Abstract: A string-forming system is described. The string-forming system may include at least a first cell-lifting mechanism and a second cell-lifting mechanism that can automatically arrange a set of strips of a photovoltaic structure into a cascaded formation. During operation, a controller can cause the first cell-lifting mechanism to lift a first strip from a first platform, and can cause the second cell-lifting mechanism to lift, from the first platform, a second strip that may follow the first strip on the first platform. The controller may then activate a first shifting actuator of the first cell-lifting mechanism or a second shifting actuator of the second cell-lifting mechanism to place a leading edge of the second strip above a trailing edge of the first strip.

Abstract: A system for scribing a photovoltaic structure is provided. During operation, a conveyor can move a photovoltaic structure along a path, and a scribing apparatus is directed toward that path to scribe a groove of a predetermined depth. In one embodiment, the groove does not penetrate an interface between a base layer and an emitter layer of the photovoltaic structure.

Abstract: A targeted-annealing system can automatically cure a conductive paste that may bind cascaded strips of a string. The targeted-annealing system can include a first heat-treating bar that may be heated to a first curing temperature, and can include a second heat-treating bar that may be heated to a second curing temperature. During operation, a controller of the targeted-annealing system can activate one or more actuators to conform the first heat-treating bar to a top surface of two cascaded strips, and conform the second heat-treating bar to a bottom surface of two cascaded strips. The first and second heat-treating bars may be aligned along an overlap portion between the two cascaded strips, and can heat the overlap portion to 160 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for attaching conductive tabs to photovoltaic structures. The apparatus includes a cassette configured to store a plurality of conductive tabs and a pick-and-place apparatus configured to obtain a conductive tab from the cassette and place the conductive tab at an edge of a photovoltaic structure. The pick-and-place apparatus further includes a tab holder configured to pick up and release the conductive tab and a substantially horizontal track coupled to the tab holder. The tab holder is further configured to move back and forth along the track.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing data transmission rates through a content distribution network by generating a customized aggregation comprising data packets selected to maximize a data acceptance rate are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory having a content library database storing a plurality of data packets and a user profile database. The system can further include a server that can receive aggregation information identifying a plurality of delivery data packets and a plurality of assessment data packets, receive data packet data from the content library database, and generate an updated aggregation by removing at least one data packet from the aggregation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simplifying data structuring in a database by applying a first content structure to interrelate a plurality of data packets and refining the interrelations based on data packet attributes are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including: a structure database that can include a content structure including a plurality of content categories; and a content library database. The content library database can include a plurality of data packets. The system can include a server that can receive a plurality of data packets, organize the content according to the content structure, and update the organization of at least some of the data packets based on a determined attribute of those data packets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing data transmission rates through a content distribution network by generating a customized aggregation comprising data packets selected to maximize a data acceptance rate are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including a content library database having a plurality of data packets and a user profile database. The system can further include a server that can: receive aggregation information identifying a set of delivery data packets and a set of assessment data packets; receive data packet data from the content library database; identify a recipient cohort; determine a recipient cohort lapsed time; generate an estimate of data packet transfer time for the aggregation; generate an updated aggregation based on the recipient cohort lapsed time and the estimate of data packet transfer time; and provide the updated aggregation to the user devices.

Abstract: A defibrillator is provided with two processors for enhancing the defibrillation process. A first processor is dedicated to controlling when an electrical charge is applied to a patient. A second processor is dedicated to data operations for enhancing the coaching of the defibrillation process. The second data processor is in communication with one or more external devices for transmission and receipt of network data for further enhancing the coaching process. The second data processor allows both the defibrillator to be maintained with updated network data and software and the one or more external devices to be maintained with updated defibrillator data. Independent controllers provide multiple processing paths on critical charge and coaching functions; with the second data processor further providing redundancy control in the event of any malfunction of the first charge processor.

Abstract: A method to optimize the power assignment of user streams transmitted from base stations in coordinated base station transmission systems. In the method of the invention said CBST systems employ block diagonalization techniques and are deployed in MIMO-OFDM scenarios, and it further comprises using a new waterfilling technique which provides a performance very close to the theoretical ideal but with a reduced computational complexity.

Abstract: An access arbitration module includes a plurality of active component communication ports for communicating with a plurality of active components, and includes a passive component communication port for communicating with a passive component. The access arbitration module also includes switching logic defined to control transmission of access communication protocol signals between each of the plurality of active component communication ports and the passive component communication port, such that an authorized one of the plurality of active component communication ports is connected in communication with the passive component communication port at a given time, and such that non-authorized ones of the plurality of active component communication ports are prevented from communication with the passive component communication port at the given time.

