Abstract: A method for storing energy using a combined heat and pressure storage device, includes mixing a gaseous first component and a liquid second component in an initial first step at a first pressure/temperature point to form a working medium. The working medium is compressed in a following step in such a way that the working medium has a second pressure/temperature point, at which the second component is at least partially gaseous. The compressed working medium is led into the combined heat and pressure storage device and stored there. In order to recover the energy, the working medium is expanded, whereupon the second component is at least partially liquefied. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a surface acoustic wave transponder for use in harsh environments is provided. An exemplary transponder comprises a surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device, wire bonds, an antenna element, an antenna substrate, a dome structure, and casing. The exemplary surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is attached directly onto the antenna substrate and wire bonded to an antenna element. The surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is protected under the dome structure, which is sealed and attached to the antenna substrate. The components are encased and sealed within a transponder casing. The transponder may be part of or incorporated into substantially any shape or form factor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming nanofibers from a spinning melt utilizing a high speed rotating distribution disc. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform.

Abstract: The photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are connected to form a string or several strings connected in parallel, thereby forming a photovoltaic generator having a positive terminal and negative terminal. A DC constant voltage source connected to the photovoltaic generator to raise the potential of the positive terminal relative to ground potential. This reduces the flow of electrons out of the TCO layer of the modules, thereby reducing or completely eliminating cathode discharges which damage the modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a surface acoustic wave transponder for use in harsh environments is provided. An exemplary transponder comprises a surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device, wire bonds, an antenna element, an antenna substrate, a dome structure, and casing. The exemplary surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is attached directly onto the antenna substrate and wire bonded to an antenna element. The surface acoustic wave piezoelectric device is protected under the dome structure, which is sealed and attached to the antenna substrate. The components are encased and sealed within a transponder casing. The transponder may be part of or incorporated into substantially any shape or form factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) piezoelectric device into a SAW tagging device for use in a harsh environment is provided. An exemplary SAW tagging device comprises a SAW piezoelectric device within a header container. The header container is electrically connected to an antenna system that comprises an antenna substrate, a dielectric disk that may operate as an antenna reflector in combination with a metal base. The antenna system, antenna substrate, dielectric disk and header container are all contained within a cavity in the metal base. The SAW tagging device is completely encased in a chemical, temperature and environmentally resistive and durable material that is transparent to the operating radio frequency of the SAW piezoelectric device contained therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming nanofibers from a spinning melt utilizing a high speed rotating distribution disc. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.