Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes an input port, an output port, and a reference potential port, an RF amplifier device having an input terminal electrically coupled to the input port, an output terminal electrically coupled to the output port, and a reference potential terminal electrically coupled to the reference potential port. An impedance matching network is electrically connected to the output terminal, the reference potential port, and the output port. The impedance matching network includes a reactive efficiency optimization circuit that forms a parallel resonant circuit with a characteristic output impedance of the peaking amplifier at a center frequency of the fundamental frequency range. The impedance matching network includes a reactive frequency selective circuit that negates a phase shift of the RF signal in phase at the center frequency and exhibits a linear transfer characteristic in a baseband frequency range.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments including an amplifier circuit that includes a radio-frequency (RF) amplifier comprising an input terminal and an output terminal, the RF amplifier being configured to amplify, across a wideband frequency range, an RF signal applied to the input terminal to generate an amplified RF signal at the output terminal. The amplifier circuit also includes a first impedance matching network connected to the RF amplifier output terminal. The first impedance matching network includes a first reactive circuit, having substantially fixed impedance, connected between the RF amplifier input terminal and ground; a second reactive circuit; and a switching device configured to couple the second reactive circuit to the first reactive circuit in an ON state, and to decouple the second reactive circuit from the first reactive circuit in an OFF state. In some embodiments, the amplifier circuit can include a second impedance matching network connected to the RF amplifier input terminal.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes an input port, an output port, and a reference potential port, an RF amplifier device having an input terminal electrically coupled to the input port, an output terminal electrically coupled to the output port, and a reference potential terminal electrically coupled to the reference potential port. An impedance matching network is electrically connected to the output terminal, the reference potential port, and the output port. The impedance matching network includes a reactive efficiency optimization circuit that forms a parallel resonant circuit with a characteristic output impedance of the peaking amplifier at a center frequency of the fundamental frequency range. The impedance matching network includes a reactive frequency selective circuit that negates a phase shift of the RF signal in phase at the center frequency and exhibits a linear transfer characteristic in a baseband frequency range.

Abstract: A multi-controllable high voltage power supply having a plurality of filters, a high voltage divider, and a processor with memory. The memory contains operating set points. The processor is configured to receive scaled voltage feedback signals from the high voltage divider, compare the scaled voltage feedback signals to the plurality of operating set points in memory, compute and store revised operating set points using the compared scaled voltage feedback signal, use the revised operating set points to simultaneously and automatically regulate output voltage to be within all operating set points, and generate an alert when output conditions exceed any operating set points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial delivery system where biochar acts as a carrier for microbes.

Abstract: Described are techniques for determining a confidence value associated with the probability that a user will access a particular second user interface by interacting with a first user interface. The confidence value may be determined based on user interaction data indicative of prior interactions by the user. Based on the confidence value, the second user interface may be pre-generated, in advance of user interaction with the first user interface. If the user interacts with the first user interface in a manner that would cause presentation of the second user interface, the user may be provided with the second user interface promptly, avoiding the latency that would normally be experienced during the time that the second user interface is generated. Pre-generation of only the user interfaces indicated by the user interaction data may limit unnecessary use of computing resources.

Abstract: A method for capturing material extracted from biochar is provided comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with an extraction media, where the extraction media causes the removal of residual compounds from the pores and surface of the biochar, creating a resulting extract comprised of the extraction media and removed compounds; and (iii) collecting the resulting extract. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. The method further comprises the step of applying the resulting extract to seeds, plants, soil, other agricultural products, or for use in other applications. A biochar having high levels of soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of soluble signaling compounds that are known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth.

Abstract: A multi-controllable high voltage power supply haying a plurality of filters, a high voltage divider, and a processor with memory. The memory contains operating set points. The processor is configured to receive scaled voltage feedback signals from the high voltage divider, compare the scaled voltage feedback signals to the plurality of operating set points in memory, compute and store revised operating set points using the compared scaled voltage feedback signal, use the revised operating set points to simultaneously and automatically regulate output voltage to be within all operating set points, and generate an alert when output conditions exceed any operating set points.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: Biochars and methods for producing biochar aggregate particles where the method for producing the aggregate particles comprise the steps of (i) producing or collecting biochar fines; (ii) adding a binding agent to the biochar fines; and (iii) forming the biochar fines and binding agent into solid aggregate particles.

