Abstract: In various example embodiments, a low energy electric motor brake is described comprising one or more electronic switches that connect the input wires to an electric motor together, thus shorting out the motor and braking the motor. The electronic switches are separate from the control system, and provide the braking function. This alleviates the motor controllers and other system control units from providing the braking function to the motor. The electronic switches require minimal to no power in order to maintain the brake to the motor. The control unit may be placed in a low power or sleep mode while the electronic switches maintain the brake.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for using a mobile device to determine a haul weight are disclosed. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating force to engine speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, altering accelerometer data based on filtered vehicle pitch and roll data, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, storing a plurality of data pairs that include longitudinal acceleration and drive force, and determining a slope of a line that linearly approximates the plurality of data pairs, the slope indicating a total weight, the total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; and transmitting the total weight to a display.

Abstract: A system for controlling motorized window coverings is described herein. The window coverings each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The window coverings are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud based control.

Abstract: An intelligent actuation device is described herein. The device includes an actuator, and includes both local and cloud based control facilitated by motors and actuators in each actuation device. Each device further includes a processor with settings stored in memory that direct a controller. Sensors send both local and remote sensor data along with real time weather data to a processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. Additionally, each actuation device includes a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a mesh network, the network controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input.

Abstract: A window covering system is described herein. The system includes one or more motorized window coverings, and includes both local and cloud based control facilitated by motors or actuators in each window covering that are actuated by a controller. Each window covering further includes a processor with settings stored in memory that direct the controller. Sensors send both local and remote sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. Additionally, the window coverings each have a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a mesh network, the network controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a bio cell system is described comprising one or more bio cell units, each comprising a primary tank and one or more secondary tanks, which tanks each comprise side walls, a floor connected to the side walls, and a removable cover. The cover of the tank comprises a lighting system comprising variable output lights and a controller connected to the lighting system comprising code for varying a time period of light output of the lights of the secondary tanks to be out of phase with a time period of light output of the lights of the primary tank.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a graduated filtering assembly is disclosed. The graduated filtering assembly comprises a filter module that is inserted into a receiving duct. A series of filters of graduating sizes are contained inside the filter module. Each of the filters are inside filter trays which allow them to be removed and replaced when needed. The filtering assembly filters either liquid or gas fluids.

Abstract: A photovoltaic modular system is disclosed. One or more photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected together with embedded parallel wiring that facilitates the sharing of power from a plurality of PV modules to power one or more electrical devices. Control electronics within each individual PV module allows the isolation of PV modules that are shaded or otherwise not productive. No external connecting wiring, or devices are required to make the system functional. All wiring, connectors and electronics are integral and embedded within each individual PV module. The PV modules have adhesive on the back to allow them to be installed without additional mounting hardware. All PV module system components are completely encapsulated together in one modular component.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a low energy electric motor brake is described comprising one or more electronic switches that connect the input wires to an electric motor together, thus shorting out the motor and braking the motor. The electronic switches are separate from the control system, and provide the braking function. This alleviates the motor controllers and other system control units from providing the braking function to the motor. The electronic switches require minimal to no power in order to maintain the brake to the motor. The control unit may be placed in a low power or sleep mode while the electronic switches maintain the brake.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a bio cell system is described comprising one or more bio cell units, each comprising a primary tank and one or more secondary tanks, which tanks each comprise side walls, a floor connected to the side walls, and a removable cover. The cover of the tank comprises a lighting system comprising variable output lights and a controller connected to the lighting system comprising code for varying a time period of light output of the lights of the secondary tanks to be out of phase with a time period of light output of the lights of the primary tank.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, an apparatus for installing a window covering is disclosed. A rotational cam member is provided for extending a first piston on one side of a headrail and compressing a second piston on the opposite side of the headrail between a window casing. A lever arm is provided for rotating the rotational cam. Spacers are provided to adjust the compression of the apparatus, along with indicators indicating whether spacers need to be added or removed. Easy installation of a window covering headrail may be achieved as one arm is used to hold the headrail while the other hand is able to actuate the lever arm. Mounting brackets are provided for easy window covering removal after installation.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a total weight of a vehicle, transmitting the total weight measured to the vehicle's autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to the total weight of the vehicle. The system and method further transmits information between separate vehicles with similar autonomous control systems. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating drive force to motor speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, determining the vehicle's longitudinal acceleration and drive force, determining a total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; transmitting the total weight to the autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to total weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A distributed charge controller that matches a charging and power profile of each individual battery cell within a bank of batteries with one or more strings of photovoltaic (PV) cells in order to maintain battery health and performance. The charge controller further optimizes the performance of a solar module by allowing active unshaded strings of cells to operate independently of other strings within the module that may be shaded. Strings of PV cells are selectively matched to one or more battery cells as required.

Abstract: Modular solar systems comprise one or more module units that are connectable into a system/assembly for convenient installation on a roof or other surface that receives solar insolation. The modules are adapted for electrical, and preferably also mechanical, connection into a module assembly, with the number of modules and types of modules selected to handle the required loads. Each module is adapted and designed to handle the entire power of the assembly and to provide or receive control signals for cooperative performance between all the modules and for monitoring and communication regarding the assembly performance and condition. Modules with different functional purposes may be included in the system in order to customize system performance based on situational needs.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a multi-layer building panel structure is described, comprising an interior and exterior panel layer, waterproof channel layers comprising adjacent parallel channels running from input and output manifolds fed by a remote fluid source. Each set of input and output manifolds may be configured to serve a zone of channels within the waterproof channel layers. Hot or cold fluid is pumped through the channel layers in order to heat or cool a space within a room of a building. The multi-layer building panel structure further provides structural support for a building and may be a wall, ceiling, or floor.

Abstract: Modular solar systems comprise one or more module units that are connectable into a system/assembly for convenient installation on a roof or other surface that receives solar insolation. The modules are adapted for electrical, and preferably also mechanical, connection into a module assembly, with the number of modules and types of modules selected to handle the required loads. Each module is adapted and designed to handle the entire power of the assembly and to provide or receive control signals for cooperative performance between all the modules and for monitoring and communication regarding the assembly performance and condition.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a multi-layer wall structure is described, comprising an interior wall layer, a waterproof channel layer comprising adjacent parallel channels running from an upper manifold down to a lower manifold which is fed by and a remote fluid source. The multi-layer wall structure further provides structural support for a building and may be a wall, ceiling, or floor, and wherein the multi-layer wall structure may heat or cool a living space.

Abstract: A portable transfer switch assembly for selecting power from a plurality of sources to supply to a load. The assembly contains a controller comprising logic that is defined by a user. The user defined switch controller allows an optimal power source to supply power to selected loads based on user input, sensors and pre-defined data. The assembly further provides load shedding of loads connected via one or more receptacles based on user input, sensors and pre-defined data.

Abstract: Modular solar systems comprise one or more module units that are connectable into a system/assembly for convenient installation on a roof or other surface that receives solar insolation. The modules are adapted for electrical, and preferably also mechanical, connection into a module assembly, with the number of modules and types of modules selected to handle the required loads. Each module is adapted and designed to handle the entire power of the assembly and to provide or receive control signals for cooperative performance between all the modules and for monitoring and communication regarding the assembly performance and condition.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a total weight of a vehicle, transmitting the total weight measured to the vehicle's autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to the total weight of the vehicle. The system and method further transmits information between separate vehicles with similar autonomous control systems. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating drive force to motor speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, determining the vehicle's longitudinal acceleration and drive force, determining a total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; transmitting the total weight to the autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to total weight of the vehicle.