Abstract: An electric motor for a pump includes an AC line-in node for receiving AC power supplied to the electric motor. The electric motor includes a current sensor coupled to the AC line-in node and measures current supplied to the electric motor. The electric motor includes a motor controller configured to convert the AC power supplied to a variable frequency variable voltage power for driving the electric motor at a normal output value. The motor controller includes a microcontroller and an inverter. The microcontroller is coupled to the current sensor and receives a measured value of the current supplied to the electric motor, determines the measured value is above a threshold, and transmits a control signal representing a reduced output value. The inverter receives the control signal and generates the variable frequency variable voltage power to reduce output from the electric motor according to the reduced output value.

Abstract: A control system for a pump motor includes a first portion disposed outside a housing of the pump motor. The first portion may include a wireless communication interface and a processor. In some embodiments, the processor of the first portion is configured to control the wireless communication interface to receive a user input from a user device, and generate a control signal in response to receiving the user input. The control system also includes a second portion physically separate from the first portion and communicatively coupled to the first portion. The second portion may include a processor configured to receive the control signal from the first portion, and control the pump motor in response to receiving the control signal.

Abstract: A control system for a pump motor includes a first portion disposed outside a housing of the pump motor. The first portion may include a wireless communication interface and a processor. In some embodiments, the processor of the first portion is configured to control the wireless communication interface to receive a user input from a user device, and generate a control signal in response to receiving the user input. The control system also includes a second portion physically separate from the first portion and communicatively coupled to the first portion. The second portion may include a processor configured to receive the control signal from the first portion, and control the pump motor in response to receiving the control signal.

Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an electric pump motor is provided. The drive circuit includes an inverter and a contactor. The inverter is configured to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor. The contactor is configured to supply the line frequency current to the electric motor.

Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: Described herein are aerogel composites. The aerogel composites comprise at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material each consist essentially of fluoropolymer material.

Abstract: A drive circuit for an electric pump motor is provided. The drive circuit includes an inverter and a contactor. The inverter is configured to supply variable frequency current to the electric motor. The contactor is configured to supply the line frequency current to the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: An electric machine comprises a motor housing and an electronics enclosure coupled to the motor housing. The electronics enclosure defines an air passage between the electronics enclosure and the motor housing. The electronics enclosure further defines at least one air intake connected to said air passage. The electric machine also includes a fan configured to draw air through the at least one air intake and into the air passage.

Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.

Abstract: Described herein are aerogel composites. The aerogel composites comprise at least one base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base layer comprising a reinforced aerogel composition which comprises a reinforcement material and a monolithic aerogel framework, a first facing layer comprising a first facing material attached to the top surface of the base layer, and a second facing layer comprising a second facing material attached to the bottom surface of the base layer. At least a portion of the monolithic aerogel framework of the base layer extends into at least a portion of both the first facing layer and the second facing layer. The first facing material and the second facing material each consist essentially of fluoropolymer material.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a support structure and a stator secured to the support structure. The machine also includes a rotor rotatably scoured to the support structure. The rotor defines a wall of the rotor. The machine also includes a sensor secured to the support structure and adapted to cooperate with the wall of the rotor to sense the position of the rotor relative to that of the stator.

Abstract: The invention is an article of footwear incorporating insulation material, such as a low bulk insulation material, to provide warmth in cold weather, yet with the style, agility, and breathability of a typical conventional shoe or boot. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the invention includes these features in a shoe or boot which is also waterproof and breathable. These aspects of the present invention are achieved through a placement, or mapping, of low bulk insulation to maximize the footwear article attributes of warmth, style, agility, and breathability.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an electric machine is provided. The machine includes a support structure and a stator secured to the support structure. The machine also includes a rotor rotatably scoured to the support structure. The rotor defines a wall of the rotor. The machine also includes a sensor secured to the support structure and adapted to cooperate with the wall of the rotor to sense the position of the rotor relative to that of the stator.

Abstract: An electric machine comprises a motor housing and an electronics enclosure coupled to the motor housing. The electronics enclosure defines an air passage between the electronics enclosure and the motor housing. The electronics enclosure further defines at least one air intake connected to said air passage. The electric machine also includes a fan configured to draw air through the at least one air intake and into the air passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of durably liquidproof laminates and articles made therefrom, the laminates incorporating a barrier layer and a textile made from a composite yarn containing a core including fiberglass as a strength component and a sheath of a different material around the core. Shelters and other protective articles incorporating this laminate are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of durably liquidproof laminates and articles made therefrom, the laminates incorporating a barrier layer and a textile made from a composite yarn containing a core including fiberglass as a strength component and a sheath of a different material around the core. Shelters and other protective articles incorporating this laminate are also described.