Abstract: One or more outdoor lights may operate independently with sensing and control processes mainly on-pole, or may communicate as a networked array of poles, wherein a master/coordinating pole/node transmits signals from the networked array to a control station, and receive signals from the control station for the networked array, via call phone and/or satellite. Independent poles and/or the networked array of poles may be adapted for energy-saving processes; cooperation with the grid; renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and associated batteries; and/or to provide Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information or data-analysis to the public or customers. An energy-saving active control system controls charging of the batteries and distribution of energy from the solar panel and/or the batteries, so that the batteries remain undamaged, and the light(s) remain operation even during the winter or other long periods of clouds and diffuse light.

Abstract: An array of outdoor lighting operates mainly in independent mode wherein sensing, communication, and control processes take place between the various lights of the array. Additional communication and control may occur between the array and a control station by means of a master/coordinating node that transmits and receives signals to the control station via call phone and/or satellite. The system may be tied to the internet for dissemination of data and/or data analysis gathered by means of the multiple poles/devices of the array. The independent-array and/or the master-to-station network and communications may be adapted for energy-saving processes; power-receiving from or power-providing to the grid, renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and/or wind turbines and associated batteries or other storage equipment; and/or to Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information, or advertising to the public or information/data-analysis to customers.

Abstract: Utility units each have a pole, a solar engine, lighting or other loads, and a controller. The controller senses and controls processes mainly on-pole, but a unit/pole may additionally communicate and/or receive/send control signals from/to poles with which they are networked and/or from a control station. Each pole/network may be adapted for energy-efficient operation of various loads; energy-metering; grid-cooperation; self-diagnostics; overriding of errors/signals to prevent abnormal operation; and/or coordinated activities between poles. Networks may be wireless or wired, or a portable temporary device may monitor pole(s). Active control includes detection of sensor signals or other operational data, which triggers the controller to modify operation of one or more devices/systems on the pole to maintain energy efficiency and operability in spite of malfunctions, abnormal signals or environments, cloudy/diffuse-light weather, or other non-standard conditions.

Abstract: One or more outdoor lights may operate independently with sensing and control processes mainly on-pole, or may communicate as a networked array of poles, wherein a master/coordinating pole/node transmits signals from the networked array to a control station, and receive signals from the control station for the networked array, via call phone and/or satellite. Independent poles and/or the networked array of poles may be adapted for energy-saving processes; cooperation with the grid; renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and associated batteries; and/or to provide Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information or data-analysis to the public or customers. An energy-saving active control system controls charging of the batteries and distribution of energy from the solar panel and/or the batteries, so that the batteries remain undamaged, and the light(s) remain operation even during the winter or other long periods of clouds and diffuse light.

Abstract: An array of outdoor lighting operates mainly in independent mode wherein sensing, communication, and control processes take place between the various lights of the array. Additional communication and control may occur between the array and a control station by means of a master/coordinating node that transmits and receives signals to the control station via call phone and/or satellite. The system may be tied to the internet for dissemination of data and/or data analysis gathered by means of the multiple poles/devices of the array. The independent-array and/or the master-to-station network and communications may be adapted for energy-saving processes; power-receiving from or power-providing to the grid, renewable power production and storage by means of solar panels and/or wind turbines and associated batteries or other storage equipment; and/or to Wi-Fi hot-spots, public safety alarms, information, or advertising to the public or information/data-analysis to customers.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head having a yoke structure comprising a pair of legs, a low reluctance back gap and a high reluctance front gap. The front gap is defined by the pole faces of pole tips which each have a cross-sectional area, in a plane paralleling the pole faces, for limiting magnetic saturation in the yoke structure to regions in the pole tip at and/or adjacent to the front gap. The pole tips define a short throat at the front gap to increase flux density at the gap and each yoke end face or pole tip has a thickness measured in the direction across the front gap which is greater than the thickness of either leg.