Abstract: A method to optimize the power assignment of user streams transmitted from base stations in coordinated base station transmission systems. In the method of the invention said CBST systems employ block diagonalization techniques and are deployed in MIMO-OFDM scenarios, and it further comprises using a new waterfilling technique which provides a performance very close to the theoretical ideal but with a reduced computational complexity.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining nanofibrillated cellulose starting from a raw material including recycled or recovered paper, or recovered paper pulp or recovered cellulose comprises the stages of: immersing the raw material in an acetic acid dilution, in a concentration of 10% to 50% by volume, during a time inverse to the concentration of acetic acid; stirring the raw material immersed in the acetic acid dilution; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic material to a mechanical process of longitudinal separation of fibers, by shear forces applied through a mixer or similar equipment capable of creating enough shearing on cellulose pulp. Thanks to the above procedure nanofibrillated cellulose from recycled paper is obtained with similar features to the nanofibrillated cellulose obtained from virgin cellulose.

Abstract: An access arbitration module includes a plurality of active component communication ports for communicating with a plurality of active components, and includes a passive component communication port for communicating with a passive component. The access arbitration module also includes switching logic defined to control transmission of access communication protocol signals between each of the plurality of active component communication ports and the passive component communication port, such that an authorized one of the plurality of active component communication ports is connected in communication with the passive component communication port at a given time, and such that non-authorized ones of the plurality of active component communication ports are prevented from communication with the passive component communication port at the given time.

Abstract: A defibrillator is provided with two processors for enhancing the defibrillation process. A first processor is dedicated to controlling when an electrical charge is applied to a patient. A second processor is dedicated to data operations for enhancing the coaching of the defibrillation process. The second data processor is in communication with one or more external devices for transmission and receipt of network data for further enhancing the coaching process. The second data processor allows both the defibrillator to be maintained with updated network data and software and the one or more external devices to be maintained with updated defibrillator data. Independent controllers provide multiple processing paths on critical charge and coaching functions; with the second data processor further providing redundancy control in the event of any malfunction of the first charge processor.

Abstract: An access arbitration module includes a plurality of active component communication ports for communicating with a plurality of active components, and includes a passive component communication port for communicating with a passive component. The access arbitration module also includes switching logic defined to control transmission of access communication protocol signals between each of the plurality of active component communication ports and the passive component communication port, such that an authorized one of the plurality of active component communication ports is connected in communication with the passive component communication port at a given time, and such that non-authorized ones of the plurality of active component communication ports are prevented from communication with the passive component communication port at the given time.

Abstract: A procedure for obtaining nanofibrillated cellulose starting from a raw material including recycled or recovered paper, or recovered paper pulp or recovered cellulose comprises the stages of: immersing the raw material in an acetic acid dilution, in a concentration of 10% to 50% by volume, during a time inverse to the concentration of acetic acid; stirring the raw material immersed in the acetic acid dilution; and subsequently subjecting the cellulosic material to a mechanical process of longitudinal separation of fibres, by shear forces applied through a mixer or similar equipment capable of creating enough shearing on cellulose pulp. Thanks to the above procedure nanofibrillated cellulose from recycled paper is obtained with similar features to the nanofibrillated cellulose obtained from virgin cellulose.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is configured to transport a work piece carrier within a buffer in fabrication facility, comprising: a transporter configured to travel on two rails, wherein the transporter comprises (i) a flat belt hoist mechanism configured to lift and to lower one or more work piece carriers, and (ii) a gripper mechanism configured to capture and to release the one or more work piece carriers.

Abstract: Accommodating the data needed to process checks for payment under the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act by using expanded fields of a financial data file. The financial data file can comprise the complete, original MICR data from an original or substitute paper check. The financial data file can comprise truncated data in conventional fields F1-F7 and untruncated data in expanded fields F10-F11. The financial data file further can comprise a result from an image quality analysis performed on an electronic image of the check. The untruncated MICR data and the electronic check image can be used to correct errors in the financial data file and to present the check for payment via a substitute check or an electronic image cash letter. The truncated MICR data can be used to electronically process the check via conventional means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous mixing/extrusion method, assisted by ultrasound waves with a variable amplitude and frequency, for the preparation of nanocompounds based on polymers, preferably thermoplastics and nanoparticles, at a concentration of up to 60 wt.-% of the total weight of the polymer/nanoparticle mixture. According to the invention, the polymer/nanoparticle mixture is subjected in the molten state to a discrete and continuous sweep with a variable amplitude and frequency, of between 15 kHz and 50 kHz.

Abstract: It is disclosed an espresso coffee machine, which comprises a temperature regulation system that includes a water storage vessel, in direct flow connection with a water heater of thermoblock type. The water heater of thermoblock type is at a first warming temperature and contains inside a coil through which the water flows at room temperature coming from the water storage vessel. When the water flows at room temperature through the coil the temperature is raised up to an initial warming temperature, producing steam in this way, to reduce later its temperature from the initial warming temperature up to the final extraction temperature.