Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then rotate one end of the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to track the sun. The photovoltaic array can also include a locking mechanism that secures another end of the torque tube during times in which the orientation motor is not rotating the torque tube.

Abstract: A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then periodically rotate the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to be oriented towards the sun. The orientation motor can also be utilized to apply short pulses to the torque tube that dampen oscillations caused by wind buffeting the photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Photovoltaic tracking systems with a ratcheting stow mechanism are provided. In particular, tracking systems allow for controlled movement of photovoltaic panels adapted for solar tracking to a stowed configuration without requiring electrical power. Such mounting systems can include a partially toothed ring gear with a pair of pawls pivotally mounted adjacent the ring gear with a pair of solenoids that when de-energized, move the pawls into engagement with the ring gear such that ratcheting movement of the pair of pawls along the ring gear in response to back-and-forth oscillating movement of the panel incrementally moves the panels into a stowed configuration without requiring use of electrical power.

Abstract: A self-powered solar tracker array system and related method, where a torque tube supporting a plurality of strings of photovoltaic (PV) modules, a DC drive motor with a motor controller circuit, and a drive assembly is capable to rotate the torque tube with torque generated by the drive motor, where the power for operating the drive motor is taken from electricity generated by the PV modules. The system can include a battery to provide a power source for rotating the torque tubes when the PV modules are not generating electricity.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.

Abstract: A system for connecting a photovoltaic mounting rail onto a mounting post using a connection system with a pair of interlocking grasps having interdigitated fingers that can be locked into the mounting rail when moved by a fastening system.

Abstract: A solid state circuit for performing rapid shutdown of a photovoltaic power generation system includes a pair of high voltage power transistors connected between a photovoltaic array and a pair of high voltage lines that function to supply power generated by the photovoltaic array to a DC to AC inverter. The solid state circuit further includes a control circuit configured so that when the photovoltaic power generation system operates under normal conditions, the control circuit maintains the pair of high voltage power transistors in the on state so that power produced by the photovoltaic array can be transmitted to the DC to AC inverter through the pair of high voltage lines. The control circuit is further configured so that upon receiving a rapid shutdown command, the control circuit turns off the pair of high voltage power transistors to thereby electrically disconnect the photovoltaic array from the pair of power lines.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.

Abstract: A solid state circuit for performing rapid shutdown of a photovoltaic power generation system includes a pair of high voltage power transistors connected between a photovoltaic array and a pair of high voltage lines that function to supply power generated by the photovoltaic array to a DC to AC inverter. The solid state circuit further includes a control circuit configured so that when the photovoltaic power generation system operates under normal conditions, the control circuit maintains the pair of high voltage power transistors in the on state so that power produced by the photovoltaic array can be transmitted to the DC to AC inverter through the pair of high voltage lines. The control circuit is further configured so that upon receiving a rapid shutdown command, the control circuit turns off the pair of high voltage power transistors to thereby electrically disconnect the photovoltaic array from the pair of power lines.

Abstract: An infusion device for subcutaneously administering a medication or a therapeutic fluid to a patient includes a base element which has fluid receiving means for receiving the fluid and fluid communication means for transferring the fluid into a cannula. The base element has at least one recess accommodating a septum that is pierceable by a needle. The septum is secured to the base element by a septum housing in such a way that a fluid transfer volume is formed in the recess between an internal surface of the septum and an inner section of the recess. The fluid transfer volume is in communication with the fluid communication means, and the septum housing accommodates a premounted septum. The septum housing is fixed and fluid sealed to the base element in the inner section of the recess.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a roof support apparatus which may be used for securing a load to a tile-covered roof. The roof support apparatus comprises a mounting plate, a first and second attachment member, an upper support member, and a load. The mounting plate engages its base with an upper surface of the roof. A track of the mounting plate extends parallel to the base and has a width less than a width of said base. The first and second attachment members are adapted to extend downward through an exposed surface of the base on both sides of the track. The upper support member is adapted to pass vertically upward through an opening in a roof covering material, such as tile, and engage a screw which may slide along the tack until the screw and the upper support member are fully engaged.

