Abstract: A method controls the light exposure of an individual during a given time period. A control unit is provided for controlling lights. A first sensor is worn by the individual and gathers light exposure data including lighting intensity data and Kelvin temperature data experienced by the individual. Second sensors are disposed in a building for collecting emitted light data emitted in the building. The emitted light data and the light exposure data are transmitted to the control unit. The light data, along with desired data including desired light intensity and desired Kelvin temperature are stored. The optimal light exposure for the individual is determined based on the light data or the desired data, and an output signal is generated based on the optimal light exposure. The lights are controlled based on the output signal to produce an overall light intensity and Kelvin temperature pattern per day for the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed energy storage system, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the distributed energy storage system includes power units, wherein each power unit has a multi-cell battery; a battery manager that monitors battery cell voltages and temperatures; and a controller. The controller provides a first control signal that causes the power unit to store energy in the battery and a second control signal that causes the power unit to generate an alternating current. A server in communication with each of the power units stores data collected from the power units about the batteries and analyzes the data to determine how much available energy is stored in the batteries that can be used to alter a load demand of a power network. In an embodiment, the batteries are lithium ion batteries capable of storing at least ten kilowatthours of energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage may include separate pressure regulators to independently control pressure at a beverage source and also at a beverage pump. The pump may function to drive/draw a beverage (such as a beer) from a source to a dispensing station. In operation, the apparatus may be configured to transmit a pressurized gas from a source through one regulator and then to the beverage source, with the regulator functioning to control the pressure at the beverage source. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit gas from the source, through the other regulator, and then to the pump, with that other regulator functioning to maintain pressure in the system as the beverage travels from the pump to the dispensing station. This dual pressure control allows a user to maintain a beverage at a consistent pressure when traveling from the beverage source to a dispensing station.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent power unit, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the intelligent power unit includes a battery, a power switch, and a control unit. The control unit receives price information and operates the power switch based on the price information to charge the battery during periods of relatively low electrical energy prices. During periods of relatively high electrical energy prices, the control unit cause the energy stored in the battery to be used to power attached loads. The price information provided to the control unit can be actual price information regarding the cost to generate electrical power, estimated price information, or contract price information. It is a feature of the intelligent power unit of the present invention that it can be used to shift a utility's electrical power demand in time.