Abstract: Method and systems, performed by one or more processors, are disclosed. A method, performed by one or more processors, may comprise receiving a query for performing one or more computational operations on one or more multi-dimensional data sets representing multi-dimensional time series data collected in real-time from one or more sensors associated with one or more technical systems. The method may also comprise identifying the location of the one or more multi-dimensional time series data sets in one or more databases, retrieving the one or more multi-dimensional time series data sets from the identified one or more databases, and performing the one or more computational operations on the retrieved one or more multi-dimensional time series data sets. The method may also comprise generating output based on the result of the one or more computational operations indicative of one or more states of the one or more technical systems with respect to time.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: A holding device for controlling a position of a shaft is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the holding device are incorporated in bicycles and bicycle components to control a height of a bicycle seatpost. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for structures that support bifacial photovoltaic panels are presented. A system comprising a support structure mounted to an underside of bifacial photovoltaic panels arranged in a row is provided herein. The support structure comprises one or more elongated structural members extending along and in a direction parallel to the row. The support structure further comprises one or more pivot arms that rotate about an axle at a top of the support structure. The one or more pivot arms are positioned in a perpendicular direction to the one or more elongated structural members. The one or more pivot arms connected to the one or more elongated structural members. The one or more structural elements of the support structure have a reflective outer surface to increase reflected light to the underside of the bifacial photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rotatably mounting and locking solar (e.g., photovoltaic) panels. For example, the solar panels can be mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis so as to track the sun over the course of the day, and can be locked in a suitable position during high-wind conditions. A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft, pinion gear coupled to the drive shaft, and arc gear coupled to a solar panel, and a locking mechanism includes a lock plate coupled to the arc gear and including a reaction surface. The pinion gear includes a bearing surface. When the drive shaft rotates a first amount, engagement between pinion gear teeth and arc gear teeth rotates the arc gear. When the drive shaft rotates a second amount, the arc gear rotates to a stow position where the reaction surface bears against the bearing surface, locking the arc gear.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A holding device for controlling a position of a shaft is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the holding device are incorporated in bicycles and bicycle components to control a height of a bicycle seatpost. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a system is provided for rotating photovoltaic modules arranged in a row. The system can include an elongated structural member extending along and parallel to the row; protrusions coupled to the elongated structural member; an actuator; and drive mechanisms coupled to the photovoltaic modules. Actuation of the actuator can move the elongated structural member, the movement of the elongated structural member can move the protrusions, the movement of the protrusions can move the drive mechanisms, and the movement of the drive mechanisms can rotate the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices made with bearings formed from sheet material. These bearings can be optionally formed so as to provide tool-less connections to their associated bearing housings. The bearings can be formed with an open configuration allowing a shaft to be inserted into an open bite of the bearing. Optionally, the bearing can be made from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plastic material. Additionally, two open-type bearing assemblies can be mounted axially offset and opposed to one another.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.

Abstract: Cable management is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cable management includes three cable support members coupled together and extending in a substantially same direction. The three cable support members include two outer members and an inner member between the two outer members. At least the two outer members each have a surface along their length substantially in a same plane. The three cable support members are spaced to constrain a cable disposed over the surface of the two outer members and under the inner member. According to one embodiment, the three cable support members are cylindrical pins. In one embodiment, the three cable support members are sections of a stiff bent wire. According to one embodiment, each of the three cable support members are sheet metal sections, wherein edges of the sheet metal sections are rounded.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices made with bearings formed from sheet material. These bearings can be optionally formed so as to provide tool-less connections to their associated bearing housings. The bearings can be formed with an open configuration allowing a shaft to be inserted into an open bite of the bearing. Optionally, the bearing can be made from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plastic material. Additionally, two open-type bearing assemblies can be mounted axially offset and opposed to one another.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices made with bearings formed from sheet material. These bearings can be optionally formed so as to provide tool-less connections to their associated bearing housings. The bearings can be formed with an open configuration allowing a shaft to be inserted into an open bite of the bearing. Optionally, the bearing can be made from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene plastic material. Additionally, two open-type bearing assemblies can be mounted axially offset and opposed to one another.

Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.