a predeterminable minimum quantum of energy to effect the firing thereof in response to the deployment command signal.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a deployable airbag of a vehicle is provided with a squib for firing in response to a deployment command signal whereby the deployable airbag is deployed. Bilateral communication is effected between the control arrangement and an airbag electronic controller. Electrical energy and data, including the deployment command signal are conveyed to the control arrangement, and at least self-diagnosis information is conveyed to the airbag electronic controller. The squib is configured to require a predeterminable minimum quantum of energy to effect the firing thereof in response to the deployment command signal. A heater provides a radiated preheat to the squib, whereby the predeterminable minimum quantum of energy applied to effect firing of the squib is exceeded by a combination of the first electrical energy and the radiated preheat energy. The squib and the preheater preferably are both formed on a silicon substrate using a conventional integration process.

Abstract: A hermetically protected electronic assembly that has (a) a housing having walls defining a shallow impervious cavity with a depth no greater than 6-12 mm and with an cavity bottom surface; (b) conductor pins extending through integrally said housing walls and along the cavity bottom surface; (c) an insulating supporting platform resting on the cavity bottom surface with ends of the conductor pins extending therethrough to secure the position of the platform, the platform carrying an electrical circuit integrated to at least the top surface of the platform and connected to the conductor pins; (d) at least one electronic sensor component supported in the housing by the platform and operatively secured to the circuit; and (e) a water-proofing silicon gel filling the entire space within the housing including surrounding the circuit, platform, sensor and pin connections therein.