Abstract: The present invention relates to the dual-use of radiation, for example, but not limited to, visible or infrared light, for both a conventional application, e.g., illumination, combined with the additional or “dual-use” application of transmitting information without wires.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-intrusive monitoring by sensing physical parameters such as electric and/or magnetic fields. Such apparatus and techniques may find application in a variety of fields, such as monitoring consumption of electricity, water, etc., in homes or businesses, for example, or industrial process monitoring.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for per-panel photovoltaic energy extraction with integrated converters. Also described are switched-capacitor (SC) converters have been evaluated for many applications because of the possibility for on-chip integration; applications to solar arrays are no exception. Also described is a comprehensive system-level look at solar installations, finding possibilities for optimization at and between all levels of operation in an array. Specifically, novel concepts include new arrangements and options for applying switched-capacitor circuits at 3 levels: for the panel and sub-panel level, as part of the overall control strategy, and for ensuring stable and robust interface to the grid with the possibility of eliminating or reducing the use of electrolytic capacitors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-intrusive power monitoring and current measurement in a circuit breaker without modification of the breaker panel or the circuit breaker itself. In one example, an inductive pickup sensor senses current from the breaker face, an inductive link transmits power through a steel breaker panel door, and a passive balanced JFET modulator circuit modulates a carrier signal on the inductive link with information regarding the sensed current. A demodulated breaker current signal is available outside of the breaker panel door. The JFET modulator circuit does not require DC power to modulate the carrier signal with the information regarding the sensed current from the breaker. Such methods and apparatus may be interfaced with a spectral envelope load detection system that can monitor multiple loads from a central location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dual-use of radiation, for example, but not limited to, visible or infrared light, for both a conventional application, e.g., illumination, combined with the additional or “dual-use” application of transmitting information without wires.

Abstract: Switched capacitor multilevel output DC-DC converters can be used as panel integrated modules in a solar maximum power point tracking system. The system can also include a central input current-controlled ripple port inverter. The system can implement per panel MPPT without inter-panel communication, electrolytic capacitors or per panel magnetics. A Marx converter implementation of the switched capacitor module is studied. Average total efficiencies (tracking×conversion) greater than 93% can be achieved for a simulated 510 W, 3 panel, DC-DC system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dual-use of radiation, for example, but not limited to, visible or infrared light, for both a conventional application, e.g., illumination, combined with the additional or “dual-use” application of transmitting information without wires.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-intrusive power monitoring and current measurement in a circuit breaker without modification of the breaker panel or the circuit breaker itself. In one example, an inductive pickup sensor senses current from the breaker face, an inductive link transmits power through a steel breaker panel door, and a passive balanced JFET modulator circuit modulates a carrier signal on the inductive link with information regarding the sensed current. A demodulated breaker current signal is available outside of the breaker panel door. The JFET modulator circuit does not require DC power to modulate the carrier signal with the information regarding the sensed current from the breaker. Such methods and apparatus may be interfaced with a spectral envelope load detection system that can monitor multiple loads from a central location.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.

Abstract: An process for working a material in which a reverse thermal fluid is used as a cutting fluid and, as a result of heat generated during the working process, the fluid increases in temperature above its transition temperature and viscosifies and thickens. In another embodiment, the invention is an article of manufacture of a material which has been worked to increase its temperature and a reverse thermal fluid in intimate thermal contact with the material above the transition temperature of the reverse thermal fluid.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel power control scheme that uses feedforward information about load transient behavior to manage the flow of energy between components of a hybrid fuel cell system. The methods of the invention may also be applicable to hybrid systems with critical sources other than fuel cells. Methods of the invention for controlling a power generation system comprise using a transient recognition control module to estimate the steady state information of load transients. The transient recognition control module can be based upon a cluster weighted modeling algorithm, which can be formulated recursively and provide useful feed-forward information in real time.

Abstract: An process for working a material in which a reverse thermal fluid is used as a cutting fluid and, as a result of heat generated during the working process, the fluid increases in temperature above its transition temperature and viscosifies and thickens. In another embodiment, the invention is an article of manufacture of a material which has been worked to increase its temperature and a reverse thermal fluid in intimate thermal contact with the material above the transition temperature of the reverse thermal fluid.

Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem or wireless network may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.

Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.

Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.

Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.

Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.

Abstract: Transceiver system including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter transmits radiation having a varying operating frequency. It is preferred that the radiation be visible light. The operating frequency is varied in a way that eliminates visible flicker. A receiver receives the encoded radiation, decodes the coded data, and delivers the decoded data signal to an output stage. The output may be audio information textural information or graphical information. A two level coding scheme is preferred.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.