Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Abstract: Doors on a vehicle may be controlled by a door positioning system that moves the doors freely and fluidly relative to the body of the vehicle. The doors may include front and rear doors on each side of the vehicle. The door positioning system may control the movement and positioning of each door using a door mechanism coupled between the door and the body of the vehicle. The door positioning system may determine a position or path of motion for each door based on sensor data and user input. The door positioning system may issue corresponding control signals to actuators in the door mechanism to position the door accordingly. For example, the front door may slide open at an angle to accommodate an angled tire. Front and rear doors may open in opposite directions to create a large, unobstructed space for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: Doors on a vehicle may be controlled by a door positioning system that moves the doors freely and fluidly relative to the body of the vehicle. The doors may include front and rear doors on each side of the vehicle. The door positioning system may control the movement and positioning of each door using a door mechanism coupled between the door and the body of the vehicle. The door positioning system may determine a position or path of motion for each door based on sensor data and user input. The door positioning system may issue corresponding control signals to actuators in the door mechanism to position the door accordingly. For example, the front door may slide open at an angle to accommodate an angled tire. Front and rear doors may open in opposite directions to create a large, unobstructed space for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: Doors on a vehicle may be controlled by a door positioning system that moves the doors freely and fluidly relative to the body of the vehicle. The doors may include front and rear doors on each side of the vehicle. The door positioning system may control the movement and positioning of each door using a door mechanism coupled between the door and the body of the vehicle. The door positioning system may determine a position or path of motion for each door based on sensor data and user input. The door positioning system may issue corresponding control signals to actuators in the door mechanism to position the door accordingly. For example, the front door may slide open at an angle to accommodate an angled tire. Front and rear doors may open in opposite directions to create a large, unobstructed space for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for applying a thermal-interface material are described. During this method, a first surface of a heat-removal device and a second surface of a semiconductor die are prepared. Next, a region on a given surface, which is at least one of the first surface and the second surface, is defined. Then, the thermal-interface material is applied to at least the region, where the thermal-interface material includes a material that is a liquid metal over a range of operating temperatures of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: The application discloses an adjustable head stack comb having adjustable first and second comb plates. The adjustable comb plates include at least one tooth segment which cooperatively form a comb having at least one tooth. The first and second comb plates are adjusted to adjust dimensions of the at least one tooth cooperatively formed by the tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. In the embodiments disclosed, a relative position of the first and second comb plates is adjusted to adjust a thickness dimension of the at least one tooth formed by the at least one tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. Also in illustrated embodiments, the comb plates are cooperatively adjusted to adjust an elevation or z-height of the at least one tooth of the comb.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus are described. This apparatus includes a semiconductor-die layer mechanically coupled to a semiconductor die, and a heat-removal-device layer mechanically coupled to a heat-removal device. Moreover, a thermal-interface material is included between the semiconductor die and the heat-removal device, where the thermal-interface material is mechanically coupled to a region of the semiconductor-die layer and to a region of the heat-removal-device layer. Additionally, a boundary material is mechanically coupled to the semiconductor-die layer and the heat-removal-device layer, where the thermal-interface material is contained in a cavity defined, at least in part, by the semiconductor-die layer, the boundary material, and the heat-removal-device layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus that functions as a storage system for components are described. This apparatus includes a containment vessel enclosing a desiccant and a device. This device includes a layer mechanically coupled to a component, where the component can be one of a semiconductor die and a heat-removal device. Moreover, a thermal-interface material is coupled to a region of the layer, and a boundary material is mechanically coupled to the layer, where a perimeter defined by the boundary-material surrounds the region.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for applying a thermal-interface material are described. During this method, a first surface of a heat-removal device and a second surface of a semiconductor die are prepared. Next, a region on a given surface, which is at least one of the first surface and the second surface, is defined. Then, the thermal-interface material is applied to at least the region, where the thermal-interface material includes a material that is a liquid metal over a range of operating temperatures of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A supplemental solar energy collection system including a photovoltaic panel which converts incident radiation into electricity. A housing includes a top thermally conductive surface mated with the photovoltaic panel and serving as a thermal collector. Open channels behind the thermally conductive surface carry fluid in contact with the top thermally conductive surface for removing heat from the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Novel mixed esters of dicarboxylic acids with monohydric fatty alcohols and propoxylated fatty alcohols show unexpected superior properties as pigment dispersants, especially for inorganic pigments used in foundations, make-ups, lipsticks and physical sunscreens. The compounds of the present invention show superior pigment wetting and dispersing properties, as demonstrated by their ability to form fluid, very high-solids dispersions, while exhibiting unusual emolliency and gloss formation.

Abstract: A novel fatty polypropoxylate ester which is an ester of an aliphatic or an aromatic monoacid formed by reacting the acid with a stoichiometric excess of a polypropoxylated fatty alcohol. The compounds have the following structural formula: wherein R1 has the structural formula: wherein R5 is a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic moiety containing from 4 to 24 carbon atoms, and x is an integer from 3 to 30; and wherein R has the structural formula: wherein R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl; or wherein R6 is H or OH or NH2 or methyl or ethyl. The compounds possess exceptional pigment dispersant and esthetic emollient properties for use in personal care and topical pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., lipsticks, cream foundations, waterproof sunscreens, sunscreen lotions.

Abstract: Novel mixed esters of dicarboxylic acids with monohydric fatty alcohols and propoxylated fatty alcohols show unexpected superior properties as pigment dispersants, especially for inorganic pigments used in foundations, make-ups, lipsticks and physical sunscreens. The compounds of the present invention show superior pigment wetting and dispersing properties, as demonstrated by their ability to form fluid, very high-solids dispersions, while exhibiting unusual emolliency and gloss formation.

Abstract: A novel fatty polypropoxylate ester which is an ester of an aliphatic or an aromatic monoacid formed by reacting the acid with a stoichiometric excess of a polypropoxylated fatty alcohol.

Abstract: Novel mixed esters of dicarboxylic acids with monohydric fatty alcohols and propoxylated fatty alcohols show unexpected superior properties as pigment dispersants, especially for inorganic pigments used in foundations, make-ups, lipsticks and physical sunscreens. The compounds of the present invention show superior pigment wetting and dispersing properties, as demonstrated by their ability to form fluid, very high-solids dispersions, while exhibiting unusual emolliency and gloss formation.

Abstract: A novel fatty polypropoxylate ester which is an ester of an aliphatic or an aromatic monoacid formed by reacting the acid with a stoichiometric excess of a polypropoxylated fatty alcohol. The compounds have the following structural formula: wherein R1 is a polypropoxylated fatty alcohol having the structural formula: wherein R5 is a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic moiety containing from 4 to 24 carbon atoms, and x is an integer from 3 to 30; and wherein R has the structural formula: wherein R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl; or wherein R6 is H or OH or NH2 or methyl or ethyl. The compounds possess exceptional pigment dispersant and esthetic emollient properties for use in personal care and topical pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., lipsticks, cream foundations, waterproof sunscreens, sunscreen lotions.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes a media access door mounted on a first surface of the chassis. The door is movable between a closed position and an open position. A first hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a rotating motion to a first open position. A second hinge portion connects the door to the chassis and permits the door to move in a translating motion along side a second surface of the chassis adjacent the first surface.