Abstract: A system includes first, second and third photovoltaic modules on a rood. Each module includes an upper edge, a lower edge and at least one solar cell. Lower edges of the cells of the first and second modules are offset from lower edges of the first and second modules. Upper edge of the cell of the second module is offset from the upper edge of the second module. The upper edge of the cell of the third module is offset from the upper edge of the third module. The first module overlays the second module. The lower edge of the cell of the first module is substantially aligned with the upper edge of the cell of the second module. The second module overlays the third module. The lower edge of the cell of the second module is substantially aligned with the upper edge of the cell of the third module.

Abstract: A sequence of models accumulates r-squared values for an increasing number of variables in order to quantify the importance of each variable to the prediction of a targeted yield or parametric response.

Abstract: A pin assembly for insertion into a pin joint of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. The pin assembly includes a reservoir for storing a lubricating agent and a piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the reservoir, the piston dividing the reservoir into a first chamber and a second chamber. A bi-directional flow path between the first and second chambers via the surface to be lubricated is provided by means of a first bi-directional flow path between the first chamber and the exterior of the pin assembly and a second bi-directional flow path between the second chamber and the exterior of the pin assembly. A pin assembly including an indicator system, and a pin insert in the form of a replaceable cartridge is also disclosed along with associated methods.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aliquot of solution comprising a plurality of particles is disclosed. The method includes agitating the solution with a baffle at a predetermined mixing speed to suspend the plurality of particles in the solution, wherein the baffle positioned at least partially within a vessel containing the solution, and wherein the vessel is engaged with a vessel receptacle configured to hold the vessel. The method also includes withdrawing, during the agitating, the aliquot of solution from the vessel with a pipette, such that an end of a pipette tip is positioned within the vessel.

Abstract: A pin assembly for insertion into a pin joint of an aircraft landing gear is disclosed. The pin assembly includes a reservoir for storing a lubricating agent and a piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the reservoir, the piston dividing the reservoir into a first chamber and a second chamber. A bi-directional flow path between the first and second chambers via the surface to be lubricated is provided by means of a first bi-directional flow path between the first chamber and the exterior of the pin assembly and a second bi-directional flow path between the second chamber and the exterior of the pin assembly. A pin assembly including an indicator system, and a pin insert in the form of a replaceable cartridge is also disclosed along with associated methods.

Abstract: A metering system for metering consumption of a commodity. The metering system comprising a meter socket and a meter. The meter comprising a memory, a plurality of sensors, and a processor. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect a different condition of the meter. The processor is configured to determine a plurality of events that have occurred based on the conditions detected by the sensors; compare the plurality of events to a table stored in the memory of the meter, the table defining an action to be performed by the meter for each of a plurality of different combinations of the plurality of events; select an action from the table for which the plurality of events match a corresponding combination of events stored in the table; and perform the selected action.

Abstract: A metering system for metering consumption of a commodity. The metering system includes a meter socket, a meter, and a controller. The meter socket has a tag with identification information. The meter includes a sensor configured to read the identification information from the tag of the meter socket and provide a signal indicative of the identification information from the tag. The controller includes a memory and a processor and is configured to record energy consumption data from the meter. The processor is configured to receive the signal indicative of the identification information of the tag and associate the energy consumption data with the identification information of the tag. The processor is further configured to store the energy consumption data associated with the identification information of the tag in the memory.

Abstract: A metering system for metering consumption of a commodity. The metering system includes a meter socket, a meter, and a controller. The meter socket has a tag with identification information. The meter includes a sensor configured to read the identification information from the tag of the meter socket and provide a signal indicative of the identification information from the tag. The controller includes a memory and a processor and is configured to record energy consumption data from the meter. The processor is configured to receive the signal indicative of the identification information of the tag and associate the energy consumption data with the identification information of the tag. The processor is further configured to store the energy consumption data associated with the identification information of the tag in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric-mechanical portably held and operated pipe cutting tool with hidden non-exposed blades that cut a various range and makeup of cylindrical pipe using a duality of synchronized perpetually designed blade motions within a drum shaped compartment which comprises these same blades mounted on a squirrel cage frame of which moves independently and opposite of the blades while sharing the same source of mechanical power.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting and stabilizing adjacent vertebral segments, comprising a flexible composite connecting rod extending between the segments, and connection devices for connecting the rod to the vertebral segments. The rod comprises a rod member formed of a flexible plastic material having a predetermined compression strength, and a high tensile strength, low stretch, flexible reinforcing element extending longitudinally through the entire length of the rod member. The reinforcing element may be in the form of a single cord, rope, braid or monofilament, a plurality of substantially parallel cords, ropes, braids or monofilaments, or a tubular cord, rope or braid extending through the rod member in slidable relation or bonded thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting and stabilizing adjacent vertebral segments, comprising a flexible composite connecting rod extending between the segments, and connection devices for connecting the rod to the vertebral segments. The rod comprises a rod member formed of a flexible plastic material having a predetermined compression strength, and a high tensile strength, low stretch, flexible reinforcing element extending longitudinally through the entire length of the rod member and being bonded thereto. The reinforcing element may be in the form of a single cord, rope, braid or monofilament, a plurality of substantially parallel cords, ropes, braids or monofilaments, or a tubular cord, rope or braid extending through the rod member.

Abstract: A holder for a string of lights includes a number of rods grouped into pairs, wherein each pair of rods are essentially collinear. Every pair of rods is orthogonal to every other pair of rods. Each of the rods have an outer tip that are essentially points on a sphere. A hollow sphere is removably attached to the rods. The hollow sphere is formed of two parts.