Abstract: A portable unit for metabolic analysis includes a manifold in fluid communication with a mouth of a test subject. A conduit extends from the manifold and defines a flow channel through which the breaths of the test subject travels. A carbon dioxide sensor is attached to the conduit. The carbon dioxide sensor includes an intermediate support housing enclosing a volume disposed along the flow channel to define a first part of the flow channel, an inner support housing attached to a first side of the intermediate support housing, a plurality of IR LEDs mounted to an interior surface of the inner support housing, an outer support housing attached to a second side of the intermediate support housing, and a photodetector attached to the outer support housing. The photodetector faces the flow channel and receives IR radiation emitted by the plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: The Portable Unit for Metabolic Analysis measures human metabolic function. The compact invention attaches to the face of a subject and it is able to record highly time-resolved measurements of air temperature and pressure, flow rates during inhalation and exhalation, and oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure. The device is capable of ‘breath-by-breath’ analysis and ‘within-breath’ analysis at high temporal resolution.

Abstract: A debris exclusion and removal apparatus for connectors which have retractable cover configurations which include internal wafers that clean the connectors prior to mating.

Abstract: A debris exclusion and removal apparatus for connectors which have retractable cover configurations which include internal wafers that clean the connectors prior to mating.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for debris exclusion and removal apparatuses for connectors which have inverting end caps with a multi-axis lever configuration, inverting end caps with enlarged handle and/or side rail configurations, rotating end cap configurations, poppet valve configurations, O-ring configurations, filament barrier configurations, retractable cover configurations, clamshell end cap configurations, or any combination thereof. Apparatuses may also provide for an intelligent electrical connector system capable of detecting damage to or faults within a plurality of conductors and then rerouting the energy through a non-damaged spare conductor.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling the energy usage of an installation including lighting fixtures, motors, compressors, and other electrical appliances by monitoring the operating status of the electrical appliances, switching the electrical appliances on and/or off as mandated by operating conditions, intended use(s) of the installation, ambient conditions, energy consumption limits, and other factors, reporting the operating status of the electrical appliances to a system coordinator, storing information as to the operating status of each electrical appliance in the network to the memory of the system coordinator in a look-up table for subsequent retrieval as needed for operation of the installation, and transmitting a signal from the system coordinator that is operative to switch the electrical appliances on and/or off in accordance with the information stored in the look-up table.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage in an electrical wire, including delivering at least one test electrical signal to an outer electrically conductive material in a continuous or non-continuous layer covering an electrically insulative material layer that covers an electrically conductive wire core. Detecting the test electrical signals in the outer conductive material layer to obtain data that is processed to identify damage in the outer electrically conductive material layer.

Abstract: A light fixture having a construction enabling on/off operation with a wall-mounted switch in a circuit by itself or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in “plug and play” fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the circuit or for stepped dimming. Modular construction provides safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts are replaced without exposure to internal wiring and provides temperature management by isolating temperature-sensitive components from high temperatures while placing the lamps in an enclosure in which temperature is contained to operate efficiently. If passive thermal management is not enough to maximize operating efficiency and/or service life, the fixture is upgradeable in plug and play fashion to active thermal management. Ballast modules can be equipped with a microcontroller for collecting operational data that is harvested and used to optimize switching to evenly age lamps and electronics or determine energy consumption.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: A modular light fixture having a construction that enables the same fixture to be used for standard on/off operation under control of a wall-mounted switch in a circuit by itself and/or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in “plug and play” fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the same circuit and/or for stepped dimming. The modular construction of the fixture also allows for safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts can be replaced without quickly and conveniently without exposing an electrician or maintenance worker to the internal wires of the fixture. The construction of the fixture also provides temperature management by isolating the temperature-sensitive components of the fixture from high temperatures while placing the lamps of the fixture in an enclosure, or shroud, in which temperature is contained so that the lamps operate efficiently.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage in an electrical wire, including delivering at least one test electrical signal to an outer electrically conductive material in a continuous or non-continuous layer covering an electrically insulative material layer that covers an electrically conductive wire core. Detecting the test electrical signals in the outer conductive material layer to obtain data that is processed to identify damage in the outer electrically conductive material layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling the energy usage of an installation including lighting fixtures, motors, compressors, and other electrical appliances by monitoring the operating status of the electrical appliances, switching the electrical appliances on and/or off as mandated by operating conditions, intended use(s) of the installation, ambient conditions, energy consumption limits, and other factors, reporting the operating status of the electrical appliances to a system coordinator, storing information as to the operating status of each electrical appliance in the installation to the memory of the system coordinator in a look-up table for subsequent retrieval as needed for operation of the installation, and transmitting a signal from the system coordinator that is operative to switch the electrical appliances on and/or off in accordance with the information stored in the look-up table.

