Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing electrical devices for use with a generator, and, particularly, climate control (e.g., Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)) management systems and methods for use with a generator. A climate control energy management system or controller, such as a thermostat, can monitor the frequency of the source power to determine if power is supplied by a generator or a utility. If the thermostat determines that the source of energy is generator power, the controller can determine whether the generator is reaching full capacity. If the generator is reaching full capacity or is at full capacity, the thermostat can reduce the climate control load or otherwise adjust the operation of climate control system.

Abstract: Device for concentrating and harvesting sunlight comprising: A panel having rigid layer having a patterned electrical circuit thereon. An array of sunlight concentrating and harvesting units, each unit being formed by at least one rigid element and a portion of the rigid layer; and including: a rigid optical concentrating element, a photovoltaic cell sandwiched within the panel for converting sunlight into electrical energy, and an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor being the primary heat sink for the photovoltaic cell, the photovoltaic cell being primarily cooled via conduction. The electrical conductor and the optical concentrating element being dimensioned and arranged within the unit such that the electrical conductor does not materially impede transmission of sunlight to the photovoltaic cell. The electrical conductor transmitting electrical and thermal energy received from the photovoltaic cell away from the unit.

Abstract: A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.

Abstract: The physical 3D renderer described herein renders one or more captured depth images as a physical 3D rendering. The physical 3D renderer can render physical 3D surfaces and structures in real time. In one embodiment the 3D renderer creates a physical three dimensional (3D) topological surface from captured images. To this end, a depth image of a surface or structure to be replicated is received (for example from a depth camera or depth sensor). Depth information is determined at a dense distribution of points corresponding to points in the depth image. In one embodiment the depth information corresponding to the depth image is fed to actuators on sliding shafts in an array. Each sliding shaft is adjusted to the depth in the depth image to create a physical 3D topological surface like the surface or structure to be replicated.

Abstract: Illumination panel comprises: (1) a receiver substrate assembly including: (a) a rigid sheet of light transmissive material having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a conductor pattern attached to the first surface; and (b) at least one receiver assembly affixed to the rigid sheet, each receiver assembly including a light source in electrical communication with the conductor pattern; and (2) at least one light-guide optic attached to and supported by the receiver substrate assembly, each light-guide optic in optical communication with the photovoltaic cell of an associated one of the at least one receiver assembly for guiding light for output via the rigid sheet.

Abstract: Device for providing comprising: A panel having rigid layer having a patterned electrical circuit thereon. An array of illuminating units, each unit being formed by at least one rigid element and a portion of the rigid layer; and including: a rigid optical dispersing element, a light source sandwiched within the panel for generating light from electrical energy, and an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor being the primary heat sink for the light source, the light source being primarily cooled via conduction. The electrical conductor and the optical dispersing element being dimensioned and arranged within the unit such that the electrical conductor does not materially impede transmission of light generated by the light source to the outside of the device. The electrical conductor transmitting electrical and thermal energy received from the light source away from the unit.

Abstract: Device for harvesting light from a light source, comprising: First photovoltaic cell having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an array of optical passages therein. Array of optical concentrating elements above the upper surface defining a light acceptance area, each being associated with one of the optical passages, and being structured/arranged to concentrate direct light towards theretowards. Concentrated direct light passing through the first photovoltaic cell via an optical passage and exiting as a non-parallel light beam. Array of optical redirecting elements below the lower surface, each being associated with one of the optical passages; each receiving the light beam from the optical passage with which it is associated and redirecting it optically towards a second photovoltaic cell. Diffuse light passing through the array of optical concentrating elements to upper surface of first photovoltaic cell. Second photovoltaic cell having an active area being smaller than the light acceptance area.

Abstract: Light panels, and methods of providing the light panels, are described. The described light panels are substantially transparent and can operate as an illumination device or as a solar panel. An example light panel includes a first optic layer for transmitting light; a second optic layer with a reflective surface configured for one of directing light from the first optic layer and directing light to the first optic layer; and a receiving assembly disposed between the first optic layer and the second optic layer. The receiving assembly includes a first receiving layer adjacent to the first optic layer; a second receiving layer adjacent to the second optic layer and separated from the first receiving layer; and a light device coupled to the first receiving layer. The light device can be configured to receive light from the reflective surface or to provide light to the reflective surface.

Abstract: A concentrated photovoltaic panel comprises at least one rigid sheet, one or more first optical elements disposed adjacent a first side of the at least one rigid sheet, one or more second optical elements disposed adjacent a second side of the at least one rigid sheet, and one or more photovoltaic elements. Each photovoltaic element is disposed between a respective first optical element and a respective second optical element. Each first optical element comprises at least one lens configured to focus light impinging thereon onto a corresponding reflecting surface of the respective second optical element. Each second optical element is configured to reflect light focused by the first optical element to the photovoltaic element disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) generating system that includes a plurality of PV tracker units, each having: a PV panel with a plurality of PV generators connected to output electrical power and an actuator for positioning the PV panel. A multiple tracker control unit is in communication with the plurality of PV tracker units, the tracker control unit monitoring the output electrical power of the PV panels and controlling, in dependance on the monitored output electrical power, both: (i) power conversion of the output electrical power and (ii) the actuators of the PV tracker units, to optimize power output for the plurality of PV tracker units.

Abstract: Optics are provided for use in illumination devices the optics having a light guide, a redirecting layer including a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of reflector elements. Light from a light source enters the light guide and is guided therein until it escapes into a reflector element, which reflects at least some of the light received by the reflector element toward a corresponding lens for emission from the illumination device.

Abstract: Optics are provided for use in solar concentrators, the optics having a light guide, a redirecting layer including a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of reflector elements. Sunlight is received by the redirecting lenses, which focus the sunlight onto reflective surfaces of the reflector elements. The reflective surface of each reflector element redirects the light into the light guide, which guides the light toward a solar energy collector, such as a photovoltaic cell. The light from the light guide may be directed onto the solar energy collector by a light conditioning element.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and technologies for defining and administering device manners policy (“DMP”), propagating DMP, reception and recognition of, and compliance with DMP. Such policy may be used to communicate to various mobile and other devices the “manners” with which compliance is expected or required. Similar to some of the social manners honored among people, such as with “no smoking” or “employees only” zones, “no swimming” or “no flash photography” areas, and scenarios for “please wash your hands” or “no talking out loud”, devices may recognize and comply with analogous “device manners” policy.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and technologies for defining and administering device manners policy (“DMP”), propagating DMP, reception and recognition of, and compliance with DMP. Such policy may be used to communicate to various mobile and other devices the “manners” with which compliance is expected or required. Similar to some of the social manners honored among people, such as with “no smoking” or “employees only” zones, “no swimming” or “no flash photography” areas, and scenarios for “please wash your hands” or “no talking out loud”, devices may recognize and comply with analogous “device manners” policy.

Abstract: A solar cell array including a matrix of solar cells arranged on a substrate in rows and columns; and a plurality of conductor elements connecting the solar cells within each column in parallel and the solar cells of each row in series. The conductor elements are arranged on the substrate in an optical path of light to the solar cells. The conductor elements are physically dimensioned to reduce interference with the optical path and have current-carrying capacity configured to conduct current within a predetermined range of anticipated operating currents.