Abstract: A Mounting Pad, an Adhesive Device Comprising such Mounting Pad, and Methods of Applying such Devices to a Patient. A mounting pad having an adhesive component having an adhesive surface, said surface being provided with a release layer, said release layer having at least three projecting parts one of which is a tongue projecting along an essentially central axis of the mounting pad. The mounting pad may be used for adhesive devices, preferably injector devices for the subcutaneous introduction of the cannula of the infusion part of an infusion set into the skin of a patient. The method of applying such a device enables a reduction of the risk of damaging or contamination the adhesive surface during automatic or manual removal of the release layer when the infusion set is applied to a patient.

Abstract: A cover (101) for being located on an infusion device, which cover (101) comprises an upper plate element (103) with an upper face (104) and a lower face (105) oriented towards the upper face of the infusion device, wherein the lower face (105) of the plate element (103) comprises attachment means (106), which means cooperate with elements on the infusion device. Hereby the risk of bacteria and soil collected thereon penetrating into the construction, is reduced considerably, and likewise the cover yields a smoother surface with an ensuing minimisation of the risk of the infusion device being torn off.

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell integrated process assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing, a fuel mixing/surge tank and an air/liquid separator integrated to the housing. A vent of the mixer/surge tank is at least proximal to a vent of the separator. The housing further includes at least one condensation pathway integrated along the housing, where the pathway enables exhaust condensates to return to the assembly. At least one exhaust port is provided, which vents directly to a cooling airstream to facilitate exhaust removal. A manifold is also provided, with the fuel valve, a water valve, a fuel pump and a water pump integrated with the housing, where the integrated process assembly reduces an amount of plumbing between the a liquid volume in the mixer and the separator. Further, a water volume of the process assembly is reduced and a form factor of the process assembly is also reduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns an infusion device for subcutaneous administering a medication or a therapeutic fluid to a patient. Said infusion device comprises a base element (1), which comprises fluid receiving means for receiving said fluid and fluid communication means for transferring said fluid into a cannula, said base element being provided with at least one recess (20) accommodating a septum (5) being pierceable by a needle. Said septum is secured to said base element by a septum housing (3) in such a way that a fluid transfer volume is formed in said at least one recess between an internal surface of said septum and an inner section of said recess. Said fluid transfer volume is communicating with said fluid communication means, and said septum housing is accommodating a premounted septum. The infusion device is characterized in that the septum housing is fixed and fluid sealed to said base element in said inner section of said recess.

Abstract: An information retrieval system is disclosed, in particular a pervasive system in consumer electronics and home entertainment systems for retrieval of audio and visual information but also information containing text, pictures etc., having means for recording knowledge of user operational behaviour of the system, the recorded experience to be used to improve the user convenience in the daily use of the complete system. The system adapts dynamically to recorded operational behaviour and possesses a mode of operation that might inspire the user in the daily use of system facilities.

Abstract: A computer system for identifying an individual using a biometric characteristic of the individual includes a biometric sensor for generating a first code, and a controller including a memory for storing the first code and a dynamic binary code conversion algorithm. When the controller receives a sensor code from the biometric sensor, it compares the sensor code with the first code stored in the memory, and if the identity between the sensor code and the first code is verified, the controller generates a first binary code by means of the dynamic binary code conversion algorithm and outputs the first binary code from which the computer system generates a second binary code by means of the dynamic binary code conversion algorithm. The computer system then verifies the identity of the individual if the second binary code matches the first binary code.

Abstract: The properties of mineral fibres comprising silicon, magnesium, calcium, iron, aluminium and oxygen atoms are improved by exposure to a heat treatment under oxidising conditions which causes migration of MgO, thereby creating an outer layer with increased concentrations of MgO. Batts and other fibrous products containing the fibres have increased resistance to shrinkage and sintering.