Abstract: The present invention provides thioaluminate phosphor compounds BaAl2S4 and BaAl4S7 with novel crystal structures that have higher luminosity and improved color coordinates. The invention is also directed to rare earth element activated barium thioaluminate phosphor films comprising a phosphor compound having a novel crystal lattice structure that increases the electroluminescent light emission from the film. The phosphor films are for use in electroluminescent displays and in particular, thick film dielectric electroluminescent displays.

Abstract: Methods of treating conditions using metal-containing materials are disclosed. Exemplary conditions include bacterial conditions, biofilm conditions, microbial conditions, inflammatory conditions, fungal conditions, viral conditions, autoimmune conditions, idiopathic conditions, hyperproliferative conditions, noncancerous growths, cancerous conditions and combinations of such conditions. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: Metal-containing materials, as well as their preparation and use are disclosed. The metal-containing material can be, for example, an antimicrobial material, an anti-biofilm material, an antibacterial material, an anti-inflammatory material, an anti-fungal material, an anti-viral material, an anti-cancer material, a pro-apoptosis material, anti-proliferative, MMP modulating material, an atomically disordered, crystalline material, and/or a nanocrystalline material. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: A pumping system includes a water pump for moving water. The pumping system includes means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. In one example, the pumping system includes means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage and means for controlling the pump in response to the comparison. In another example, the system includes means for determining a change in power consumption of the water pump. In another example, the system includes means for determining a threshold value and means for controlling the pump when the performance value exceeds the threshold value. In another example, the system includes means for determining a difference value based upon a plurality of performance valves during a first time period and a second time period. A method of controlling the pumping system is also included.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and a filter arrangement in fluid communication with the pump. The pumping system can also include means for determining a load value indicative of an unclogged filter that permits movement of water through the filter arrangement, means for determining a load value indicative of a clogged filter that inhibits movement of water through the filter arrangement, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. The pumping system also includes means for determining a relative loading value of the filter arrangement, means for displaying the relative loading value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the relative loading value. In one example, the load values and performance value can include flow pressure values. A method of moving water of a swimming pool is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump and a variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes means for determining a first motor speed of the motor, means for determining first and second performance values of the pumping system, and means for comparing the first and second performance values. The pumping system further includes means for determining an adjustment value based upon the comparison, means for determining a second motor speed based upon the adjustment value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the second motor speed. In one example, the pumping system includes means for determining a value indicative of a flow rate of water moved by the pump. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a filter arrangement. A method of controlling the pumping system for moving the water of the swimming pool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining a priming status of a pumping system. The pumping system includes a water pump and a variable speed motor. The method includes the steps of determining a reference power consumption of the motor, determining an actual power consumption of the motor, comparing the reference and actual power consumptions, and determining a priming status of the pumping system based upon the comparison. In addition or alternatively, the method includes operating the motor at a motor speed and altering control of the motor based upon the priming status. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes means for determining a reference power consumption of the motor, means for determining an actual power consumption of the motor, means for determining a priming status of the pumping system, and means for altering control of the motor based upon the priming status.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, an infinitely variable speed motor, and an arrangement for operating the motor. In one example, the pumping system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of retained speed values, an arrangement for providing a plurality of retained speed values to the memory, and an arrangement for reading a selected one of the plurality of retained speed values from the memory. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a storage medium for digitally storing a plurality of pre-established motor speed values and an arrangement for receiving input from a user to select one of the pre-established motor speeds. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system further includes an arrangement for restarting operation of the motor at a previously selected speed value when power supplied to the motor is interrupted during operation of the motor. A method for controlling the pumping system is also provided.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, and an arrangement for providing two-way communication between the arrangement for controlling and the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device through the arrangement for providing two-way communication. In one example, the arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.

Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.

Abstract: A thin film phosphor for an electroluminescent device, the phosphor being selected from the group consisting of thioaluminates, thiogallates and thioindates having at least one cation selected from elements of Groups IIA and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The phosphor being activated by a rare earth metal and containing oxygen as a partial substitute for a portion of the sulphur in the crystal lattice of the thiogallate, thioindate or thioaluminate. The phosphor is a single phase homogeneous compound and provides improved luminance stability. An electroluminescent device comprising the thin film phosphor is also described and methods of making the phosphor of the invention.

Abstract: A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for gettering undesirable atomic species from a vaporizing atmosphere during deposition of multi-element thin film phosphor compositions. The method comprises vaporizing one or more getter species immediately prior and/or simultaneously during the deposition of a phosphor film composition within a deposition chamber. The method improves the luminance and emission spectrum of phosphor materials used for full colour ac electroluminescent displays employing thick film dielectric layers with a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: The present invention is a low pressure physical vapour deposition method for the deposition of multi element sulfide thin film phosphor compositions for electroluminescent devices where a thermal source comprising a polysulfide compound provides the source of sulfur species for phosphor film deposition and/or annealing. The method is particularly useful for the deposition of phosphors for full colour ac electroluminescent displays employing thick film dielectric layers with a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of metal-containing materials of metal-containing materials are disclosed. The metal-containing material can be, for example, an antimicrobial material, an anti-biofilm material, an antibacterial material, an anti-inflammatory material, an anti-fungal material, an anti-viral material, an anti-cancer material, a pro-apoptosis material, anti-proliferative, MMP modulating material, an atomically disordered, crystalline material, and/or a nanocrystalline material. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: Methods of treating conditions using metal-containing materials are disclosed. Exemplary conditions include bacterial conditions, biofilm conditions, microbial conditions, inflammatory conditions, fungal conditions, viral conditions, autoimmune conditions, idiopathic conditions, hyperproliferative conditions, noncancerous growths, cancerous conditions and combinations of such conditions. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: Metal-containing materials, as well as their preparation and use are disclosed. The metal-containing material can be, for example, an antimicrobial material, an anti-biofilm material, an antibacterial material, an anti-inflammatory material, an anti-fungal material, an anti-viral material, an anti-cancer material, a pro-apoptosis material, anti-proliferative, MMP modulating material, an atomically disordered, crystalline material, and/or a nanocrystalline material. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: A thin film phosphor for an electroluminescent device, the phosphor being selected from the group consisting of thioaluminates, thiogallates and thioindates having at least one cation selected from elements of Groups IIA and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The phosphor being activated by a rare earth metal and containing oxygen as a partial substitute for a portion of the sulphur in the crystal lattice of the thiogallate, thioindate or thioaluminate. The phosphor is a single phase homogeneous compound and provides improved luminance stability. An electroluminescent device comprising the thin film phosphor is also described and methods of making the phosphor of the invention.

Abstract: An improved dielectric layer of an electroluminescent laminate, and method of preparation are provided. The dielectric layer is formed as a thick layer from a ceramic material to provide:a dielectric strength greater than about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 V/m;a dielectric constant such that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the dielectric material to that of the phosphor layer is greater than about 50:1;a thickness such that the ratio of the thickness of the dielectric layer to that of the phosphor layer is in the range of about 20:1 to 500:1; anda surface adjacent the phosphor layer which is compatible with the phosphor layer and sufficiently smooth that the phosphor layer illuminates generally uniformly at a given excitation voltage.The invention also provides for electrical connection of an electroluminescent laminate to voltage driving circuity with through hole technology. The invention also extends to laser scribing the transparent conductor lines of an electroluminescent laminate.