Abstract: An RF amplifier includes an amplifier chip on a flange having an input and an output comprising a parasitic capacitance and a parasitic inductance, a first chip capacitor coupled to the output of the output of the amplifier by a first plurality of bond wires, and a second chip capacitor coupled to the first chip capacitor by a second plurality of bond wires, and an output impedance matching network having an input coupled to the output of the second chip capacitor by a third plurality of bond wires, and an output, and a phase shift between the input and the output of less than 90 degrees, wherein the phase shift from the output of the amplifier chip to the output of the output impedance matching network is 180 degrees.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes a first port, a second port, a reference potential port, and an RF amplifier device having a first terminal electrically coupled to the first port, a second terminal electrically coupled to the second port, and a reference potential terminal electrically coupled to the reference potential port. The RF amplifier device amplifies an RF signal across an RF frequency range that includes a fundamental RF frequency. An impedance matching network is electrically coupled to the first terminal and the first port. The impedance matching network includes a baseband termination circuit that presents low impedance in a baseband frequency region, a fundamental frequency matching circuit that presents a complex conjugate of an intrinsic impedance of the RF amplifier device in the RF frequency range, and a second order harmonic termination circuit that presents low impedance at second order harmonics of frequencies in the fundamental RF frequency range.

Abstract: Biochar is provided that is treated to have certain chemical and physical properties found to have the highest impact on plant growth and/or soil health. In particular, the following physical and/or chemical properties, among others, of a biochar have been identified as critical properties to control for in the selection of biomass feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and/or enhancing treatment to increase biochar performance: (i) bulk density (ii) impregnation capacity; (iii) particle size distribution; (iv) solid particle density; (v) surface area; (vi) porosity; (vii) total porosity; (viii) ratio of macroporosity to total porosity (ix) content of residual organic compounds; (x) content of volatile organic compounds; (xii) ash content; (xiii) water holding capacity; (xiv) water retention capabilities; (xv) levels of dioxins and other potentially hazardous byproducts of pyrolysis; and (xvi) pH.

Abstract: A system and method to control environmental parameters of predefined zones within a structure. An embodiment of the system uses damper assemblies that are entirely wireless as a result of energy capturing devices which convert air flow within the HVAC system ductwork into electrical current and a wireless control module that remove the need for hard-wiring for power or control. Still further, an embodiment of the system uses wireless components to monitor the environmental parameters of a structure's zones, process and communicate necessary zone adjustments, and actuate system components.

Abstract: A phase shifter having a four port hybrid coupler is provided. The four port hybrid coupler has first and second input ports and first and second output ports. The four port hybrid coupler is configured to shift the phase of an RF signal as between the first and second input ports. First and second active semiconductor devices are connected to first and second output ports.

Abstract: A method for capturing material extracted from biochar, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with a treating liquid, where the treating liquid causes the removal of solids from the pores and surface of the biochar, thereby creating a resulting solution or extract comprised of the treating liquid and removed solids; and (iii) collecting the resulting solution or extract. The method further comprises the step of apply the resulting solution or extract to soil or for use in other applications.

Abstract: Treated biochar and methods for treating biochar are provided. The method for treating the biochar includes forcing, assisting or accelerating the movement of an infiltrant into the pores of the biochar, whereby the treatment affects properties of the biochar that provide for a more reliable and predictable biochar for use in various applications, including, but not limited to, agricultural applications.

Abstract: Exemplary impedance matching circuit for an amplifier device comprises a broadband impedance transformer configured to transform, over a fundamental frequency range, an impedance associated with an input port or an output port of the impedance matching circuit; and to transmit RF signals having a fundamental frequency within the fundamental frequency range. The impedance matching circuit also includes a phase shifter circuit configured to transmit, with substantially matched impedance, the RF signals having a fundamental frequency within the fundamental frequency range, and to phase-shift higher-order harmonics of the RF signals. The impedance matching circuit also includes a high-pass impedance transformer configured to match an impedance of the RF signals having a fundamental frequency within the fundamental frequency range; and to transmit, with low reflection, second-order harmonics of the RF signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of an RF amplifier package include a body section comprising an upper surface having first and second opposing edge sides, and a die pad vertically recessed beneath the upper surface and comprising first and second opposing sides and a third side intersecting with the first and second sides. Embodiments also include first and second leads disposed on the upper surface, the second lead extending from adjacent to the second side to the second edge side; and a biasing strip connected to the second lead and disposed on the upper surface adjacent to the third side. Other embodiments include packaged RF amplifiers comprising an RF amplifier package, and an RF transistor mounted on the die pad and comprising: a control terminal electrically coupled to the first lead, a reference potential terminal directly facing and electrically connected to the die pad, and an output terminal electrically connected to the second lead.

Abstract: An RF package includes a metal flange, an RF input lead, an RF output lead, and an electrically conductive die attach area. An RF transistor that is configured to amplify an RF signal is mounted in the die attach area. The RF transistor includes an input terminal that is electrically coupled to the RF input lead, an output terminal that is electrically coupled to the RF output lead, and a reference potential terminal that is electrically connected to the die attach area. A first capacitor having one or more upper metal plates, and a dielectric region is mounted in the die attach area and is electrically coupled to the RF transmission path of the RF signal. The first capacitor is configured to simultaneously match an impedance of the RF transistor at a fundamental frequency of the RF signal and to filter a higher order harmonic of the fundamental frequency.