Abstract: A system and method uses solar generated DC electricity to power an AC component in parallel with an AC grid via a variable frequency motor drive (VFD). During operation of the DC solar array a DC grid voltage is adjusted via a signal to a first rectifier to maintain the DC grid voltage below a DC array voltage such that power for operation of the AC component is preferentially sourced from the DC solar array. The system and method maintain the use of renewable energy to augment or largely replace expensive grid connected energy.

Abstract: A housing includes a first chamber having an exhaust aperture to provide fluid communication with an outside environment, a wall disposed in the first chamber and containing an electrical component, wherein a thermal energy generated by the electrical component is transferred from the first chamber to the outside environment through the exhaust aperture, a second chamber formed adjacent the first chamber and including a control means for the electrical component, and a means for selectively providing access to the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A housing includes a first chamber having an exhaust aperture to provide fluid communication with an outside environment, a wall disposed in the first chamber and containing an electrical component, wherein a thermal energy generated by the electrical component is transferred from the first chamber to the outside environment through the exhaust aperture, a second chamber formed adjacent the first chamber and including a control means for the electrical component, and a means for selectively providing access to the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: Flame-retardant compositions contain peroxidically crosslinking, addition-crosslinking or condensation-crosslinking silicone rubber and at least one rhodium compound or iridium compound or mixtures of the two. The compositions exhibit increased flame retardancy as compared to similar compositions containing platinum complexes, and especially when used in conjunction with the latter, produce stable ceramic layers upon combustion.

Abstract: A heated insulating glass panel, with a fitting, is provided. The heated insulating glass panel is formed from two dielectric sheets that are separated by a spacer, which has a spacer layer at the spacer edge. The fitting, which is made of a fitting base portion and a fitting tubular portion, is attached to the spacer layer at the spacer edge by way of, for example, two screws. Thus, the fitting provides a pathway for routing wires into and away from the heated insulating glass panel. If necessary, an elbow may be provided which attaches to the fitting tubular portion for changing the direction of the routing of the wires. In addition, conduit may be attached to the fitting to route the wiring to and from the heated insulating glass panel.

Abstract: Heated architectural panel temperature control systems and methods are provided for heating windows that are formed from heated architectural panels. The control system comprises the heated architectural panel that produces heat when connected to external AC power, a panel frame disposed around the panel periphery, and a temperature control circuit that is electrically connected to the window. The temperature control circuit, which may be disposed in the panel frame, controls the temperature of the panel by utilizing a Hall effect sensor and the panel temperature coefficient of resistance ?. The panel may comprise insulated glass panels, laminated structures, or combinations thereof, where the window is disposed in an opening of a building.

Abstract: Flame-retardant compositions contain peroxidically crosslinking, addition-crosslinking or condensation-crosslinking silicone rubber and at least one rhodium compound or iridium compound or mixtures of the two. The compositions exhibit increased flame retardancy as compared to similar compositions containing platinum complexes, and especially when used in conjunction with the latter, produce stable ceramic layers upon combustion.

Abstract: A cloth heater and method for using the heater are provided. The heater utilizes a horizontally disposed surface, a heated glass panel, and support members. The horizontally disposed surface may comprise the top edge or surface of the heated glass panel, or a surface on a separate rack that is above and vertically inline with the top edge of the heated glass panel. The heated glass panel also has two opposing major surfaces. The support members physically support the heated glass panel and have electrical leads that communicate electrical power to the heated glass panel, thus heating the heated glass panel. When a cloth is placed across the horizontally disposed surface, the horizontally disposed surface supports the cloth, and the cloth makes contact with the two opposing major surfaces of the heated glass panel, thus heating the cloth at both opposing major surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicone rubber compositions which contain inorganic filler which is selected from metal oxides and silicon oxides and silicon-metal mixed oxides, and milled mineral fibers.

Abstract: The present invention places an electronic controller and/or a triac in a frame, a cover, a chase, or a mounting member of a heated glass panel assembly, where the panel has a conductive coating dispose on it. By placing the controller in the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, field wiring of the panel assembly is greatly reduced, wire lengths are standardized, production glazing, wiring, and pre-testing are facilitated, and installation time and complexity are minimized. By placing the triac in thermal contact with the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, the heat from the triac may be used to complement the heat supplied by the assembly.

Abstract: Methods for forming electrically conductive heated dielectric panels are provided. The panels are utilized for warming objects and/or insuring unobstructed viewing through the panels by removing moisture. The methods include depositing electrically conductive metal bus bars onto the dielectric panel, onto which panel a conductive coating has previously been disposed. The conductive metal bus bars are deposited onto the coated dielectric panel through the use of a circularly rotating or an inline heating head and mask apparatus, in combination with an oxyacetylene or a plasma device. A metallic tab, which extends from the panel peripheral edge, is brought into electrical contact with each conductive metal bus bar for external electrical connectivity.

Abstract: A quartz heater is provided for heating fluids or objects. The heater comprises a member, for example, a quartz glass tubular or non-tubular member, with a low-emissivity conductive coating that produces heat when connected to external power. The fluid can be heated as it passes through the tubular member. If the member is not completely coated, then heat radiates toward the center of the member, pass through its uncoated portion, and then onto objects for heating.

Abstract: Glass solar panels are provided for producing the panels, which convert light into electricity for storage or powering electrical loads. The panels can also be used as architectural building elements. Included in the panels are electricity generating solar layers that are deposited between bus bars and on conductive coatings that have been previously deposited on the panels. The electricity is transmitted externally by metallic tabs that have been deposited on the bus bars. Subsequently, the tabs are electrically attached to glazing channels, which are electrical connection means for storage and loads. The bus bars, which preferably are copper, are deposited on the coated glass through a novel circularly rotating or inline heating head and mask apparatus. Depending on the application, this assemblage could be configured as insulated glass (IG) units, laminated glass panels, or panel combinations.

Abstract: A composition which is useful for producing profiles and cable insulation which retain their function in the event of fire, comprise peroxidically crosslinking or condensation-crosslinking silicone rubber, metal oxides selected from magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide, tin oxide, calcium oxide and barium oxide and metal compounds of this class which produce oxides on heating, boric acid, zinc borate, and a platinum complex having at least one unsaturated group.