Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: This invention includes a system for cutting food products, such as potatoes, into proportional length pieces. In a one embodiment, the system includes a cutting assembly, sensors upstream of the cutting assembly and a programmable logic controller. The cutting assembly preferably includes a housing defining a passageway, at least two separately actuatable stops extendable into the passageway to provide an abutment to hold the food product in place, and at least two separately actuatable blades for slicing the food product into pieces. The controller cooperates with the sensors to determine the length of each food product and, based on a length determinative algorithm, selectively actuate one of the stops and at least one of the blades to determine how many times the food product will be sliced and location of the cut(s) relative to the leading end of the food product.

Abstract: A portable sampling unit capable of separating particulates, including biological organisms, from gaseous fluids such as air. A combined particle impact collector and fan is used to both move fluid through the sampling unit and to collect particulates. In one embodiment, the combined particle impact collector is a disposable unit that is removed and replaced with a fresh unit after each sampling period. The disposable unit is placed in a rinse station, where a liquid sample is extracted for later analysis. Alternatively, a disposable detection unit is incorporated in the sampling unit to provide real time detection of chemical toxins and/or biological pathogens. Preferably, the detector unit includes micro-fluidic channels so that a minimum amount of sample and test reagents are required. In another embodiment, the combined impact collector is integral to the sampling unit, rather than a separate disposable item.

Abstract: A portable sampling unit capable of separating particulates, including biological organisms, from gaseous fluids such as air. A combined particle impact collector and fan is used to both move fluid through the sampling unit and to collect particulates. In one embodiment, the combined particle impact collector is a disposable unit that is removed and replaced with a fresh unit after each sampling period. The disposable unit is placed in a rinse station, where a liquid sample is extracted for later analysis. Alternatively, a disposable detection unit is incorporated in the sampling unit to provide real time detection of chemical toxins and/or biological pathogens. Preferably, the detector unit includes micro-fluidic channels so that a minimum amount of sample and test reagents are required. In another embodiment, the combined impact collector is integral to the sampling unit, rather than a separate disposable item.