Abstract: A modular light fixture having a construction that enables the same fixture to be used for standard on/off operation under control of a wall-mounted switch in a circuit by itself and/or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in “plug and play” fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the same circuit and/or for stepped dimming. The modular construction of the fixture also allows for safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts can be replaced without quickly and conveniently without exposing an electrician or maintenance worker to the internal wires of the fixture. The construction of the fixture also provides temperature management by isolating the temperature-sensitive components of the fixture from high temperatures while placing the lamps of the fixture in an enclosure, or shroud, in which temperature is contained so that the lamps operate efficiently.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring a battery backup unit (BBU) deployed in a network. The BBU typically communicates in a unidirectional manner with an external device, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), is able to communicate in a bidirectional manner. The useful improvements of communicating in a bidirectional manner include installation integrity, real-time troubleshooting, and software upgrades. Moreover, the BBU is able to monitor an output power or status information of a primary power source, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Power Supply Unit (OPSU). Specifically, example embodiments allow the BBU to be enabled in an event of a loss of primary power to the ONT. The BBU may communicate in a bidirectional manner between the BBU and the device external from the BBU to receive status request signals and provide information responsive thereto about the BBU, including information about the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for targeted, remote switching of electrical appliances. The system includes a transmitter for selectively producing a directional output signal and a receiver for detecting the directional output signal from the transmitter. The receiver produces an output signal when the directional output signal from the transmitter is detected that is received by a microcontroller that is incorporated into a switch controller. The microcontroller produces an output that switches the electrical appliance to which the switch controller is connected on and/or off. Although not limited to this use, the system and method of the present invention are particularly adapted for controlling individual light fixtures, even though several fixtures are wired into a single circuit, allowing the individual fixtures to be switched on and/or off as needed and, in the case of light fixtures with multiple bulbs, the dimming of the fixture by switching individual bulbs in the fixture off.

Abstract: A multichemistry measuring device and diagnostic test strips which, in combination with the multichemistry measuring device, provide a multichemistry testing system are disclosed. The test strips are for chemical analysis of a sample, and are adapted for use in combination with a measuring device having a test port and capable of performing a multiplicity of testing functionalities. Each type of test strip corresponds to at least one of the testing functionalities, and at least some types of test strips have indicators of the testing functionality on them. The test port is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips and includes a sensor capable of specifically interacting with the indicator(s) on the test strips, thereby selecting at least one of the multiplicity of testing functionalities corresponding to the type of test strip.

Abstract: A circuit card interface system of minimized vertical clearance, capable of interfacing one or more circuit cards to a relatively small space on a mother board. The interface system includes an interfacing connector assembly and at least one stacking connector assembly, each adapted to receive a circuit card. The conductors of the interfacing connector assembly are coupled to a substrate such as a mother board. The interfacing connector assembly can be used alone or with one or more electrically interconnected stacking connector assemblies. Rapid electrical attachment of each stacking connector assembly is accomplished by mating a cooperating portion of the stacking connector assembly with a portion of the underlying interfacing connector assembly. A separable header connector assembly 204 is attachable to a metal frame 202 comprising rails for receiving the circuit card. The separable header is attached via a metal latch with an opening 224 that engages a plastic boss 222.