Abstract: A vehicle having a control system to utilize a movable suspension to increase sensor coverage. The control system can detect an object of interest that is partially, or completely, outside the field of view of one or more sensors on the vehicle. The system can then use the movable suspension to raise one portion of the vehicle and/or lower another portion of the vehicle to bring the object of interest at least partially into the field of view of the sensor, increasing the effective field of view of the sensor. When an object of interest is determined to be significant (e.g., a traffic or street sign), the system can attempt to bring the object of interest into view of the sensor by tilting the vehicle. The system can use different tilt rates and/or tilt angles depending on whether the vehicle is occupied or not.

Abstract: A cord dispenser includes a body having a body outer wall and an inner chamber. The inner chamber is operable to contain a length of cord, the cord having a first cord end. A retaining mechanism is rigidly affixed to the body outer wall of the dispenser. The retaining mechanism is sized to removably secure a light source. A first through-hole is disposed in the body through which the first cord end is operable to be extended and to be securely attached to the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for creating, sending, receiving, or displaying messages with smart variable expressive text or graphics is described. The method includes providing a user interface for inputting content and specifying an appearance of the content, receiving the content and an appearance control input via the user interface, responsive to the appearance control input, creating a message including the content and formatting information, and sending the message including the content and the formatting information.

Abstract: A cord dispenser includes a body having a body outer wall and an inner chamber. The inner chamber is operable to contain a length of cord, the cord having a first cord end. A retaining mechanism is rigidly affixed to the body outer wall of the dispenser. The retaining mechanism is sized to removably secure a light source. A first through-hole is disposed in the body through which the first cord end is operable to be extended and to be securely attached to the light source.

Abstract: A backstacked paracord dispenser, comprising a body a lid and a backstacked length of paracord disposed therein. The body has a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom. The lid has a closed top with a through-hole disposed therethrough and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top. The second sidewall is sized to securely fit to the body. The length of paracord is disposed in the body and has one end extended through the through-hole. The paracord was backstacked into the body.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an oil flow within a refrigeration system, the system including a compressor, an expansion device in flow communication with the compressor, and an electronic controller in communication with the expansion device and the compressor, wherein the electronic controller is configured to operate in an oil return mode based at least in part on an operational speed and a continuous operational run time of the compressor.

Abstract: A method for managing a refrigerant charge in a system for heating water and conditioning an interior space by removing power from an indoor fan for a first duration of time prior to switching at least one valve to configure a second refrigerant circuit for satisfying a water heating demand. A method for managing a refrigerant charge in a system for heating water and conditioning an interior space by removing power from a water pump for a second duration of time prior to switching at least one valve to reconfigure a first refrigerant circuit to satisfy an interior space heating demand.

Abstract: An annular superheater element for superheating steam within firetubes of firetube boilers comprising concentric inner and outer tubes and a specially designed return end cap. Saturated steam introduced into the outer tube of said superheater element is superheated while traveling towards the burner end of the tube, is directed into the inner tube by means of the return end cap, and travels away from the burner side of the element where it is exhausted for use as superheated steam. While traversing the inner tube, the superheated steam gives off heat energy through the wall of the inner tube to the steam traveling in the outer tube towards the burner end of the tube, conserving energy. The improved superheater element produces superheated steam more efficiently, with less fuel, and steam capable of doing more work, than conventional superheater elements and can be used to retrofit existing firetube type boilers.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion valve and a second heat exchanger arranged serial refrigerant flow path; a first fan configured to direct air over the first heat exchanger; a controller coupled to the first fan and the compressor, the controller configured to: set a compressor discharge superheat limit; determine a compressor discharge superheat; compare the compressor discharge superheat to the compressor discharge superheat limit; and when the compressor discharge superheat is less than the compressor discharge superheat limit, the controller reducing at least one of a compressor speed and a first fan speed.

Abstract: A system and method for creating, sending, receiving, or displaying messages with smart variable expressive text or graphics is described. The method includes providing a user interface for inputting content and specifying an appearance of the content, receiving the content and an appearance control input via the user interface, responsive to the appearance control input, creating a message including the content and formatting information, and sending the message including the content and the formatting information.

Abstract: An HVAC system, including a reversing valve including a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the reversing valve may be placed into a first position in which the first port is operably coupled to the second port for the flow of refrigerant therebetween, and a second position in which the second port is operably coupled to the third port for the flow of refrigerant therebetween, a first HVAC component operably coupled to the first port, a second HVAC component operably coupled to the second port, and a third HVAC component operably coupled to the third port.

Abstract: A system and method of operating an HVAC system including a HVAC unit including a unit temperature sensor, a unit controller, and a variable speed compressor, and a two-stage system controller in communication with the unit controller, the method including operating the system controller to transmit a conditioning signal to the unit controller based in part on a system demand, operating the unit controller to receive the conditioning signal, and receive outdoor air temperature data from the unit temperature sensor, operating the unit controller to determine whether the outdoor air temperature data is greater than or equal to a cooling temperature limit or less than or equal to a heating temperature limit, and operating the unit controller to transmit a speed signal to the compressor based in part on the plurality of conditioning signals and the outdoor air temperature data.

Abstract: A method of providing electric power and energy to a host comprises executing a power purchase agreement between a provider and the host. The provider has an electric generator system and the host has a facility located on a property of the host. The provider becomes a market participant in the regional wholesale electricity markets. The provider installs the generator system on the host's property. The provider provides power and energy to the host's facility through a local utility as an electric supplier. The provider provides distributed power and energy to the host's facility directly from the generator system.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus control pressure in the patient interface. A vent valve may be used with a respiratory device, where the vent valve may selectively block fluid communication between components, such as the flow generator, the patient interface, and/or the vent. An expiratory flow model may be used to determine an expiratory characteristic such as an expiratory flow rate or pressure in the patient interface where an indicative measure may not be available. The expiratory flow model may receive inputs based on a measure of the patient's respiration, such as the tidal volume, peak inspiratory flow rate or length of inspiration. The expiratory characteristic may be used by a controller to control a pressure in the patient interface to provide respiratory therapy to a patient at or close to a target pressure.

Abstract: Ultrasound thin film tags are disclosed. The tags include a pattern of regions, wherein the pattern is configured to create thin film interference when scanned with ultrasound energy. The tags can be placed in various locations within the article including interior surfaces and they can be used to encode a variety of information about the article. Devices and methods for scanning and decoding the tags are also disclosed.